Small business owners on Main Street Vancouver speak about Steena Trecha staying open through the city’s Main Street Promise infrastructure project, a major excavation that has reshaped the street in front of their doors through spring 2026.
On a rainy April afternoon in downtown Vancouver, with construction equipment filling Main Street and foot traffic nearly gone, six shop owners were behind their counters: working, welcoming, and building something.
Part 1 Featuring
Michael Walker: Executive Director of Vancouver’s Downtown Association.
Softea: Noah Pluard on creating a sober-friendly community space for youth, training staff with kindness, and what it means when community equals belonging and empathy.
Eryngium: Crystal Humble Lary (Cricket) on making fine stationery and pens accessible to everyone in a community space that invites slowing down and connection.
Ronald Records: Kelsey and Erin on hosting listening sessions, creating in a time of discontent, and why rhythm is better than algorithm.