Vancouver’s Granville pedestrian zone comes to an end

Cars will soon return to a five-block stretch of Granville Street after three months as a pedestrian zone, with crews beginning to remove roadblocks.

Businesses preparing for a return to pre-FIFA conditions said they are sorry to see the zone end. Shamrock Storehouse bar manager Mark Clancy said the drop in foot traffic after the FIFA rush was expected, but that closing the street improved accessibility and benefited businesses.

Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association CEO Jane Talbot said feedback has been largely positive, though not every business and block had the same experience. The City said it is conducting a comprehensive analysis of the zone during the FIFA and post-FIFA periods, including pedestrian counts, public and business surveys and economic-impact assessments.

The findings are planned for a report to council in early 2027 and will help inform Granville Street’s long-term vision and potential future pedestrian zones across Vancouver. Talbot said businesses want the zone to continue in some form, but questions remain over its duration and whether it should cover three or five blocks. The BIA plans to consult businesses over the coming months.