Public space in Vancouver's downtown

This study examines whether evidence exists of people and processes changing the regulation of public space in Vancouver’s downtown between 2003 and 2009, with particular attention paid to the Downtown Eastside. What role, if any, can be attributed to Olympics’ preparations? My central argument focuses on how legislation restricting panhandling, loitering and sleeping/camping impacts the most vulnerable citizens, which, in Vancouver, may relocate people from the downtown core into the Downtown Eastside. I compare Vancouver’s by-laws with other Canadian cities to understand Vancouver in a Canadian context. Finally, I examine policy decisions of three regulators of public space: the City of Vancouver, Business Improvement Associations and the Vancouver Police Department. I conclude that, while the regulation of public space has changed, the Olympics simply play the role of catalyst rather than instigator. Individual political priorities are much more pertinent to the regulation of public space than are the Games themselves.