Gastown Pedestrian Pilot

June 2025 Update

Thank you for your patience as the City transitions toward the pedestrian pilot this summer.

The City of Vancouver is supporting another summer of excitement in Gastown by testing public space and transportation changes that will help shape future upgrades and programming in the neighbourhood. From June to September, here are some of the things you will see happening in your neighbourhood:  

  • Weekly Sunday Water Street pedestrian zone 
  • Public space enhancements on Water Street 
  • Improved neighbourhood access with two-way Cordova Street 
 

What to expect on Water Street on Sundays:

  • Starting June 15 until August 31st, Water Street will be car-free on Sundays from 10 am – 6 pm, between Richards and Columbia streets. 
  • Traffic control setup is expected to begin shortly before 10 am and removal at 6 pm. This will take about 15 minutes. The City will be monitoring this approach and may make adjustments as needed.  
  • Local access to laneways for residents and businesses on the north side of Water Street will be allowed at Abbott Street and Cambie Street 
  • Access to the EasyPark parkade from the Water Street entrance will not be permitted on Sundays (10 am – 6pm). Please use the Cordova Street entrance during this time. On Sundays, EasyPark will provide access to the gated compounds through the Cordova Street entrance. If you have additional questions, please inquire directly at [email protected]. 
 
For more details around traffic, parking and loading, transit, and cycling please read the City’s community notification letter here.  

May 2025 Update: Two-way Cordova Street – what to expect

Starting on May 25, Cordova Street will become two-way for vehicle traffic between Richards Street and Gore Avenue. This change will support public space enhancements on Water Street, car-free Pedestrian Zone Sundays, and improve access for residents, service providers and visitors.    
 

In addition to signage for vehicles, the City will install pedestrian level signs at Cordova Street intersections and mid-block crossings to communicate the new traffic patterns to people walking in the area. 

On Saturday, May 24th, to prepare for two-way activation at 4am on May 25th, Cordova will be fully closed overnight from Granville to Gore starting at 8pm. Traffic control will begin setting up at 7pm.   
  • When operationally feasible, intersections will be kept open to allow resident and business patron access (north/south only). 
  • Side street restrictions below:  
    • Homer St: Closed from Hastings to Cordova 
    • Cambie St: Closed from laneway between Hastings & Cordova to Water St 
    • Abbott St: Closed from laneway between Hastings & Cordova to Blood Alley 
    • Carrall St: Closed from laneway between Hastings & Cordova to Water St 
    • Columbia St: Closed between the laneways north & south of Cordova 
    • Main St: North/south access permitted. 
    • Gore Ave: North/south access permitted. 
  • Buses will be detoured from Seymour to Columbia onto Hastings. Buses will be able to head northbound on Columbia to turn right onto Cordova. 

Public Washrooms Coming Fall 2025

Installation of two new public washrooms in Gastown and the Downtown Eastside will begin later this fall at the following locations:

  • Powell Street at Main Street
  • Abbott Street at Water Street

The City aim to have both locations open to the public by the end of the year (2025) to address critical need in the neighbourhood, improve safety and hygiene in the area, enhance visitor experience and better support community events.