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 happeningWater Street Pedestrian Zone pilot has now concluded (July and August 2024)

This summer we transformed Water Street and Maple Tree Square into a vibrant pedestrian zone with public seating, expanded patios, artwork courtesy of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, live performances, and other installations.

All of the feedback and data gathered from this summer's pilot will be analyzed by staff and these learnings will be presented to Council in fall 2024.

There will be many more opportunities to share feedback on Gastown’s public spaces.

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
June to September 2023

Prepared for community conversations

Worked with Local Nations to establish a project relationship and met with local organizations and businesses on issues.
October to November 2023
Gather community feedback on Gastown’s streets and public spaces
- Gather feedback on how people use Gastown streets and public spaces and what would improve their experiences.
- Summary of what we heard in the 2023/2024 Phase 1 engagement summary (212 KB)
We are here
Summer 2024

Water Street pedestrian zone pilot
Summer to fall 2024
Assess how we can enhance and connect Gastown's streets and public spaces
- Explore and assess a range of options for public spaces in the neighbourhood, including pedestrianizing Water Street seasonally or year-round, starting with a pilot in summer 2024.
- Gather feedback on the Water Street pedestrian zone and share design ideas for Gastown's streets and public spaces.
Winter 2025

Emerging Directions on Gastown Public Spaces Plan to Council
Spring 2025

Refine designs and ideas for Gastown Public Spaces Plan
Summer 2025

(Potential) Water Street Pedestrian Zone
Fall 2025

Gather feedback on Draft Gastown Public Spaces Plan
Winter 2026

Gastown Public Spaces Plan to Council

Related projects

Contact us

Email: gastownpublicspaces@vancouver.ca

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Gastown's public spaces
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