WHAT’S THE PLAN FOR OUR HIGH STREETS?
The Future of the Robson-Denman-Davie Horseshoe

Temporary patios could give way to permanent parklets on Denman Street

by John Streit
(click images to enlarge)

When you walk or roll down the three main commercial streets of the West End next time, really take a hard look down and around and you may notice they’re a little frazzled around the edges. Sidewalks buckling or outright crumbling on Robson, exposed tree stumps and loose paving stones on Denman and unfriendly car-focused intersections on Davie, where you’d better hustle if you’re walking or rolling, or else. You also have ageing infrastructure, broken or long-removed street furniture and lifeless corners which could use some snazzy seating or a colourful mural.

With more than 50,000 people now living in the West End and countless more visitors from other parts of Metro Vancouver and around the world walking, rolling, busing, or driving to our neighbourhood to experience its sights, sounds and flavours, portions of these three high streets are set to get a makeover as part of the West End Community Plan (WECP).

Sidewalk falling apart on Denman at Pendrell

The City of Vancouver (COV) says it’s just wrapped up a public consultation process via the “Shape Your City” webpage, an online survey, and four on-street pop-up events in the community. You may have seen the posters, flyers and postcards. City staff will now look over what you had to offer. “The Downtown Public Space Strategy: Places for People (2020) and the Vancouver Plan (2022) built on the WECP, exploring the potential to create people-first streets, and the potential for the West End’s commercial streets to serve as an inclusive, attractive and walking-friendly ‘Downtown Loop’. Guided by this wider policy direction, we are working with the community to explore ideas around how the West End’s commercial streets can better support residents, businesses and visitors to get around, shop, relax and spend time together,” the City wrote in response to TWEJ’s questions.

So what portions are included in the proposed changes?

“We are exploring opportunities in Davie Village (between the Jervis and Burrard intersections) and Robson Village (east of Jervis Street) over the next few years. In the longer term, we aim to explore enhancements along Denman Street and the western sections of Davie and Robson streets. This phased approach respects the size and complexity of these street environments, and the importance of collaboration with our partners and stakeholders,” the City said.

Map of West End commercial streets (*courtesy City of Vancouver*)

An interactive City of Vancouver storymap shows some of the many ideas for public spaces being discussed for Robson, Davie and Denman. For example, Davie Village already has multi-coloured lights strung up and down both sides of the street, patios, parklets, painted planters, and Jim Deva Plaza. Further enhancements could include improved accessibility, additional public seating, and safe opportunities to cross mid-block — like between Bute and Thurlow or Jervis and Bute (where people already do it illegally everyday). Widened sidewalks at bus stops, new e-scooter, e-bike and bike parking, and more space for public art and trees are also being considered. The City is thinking of installing special signage to create a “sense of arrival” at Davie and Burrard, and using things like decorative lighting to celebrate the “heart” of Davie Village’s unique character.

Over at Robson Village, the sidewalks have some of the highest pedestrian volumes in the downtown core. This is where the City is considering “strengthening the connection” between Bute-Robson Plaza (this needs a new name, right?) and the newly-refurbished šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (the first word is pronounced shh-t-le-nuc, the second whhot-luh-unk) in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Similar to Davie Village, the ideas being considered here are mid-block safe crossing spots, widened sidewalks, and improved accessibility.

Example of mid-block crossing (*courtesy City of Vancouver*)

Denman Village is going to see the most changes over the next few years. Between Haro and Barclay Streets, the massive West End Community Renewal Plan will eventually lead to a brand-new community centre, library, high school, ice rink and maybe even a fire hall. Vehicle traffic will dry up further on Comox from Cardero to Denman if the Comox Safe School Street pilot becomes permanent year-round. Expect Denman’s narrow sidewalks to be widened, and even more patios as restaurants utilize the extra space allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City of Vancouver elaborated further on possible “targeted enhancements” of our main streets, which include “outdoor spaces to sit, relax or eat together, a safer and more comfortable experience for people of all ages and abilities walking and rolling, a more comfortable experience for using the bus network, and opportunities to celebrate local identity and character.”

