Vancouver, the flirtation with Robson Square has been lovely. So lovely, dare we say, that we think it’s time to put a ring on it.

Director Park in downtown Portland, Oregon. Flickr: p medved.

A public square should be a city’s living room. A place for special occasions, celebrations, and big events, but also a place for day to day life, for gathering and socializing. A public square should be an orientation point; a place to visit; a place to take a moment between comings and goings; a space where we can meet people; and a space where we can be pleasantly surprised. We make spaces into places in our minds and collective imagination, when we have the time to get comfortable with them — as we learn their character, discover their efficiencies and eccentricities peeking out from behind the façades of our daily activities. And yes, we make spaces into places when we get to see them through the cycle of the seasons; or indeed, through the broader cycles of human life. A successful public square needs to be accessible, open to everyone, and open all year round, and we think Robson Square can be this — if we give it more of a chance to truly become a place.

Where’s Vancouver’s public square?

Is Robson Square our city living room? Do we have a safe and comfortable, centrally located public plaza where something is always happening, where we can observe Vancouverites, tourists, office workers, children, parents, grandparents, and everyone else that visits or lives in our city? We may have incredible parks and beaches, lively streets and civic facilities, but do we have a place like Director Park in Portland, Trafalgar Square in London, or Piazza Navona in Rome?

Although Vancouverites are flocking back to the city from the suburbs to live and work, we still appear to flee to the edges, often beyond the suburbs, for our leisure. For public space we’ve been described as a “centrifugal city” – with good spaces on the edge, and the absence of a successful year round gathering space in the city centre.

Robson Square was a very successful focal point during the Olympics, and for the last three years,the square has proven to be a great venue for the Vancouver Jazz Festival, which proves that Robson Square can work well as a public gathering area. More casual programming via summertime seating installations (such as this year’s “Urban Reef”) illustrate how well the space can be used for enhancing the everyday urban experience. Why wouldn’t it? Robson Square is at the heart of downtown Vancouver. It’s a major pedestrian thoroughfare. When VPSN launched the very popular ‘Where’s the Square?’ design competition, Robson Square was a favourite location for the creation of a new ‘grand gathering place’.

Because of the Summer Spaces initiatives and ‘Where’s the Square?’ we know people want to sit, watch, eat and gather in Robson Square. We have seen that some activations, designs and seating seem to work better than others. We know from surveys and polls that the idea is a popular one with many residents. But we also know there are some challenges that need to be looked at. For example, the current lighting and evening business closures make the square less appealing after dark, and that there isn’t much shelter from the weather.

However more important than what we know about Robson Square, is the potential that lies in what we don’t yet know, because Robson Square isn’t open all year round.

There is a whole world of possibilities beyond the celebratory, the economic, the playful, or the casual gathering purposes that serve as the primary point of focus of VIVA Vancouver’s summer programming, that we can only explore when Robson Square is pedestrianized full-time and year-round.

Could Robson Square be a successful public space in the winter?

Vancouver Christmas Market; Flickr: Cara kiwinky

How might Robson Square serve as a platform for ever-important political expression? How might Robson Square function as a site of collective mourning or grief?

Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto inscribed with tributes to NDP leader Jack Layton upon his passing. Flickr: Jackman Chiu.

These are questions we just can’t answer with the way we’re using the space now. Seeing the year around, everyday, and spontaneous use of Robson Square allows us to form the kinds of relationships with people that play a key role in countering, or possibly even overcoming, the disconnection cited by so many Vancouverites (clearly captured by the Vancouver Foundation’s studies and report on loneliness).

Important transit challenges

Robson Square is an important block in Vancouver – for visitors using all modes of transportation. We recognize that restricting car access will have an impact on drivers, passengers, deliveries and other vehicles, and that the complete pedestrianization of the space means requires strengthening alternative vehicle routes with minimal delays. But the benefits of better pedestrian conditions at the heart of downtown Vancouver will be a net benefit for the whole city.

