The 30-minute parking limit on Newmarket’s Main Street to accommodate curbside pickup and delivery during the coronavirus crisis has been extended into September.
Council received a flurry of feedback from stuggling local merchants who said the move has helped them to attract more customers.
The temporary parking restrictions came into force May 9 under a town emergency order and, at a special meeting of council on June 8, was approved to continue.
“I can’t imagine a scenario where we’d want to eliminate the 30-minute parking,” Mayor John Taylor said, adding the COVID-19 pandemic will likely continue all summer.
The continued closure until at least June 19 of the library, except for curbside pickup, town facilities, and the Tim Hortons Water Feature at Riverwalk commons, for example, is expected to free up ample additional parking off Main Street.
“Even when restaurants can open with patios and there’s more activity in the downtown, there will still be significant parking in the surrounding area,” Taylor said.
Councillor Bob Kwapis, who serves constituents in Newmarket’s downtown, said there has been “a lot of support going forward to continue with the (30-minute maximum parking limit) for as long as possible”.
Councillor Kelly Broome also received feedback in favour of the parking limit restrictions.
“I’ve received emails in favour of continuing the time limit, almost to the point where they’re having so much success and increased sales that it was suggested we keep it forever,” Broome said.
