VANCOUVER City Council on Tuesday voted to renew the City’s Drinking in Public Plazas Pilot and confirmed the location of three sites where Vancouverites will be able to eat, rest, and responsibly enjoy an alcoholic beverage this summer season.
“As a City, we continue to strive to be flexible and responsive to the impact COVID-19 is having on our businesses and communities across Vancouver,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart. “Based on the success of this pilot in its first year, I hope this project will once again provide business patrons and residents the space to connect and safely socialize with each other, particularly as businesses continue to struggle with reduced dining capacity.”
Drinking in Public Plazas Pilot locations for 2021 will start to be activated on May 31 in the following locations:
- Cambie and 17th
- 800 Robson
- Fraser and 27th
All participating public plazas will have access to automated public toilets or temporary portable washrooms and be in place until October 11.
The continuation of this pilot for a second year is a valuable opportunity for staff to further study these spaces, seek feedback from plazas users and provide continued support to local businesses and communities, particularly in light of the PHO restrictions on indoor dining.
Council also approved an extension of operating hours for an existing parklet at 111 Princess Avenue which supports the Drinker’s Lounge Community Managed Alcohol Program. The parklet, which provides people in the area with a safe place to gather, eat, access to cultural programs, services and connections to support, will now operate from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week until December 31.
Staff will continue to work with plaza partners such as business improvement associations and local businesses, non-profit organizations, local police, and the regional health authority to ensure these public spaces are safe, properly managed, and well-maintained.
For more information, visit vancouver.ca/drinking-in-public-plazas or view the Council Report here.