We also know that Robson Square is currently part of an important downtown transit route. A permanently pedestrianized square requires finding alternative transit routes which provide an equal or better transit service. Since summer of 2013, TransLink and the City of Vancouver’s Downtown bus review has been looking at how to improve the entire downtown network, including how Robson Square fits in, and we think viable all year alternatives have been identified.

Could Robson Square accommodate both transit and pedestrian spaces at the same time, while excluding all other vehicles? We have seen many examples that exist around the world of public transit vehicles that are integrated with public spaces, yet we have to see discussions at a deeper level on what this would look like for Robson Square. Robson Square (and the 800-block) has a layout is multi-level, and extremely narrow in places. This makes it quite different than most squares that feature bus or tram routing – and it means that conflicts between transit and pedestrians could be exacerbated. Programming of the 800-block with street-level markets, seating, small events and other popular public space activities would be a challenge, if not impossible.

We are confident that a year round solution that improves transit and public space can be found. More ongoing conversations are clearly needed to learn more, and to ensure that any challenges are properly mitigated. It’s important that we make Robson Square a permanent public space that is accessible and welcoming to everyone.

The City of Vancouver and TransLink’s Downtown Local Bus Service Review embarked in a series of activities to consult the public on its proposals emerging from its second phase of activites, back in April of this year. They have now made available a report on what they heard in the course of that consultation for Phase 2.

(Haven’t heard about the review? This review is meant to address the impacts on bus transit of changes in travel patterns on the downtown peninsula since service was last reviewed as part of the Local Transit Plan in 2005; and to anticipate the effects of proposed projects like the removal of the Dunsmuir Viaduct. The second, most recent phase of consultation involved 3 potential alterations: the first change had two proposed routes involving the 5, 6, and C23 buses; two possible re-routings of the 17 bus; and buses heading to East Vancouver and regional destinations to the east.)

Owing to our interest and the VPSN’s past work in Robson Square, we have been particular interested in the proposed re-routings that seek to take into account ongoing seasonal (and potentially permanent) pedestrianization of the 800-block of Robson.

L-Shaped Loop concept from Downtown Local Bus Review Phase 2 consultation materials.

Here is what the consultation report has to say about what they heard from people on those two proposals:

1. The L-shaped Loop concept received much more support than the Rectangular Loop concept for its enhanced ability to connect neighbourhoods and regions in the downtown to each other. The Rectangular Loop concept, while easy to understand, was said by almost half of respondents (46%) to be worse or much worse than what exists now.
2. Many remain concerned about being able to continue accessing regional rapid transit or the impact of new routes on bus service reliability.
3. The report also highlights concern that pedestrianization of Robson Street impacts access to destinations near Granville and Robson; and that travel times on transit are impacted.

Rectangular Loop concept from Downtown Local Bus Review Phase 2 consultation materials.

We look forward to continuing to follow the City and TransLink’s work on this topic as they perform final evaluations on the concepts they have identified, and put forth their recommendations for implementation to improve bus service.

Relatedly — this weekend’s Vancouver International Jazz Festival activities also serve as a kickoff to the seasonal pedestrianization for Robson Square. The folks at Viva Vancouver will be putting into place Urban Reef, the winning design from this year’s Robson Redux competition. If you are looking for information about how the 5 bus will be affected, here is the information we have on this, as it’s slightly different from years past:

During events at Robson Square, the 05–Robson/Downtown bus will operate via Burrard and Pender Streets. Also, the necessary trolley overhead work has been completed to allow for the new left turn from eastbound Robson Street to northbound Burrard Street. This service change is scheduled to take effect on June 21^st, 2014 and will resume in early September.

Please note that TransLink’s official quarterly service change signage will not be present at affected bus stops until June 23^rd, however there will be temporary event signage for notification of this detour on June 21^st and 22^nd as the 800-Block of Robson Street will be closed for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

You can also download a map showing the re-route.

