Barrie's Open Air Dunlop program officially launches for second year
As more businesses across Ontario begin to reopen after months of lockdown, many in Barrie's downtown are celebrating the return of Open Air Dunlop.
The program, which was first launched last year by the Barrie BIA, was initially scheduled to start on June 19. However, with the province entering step one of its Roadmap to Reopen ahead of schedule, city council and the BIA decided to launch the program this weekend.
"It's super important to get people downtown supporting our local businesses, they just reopened, and they can't wait to see everyone," says Kristen Eatch, the project manager for the BIA.
As a result, Dunlop Street is closed between Mulcaster and the Five Points Intersection on Saturdays.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.The sun was shining, and the weather was warm Saturday as Open Air Dunlop began a week ahead of schedule.
With Dunlop St. closed to vehicle traffic between Mulcaster St. and the Five Points Intersection, the initiative encourages people to shop at local businesses and enjoy a meal on restaurant patios that have been closed for months.
"It's super important to get people downtown supporting our local businesses. They just reopened, and they can't wait to see everyone," said Kristen Eatch, Downtown Barrie Business Association Project Manager.
The program, which was first launched last year by the Barrie BIA to successful results, was initially scheduled to start on June 19. However, with the province entering step one of its Roadmap to Reopen ahead of schedule, city council and the BIA decided to launch the program this weekend.
Throughout the day, crowds flooded the street, and the lineups started early. It didn't take long before patios were packed.
"It's been hard on everybody, obviously. Everyone has been locked in their homes for the last four months, and just seeing people out, it's giving everyone a new lease on life," says Colin Johnson, General Manager of North Country restaurant.
Business owners downtown welcomed the return to a bit of normalcy, eager to open their doors after months of being shuttered.
"After such a long time closed, it's just such a relief to be able to open and have my staff with me and try to get back to a little bit of normal," said Tracey Baker, owner of ZuZu Fashion Boutique.
Open Air Dunlop will run every Saturday through the end of summer.
With files from Katelyn Wilson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.