The streets and lanes of Gastown, a  historically and culturally significant neighbourhood in downtown Vancouver, is set to undergo change as a part of the City?s Transportation 2040 Plan.

The Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) commissioned architecture firm ph5 to complete the Urban Design Study as a way to look at how Gastown could become more usable and livable for business members, workers, residents, and visitors.

The last time Gastown was re-imagined was in the 1970s when many of the heritage markers were introduced, such as 9-ball light fixtures, red brick pavers and bollards and chains. 
Commissioned by the GBIS in 2019, the UDS has five main recommendations in its action plan:

    Traffic-calm Gastown
    Improve the quality and cohesion of the public realm     Redistribute Street/Sidewalk ratio
    Provide areas for public gathering
    Develop pedestrian networks

Another idea in the UDS is the activation and animation of Gastown?s alleyways. Historically, these alleys were active areas of commerce ?beer parlours, horse stables, a broom manufacturer. The study suggests giving all of these spaces names, consolidating garbage collection to a central transfer station, and adding lighting.

Currently, a few restaurants have entrances off the alleyways, such as Tacofino and Gringo?s, and businesses could be encouraged to have garage-type doors to restore the  area’s historical warehouse feel.
The GBIS also launched i...