Streets & Squares: Meandering Through Gastown

*Small Group Walk - Registration required, limit of 25 participants

Description: Water Street will temporarily be transformed into a pedestrian zone this coming July and August. Join us for a guided walking tour of Gastown, as we explore its vibrant public spaces and envision ways to enhance and support the places that people already cherish.
During this tour, we'll stroll along the iconic Water Street and surrounding streets to uncover Gastown’s key public spaces that support public life. We'll spotlight the recent transformation of Blood Alley Square and make a special stop at Maple Tree Square. Here, ongoing repairs are underway to replace damaged brick pavers and asphalt patches, providing us an opportunity to discuss how pedestrianization can create more welcoming environments for all users, whether they are walking, biking, rolling or gathering.
Throughout our tour, we'll emphasize the importance of stewardship and collaborative partnerships in delivering and maintaining public spaces. We will reflect on the different needs and experiences within Gastown’s public spaces, and how the City is working to create spaces that are safe and inclusive for different communities, including urban Indigenous communities and low-income residents in the Downtown Eastside.

Walk Leader: We are junior staff working at the City of Vancouver on the Gastown Public Spaces project. The City of Vancouver is developing a Gastown Public Spaces Plan to improve streets, laneways and spaces in the area. As part of this work, the City is turning Water Street into a pedestrian zone in July and August. We are working with the local Nations, Gastown Business Improvement Society, community organizations, event organizers, and businesses to create a welcoming experience on Water Street.

Starting place: Where Cordova St and Water St meet, by the trees beside Monaco Cafe.

How to recognize your walk leader(s): We will bring a clipboard with a sign that says "Squares & Streets".

Accessibility Info: Uneven terrain, Busy sidewalks, Breaks offered along the way, Triggering content, Strong odours, Loud noises

Travel Tips: Waterfront Station, off street parking available at Easy Park

This event is taking place as part of the Jane’s Walk Vancouver Festival (May 2-5 2024). Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, citizen-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs. Check out other Jane’s Walks happening this year in Vancouver here. 

We respectfully acknowledge that Jane's Walk takes place on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Host or Publisher Jane's Walk Vancouver (May 2-5, 2024)