No-fun city no longer? Vancouver looks to build a vibrant nighttime economy

Vancouver has spent years seeking ways to address its no-fun reputation by envisioning a vibrant nightlife that spills into streets and other public areas.

Now, with travel and tourism coming back, but a return to downtown office patterns still in flux, it is seeking the public’s input on questions such as what a “night mayor” might do and what simple things could be easily implemented as a larger plan is developed.

“What we hope to find out are the needs and wants and the concerns of various communities … so that we understand what the city needs,” said Nate Sabine, who sits on the board of the Hospitality Vancouver Association.

The association is asking the public and community groups to take a survey of about 20 questions related to creating a so-called nighttime economy, which is basically tourism, hospitality, arts, cultural and economic activity between the hours of 5 p.m. and 4 a.m.