#LSN_Outdoors Algoma Street Closed to Vehicles for Open Streets Program
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO -- August 12, 2017 (LSN) On Sunday, August 20th people can experience Algoma St. like never before! The public is invited to walk, bike, skate board, roller blade, dance, and play at Open Streets Thunder Bay. From noon to 3 pm, Algoma St. from John St. to Boulevard Lake will be closed to cars, save for police-directed intersections at Bay St, Pearl St, Red River Rd and River St where traffic may cross. Algoma residents are encouraged to park their vehicle on a side street before 11:30 am if they will need to travel before 3:30 pm on August 20th.
“The community support for this initiative has been so wonderful,” says EcoSuperior program coordinator Ashley Priem. “The last three Open Streets programs had participation from families with babies in strollers and bike trailers, seniors and mobility-challenged folks with walkers and wheelchairs, athletes on roller skis, dog walkers and toddlers with training wheels. It’s free, it’s fun, and it brings people out to see what the neighbourhood has to offer!”
Open Streets programs replaces car traffic with people traffic and the streets become “paved parks” where people of all ages, abilities, and social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds can come out and improve their health. The event is also supported by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
EcoSuperior is excited to be hosting the city’s fourth Open Streets Thunder Bay program this Sunday. Thanks in part to support from an Ontario 150 Community Celebration Grant, residents can once again get outside to be physically active and socially connected while celebrating our streets.
Participants will have opportunities to try a wide range of supporting activities including Hula Hoop activities, Ballroom Line Dancing, Urban Sketching, and a picnic with the Coalition of Waverley Park. But a big part of the fun is just strolling or cycling down the route, meeting friends and neighbours along the way.
Local businesses benefit from Open Streets too because they bring people right to the door. “Leaving the vehicle at home and travelling actively is a great way to enjoy the area’s unique local stores and restaurants” says Priem.