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Letter: Social distancing a good opportunity to try something new downtown

Let’s make Durham a pedestrian-only walkway, says reader
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During this pandemic, Sudburians have been walking more and are practising social distancing responsibly, and it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new in downtown Sudbury. (File)

This is the perfect opportunity to try something new in downtown Sudbury. 

With the ongoing call for social distancing and the need to get the economy moving again, let’s make Durham Street a pedestrian only walkway.

The streetscape could be redesigned to create a permanent public space that gives people a safe and inviting place to meet friends and support local businesses.

Restaurants, coffee shops, bars in the neighbourhood could place tables and chairs outside at safe distances for patrons to enjoy. Shoppers could walk and distance safely while doing their banking or browsing the clothing stores or gift stores in the area.

While we are at it, the city should put a rush on finishing the Elgin Street Greenway so people could walk or bike safely and easily from Bell Park to downtown and vice versa. 

During this pandemic, Sudburians have been walking more and are practising social distancing responsibly. Encouraging this trend in the downtown area will be both physically rewarding for our citizens and  economically stimulating for our local businesses.

Mark Palumbo
Sudbury