A group is looking at creating a downtown outdoor walking mall on Centre Street and is going to town council to get approval.
Chris Curtis of Travel Drumheller explains the idea came originally through discussions with downtown merchants, and now they are looking at developing a portion of Centre Street between Railway Avenue and 3rd Avenue into a pedestrian mall for the summer, as a pilot project.
There will be a lane to continue motor vehicle access to the Econolodge and similarly, vehicle access to businesses from 3rd Avenue South to the alley past the Paint Shop with 15 minute parking.
“This started off with a group of merchants who said ‘let’s see what we can do on our own,’” said Curtis. “One of the ideas that came out was a walking street downtown.”
He said he proposed the idea to downtown merchants and heard that 75 per cent of them said yes, most favouring Centre Street. He said about 50 per cent of the merchants had some concerns, but were not insurmountable.
“There were thoughts in their minds that needed to be addressed. I thought the best way to move forward was to address those concerns and that is what we did,” said Curtis.
He said the block is well suited for this type of development, with food service on each corner and a variety of businesses. They are looking at possibly a stage for entertainment, outdoor seating areas, and kiosks to entice more walking traffic downtown. They are even looking at porters, and guest services to help shoppers carry bags and offer assistance.
“I think this is a benefit for businesses already there. What we would like to do is make it the premier shopping area in Drumheller,” said Curtis.
He doesn’t feel that it will limit regular business traffic.
“Any business that would be on that street would be closer walking distance for parking than if you went to CrosssIron Mills and had to walk from the parking lot into the store,” said Curtis.
Mel Cragg owns Bill Cross Men’s Shop and is worried that it may affect some of his clientele.
“I have a lot of elderly people who come and want to park in front of my store,” said Cragg.
He adds this is just a portion of his clientele.
“I don’t mind on weekends… Saturdays, Sundays… that’s fine, but through the week, I feel I would lose a lot of business.”
“I love the things that go on downtown and all that good stuff, but I think it should be left for weekends, not weekdays.”
Lue Martinell owns Jurassic Laser Tag and says she has heard the idea, but wants to reserve judgment for when, if indeed, the changes are approved, and what the results are.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be a good thing or if it is going to be detrimental. We won’t know if it’s going to be a good thing or a bad thing until we try,” she said.
“If something happens, and if it looks like it is not helping or being detrimental to my business, I can step forward and say ‘maybe this isn’t a good idea’ and maybe not do that for August. I think we have the option.”
Curtis says the next step is to take the idea to Council for approval. They hope to open the street mall the first week of July.
