Stanley Park will reopen to vehicles again after board vote, but for one lane only

The Vancouver Park Board has voted to ease traffic restrictions in Stanley Park, meaning cars will soon be allowed to return but not with the same level of access as before.

Board commissioners voted in the early hours of Friday for a plan to reopen just one lane of park traffic for cars. Theother lane will be a separated bike lane.

The 5-2 decision came after an hours-long emergency meeting Thursday that stretched well past midnight.

More than 100people were registered to speak at themeeting, which wascalled by NPA commissioners Tricia Barker and John Coupar,who askedthatthe park be opened the way it was before the COVID-19 pandemicwithout aseparated bike lane.

The seawall was closed to cyclists in early April to prevent crowding and encourage physical distancing. Cyclists were diverted to Stanley Park Drive which circles the park and the road was, in turn, closed to all vehicle traffic. Park board staff and some people accessing local facilities and businesses were granted exceptions.

Those calling for cars to return Thursday said accessibility and parking were major concerns. Some members of the public who spoke in favour of a total reopening said they worrieda single car lane would create a traffic "log jam," while others questioned whether a split-lane system would hinder access for emergency vehicles.

Businesses have also raised concerns about a drop in customers if vehicle access was not restored in full.