A car-free zone in downtown Guelph, designed to open up space for restaurant patios, has had its duration extended by the City Council and will now run for two additional months.
The program allows for downtown restaurants and pubs like Brothers Brewing Company, Frank and Steins and Philthy Philly’s to have new or expanded patio areas that include street and sidewalk space. The area has been closed off to car traffic to allow for tables and picnic benches.
This kind of open-air dining area has been created in several cities to encourage people to patronize local businesses while maintaining social distancing. Restaurants often provide take-away Menus and Business Cards to encourage patrons to consider them for take-out orders and outdoor dining.
The Downtown Dining District launched on July 10 and proved a popular destination throughout the summer. In making its decision to renew the program, Guelph City Council received over 130 written comments, which were largely positive. The proposal to extend the district’s duration was approved by an 11-2 vote.
Restaurant owners hope that the extension will let them make the most of Halloween parties and other occasions. Some have even proposed making the area car-free permanently.
Guelph’s Downtown Dining District, which sits around the intersection of Macdonnell and Wyndham, will now be in place until November 30, an extension from the original closing date of September 7.
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