With the annual Main Street road closure set to end on Tuesday, the Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area is deeming it another successful season.
Since May 17, 88 events were hosted on the street.
Everything from the Grand River Pride Party and Galt Jazz to Family Fun Days took turns attempting to draw residents to the core in an effort to entertain and increase foot traffic for local businesses.
"The summer road closure on Main Street was a huge success, reflecting on the natural progression of events and activities on Main Street over the past four years," Brian Kennedy, executive director of the Downtown Cambridge BIA, said.
"This year, we believe we’ve made the most of the resources available to us and are excited for what’s ahead."
The initiative, which sees the section of Main Street between Ainslie Street and Water Street blocked off to vehicle traffic, began in 2020.
After the road reopens, the BIA will seek feedback from local businesses and the community through a survey sent out in partnership with the city. Kennedy has already received a few suggestions on what people would like to see to enhance the experience.
"The most valuable feedback we received this year was the suggestion to plan events earlier and expand our marketing efforts," he said.
"We’re eager to begin planning for next year as soon as we gather survey feedback from our members on this year’s initiative, and we'll kick off marketing for our recurring events early in the new year."
As for what the future could holds, Coun. Adam Cooper sought and gained the support of fellow councillors in asking city staff to explore the idea of a year-round closure.
"It's been something that's been on my mind for many years," Cooper told CambridgeToday last month before tabling his motion that was ultimately successful.
"I think it's about time we had something to really generate tourism in our downtown area and create a gathering place for people."
Cooper points to cities like Elora and Paris that have cores that draw residents from the city and beyond to visit.
That, in combination with other attractions like the Gaslight District, makes the idea a logical next step, Cooper said.
Staff will now prepare a report, including with potential financial implications, that will be discussed as part of the 2025 budget process.
Not all business owners in the core are in favour, however.
Fareid Ahmadi, owner of Tops Shawarma, said when events are happening, business is great, but during the week it can be a ghost town.
Ahmadi would like to see a weekend closure instead, similar to what happens on Queen Street in Hespeler throughout the summer.
"During the week, it's so slow," Ahmadi said.
"I believe that the people that come for lunch here and at other restaurants, they're just from around the area. I think people from outside, from my experience, they avoid the area."
Coun. Scott Hamilton agrees that an analysis needs to be done to ensure the idea remains viable all year.
"To me, it's not an issue of should it happen but when should it happen," Hamilton said at the Sept. 18 council meeting.
"I've lived in areas with bustling walking streets. I think what those cities also had was population density to sustain enough people that they could walk constantly and get to those shops and stores. When staff come back with that report, I'd love to see that correlation between population density, walkability and business."
Before any decisions are made, conversations will need to be had with the many stakeholders it would impact, Kennedy emphasized.
"The future of the Main Street transformation will depend on the support and engagement of our members, the city and community," he said.
"We've witnessed tremendous growth in event attendance and an enthusiastic community response to downtown activities. This summer, we secured over $8,000 in cash and $10,000 in in-kind contributions for many of our events, and we remain optimistic that support for Main Street's transformation will continue to grow."
