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Downtown Elora streets to become pedestrian-only on weekends

This plan aims to promote physical distancing while encouraging visitors to shop downtown
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An overview of what streets are closed to cars on weekends in Elora. Supplied photo

ELORA – In order to help local businesses, some downtown roads in Elora will be closed to cars on weekends.

A press release from the town says this will help with social distancing protocols by allowing stores to bring merchandise out to the sidewalk. This will expand curbside pick-up options as well. 

Mayor Kelly Linton said in a press release that this creative solution was made possible through the township, BIA and county working together. 

“We all worked together to find a way to keep people safe while providing opportunities for our downtown businesses,” Linton said in a press release. “Closing sections of our downtown opens the streetscape, allows for physical distancing and provides a new pedestrian friendly downtown hub.”

The street closure will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. and re-open 7 p.m. Sunday. 

The following streets will be affected by the closure:

  • West Mill St. from Price St. to Metcalfe St. 

  • East Mill St. from Metcalfe St. to Karger Gallery

  • Metcalfe St. from West Mill St. to Geddes St. 

Parking will not be allowed on Church St. W on weekends. Instead, visitors are encouraged to park at the LCBO, the Elora and District Community Centre, the Elora Mill and the municipal office.

Elora BIA chair Jonathan Laurencic said in a press release that they are excited about this creative solution that will help downtown businesses recover from the pandemic.

“The Elora BIA is excited for the closure of our downtown streets to motorized traffic,” Laurencic said in a press release. “We believe that pedestrians and shop owners will benefit from the ability to physical distance while taking part in a unique shopping experience in our downtown.”

Township staff are working with the Fergus BIA to develop plans for their re-opening.