DOWNTOWN VAN IS PASSIONATE ABOUT ENHANCING AND ACTIVATING DOWNTOWN PUBLIC SPACES, AND OUR LANEWAY TRANSFORMATIONS ARE A CORE FOCUS FOR OUR PLACEMAKING TEAM
Downtown Van has completed three laneway projects; Alley Oop, Ackery’s Alley, and Canvas Corridor in Eihu Lane. We are working towards developing a network of interconnected lanes throughout downtown, each with its own sense of place and identity.
Reimagining downtown laneways that primarily function as utilitarian corridors into vibrant and inviting public spaces helps to shift perceptions about what can occur in these spaces and increase the city’s public pedestrian area by as much as 30 percent. No two laneways are the same, and we embrace the fact that each laneway will function and evolve in its own way depending on the surrounding uses and the people that interact with it.
Even after a laneway has been reimagined and the transformation is complete, our work is not done. We remain stewards of the lane and conduct ongoing maintenance to keep it looking fresh for years to come. We also work with the City of Vancouver, local event organizers, and other creative placemakers to activate the laneways with unique programming and events.
Want to learn more about our process or interested in creating a great laneway of your own? Have a look at our Laneway Learning Guide here.
