Full closure of Newmarket Main Street for patios unlikely, mayor says

As province emerges from coronavirus, town surveys BIA, makes plans for other bars

Yorkregion.com
June 8, 2020
Lisa Queen

Newmarket’s Main Street businesses are weighing in on how patios will operate once Queen’s Park gives the OK as the province moves to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

After a virtual meeting with the Main Street Newmarket Business Improvement Area last week, the town has sent out surveys asking businesses what they want to see happen, Mayor John Taylor said.

Allowing bars and restaurants in other areas of the town to reopen when the provincial government gives the nod is straightforward because most are in plazas, he said.

The town will require them to submit plans showing how they will address concerns such as physical distancing, perhaps by extending patios into parking lots, and proving they have their landlord’s approval.

Main Street faces unique space challenges, Taylor said.

BIA chair Tom Hempen is pleased the town is asking businesses for their opinions.

"We have the summer here and things need to move very quickly," he said, adding it’s been a tough year financially for businesses.

"I think it’s really important for the individual businesses. They’re looking at working with the town and coming up with something creative to give them some extra space. It would be a nice place for people to come and sit outside."

Some businesses want to see the town shut down Main Street to accommodate on-street patios and pedestrian traffic, Hempen said.

While he personally doesn’t have a problem with the idea, he said it’s important to survey BIA members.

However, Taylor said a full closure of Main Street is not likely, at least not immediately.

"I basically shared with them that as a town, we have reviewed this extensively and do not feel at this time that we’re comfortable closing Main Street and enlarging the patios, that we’re too concerned about creating a gathering destination spot , of a magnitude that would not be safe," he said. "It would not allow for social distancing."

The town is likely to be more receptive to other solutions, such as using parking spaces and public areas for patios, Taylor said.

"We’re saying we think we can work with them creatively to find other opportunities without closing the street," he said.