Pilot program aims to make Art Crawl a ‘safer experience’ with partial closure of James Street North
A proposal would see part of James Street North closed to vehicle traffic during Art Crawl this summer.
Ward 2 councillor Cameron Kroetsch is calling for the pedestrianization of the downtown strip between Barton and Cannon streets.
The pilot program would run from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 9, July 14 and Aug. 11. The cost is topped off at a combined $25,000 for all three dates.
As it stands right now, James Street North is completely open to traffic during Art Crawl, which takes place on the second Friday of every month - so long as weather permits.
The grassroots event, which began in the mid-2000s, sees hundreds of vendors set up tables along the walkways as thousands of people pack the sidewalks, going in and out of local shops, restaurants and galleries.
Kroetsch told The Spectator that he heard safety concerns while attending Art Crawl events last year from both attendees and business owners regarding the amount of traffic on the street.
He noted that some vendors are also pushed to the edge of the sidewalk, which poses the risk of both people or tables falling off the curb and into traffic. And with the crowded sidewalks, there is less space for strollers and mobility devices to safely get through.
What I heard, loud and clear, was that people wanted to have a safer experience," said Kroetsch. There are all kinds of hazards right now ... it's not good."
With the street opened up, Kroetsch said vendors - as well as pedestrians - will be able to spill onto the thoroughfare, which could in-turn help make businesses along the stretch more accessible during the event.
Derek Jenkins, executive director of Hamilton Artists Inc., told The Spectator that news of the potential pilot project is welcomed," noting his hope that it will incentivize" more people to attend the event and spend their evening downtown.
He added that the gallery's attendance rates are still significantly down" from prior to the pandemic, leading them to close earlier than they'd hope during some Art Crawl nights.
I do think having those roads closed off will increase visitors for us," said Jenkins, pointing to the gallery, which is located at the corner of James and Cannon streets.
Priya Mohan, owner of sariKNOTsari on James Street North, told The Spectator that the pilot would be amazing" for the street, pointing to the added benefit of bringing back a sense of community" to the area post-pandemic.
People are still hesitant and they're just remembering what's like to be part of a community" she said. I think this would help put (Art Crawl) back into their focus again."
Mohan also noted that with the street still open to traffic, getting around the event takes time and can be challenging, often meaning she can't take in all of the vendors even if she has a 30-minute break from the shop.
If more vendors were concentrated within a three-block space, attendees would be able to see more sellers in a short amount of time, she added.
It's a lot easier not to miss something wonderful that's happening," said Mohan. I think it's a great idea."
Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com