A move to increase foot traffic is a lifeline thrown to many struggling Victoria businesses.

Government Street between Humboldt and View was transformed this week, with a portion of it becoming single lane traffic to prioritize pedestrians and another portion open to pedestrians only. The initiative is temporary, according to Mayor Lisa Helps, and will run until Oct. 31 before being reassessed.

Helps said the goal is to support businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is intended to facilitate outdoor commercial use, such as allowing restaurants to expand their patios and giving performers and musicians areas to entertain. Pedestrians also have adequate space to physically distance.

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B次元官网网址淭his feels like a bold step for Victoria because of decades long conversations about it. But there are other cities around the world that have opened their streets to pedestrians only,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淥ther cities have done hundreds of blocks with no cars, weB次元官网网址檙e doing one block.B次元官网网址�

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The move drew mixed reactions from local merchants. Many support the move as a temporary measure, but are concerned the loss of vehicle traffic will impact older customers, who depend on their vehicle to get around, as well as cut off the shops from the lucrative business from tourists.

B次元官网网址淟ast summer we stayed open late and as tourists waited to catch their bus, theyB次元官网网址檇 browse,B次元官网网址� said Rosa McCormick, manager of Cool as a Moose. B次元官网网址淲e could lose a lot of money if weB次元官网网址檙e not able to cater to them.B次元官网网址�

The change also leaves couriers and delivery trucks scrambling to access the shops.

Victoria city council will take another look at the issue Oct. 31.

Would you support permanently closing a portion of Government Street to vehicle traffic? Take our poll and voice your opinion.