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This article appeared previously on CambridgeToday.
The way residents navigate and utilize the downtown core could be changing for good.
Ward 6 councillor Adam Cooper will be asking city council to request staff look at the implications of making lower Main Street a permanent pedestrian-only area.
It would require the portion of the street between Ainslie Street and Water Street to be closed year-round to vehicle traffic.
"It's been something that's been on my mind for many years," Cooper said.
"I think it's about time we had something to really generate tourism in our downtown area and create a gathering place for people."
Currently, lower Main Street is closed from May to October.
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.
"The closure of the street over the past few years has been an overwhelming success," he said.
"It's been responsible for a significant revitalization of our downtown area. It's proven people will come. With what the Gaslight District has been doing with continuous events, they've proven time and time again if you give people a reason to come out, even if it's winter, they'll come."
Terry Polyak, president of Milestone Integrated Marketing, sees a permanent closure as an opportunity to enhance the development work that's already well underway.
Polyak has played a significant role in that development, from helping open The Mule to overseeing the filling of vacancies in the old Sugar Daddies Bakery and at 15 Main Street, both of which have promising prospects, he said.
But he gets there will be people and business owners against the idea.
"All you need to do is look and see what's going on," Polyak said.
"Four or five years ago this place was tumbleweeds. I don't know how there could be naysayers because of the foot traffic. I don't think there should be any."
One of those opposed is Fareid Ahmadi, owner of Tops Shawarma.
Ahmadi, who previously owned a restaurant on Queen Street, opened up his new location on Main Street last year.
He said he's not entirely against the idea of a closure and acknowledges when events are happening it definitely generates business, but on weekdays especially, his restaurant is a ghost town.
"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."
Ahmadi understands that with the closure would come improved streetscape and hopefully marketing, but he isn't sure if it'll be enough to impact business.
He would be more on board with shutting down the street on the weekends much like they do for #WalkQueen in Hespeler.
"The events help," he said.
"That's a good idea. I've spoken to other neighbours and they aren't happy because it's bad on the weekdays. If they want to close it even in the summer time just on the weekend, that's a lot better."
Downtown Cambridge BIA executive director Brian Kennedy emphasizes the importance of getting input from businesses on the pros and cons of such a decision.
"We support and urge the council’s decision to have staff further investigate this matter to better understand potential implications and address any concerns businesses may have before making a final decision," he said.
"A detailed review of any adverse effects that require mitigation will be critical in this process and will help ensure that businesses' needs are met. Ultimately, businesses want what’s best for both their operations and the business area, and what benefits the downtown benefits everyone involved."
Through the results of a survey done at the end of last year's closure, Kennedy said it was generally deemed a success, with some expressing interest in a permanent version.
By doing so, it would give the the BIA the ability to assist in significant changes to the area.
"Extending the closure year-round would allow us to build on this success by incorporating permanent infrastructure, such as gateway signage, festoon lighting, more street planters, trees, dedicated seating, and staging areas," Kennedy said.
"The permanent infrastructure is the key to the growth of events and initiatives on lower Main Street and is a significant benefit to a permanent closure. It maximizes the street's usability, significantly reducing the time and cost of setting up and tearing down events."
For Cooper, he believes if people give it a chance, it can be a great spot and exactly what the community needs to be a go-to destination.
"As far as the needs of traffic, this isn't a very important street," he said.
"I'm unbelievably excited about this. The tourism aspect is something I'm going to be following as long as I have the power to."
