More patios will be allowed to take over half of the street on Red River Road and other business districts.
The Pop-Up Patio program is now a full program, and will allow business districts to apply for permission to temporarily close parts of streets for more dining, walking and shopping.
Red River Councillor Brian McKinnon says restaurant owners believe this will help bring in more customers.
He says this will be a big help for businesses that have been “struggling mightily” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Neebing Ward Councillor Cody Fraser believes this could be the first step toward permanent patios and more shopping displays in the north downtown, comparing it to Minneapolis’ Nicollet Mall.
“I think the downtown core there, in the north core, has that exact potential. I think it’s truly something special,” Fraser says.
However, some waterfront district businesses say closing part of the street won’t help them. Eight business owners representing nine stores and services submitted a petition urging Council not to allow the closures.
