Granville Street: A Glimpse of Hope

Spend any time in downtown Vancouver, and it quickly becomes clear: Granville Street holds a particular significance for the city. Stretching in a northeast-southwest direction, it begins—or ends, depending on your perspective—at the Burrard Inlet near Waterfront Station and runs the length of the downtown peninsula. From there, it crosses the Granville Street Bridge to the mainland. Today, however, our focus remains firmly on its downtown stretch.

Potential future of the Entertainment Core sub-area in 20 years

Historically, Granville Street has been Vancouver’s beating heart of entertainment, arts, and culture. Landmarks such as the Orpheum Theatre, the Commodore Ballroom, and the Vogue Theatre have long drawn crowds, and even today, on weekend nights, the street comes alive with young Vancouverites in search of nightlife and excitement.

But visit Granville Street during the day, and the transformation is striking. The vibrant, colorful energy evaporates, revealing a street that feels markedly different—quiet, somewhat desolate, and noticeably less inviting. It’s as if Granville Street wears two faces: one bright and exuberant after dark, the other somber and weary under the sun.

It looks sad, doesn't it?

Personally, when heading toward Yaletown from Robson Street, I tend to avoid Granville Street altogether. It simply doesn’t offer a pleasant experience. While I don’t necessarily feel in immediate danger, there is a distinct sense of unease that compels me to stay alert. Adding to this atmosphere is the sight of numerous shuttered storefronts—a puzzling sight for what is supposed to be a historic cultural corridor. Why, one wonders, aren't businesses clamoring to set up shop here?

Shouldn't this be a prime spot for businesses?

It's not unexpected to run into scenes like this

Yet, despite its current struggles, there is reason for optimism. The City of Vancouver has launched the Granville Street Plan, an ambitious project aimed at revitalizing the area over the next two decades. Now in its third phase, the draft plan is set to be finalized through spring and summer of 2025, with implementation beginning shortly thereafter.

The vision is bold. According to the city’s proposal, the plan seeks to reinvent Granville Street as a "world-class art and entertainment destination," building on its historic legacy. A blend of live music venues, performance spaces, hotels, and elevated dining options will anchor a vibrant cultural hub. Over time, the district is expected to feature a pedestrianized high street, a safe and high-quality public realm, and a calendar full of events and celebrations—ensuring the area remains lively both day and night.

Public engagement efforts have been extensive. In February 2025, the City conducted a series of open houses, workshops, information sessions, online surveys, and even a youth walking tour. The results are encouraging:

• Strong overall support for the proposed directions
• High enthusiasm for live performance, cultural, and entertainment activities
• Continued concerns about safety and cleanliness
• Solid backing for mixed-use development, particularly in the 800 and 1200 blocks
• Strong support for creating a pedestrian-friendly zone

A sketch taken from the Granville Street Draft plan document.
These sketches are for illustrative purposes and do not directly represent any specific locations.

The proposed plan includes a major change to Granville Street’s skyline. It suggests rezoning the corridor—mainly between Robson and Drake Streets—to allow high-rise developments up to 400 feet (121 meters) tall. Currently, the maximum permitted height in this area is just 90 feet (27 meters), making this a striking leap. I’m not an urban planner by any means, but when I hear about such towering buildings, I can’t help but feel a twinge of concern. My heart leans toward neighborhoods filled with trees, greenery, and a more human-scale architecture—places where shorter buildings create a livelier, more inviting streetscape, rather than walls of concrete looming overhead.

That said, there is an element of the plan that genuinely excites me. One of the central proposals is the transformation of Granville Street into a year-round pedestrian zone. Of course, such a major shift won’t happen overnight. Over the next decade, the city plans to introduce temporary pedestrian-only periods—such as closing the street to vehicles during the summer months—and carefully study the outcomes. If these pilot programs prove successful, the ultimate vision is to permanently pedestrianize Granville Street, creating a dynamic and welcoming public space.

Potential future of the Bridgehead sub-area in 20 years

If you’re curious to learn more about the upcoming changes, you can find the full details in the City of Vancouver’s Granville Street Plan here.

Granville Street’s next chapter is still being written, but the foundation for a remarkable revival is being carefully laid. If successful, it could reclaim its rightful place not just as a nighttime destination, but as a true cultural artery pulsing through downtown Vancouver—day and night alike.