City of Vancouver seeks input on new Robson Street plaza
City council voted to permanently close the 800-block of Robson in May
What do you think a new, permanent public space on Robson Street should look like?
That's what the City of Vancouver wants to know as it launches its #VIVARobson consultations on the future of the plaza between the Vancouver Art Gallery and the law courts.
City council voted to permanently close the one-block stretch of Robson Street in May, after closing it temporarily to traffic during the summer months for the past six years.
The consultation is taking place from Sept. 8 to Oct. 2. People can provide feedback in several ways:
- Through an online questionnaire available on the project website.
- By tweeting out suggestions using the hashtag #VIVARobson
- In person on Sept. 15 from noon to 6:30 p.m. at 800 Robson Street.
- By email at vivarobson@vancouver.ca
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vivarobson?src=hash">#vivarobson</a> making me think about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash">#space</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/community?src=hash">#community</a> on my way to work this morning! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/robsonsquare?src=hash">#robsonsquare</a> <a href="https://t.co/xlRS2d3wCl">pic.twitter.com/xlRS2d3wCl</a>
—@AmpVancouverMargaret Wittgens, director for public space and street use, says the city is looking for feedback on a number of aspects of the project, including how to keep people dry in the space during winter.
"We know as people who live in a climate that can be quite lovely, but also rainy, that people like to enjoy space outdoors year-round," Wittgens said.
Other considerations include programming and design for the space.
"Understanding how the space is managed and stewarded going forward is a very important part of the planning and design process," she said.
"We also know that many partners and organizations enjoy using that space for events and gatherings, and we expect that to be true going forward."
Great turn out at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FUSE?src=hash">#FUSE</a> on Robson at <a href="https://twitter.com/VanArtGallery">@VanArtGallery</a>. Live music weaving magic! <a href="http://t.co/AT2V8frCON">pic.twitter.com/AT2V8frCON</a>
—@Viva_VanSeniors remain concerned
Seniors in Vancouver's West End expressed concern about the closure when council made its decision in May.
Anthony Kupferschmidt, executive director of the West End Seniors Network said those concerns remain — primarily because of the proposed rerouting of the No. 5 bus route.
"Many older adults with mobility issues rely heavily on public transit in the West End and the downtown area," he said.
"This proposed reroute around this is circuitous, it's confusing, it skirts around many of the important destinations."
Wittgens said the city plans to consult with groups like the West End seniors as part of the consultation process.
Kupferschmidt said TransLink presented the proposed rerouting of the bus as a fait accompli at a council meeting in April, but he's "cautiously optimistic" the city will insist they reconsider.