Thunder Bay Open Streets event encourages walking, biking

Organizers of Thunder Bay's first Open Streets event hope for a good turnout this weekend.

Between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, parts of Algoma Street and West Lyon Boulevard will be closed to cars.

• Open Streets program would close roads to traffic

People will be free to wander the streets by foot, bike, or other modes of active transportation.

"Basically it's a really good way to build the community, said Ashley Priem, program co-ordinator with EcoSuperior.

It gets people reimagining the streets, starting to feel like streets are not just for cars, roads are not just for cars. They can be for people as well."

Priem said she hopes the pilot program will encourage people to do more walking and biking as part of everyday life.