After 11 years of bringing you local reporting, the team behind the Vancouver Observer has moved on to Canada's National Observer. You can follow Vancouver culture reporting over there from now on. Thank you for all your support over the years!

Mayor Robertson to Support Creative New Patio Spaces, Permanent Parklets and Craft Carts

City recommends pilot program that could see up to 30 new patios in parking spaces; new mobile vending carts.

Vancouver parklet on West 4th Avenue
A parklet on West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano. Photo courtesy the City of Vancouver.

Mayor Gregor Robertson will support a report coming to Council on Tuesday that will see an expansion of parklets and patios in public spaces, including in parking spaces.
The report proposes two new pilot programs: expanding patios into parking spaces, and introducing mobile vending craft carts in partnership with the Craft Council of BC to Vancouver streets for Spring 2017. The report also recommends the popular pilot Parklet Program be made permanent.

"Vancouver's long, gorgeous summers are prime for enjoying our vibrant and fun outdoor spaces and culture," ” says Mayor Gregor Robertson.

"Street parklets, patios and craft carts are a fantastic way to support local businesses and encourage Vancouverites to spend more time enjoying our amazing neighbourhoods. I look forward to these projects coming to life this summer and exploring new ways to activate our public spaces for all residents and visitors to enjoy.”

City staff are proposing a three year pilot that could see up to ten patios per year be approved, allowing businesses to place their patios into parking spaces, lending more room for pedestrians, and giving space-crunched businesses the opportunity to expand their patio when a sidewalk one isn't possible.

The City has already approved over 550 patios - 300 of which are licensed - and is working with residents, local business and community groups to continually improve the quality breadth of the patio program. In 2013, the City launched a successful p program for extended summer patio hours until 12:00am and, as a result of low noise complaints, this year the City has extended the program for eligible businesses to stay open until 1:00am.

After five years as a pilot program, staff are also recommending that the Parklet Program be made permanent. Parklets typically take over parking spaces with benches, tables, chairs, landscaping and bike parking.

Administered through the City, Parklet Program applicants are responsible for the costs of creating and maintaining the Parklet, and showing community support for the space.

Existing Parklets in Vancouver are:

 

  • Urban Pasture – Robson Street near Burrard Street
  • Sunny Slopes –West 4th Avenue near Cypress Street
  • Commercial Drive – Commercial Drive at East 4th Avenue
  • Parallel Park - East 14th Avenue at Main street
  • French Quarter – East 21st Avenue at Main Street
  • Hot Tubs – East 44th Avenue at Fraser Street

More in News

Views from a refugee camp: Who gets into heaven?

I have just returned to Vancouver Island from Greek refugee camps where I met a Yazidi man named Jason who told me about his escape from ISIS in Iraq.   His story begins on a desert road where a...

Vancouver's bicycle sharing grows as 15 new stations installed

Mobi bicycle by Shaw Go in Vancouver. Photo by Christopher Porter from Flickr Creative Commons

International Women's Day Concert celebrates female musicians who turned tragedy into triumph

Every March 8, on International Women's Day, we hear about the achievements of brilliant, talented women around the world. But how often do we learn about the physical and mental disabilities or...
Speak up about this article on Facebook or Twitter. Do this by liking Vancouver Observer on Facebook or following us @Vanobserver on Twitter. We'd love to hear from you.