The Downtown Association is pleased as punch with our new $11.6-million plaza.
"Since the opening date, the plaza has been a visible success with many of the community enjoying the new rink, programming, and amenities of the space," Nicholas Luck, the business group's executive director, told a board meeting last night.
Luck reported that a survey of 26 businesses in blocks near the plaza found 85 per cent of responses to be positive about their new neighbour.
Sixty-five per cent of respondents reported an increase in foot traffic on Queen Street.
Thirty-eight per cent saw an increase in sales.
"Comments suggested closer collaboration with the city and the [Downtown Association] in respect to cross-promotion of the events at the plaza," Luck said.
He added that the plaza space may be booked, by businesses and organizations, by contacting Aliesha Moore, the city's arts and culture coordinator.
"I recommend to our membership and stakeholders... to utilize this new downtown asset to its fullest potential to making the plaza a gathering place to create new destination points at our business establishments and maintain the momentum of excitement in the core," Luck told the meeting.
Tonight (Thursday, Dec, 14), Queen Street will be open to pedestrians but closed to motor vehicles for Last Minute Moonlight shopping from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Entertainment on the Village Stage in the downtown plaza will be as follows:
- Ben R. McMullin Student Choir - 5:30 p.m.
- Kiweden Student Choir - 6 p.m.
- Matthew James - 7 p.m.