November 7: Conflicted Space? Robson Square, Viva Vancouver and the #5 Robson Bus

The VPSN is excited to be part of an upcoming City Conversations event at SFU Harbour Centre next week. We’ve participated in these before, and they’re always result in a great discussion and sharing of ideas.

This time, the topic is particularly near and dear to our heart: the 800-block of Robson Street and the idea of an expanded Robson Square. Here’s the text from the event listing:

“For two years, the block of Robson St. in front of the  Vancouver Art Gallery has been closed to traffic during the summer, becoming the popular Viva Vancouver pedestrian space. A consequence is that the #5 Robson bus is rerouted by three blocks. Few realize that this seemingly minor change is said to affect much of the downtown transit network. Some people want to close Robson Square year round. Must we choose between efficient public transit and enjoyable public space, or Is there a way to accommodate both?”

Starting the conversation are:

• Lon LaClaire, Manager of Strategic Transportation Planning for the City of Vancouver,
• Brian Mills, TransLink’s Director of Service and Infrastructure Planning.
• Simon Jay, Vancouver Public Space Network

Then, as the event listing says, “it’s your turn to question, comment, share your opinion.”

The event takes place on Thursday, November 7 at 12:30pm; at SFU Vancouver, Harbour Centre – 515 West Hastings, Room 1600.

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