I'm sorry everyone, the event is actually TOMORROW at 11:30. Here is the press
release.
Downtown Kitchener streets will be transformed into pedestrian-friendly social
spaces
KITCHENER - Join Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, members of Kitchener City Council, and
members of the Downtown Kitchener BIA to celebrate the conversion of Gaukel and
Ontario Streets into open-air patio. As well as the closure of <>King Street
between Water and Francis Streets beginning Thursday, July 30 to allow for
expanded restaurant patios <> and physical distancing.
Members of the City’s Economic Development and Transportation teams will be on
hand to answer questions about the new space on Gaukel Street, followed by an
opportunity for photos and interviews on Ontario Street, highlighting the new
picnic benches, string lighting and other elements that have been added to the
street to create a welcoming atmosphere. The will also be able to speak to the
planned closure of King Street between Water and Francis Streets beginning
Thursday, July 30.
What: Conversion of Gaukel, Ontario and King Streets
When: Friday, July 24
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Where: The tour begins at the corner of Charles and Gaukel. Photos ops and
video interviews will be offered on Ontario Street between Hall’s Lane and King
Street.
Who: Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, members of the Kitchener City Council, the
Downtown Kitchener BIA, and members of the City’s Transportation and Economic
Development teams.
On Jul 23, 2020, at 10:01, Sam Nabi <sam@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi everyone, I've just heard from City staff that the media availability will
be on Gaukel St. today at 11:30am, not this evening.
I'll still come over at 7:30 as well, if you're able to stroll by at either
of these times.
See you around!
On Jul 23, 2020, at 09:29, Sam Nabi <sam@xxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:sam@xxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
There isn’t an event link because we are not organizing a formal event. Due
to COVID we don’t want to encourage large gatherings.
I invite you out to experience it tonight, there won’t be any official
programMing, just an opportunity to enjoy the street together :)
Sam
On Jul 22, 2020, at 10:07 PM, Dave Steffler <dgsteffler@xxxxxxxxx
<mailto:dgsteffler@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Hello Sam,
Is there a web link of any kind promoting tomorrow evening's event?
Thanks.
Dave Steffler
On Wed, Jul 22, 2020 at 12:44 PM Sam Nabi <sam@xxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:sam@xxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Hey everyone,
I want to thank you all so much for your advocacy and enthusiasm over the
last year and a half. Seeing a pedestrian-first Gaukel Street go from idea
to reality has been such a thrilling experience for me.
Tomorrow evening (Thursday), there will be a grand opening at 7:30pm. Let’s
all come out, keep our distance, and make some noise for the evening news
cameras :)
Please bring sidewalk chalk if you have it — it will be great to draw some
art on the street to celebrate a walkable Gaukel!
My deepest thanks goes out to everyone who came out to the original meeting
at Bread and Roses, the pop-up park last September, and the council
meetings to make this a reality. All along, city staff and our city council
has been incredibly supportive.
Here’s a couple photos of Gaukel as the city was putting in furniture
yesterday.
See you tomorrow at 7:30pm!
