City of Vancouver Approves Recommendations for Art Gallery Plaza Redesign

The Vancouver City Council voted unanimously June 29, 2016 to approve a redesign of the Vancouver Art Gallery's north plaza. The contract was awarded to Jacob Bros. construction, whose $5.7 million bid was the lowest among applicants.

The staff report in which the redesign was initially recommended stated that the objective of the project, a continuation of earlier work undertaken in 2015, was to "improve accessibility by eliminating level changes and providing convenient seating."

Per the initial report, plans for this second phase of the redesign include: "deconstruction of the existing fountain and underground service space; backfilling the resultant excavation; creating a large storm-water catchment area along Hornby Street; installing trees, planters and new paving over the entire plaza area; and the construction of a bus shelter along Howe Street above the existing underground space. Existing trees on site will be removed and replaced by new trees which will continue the avenue of maples on the Hornby St. side of Robson Square. The paving pattern established in Robson Square will be incorporated into the new work, including the Georgia Street sidewalk. The work is expected to commence in July 2016 and be completed in February 2017."