Businesses in Vancouver’s Gastown are facing significant losses in revenue due to ongoing construction in the area. The City of Vancouver initiated a $10-million construction project in Gastown as part of its capital plan to revitalize the area. The construction work, which began approximately two months ago, includes interim repairs at Maple Tree Square, such as replacing damaged brick and asphalt patches with new brick pavers. However, the ongoing construction has hindered businesses in the area, with the Gastown Business Improvement Society reporting significant revenue losses amounting to approximately $5 million over a 10-week period.
The Gastown BIA executive director, Wally Wargolet, expressed concern over the impact of the construction on businesses, stating that many are reaching a “breaking point” and facing half a million dollars in losses per week. While businesses understand the long-term benefits of turning Water Street into a car-free area during the summer months for tourism, they are worried about the lack of parking hindering local shoppers. Businesses are also questioning the City of Vancouver’s support for public sanitation issues in Gastown and how upcoming street closures in the summer months will further affect them. The city aims to address concerns by implementing signage to guide visitors to Gastown and providing grant investments for free parking initiatives.
Vancouver Coun. Peter Meiszner acknowledged the challenges faced by businesses in Gastown due to the ongoing construction but assured that the city is working to address these concerns. The city has put up signage to encourage people to visit the neighbourhood and is focusing on the upcoming pilot of turning Water Street into a car-free area during the summer months, which will include programming, seating, and patios. Despite the current road repairs causing disruptions, the city believes that the pilot project will lead to a great summer for Gastown. The permanent design for the area, as part of the Gastown Public Spaces Plan, is still being developed following public consultation, and the city is reviewing options to move forward.
The Gastown Business Improvement Society, representing over 600 retail stores in Gastown, is advocating for more support from the City of Vancouver to mitigate the impact of ongoing construction on local businesses. Businesses in Gastown are facing challenges with the lack of parking, sanitation issues, and potential risks associated with upcoming street closures during the summer months. Despite concerns, the city is working to provide assistance through initiatives such as signage and grant investments for free parking. With a focus on the upcoming pilot project of turning Water Street into a car-free area for July and August, the city aims to attract tourism and revitalize the area while acknowledging the current difficulties faced by businesses.
The construction project in Gastown, part of the city’s 2023-2026 capital plan, has caused significant revenue losses for businesses in the area. The ongoing construction work, which began two months ago with repairs at Maple Tree Square, has hindered businesses in Gastown, with the Gastown Business Improvement Society reporting around $5 million in lost revenue over a 10-week period. Despite challenges, the city is working on signage initiatives and grant investments to support local businesses during this period of road repairs. With the upcoming pilot project of turning Water Street into a car-free area, the city aims to attract tourism and revitalize Gastown, while also addressing concerns raised by businesses regarding parking, sanitation, and upcoming street closures.
