A proposal to close a downtown laneway and turn it into a cultural space has been withdrawn by the proponent.
And the organization behind the idea has apparently disbanded.
At the May 8 meeting of city council, C.J. Allen, on behalf of Good Vibes Community Association (GVCA), sought council’s permission to close the laneway that connects the city hall parking lot to St. Catharine Street.
The closure would be in effect from May 19 through to Sept. 9 and allow for pedestrian access to the Talbot Street businesses with rear entrances.
At the June 5 meeting, members of council were not in favour of approving closure of the lane based on city staff concerns but left the door open to consider Plan B from Allen.
That called for closing the lane on Fridays from noon to 11 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This would still allow for the creation of a cultural space during the summer months that could include an outdoor patio or bistro with live music; permit space for a food truck on Fridays and Saturdays; make a space available for artisan vendors to sell their products Saturday afternoons; live mural painting at the same time; and other cultural activities and programming to be determined.
Council requested a follow-up report from staff on the parking situation in the lane which is used by Talbot Street businesses and tenants in the second-floor apartment units.
However, in the past week Allen contacted the city and is no longer pursuing the proposal.
Phone calls have not been returned and there is no word on the future of the Summer Harvest Festival in Pinafore Park, an event created last year by GVCA.
