THUNDER BAY – EVENTS – EcoSuperior are hosting Thunder Bay’s third Open Streets program this Sunday. Thanks in part to support from a We Are Cities Community Innovation Grant, and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, residents can once again get outside to be physically active and socially connected while celebrating our streets.
On Sunday, September 27th people can experience Court St. like never before! The public is invited to walk, bike, skateboard, roller blade, dance, and play at Open Streets Thunder Bay. From 11 am to 4 pm, Court St. from John St. to Camelot St. will be closed to cars, save for two police-directed intersections at Red River Rd and Pearl St where traffic may cross. Any Court St. residents are encouraged to park their vehicle on a side street before 11 am if they will need to travel before 4 pm on September 27th.
“The community support for this initiative has been so wonderful,” says EcoSuperior program coordinator Ashley Priem. “Last year’s Open Streets had participation from families with babies in strollers and bike trailers, seniors and mobility-challenged folks with walkers and wheelchairs, athletes on roller skis, dog walkers and toddlers with training wheels. It’s free, it’s fun, and it brings people out to see what the neighbourhood has to offer!”
Open Streets programs replaces car traffic with people traffic and the streets become “paved parks” where people of all ages, abilities, and social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds can come out and improve their health.
Participants will have opportunities to try a wide range of supporting activities including Bike Polo, 55+ Centre Hula Hoop activities, Ukrainian Dancing, Balance Bikes, make a bird with Big Boreal Adventure, tour the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association Building and join Die Active for the launch of their newest graffiti mural. But a big part of the fun is just strolling or cycling down the route, meeting friends and neighbours along the way.
Local businesses benefit from Open Streets too because they bring people right to the door. “Leaving the vehicle at home and travelling actively is a great way to enjoy the area’s unique local stores and restaurants” says Priem.
For more information call 624-2142 or visit EcoSuperior.org.
