“Spread fun – not COVID-19.”

― Dr. Bonnie Henry

We’ve all seen Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Good Times Guide and maybe even snickered slightly at the commonsense of it all. Laughs asides, safety continues to be the number one concern in Gastown and rest assured – we are not taking it lightly around here.

Since launching our #OpenWithCare campaign on June 1st, Gastown has taken all measures to keep our patrons and staff healthy and we will continue to find ways to keep you safe without impeding on your ability to have a little fun and to stay sexy while doing it. Besides ain’t nothing sexier than being safe.

Here’s a look at Gastown in it’s current safe (and sexy) state.

Food + Drink

Extreme Makeover COVID Restaurant Edition

From new bar designs to slaying drinks behind a mask, restaurants and bars have revamped their look to keep serving you what you really want.

Because nothing ever good happens after 10pm

With the newest health regulations in place and limited seating at restaurants and pubs, we are reminding people to hit the town earlier and to plan ahead to limit wait times and to ensure that you get into your favourite spots prior last call at 10pm. 5pm Happy Hour? Twist our rubber arm.

 

Style

Gastowner’s are taking the “smize” to a whole new level whilst proving how to properly rock the mask. Shop Gastown for a mask for every style.

Arts + Culture

Gastown BIA x Vancouver Firefighter Charities

We’re not sure if we can think of anything sexier than a bunch of firefighters posed all over #OurGastown for a good cause. We’ve partnered with Vancouver Firefighter Charities and the 2020 Hall of Flame Calendar to give back to our community and our heroes.

“The Hall of Flame Calendar is proud to announce that we have chosen Gastown and the ‘Murals of Gratitude’ as the backdrop for the 2021 Edition of the Greater Vancouver Firefighters Hall of Flame Calendar.  

We are all facing unprecedented times. Covid-19 has presented us with a lot of uncertainty, but one thing is definitely certain, in times of struggle we all come together as a community.  Unity is what we at the Hall of Flame and Gastown Business Improvement Society are trying to achieve. The ‘Murals of Gratitude’ was an easy choice to use as a backdrop to symbolize the respect we have for our frontline heroes and the sacrifices they have made.  As you enjoy this year’s calendar please make note of each incredibly talented artist credited for their contribution.

Vancouver Firefighter Charities and the Hall of Flame would like to thank the Gastown Business Improvement Society and the talented artists of the ‘Murals of Gratitude’.”

– Brandon Kaye, Hall of Flame Coordinator + Professional Firefighter

Charities Supported:
BC Burn Fund
Vancouver Firefighters Snacks for Kids
Vancouver Firefighters Lifelines for Seniors

Purchase 2020 Hall of Flames Calendar here: https://vancouverfirefighters.ca/shop/

Business

Old Faces, New Spaces – Reopening a business during COVID

Our friends at Cappelleria Bertacchi Italian Hatcrafter closed up their shop on Abbott Street earlier this year only to reopen in their new and improved location at 131 Water Street. Prior to opening in July, owner, Adi Bertacchi knew that he didn’t want to be anywhere other than Gastown and the resiliency that the community showed during the pandemic was a true testament to this. He has never seen his neighbours come together more than the did throughout these past few months. While it was a scary time to reopen, Adi feels his large space allows for a safe and personal shopping experience, while compiling to all WorkSafe BC protocols along the way. Go say hi to Adi and the team and give them a warm welcome back to the hood.

People

 

Dutil Denim has been a Gastown staple for over 14 years, boasting the ability to find a jean for just about everyone.

Though the pandemic has been a scary time for small businesses, Co-Owner Walley Wargolet continues to be at the forefront of keeping the community safe during COVID-19.

Whether it’s requiring masks, restricting the number of customers in store, or sanitizing as often as possible, Walley, along with the other Gastown businesses, are working diligently to keep you and your family out of harm’s way.

Watch the short #IAMGASTOWN video here