A beloved corner of Mount Pleasant is getting a thoughtful refresh. The Neighbourhood Plaza at Main Street and 14th Avenue — a community hub since its installation in 2018 — is set for a series of improvements aimed at making the space greener, more accessible, and even more welcoming. With construction slated for fall 2024 and a reimagined plaza ready for 2025, the transformation builds on years of community events, public feedback, and City planning.
From Pop-Up Plaza to Community Fixture
Originally launched as part of Vancouver’s Pavement-to-Plaza program, the Neighbourhood Plaza at Main and 14th began as an experiment in urban placemaking. What started as a temporary public space with movable seating, planters, and a vibrant on-street mural has become a cornerstone of Mount Pleasant’s social fabric.
The site also features Vancouver’s very first parklet — a cozy public platform installed in 2011 in front of JJ Bean — a sign of the area's long-standing commitment to pedestrian-friendly design. Today, the plaza includes a bike share station, delineated bike lane, and an adjacent bus bulb that eases boarding for transit riders.
Notably, the bus bulb — a sidewalk extension into the parking lane — was temporarily replaced in 2020 with quick-install materials during the COVID-19 pandemic to support physical distancing. That temporary fix is now on track to be upgraded permanently as part of the broader plaza improvements.
A Hub for Events and Everyday Enjoyment
The plaza has emerged as more than just a pedestrian refuge; it's a gathering place. In 2022 alone, it hosted over 20 community-led events, including markets and concerts spotlighting local artists. By early 2023, another 22 events had already been booked.
According to a wellbeing assessment by an external consultant in 2018, the plaza was found to be both inclusive and socially enriching — a place where residents could interact and feel a sense of belonging. That endorsement laid the groundwork for the City’s decision to invest in long-term upgrades.
What’s Coming: Greener, Brighter, and More Accessible
In May 2023, the City launched Phase 1 of public engagement, inviting residents to share ideas for improving the plaza. Feedback channels included an online survey and in-person pop-ups held at the site. Suggestions focused on enhancing functionality and comfort, with five key areas emerging:
Better lighting for evening safety and ambiance
More varied seating to accommodate different groups and uses
Greener infrastructure, including new trees, landscaping, and rainwater management systems
Improved access for pedestrians and people with mobility aids
Expanded sidewalk space near the bus stop to ease crowding
One frequently asked question raised during this process was, “What is green rainwater infrastructure?” — a nod to growing public interest in sustainable, permeable design that helps cities adapt to climate change.
*Photos by City of Vancouver
What’s Next: From Design to Construction
With the first phase of community input complete as of May 2023, City staff are now developing a proposed design, informed by what they heard from locals. A second round of public engagement — focused on the proposed upgrades — was scheduled for Fall 2023. Final design work is expected to wrap in early 2024, followed by construction beginning later that year.
If everything stays on track, the upgraded Neighbourhood Plaza at Main and 14th will reopen to the public in 2025, offering a revitalized space tailored to the needs and desires of the Mount Pleasant community.
Curious how this transformation could impact life in Mount Pleasant? We’re keeping a close eye on public space upgrades like this so you don’t miss a beat. Want to stay informed on what’s next for Vancouver’s neighbourhoods? Let’s connect.