Gregor Robertson visits West 4th Avenue to plug Khatsahlano!

by Charlie Smith on July 11th, 2013 at 4:16 PM

1 of 1 2 of 1

It's rare to see a mayor and a bunch of local businesspeople show up at a news conference to promote a sewer project.

Then again, not every 100-year-old sewer line upgrade is completed to coincide with the largest street party of the summer in Vancouver.

In an unusual juxtaposition, Kitsilano 4th Avenue Business Improvement Association directors joined Mayor Gregor Robertson to celebrate completion of a six-month construction project along West 4th between Balsam and Burrard streets.

The business group's CEO, Russ Davies, congratulated the city for the way it consulted with business owners to minimize disruption.

It means an end to traffic tie-ups just in time for Khatsalano! Music + Art Festival, which could bring 80,000 people to West 4th Avenue on Saturday (July 13).

At today's event at the corner of Yew Street and West 4th Avenue, Katie Schaeffers of brand.LIVE said that there will be more than 30 bands on six stages along West 4th Avenue.

"The festival has truly become a fixture on this street and in Vancouver's summer event calendar," she declared.

But the mayor won't be among the local performers making music at any of the locations on the street.

"Unfortunately, I will not be playing my tuba at the Khatsahlano! fest, but there are so many incredible musicians," Robertson said. "Some of Vancouver's finest will be here....I don't think my tuba would help."