Satisfied with the vibrancy and appeal it brings to their area, merchants on most high streets are preparing for the pedestrian return this summer.
• Also read: Saint-Vallier Ouest: the preferred permanent disposable option
The Journal learned that Quebec’s commercial development companies (SDCs) would like to renew the experience of pedestrianizing part of their artery during the summer season, with the exception of Montcalm’s SDC.
Satisfied with the successes achieved in recent summers, the other SDC decided to repeat the experience.
The majority of citizens are in favour, and traders have also found their account, Le Journal noted.
Public Markets
In Limoilou, Martin Claveau from the SDC Vieux-Limoilou/3e Avenue points out that the population appreciates it very much.
Beginning in June, 3rd Avenue between 10th Street and 11th Street will become pedestrianized, an area where shops and restaurants are concentrated.
The market will also be held on Sundays again and “there’s a good chance there will be a craft market upstairs every two weeks,” he reveals.
The traders even want to improve the animation so that there is no downtime. Yoga, choir, dance are offered free of charge.
“It’s good to see in the general population. And restaurateurs like to have a permanent terrace. Last year, most dealers were happy with it. »
In the Old Port, Richard Samson, general director of the Association des gens d’affaires, announces “with joy” the return of a part of Saint-Paul reserved for pedestrians from Thursday to Sunday from June.
“It’s a complete success. It has become very popular. With the fountain and the avenue Saint-Paul, it is very pleasant. people adopted. We build temporary terraces, we close the street to create atmosphere. »
Among the activities he mentions the Folk Expression Festival, the vintage car weekend and his vintage cars, the night of the galleries.
The opening of the city of Quebec is welcomed. “They were very proactive at the start of the pandemic to support companies that were struggling. »
Happy dealers
On the side of Faubourg Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the satisfaction of merchants in the Saint-Jean pedestrian area has increased from 54% in 2020 to 80% in 2022, noted the new President of the SDC, François Blay Martel.
“It’s still going uphill,” he says happily. Residents in the neighborhood and surrounding areas are enthusiastic about the initiative, he said, while more than 90% support it, according to a poll.
“We are in this stream of busy arteries. We want to become a target. »
Among other things, the Marché du Faubourg, the Fête de la musique and poetry evenings are planned.
The merchants even chose to lend a hand and get involved in an activity committee on rue Saint-Jean.
The SDCs have shared their proposals with the City of Quebec, which will soon decide.
Not at Cartier
In the Cartier sector, 54% of dealers were against the return of the pedestrian zone, recalls Jean-Sébastien Adem, President of the SDC Quartier Montcalm.
As such, the City of Quebec was asked not to reproduce the experience.
According to its members’ feedback, 48% had experienced a drop in sales due to the pedestrian zone.
“The city had to come back to us because we were told that the city has the final say in this regard. We have no confirmation from the city whether it’s coming back or not. »
Space for pedestrians in several parts of the city*
- Saint-Roch: rue du Parvis, rue Mgr-Gauvreau, rue Notre-Dame-des-Anges and rue Saint-Joseph Est
- Old port: rue Saint-Paul
- Old Limoilou: 3rd Avenue
- Upper town: Grande Allée Est
- Saint-Sauveur: Saint-Vallier West street
- Faubourg Saint-Jean: Rue Saint-Jean (between Claire-Fontaine and Honoré-Mercier) and intramural
*During certain periods
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