By Bob Peters, choosecornwall.ca – The City of Cornwall is supporting local merchants with the launch of a new parking initiative to assist both businesses and customers carry out curbside pickup.

“We understand that many residents in Cornwall and the surrounding area are anxious to shop local and support their favourite merchants,” said Mayor Bernadette Clement. “The designation of parking spots for curbside pickup will make it easier for customers to support businesses in the Downtown and Le Village Shopping Districts in a safe and efficient manner.”

The City has erected new signs that designate a number of parking spots for curbside pickup, offering free parking for a maximum of 15 minutes. The designated spots can be found on both sides of the street in the Downtown on Pitt Street between Third and First Street, on Second Street, and in Le Village on Montreal Road.

“The density of merchants is higher in the Downtown and Le Village, and we wanted to avoid possible safety hazards of people stopping in the road or crossing the street in traffic,” noted Mark Boileau, General Manager of Planning Development and Recreation with the City. “Where possible, we would encourage merchants and consumers to take advantage of existing store parking lots.”

As of Monday, retail operations with entrances that face the street could begin offering curbside pickup. Curbside pickups should occur outside of the store, and with minimal contact between the merchant and customer. In a common scenario, the customer would park near the store and the merchant would deliver the goods to the consumer. The designation of parking spots will help make this process easier.

Merchants and consumers are reminded to follow public safety guidelines as set out by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit. These include the need to maintain physical distancing and wash hands frequently.

City staff reached out to the Downtown Business Improvement Area, Le Village Business Improvement Area and the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce to implement the parking initiative as quickly as possible.