Frequently asked questions

We have developed final project goals for the re-design of the Bute Street, which are based on previous conversations with stakeholders and the City's broader transportation plans and policies. 

1. Create a shore-to-shore connection that provides intuitive links to key destinations and enhances the continuous pedestrian experience with a variety of public spaces.
2. Make Bute Street accessible, safe, and comfortable at all times for people of all ages and abilities to walk, roll and cycle.
3. Improve the ability of the street to manage urban rainwater runoff and its ecological function.
4. Accommodate emergency service access and reduce vehicle traffic while maintaining circulation in the neighbourhood.

Greenways are car-lite to car-free all ages and abilities (AAA) active transportation corridors that serve as high-quality continuous public spaces.

We want to shape the future of Bute Street with you.

• Share your input by taking our survey (open until 11:59pm on Sunday, April 30, 2023) Paper surveys are also available. 
• Visit one of our pop-up events at the following dates and locations.
  • Wednesday, April 5 (4-6pm) Nelson Park
  • Thursday, April 13 (4-6pm) Harbour Green Park
  • Saturday, April 15 (11am-1pm) Bute-Robson Plaza
  • Saturday, April 15 (4-6pm) Jim Deva Plaza
• If you have any comments or questions before the next phase, you can email us at butegreenway@vancouver.ca (external link).

By engaging with key stakeholders and the public in 2019 through the Places for People Downtown Strategy, and consultation on nearby projects, we heard the interest in and potential for pedestrian and public space improvements along Bute Street before Phase 1 Launched.

In Phase 1, we received over 500 survey responses together with feedback via email, 3-1-1 and stakeholder meetings. 

Phase 1 – Discussing Goals and Ideas (Fall 2021) COMPLETE

• Discuss the draft goals for Bute Greenway and provide opportunities for early creative thinking on how people use the street, public spaces, and surrounding network connections.
• Based on previous public engagement, staff have prepared a draft concept design for feedback of a permanent Bute-Robson plaza.

Greenway Design Development and Bute-Robson Plaza Refinement (Spring/Summer 2022) COMPLETE 

Phase 2 – (Spring 2023) WE ARE HERE 

• Share vision for Bute Greenway
• Review final design for Bute-Robson Plaza and adjacent blocks
• Explore ways to prioritize greenway for other segments

Phase 3 – Reviewing Refined Design (Fall 2023)

• Detailed review of recommended design
• Share feedback to improve design

Initial construction and implementation of future segments of greenway - 2024 onwards

• Bute Greenway will be delivered in phases. 

The Bute Greenway project complements community facility and public realm projects and aligns with Parks Board initiatives such as Imagine West End Waterfront, all the while helping meet our Climate Emergency Action Plan targets.

In addition, Bute Street has been identified as a key walking, rolling and cycling route with additional pedestrian priority measures and public realm improvements in the:

• 2013 West End Community Plan and Public Benefits Strategy
• 2020 Places For People: Downtown Public Space Strategy
• 2018 - 2022 Five-Year Cycling Network
• 2023 - 2026 Capital Plan

Find these plans and policy documents under "Important Links" tab.

For residents:

If you are part of the representative group for your building and would like to meet with staff to discuss the project, please email our team and provide your building’s address, your representative role, and a phone number where you can be contacted. Staff will follow up with you in the coming weeks to arrange a meeting with you and your group.

For businesses:

We want to better understand how local businesses use Bute Street to make we accommodate business access needs as we build out the concept designs. If you are a business owner or representative and would like to meet with staff to discuss the project, please provide your building’s address, your representative role, and a phone number where you can be contacted. 

Any questions or comments related to the Bute Greenway, please contact our team by:

1. By e-mailing butegreenway@vancouver.ca (External Link)
2. Through online services in the VanConnect app
3. By calling 3-1-1