Gastown Public Spaces Plan

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Intersection of Water Street and Cambie street with Gastown steamclock in background

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Help us make Gastown’s unique streets, laneways and public spaces more vibrant and people-friendly!

Gastown is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It is an important heritage district and popular destination in Vancouver. Many of the streets and public spaces in Gastown are in need of repair and rehabilitation, and we are exploring pedestrianizing areas of this neighbourhood to support vibrant public life.

In response to Council direction [PDF, 0.2MB], staff are creating a plan that will guide how to:

  • Establish a vibrant, people-focused Gastown with enhanced gathering places, streets, and laneways to support a range of activities.
  • Pedestrianize Water Street, seasonally or year-round, starting with a pedestrian pilot in summer 2024.
  • Improve the street network, including walking, cycling, transit and vehicle connections and consideration of Cordova as a two-way street.
  • Advance Reconciliation with the local Nations and support their visibility on their lands.
  • Evolve and deepen the unique heritage feel of the area, including improved street materials and amenities.
  • Identify phased project timing and funding.

Read the backgrounder [PDF, 8MB] to learn about why we are making a public spaces plan and the draft objectives.

Read the Gastown Public Spaces Plan Phase 1 Engagement Summary [PDF, 17 MB] to learn more about people’s experiences with Gastown’s public spaces today and how they could be enhanced in the future.

Next steps

Council approved the return of the Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot in summer 2025 for weekends and special events.

As part of the 2025 pilot, we will trial a two-way street design on Cordova St, between Gore and Richards streets, to improve access for residents, service providers, and visitors.

In preparation for the pilot, we will continue working with local businesses, the Gastown Business Improvement Society, and community organizations, as well as partnering with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Staff will report back to Council in the coming months with further details on the roll-out of the 2025 pilot.

There will be many more opportunities to share feedback on design approaches for Gastown’s public spaces. Sign up for our mailing list to get project updates, including opportunities to get involved.

繁體中文 | 简体中文 | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | Tagalog | Tiếng Việt | Español

Help us make Gastown’s unique streets, laneways and public spaces more vibrant and people-friendly!

Gastown is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It is an important heritage district and popular destination in Vancouver. Many of the streets and public spaces in Gastown are in need of repair and rehabilitation, and we are exploring pedestrianizing areas of this neighbourhood to support vibrant public life.

In response to Council direction [PDF, 0.2MB], staff are creating a plan that will guide how to:

  • Establish a vibrant, people-focused Gastown with enhanced gathering places, streets, and laneways to support a range of activities.
  • Pedestrianize Water Street, seasonally or year-round, starting with a pedestrian pilot in summer 2024.
  • Improve the street network, including walking, cycling, transit and vehicle connections and consideration of Cordova as a two-way street.
  • Advance Reconciliation with the local Nations and support their visibility on their lands.
  • Evolve and deepen the unique heritage feel of the area, including improved street materials and amenities.
  • Identify phased project timing and funding.

Read the backgrounder [PDF, 8MB] to learn about why we are making a public spaces plan and the draft objectives.

Read the Gastown Public Spaces Plan Phase 1 Engagement Summary [PDF, 17 MB] to learn more about people’s experiences with Gastown’s public spaces today and how they could be enhanced in the future.

Next steps

Council approved the return of the Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot in summer 2025 for weekends and special events.

As part of the 2025 pilot, we will trial a two-way street design on Cordova St, between Gore and Richards streets, to improve access for residents, service providers, and visitors.

In preparation for the pilot, we will continue working with local businesses, the Gastown Business Improvement Society, and community organizations, as well as partnering with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Staff will report back to Council in the coming months with further details on the roll-out of the 2025 pilot.

There will be many more opportunities to share feedback on design approaches for Gastown’s public spaces. Sign up for our mailing list to get project updates, including opportunities to get involved.

  • This survey is now closed. Thank you for your input. All of the feedback and data gathered from this summer's pilot will be analyzed by staff and these learnings will be presented to Council later this fall.

    Share your feedback about the Water Street Pedestrian Zone!

    The Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot is a chance to learn about the experience of pedestrianizing Water Street. This summer, City staff will learn through: 

    Studies and observations  

    • Traffic changes (vehicle, bike, walking, transit)  
    • Public life observations and site visits   
    • Economic impact study (consumer spending trends and point of sales data)  
    Listening to feedback  
    • Shape Your City survey (this survey)  
    • Intercept survey   
    • Business-specific survey   
    • Design workshop   
    • 311 cases and emails   
    • Door knocking to check-in with storefronts   
    • Community pop-ups 

    What we learn will help shape a long-term vision for pedestrianizing Water Street, as part of the Gastown Public Spaces Plan. It will also help to plan future pedestrian zones. 

    This survey will be open until end of day September 2. 

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Page last updated: 09 Apr 2025, 11:18 AM