Share your thoughts on the Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot

Earlier this summer, Water Street was transformed into a vibrant and activated “people-first” place with shared seating, expanded patios, merchandise displays, storytelling and artwork courtesy of the local Nations, live performances, and special events.

As the completion of this summer’s Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot on September 2 approaches, the City invites residents, visitors, and businesses to share their feedback through the online survey and to stop by Gastown to “Walk on Water.”

“The Water Street Pedestrian Zone has been a fantastic opportunity for us to try out new, people-first ideas right here in Vancouver, and we’re eager to hear your feedback to shape our future plans,” says Mayor Ken Sim. “I’ve loved seeing the energy and vibrancy of this neighbourhood come alive with fewer cars and more people. I want to thank our local businesses for their patience and encourage everyone to come down and experience the magic of Gastown during the final two weeks of this summer’s pedestrian zone pilot.”

Tell us what you think  

• Take the online survey (closes September 2)
• Come to an in-person pop-up event on Water Street, Saturday, August 31 from 11am to 1pm

“Throughout the pilot, staff have been closely observing the pedestrian zone, monitoring traffic and access, and gathering feedback from residents, businesses, visitors, and tourists,” says Lisa Parker, City of Vancouver Director of Public Space and Street Use. “Feedback about people’s experience of this summer’s pilot is very important to us and will help guide planning for potential future pedestrian zone pilots. Have input to share? Take our short online survey and tell us what you think.” 

Staff have engaged with local businesses throughout the summer and based on input received, adjusted the pilot where possible to better support these businesses. Also to further understand the impact of the pilot, the City will conduct an economic impact study. These learnings will inform the overall strategy for a pedestrian-oriented Water Street as part of the Gastown Public Spaces Plan and a staff report will be presented to Council this fall with more information on the pilot outcomes.

Upcoming events

Gastown has been the place to be. There are still plenty of free family-friendly events happening as part of the pilot, including:

• Aug 22 & 29 - Gastown Thursday Nights Live Music (occurs every Thursday night)
• Aug 25 & 26 – Art in Square community painting
• Aug 27 – Sip and Stretch movement workshop
• Aug 31 – “Open Street Day” event and activities (Water Street fully car-free)

To see a full list of upcoming events, visit gastown.org/events External website, opens in new tab

Getting to Gastown and the Water Street Pedestrian Zone

Locals, visitors and cruise-ship passengers are encouraged to pop by the Destination Vancouver kiosk at the corner of Water Street and Cordova Street to discover everything Gastown has to offer.

• Transportation: Walk, bike, roll, Mobi or take transit whenever possible. Check out our transit and cycling map PDF file (2.2 MB) to find the best routes and visit translink.ca/alerts External website, opens in new tab for more information.
• Public Bike Share: Additional Mobi by Rogers public bike share stations have been added to the area, see all locations here External website, opens in new tab.
• Free Bike Valet: Safely park bikes, skates, scooters or strollers for free at the Bike Valet External website, opens in new tab located at 131 Water Street.
• Free Transit Pass: Courtesy of the Gastown Business Improvement Society External website, opens in new tab
• Parking: If driving to Gastown, there is plenty of parking available including 280 on-street parking spots and 2,800 off-street parkade options. Check out the parking map PDF file (2.2 MB) to learn where to park. Plan ahead, follow all detours PDF file (2.2 MB) and obey “no parking” signs in the area.

Background

In spring 2023, Council directed City staff to proceed with urgent, interim repairs to Gastown streets and sidewalks, develop a Public Spaces Plan to guide investments and planning for the future of public spaces in Gastown, and explore pedestrianizing Water Street to support vibrant public life. The Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot runs July through August 2024, includes car-free and car-light sections and prioritizes walking, local businesses, culture, community-building, biking and rolling.

For more information on all Gastown related projects, visit vancouver.ca/gastown.