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May 25, 2020 10:47 PM -

Vancouver looks at slow streets to create space for pedestrians amid pandemic

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Chairs are turned upside down on the bar at a closed restaurant, amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. As some British Columbia businesses prepare to reopen their doors on Tuesday when the province enters the second phase of its COVID-19 restart plan, others say they're holding off while they grapple with new health protocols. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Vancouver looks at slow streets to create space for pedestrians amid pandemic 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.


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