CENTRE WELLINGTON – Starting next week, downtown Fergus’ main street will be closed on Saturdays to aid businesses, free up space for pedestrians and shoppers, and help meet physical distancing requirements.
Centre Wellington and Fergus BIA officials announced the closure on June 11.
Starting on June 20, St. Andrew Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between Tower Street and St. David Street from 9am to 8pm every Saturday.
“I am ecstatic that staff and the Fergus BIA have worked toward this innovative partnership that will benefit both our residents and downtown business owners,” stated Mayor Kelly Linton.
“Although we are not promoting tourism at this time, we know that people are coming to Centre Wellington to enjoy our beautiful natural assets and shop in our unique and diverse shops.”
Linton added, “By closing our streets and Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health’s face covering mandate, we can slowly open our community safely.”
The township instituted a similar move in Elora last month, closing downtown village streets on weekends as of May 30.
Officials say the Fergus closure will “allow downtown Fergus businesses to display merchandise on the sidewalks, offer curbside pick-up, and physical distancing opportunities.”
“The Fergus BIA is excited to work with [the township] in closing our main street on Saturdays to allow room for social distancing and to assist with the re-opening of our businesses in St Andrew’s Crossing,” said Kim Jefferson, Chair of the Fergus BIA.
“We hope to make your downtown experience as safe and enjoyable as possible.”
Visitors to downtown Fergus will be encouraged to park at the following locations:
- behind the Fergus Library, 190 St Andrew St. W., Fergus;
- Goofy Newfie parking lot, 105 Queen St.;
- 160 Provost Lane parking lot;
- Curling Club parking lot, 150 St. George St. W.; and
- 155 St. George St. W. parking lot.
