Kingsville launches Open Streets initiative

KINGSVILLE — Despite Friday’s storms washing out the first night of Kingsville’s Open Streets event, the rest of the opening weekend went very well.

The town decided to close portions of Main Street and Division Street in the downtown area to help businesses get off to a roaring start entering Stage 2 of Ontario’s plan to re-open the economy.

“Our business community is thrilled for the opportunity to welcome guests back, and our residents are looking forward to being re-acquainted with their small business friends,” said Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos.

Kingsville moved into Stage 2 on Tuesday, July 7 and the town council had already prepared the plan for opening the streets in anticipation of the announcement.

Santos cautions people to be diligent.

“We want everyone to enjoy the fresh air and open space and visit their favorite restaurants and retailers in our vibrant community, but to do so safely,” he said. “Adherence to physical distancing, handwashing, and mask-wearing measures recommended by our Public Health officials continues to be critical.”

Open Streets operates Fridays from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. throughout the summer. Drivers should expect road closures to begin one hour before those time-periods, and traffic to resume one hour after.

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. A map identifying the affected area, free municipal parking lots, and detailed detour routes is available on the town’s website.

Find out more about Open Streets in Downtown Kingsville at www.kingsville.ca/openstreets.

The streets of downtown Kingsville were bustling with people anxious to get back to a new normal on Saturday, July 11.