Vancouver is considering plans to repurpose 50 kilometres of roadway in an effort to create more space for restaurant patios, lines outside of businesses, walking and cycling.
The city says the so-called “slow streets” will have signs and barriers telling people to drive slowly and use the streets for local access only.
It says the plans include expediting the permitting process for outdoor patios to give room to serve people as they maintain physical distancing requirements.
A news release from the city says 12 kilometres of slow streets have already been installed and council will consider a motion asking staff to rush the repurposing of road space in other neighbourhoods across the city.
Lon LaClaire, the general manager of city engineering services, says physical distancing will be in place for some time and more space will be needed for people to safely do things such as exercise or travel to work.
He says the city will be working with businesses and community partners to assess the needs for space while making sure streets and public spaces are safe and accessible.
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