Certain uptown streets will be closed to vehicles over summer weekends in an effort to increase foot traffic for local businesses.
The Open Streets pilot project will see closures for stretches of Germain, Canterbury, and Prince William streets on an alternating basis for 12 weekends between July and September.
Council voted through the initiative at Monday evening’s meeting, following broad support from members.
“I’ve often said we’ve turned Canterbury Street into the Canadian version of Bourbon Street, except instead of beer everyone’s carrying Tim Horton’s,” said Councillor Gary Sullivan, referring to previous special events. “This is creative, it’s flexible, it’s forward-thinking and responsive.”
The closures will last between Friday evening and Sunday morning, and allows for businesses to plan activities in order to bring customers back to the area after the COVID-19-induced economic shutdown.
City Manager John Collin said as a pilot project, council will be able to revisit the issue if it isn’t bringing the desired effects.
“At any point in time, if it’s not working well, if we’re not getting the attendance we want, we will be back to council recommending we either alter or shut it down,” Collin said.
The motion carried several recommendations, including the creation of 11 new 15-minute parking spots, in order to enable more curbside pickups for uptown businesses, as well as the full-time pedestrianization of South Market Street.
Council approved $60,000 from the growth fund reserve in order to finance the initiative.
