dance classes, art-making, installations, workshops, performances, street games, water stations, obstacle courses and neighbourhood tours. Open Streets Windsor requires over 300 volunteers to assist in the road closure and over 200 volunteer organizations to host participatory activations. As part of the 2020 Budget process, Council approved funding for a second event that would close streets to vehicular traffic for the community to participate in cycling and pedestrian activities.

Discussion:

Due to the pandemic, many Open Streets events throughout the globe have been cancelled due to the strict pandemic health regulations and recommendations. The additional event that was approved through the 2020 budget process, and intended to take place in the late spring or early summer, was not planned or promoted due to the pandemic and provincial orders restricting gatherings of any kind at that time.

On August 13, 2020 the City of Windsor entered into Stage 3 of Ontario’s “Framework for Reopening our Province.” Stage 3 increased the gathering size of outdoor events from ten to a maximum of one hundred.

In consultation with the Special Events Resource Team (SERT) and Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, recommendations were made to alter the route evaluating several factors including current regulations, timelines, population density, traffic volumes and resources including volunteers and staff. A number of options were considered for a modified event that would be in compliance with provincial and local health guidelines.

Due to these restrictions, the activations and hubs that are traditionally part of Windsor’s Open Streets event would not be permitted. Consideration was also given to the resources that would be available to organize a modified event which would still require hundreds of volunteers to staff barricades at intersections, and provide services at rest stops. It is noted that the majority of volunteers that participated in the most recent Open Streets events are International students from the University of Windsor and St. Clair College who are not likely to be available this year.

Based on the evaluation of the restrictions and available resources, Administration is recommending the cancellation of Open Streets 2020.

Risk Analysis:

O.Reg. 364/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 3, sets out that no person shall attend an organized public event of more than 100 people if it is outdoors. Given that this is an organized event that is normally meant to, and would very likely attract more than 100 people, those participating in the event could be in contravention of the Regulation if proper controls were not in place to limit entry and congregation. Open Streets has a reputation of being a fun-filled event with activities and a certain level of excitement, and attracts individuals and families looking to partake in same. To successfully stage Open Streets without violating or encouraging violation of the regulation, the event would be pared down to simply allow the passing through of pedestrians on the roadway. Without