The City of Vancouver is proud to announce that it’s VIVA Vancouver program is back for 2012, and is even bigger and better than before! The VIVA Vancouver program is designed to fit Vancouver’s goals of being the “greenest city” while it temporarily shits down various Vancouver streets, parking spaces and lanes to create urban art installations, street markets and pedestrian hangouts for Vancouverites during the summer!
Planners of the event claim that VIVA Vancouver will allow for beneficial health, economic and social benefits, as well as help reduce obesity, and promote healthy and more active lifestyles, as people leave their vehicles far from the VIVA Vancouver areas.
Business owners aren’t all pleased that parking and streets that have access to their stores will not be available. In a survey completed for 2011, 23 percent of businesses believed that VIVA helped their business, while 17 percent disagreed with this idea, 37 percent saw no difference in whether VIVA affected their business or not, and 23 percent we’re unsure all together.
VIVA for 2012 will cost taxpayers $300,000, and will include an unforgettable experience, as the city has several different ideas to spruce up Vancouver streets and make them unforgettable in appearance and experience.
According to the plans so far we can expect:
Pedestrian Weekends on Granville Street– between Hastings and Smithe, located in the heart of downtown Vancouver we can expect the streets to be transformed every weekend this summer. Granville St. will host community events, as well as plenty of space for pedestrians to take a seat and take in all of what Vancouver has to offer. These celebrations will commence on weekends starting June 23 until Labour Day weekend.
Hot Tubs on E.44th Ave just west off of Fraser Street- there will be custom designed modular decks which provide free seating for pedestrians strolling by in a unique and trendy design. The idea originated from New York and San Francisco, who have had great success with the concept of a free public seating model, and it’s nice that this location offers an opportunity for those who aren’t located near downtown to take in the atmosphere of VIVA.
Liveable Laneways will be located at the Mount Pleasant Laneway between E 8th Ave. and E. Broadway, west of Main St. – this will feature a flea market vibe, featuring hot food and beverages, live music, local art for sale, hula-hoop demonstrations and much more! It will commence Saturday evenings on July 21, 28, and Aug 4th from 5-9 pm.
On Street Murals will be located at Marpole, West End and Mount Pleasant- they will feature on-street murals which will be painted on the roads in three different neighbourhoods by the community.
The Parallel Park will be located at Mount Pleasant, 200 E.14th Ave just east of Main St.- this space will occupy 2 parking spots, and provide a custom designed area for pedestrians to come sit, take a rest, do some work, whatever! The concept is very similar to the hot tubs on E. 44th.
Mobile Digital Projections will be located in surprise locations through out the city- Vancouver Public Space Network will be setting up a mobile digital projection that will allow pedestrians walking by to digitally write on the blank walls of buildings!
Robson St. Summertime Plaza will take place between Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery- the area will be turned into a unique and welcoming plaza for pedestrians to enjoy everyday of the summer starting June 30 until September 3rd.
Be sure to look out for the innovative experience of VIVA Vancouver this summer!
