Car Free Day becomes political gathering ahead of Vancouver municipal election

Vancouver’s Car Free Day on Main Street became a venue for municipal-election activity, with local parties setting up tents and speaking with voters alongside the usual festival attractions.

The event nearly did not proceed after organizers said it was not financially feasible. Last-minute funding approved by city council allowed events to go ahead on Commercial Drive over the Labour Day long weekend and on Main Street on Sept. 13.

The Main Street route featured buskers, food trucks and artisans selling ceramics, locally made clothing and custom poetry, as well as government services including TransLink. It also included tents for local political parties running candidates in next month’s municipal election.

CTV News observed volunteers for the Vancouver Liberals, TEAM Vancouver and OneCity engaging with voters along the 1.5-kilometre route Sunday afternoon. OneCity used the event to announce a new policy platform.

OneCity candidates gathered outside their campaign office at East 10th Avenue and Main Street to unveil their “Connect Vancouver” plan. The proposal would have the city take ownership of the struggling Mobi bike-share network, connect existing bike routes and walkways, and prioritize school routes and areas described as furthest behind.

Candidate Iona Bonamis said people of all ages had told the party they did not feel safe walking or cycling. She said seniors she met while door-knocking had described difficulties crossing streets safely.

OneCity Coun. Lucy Maloney called the proposal a cost-effective way to build on the large share of downtown residents already using alternatives to cars. She said public ownership and expansion of Mobi, connected with regional transportation, could offer affordable travel options and improve last-mile connections to existing transit.

Driving less has become increasingly common in downtown Vancouver, where one-way streets, bike-lane options and congestion shape travel. The city has not committed to long-term pedestrianized areas beyond one block of Robson Street between Hornby and Howe streets.

Vancouver tested Sunday pedestrianization of Water Street in Gastown last year. Council also did so on Granville Street this summer, extending a road closure planned for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the results have not persuaded a majority of council to make permanent changes.

Other communities from the North Shore to Maple Ridge held their own Car Free Day events this summer. TransLink supported efforts to promote them and encouraged attendees to travel by transit and spend time in the area.