City of Vancouver seeks input on new Robson Street plaza

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 StreetinMay, after closing it temporarilyto 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 questionnaireavailableon the project website.
• By tweeting out suggestionsusing 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

Margaret 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 organizationsenjoy using that space for events and gatherings, and we expect that to be true going forward."

Seniors 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 Networksaid those concerns remain primarily because of the proposed rerouting of the No. 5 bus route.

"Many older adults with mobility issues rely heavilyon public transit in the West End and the downtown area," he said.

"This proposed reroute around this is circuitous, it's confusing, itskirts 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 acouncil meeting in April, buthe's "cautiously optimistic" the city will insist they reconsider.