City makes more streets for people, with changes to Robson Street
To help residents physically distance and to support businesses reopening, we continue to reshape how our streets and public spaces are used.
This week temporary sidewalk and parklet extensions begin to roll out on Robson Street, we continue to seek public input on pop-up plazas, and we have approved 40 additional patio permits.
Making streets for people - Robson St
This week changes are coming to Robson St from Jervis St to Burrard St as we continue to support the reallocation of public space for physical distancing and other activities.
In partnership with the Robson Street Business Association (RSBA), we are re-purposing the curb lane in key locations to extend sidewalks and existing parklets to provide more space for people to walk, sit, or queue.
The RSBA is working with Vancouver Mural Festival and local artists to enhance the sidewalk extensions by adding art to the concrete barriers which separate these spaces from vehicle traffic.
For more information, visit vancouver.ca/pop-up-plazas
Pop-up plaza survey
As we continue to work with local businesses and Business Improvement Associations to create temporary pop-up plazas, we want to hear from you. Pop-up plazas give people space to eat, visit, rest, or enjoy the weather while maintaining a safe distance from each other.
To date, we've installed nine pop-up plazas:
- East 27th Ave at Fraser St
- West 18th Ave at Cambie St
- West 17th Ave at Cambie St
- West 14th Ave at Granville St
- West 13th at Granville St
- Bute St at Alberni St
- Bute St at Davie St (north)
- Helmcken St between Hamilton and Mainland streets
- Carrall St at Maple Tree Square
Your input will help to ensure these spaces are properly maintained, inclusive, comfortable, and serving the community.
For more information on the plazas and to take our survey on how to improve these spaces over time, visit shapeyourcity.ca/pop-up-plazas
Latest patio approvals
Vancouver businesses are in the midst of what is traditionally their busiest season. Temporary patios help to move seating outdoors so that physical distancing requirements can be followed. These patio permits are free to local businesses and are valid until October 31, 2020.
Since launching the program on June 1, we've issued 260 patio permits. Here’s a breakdown of the permits received to date:
| Status | Public patios | Private patios |
|---|---|---|
| Approved | 210 | 50 |
| Under review | 19 | 8 |
| Outside scope | 91 | 0 |
| Total received | 320 | 58 |
For more information on temporary patios and a full list of approved locations, visit vancouver.ca/temporary-patio
Restart and recovery
Vancouverites continue to do a great job of reducing the spread of COVID-19 by staying home and staying put. As we shift into recovery and restart, we are asking you to:
- Stay strong – keep 2 m apart, do not attend large gatherings, and stay home if you are feeling unwell
- Stay local – support local businesses and your neighbourhood
For more detailed information about the status of City services and facilities, visit vancouver.ca/covid19