Apply for an open streets permit (Water Street Pedestrian Zone)

Application types

Open streets permits for community-led events

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  Events that qualify for a free permit

  The open streets permit is designed to facilitate small-scale events and creative activities in pedestrian zones. 

  Community groups, residents, and local businesses are invited to bring creative projects to life during Gastown’s pedestrian days. 

  Information icon Pedestrian days are held on Sundays from 10am to 6pm, June through September, between Richards and Columbia streets.

  There’s no cost for the permit if you're planning to host a free event, such as:

  • Community games (for example, board games, chess, mah-jong, and more)  
  • Educational activities and events 
  • Storytelling or cultural sharing
  • Live music or arts performances 
  • Community pop-up events

  Don’t see your idea listed? Email openstreetspermit@vancouver.ca to see if your activity is eligible under this permit.

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  Funding for community events on pedestrian days

  Available funding

  • Successful applicants will be awarded up to $3,000 to support their projects.
  • Funding is limited. Applications submitted after the May 11, 2025 deadline may not be approved.
  • Funding is taxable revenue. 
  • Applicants should be prepared to cover initial expenses while the invoice is processed internally by the City. Information icon Invoices may take up to 1 month to process.

  Selection criteria

  To be considered, your idea must: 

  • Demonstrate a creative and engaging experience 
  • Encourage social connections and strengthen community
  • Be easy to set up and move
  • Offer a free, accessible, inclusive, safe, and welcoming experience
  • Fit within the budget and Sunday timeframe (10am to 6pm)

  Project schedule and location

  Projects are expected to go live on Sundays between June and September 2025 from Richard St to Columbia St. 

  Applicant responsibilities

  Applicants will be responsible for all logistics, including setup, takedown, transportation, storage, obtaining necessary permits, and cleanup. Depending on the nature and scope of the project, insurance may also be required.

  Additional funding

  Your event or project may be eligible for an additional $1,000 if you are:

  • Based in Gastown
  • Partnering with a community-serving organization
  • Supporting equity-seeking populations

  How to apply for funding

  When applying for an open streets permit, you can also apply for funding at the same time. Find out how to apply for an open streets permit

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  Who can apply

  The open streets permit is designed to facilitate small-scale events and creative activities in pedestrian zones. 

  Community groups, residents, and local businesses are invited to bring creative projects to life during Gastown’s pedestrian days. 

  Information icon We encourage IBPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ residents, communities, and organizations to apply.

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  How to apply

  Funding opportunity

  We are offering up to $3,000 in funding to help you design and implement your small-scale community project. Funding is limited.

  Information icon When applying for an open streets permit, you can also apply for funding at the same time.

  Review funding details

  Apply for a open streets permit by Sunday, May 11

  To apply, submit an application for an open streets permit by Sunday, May 11, 2025, at midnight (PST).

  Apply now

  If you have questions or need assistance, email openstreetspermit@vancouver.ca

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  Organizer responsibilities

  Organizer responsibilities:

  • Demonstrate respectful behaviour towards neighbours and make sure nearby residents are not disturbed
  • Do not obstruct any pedestrian thoroughfare or access to areas of the pedestrian zone during an event
  • All event set up and clean-up activities must be done between 10am and 6pm
  • Shared seating and furniture can be temporarily moved out of the way, however it must not be moved off-site
  • Return community programming space to the state you found it in at the end of the event (for example, put the furniture back in its place)
  • Be mindful of noise levels and be respectful of people in the surrounding areas. Amplification should not exceed 70 decibels and must be intended for an audience within a 10-metre radius.

  Information icon The pedestrian zone is a shared public space, and open streets permit events will not have exclusive use of the space (other users of the space can't be asked to leave). 

  Information icon Since this is a pilot program, there may be an adjustment period. We will strive to achieve a balance that ensures everyone can enjoy the space, which may mean the permit will be adjusted as necessary.

Open streets permits for local Gastown businesses

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  Business opportunities that qualify for a free permit

  Opportunities for local businesses to animate Water St are also available through the open streets permit, free of cost:

  • Shared market stalls: Up to 5 market stalls (tents) are available to local businesses and vendors who wish to display and vend in them. The use of these stalls is shared between vendors and must be scheduled ahead of time.
  • Live music for patios: Restaurants and food service establishments with a permitted patio may host small-scale, live music next to their patio. Performance shifts must be scheduled ahead of time to respect surrounding businesses and residents in the area.
  • Gastown business displays: Local businesses on Water St may have an opportunity to bring out, display, and sell their merchandise on the sidewalk directly in front of their business. Displays must be reviewed and approved to keep pedestrian pathways clear pedestrian.
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  How to apply

  Who can apply

  Local businesses in the Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) can apply for an open streets permit.

  Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  Email us to apply for a permit

  Email openstreetspermit@vancouver.ca to inquire or apply for a permit.