NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF GUELPH
*************************
Parts of Wyndham and Macdonell streets will close for two months starting Friday, July 10 until Labour Day to maximize the economic recovery efforts of the Downtown Guelph Business Association’s dining district.
The downtown dining district road closures, the boundaries of which have changed to a slightly smaller area based on feedback from this past weekend, allow 17 restaurants to safely expand patios and outdoor seating onto streets while indoor dining is still closed.
Public safety is the priority, and outdoor patios need to comply with public health requirements and provincial orders, including maintaining physical distancing and wearing masks when entering a business.
“We’re thrilled the recent success of the dining district will continue and want to remind people that most roads in Downtown Guelph remain open,” said Marty Williams, executive director of the DGBA. “Whether you visit by bus, car, bike or on foot, you can easily access your favourite restaurant or shop.”
“We learned a lot from the initial closure,” said Christine Chapman, acting manager of Economic Development. “The City and DGBA will continue working together on refinements to improve the dining district experience for everyone over the course of the summer.”
Road closures and parking
The following streets will be closed to all vehicle traffic from Friday July 10 at 8 a.m. until Monday, Sept. 7 at 7 a.m.:
- Wyndham Street between Carden Street and just north of Macdonell Street
- Macdonell Street between the Macdonell parking lot and just east of Wyndham Street
The DGBA will work directly with businesses to determine delivery options.
During the closure, people can pay to park within a five-minute walking distance to the dining district in the Market and West parkades, Macdonell, Baker and Wyndham street lots or use free 2-hour on-street parking on adjacent downtown streets.
Accessible parking spaces are available at the following nearby locations:
- in both the West Parkade and Market Parkade
- in the Macdonell parking lot
- on street on the north side of Macdonell Street, as well as on Carden, Wilson, Norfolk and Quebec streets
Restaurants and businesses are open
All operating restaurants and businesses in the area remain open.
Pedestrian access
All sidewalks remain open and accessible. People on bikes are asked to walk their bicycles through the closed area.
Guelph Transit impacts
Guelph Transit routes 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 99, Community Bus North and Community Bus South are on detour until September 7. Visit guelphtransit.ca for information about stop changes and route detours.
Waste collection
There will be no interruption to City waste collection services during the road closures and the City will work with the DGBA and businesses to improve collection accessibility of the existing waste carts and receptacles.
*************************
