"A safe space, inspired by Jim Deva's lifelong passion for freedom of sexuality, gender diversity, and the fight against censorship, where LGBTQ people and allies can meet, share ideas freely, dare to dream, and love unapologetically."

Named for the stand's late co-founder and community activist, Jim Deva Plaza is the City of Vancouver's first pavement-to-plaza project.

Through Little Sister's lengthy court battle, Jim Deva became an ambassador for the LGBTQ+ community and a champion for free speech in Canada.

Jim Deva died tragically in 2014 but is fondly remembered by many as a cornerstone of his community who very committed to inclusive public space and a leader who rallied against anti-gay violence in Vancouver.

Located on the south side of Davie Street, next to the rainbow crosswalks at Davie and Bute Streets, in the heart of the Davie Village, the Jim Deva Plaza was created by redesigning the former paved street into a single continuous smooth surface with rainbow accents that invites people in to sit and spend time relaxing in this busy urban centre.

Read an article about the Grand Opening of the plaza here.

The Megaphone Soap Box

This unique community gathering space features a variety of seating and an iconic "megaphone" soap box sculpture, commemorating Little Sister's store co-founder Jim Deva's extensive advocacy and legacy of free speech and gay rights.

Created using three metric tons of steel, the megaphone stands as a call to celebrate and remember Mr. Deva's achievements and advocacy regarding freedom of speech. The installation is intended as a commemorative, yet playful "Speaker's Corner" feature for the plaza. Accessible to all, everyone is welcome to use it.

The megaphone was designed by Hapa Collaborative, with guidance from the City of Vancouver's LGTBQ2+ Advisory Committee and the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee.

Using the eight stripe pride flag for inspiration, the pink colour of the megaphone represents sexuality while the turquoise symbolizes art. The Jim Deva Plaza Living Legacy statement can be found on the inside of one of the megaphone panels, encouraging us to remember the values that Mr. Deva stood for.

The plaza is also home to a mix of fun activities and local events.

Holding an event in Jim Deva Plaza

Email the plaza coordinator to learn how to get an event permit for the plaza: info@jimdevaplaza.ca

Jim Deva Plaza stewardship

Maintenance and stewardship of the space is managed through a special partnership between the City of Vancouver and the West End BIA, guided by input from the Plaza Oversight Committee which is comprised of members from the community. Founding Programming Partners for the plaza are the West End BIA and Hollyburn Properties.