As the vibrant city of Vancouver gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a dark cloud looms over its entertainment district, particularly Granville Street. Bar owners are sounding the alarm, urging local authorities to take immediate action to combat the escalating street disorder and public safety concerns that threaten their businesses and the city’s reputation as a nightlife destination.
Granville Street on life support
Once a bustling hub for nightlife, Granville Street is now described by its long-time bar owners as being on “life support.” With business revenues plummeting by approximately 60%, these operators are at their wits’ end. Dave Kershaw, owner of Cabana Nightclub, expressed his frustration, stating, “To see it fall apart due to bad policy decisions that aren’t getting undone is frankly frustrating, sad, and heartbreaking.” The decline began during the COVID-19 pandemic but has worsened significantly since the conversion of the Howard Johnson hotel into a single-room occupancy (SRO) facility, which has become a focal point for many of the issues plaguing the area.
Public safety concerns escalate
The transformation of the Howard Johnson into the Luugat Hotel was intended to provide supportive housing for vulnerable individuals. However, it has inadvertently contributed to a surge in street disorder. Bar owners report witnessing open drug use, violent confrontations, and alarming incidents involving weapons. Kershaw recounted a terrifying experience where staff were threatened with a knife by residents of the SRO. Such incidents have left patrons feeling unsafe, prompting many to avoid the area altogether. Alan Goodall, owner of Aura Nightclub, noted, “We’ve had shootings, we’ve had knifings, we’ve had scary stuff happen. And people, once they are exposed to that, they won’t come back.”
Calls for immediate action
In light of these challenges, bar owners are demanding immediate intervention from the city and province. They argue that without prompt action, the vibrant nightlife that once defined Granville Street will be lost forever. Suggestions include expanding SkyTrain services to improve accessibility and safety for patrons. The bar operators emphasize the need for a comprehensive plan that addresses both the needs of vulnerable populations and the safety of the nightlife community. As Kershaw poignantly stated, “It’s more than just losing a few nightclubs; you’re losing Vancouver.” With the World Cup on the horizon, the pressure is mounting for local authorities to restore Granville Street to its former glory.
