Should the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone stay for good?

The Granville Street Pedestrian Zone became a home for soccer fans.

It was the go-to spot for FIFA World Cup watchers to celebrate their passion for soccer this season, but now that it is over, should the pedestrian zone be here to stay?

On July 2, Vancouver city council voted to keep the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone until Sept. 7. Regular vehicle and bus routes will return on Sept. 12.

The hype from the World Cup made Granville Street something special, and having it open will keep the cultural vibrancy and social interaction alive in the city.

But keeping it open all year round may not be the best option.

The World Cup was a historic moment in Vancouver, as it was the first time the FIFA Men’s World Cup games were played in Canada. It raised excitement and hype around the city.

If Granville Street were to continue being a pedestrian zone, it should only be during high-energy times of the year where there is a lot of foot traffic, like the seven World Cup games in June and July.

​Summer would be one of those high-energy seasons.

It’s hot outside — everyone is out and about. Granville Street would be a popular entertainment district, especially with plenty of shopping, activities, and bars for people to choose from. Having it open in the summer would give the city and local businesses a financial boost and a chance to thrive.

Let’s not forget about winter either.

Us Vancouverites do not want to drive in the snow, instead take a stroll down Granville Street for a winter wonderland experience. Imagine Christmas trees all lined up from beginning to end, while exploring markets.

Pedestrian-only streets have so many benefits, including increased socialization and boosting foot traffic in shops — a huge win for the economy — and, with no cars around, reduced emissions, which means better air quality.

Also, it promotes a healthy lifestyle. You have no choice but to walk around because you cannot drive a car in the area.

The positives outweigh the negatives, especially if it’s reserved for special seasons instead of year-round.

​It may be a lot of set up and take down, but wouldn’t you rather have it be busy and lively at certain times of the year rather than slow and dull for most of the year?

Whether you are opposed to or in favour of the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone, it brought a new energy to the city — something that we should want to continue.