Granville Bar Owners Sound Alarm

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, bar owners in Vancouver's Granville entertainment district are urgently calling for immediate action from city and provincial authorities to combat a worrying rise in street crime and public safety concerns.

A group of seasoned bar owners, who have invested their lives and millions into the iconic Granville Street strip, claim it is now in a precarious state. Dave Kershaw, owner of Cabana Nightclub, voiced the frustration felt by many: "To see it fall apart due to policy decisions that aren't being reversed is frankly heartbreaking."

The hospitality sector is grappling with a staggering 60% drop in business, with these operators stating they have little left to lose. Kershaw, who has owned a bar on Granville since 1996, lamented, "I’ve never seen it this bad."

Concerns Intensified during COVID-19 Pandemic

The issues plaguing Granville Street began worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, the Howard Johnson hotel was transformed into a single-room occupancy (SRO) facility to house those displaced from encampments, including individuals struggling with severe substance abuse and mental health issues. While the building was intended to provide temporary supportive housing, the transition has had profound negative consequences.

Paul Stoilen of The MRG Group described the situation as spiraling out of control, stating, "It was like an overnight switch," resonating with club owner Mike Morissette who added that the vibrant nightlife of a "big night out" has vanished. The street, once a popular destination for young partygoers, has been marred by conflicts involving patrons and homeless individuals, with reports of violent altercations and significant disorder.

Violence and Safety Concerns Escalate

Kershaw recounted a terrifying incident where a man attempted to enter his club and subsequently threatened staff with a knife. This and other violent episodes have deterred customers from returning, raising genuine fears for the safety of both patrons and staff.

Alan Goodall, the owner of Aura Nightclub, has seen a concerning rise in violence and disorder, claiming his establishment has experienced shootings and knifings that leave potential customers nervous: "Once people are exposed to that, they won’t come back."

Other Negative Impacts

The impact of the SRO has extended beyond safety concerns. Goodall revealed his club has suffered over 200 floods due to faulty sprinkler systems in the building, often triggered by residents. These incidents have caused significant damage, leading to a daunting repair bill that the business did not receive compensation for.

Residents of the Howard Johnson have echoed these concerns, with many attributing the building’s decline to rampant drug use. Current residents have voiced their frustrations over the lack of adequate support, highlighting issues with program accessibility and outreach from staff.

"Every day, the fire alarms go off. Some people set them off intentionally," one resident remarked. These alarming conditions not only disrupt their lives but also endanger the clientele of local businesses.

Tourist Safety Concerns

Another nightclub owner, Vince Marino, noted how the recent conditions have led tourists to express fears about safety when visiting Granville. "During the World Sevens, we had people actually email us to ask if it was safe to walk up Davie Street. We’ve never had that question asked of us in the 30 years that we’ve been here," said Marino.

Call to Action

As FIFA World Cup visitors prepare to arrive in 2026, the pressure is on for local authorities to act swiftly. Bar owners are demanding immediate action to restore the Granville area's reputation and safety. They propose measures such as enhancing public transportation, particularly late-night SkyTrain services, to encourage safe travel in and out of the entertainment district.

"If nothing changes, we will lose a significant hub that currently employs 10,000 people and injects approximately $750 million into the local economy," warned Kershaw. The stakes have never been higher, and the clock is ticking as Granville’s bar owners plead for an urgent solution. "We need help right now," Goodall declared. The question remains: will city leaders heed their call before it’s too late?