The City and Heart of Our City committee have teamed up for a new Parklet pilot program in downtown Lethbridge (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Revitalizing Downtown

City to test new Parklets in downtown pilot project

Aug 28, 2019 | 1:12 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge is helping residents cool down this summer.

In partnership with the Heart of Our City committee, the City is piloting a new project to offer outdoor seating spaces in the downtown core in the form of Parklets.

A Parklet is a temporary sitting area that replaces one or two parking spaces. It extends from the sidewalk in front of a business into the street. The spacing style was first introduced in San Francisco in 2005 and are mainstays in many communities today.

“Typically, they start with these moveable temporary platforms and then if successful, the cities will typically extend the sidewalks out and make it a permanent structure,” Malcolm said.

The pilot program offers two options for businesses looking to set up a Parklet in front of their property.

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The first is financial support for the design and construction of a Parklet, including a matching grant of up to $1,000. The second option for interested parties is to borrow the City-owned Parklet infrastructure at no cost to the business.

Tacos Made in Mexico on 3 Avenue South is the first to see the Parklet as part of the pilot program. Umami Shop on 4 Avenue South already has a Parklet which they built themselves.

The Parklet outside of Tacos Made in Mexico on 3 Ave. S in Lethbridge (Lethbridge News Now)

The City says that with either option, the pilot program will cover the $300 fee for a Parklet permit.

Malcolm addressed any potential concern they may receive from residents on the loss of a parking space or two.

“We figure we can get about 10 to 12 people in one parking space (Parklet) and luckily enough, we opened a new parking facility today (the Regional Park ‘N Ride Transit Terminal) that has 300 stalls, so we’re hoping that it doesn’t create an imbalance and that people see value in having a place to sit and enjoy, spend money at businesses as opposed to one vehicle sitting there.”

The Heart of Our City committee will gather feedback throughout the course of the pilot program to determine if Parklets could become a more permanent feature in downtown Lethbridge.

So far, Malcolm said feedback from businesses that want to take part has been positive and supportive.

“They’ve wanted this for a long time, so hopefully residents and the public and people that come downtown are supportive of it and it’s something we see here for a long time.”

Malcolm said they hope to have a month or two months left of summer/fall weather for the program and depending on feedback received, the City will be “ready to roll” for next summer.