The organizers of Victoria鈥檚 first car-free day predicted a big turnout when they shut down Douglas Street on Sunday. And Victorians proved them right.
If the question is: Should the city do this again? the answer seems to be: Yes.
Crowds estimated at 20,000 thronged Douglas from Herald Street to Fort Street from noon until 6 p.m., taking in the 200 booths and the entertainment on three stages. For most, it seemed to be a chance to bask in the sun and the sensation of freely walking down the middle of the city鈥檚 major thoroughfare.
Or the equally memorable sensation of wiggling your toes in lush green sod laid down between Johnson Street and Pandora Avenue.
If the crowds had a complaint, it was that the event was almost too successful. At times, it was like shouldering your way through the press at a Paris Metro station.
Some stores were concerned that the event would cut into their business. While the full post-mortem will take a while, early indications were that traffic was up, even if sales weren鈥檛.
Car traffic didn鈥檛 seem to be a problem, with Yates and Johnson being open to vehicles while volunteers and paid traffic-control staff held back the pedestrians until the Walk signals came on.
Police reported one person needed medical assistance, but otherwise the day was uneventful.
As with 91原创鈥檚 car-free day, which was celebrated at four sites around the city, the aim is to build a sense of community by giving the streets back to the people, at least for a little while.
The result was a cross between a farmers鈥� market and a block party.
鈥淚t just exceeded all of our expectation in terms of the absolute warmth and love that extended the full six blocks of the street,鈥� said Ken Kelly, general manager of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. The association, B.C. Transit and the City of Victoria sponsored the festivities, with a budget of $50,000.
When it comes time to decide whether to hold Car Free YYJ again next year, the sponsors should look for ways to improve it and should pay attention to those who suggest changes. But the sense of fun and community is worth fostering.
As one police officer said: 鈥淚 wish people would have this attitude every day.鈥�
