The narrow and steep lane is little used, despite its prominent location.

After a successful York Street Reimagined event this past September, the Picton Business Improvement Association (BIA) presented ideas for the repurposed street as a new public space at Council last week. 

The biggest proposal was to make the lane a vehicle-free zone.

“On the heels of the Community Pathways Project in Delhi Park, we thought that was a good jumping off point to connect Main Street from Delhi Park,” said the BIA’s Mark Rose.

“I think this is a great idea,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “We’ve seen what’s occurring next to the bookstore, that little laneway is being used now…I think this as an opportunity would be terrific to explore.”

September’s York Street Reimagined event featured live music, fresh food, performances from local artists and a chalkboard wall where people could write down what they wanted to see in the laneway. 

Ideas included cobblestones, green space, outdoor seating, art installations, and opportunities for vendors and pop ups. 

Councillors worried about how residents and emergency vehicles would access the buildings at the bottom of the street. Some wondered whether the laneway becoming more travelled could lead to less pedestrian traffic in front of Main Street businesses.

Council unanimously approved a motion to ask for a report from the Traffic Advisory Committee on making York Street pedestrian-only.