Granville Street goes car-free for World Cup month
From Georgia to Davie, the street closes to traffic Monday through July 26, with patios, art, and buskers taking over.
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Granville Street is shutting down to vehicle traffic starting Monday to create a temporary pedestrian zone during the FIFA World Cup.
The closure runs from Georgia to Davie until the end of July. The street will host 28 expanded patios, live music, public art, and selfie stations across the five-block stretch — designed to draw crowds and support local restaurants and bars.
Downtown Vancouver's Business Improvement Association says the closure is a chance for businesses that have been struggling to capture foot traffic during the tournament. "One of the primary reasons we wanted to do the Granville pedestrian zone is to bring people down to Granville Street," said Jane Talbot, president and CEO of Downtown Van.
Drivers will need to use Seymour and Howe streets to access the Granville Bridge. The city is also installing dedicated bus lanes on those routes to keep transit moving. Extended patios and public art installations start Thursday and run through July 19.
With 28 patios approved and games showing inside, the street is banking on foot traffic to help turn around months of slow business.