After decades of trying, can the new Granville Street plan succeed where others have failed? [Video]

“Through the years Granville has been the roughest main drag of any major city in Canada,” declared the Vancouver Sun after renovations were done to provide beautification, remove cars, and revitalize the street in downtown Vancouver.

“It’s the first time in nearly 40 years that it gives the appearance of going any place.”

That column was published in 1974, more than 50 years and nine mayors ago. 

Since then, there have been a number of attempts to breathe new life into Vancouver’s main theatre district and nightclub area. Every decade or two, a new plan emerges to balance entertainment and pedestrian needs while reducing issues surrounding crime, housing and safety.

“It’s probably the most complex urban space downtown,” said Brent Toderian, who became Vancouver’s city planner in 2006 just after the launch of a Granville Street redesign inspired by the 2010 Winter Olympics.

“When you have a higher degree of …