A photo of The Grove Hotel and Brew House in Kingsville courtesy of TripAdvisor.A photo of The Grove Hotel and Brew House in Kingsville courtesy of TripAdvisor.
Windsor

Kingsville the latest to open its streets

Businesses in one local community have a chance to welcome customers back by taking it to the streets.

The town of Kingsville becomes the latest Windsor-Essex municipality to allow businesses to set up on the street, to provide additional space for people to social-distance. The practice, known as Open Streets in Downtown Kingsville, begins Friday afternoon and will run on weekends throughout the summer months.

Mayor Nelson Santos said Open Streets is an excellent opportunity for downtown businesses, namely restaurants and bars, to let customers know they are indeed in business.

"Our business community is thrilled for the opportunity to welcome guests back, and our residents are looking forward to being reacquainted with their small business friends," said Santos.

Last weekend, Kingsville joined neighbouring Leamington in advancing to Stage Two of Ontario's COVID-19 economic reopening plan, after being left at Stage One due to an uptick of positive COVID-19 cases among farmworkers in the area. Santos reminded people that the event should not be an excuse for people to let their guard down, and precautions should always be taken.

"We want everyone to enjoy the fresh air and open space and visit their favourite restaurants and retailers in our vibrant community, but to do so safely," said Santos. "Adherence to physical distancing, handwashing, and mask-wearing measures recommended by our public health officials continues to be critical."

Each Friday afternoon, Main Street will close from the Unico Parking Lot to the west side of Chuckwagon Restaurant, and Division Street will close between King Street and Pearl Street.

Open Streets will run Fridays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Drivers are asked to plan for street closings one hour before each start time, and reopening one hour after each closing time.

Complete information on participating businesses, parking, and detour routes can be found on the town's official website.

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