The pedestrian plaza on the 800 block of Robson Street (between Hornby and Howe) has been such a hit that the City of Vancouver is keeping it closed to traffic for the rest of the year. It's also considering whether to make the closure permanent.
"For the past two summers, and during the Olympics, this block of Robson has proven to be a hub of activity," said Mayor Gregor Robertson. "It's been a very popular destination for people to enjoy music, impromptu performances, creative types of outdoor seating and a place to relax and enjoy our downtown."
The Vancouver Public Space Network is endorsing the decision.
"The 800-block site has proved to be an immensely popular gathering spot.Originally slated for permanent closure during the completion of the Law Courts building (in the late 1970s), the true potential of an expanded Robson Square came to the fore of discussions during the 2010 Olympics," said VPSN spokesperson, Josh Paterson.
The recently installed Pop Rocks seating, part of the VIVA Vancouver summer streets program, will remain in place through September or as weather permits.
VIVA Vancouver has also facilitated the closure of Granville St., between Smithe and Hastings, to create a pedestrian and event corridor featuring special sports and dancing activities, displays, music and places for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
You have until the end of September to view VIVA Vancouver's exhibition featuring 22 digital works by 12 artists on two outdoors screens in downtown Vancouver.
The works are a selection from the City of Vancouver Public Art Programs Digital Arts Collection. They were commissioned by the Public Art program between 2010 and 2012 under initiatives including: Olympic and Paralympic Public Art and Celebrate Vancouver 125: Platforms. The screens, located on the corner of Robson and Granville streets and at the CBC Plaza at Robson and Georgia, will display the works interspersed with advertising content.
CoreVision A pair of permanent screens at the mounted at the northeast corner of Robson and Granville streets. These screens will feature a 20-minute compilation of all the artworks, every weekend during the summer until late September. This coincides with the Citys VIVA Vancouver programming on Granville which transforms public space usually used by vehicles into space for citizens to congregate. The compilations will air approximately twice an hour: Fridays from 5pm 10: pm; Saturdays from 11am 7pm, and Sundays from 11am to 8pm.
CBC corner of the public plaza at 700 Hamilton Street (between Robson and Georgia)
This single screen will host a compilation of eight, 10-second works curated by Paul Wong and originally aired as part of a partnership between the City of Vancouver and InTransit BCs Canada Line Public Art Program. These pieces will run seven days a week until the end of September.
