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
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.