Frequently asked questions
Davie Village: Space for people
- provide more space to stroll
- support local businesses
- create a welcoming and vibrant street.
- heard from 50+ businesses between Burrard and Jervis Streets through our business survey in May 2023;
- hosted a business & community organization workshop in June 2023;
- discussed early design ideas with 25 businesses and community organizations in Fall 2023;
- heard from 66 businesses through the public survey in February 2024.
- space for patios/merchandising displays next to buildings rather than in the curb lane;
- New public seating; and
- space for pick-up, drop-off and loading.
What is Davie Village: space for people?
The City of Vancouver is proposing to widen sidewalks along Davie Street between Burrard and Jervis streets. This can better support businesses and people walking, particularly those with accessibility needs.
The proposed design aims to:
Where can I look at the proposed design for Davie Street?
Visit our interactive webpage to learn more about the project and draft design.
You can also download a copy:
What is the engagement timeline for Davie Village: space for people?
In April 2023, we heard from the community on their needs and ambitions for Davie Village through four pop-up events and a public survey. Read the what we heard report here.
In May and June 2023, we heard from 50+ Davie Village businesses about their operational needs. We also heard from nearly 400 visitors to Davie Village via an on-street survey.
In October/November 2023, the design team connected with interested businesses to test an early version of the draft design.
In February 2024, we shared the proposed design, seeking feedback on the approach to public seating, transit stops and curbside space. We heard from 1,093 survey respondents and the project received two-thirds support. Just one in six didn't like it.
How was my feedback used?
Your feedback has helped shape the future of Davie Street.
Through 2023 engagement, we heard support for wider sidewalks on Davie St (between Burrard St and Jervis St), creating more space to stroll, better patios and merchandise displays, healthier trees, and better transit service.
Our team at the City of Vancouver then developed a draft design which aimed to achieve these outcomes.
In February 2024, we heard from 1,093 survey respondents about the proposed design. This feedback will help the project team through the detailed design process in 2024/25.
Have you spoken to businesses on Davie Street?
Yes, the draft design has been developed based on feedback from businesses and the wider community. For businesses specifically, we:
What changes can businesses on Davie St expect?
The proposed design has been developed with input from businesses on their needs. This includes:
West End commercial streets
- Enhancing Davie Street as a place that supports public life and local businesses;
- Strengthening Robson Street as a vibrant, fun and unique shopping destination for the neighbourhood and region over the longer term;
- Making Denman Street a local destination that better serves residents and businesses over the longer term; and
- Improving access to public space and connections on lower Davie and Robson over the longer term.
What are the West End commercial streets?
We are investing in transportation and public space improvements on the West End commercial streets. This means:
Click the link below to read what we heard:
What is the policy background?
Changes to West End commercial streets are being implemented as part of the West End Community Plan and are also aligned with recent City policies on transportation and public space:
Places for People: Downtown Public Space Strategy (2020): “Design streets, sidewalks and walkways to encourage a walking and rolling culture.”
Climate Emergency Action Plan (2020): Two-thirds of trips in Vancouver to be by active transportation and transit by 2030.
Vancouver Plan (2022): “Create people-first streets by transforming road space to support population growth and the changing needs of residents and businesses.”
What about Robson and Denman streets?
Davie Village: space for people is one of three West End commercial streets where changes are being considered. This is part of our commitment to deliver the West End Community Plan (2013).
Future changes on Robson and Denman Streets will aim to improve walkability, strengthen public life and support local businesses.