Gastown pedestrian pilot project begins

After months of construction, the Water Street pedestrian pilot project has launched in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood, just in time for the Canada Day long weekend.

Sections of Gastown will be closed to vehicle traffic to allow for special events and expanded patios to take over the streets.

The pedestrian zone includes car-free and car-light blocks along Water Street and Maple Tree Square.

Kulwant Dulay, the owner of Skewers Souvlaki Pita Bar on Powell Street, says although he is excited about the potential for more foot traffic, the car-free space has been inconvenient for some customers.

He says his pita shop also relies heavily on food delivery services such as Uber Eats, and says he has noticed the lack of spaces for drivers to stop legally to pick up orders.

“That’s a big thing — there is no parking here,” he said.

“Uber drivers park in the middle of the road.”

In a statement, the City of Vancouver says it has converted existing on-street parking into commercial loading zones. The zones facilitate business access for loading and passenger pick-up and drop-off throughout the pilot area.

Despite parking concerns, many Vancouverites are excited about the changes.

“I like it,” one pedestrian told CityNews.

“People have more space to walk, and they don’t have to be careful about cars or anything.”

The pilot runs through the end of August.