��������

VANCOUVER — The Gastown Public Spaces Plan has been unanimously approved by Vancouver City Council.

According to a release, the plan sets a long-term vision to “strengthen Gastown as a welcoming, people-first neighbourhood that supports local businesses, daily life, cultural expression and public events.”

It outlines six key directions, including: 

• Partnering with local nations to reflect their histories and cultures in Gastown’s public spaces.  
• Enhancing Gastown’s public space network and key gateways, including Maple Tree Square.
• Making Water Street a people-first, flexible, multimodal retail corridor that can host events and pedestrian zones.
• Converting Cordova Street in Gastown to permanent two-way traffic with potential extension east to the Powell Overpass.
• Strengthening streetscape character.
• Improving neighbourhood safety, cleanliness and operations through coordinated city and partner services.

The city will engage with the community on future improvements as projects advance, the release adds.