(Photo: TDCB)
It looks like Moncton city council could move forward with a plan to make a section of main street one-way, along with bike lanes for the summer.
The motion passed first reading last night, with all Councillors in support.
Director of economic development, Kevin Silliker says this would allow for larger sidewalk cafes, with proper physical distancing.
This would apply to the section between Botsford and Lutz streets.
Councillor Charles Leger wondered if more of the downtown could be included in the plan.
“This is all about Main street, but we also have a number of businesses on St. Georges Street and we have not discussed that at all. So what exactly would be your plan to help a variety of the businesses on St. George street that are also struggling and would like to increase their patio and increase traffic,” says Leger.
Director of economic development, Kevin Silliker says a larger zone would mean more traffic redirection.
Silliker says businesses outside of Main street can still apply for a sidewalk cafe license and assessed individually.
Councillor Paulette Theriault is in favour of the idea and even wondered if it could be extended into the winter season.
“I’m thinking of Quebec city, we go there during the winter and we sit outdoors and we have a glass of warm wine. Maybe we can be creative in our approach and keep the outdoors alive, even on Main street,” she says.
Silliker says they are only looking at implementing this short-term, to allow for better physical distancing.
A survey conducted by Downtown Moncton-Centreville Inc found mixed reviews for temporary accommodation.
“Some businesses have also expressed in a strong way that they want to make sure that it does go back to its regular configuration in the fall. Believe it or not, not all businesses want to see Main street closed, not all businesses want to see Main street in a one-way configuration on a long term basis,” Silliker says.
He says council will get the opportunity to review the outcome of the initiative in the Fall.
