Moncton supports expansion of downtown sidewalk cafés
Posted in: News Item
Date Posted: 2020-06-18
Organization Name: City of Moncton
Main Street will flow differently this summer, as it will be reduced to one lane, traveling west and flanked by a bidirectional bike lane on its south side.This change is part of the City of Moncton’s post-pandemic economic recovery efforts to support downtown restaurants by offering customized options to expand their sidewalk cafés and terraces.
“In discussions with business owners, a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn’t have met their needs,” explained Kevin Silliker, Director of Economic Development for the City of Moncton. “Rather, we discovered opportunities to provide flexibility in our regulations, enabling restaurateurs to find creative solutions.”
To make this happen in a short timeframe, city council did the first reading for the amendment required to the Streets and Parking By-Law (T-310), which adds Main Street to the list of one-way streets for the designated period (to October 31, 2020). Second and third readings are expected to occur at an upcoming public session, at which point the amendment will be made effective immediately.
In addition, staff from both the By-Law Enforcement and Engineering departments will support applicants to the Sidewalk Café program by allowing some exceptions to current program guidelines. Particularly, where public safety is adequately addressed, or where neighbouring businesses agree, restaurants may be permitted to expand their outdoor patio to limited on-street parking spaces, or beyond their business’ frontage. This will assist them where their indoor seating capacity has been reduced due to physical distancing requirements outlined by NB Public Health.
Mr. Silliker added: “We are aware that several restaurants in the downtown core haven’t yet finalized their reopening plans. This new Main Street configuration allows the city to be nimble as restaurateurs submit applications for the Sidewalk Café program over the coming weeks.”
Traffic Flow Considerations
The new traffic pattern will be transformed in mid-to-late June (details to follow), and will be focused in the downtown core between Botsford and Lutz streets. On-street parking will be maintained except for a few select cases.
The bikelanes allow cyclists to participate in the downtown economy in a safe and unique manner.
Eastbound traffic will be redirected to other parallel streets, such as Assomption Boulevardor St. George Street. Excellent access to downtown is maintained for vehicles coming from the TransCanada Highway or Route 15.