Apply for an open streets permit (Water Street pedestrian zone)
We are no longer accepting applications for 2024.
We’re introducing a new and easy way for community organizations, residents and local businesses to bring their creative activations to life during the Water Street pedestrian zone pilot this July and August, 2024.
The open streets permit is designed to facilitate small-scale events and creative activities on the 300 Block Water St from Richards to Carrall Street (Maple Tree Square).
The permit is available at no cost, to people and organizations who plan to host free:
Community games (for example board games, chess, mah-jong, and more)
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/or clean-up activities must be done between 8am and 11pm
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 street 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.
Free and open to the public with no barriers to entry
Take place between 8am to 11pm (including set up, take down, and cleanup). Certain event types may have additional time limitations
Not include food vending or prepared food (prepackaged food is allowed)
Information icon Additional road closures, liquor or food services, marketing activity, high-risk sports or large structures are not allowed under this permit (learn more about other event types)
Allowed locations:
300 block of Water Street
Maple Tree Square
Expanding opportunities for local businesses
In addition to community-led activities, the open streets permit allows for more flexible opportunities for local businesses who wish to participate in the pedestrian zone pilot.
Information iconEligible businesses: Local businesses in the Gastown Business Improvement Society can apply for an open street permit.
Shared market stalls: During the pilot, nearby local businesses who wish to have an increased presence on Water St may be eligible to display and vend during scheduled shifts at specific, shared market stall locations in the pilot area.
Live music for patios: Restaurants and food service establishments with a permitted patio may have an opportunity to host small-scale, live music next to their patio.
Live music is permitted between 12pm to 9pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Scheduling will be limited to the following 3-hour shifts: 12pm to 3pm, 3pm to 6pm, and 6pm to 9pm
Businesses can sign up a single 3-hour shift per day, up to a maximum of 3 shifts per week (subject to change based on amount of interest received)
Performances will be limited to a maximum of 2 musicians at a time
To respect people in the surroundings, amplification must be kept under 70 decibels and intended for an audience within 10 metres, or around the sound levels of a vacuum cleaner or washing machine.
Both the shared market stalls and live music opportunities must be scheduled and approved in advance. This is to make equitable access opportunity for all eligible businesses who wish to participate.
