The city of Edmonton is seeking feedback on a proposed pilot program that would see part of Whyte Avenue shut down to vehicles on the busiest pedestrian nights of the year.
The Car Free Whyte Avenue pilot program would make a portion of the busy hospitality destination car-free from midnight to 2:30 a.m. on busy nights, allowing pedestrians to walk on the street. This may include times when post-secondary students return to school or during major civic celebrations.
“Late night safety is extremely important,” says Angela Turner, program manager with Responsible Hospitality Edmonton. “Shutting down parts of Whyte Ave will promote safety, eliminate traffic concerns and increase pedestrian space on sidewalks.”
The pilot would close a portion of Whyte Avenue to east-west traffic from private vehicles, but would allow access for emergency vehicles and ETS buses. North-south access would be maintained on certain streets. Taxi stands would be set up outside of the road closure.
Edmontonians are encouraged to give their feedback in an online survey, found at edmonton.ca/carfreewhyteave. The survey looks for input on support, timing and exact location of the closure.
Responsible Hospitality Edmonton is a program established by the city of Edmonton to oversee and support the management of bars, licensed venues and hospitality zones in the city.
