Former two-time city councillor and mayoral candidate Michael Walters has floated the idea of shutting down traffic in a section of Whyte Ave. to increase vibrancy.

Walters promised a pilot project to pedestrianize two blocks between Gateway Blvd (103 St.) and 105 St. next summer.

In a press release on Monday, Walter promised to “Make Whyte Ave feel like Fringe every summer weekend in a 2026 pilot,” referring to the annual festival with theatre performances.

Edmontonians seemed to welcome the idea of pedestrian-friendly options on the avenue.

“It gets quite busy and there’s a lot of foot traffic — so yeah some more places where people can be free to walk without worrying about traffic would be nice,” a woman said.

Another Edmontonian said “I’ve been saying that for years. Make it look

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