2025 Gastown Summer Pilot

This summer’s car-free pedestrian zone will be:

• On Sundays only, from 10am to 6pm (June 15 to August 31)
• On Water Street, from Richards Street to Columbia Street

Review details about Sunday vehicle access and traffic changes 

Working with the Gastown Business Improvement Society

We're working with the Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) and local organizations to create a welcoming, pedestrian-first experience every Sunday on Water Street.

Weekly programming and events

Each Sunday will feature different types of programming to test how the pedestrian zone works with varying levels of activity—from large city-wide events to smaller community-focused days.

Gastown Sunday Set

Alongside community-led events, GBIS will host the Gastown Sunday Set, a rotating series of free events every Sunday. Learn more about the event series External website, opens in new tab

Traffic changes from June to September

From June to September, temporary changes are in place to reduce traffic on Water Street and improve overall access for people living, working, and visiting the area.

Two-way traffic on Cordova Street

Cordova Street has been temporarily converted to a 2-way street between Gore Avenue and Richards Street, with a new westbound lane.

Powell Street adjustments

Through-vehicle lanes have been reduced on Powell Street at Gore Avenue, Main Street, and Columbia Street. Left-turn lanes have been added to encourage commuter traffic onto Cordova Street while allowing local traffic to access Water Street.

Rush hour curb lane

The southside curb lane on Cordova Street (between Main Street and Richards Street) operates as a vehicle travel lane from 3pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday.

Download Traffic Circulation Map PDF file (1 MB)

All summer long, seating, expanded patios, and plantings will be installed at key locations to be enjoyed during the week and on car-free Pedestrian Zone Sundays.

Summer features along Water Street

• New and expanded summer patios for local businesses and their patrons
• A mix of seating options
• Wider sidewalks in some locations to make more space for pedestrians
• Placemaking elements at the east and west entrances, Maple Tree Square, and key points along Water Street
• Storytelling and cultural elements from Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations
• Open Streets permitting for shared market stalls, merchandise displays with point of sale, and live music adjacent to patios
• An eastbound painted bicycle lane from Richards Street to Alexander Street, with a westbound shared lane

This project is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance Gastown’s streets and public spaces, promote local businesses, and create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

We’ll be monitoring the summer changes on Water and Cordova streets to understand their impact on the transportation network. Monitoring will include:

• Surveys
• Observations
• Traffic counts
• Travel time data to assess impacts on the transportation network

We will continue to connect directly with businesses and residents to respond to any issues as they may arise.

We recognize that pilot projects require ongoing adjustments and may not get everything right. We’re committed to being responsive and working closely with residents, organizations, and businesses to address their needs and incorporate their feedback.

Connect with our team at gastownpublicspaces@vancouver.ca. 

• Traffic control setup will start shortly before 10 am and be removed at 6 pm. Setup and removal each take about 15 minutes.
• Laneway access for residents and businesses on the north side of Water Street will remain open on Sundays. We’ll monitor this approach and make adjustments if needed.
• The laneway behind 131 Water Street will stay closed to through traffic because of ongoing 3rd-party construction.

Download Sunday Water Street Pedestrian Zone Traffic Closures and Circulation Map PDF file (360 KB)

Route 50 has moved from Water Street to Cordova Street for the duration of the summer, with bus stops located west of Columbia Street and west of Abbott Street. Check Translink alerts External website, opens in new tab for changes or updates to your bus service. 

Download Transit Detours and Cycling Connections Map PDF file (1.5 MB)

During the summer, tour buses can still drive along Water Street, but the bus stops will be relocated off Water Street.

Tour bus stops will be located at:

• Cordova Street at Richards Street
• Cordova Street at Abbott Street

We're continuing to work with tourism operators to discuss their needs, build excitement about the pilot, and encourage locals and visitors to explore the neighbourhood.

Cordova Street

Parking is allowed on the south side of Cordova Street except during weekday evening rush hours (3pm to 7pm), when it becomes a second eastbound lane between Richards and Main streets. Watch for new signage.

EasyPark Gastown Parkade (Lot 8) External website, opens in new tab remains accessible through the westbound lane on Cordova Street. On Sundays, access to gated compounds is available through the Cordova Street entrance. For questions, email mp@easypark.ca. 

Water Street

Designated parking and loading zones are available on Water Street. Access to EasyPark Gastown Parkade (Lot 31 External website, opens in new tab) is open except Sundays from 10am to 6pm.

Download map for all parking and loading zone locations PDF file (1.7 MB)

Taxi and passenger zones will be available on Cordova Street.

Passenger zones will also be available on Water Street (300 block).

Download map for parking and loading zone locations PDF file (1.7 MB)

Weekday and Saturday access

Water Street will remain open to bikes, scooters, and other micro-mobility devices on weekdays and Saturdays. A new eastbound painted bike lane will extend from Richards Street to Alexander Street.

Pedestrian Zone Sundays

On car-free Pedestrian Zone Sundays, riders are encouraged to travel slowly and safely or dismount and walk their wheels.

A free bike valet will be available from 10am to 7pm at Water Street and Abbott Street.