People walking on a Gastown street on a sunny day

Council approves people-first vision for Gastown

April 22 2026 –

Today, Council unanimously approved the Gastown Public Spaces Plan (40.4 MB), a comprehensive framework to guide future investment and renewal of Gastown’s streets and public spaces. 

The plan sets a long-term vision to strengthen Gastown as a welcoming, people-first neighbourhood that supports local businesses, daily life, cultural expression and public events. It was developed in response to Council direction (212 KB) and informed by public engagement in 2023 (18.5 MB), learnings from two summer pilot programs testing pedestrian zones on Water Street and other improvements (2024 (3 MB) and 2025 (25.7 MB)), ongoing partnership with the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (TsleilWaututh Nation), and close collaboration with the Gastown Business Improvement Society. 

The plan outlines six key directions to guide future work, including: 

  • Partnering with local Nations to reflect their histories and cultures in Gastown’s public spaces  
  • Enhancing Gastown’s public space network and key gateways, including Maple Tree Square to centre daily life and support businesses 
  • Making Water Street a people-first, flexible, multimodal retail corridor that can host events and pedestrian zones 
  • Converting Cordova Street in Gastown to permanent two-way traffic with potential extension east to the Powell Overpass 
  • Strengthening streetscape character using resilient and accessible materials  
  • Improving neighbourhood safety, cleanliness and operations through coordinated City and partner services 

‘“This plan sets a clear path for Gastown’s future as a people-first neighbourhood for generations to come,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “The Gastown Public Spaces Plan will support the long-term vitality of the neighbourhood while celebrating its history, supporting local businesses, and creating welcoming public spaces for residents and visitors alike.” 

Summer 2026 Water Street Pedestrian Zone 

The Water Street Pedestrian Zone will return for summer 2026, with Sunday road closures from noon to 8pm between July 5 and September 6, in collaboration with the Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) . The decision follows strong support from summer 2025 surveys, with 84% of public respondents and 81% of business respondents indicating they wanted the Sunday pedestrian zone to return. Programming will be led by the GBIS with City support. 

What’s next 

Following Council approval, the City will engage with the community on future improvements as projects advance. More information about the Gastown Public Spaces Plan is available at vancouver.ca/gastown.