Evaluating the Economic and Social Impacts of Street Closures on Locke Street

Abstract

The Locke Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) organizes special events and activities, including street closures known as "Saturdays UnLocked," to showcase local businesses. Street closures aim to increase economic and social development, but little is known about the impacts of these events on the local community and surrounding area. On behalf of Locke Street BIA, a team of researchers affiliated with the McMaster University Research Shop conducted a study to investigate the financial and social impacts of "Saturdays UnLocked." To do so, they conducted an online survey of 306 attendees who participated in street closure events, carried out an online survey of 32 local business owners, and facilitated semi-structured interviews with 6 of the business owners who participated in the survey. The findings from this research describe the economic impacts of street closures, social factors impacting these events, and consideration for the process and implementation of future street closures.