If you are interested in active transportation (walking, cycling and transit) and its impact on health, take a look at the My Health, My Community survey. It’s a research project involving two regional health authorities (Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health) in collaboration with UBC’s Faculty of Medicine to examine the role community planning plays in our physical health

The My Health My Community survey is an exciting opportunity to learn how our lifestyle, our environment, neighbourhood characteristics and daily interactions affect our health over time.

Their survey is open until June 30 and they are seeking as many and as diverse a range of a participants as possible. Check out their video (embedded below) to learn more and we encourage you to share the survey around. The video is also available on YouTube with Punjabi or Chinese subtitles. (And there is a chance to win a prize for taking the survey too!)

And finally… the big news from late last week was that the Mayor’s Council of TransLink released their vision for the future of regional transportation investment. A lot of interesting and insightful commentary on the plan is out there, both locally and from further afield:

• Frances Bula, Globe & Mail — “B.C. cities approve transit revamp, but funding still unclear“
• Business in Vancouver — “TransLink Mayors’ Council pushes for $7.5-billion transportation plan“
• Andrew Coyne, National Post — “Vancouver’s road pricing proposal a revolutionary fix for gridlock“
• Gordon Price ran a poll on his blog to see how others are feeling about the proposal, and finds that most of us seem pretty optimistic.

Check out the Mayors Council’s vision (involving both what to build and how it will be paid for) online at mayorscouncil.ca. A summary of the process of coming up with the vision and the problems it is trying to address is also available in this video below.

Summer’s here and the weekend is only a few hours away. Weather aside, things are lining up nicely for some seasonal fun in the city’s public realm. Ready, set, go!

A few quick updates about some upcoming activities that you may be interested in:

• Robson Square Summer Plaza – Update on the 800-block!
• Starting July 5 – Lunch Meet! Long Table Action on Abbot Street
• Transportation Plan – Public Space Ideas
• Grandview-Woodland Community Plan
• St. George Street Rainway – Street Mural Painting

Robson Square Summer Plaza – Jazzing up the 800-block is just the beginning!

For the second year in a row, the 800-block of Robson Street, between Hornby and Howe, will be closed to through traffic. Like the Granville Street pedestrian mall around the corner, the expanded Robson Square will play host to a variety of street level activities through to Labour Day.

The closure begins tomorrow, June 23, and coincides with the Jazz Fest (check out their schedule for an awesome selection of free shows at this site and elsewhere). A few weeks hence the installation of Pop Rocks – a very cool outdoor seating installation – will take place. And if that wasn’t enough, look for other fun activities – including VPSN-led laser graffiti, speakers’ corner and public karaoke installations – to animate the space over the coming months.

As many of you know, the VPSN is quite supportive of the expansion of Robson Square. Our survey last summer saw an overwhelming number of people support the creation of a larger public gathering area in this space… and the current closure gives us yet another opportunity to see how the space supports public life in the city.

That being said, we know that there are a lot of different opinions on the space… and we want to hear your side of things too. To this end, we’ll be doing some evaluation work throughout the summer.

Please take a moment to let us know what you think of the expanded space. Send your photos, ideas, thoughts, concerns and ideas our way – we want to hear from you!

:: Feedback – robsonsquare [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Starting July 5 – Lunch Meet! Long Table Action on Abbott Street

And speaking of street closures… can we invite you to lunch in July? LUNCH MEET is a new City-sponsored initiative that we’re running every Thursday of the month. The 300-block of Abbott Street will be transformed into a place for people, with a long table and music provided by local artists. Grab a bite to eat from a local business, food cart or bring your own lunch and meet a neighbour, friend or work colleague.

The event kicks off on July 5th and we’re looking for a team of volunteers to help with event-related activities. Most volunteer tasks are 1 hour in duration, and would take place from 10:30 am to 2pm.

