Businesses divided on Granville Street’s post-World Cup future

Vancouver businesses are split on whether the carfree Granville Street pilot should continue after the FIFA World Cup. The city has approved $4.75 million to extend the pedestrianized stretch, along with patios, programming and more policing through the summer. Some owners see the change as a chance to bring more people back to the downtown corridor. Aldo Velaj, who runs three restaurants on Granville Street, said the street felt more upbeat during the World Cup and could grow into a stronger entertainment destination over time. Others are less convinced. Patrick Shaughnessy, who owns Golden Age Collectibles and has operated on Granville since 1979, said the street has seen similar efforts before and warned that longterm success will be difficult and costly. A downtown business report also noted high vacancy rates and said removing cars alone will not solve the area’s wider challenges. The city’s longerterm plan calls for pilot pedestrian zones, arts and culture programming, and eventual redevelopment, with officials hoping the temporary changes can support a broader revitalization effort.