Despite hearing concerns from a local retailer, Sarnia council is moving forward with plans for a "2021 Weekend Walkabout" this summer.
A request from the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce to close Christina Street, from George to Davis Streets, from Friday afternoons until Sunday afternoons, was approved Monday.
Harbour Bay Clothing and Gifts owner Helen Van Sligtenhorst urged council to find a compromise to benefit retailers and restaurants.
"We feel that our customers will be negatively impacted by these road closures," Van Sligtenhorst told council Monday. "I did a soft survey of my customers, if they can't find a parking space near my store, they leave. I acknowledge that the chamber of commerce gave us maps of where to park, but these maps were not distributed to the general public, and believe it or not, many of my customers did not even know there was a parking lot behind Tang's Restaurant."
Van Sligtenhorst, who claimed to represent over 12 retailers, said her sales dropped by 50 per cent on three of the six Saturdays Christina Street was closed last year.
An amendment to open the street until noon each day failed and the proposal from the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce, as recommended by staff, passed.
Councillor Brian White said there will still be access to side streets for parking, and Front, Vidal, Brock, George and Wellington Streets will still be functioning.
Christina Street will close from 4 p.m. on Fridays until 8 p.m. on Sundays from July 9 to September 5, 2021.
A temporary noise bylaw exemption from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights was also approved.
Councillor Terry Burrell and Margaret Bird voted against the recommendation.
