West End commercial streets

We heard from West End residents and the business community in our 2023 public engagement on West End commercial streets (Davie, Robson and Denman). The engagement saw:

• 405 surveys completed
• 498 visitors at four pop-up community events, shared with Bute Greenway phase 2 (External Link)
• 29 Ideas received via Shape Your City
• 1,767 responses to open-ended survey questions

We heard that transportation opportunities should:

• Prioritize space for people through wider sidewalks and safer crossing opportunities
• Make transit more reliable and comfortable
• Improve active transportation

Public space opportunities should:

• Make more space for public seating and dining
• Add new trees and rainwater management features, with near-unanimous support for “greening”
• Celebrate what the commercial streets have to offer, focusing on what makes each one special

We also heard that changes should support local businesses and customers. Public spaces should be kept clean, well-loved and desirable over the long term.

For more information on what we heard, read the executive summary (PDF, 2MB) or read the full report (PDF, 7MB).

We are exploring walking and public space changes as part of our commitment to deliver on the West End Community Plan. Potential changes aim to improve walkability, strengthen public life and support local businesses.

The West End commercial streets are vibrant centres for locals and visitors to shop, work and play. In line with the Community Plan, we are directing investment towards these commercial streets, to support them as distinctive destinations. In Spring 2023, we gathered feedback from community members and businesses about key priorities for these streets.

We are connecting with the West End Business Improvement Association (WEBIA), Davie Village businesses, and other stakeholders throughout spring and summer 2023.

We will provide updates on our progress in Davie Village and information on how to get involved into 2024.

Other planning projects in the coming years will explore potential changes in Robson and Denman villages.

Visit our interactive webpage to find out more about these and other walking and public space priorities.

If you are unable to provide feedback using our survey, you can email us your feedback at westendplan@vancouver.ca.

Paper copies of the surveys are available at these community locations:

• West End Community Centre, 870 Denman Street
• Gordon Neighbourhood House, 1019 Broughton Street
• Vancouver Aquatic Centre, 1050 Beach Avenue

How to submit a copy?

• Drop-off the paper survey at one of the community locations mentioned above.
• Scan and email to us at westendplan@vancouver.ca.
• Mail us a paper copy at:

Community Transportation Branch, Engineering Services – City of Vancouver

507 W Broadway #5

Vancouver

BC V5Z 0B4

(also listed on the last page of the survey)

Investment in transportation and public space is needed to help us:

• create people-first streets,
• support local businesses,
• facilitate public life,
• encourage more trips by active transportation and transit,

Changes on West End commercial streets are being implemented as part of the West End Community Plan and are also aligned with recent City policies:

Places for People: Downtown Public Space Strategy (2020): “Design streets, sidewalks and walkways to encourage a walking and rolling culture.”

Climate Emergency Action Plan (2020): Two-thirds of trips in Vancouver to be by active transportation and transit by 2030.

Vancouver Plan (2022): “Create people-first streets by transforming road space to support population growth and the changing needs of residents and businesses.”

Come and join us at one of our pop-up engagement events to discuss our plans for the West End commercial streets and ask questions. These events will be shared with the Bute Greenway project:

• Nelson Park, Wednesday April 5, 4 pm to 6 pm
• Bute-Robson Plaza, Saturday April 15, 11 am to 1 pm
• Jim Deva Plaza, Saturday April 15, 4 pm to 6 pm

We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your ideas for the West End commercial streets.