By Joanne McQuarrie
Following a lengthy discussion at their regular meeting on June 2 about enhancing guest experiences while social distancing, Jasper town council decided to go ahead with a sidewalk expansion set-up similar to what is used in Canmore.
In that model, business owners will have use of the parking space in front of their business for a 'walk around', and can use the sidewalk for display of products, paying the same fee as is charged now for sidewalk seating.
All roads will remain open.
There were comments about the accessibility of the information to the public.
Councillor, Paul Butler said: 鈥淭here is a wide variance on peoples鈥� understanding. We need to clarify that today - so people know what council is and is not considering.鈥�
Deputy mayor, Jenna McGrath, said the Canmore model 鈥渋s a really safe compromise鈥� and emphasized the importance of expediency, simplicity, making the permit process easy, to 鈥渕ake it as simple as it can be for our businesses鈥�.
Pattie Pavlov, general manager of the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce, provided council with a comprehensive report based on a survey filled to 136 businesses on Connaught Drive and Patricia Street from May 22 to 28.
She noted the comments were made two weeks before May 28.
Questions included: Are you aware of the proposal and its specifics? Are you in favour of expanded seating/pedestrian walkway as proposed? What changes to the proposal would enhance your favour or change your mind?
The businesses surveyed include hospitality, retail, service and one non-profit organization. In all cases, upper floor, lower floor and non-immediate street access were surveyed.
Twenty-two businesses either did not respond to the survey or were not reached when the report was prepared. Four did not have an opinion, based on the work they do in the community, said Pavlov.
To the first question, 'Are you aware of the proposal and it鈥檚 specifics?' many responded, 'Yes', however, Pavlov noted, when she discussed details with the business owners, "I made absolutely sure the conversation was clear."
To the question, 'Are you in favour of expanded seating/pedestrian walkways?', responses were varied with emphatic yes or no being expressed as shown in the initial number reporting.
Recurring comments included, 'Love it, it absolutely will benefit economic recovery and maintain social distancing'; 'Creates warm/welcoming atmosphere in the downtown core'; and 'Accommodating pedestrians is always a great thing'.
'No' responses included: 'Insult to all businesses that are not serving food or beverages' and 'Struggle to move about with wheelchairs, strollers, walkers etc.'
Mayor Richard Ireland and councillors agreed time is integral to the implementation of the plan, considering it's already June. Mark Fercho, chief administrative officer for the municipality, said the changes can be done within the parameters of the town's current Commercial Use of Public Spaces Bylaw.
