The pilot demonstrated that a pedestrian-focused environment improves safety and creates a more relaxed, welcoming atmosphere

VANCOUVER – After three weekends of piloting car-free days on Waterfront Way between Parkway Place and Esther Street, the City will move to a seasonal weekend closure from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, 4 p.m. Fridays through 5 a.m. Mondays. 

The pilot demonstrated that a pedestrian-focused environment improves safety and creates a more relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It also showed that reducing vehicle access helps deter unsafe driving behaviors, including street racing, creating a calmer and more predictable environment for everyone on the waterfront. Additional closures on Main Street and West Sixth Street, adjacent to Esther Short Park and known for high foot traffic and frequent events, are also planned over the summer event season.

“Reducing vehicle access on Waterfront Way during the summer months allows residents and visitors to enjoy the riverfront without noise or congestion,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “As we make similar closures on streets around Esther Short Park, one of our busiest community spaces, and on Main Street, we’re creating a safer, more relaxed experience for everyone who spends time downtown.”

People can continue to reach the waterfront by parking at nearby garages and surface lots, using public transit, biking, or walking. The pedestrian zone affects vehicle movement, not access to businesses or the waterfront.

Use the Park Whiz website or app to access the more than 2,000 nearby parking spaces at the Waterfront Vancouver Parking Center and Terminal 1 or use the Parking Kitty app to access more than 6,000 surface street spaces in downtown Vancouver. There are 152 bike parking spots available throughout downtown Vancouver. Residents and visitors can make parking plans using the Public Parking Map.

Information provided by the city of Vancouver.