Vancouver votes on waiving summer patio fees on Water Street
Posted May 7, 2024 11:22 am.
Vancouver city council is set to vote Tuesday on whether it should waive fees for small sidewalk patios and merchandise display units on Water Street in Gastown.
The city will pilot a pedestrian-only project on the street this summer from late June to August 31. During this time, parts of Water Street will be closed to cars to allow for public seating.
In a staff report, the city outlined that the purpose of waiving fees is to reduce the financial barriers for small businesses to participate.
The report says by providing small merchandise displays and “movable seating” for the public, local businesses can encourage people to spend more time in the area.
—With files from Aastha Pandey-Kanaan
