BIA touts a new vision for Granville Street
The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association has released their new vision for Granville Street.
The vision was prepared by placemaking consultancy firm Resonance Co. for the Downtown Vancouver BIA, which represents 7,000 businesses and property owners in the central 90-block area of the downtown core.
Granville Street has been struggling in recent years, hastened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Retail vacancies have nearly doubled in the past decade, with 16 per cent of retail spaces vacant in 2020, compared to nine per cent in 2010.
There is also a perception of high crime levels. A survey conducted as part of the vision found that Granville Street is now perceived as the most insecure area in downtown Vancouver for both locals and tourists.
The report makes several recommendations, including:
- connecting Granville Street to existing cycling and pedestrian networks, and future improvements to the Granville Street Bridge
- explore alternative transit routes in order to narrow the street and slow down traffic
- encourage a more walkable environment with restaurant patios and outdoor programming
- greening the street through a pocket park initiative
- work with BC Housing to improve the living conditions of SROs along the street
