The Town of Newmarket is asking Main Street businesses to temporarily make the downtown roadway pedestrian only.
Mayor John Taylor is backing a pilot project that would bar vehicles for a stretch of Main. He presented the concept to more than 20 downtown businesses at the Main Street BIA AGM Nov. 9.
The town will host a meeting with businesses in February to present more details and discuss it in-depth, but Taylor said he believes after many years of talks about the concept, it is time to put it to the test.
“We owe it to ourselves, as the downtown and the BIA, to at least try once after 20 years of talking,” Taylor said. “It would be really exciting to try and see and learn and then judge from that actual experience."
No decision has been made on the idea yet beyond having a meeting. Taylor said he would like a 10-day pilot, but that is up for discussion and will need to be approved by council and the BIA before it happens. Council made exploring pedestrianization a strategic priority for its term, also including it in its economic development strategy in May.
Although the town has yet to present complete details on the scope of the pilot, Taylor said it would be fully funded if it goes ahead. He said the pilot would include new furniture and plants, as well as events to draw people to the downtown.
He said although he supports a pilot project, he does not feel as strongly yet about proceeding with the idea. He added that he hopes there can be good dialogue.
“I hope people will keep an open mind until the meeting," Taylor said. "I know there are businesses ... that are very concerned about this, and I know some are very excited about it. I really hope we can be very respectful of both positions."
Pedestrian-only downtown streets exist in many towns and cities around the world. Several municipalities in the province close streets to traffic for summer months or weekends.
One of the concerns raised was the impact a closure would have on downtown parking and access to stores. BIA chair Tom Hempen said that is something they would address.
“I know there are people who are very passionate about parking,” Hempen said. “Prior to us making any decisions, we’ll have that discussion.”
Members discussed ensuring that as many people as possible are aware of the February meeting. The municipality initially intended to have the meeting earlier but delayed after being unable to reach some people via electronic communication.
Pharmacy owner Anne Robins said she is concerned council might have already made its decision.
“I really don’t want this to be divisive,” Robins said. “I do want it to be a fair process and open to suggestions.”
Taylor said the town would halt the idea of a pilot if there is enough opposition. If the pilot goes ahead, he said the town would not proceed with the idea if the pilot results are not a success.
“It’s not like the council is in a backroom, saying ‘It’s done, we’re doing this,’” Taylor said. “It is not the case."
Hempen suggested calling another general meeting after the February session to discuss the matter further. But he said no matter what, businesses are united in working to improve Main Street.
“We’re one happy family, and we share our customers,” Hempen said. “Regardless of where we come out on this, we all have the same common goal for our street.”
