Gastown Public Spaces Plan

1. Partner with local Nations – xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) – to weave their histories, cultures, uses and aspirations into Gastown. Some elements could include:

   • Storytelling features
   • Nations-led programming
   • Site furnishings and materials

2. Enhance Gastown's public space network, including key gateways and Maple Tree Square, to centre daily public life, and support vibrant local businesses, gatherings, and celebrations. Some elements could include:

   • Features to enhance sense of arrival into Gastown
   • Establishing Maple Tree Square as the heart of the neighbourhood with Nations-led elements, seating, space for patios, and amenities to support events

3. Make Water Street a people-first, safe, multi-modal retail corridor with a flexible design that can support events and pedestrian zones. Some elements could include:

   • Improving pedestrian experience with amenities and space for business uses like patios
   • Balancing flexible design and universal accessibility
   • Safe and comfortable cycling in both directions while maintaining space for vehicle traffic

4. Make Cordova Street 2-way to improve its overall experience and improve the transportation network for Gastown and beyond. Some elements could include:

   • Permanent 2-way vehicular movement
   • Potential extension of 2-way traffic further to the Powell Overpass
   • Public space improvements where possible

5. Strengthen Gastown's streetscape character with resilient, accessible, and high-quality materials. Some elements could include:

   • Keeping current heritage feel while deepening the expression of local Nations' histories
   • Using high-quality, resilient, and accessible surface materials

6. Continue to enhance neighbourhood experience, safety, and operations through City and partner services. Some elements could include:

   • Collaborating with partners to promote safe and inclusive public spaces
   • Coordinated approaches to cleaning and sanitation services
   • Access to public washrooms

• 2023 Engagement Summary PDF file (18.5 MB)
  • Summary of learnings and feedback from 2023 community engagement
• 2024 Council Report PDF file (3 MB)
  • Report on 2024 Water St Summer Pedestrian Zone with summary of learnings and engagement
• 2025 Pilot Findings PDF file (26 MB)
  • Report on the data, engagement, and analysis from the 2025 Water St Pedestrian Zone

Gastown is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (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 our Reconciliation efforts and work with the Nations to make their histories, culture, and presence visible on their lands.

In 2017 and 2018, we went to the community to discuss Gastown's streets and public spaces. This work helped inform engagement and directions for the Gastown Public Spaces Plan. Review the 2017 to 2018 Engagement Summary Report PDF file (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 External website, opens in new tab.