Downtown Sarnia (BlackburnNews.com file photo)Downtown Sarnia (BlackburnNews.com file photo)
Sarnia

Pace picking up at Sarnia's weekend pedestrian zone

The Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce is working to expand its pedestrian-friendly street pilot as its popularity grows downtown.

Christina Street, between George Street and Davis Street, is closed to traffic on weekends until September 27.

CEO Allan Calvert said they hope to add some new things in the coming weeks.

"We've called some local farmers to set up farmers markets, there's local musicians that want to get back outside and show off their talents, we're open to any of that," said Calvert. "I would encourage anybody that wants to have dialogue relative to that, whether it's a food truck, to call us here at the chamber and we can have dialogue and help people along in that regard."

He admits the first weekend was pretty slow when the city was still in Stage 2 of the pandemic reopening plan, but it picked up with the progression to Stage 3.

"The second weekend is where some of the, specifically food and beverage, outlets downtown stretched their legs, moved into the street, they've got some larger patios, you will see more of that. Not only on Christina, but on Front Street as well.''

The Sarnia Street Cruisers have come out to support the initiative, parking their classic cars on other streets downtown.

But, even with the new measures, Calvert said some businesses are truly struggling.

"They'll comment and say things like, 'I don't know if I'm going to pay the hydro bill this month or the internet bill, but I can't pay both," he said.

The chamber has been providing businesses in need with coaching and helping them connect with resources to help.

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