Can Vancouver’s New Granville Street Plan Succeed Where Others Have Failed?

For decades, Vancouver has tried — and failed — to transform Granville Street into a vibrant, welcoming downtown destination. Now, the city is trying again.

On Wednesday, Vancouver city council unanimously approved a 20-year plan to revitalize Granville Street with major changes: the eventual removal of vehicle traffic, creation of a pedestrian-focused public space at Robson, and replacement of aging SROs with new rental and social housing.

“This is about imagining a modernized Granville,” said Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung. “A place people visit not just at night, but during the day — not just on weekends, but throughout the week.”

The plan, estimated to cost between $90 million and $140 million, includes a six-year window before any vehicle restrictions take effect. Buses would eventually be rerouted to Seymour and Howe streets.

Why This Plan Might Work

City officials point to lessons learned from past pedestrian pilots on streets like Yew and Water — although both saw setbacks. In contrast, Granville’s new plan includes both long-term infrastructure upgrades and short-term improvements like street cleaning, public art, and improved furniture.

Kirby-Yung stressed the need for both bold capital investments and immediate fixes to make the space feel safer and more welcoming in the near term.

A Street With a Long, Tough History

Attempts to remake Granville date back to at least the 1970s. But its mix of nightclubs, aging buildings, social challenges, and competing interests has repeatedly made it difficult to execute lasting change.

“It’s probably the most complex urban space downtown,” said former Vancouver city planner Brent Toderian. “It’s not that people didn’t try hard — it’s just very hard to do well.”

What’s Next?

Over the next five years, the city will focus on arts programming, pilot pedestrian zones, and securing redevelopment partnerships. Full vehicle removal is still years away, but Toderian says early wins could build momentum.

“If the first phase succeeds, it gives the city the confidence to accelerate change,” he said. “But you can’t just take things away — you have to add value. This needs to be a place people love.”

Whether this plan can finally achieve that remains to be seen.