Vancouver to introduce temporary pop-up plazas and parklets

The City of Vancouver has announced that pop-up plazas and temporary parklets will be installed across the city.

The initiative is meant “to help residents safely return to community life” and provide additional space for everyday activities in an outdoor setting.

Plazas are being designed with temporary seating to “give people the opportunity to eat, visit, rest, and enjoy the weather while maintaining a safe distance from others,” according to the City.

The first pop-up plaza is being installed at 27th Avenue and Fraser Street.

The City is currently working with local Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) and neighbourhoods so that more plazas can be installed. The plazas will also have a partner who “acts to steward” and match the space specifically with each neighbourhood.

Anyone who uses the plazas is asked to share their feedback so that the City can improve them over time and determine if they should remain post-pandemic.

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Temporary parklets are also being installed in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Five locations have been designated so far and are located next to local services and partner organizations such as the Vancouver Coastal Health Clinic and Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre.

The parklets are meant to provide safe outdoor spaces for DTES residents as more services reopen.

Earlier this month, crews began rolling out “slow streets” across Vancouver in an effort to provide more room for residents to walk, cycle, and practice physical distancing.

The City says that these initiatives are part of recovery efforts to help businesses and people adapt to the ongoing pandemic.