VANCOUVER City Council approved turning the Drinking in Public Plazas Program into a permanent seasonal program following two summers as a successful pilot.
People looking for an outdoor space to enjoy take-out food, a moment of rest, or a picnic with friends and family, can responsibly enjoy an alcoholic beverage at six designated Vancouver public plazas this summer.
“While the pandemic brought immense challenges to Vancouver, it also helped us to innovate with initiatives like the Drinking in Public Plazas Program, which I’m excited to see return this summer,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart on Wednesday. “To the many people like me who do not have access to a backyard or private outdoor space, these plazas give us all a chance connect and socialize with one another while enjoying a drink outside.”
As part of the 2022 program, visitors can responsibly consume alcohol at the following six participating plazas, which will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, June 15 to October 16:
- Cambie Street and 17 Avenue (Plaza steward: Cambie Village Business Association)
- Granville Street and 13 Avenue – (South Granville Business Improvement Association)
- Granville Street and 14 Avenue – (South Granville Business Improvement Association)
- Lot 19, 855 West Hastings Street – (Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association)
- Main Street and 21 Avenue – (Coco et Olive, Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, residents)
- Maple Street and 4 Avenue – (Kitsilano West 4 Avenue Business Improvement Association)
“Plaza stewards and community partners are the uniting force of this program — thank you to our partners for the vital role you play in helping to keep these plazas and spaces feel safe, clean and welcoming for all visitors,” says Lisa Parker, Director of Public Space and Street Use.
Most plazas are within walking distance to essential public amenities like washrooms, but for those without existing washrooms nearby, temporary portable washrooms will be installed.
The Drinking in Public Plazas Program was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to support residents and businesses. For more information, visit vancouver.ca/drinking-in-
