[easy as pie]

it's like the bike helmet issue. if you want a great animated public space, let vendors set up, etc. vancouver is one of the only cities, probably on the planet but at least that i've ever been to, that does not have a central square. it's a shame that this space - the obvious choice for the job - hasn't worked, but i'm guessing that rather than the space itself, it's an series of overly restrictive uses for that space that are the issue. i can pretty much guarantee that if there were a row of food vendors set up there every day and an even partially covered pod area (too bad that clamshell idea of gordo's didn't fly) then this place would probably become a beloved vancouver institution.

another example of a good idea brought down by insane over-regulation.