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Pedestrians only: Kelowna mayor wants to expand open spaces for restaurants

91ƵIt would help create more space for businesses that are going to be losing space in light of physical distancing requirements91Ƶ - Mayor Colin Basran
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Doc Willoughby91Ƶs is one of several downtown Kelowna businesses planning to open as soon as restrictions ease on May 19, 2020. The popular pub is currently undergoing renovations in preparation for its reopening. (Michael Rodriguez - Capital News)

As pandemic restrictions ease across the province, several businesses in Kelowna are planning to reopen.

And, Mayor Colin Basran thinks they could use a little extra help 91Ƶ or patio space.

Several municipalities across the globe have begun closing busy downtown streets to vehicles. This allows for restaurants to spread out into the street, expanding the footprint 91Ƶ and subsequently patronage 91Ƶ of businesses while ensuring that physical distancing measures can still be safely implemented.

Basran, while not going into specifics regarding which roads or areas may be restricted, said the city is looking to do something similar.

91ƵIt would help create more space for businesses that are going to be losing space in light of physical distancing requirements,91Ƶ Basran told 91Ƶ on May 12.

91ƵWe want to be mindful of that and help them out.91Ƶ

More information will be coming as the city91Ƶs plan develops, Basran said.

Such ideas are in the works in several B.C. municipalities, with one Revelstoke councillor working to table a motion in the coming weeks that would limit certain downtown roads to pedestrian-only access.

91ƵI91Ƶm hoping to see Mackenzie [Avenue] restricted to pedestrian access only from July 1 this year through Labour Day,91Ƶ said Coun. Cody Younker. 91ƵAs I91Ƶve said time and time again, the city needs to start thinking outside the box and start finding ways to get to yes, rather than constantly saying no.91Ƶ

In Victoria, Mayor Lisa Helps said her council is prepared to quickly approve flexible COVID-19 recovery plans to allow open-air dining experiences in an environment of safe physical distancing for customers and employees.

Vancouver city council is also preparing to debate the issue of making more room for restaurants and Mayor Kennedy Stewart has said the city must think creatively to help spur recovery.

Ian Tostenson, president of the B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association, said struggling restaurants need immediate help getting back on their feet and expanding into public spaces would provide more room to serve customers safely.

A recent survey conducted by Restaurants Canada, a not-for-profit industry association, found seven out of 10 owners fear they won91Ƶt have enough money to pay their expenses over the next three months.

-With files from Canadian Press

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michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com

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