Illustrated bird’s-eye view of Gastown, showing streets, buildings, green spaces, and the nearby waterfront and rail tracks.

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 happeningShare your feedback about the 2025 Gastown Summer Pilot

This summer, we’re testing public space and transportation changes to help shape future upgrades and programming in Gastown.

Share your experience with:

  • Public space enhancements on Water Street
  • Two-way Cordova Street
  • Sunday Water Street Pedestrian Zone (10am to 6pm)

The survey closes August 31, 2025. 

Take the survey  

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

  • 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

  • We are here
  • 2024 to 2025

    Phase 2 engagement: Gather feedback on summer pilots to inform emerging directions for the Public Spaces Plan

  • To be determined

    Phase 3 engagement: Gather feedback on the draft Public Spaces Plan

    Preferred design for Water Street and surrounding transportation network

  • To be determined

    Gastown Public Spaces Plan to Council

Get updates

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Questions?

Share your feedback about:

  • Access, traffic, and parking impacts
  • Gastown's public spaces
  • Other general inquiries and feedback

Submit your feedback and questions