Heather Wright/The Independent

A coalition of Forest businesses, community groups, artists and gardeners believe turning King Street into a one-way thoroughfare could improve the fortunes of the downtown.

Glen VanValkenburg pitched the idea to Lambton Shores council recently saying they group wants the downtown to become a focal point for the arts. 

“This proposal was started years ago, but was kind of brought into focus when we found out that you were going to replace our sidewalks, and we thought this is an opportunity that we can’t let go by we thought we could improve the downtown area,” he says.

Making the street one-way would provide 10 per cent more parking, make the downtown safer for pedestrians, and allow for patios in the downtown area. 

It would also help grow the Farmers’ Market which has taken over King Street in the summer months.

VanValkenburg added the group wants to work with the municipality on developing a plan for the two vacant lots on King which the municipality recently purchased. 

He says the merchants are “overwhelmingly” behind the idea. 

“Our committee realizes this is a once in a lifetime project that will affect the viability of downtown Forest for years to come.”

VanValkenburg says the coalition is committed to working with Lambton Shores on the project. Staff says it plans a report to council on the possibilities in the near future.