Gastown

I was approached by Cause+Affect to assist the Gastown Business Improvement Association (GBIA) in releasing an Urban Design Study aimed at providing valuable insights into how potential changes to the public realm could impact Gastown’s business members, workers, residents, and visitors. This report, alongside community feedback, played a pivotal role in shaping the GBIA’s advocacy efforts, highlighting community priorities, and urging the City of Vancouver to take targeted action.

As part of the initiative to reimagine an improved public realm for the neighborhood, various designers and artists contributed to an outdoor gallery exhibition displayed on the exterior of the Vancouver Film School on Water Street, creating a dynamic and engaging visual dialogue with the community.

My involvement began with gaining a deep understanding of the guiding principles and key intervention proposals outlined in the Urban Design Study. Building on these insights, I developed a comprehensive social media and advertising engagement strategy to enhance stakeholder participation.

To kickstart this process, I immersed myself in Gastown’s rich history, uncovering its Old Soul. By exploring intriguing historical facts and pivotal moments, I sifted through archival materials, unearthing captivating images to spark community interest. I meticulously crafted a social media calendar showcasing Gastown’s evolution—from its storied past to its envisioned future—helping the community understand the potential impact of their participation in shaping a New Soul for the neighborhood.

The campaign garnered significant engagement, drawing in new voices and perspectives. Throughout, I documented the journey through imagery and video, creating compelling content for media outlets that resulted in widespread coverage and amplified visibility of the installations. This multi-faceted approach not only brought Gastown’s story to life but also fostered a sense of ownership and connection within the community.

This project not only contributed to the success of the Urban Design Study but also played a pivotal role in fostering meaningful community engagement and dialogue about Gastown’s future. My involvement didn’t end there; I transitioned into a social media management role to support the rollout of Gastown’s new brand identity.

In this capacity, I captured and promoted events such as Meet Me in Gastown, Gastown Thursday Nights, and This Month in Gastown, among others. These initiatives allowed me to highlight the vibrant culture and community spirit of the neighborhood while ensuring the new brand identity resonated with both locals and visitors alike. It was incredibly rewarding to see the impact of this work in strengthening Gastown’s sense of place and connection.