After a summer of pedestrian-only activity along Water Street in Vancouver's Gastown neighbourhood, cars returned to the streets this fall.
The pilot program will return in 2025 on a part-time basis.
The modified car-free zone will be in place on weekends and for special events only, according to a press release from the city, though exact dates haven't been shared.
"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," says Mayor Ken Sim in the release.
The two-waying of Cordova Street will run from Gore and Richards streets. Exactly how that will work is still being designed.
The city will also increase street cleaning and is looking at installing a permanent public washroom on Water Street.
The 2025 pedestrian zone will be a continuation of the 2024 pilot program, which took place over the summer. During that time, the city surveyed businesses and pedestrians about the experience.
"Throughout the pilot, staff were in frequent communication with stakeholders, businesses and residents in Gastown, and, where possible, responded immediately to feedback and concerns," states city administration in a report to council.
Lessons learned during the initial pilot are informing the shape of the 2025 version. Generally, public feedback was positive. Businesses were a little more split with many having a positive view of the pilot, but some raised concerns about access to the area for people driving to Gastown (including visitors, tour busses, and suppliers).
The report also notes that the final cost for the 2024 pilot was $2.1 million. Another $2.85 million has been budgeted for 2025.