The West End Journal (TWEJ) asked if active mobility or separated bike lanes for Davie, Denman and Robson are in play here. “We are reaching out to the community to better understand their experience getting to and from the West End’s commercial streets now, including on foot, by bike or using transit. The Vancouver Plan (2022) highlights the importance of low-cost, healthy ways of getting around. This is echoed in the City’s Transportation 2040 (2012) strategy, which includes policies to deliver a walking and cycling environment that is safe, convenient and enjoyable for everyone. Potential enhancements to the West End commercial streets are an opportunity to achieve some of the aims shared in the Transportation 2040 strategy and Vancouver Plan, while also balancing the needs of businesses and residents along these streets,” the City said in reply to our query.

The West End Business Improvement Association (BIA) has been very much involved in the discussions with the City about changes to Denman, Robson and Davie.

“Now nearing a decade since the West End Community Plan was adopted, the West End BIA is keen to see important investments made into public realm improvements and community amenity infrastructure projects, as originally intended, for the benefit of the businesses, residents and visitors,” according to their executive director Teri Smith.

There are some specific changes local businesses would like to see according to Smith. “The West End BIA supports improvements that activate and enliven our streets and positively contribute to overall neighbourhood vibrancy. For instance, exploring opportunities to widen sidewalks to support improved comfort and safety, as well as a variety of private patios and public seating options, in addition to creating a cohesive look and feel for each street through elements such as coordinated furniture, landscaping, colour selection, and effective lighting programs,” Smith said.

Not all civic change is welcomed. There’s been a love/hate relationship for some with the Jim Deva Plaza, which has seen its share of street disorder. The Bute-Robson Plaza is seeing conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians. And let’s not even get going on the Beach Avenue Bikeway. When asked what changes the West End BIA would like to see avoided, Smith pointed to the delicate balance of public space, particularly around road use.

“There are many public space constraints and competing needs, so striking the right balance with any proposed changes will be challenging,” Smith recognized. “I think we need to be mindful of ensuring that the West End is safe, accessible and inclusive for everyone and for all modes of transport. Of particular interest will be any changes that restrict access to and within the West End, and discussions around parking,” added Smith.

As the responses to its public engagement process are digested, the COV says you can expect improvements to our main commercial streets fairly quickly. “With community and stakeholder support, we would like to begin delivering enhancements in Davie Village within the next couple of years. Around Robson Village, we are working towards building the permanent Bute-Robson Plaza next year. After this is complete, and with community and stakeholder support, we hope to begin delivering enhancements within Robson Village,” the City said.

West End businesses may have had it better than others across the country during the height of the pandemic due to our dense population, repeat and devoted customers, and the ability to adjust — but it hasn’t been easy for some.

Smith said some stores are still facing various compounding pressures while still recovering from the pandemic.

“The cost of doing business has risen significantly and many are still experiencing labour shortages and supply chain issues. On top of it all, issues of crime and public safety have increased, impacting businesses, not just within the West End, but across the city and the province. Despite these challenges, I’m constantly amazed by the resiliency of our small businesses and their ability to adapt and survive. We’ve seen an influx of many new businesses into the West End over the past year, which is a positive indicator for the neighbourhood. The West End community is a strong supporter of our businesses and one of the main reasons many are still open to service the neighbourhood today.”

WE ASKED - AND YOU TOLD US

What changes would you like to see to Denman, Robson and Davie?

Carrie60: Clean up Denman. It’s filthy. Require business/owners to power wash outdoor seating areas.
Anibyl: Bus 23 is merely adequate for the area, and is out of capacity every time it's a sunny day, or god forbid there's a public event.
Robyvr: West of Denman left lane isn't fully used as lanes to bridge must merge if N/B causeway is 1 lane. Change design & reduce backups.
Nathan H: Two bus-only lanes since 5 bus is one of the busiest Translink routes. Remove all street parking and reallocate the road space to widen sidewalks and add a protected bike lane. Sidewalk is way too narrow for volume of pedestrians, and constant traffic makes this a less enjoyable place to eat on a patio or go shopping. No more traffic noise will make the shopping area and community more vibrant.
Erin Kelly: Would love to see a cleaner West End and less mega high-rises being approved. Fall leaves still haven’t been removed from some streets. Think we are good on parklets, crosswalks and bike lanes. Would like to see a return to being able to drive out of Stanley Park - not just from Georgia Street.
CBoon: Active transportation lanes on Robson and Davie. Bike couriers need these so they can stop using the sidewalk! I also bypass Robson every day on my way home on my bike and never shop unless I'm walking because I take Haro instead because it's safer.