For the third consecutive summer, a pedestrian zone will return to Water Street in downtown Vancouver’s historic Gastown district.
While the inaugural activation in Summer 2024 created a weeks-long, vehicle-free pedestrian zone, it proved highly controversial among businesses, with many reporting significant financial losses during the extended period. In response to this feedback, the City of Vancouver adjusted its approach for Summer 2025, introducing a Sundays-only, vehicle-free pedestrian zone.
This revised approach received highly positive feedback. City surveys showed 81 per cent support among business respondents who wanted to see the program return, along with 84 per cent support from the general public.
A Sunday-only pedestrian zone
Today, the municipal government announced that the Water Street Pedestrian Zone will return on Sundays only, from July 5 to Sept. 6, 2026, operating between noon and 8 p.m. — also coinciding with the 2026 FIFA World Cup period, during a time when Gastown also sees an influx of tourists, particularly from cruise ships.
Programming on Water Street will be led by the Gastown Business Improvement Society, with support from the City.
Additionally, Vancouver City Council has given final approval to the Gastown Public Spaces Plan, developed through a three-year planning process.
Under this strategy, beginning in 2027 and onwards, the City will transition and expand this Sundays-only, vehicle-free pedestrian zone on Water Street into a permanent returning summer seasonal feature. While the ongoing seasonal pedestrian zone is part of the strategy, it will require future City Councils to provide operating funding to fulfill this regular activation.
Widened sidewalks, street furniture, and public art
This long-term, multi-phased strategy outlines how to physically revitalize Water Street into a pedestrian-friendly public space that attracts both locals and tourists. Key elements include widened sidewalks achieved by narrowing the roadway (eliminating much of the current curbside parking, while retaining a single westbound vehicle lane and some curbside vehicle parking for business loading needs), the installation of new durable pavers for both roadways and sidewalks, and the addition of street furniture, enhanced tree coverage, improved lighting, and public art.
The plan also includes the installation of retractable bollards at strategic locations to better facilitate the temporary closure of Water Street for events, festivals, and the ongoing Sunday pedestrian zone.
New design for Maple Tree Square
The first phase of the strategy will involve a complete overhaul of Maple Tree Square — the plaza formed by the intersection of Water, Alexander, Carrall, and Powell streets — transforming it into a vibrant central hub for Gastown and a welcoming space for daily activities and major events. The rebuild of Maple Tree Square with a new design could cost between $20 million and $25 million.
City staff have noted that a key issue is that pedestrians are currently not encouraged to walk further east beyond the Gastown Steam Clock, with the strategy aimed at driving pedestrian traffic to reach Maple Tree Square.
Improvements to operations, safety, and cleanliness are also planned for the new public spaces.
This comprehensive set of measures is expected to strengthen the concentration of restaurants and retail businesses in the district. However, the components outlined in the plan that physically change Gastown streets depend on future City Councils allocating significant capital funding for the design and construction process, and also some operating funding.
Permanent two-way traffic zone
In addition, West Cordova Street in Gastown will permanently become a two-way traffic route, with a potential eastward extension to the Powell Street Overpass.
In May 2025, a seven-block stretch of West Cordova Street — from Richards and Water streets to Gore Avenue — was converted to a two-way configuration on a pilot basis, featuring one travel lane in each direction along with curbside parking. Previously, the street had two full-time travel lanes and curbside parking.
“This plan sets a clear path for Gastown’s future as a people-first neighbourhood for generations to come,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim in a statement today.
“The Gastown Public Spaces Plan will support the long-term vitality of the neighbourhood while celebrating its history, supporting local businesses, and creating welcoming public spaces for residents and visitors alike.”
Read more about the Gastown Public Spaces Plan on Daily Hive.
Originally published on Daily Hive.
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