A busy street full of pedestrians walking near the steam clock in Gastown

Gastown Public Spaces Plan

Following direction from Council (161 KB), we are developing a Gastown Public Spaces Plan.

The Gastown Public Spaces Plan will serve as a guide to:

Establish a vibrant, people-focused Gastown with enhanced gathering places, streets, and laneways to support a range of activities
Pedestrianize Water Street seasonally or year-round, starting with a pilot in summer 2024
Improve the street network to support a pedestrianized Water St, including walking, cycling, transit, and vehicle connections and consideration of Cordova as a 2-way street
Advance Reconciliation with the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and support their visibility on their lands
Evolve and deepen the unique heritage feel of the area, including improved street materials and amenities
Identify phased project timing and funding

What's happeningSummer 2025 pilot

Council approved the return of the Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot in summer 2025 for weekends and special events.

As part of the 2025 pilot, we will trial a two-way street design on Cordova St, between Gore and Richards streets, to improve access for residents, service providers, and visitors.

In preparation for the pilot, we will continue working with local businesses, the Gastown Business Improvement Society, and community organizations, as well as partnering with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Staff will report back to Council in the coming months with further details on the roll-out of the 2025 pilot.

Did you know?

The red-brick paving, special lamp fixtures, and popular steam clock were introduced by local businesses in the 1970s as a way to beautify the area.

Reconciliation in action

Gastown is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Nations, however its streets and public spaces do not currently reflect the histories, culture, and visibility of the local Nations.

The Gastown Public Spaces Plan is an opportunity to advance the City's Reconciliation efforts and work with the Nations to make their histories, culture, and presence visible on their lands.
Building on previous community conversations
Phase 1 engagement summary

Between August 2023 and January 2024, we asked the community to share their thoughts on:
- Gastown’s public spaces and ideas for how these spaces could be enhanced in the future
- Factors to consider when creating a seasonal or year-round pedestrian zone on Water Street
Review the Engagement Summary (8.6 MB)

In the first phase of engagement (August 2023 to January 2024) we asked people who live, work, and visit Gastown to share:
- Their experience of Gastown’s public spaces and how they could be improved
- What we should consider as we plan for pedestrianizing Water St, seasonally or year-round
Review the 2023/2024 Phase 1 Engagement Summary (18.5 MB)

This work was informed by community conversations held between 2017 and 2018 on Gastown's streets and public spaces. Review the 2017 to 2018 Engagement Summary Report (1.9 MB)

Gastown BIA study

The Gastown BIA commissioned an urban design study to outline their vision for an updated public realm, named Gastown Tomorrow .

Timeline

Spring 2023

Council motion: A people-focused Gastown

City Council directed staff (212 KB) to develop a vision for Gastown's streets and public spaces
Summer 2023

Prepare for community conversations

Work with local Nations to establish a project relationship and met with local organizations and businesses on issues.
Fall 2023 to winter 2024
Phase 1 engagement: Gather feedback on Gastown’s streets and public spaces
- Project objectives, people’s experience of Gastown streets and public spaces and how it could be improved
- Phase 1 engagement summary (212 KB)
- Design workshops on Gastown’s streets and public spaces
Summer 2024
Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot
- Gather feedback on Water Street Pedestrian Zone
- Council Report on Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot update (3 MB)
We are here
Spring to summer 2025
Phase 2 engagement: Gather feedback on design options for Gastown’s streets and public spaces
- Design options for Water Street and its impacts to the surrounding transportation network
Summer 2025

Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot
2025 to 2026
Phase 3 engagement: Gather feedback on the draft Public Spaces Plan
- Preferred design for Water Street and surrounding transportation network
2026

Gastown Public Spaces Plan to Council

Related projects

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Email: gastownpublicspaces@vancouver.ca

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