VANCOUVER – The City of Vancouver is putting $10 million towards rehabilitation and improvements to the historic Gastown neighbourhood’s streets and public spaces.
Starting this month, the city will begin interim repairs to Maple Tree Square in advance of the Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot project in the summer. Repair work includes removing damaged brick pavers and asphalt patches in the roadway and replacing them with new brick pavers, a release said.
“We are committed to revitalizing Gastown and taking bold steps to make this iconic neighbourhood a vibrant, people-friendly, safe and clean destination. As we begin to repair aging infrastructure and test improvements to public spaces, there will be a lot happening in Gastown over the coming months. We want to remind everyone that businesses are open during construction, and we appreciate the understanding and patience of residents and businesses as they adjust to the changes this spring and summer,” Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said in the release.
The city is also working towards a permanent design for the area as part of the Gastown Public Spaces Plan, which will include turning Water Street into a pedestrian zone with public seating, expanded patios, public art and other installations.
During construction (March to June) and then throughout the Water Street Pedestrian Zone Pilot (July and August), Maple Tree Square will be closed to vehicles; this will result in temporary changes to traffic flow in the area, the release said.
In spring 2023, council directed staff to proceed with urgent, interim repairs to Gastown streets and sidewalks, develop a public spaces plan to guide investments and planning for the future of public spaces in Gastown, and explore pedestrianizing Water Street.
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