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A proposal to expand sidewalks in downtown Jasper was discussed again by council this week.
The proposal was first brought to council by Brett Ireland, co-founder of Bearhill Brewing, last Tuesday, as a solution to help local businesses reopen and allow for social distancing on sidewalks.
Sidewalks could be expanded into streetside parking stalls along Patricia Street as well as the southbound lanes and street side parking along Connaught Drive - with traffic still able to flow through the downtown core.聽
Last week, council asked administration to look into the feasibility of the concept and referred the proposal to Jasper's COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force.
The task force found the request out of scope, but council heard that Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce is gathering feedback from the business community.
Council has received four letters of opposition and two in support of the proposal.
Councillor Jenna McGrath said: 鈥淚 am optimistic we can find a concept for those businesses who want this as well as the businesses who are feeling hesitant about it.鈥�
She said she had received an email suggesting a 'hybrid option' - to expand patios to the full width of sidewalks and into parking stalls and create a boardwalk around that for pedestrian traffic.
Councillor Helen Kelleher-Empey said a set-up like that works in Canmore.
"I think we can make this work for people who want it to," she said.
Mayor Richard Ireland said the municipality should be looking at how changes might affect emergency responses, what it would mean to reconfigure traffic, and what the impacts would be on all businesses.
He said signs, garbage cans and bike racks are obstacles on Jasper sidewalks and there is probably not enough space for proper social distancing on them - especially if two wheelchair users were to meet.
"We should look at a physical plan to see how changes can be made while others are looking at business responses," he said.
Council will discuss the matter further at their next meeting.
