

Following direction from Council PDF file (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
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.
Timeline
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Spring 2023
Council motion: A people-focused Gastown
City Council directed staff PDF file (212 KB) to develop a vision for Gastown's streets and public spaces
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Summer 2023
Prepare for community conversations
Work with local Nations to establish a project relationship and met with local organizations and businesses on issues.
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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 summaryPDF file (212 KB)
- Summary of design workshops on Gastown's streets and public spaces PDF file (2.4 MB)
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Summer 2024
Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot
- Gather feedback on Water Street Pedestrian Zone
- Council Report on Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot update PDF file (3 MB)
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We are here
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Summer 2025
Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot
- Interim 2-way Cordova Street
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Fall 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
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2026
Phase 3 engagement: Gather feedback on the draft Public Spaces Plan
- Preferred design for Water Street and surrounding transportation network
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2026
Gastown Public Spaces Plan to Council
Contact us
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Questions?
Share your feedback about:
- Access, traffic, and parking impacts
- Gastown's public spaces
- Other general inquiries and feedback