A proposal to close one lane of Red River Road is not pleasing some downtown business owners.
The Waterfront Business Improvement Area is in favour of the temporary, partial closure to allow more space for patios, dining and shopping.
Council is considering the idea to encourage more people to visit businesses that were closed due to COVID-19.
However, the owners of nine establishments between Cumberland and Court Streets have signed a petition urging the city not to close the street.
Matt Bressmer owns Cathy’s Discount and Creation Body Piercing in the north core, and says any street closure or lack of parking hurt his sales. He says further closures may force him to shut down for good, adding only a “select few” would benefit from the plan.
City Council will discuss tonight whether to allow this type of closure in business districts across the city.
Their agenda also includes a recommendation to make the Pop-Up Patio program available permanently, rather than as a pilot.
