Vancouver's Granville Street has been closed to all vehicles for six weeks during the World Cup, providing a real-world test of the city's long-term vision for a permanent pedestrian-only zone from the Granville Street Bridge to Waterfront Station. The pilot, running from June 8 to July 26, 2026, has drawn mixed reactions from business owners, residents, and visitors.
World Cup Pedestrian Zone Sparks Debate
Some business owners say the closure has made the Granville strip safer, busier, and more vibrant. Sung-il Jin, owner of BBQ Chicken & Pub, a Korean fried chicken spot on the strip for four years, noted that the area used to feel “sketchy,” especially on weekends, but is now cleaner with more police patrols and increased foot traffic. He has extended his hours to accommodate daytime crowds. However, other businesses report that the closure has choked off deliveries and made it harder for customers with mobility issues to get around, warning that the goodwill could vanish once Cup tourists leave.
City Council's 20-Year Vision
The Granville Street plan, approved by Vancouver city council in June 2025, includes a 20-year vision for gradually working toward a year-round pedestrian zone. The current closure is seen as a key test. City staff are collecting data throughout the pilot, including business and public surveys, foot traffic counts, transit data, and public life observations. A report will be presented to the next city council after the fall 2026 election, in early 2027, to help decide the zone's future.
Mayor Ken Sim Supports Permanent Zone
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed support for the concept, stating at a Canada-Switzerland match that the Cup Granville pedestrian zone has demonstrated success. “That’s always been the focus,” Sim said, hinting at a forthcoming motion related to Granville Street. The city said in a statement that the pedestrian zone “has been extremely popular, creating a vibrant and central place for celebration, connection and culture for residents and visitors, supporting businesses,” adding that early anecdotal feedback has been positive.
Political and Public Reactions
William Azaroff, the OneCity Vancouver mayoral candidate, criticized the slow pace, saying, “I just don’t understand why it’s such a slow-walked approach,” noting that the city has wanted car-free streets downtown since the 2010 Winter Olympics. Pedestrians are split: some love the atmosphere, while others doubt it has fixed much. The stakes extend beyond one summer, as the pilot could shape the future of downtown Vancouver's urban landscape.
