In a surprise move, the City of Victoria has decided not to hold a car-free day proposed for Aug. 16 on Government Street and will instead offer five car-free days — one each month from October through February.

The change comes after businesses complained about the original proposal, saying it would do more harm than good to local business.

"[They said] they don't need any help during summer months," said Counc. Jeremy Loveday.

"So what we've done is we've pushed it to the shoulder season, basically the off-season, to try to create the year-round economy on Government Street."

Business owner still not happy

"It's a partial victory," said Tom Thompson, owner of clothiers W&J Wilson.

He said the government is taking the wrong approach.

"It's not the car traffic that's broken on Government Street; it's the lack of merchants," said Thompson, who wants the city to make the area more commercially viable.

However, ​Loveday said opening the street to pedestrians is the key to growing the local economy.

"We do need to attract other retailers, and I think one of the the best ways we can do that is by making this a place that people want to be," Loveday said.

"It makes it sticky ... and when people stay, they support the businesses."

Could expand to next summer

If these car-free days on Government Street are successful, Loveday said council will consider expanding the project to next summer's peak season.

"Hopefully Government Street merchants see that this is a good idea and good for their business as well."

The string of car-free days will tentatively begin on Saturday Oct. 17 and end with a "Love Gov" event that takes place on Valentine's Day, Loveday said.

"I think it's a gem of a street, and this is about trying to animate it more and bring more life to it year-round."

To hear the full interview with councillor Jeremy Loveday, listen to the audio labelled: Victoria announces car-free day once a month, October to February.