Queen Street in downtown Lakefield will be reopening as of 8 a.m. on Friday morning (October 24) according to the Township of Selwyn.
Although demolition of the fire-ravaged Kawartha Home Hardware building is not yet complete, enough progress has been made so that work can safely continue without requiring Queen Street to remain closed.
“Reopening Queen Street represents a positive milestone for our community,” says Selwyn Township mayor Sherry Senis in a media release. “Although the streetscape will look very different for some time, we are encouraged by the resilience and spirit that Lakefield continues to demonstrate. We urge residents and visitors to support our local businesses and enjoy the warmth and hospitality that make Lakefield so special.”
According to the township, the demolition site at 24 Queen Street will be fenced off until the contractor completes the work and backills the lots to create a level and safe site.
While the sidewalk in front of the site will remain closed, the on-street parking spaces directly in front of the site will be converted into a temporary pedestrian walkway so pedestrians do not have to cross the street to avoid the site, providing a continuous route to the intersection and nearby businesses on the same side of the street.
Two streetlights on Queen Street that were removed during firefighting operations will be reinstalled once the demolition is complete.
Burnham Street will remain closed between Queen Street and Charlotte Street, including the sidewalk, as demolition activities continue in that area. However, the parking area adjacent to Divine Craft at 15 Burnham Street will be accessible from the intersection of Burnham and Charlotte streets.
“Businesses in downtown Lakefield are open and ready to serve customers,” reads the media release. “The township encourages everyone to shop local, dine local, and continue showing support for the business owners and staff who have been deeply affected by the recent events.”
The township is also highlighting some initiatives to support Lakefield businesses, including a recent story in kawarthaNOW, the upcoming Lakefield Scavenger Hunt (with details to be announced soon), Ladies Night Out in Lakefield running on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from November 13 to December 2, holiday programming to support shopping local, and an upcoming story from Peterborough County highlighting Selwyn Township, including Lakefield.
The Township of Selwyn and Peterborough County are also partnering for a social media campaign that will spotlight local small businesses, community groups, and stories while encouraging residents and visitors to rediscover Lakefield and the people who make it special.