:: Lend a hand – contact adam [at] vancouverpublicspace [dot] ca

Transportation 2040 Plan – Public Space Ideas

The City is in the process of updating their Transportation Plan. The new policy document, called Transportation 2040, will provide a vision for the next 30 years and guide transportation decision-making for the next 15 years.

The draft document has been released, and the City is looking for feedback on a range of ideas – everything from improvements to pedestrian areas, bike lanes, public transport and more. This is a great opportunity to weigh on a number of important ideas.

Among other things, there’s a chance to have your say on a few aspects specifically focused on public space. Including a series of strategies and actions around

• Enabling and encouraging creative uses of the street; and
• Creating public plazas and gathering spaces throughout the city.

You can read more on these and other ideas on the City’s webpage (see below). There’s also a survey you can complete in order to share your feedback.

Stay tuned for a VPSN event on these items as well. We’ve got a small event in the works right now and will be announcing details shortly.

:: City of Vancouver Transportation 2040 webpage

:: VPSN Transportation 2040 Activities – Info – quinn [at] vancouverpublicspace [dot] ca

Grandview-Woodland Community Plan

Are you a resident of the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood? Like to hang out on the Drive? Work in the hood?

Anyone interested in the future of G-W is invited to lend their voice to the Community Plan work that’s going on in the neighbourhood right now. There’s a Community Questionnaire and photo contest that is running through to the end of next week. Among the themes of planning work – public space (including parks, streetscapes and more).

:: City of Vancouver Grandview-Woodland Community Plan webpage

St. George Street Rainway – Street Mural Painting

The St. George Street Rainway Committee, the False Creek Watershed Society, the City of Vancouver Viva program and the Mount Pleasant Elementary School have partnered to create a street mural painting party and you are invited!

The community was consulted on the creation of this mural at various events and by door-to-door surveys (see a sample of this beautiful mural on the right!). Preliminary design work will happen on the 27th and on the 28th in the morning. Please join us on June 28 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM to paint the mural. The party will go from 6:00 – 8:00! Location: St.George Street, between E. 7^th and E 8^th Ave

:: More info – Shahirastgeorgerainway [at] gmail.com or City

Impromptu Water Display at David Lam Park

Poor David Lam Park can’t cut a break.

As we speak, half of David Lam Park’s main field (and with it: most of it’s functionality) is closed off due to construction of BC Hydro’s City Central Transmission Project. The park is the staging ground for drilling and installation of a crossing beneath False Creek that will connect a new substation in Mount Pleasant to ones downtown. Unfortunately, the work site isn’t even conveniently taking up one side of the field; it’s sort of awkwardly placed right in the middle of it. Construction is scheduled to be completed by early June, followed by the re-planting of sod and trees. I’ve been told that the annual outdoor Jazz Festival concert at David Lam Park will still take place at the end of June, whether crews are still on site or not. Festival organizers are adamant about keeping the space and will work around the construction zone if they have to.

It pains me to see a recently restored park get dug up like this time and time again. Just a year ago David Lam Park was the site of LiveCity Yaletown for the Olympics. During that time, the unsuspecting grass field was transformed into a (fenced) celebratory plaza of sorts, anchored by the monstrous Coca-Cola, Panasonic, and Samsung pavilions, and fueled by nightly concerts. But even before the Olympics began the park was closed for an extended period to get all of it ready.

And once it was all over, we did our best to remove those giant muddy footprints and return the park to its former self. In doing so, we were able to have it summer-ready for more inclusive annual events like the Jazz Festival and outdoor movie screenings. The volleyball leagues and pick-up soccer games came and went. We were even able to band together on a cold November morning and create a human art installation visible from a freakin’ satellite! There was a slight hiccup when hopes for a community garden didn’t materialize but that’s okay. All was well again.

But I guess I spoke too soon. I hope that BC Hydro can keep to their construction schedule because I’d just like my park back. I’m sure it misses just being a park too.