BURST
No cars, just fun and football.
The stretch of Granville Street between Georgia and Davie streets in downtown Vancouver will be turned into a traffic-free, pedestrian only zone for the duration of the World Cup this summer.
From June 11 to July 20, five blocks of the bustling urban street will be closed to vehicle traffic to allow for expanded patios and public seating, featuring rows of vendors and food options, along with live music and interactive cultural exhibits.
It will also serve as a pilot program of sorts, as the city looks at the long-term vision of turning it into a permanent pedestrianized street.
“Being a host city is a unique opportunity to create lasting memories together as a community,” said Jane Talbot, president and CEO of Downtown Van. “Through this initiative, we’re inviting Vancouverites to come downtown and experience the energy of the World Cup firsthand. Join us in the Granville Entertainment District to be part of the excitement and celebrate the pride and spirit of our city.”
Cross-streets, including Robson, Smithe, Nelson and Helmcken, will remain open to vehicle traffic throughout the pedestrian zone, and emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times.
TransLink buses that normally operate on Granville Street will be rerouted to Seymour and Howe streets, and use new bus lanes that will be instituted for the duration of the pedestrian zone. Details on the routes will be released in the coming weeks.
The set-up for the area begins the first week of June, and the street will then reopen to vehicle traffic July 21.