The City of Vancouver is recruiting volunteers interested in helping make our public spaces better through an upcoming study.
The city, working with Copenhagen-based urban design firm Gehl, will conduct Vancouver’s first-ever “Public Space and Public Life Study” on September 14 and 16.
Volunteers are sought to help observe how and why people use public spaces throughout the city; what they like about them and what they would like to see improved.
The study will gather more data in January 2018 to include how public spaces are used during the winter months.
Most shifts will be four hours and take place between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Volunteer training takes place Wednesday, September 13 from 6 p.m – 8 p.m. at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. The study will be conducted September 14 and 16.
To sign up as a volunteer, email: placesforpeople@vancouver.ca
The City of Vancouver has opened two new, high-profile spaces in the past year: Jim Deva Plaza at Davie and Bute, and the revitalized Vancouver Art Gallery plaza, which is nearly complete.
A temporary public plaza was also set up at Bute and Robson in the West End, with seating and planters. The city is exploring the idea of making the plaza permanent.
The “Public Space and Public Life Study” is the first phase of a comprehensive strategy for the city core.
Future phases will include Downtown Eastside neighbourhoods — including Gastown and Chinatown, False Creek Flats, and communities south of False Creek.
The city’s strategy will include places and spaces in:
* Central Business District
* Coal Harbour
* West End
* Downtown South
* Yaletown
* False Creek North
* Northeast False Creek
A draft strategy and report will be presented to city council in fall 2018.
