And that’s a wrap! 2021, once again, proved to be another year of uncertainty. Gastown, once again, proved its resiliency. The vibrancy that we once took for granted, has started to echo again across our streets and sidewalks. While the future is never certain, Gastown’s optimism has never waned and we will continue to build on the layers of legacy that have come to define this very special neighbourhood. As we put this chapter to a close, it’s time to look back on the truly iconic moments that 2021 brought us.
Shop + Style
Pop Up Takeover, Year-round
This was the year of pop-ups as we saw many storefronts transform into collaborative spaces, welcoming many creatives and artists alike to come together in one happy space. Here one day, gone the next – sharing really is caring.
Gastown Retail Revival, October
“It was like the apocalypse.” “It looked like the end of the world… and we we’re living it.” CBC sat down with Gastown retailers to discuss the new life being breathed into Gastown since the beginning of the pandemic.
Only In Gastown, December
Our first holiday giveaway was a huge success. Thanks to our many businesses who contributed such unique gifts that can be be found Only in Gastown.
Read Curiocity Vancouver’s Only in Gastown Guide Here.
Food + Drink
Patiotown 2.0, Summer
Where culinary and urban patio dreams come true. Patiotown made a comeback – and it was even better than ever. Read Gastown in the News: The Alchemist, Lounge in “Patiotown” For Your Summer Stay-cation orDaily Hive, Best patios you need to visit in Gastown this summer.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT9s0vm0Da0&ab_channel=GastownBIA
Après Golf, September
We partnered with Grey Goose Vodka and local restaurants to turn Gastown into the best kind of back nine – one involving golf themed cocktails.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oPA29Qk1pM&ab_channel=GastownBIA
Dine Out Vancouver, February
Dine Out Vancouver also made a comeback this year – and Gastown did not hold back.
https://youtu.be/_3Mn1xY-aFw
Entertainment
Gastown Unplugged, Summer (Gastown Thursday Nights)
The neighbourhood came alive again this summer with the sound of music. From jazz, to steel drums to traditional Irish ditties, there was something for everyone.
Art + Culture
Small Stage Pride Event, August
We partnered with the #lovebubble project and the #lovevancouver campagn to bring you a special PRIDE show. There was music. There was dancing. And there was a whole lotta LOVE.
Gastown Thursday Night: Holiday Kick-off with Arts Umbrella & Small Stage Events, December
Dancers and musicians took over the streets and store windows for, yet another, Gastown Thursday Night. This time with a special window takeover at Inform Interiors with Arts Umbrella Dance Company’s Mixed Nuts – a Nutcracker inspired ballet with a Gastown twist.
Additionally, there was a roaming brass band and performers, Patrick Gavigan, Marie Hui and Krystle Dos Santos sang their little hearts out in Maple Tree Square Plaza.
Love Your City, February
We’ve realized, now more than ever, the importance of partnership. We partnered with other BIA’s from across Vancouver to show our love to this city. So much so that we decided to keep the pink tree as a permanent installation.
Kiss Me In Gastown, December
Continuing a favourite tradition, #kissingastown came back this year. Not only could you find large arrangements in the ‘hood, but this year every business took part! Plenty of kisses to go around.
Business
New to Gastown
Gastown said goodbye to many old friends this year, and welcomed many new faces to our ‘hood. To keep up to date on new and incoming business click here.
In the meantime, we’d like to give a warm welcome to all those businesses that joined us this past year. It’s damn good to have you.
Design
Gastown Tomorrow
We released an Urban Design Study to provide insight into how public realm changes may affect Gastown business members, workers, residents, and visitors.
We then turned to our community for feedback to help shape our advocacy position and highlight community priorities to the City of Vancouver for focused action. This is only the start to a very long process.
Gastown gained a ton of media attention throughout the campaign. Read one of the many articles at Vancouver Sun, Revitalize Gastown’s alleys as business hubs: new urban study.
People
New Year, New Executive Director
The Gastown Business Improvement Society saw some changes as we welcomed a new Executive Director, Walley Wargolet. A long time Gastowner, Walley’s dedication to serving this neighbourhood could not be more clear.
Listen to Walley on the Kid Carson Show.
Evo and Easy Park Collaboration, December
Special thanks to both Evo and Easy Park who made it even more easy to Get to Gastown this holiday season with free parking on Saturday’s and extra minutes when driving to Gastown for the month of December.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTD_S8z4AEY&ab_channel=GastownBIA
Get Your A** To Gastown
It doesn’t matter how you get here, just make it happen. Don’t miss out on the action – get your a** to Gastown.
Get caught up on all 2021 monthly reads HERE.
