Granville Street stays closed to traffic through September with city funding

Vehicle traffic won't return to Granville Street until September, thanks to nearly $5 million in city funding that extends the Pedestrian Zone beyond its original July 21 end date.

The five-block closure that served as Vancouver's main World Cup gathering hub proved a financial windfall for local businesses. Dave Kershaw, owner of Cabana Nightclub, said June revenues were up 250 per cent from the previous year — the best month in 13 years of operation. "It's been a huge lift," he said.

Kershaw credited the pedestrian zone, renewed policing focus, and cleanliness efforts with transforming Granville into a viable entertainment destination. "Prior to the World Cup, there was a lot of street disorder, open drug use — it really gives people the wrong impression of what an entertainment zone should look like," he said. "But with the pedestrian zone closed and the celebrations going on, the amount of people coming down to enjoy Granville for what it's meant to be, a place to gather, has been night and day."

Ronan O'Hagan, bar manager for Dublin Calling, said even as the tournament winds down, he's still seeing more business than last summer. "Non-game days, people are just out and about, want to sit out, have a drink, have some food," he said. "I know World Cup added to a lot of the buzz, but I still think if you did this every summer, it would be great."

Up to $1.2 million in municipal funding has been earmarked for the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association to maintain programming through the extension. Jane Talbot with the BIA said the street will feature live music, buskers, and live performances, with additional initiatives to support retailers while prioritizing safety and cleanliness.