VANCOUVER City Council on Wednesday approved the return of the Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot in summer 2025 on weekends and for special events, including key enhancements based on community and local business feedback.
The Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces, promote local business and create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere in Gastown.
“Council is pleased to move forward with a revised approach for the Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot in 2025,” says Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “Based on feedback we received this summer, we are going to make some key adjustments next year, including a weekend-only approach and two-waying Cordova Street. We are committed to making Water Street a vibrant and successful space for local businesses, residents and visitors and our continued learnings will help shape the long-term vision for Water Street.”
The 2025 Water Street Pedestrian Zone pilot will include:
* Weekends and special events only: The pedestrian zone pilot will operate on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and for special events.
* Improved neighbourhood access: During the pilot, the City will trial a two-way street design on Cordova Street between Gore and Richards streets to improve access for residents, service providers and visitors.
* Community safety and cleanliness: Enhanced street cleaning services will continue, and as part of a broader initiative to add washrooms in the Downtown Eastside, the City will explore installing a permanent public washroom on Water Street. The City will also work with the new Gastown Community Policing Centre to develop a coordinated safety approach.
Staff will report back to Council before the end of 2024 with further details on the feasibility, business opportunities and roll-out of the 2025 pilot, including considerations for the two-way street design of Cordova Street.
Key findings from the City’s survey respondents include:
* 84 per cent of people had a positive experience visiting the Water Street Pedestrian Zone and are interested in the pedestrian zone returning in future summers.
* 59 per cent of businesses are interested in the pedestrian zone returning in future summers, with a strong split between those who support and those who don’t.
* 74 per cent of participating businesses found the new permitting changes valuable.