The city's will be closing sections of two busy downtown streets to vehicles this weekend as it kicks off its pilot 'dining district' program.
Starting Saturday at 7 a.m. to Monday morning, Wyndham Street between Cork Street to Carden Street and Macdonell Street between the Macdonell Street parking lot and the West Parkade will be closed to vehicles.
Businesses will be allowed to apply for permission to expand patios into the street. They were notified last week that they should make an application to do so if interested.
“We’re working with the Downtown Guelph Business Association to create more outdoor dining space this patio season to support businesses recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Christine Chapman, acting manager of Economic Development with the City of Guelph, in a news release.
“Public safety remains our priority, and outdoor patios still need to comply with public health requirements and provincial orders.”
Restaurants and business in the closure area who are interested in participating need to apply for a dining district temporary patio permit and coordinate with the Downtown Guelph Business Association.
The city will assess the program after this weekend before making any decisions on future closures.
During the closure, people can park in the Macdonell, Baker and Wyndham parking lots for free for up to two hours.
Cars parked on the street within the closure area will be towed.
People on bikes are asked to walk their bicycles through the closed area.
There will be no interruption to waste collection services during the road closures. Downtown waste will be collected as usual.
Some bus routes will have temporary detours Saturday and Sunday.
