NOTL’s Queen St. could become pedestrian mall

SUZANNE MASON

SPECIAL TO POSTMEDIA NEWS

The main street in Niagara-onthe-Lake’s historic Old Town could one day be for pedestrians only.

The idea of turning a few blocks or all of Queen Street into a pedestrian mall, which has been floated around the town for several years, resurfaced at town council Monday night.

Coun. Jim Collard made a motion that discussions be held with residents, owners of restaurants and shops along the street, and the chamber of commerce.

“It’s not going to happen quickly,” said Collard, who urged other councillors to “go out and ask people.”

He pointed out that there are many world-class tourist destinations that have created pedestrian malls.

“It may be in the best interests of residents and visitors to restrict the flow of traffic and parking … (in the) Queen Street commercial district,” his motion said.

Collard said there are several factors for the town to investigate, including the size of the area, hours of operation, use and rent of the sidewalks and potentially redesigning Queen Street.

Maintaining the lost parking revenues on the street with the creation of new parking sites elsewhere would also be a priority if vehicles were prohibited. Coun. Paolo Miele wondered how the town would replace the $250,000 in parking fees generated annually on the touristy street.

Coun. Jamie King called the proposal “a really exciting idea,” but he expected the public consultation process would take a long time and require “a very talented consultant.”

“That’s going to cost a lot of money,” he said, referring to consultants fees and staff time involved.

King said any changes to the street would have major implica- tions on the town’s tourism and marketing strategies and must align with the municipality’s strategic plan.

The motion passed 7-2 with King and Coun. Betty Disero opposed.

Chief administrative officer Holly Dowd said senior staff will discuss the proposal with Janice Thomson, executive director of the chamber of commerce, at their next bimonthly meeting.

PENNY COLES/POSTMEDIA FILE PHOTO People sit down to a diner en blanc on Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2012. Discussions will be taking place to consider if the popular touristy street should be closed to become a pedestrian mall.