Halifax residents react to council motion that could make Argyle Street pedestrian-only zone

Halifax council will vote on a report that will look at making Argyle Street pedestrian-only permanently.

From April to November every year, a portion of Argyle Street in downtown Halifax is closed to vehicle traffic.

From Blowers to Prince streets, it’s pedestrian and bicycles only and has been for the last 10 years. A motion by Coun. Laura White could make the closure permanent.

White’s motion asks staff to consult with business owners to get their input about the idea of making Argyle Street a pedestrian zone year-round.

“I think it would be fantastic for the city,” says Jon Whitton, co-owner of Hospitality Group, who notes closing streets to vehicle traffic is common in Europe.

“Really nothing should change during the winter that we don’t incorporate during the summer and let’s be honest, we’re busy here in the summer that we are in the winter so if we and delivery companies can make it work in the summer, we can absolutely make it work in the winter.”

Andreas Foerster thinks the move would bring about a greater appreciation of the city for residents and tourists.

“I think that Halifax is a beautiful city and you want to emphasize the aesthetics that comes from being able to walk around,” Foerster says.

Paul MacKinnon, CEO of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, says there are a lot of things to consider.

“I think it’s certainly something that we want to make a decision on,” MacKinnon says. “There’s access issues. You lose a couple of parking spots but not really very many. I think the big concern that people have is how does this impact things like commuting and traffic congestion.”

Argyle Street is scheduled to reopen to vehicle traffic on Nov. 12. Council will vote on Laura White’s motion on Tuesday.

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