Councillor wants to look at closing a portion of Red River Road to traffic

THUNDER BAY -- A city councillor wants a report on the possibility of shutting down a major downtown street to increase business activity and get people out of their cars on the city's north side.

Coun. Trevor Giertuga will ask for a report on Monday night to have administration investigate the feasibility and cost of shutting down Red River Road between St. Paul and Court streets. Other options could include a seasonal closure or reducing the street to one-way traffic. Giertuga has been approached many times over the years with idea.

"With all of the new bushinesses that have come in the area, I think it's time we investigated it at least," he said.

"Other communities do it. We're not the first ones to invent this."

The move could encourage new business, get people to the area and allow existing businesses to have things like patios. It would also improve the walkability of the city.

Waterfront Business Improvement Area chairman Jim Comuzzi said it's something the association would like to be involved with.

"We have to do something to revitalize and bring the walkability and everything back to the centre of our downtown core," he said.

"Hopefully we can all come together and brainstorm an idea that will enhance the beauty of our downtown area."

If it gets council approval, Giertuga would like to see the report come back later this year.