The area viewed in this picture is between Howe and Hornby on Robson St. It is part of a general renewal of the whole Robson Square complex which includes the Provincial Law Courts, the Vancouver Art gallery, UBC Robson Square, and the Asia Pacific Centre. A major part of the work has been to replace the waterproofing membrane to prevent moisture and leaks under Robson Square’s green roof. It’s a provincial project with a $41 million budget. $700,000 has been contributed by GE to upgrade and expand the skating rink which in the spring and summer will be a public space for concerts.

The most exciting part of the project is the proposal to provide a major public space which will be permanently closed to traffic between Howe and Hornby on Robson St. This is strongly supported by the Vancouver Public Space Network, as well as many eminent architects, landscape architects, planners, scholars and designers. City Council has approved a motion to continue working on reports regarding this proposal which will assess the impact on all stake holders.

For over 30 years, this area has been functioning as a community gathering place. People from all over the world celebrated the 2010 Olympics here. This proposal would ensure its continuance as a newly designed vehicle free public square celebrating cultural events, general entertainment and, of course, the political engagement area it has become famous for. It is something vital to every city, especially Vancouver, as a place to express the richness of its diversity.

With the new proposal by architect Bing Thom to develop the Vancouver Art Gallery building into an entire civic complex with a concert hall and theatre and to revitalize the Georgia St. entrance, this will truly create an amazing city centre.