Market Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic between 2nd and 4th streets from May 15 to around Oct. 15, making way for the Downtown Business Association’s (DBA) ‘Market on Market’ initiative.
READ MORE: Market Avenue to close to traffic for summer to make way for pedestrians and patios
Building on last year’s intiative, DBA co-chairs Deborah Baker and Alfred Him said they have signed up 30 vendors to sell their wares in the pedestrian and bike-friendly zone, more than twice as many as participated last summer. The market will feature outdoor movie screenings by the Gem Theatre, Friday-night food fairs and special events on Sundays, including live music and community garage sales.
“It’s going to help our downtown businesses and restaurants,” Baker said, explaining that the lively market atmosphere will draw hungry and thirsty clients. The car-free zone will allow for extra seating in front of Market Avenue’s Jogas, Wooden Spoon and Board Room cafés, which lost their indoor seating to the latest round of COVID restrictions.
Ninety per cent of affected businesses said they favoured the initiative, according to a recent DBA survey.
Through traffic will continue to flow north-south along 3rd Street.
The DBA has meanwhile secured eight parking spots at the northeast corner of 3rd Street for seniors and those with mobility issues.