This summer, traffic in Gastown, a popular neighborhood in Vancouver, will look very different. The city council has decided to make Gastown car-free for July and August. This means that Water Street, from Richards to Cambie streets, will be only for pedestrians. Two interior blocks of Water Street, from Cambie through Abbott and Carrall streets, will have fewer cars.
City Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung thinks this is a great idea, especially with Vancouver being in the global spotlight. The project will happen just before FIFA comes to Vancouver.
In the fall, city staff will review the project to decide what to do next. They’ll look at other areas that could become car-free and decide if this change should be permanent or only during certain seasons.
The goal is to make Water Street more pedestrian-friendly while still allowing access for residents, parking, tour buses, and deliveries.
The Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) has some concerns about the project lasting from March to early September. They worry about how it might affect businesses. But city staff think starting the project in July and August is best.
This project is part of a bigger plan to improve Gastown, which includes fixing things and preserving its heritage.
Not everyone in the Gastown business community agrees with the project. Some worry about how it might affect their businesses, parking, safety, and access to public washrooms.
But some business owners, like David Jones from Vinyl Records, are excited about it. They think it will make Gastown feel more like a community and bring more people to the area.
John Bucan, from Maison & Café Kitsuné, is also excited. He thinks it will be good for business, especially during the busy summer months when lots of tourists visit.
