The 800-block of Robson Street – between Hornby and Howe – is one of Vancouver’s preeminent public spaces. Located at the heart of Robson Square, the block is one of the most frequented pedestrian routes in the city and serves as backdrop for public gatherings, celebrations, rallies, cultural events, and community markets of every stripe.
On September 5, the block will re-open to traffic following post-Olympic renovations, and the character of this vibrant public space will be significantly altered.
To stimulate discussion on the future of the 800-block, the Vancouver Public Space Network (VPSN) has created two petitions: one supporting an expanded Robson Square closed to traffic, and one supporting the re-opening of the block to cars. The petitions, organized by the VSPN’s Urban Design working group, represent a non-partisan, volunteer-based effort to gauge support on both sides of the Robson Square debate.
Results of the petitions will be communicated to Mayor Gregor Robertson and members of City Council. As of Monday, August 29, the petition supporting closure of the block had received 1,746 signatures (paper surveys and online petition combined), compared to 39 signatures supporting the block’s re-opening to traffic.
For more information on the petition initiative, visit the VPSN blog.
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