Good things are in the works: City invests in Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood
As part of Council’s ongoing commitment to enhance community vibrancy and support local businesses, the City is undertaking key investments in Vancouver’s Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood centred around improvements through the Uplifting Communities Fund and also building a permanent Kamloops-Hastings Neighbourhood Plaza.
Uplifting Communities Fund
In July 2024, Council approved $6 million in new funding designed to supplement existing capital projects and uplift neighbourhoods by enhancing public spaces and creating a more vibrant community experience across various neighbourhoods.
Hastings-Sunrise is the first neighbourhood to benefit from the new Uplifting Communities Fund, with $2 million invested in street-level improvements including targeted sidewalk repairs, pole painting, litter bin upgrades, as well as new bike racks and street cleaning.
“As a Council, we’re committed to investing in Vancouver’s neighbourhoods, and it’s great to see those investments coming to life in Hastings-Sunrise,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “The Kamloops-Hastings Neighbourhood Plaza has really become the heart of this fantastic community, and I’m excited to see the Uplifting Communities Fund helping bring even more positive changes to this area. I can’t wait for everyone in this neighbourhood to love where they live even more!”
As neighbourhoods are selected, investments from the Uplifting Communities Fund will be tailored to each area to enhance the experience for residents, visitors and businesses in select neighbourhoods across the city, and phased over the next two years.
Permanent plaza for Hastings-Sunrise
Starting this spring, the City will begin construction on the permanent Kamloops-Hastings Neighbourhood Plaza, creating a welcoming and vibrant public space that can support community connections and activations for years to come. Construction of the permanent plaza will cost $3.2 million, funded from the 2023-26 Capital Plan with support from the Province of British Columbia’s Growing Communities Fund External website, opens in new tab.
The permanent plaza design includes:
- New concrete plaza surface
- Flexible and open design to support a variety of events and layouts
- Integrated built-in seating and upgraded furniture
- New trees and green infrastructure including a rain garden
- Drinking fountain
- Expansion of existing Indigenous Food Forest External website, opens in new tab
- Electrical upgrades to support small events, decorative lighting and more
Originally established as a temporary Pop-up Plaza in 2021 during the pandemic, this neighbourhood plaza has become an essential gathering spot for residents, fostering a sense of community and providing a venue for local events and activities.
The City is thankful for the ongoing support from plaza partners: the East Village BIA, Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, Vancouver Urban Food Forest Foundation, and Ward Memorial Baptist Church.
Next steps in Hastings-Sunrise
During upcoming plaza construction, set to begin this spring, the existing Kamloops-Hastings Neighbourhood Plaza will be closed to the public. A temporary plaza will be set up on the north side of Hastings Street at Kamloops Street to ensure the community continues to have access to a gathering space through the summer to meet, relax, and enjoy community activities while the permanent plaza is under construction.
For more information: