Vancouver Plans Labour Day Block Party for Granville Pedestrian Zone

A Labour Day block party is planned for Vancouver's Granville Street entertainment district, with conditional approval granted by the city. Dave Kershaw, owner of the Cabana nightclub, hopes to host the Granville DJ Festival on September 7, the final day of the extended pedestrian zone, potentially drawing 5,000 attendees.

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A big 7,000 square foot outdoor party with DJs and fully licensed, featuring local food vendors and I’m getting every one of the bars and restaurants and clubs in this block involved.

Kershaw described the event as a "big 7,000 square foot outdoor party with DJs and fully licensed, featuring local food vendors and I’m getting every one of the bars and restaurants and clubs in this block involved." He anticipates it will serve as a "summer ender block party for Granville."

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So really, kind of a summer ender block party for Granville.

The Granville pedestrian zone has faced challenges with street disorder since the FIFA World Cup, which had previously brought over 100,000 people to the area on some days. Downtown Van operations director Joshua Davidson acknowledged that the current crowds are not at FIFA levels but stated, "Our measurement of success was never expecting the same crowds as the FIFA level."

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It’s not the craziness of FIFA but it’s been a definite shot in the arm and continued success for Granville.

Downtown Van is receiving up to $1.25 million of the $4.75 million allocated by the city council to extend the Granville street party for seven weeks. The organization plans to program contests, giveaways, and family-friendly activities to increase foot traffic, especially during quieter morning and afternoon hours. City councillor Peter Meiszner defended the cost, citing a strong public desire to continue the pedestrian zone after FIFA, with hopes of making it permanent.

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Our measurement of success was never expecting the same crowds as the FIFA level.