Granville Strip bar owners report severe business declines

Bar owners on Vancouver's Granville Strip are expressing serious concerns about safety and disorder in the area. They claim the situation is the worst it has been in over 30 years. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, these business owners are demanding immediate action from the city and province. Many bar owners have invested significantly in Granville Street, but business is down around 60%. They say the area is suffering due to poor policies, particularly after the transformation of the Howard Johnson hotel into supportive housing in 2020. This change has led to increased street disorder and safety issues. Owners describe worrying incidents, including violent behavior and frequent encounters with individuals in distress. They cite events such as staff being threatened while opening their clubs and ongoing issues with drug use in public spaces. Many feel that the area, once known for its vibrant nightlife, has lost its appeal. Concerns extend beyond personal safety. Problems such as floods caused by the hotel's sprinkler system have also damaged businesses. One owner reported suffering significant losses from flooding incidents, which he attributes to problems stemming from residents in the supportive housing. Residents of the former hotel have echoed the frustrations of the bar owners. They report a lack of adequate support services and express concerns about the negative impacts of heavy drug use on their living conditions. The bar owners are calling for urgent help and practical solutions, like improving transit services to bring more people to the area. They worry that without action, Vancouver's nightlife and the economic benefits it brings could collapse. The operators of these nightclubs believe immediate action is necessary to revitalize Granville Street and restore its reputation as a safe and enjoyable place for all.