The City of Vancouver is seeking feedback on a final design for a proposed permanent plaza at Davie and Bute streets.

The plaza is a part of the West End Plan (approved in 2013), which outlines the development of the West End over the next 30 years.

The plan includes recommendations for enhancing the area for business and nightlife as well as an LGBT neighbourhood. In particular, it identifies the Davie and Bute intersection as the "heart" of Davie Village.

That intersection features the country's first permanent rainbow crosswalks, which were unveiled in 2013.

A pilot plaza project on Bute Street (south of Davie Street) ran from July 2013 to September 2014, featuring rainbow-coloured picnic tables in an area closed to traffic.

The Davie Village Public Space improvement design process started in March and included public consultations.

After preliminary design concepts, community feedback included suggestions for more investment in design (such as a flush surface without curbs, lighting, weather protection) and more infrastructure for community events (power, water).

In July, city council approved a conceptual design that included a permanent Bute Street plaza to be named after the former Little Sister's Book and Art Emporium founder and LGBT pioneer Jim Deva who died in 2014.

The city is now asking for citizens to comment on a final design, prepared by PFS Studio, that incorporates input and feedback.

According to the proposed final design, sidewalks will be widened around Bute and Davie intersection to shorten crossing distances. (As the West End Plan will expand upon the Transportation 2040 Plan, which aims to improve safety and sustainable transportation in the city, Bute Street will be improved as a walking and cycling route.)

A mid-block crossing is also planned for half a block east of Bute Street. The bus stop on the south side of Davie Street will be shifted east to accommodate a plaza bulge. An upgraded traffic signal will be installed at the Jervis and Davie intersection.

New legacy trees are proposed to be planted to complement existing trees and suspended catenary lighting will hang above the plaza.

The final design also includes a concept for an outdoor museum to celebrate the history of Vancouver's LGBTQ communities. The museum will include a Jim Deva "Speaker's Corner" Soapbox, which will be located in the northeast corner of the plaza.

An open house for the design was held on October 22 and another one will be held tomorrow (October 24) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the plaza site. City staff will answer questions and receive any feedback.

For those who are unable to attend the open house, response to an online questionnaire will be accepted until November 1.

City staff will report to council in December with a detailed design, funding strategy, and plaza management strategy. Construction of the plaza is slated to begin in early 2016 and completed by the summer.

Full details can be found at the City of Vancouver website.