Argyle Street (Halifax)

This spurred enthusiasm for outdoor dining in downtown Halifax, and a pilot sidewalk café was opened on Argyle Street the same year.

Sidewalk cafés contributed to increased pedestrian numbers in downtown Halifax and are considered to have improved both the liveability and tourism appeal of the area.

In March 2015, regional council approved a pilot project to widen the pedestrian right-of-way and paint the street a bright blue Argyle pattern.

The pedestrian zone was widened, allowing businesses to keep furniture outdoors year-round and obviating the need for the previous temporary boardwalks.

[9] A city planner explained that the project would support the entertainment industry, improve the pedestrian environment, and increase the number of trees along the street.

In response, Mayor Mike Savage and Councillor Waye Mason emphasized the "long-term gain" of the new streetscape and stated that the city would get construction done as quickly as possible.

Bars and restaurants on Argyle Street, before the streetscaping project
Argyle Street before the streetscaping project, showing temporary walkways created to make room for sidewalk cafés. This arrangement is no longer necessary following the 2016-17 streetscape improvement project.
Argyle Street in November 2017, following the streetscape improvement project