Residents and business owners in the Old Strathcona area are largely in support of closing a section of Whyte Avenue to cars.
The city held a public consultation on Saturday about the proposed Car-Free Whyte Avenue pilot project.
The project would see a portion of the popular Whyte Avenue closed for special events. Buses would be allowed into the street and there would be taxi checkpoints on both ends of the closure.
The city says it would solve many issues associated with the busy area.
“We know that there’s tons of crowding on Whyte Avenue, we know there’s tons of jaywalking and we know that it’s difficult for drivers when there’s that many people going back and forth,” said Angela Turner, a program manager with the city of Edmonton.
“It’s a very busy location, it’s not going to away and they have to address it,” said resident Chris Sowa.
While many participants said they are willing to give the project a test run, others expressed some hesitation. Some residents worry that there will be other issues that arise from closing the street.
“I don’t think what’s been addressed with this issue is having a giant block party with people that are infused with alcohol and drugs,” said Sandy Beresford. “I think it will create anti-social behaviour, I think there will be crime, more assault, property damage.”
Murray Davison, executive director of the Old Strathcona Business Association said businesses are split on whether to support or oppose the project. He said more information from the city is needed.
Davison hopes the city tests out the closure multiple times a year.
“We want it done and we would like to see it happen here but it has to be done correctly,” Davison said.
“The summer we have a different crowd out here, when university is coming in there’s a different vibe, when there’s some major events or activities like Halloween … should we do it? How do we do it? What are the impacts of it?”
In the summer, a majority of people asked in a survey by the city liked the idea of closing Whyte Avenue to vehicle traffic on certain nights. More than 2,000 people responded to the survey, with 77 per cent either supporting or highly supporting the proposal. Just 17 per cent of those surveyed did not support the project.
