Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot

2024 Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot

In the summer of 2024, we launched the Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot to test a pedestrian-friendly environment in Gastown. The pilot aimed to enhance the area’s public space while maintaining access for businesses and residents.
 

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  Background

  In spring 2023, Council directed staff to:

  • Proceed with urgent, interim repairs to Gastown streets and sidewalks
  • Develop a public spaces plan to guide investments and planning for the future of public spaces in Gastown
  • Explore pedestrianizing Water Street to support vibrant public life 

  The Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot ran from July through August 2024. It included:

  • Car-free and car-light sections that prioritized walking, local businesses, culture, community-building, biking, and rolling
  • Showcased artwork courtesy of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations
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  Pilot area and experience

  We closed sections of Water Street and Maple Tree Square PDF file (585 KB) to vehicle traffic, allowing people to:

  • Stroll freely
  • Enjoy the historic charm of Gastown
  • Eperience the neighborhood in a whole new way

  Local access for residents and businesses was maintained, making sure the community could still function smoothly. Public seating areas were created to give people a place to relax and linger in Gastown.

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  Local business opportunities

  To support businesses in making the most of the extra street space, we provided:

  • Expanded patios
  • A streamlined permitting process

  This made it easier for businesses to expand patios, display merchandise, and explore other uses like live music on patios and vending, helping them engage customers in creative ways.

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  Community programming

  During the pilot, special events and pop-up activities were created to bring people together and make the space livelier and more welcoming.

  To make it easier for organizers to get involved, we introduced the open streets permit— a simple way for community members to host events and add to the fun!

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  Public feedback

  Throughout the pilot, City staff closely monitored public space use, traffic flow, and access to the pedestrian zone, while gathering feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors through surveys, workshops, emails, and 1-on-1 conversations. For more details, review full Council report PDF file (3 MB).