Vancouver’s Awesome Alleys: 5-year Strategy
Downtown Van is excited to unveil a transformative strategy designed to draw more people downtown and create a new iconic attraction for Vancouver. In collaboration with hcma, we’ve developed an action-oriented plan to rejuvenate our laneways over the next five years, aligned with our post-pandemic recovery efforts and the new 2023-2028 Strategic Plan for Downtown Van.
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Building on Past Success
We’ve previously transformed Snekwem Lane, Alley Oop, and Ackery’s Alleys. Alley Oop has set the standard for our future laneways, inspiring cultural moments like Twice’s ‘Likey’ K-Pop music video, The Barbie Dream Gap Project advertisement, and even a Blasted Church Merlot wine label.
Explore Alley Oop
West Hastings St bounded by Granville St and Seymour St
Explore Ackery’s Alley
South of Granville St between Smithe St and Robson St
Explore Snekwem Lane
Between Granville and Pender St
Why Laneways?
Reclaiming laneways will increase public space area in downtown Vancouver by 30%, creating more space for people to explore and enjoy.
Strategy Vision
“Vancouver’s downtown laneways are spaces of wonder and play. They host vibrant, immersive experiences that activate the city in unexpected ways, draw more people downtown, and further enhance Vancouver’s reputation as one of the world’s best cities.”
Strategy Principles
- Immersive and Interactive
- Places for People
- Social Hubs
- Destinations as Routes
- Spaces that Evoke Joy
Strategy Goals
Our overarching goal is to boost downtown’s economy by:
- Reclaiming laneways as public spaces
- Increasing foot traffic
- Creating people-friendly environments
- Developing buzz-worthy destinations
- Achieving collective ownership
- Hosting more events in laneways
The Next Five Years
Over the next five years, Downtown Van aims to transform 2-3 new laneways and increase the number of activations and events. This strategy focuses on both physical transformations and dynamic activations, using laneways to link major routes and destinations. By prioritizing laneways along Granville and Hornby Streets, we will enhance pedestrian routes between key public areas, from the Waterfront and seawall to Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery. This cohesive approach will create a new, must-visit destination for both residents and visitors.
A message from hcma
Transforming laneways into unexpected public spaces will bring vibrancy to our downtown core. Melbourne, Tokyo, and other cities around the world have made this leap, and we’re thrilled to be working with Downtown Van to transform and activate our own alleys with a distinctive Vancouver twist.
Join Us in Transforming Downtown Vancouver
Together, we can turn Vancouver’s laneways into vibrant, immersive spaces that reflect the spirit and energy of our city. Explore, experience, and enjoy the wonder of our downtown laneways. Contact Clare Warner (Clare@dtvan.ca) to learn more or if you’d like to host an event or activation in one of our existing Awesome Alleys.
Upcoming Events
- Interactive Engagement Event | July 24, 4 – 6 PM | Learn more
- Interactive Engagement Event | July 27, 1 – 3 PM | Learn more
