Vancouver’s Gastown re-opens with no cars, enhanced First Nations touch

Mina Kerr-Lazenby Local Journalism Initiative reporter NORTH SHORE NEWS

The historic Vancouver neighbourhood of Gastown has been given a pedestrian-only rejuvenation and a design makeover that nods to the area’s Indigenous history.

On July 4, the Sḵwx̱wu7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) joined the City of Vancouver in reopening Water Street and kicking off its pedestrianized pilot.

Maple Tree Square to Cambie Street. will be open to local traffic only while Maple Tree Square and Water Street from Cambie to Richards Street will be car-free until the end of August, with the area set to host expanded patios with more seating, stalls, live performance and events.

Beyond going car-free, an overhaul to the street’s aesthetics includes Indigenous artwork, storytelling boards and signs paying homage to the culture and history of the three, host First Nations.

“We have been out of sight and out of mind on our own lands, for far too long,” said Sxwixwtn (Wilson Williams) Squamish Nation elected council member. “Lekleki (Gastown) is one of the most historic neighbourhoods in K’emk’emelay̓ (Vancouver), but until now, has not reflected the deep connection local Indigenous peoples have to the area.”

Bringing a splash of vibrant culture and colour to the area are planter art wraps crafted by elementary school-aged Squamish Nation children from Xwemélch’stn Etsimxwawtxw (Capilano Little Ones School), designed in honour of this year’s Earth Day, and Tsleil-Waututh artists Jordan Gallie, Jonas Jones, and Zac George.

Alongside them, storytelling boards share the history of the Nations, Gastown’s place name in the Sḵwx̱wu7mesh Snichim (Squamish language), welcome translations in both the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh languages, and advice on what residents can do to help restore the Tsleil-Waututh Nation protected Burrard Inlet.

Williams said he is immensely proud to see the Nation’s history shared in the Squamish language, along with the artwork from the Nation’s mén̓men (children).

“I truly hope this initiative is just the first of many in making our beautiful city a more inclusive place for all.” he said.

Gallie, who helped produce the colourful designs for the plant pots alongside other Tsleil-Waututh Nation artists, hopes the signs are the first introduction visitors receive from the downtown area.

Gallie has been practicing Indigenous art in a variety of mediums since 2012, from jewellery to printmaking, but public art is especially effective in its ability to influence and inform passersby, he said. For everyone visiting the area, whether they’re stepping off a cruise ship or coming from across town, the signage and artwork provides “immediate education” on the local host Nations, he said.

For young and budding First Nations creatives, Gallie said he hopes the signs encourage them to pick up a pencil or paintbrush in the same way he was once influenced by public art to embark on his own artistic journey.

“Nine years ago, I went to the Museum of Anthropology to see all of the First Nations artwork and it was just mind-blowing to me,” he said, adding how the experience sparked within him an interest in becoming an artist. Gallie said his “main purpose” is to create that opportunity for someone else.

The Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s Chief Jen Thomas said she looks forward to seeing Water Street. become a “more welcoming space,” and a lively hub for learning.

The pilot is part of the Tsleil-Waututh’s ongoing collaboration with the City of Vancouver to support making Gastown “more people-friendly”, she said, but “at the same time, this work is making our Tsleil-Waututh Nation culture and history more visible on our traditional lands, alongside our relatives Musqueam and the Squamish Nation.”

Running until the end of August, the pilot will also coincide with a number of summer events designed to make use of the devoid of traffic streets. Live music showcases will will take place every Thursday and community event Meet Me in Gastown is set for Aug. 15.

Getting to Gastown and the Water Street Pedestrian Zone

Locals, visitors and cruise-ship passengers are encouraged to pop by the Destination Vancouver kiosk at the corner of Water Street and Cordova Street to discover everything Gastown has to offer.

• Transportation: Walk, bike, roll, Mobi or take transit whenever possible. Check out the City’s transit and cycling map to find the best routes and visit translink.ca for more information.
• Public Bike Share: Additional Mobi by Rogers public bike share stations are being added to the area, see all locations here.
• Free Bike Valet: Safely park your bikes, skates, scooters or strollers for free at the Bike Valet, located at 131 Water St.
• Free Transit Pass: Courtesy of the Gastown Business Improvement Society.
• Parking: If you’re driving to Gastown, there’s plenty of parking available, including 280 on-street parking spots and 2,800 off-street parkade options. Check out the parking map to see where to park.

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