While the Car Free YYJ event was a great success, it should not be seen as an endorsement of turning any particular street in Victoria鈥檚 downtown into a permanent pedestrian mall.
However, it undoubtedly has lessons that can be applied to efforts to create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown.
A nine-block stretch of Douglas Street was turned into a car-free zone Sunday, and an estimated 40,000 people turned out for the party. Lining the street were 364 stalls, four stages and three beer gardens. From all appearances, everyone had a good time.
But does that mean turning a downtown Victoria street into a pedestrian mall would be a success? Not really 鈥� the two are not closely connected.
Citizens for the Government Street Pedestrian Mall, a group established by festival organizer John Vickers, has been trying for several years to get the city to close Government Street to vehicular traffic for the summer. Vickers believes a seasonal pedestrian mall would enliven Government Street, and attract more people.
His idea has support. In an informal sa国际传媒 poll last year, about three-quarters of the respondents said they supported the pedestrian mall idea in some form.
Car Free YYJ succeeded as an event, something people will support once a year or so. The Government Street proposal is about creating a destination. As such, the concept has merit, but success depends on many factors. Planners note that the most successful pedestrian malls are those that offer a variety of entertainment and experiences, not just stretches of retail stores.
Vickers continues to push for a pilot project that would see Government Street closed for a limited time, and that would be the prudent approach. Perhaps a shorter street, such as Broad Street, could be considered.
Whatever tack is taken, making the downtown more pedestrian-friendly is a worthwhile goal.
