Vancouver takes careful, phased approach to re-opening

While managing our significant response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis, we have also been developing our plan to support economic and community recovery, restart our own services, and rebuild for the future as we all adapt to the “new normal” in our city.

Our Restart Smart Vancouver plan lays out a carefully considered and phased approach to reopening and reinvigorating the city. The plan emphasizes safe access to community activities and services for residents, and support for local businesses - Vancouver residents are being asked to “stay strong and stay local”.

About our COVID-19 response

Starting on March 12, in response to the orders of the Provincial Health Officer, we began to cancel public events, close the majority of facilities, and reduce some services to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Essential services such as water, sewer, garbage pickup, and others remained operational, while other services such as business licensing and permitting remained available online. 

We also worked with other levels of government and partners in the community to ramp up significant and ongoing additional support - including temporary housing, food, and hygiene - for our most vulnerable citizens.

About our recovery plan

Our plan for restarting our services and re-opening some facilities aligns with the phased approach as outlined in the provincial government’s plan and considers public health direction. Park Board community centres, fitness centres, and indoor and outdoor pools and other facilities, along with civic theatres and library branches, still remain closed.

However, to date, some facilities have reopened and services have resumed including:

• VanDusen Botanical Garden
• Golf courses
• Tennis and pickleball courts
• Off-leash dog parks
• Parking lots at parks and beaches (not including Stanley Park and English Bay)
• Starting May 25, the Vancouver Public Library opened a computer lab in Central library’s Alice MacKay Room, offering 45-minute appointments for eight patrons at a time, with space for physically distancing

The public can refer to our website and social media channels for a more detailed list and status of City facilities and services. 

Stay strong and stay local

Vancouverites have been doing 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 the public 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 

Review the Restart Smart Vancouver plan PDF file (331 KB)

Quotes

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart

“I know Vancouver residents are looking forward to safely venturing out more, and that businesses are anxious to reopen or offer expanded services,” said Mayor Kennedy Stewart. “Restarting our economy is a high priority, and we are looking at creative ways to support businesses with their reopening, including innovative uses of public space, while balancing these efforts with public health and safety to make sure we continue to flatten the curve.”

City Manager Sadhu Johnston

“We are taking a careful and phased approach to opening some facilities and restarting some City services, and our priority continues to be everyone’s health and safety,” said City Manager Sadhu Johnston, “Over the coming days and weeks, additional facilities and services will re-open. By staying strong and staying local, we can all continue to keep safe and help contribute to the economic recovery of our city.”