A plaza in Vancouver

Four new permanent plazas create welcoming spaces to gather, connect and enjoy

August 14 2026 –

This summer, the City of Vancouver opened four new permanent neighbourhood plazas, transforming popular temporary public spaces into year-round destinations.

"Every neighbourhood deserves safe, welcoming spaces where families, seniors and residents of all ages can gather, connect and feel at home," said Mayor Ken Sim. "These plazas are part of our commitment to building more livable, affordable, and vibrant communities across Vancouver."

Originally introduced as temporary public spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, the plazas became popular neighbourhood gathering places. Following strong community support, the City began upgrading them into permanent public spaces in 2023.

The new plazas are located in four neighbourhood business improvement areas (BIAs), supporting local businesses, neighbourhood events and everyday activities:

Investing in vibrant, resilient public spaces

The plazas and nearby streetscape improvements represent a combined investment of $14.5 million:

The plazas are among many projects being delivered through the Province’s Growing Communities Fund , which helps local governments deliver infrastructure and amenities needed to meet the demands of growing communities. This investment helped transform temporary plazas into permanent neighbourhood spaces that residents and visitors can enjoy year-round. 

“Providing communities with the infrastructure, amenities and public spaces needed to support growth is essential to building livable, connected communities,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These new plazas will create opportunities for residents and visitors to gather, support local businesses, and enjoy more vibrant neighbourhoods as Vancouver continues to grow. The Province is proud to partner with local governments to deliver projects that benefit communities across British Columbia.”

The Government of Canada contributed through the Natural Infrastructure Fund for green rainwater infrastructure incorporated into the plazas. Features such as trees, planting areas and specially designed surfaces help capture and clean rainwater to reduce pollutants entering local waterways and help manage flooding.

Spaces for everyday use and community events

Designed in collaboration with community members and local stewardship partners, the new plazas support everyday gathering, community celebrations, cultural events and neighbourhood programming with:

  • Plaza layouts that support daily gatherings, small events and programming
  • Improved lighting and electrical connections to support events and programming
  • Improved walking and cycling connections, wider sidewalks and bus stop improvements
  • Built-in seating, upgraded furniture, drinking fountains and water access 
  • New trees and planting areas, including green rainwater infrastructure

“These plazas showcase how thoughtful design and strong partnerships can transform public spaces into vibrant community destinations,” said Lisa Parker, Director of Public Space and Street Use with the City of Vancouver. “We’re grateful to the local partners whose vision, collaboration and ongoing stewardship have helped create spaces that are both beautiful and deeply valued by the communities they serve.” 

The City thanks its plaza partners, the Cambie Village BIA, East Village BIA, Mount Pleasant BIA, South Granville BIA, Kiwassa Neighbouhood House, Ward Memorial Baptist Church, Vancouver Urban Food Forest Foundation, as well as local businesses and residents for their partnership and patience throughout the planning and construction process.

For more information about the Neighbourhood Plazas Program, visit vancouver.ca/neighbourhood plazas/.

Quotes from our BIA partners

Rania Hatz, Executive Director, Cambie Village Business Improvement Association

"We cannot imagine a Cambie Village without our plazas! They are the meeting place, the quiet space, the music venue, the extended patio. They are everyone's backyard."  

Patricia Barnes, Executive Director, East Village Business Improvement Association

"We [the East Village BIA] were very excited to celebrate the opening of the permanent Kamloops Plaza this summer.  It has been extremely popular and provided a place where the community can come together to attend events, eat lunch, and enjoy a haven amid a busy urban neighbourhood. We thank the Province of BC and the City of Vancouver for creating this space.  It has enabled us to host many events including artisan fairs, a Spoonful of Drag, local musicians, and partnerships with local organizations."

Neil Wyles, Executive Director, Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Association

"We’re delighted with the improvements to the plaza at 14th and Main. It has become a true community hub—a welcoming space where people gather, connect and enjoy everything our neighbourhood has to offer."

Ivy Haisell, Executive Director, South Granville Business Improvement Association

"We're excited about the opportunities this new plaza brings to our community. It creates a welcoming space for people to gather, connect and enjoy all that South Granville has to offer. We're grateful to the City for investing in our neighbourhood and helping create a vibrant public space that will support local businesses, community programming and everyday experiences for years to come."