The City of Wrenford is closing Water Street to weekend traffic this summer to test a new pedestrian zone in the downtown core. Starting June 2026 and running through Labour Day, the pilot will give you a safer, more vibrant space for shopping, dining, and community events.
Council approved the pilot at its March 10 meeting, building on feedback from previous street closures and community consultations. The new approach shifts the pilot to Saturday and Sunday only, giving you and local businesses more predictability while testing the impact on downtown foot traffic.
"Moving the Water Street pilot to weekends only allows us to focus on creating a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly environment while respecting the needs of local residents and businesses," says Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price. "We are committed to making Water Street a successful space for everyone, and this pilot will give us the data we need to shape its long-term future."
During the pilot, Water Street between Mill Street and Church Street will be closed to through motor vehicle traffic from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. You and other residents or businesses with permits will still have access. The City will provide clear signage and wayfinding to help you navigate the area. The pilot will also include a trial two-way street design on a parallel corridor to help balance traffic flow on surrounding streets.
The City is working with the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area and local merchants to coordinate street-level activations, pop-up markets, and cultural programs. You will also see enhanced street cleaning and public washroom access during pilot hours. Staff will collaborate with the Wrenford Police Service to ensure safety and manage traffic patterns on adjacent roads.
You are encouraged to review the pilot details and register for a resident or business access permit. Permits are free and can be applied for through the City's online portal. The City will also host a community information session on May 14 at the Downtown Transit Terminal to answer your questions and collect feedback.
Staff will report back to Council in October 2026 with a detailed review of the pilot, including traffic data, business revenue trends, and public survey results. That report will help determine whether the Water Street pedestrian zone should continue, expand, or be adjusted for future seasons.
For more information on the pilot schedule, permit applications, and upcoming activations, visit the Downtown Business Improvement Area page and the News & Events calendar. You can also view the Council meeting schedules page to see when staff will report back with the pilot review.