Guelph’s Downtown Nightlife Task Force will launch its Safe Semester pilot project this Thursday, August 30. The project is designed to create a safe and enjoyable environment for downtown patrons including the expected influx of students starting school in Guelph this week.
The task force — which includes representatives from the Downtown Guelph Business Association, the Guelph Police Service, the University of Guelph, the City’s by-law compliance and enforcement, public works, downtown renewal, and transit departments, the Downtown Residents’ Neighbourhood Association and several downtown businesses — is working to prevent littering, public urination and other nuisances, and reduce conflicts between pedestrians and drivers getting in and out of downtown on weekends.
What to expect on weekends downtown
On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.:
• Macdonell Street will be closed to traffic between Wilson Street and the West Parkade.
• Wyndham Street will be closed to traffic between Carden Street and Cork Street.
• Two portable washrooms will be placed at Guelph Central Station on Carden Street.
• Two portable washrooms will be placed in the Macdonell Street parking lot (one of which will be wheelchair accessible.)
• One taxi stand will be located at the corner of Wyndham Street and Cork Street.
• One taxi stand will be located at the corner of Wyndham Street and Fountain Street.
• All parking lots remain open and accessible.
“We’re hoping the changes in traffic flow will prevent collisions and increase safety for people walking and driving downtown,” says Allister McILveen, Guelph’s traffic and parking manager. “We want everyone to get home quickly and safely at the end of the night.”