On June 18, dignitaries are gathering for the official re-opening of the 200 block of Main Street, just over three months after the reconstruction project started.
At 10 a.m. Mayor Andrew Jakubeit along with other members of city council, MP Richard Cannings, MLA Dan Ashton and representatives from the Downtown Penticton Association are gathering intersection of Main and Westminster Avenue for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Neil McDonald, owner of Peach City Runners, said he is happy to see the road and new wider sidewalk reopening.
“It looks lovely,” he said. “Once the fencing is gone it will be that much nicer.”
He expects people will embrace the changes, and want to come down to see the improvements.
“It will be nice to have traffic going and I think more people will be going back and forth, just pedestrian traffic once it is all opened up,” he said.
This is the first stage of this year’s work on the Downtown Revitalization project, which started the planning stage four years ago. Revitalization of a section of Martin Street has already taken place, but this is the first work done on Main Street. In September, after the summer tourist season, work will begin on the second stage for this year, making over the 100 block.
“The landowners and business owners have been waiting patiently for this day to share their block with the public,” said Kerri Milton, executive director of the DPA. “The new trees, banners, storefront use space and accessible sidewalks all contribute to make the overall street look amazing. So many people worked endless hours to make this all possible and it was truly great to see how all parties can work together for a common goal.
Claire Keys said it’s been tough to have the street closed for three months, and she is looking forward to the re-opening.
“It’s more than light at the end of the tunnel, they’ve got the opening this Saturday, which is going to be great,” she said, noting that many of the business owners have had a decline in sales.
“We’ve lived through it, so let’s embrace and enjoy it now that we’re there,” she said. “I think it looks amazing. I think they’ve done their best to make it smooth progress.”
Keys said there is still lots to do to bring people downtown, but she is excited about the opening and hopes to make use of the wider sidewalk outside her store.
“I think it’s a good improvement,” she said. “I will try now that it’s opening up to feature something from Teas and Weaves outside.”
Both Keys and McDonald have some reservations about narrowing the roadway.
“My only concern is the two lanes versus the three lanes. I am not sure if that is going to work; I guess we will find out Saturday afternoon,” said McDonald.
In total this project has logged over 12,000 local hours of work. With wider sidewalks, more opportunities for street activities, storefront viewing and storefront use space, planners hope the rejuvenation to the commercial core will enhance the downtown
