A pedestrianized Dunlop Street from Clapperton to Mulcaster streets is off the table for now until the downtown Barrie's Business Improvement Association (BIA) can organize a plan that works for its members.
In May, city council approved a plan to pedestrianize the downtown street as soon as reconstruction was completed. The Dunlop Streetcape project is ongoing as the area from Owen to Clapperton streets is blocked off, but Owen Street to Mulcaster Street is open.
Council’s approval was on the condition that the BIA support the plan. But BIA executive director Kelly McKenna believes there needs to be more planning for it to be a success.
“We’re putting a working group together this month and August to figure out if we can possibly do something in September and October,” said McKenna. “In six weeks, we’ll get a plan together and if everything works well, we can start in the fall.”
The working group will consist of some BIA members, two committee chairs and a member of city staff.
McKenna said she and her team have talked about having something in place for the winter.
The pedestrianization of this portion of Dunlop Street will allow for stores to put displays outside their shops, much like the ones seen during Promenade Days. McKenna believes the idea would be best served when permits are allowed for events so as to attract more people.
“The real hanging point on this is not being able to activate any of the space with music or art because we’re not allowed to get any event permits due to COVID-19,” said McKenna. “Talking to our staff about what works and doesn’t work downtown, unless we can bring the space to life it really makes pedestrianization not worthwhile.”
Dunlop Street construction east of Bayfield Street is expected to be finished in the middle of July.
City of Barrie director of economic and creative development Stephanie Schlichter said that the Dunlop Streetscape project was always about creating a larger, accessible and protected space.
“Pedestrianizations of downtowns, particularly in conjunction with Streetscape projects is not unique to Barrie,” said Schlichter. “Ottawa has a long standing program and we are super impressed with what London has done.”
Schlichter added that “COVID-19 recovery has accelerated this concept for many municipalities and Barrie is really lucky that we are in a position to take advantage of some things that were already underway.”
