Vancouver to turn part of Yew Street into pedestrian-friendly zone
Posted June 14, 2023 8:35 am.
Last Updated June 14, 2023 9:56 pm.
A two-block stretch of Yew Street in the Kitsilano neighbourhood is about to become “pedestrian-friendly.”
The City of Vancouver is trying it as a pilot project, beginning at the end of the month.
The idea is to create safer access to Kits Beach, as well as give people living in the area a chance to come out and mingle in the two blocks between Cornwall and West 1st avenues.
Jayden Grundy, co-owner of The Cider House, says he pitched the idea to the city a few years ago during COVID because he thought it was a great opportunity and area to have a walking promenade.
“I think everybody on the block’s super excited for this, I think it’s been a long time coming,” he said.
“I think it’ll bring the energy to the place, make it safer and more friendly and fun and bring that vibe – that [the] Kits Beach vibe.”
Grundy says he thinks this format change for Yew Street will bring the community a little bit closer, and potentially even bring in more markets along with the expected foot traffic.
The Yew Street pedestrian-friendly pilot project map. The City of Vancouver is closing a two-block stretch of the road to vehicle traffic. (Courtesy City of Vancouver)
Though the section of Yew Street will be closed to traffic, deliveries and emergency response will still be able to make their way through.
“With these exceptions for deliveries and vehicle loading, the portion of Yew St included in the pilot will be fully closed to all vehicles from 4 p.m. to midnight weekdays, and 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends,” the city explains.
It adds vehicles will not be able to turn onto Yew from Cornwall, York, or West 1st avenues.
“By opening up spaces on our streets to people, we can improve public life, pedestrian comfort, and create a space for people to come out to feel connected,” the city adds.
Yew Street just north of West 1st Avenue in Vancouver’s Kitsilano area. The city is set to close a stretch of Yew Street to vehicle traffic as part of a pilot project. (CityNews Image)
City Councillor Lisa Dominato says the open street will be similar to the city’s neighbourhood plazas.
“What we heard broadly, is people actually really enjoy the more pedestrian experience of streets,” she said.
People in the area on Wednesday told CityNews they liked the idea.
“Just so much street activity here, so much restaurants and bars and cafes, it’s just the perfect place for it,” one person said.
“It’s a nightmare for cars trying to cross and get through here anyway in the summer so I would say go for it, opens up the cider house and pubs around here as well,” another added.
The city says if the pilot is successful, the street could remain a pedestrian-friendly open street during the summers or year-round. Grundy hopes it’s the latter.
“I think we’d love to see it all year-round, I think this pilot is a great opportunity to see what works and what doesn’t… and get rid of some of these loud trucks coming through,” he said.
