Open Streets Brandon Pilot Program

A community initiative from the Open Streets Working Group – Brandon, Manitoba

What are Open Streets?

Open Streets programs temporarily close selected streets to vehicle traffic and open them for people instead. For a few hours, roads become safe, welcoming spaces for walking, cycling, rolling and gathering.

Cities around the world host Open Streets events to promote healthy living, support active transportation and to bring communities together. Without cars, streets transform into vibrant public spaces, almost like a “paved park”. Families can bike together, neighbours can connect and residents can experience their city in a new way.

The Open Streets Brandon group is working to bring this idea to Brandon.

Open Streets Brandon

Open Streets Brandon is creating a temporary opportunity for an active, accessible transportation route between Rideau Park and Stanley Park along Lorne Avenue.

For three Sundays during the summer, this route would become a car-free corridor where residents can walk, bike, use accessible transportation and enjoy community activities. Programming like music and booths in gathering spaces will take place at both parks.

The proposed pilot would include three events:

July 19
August 16
September 13

Each event would run approximately 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Route

The proposed route runs 1.8 km along Lorne Avenue, connecting Stanley Park to Rideau Park from 15th Street to Franklin Street.

The distance is accessible and family-friendly:

About an 8 minute bike ride.
About a 29 minute walk.

Connecting two parks creates a natural corridor for recreation, activities and community gathering.

Why This Project Matters

Open Streets Brandon offers several benefits for communities:

Healthy Living

Residents have a safe space to walk, cycle, use a wheelchair and be active.

Safe Active & Accessible Transportation

People of all ages and abilities can experience biking, walking & rolling in a safe environment.

Community Connection

Streets become shared public spaces where neighbours can meet and spend time together. Community organizations along the way are also welcomed to participate!

A Simple Pilot for Brandon

Since the program is temporary, it allows the city to test new ideas and gather feedback while keeping disruption minimal.

Event Operations

During each event, volunteers and city staff will set up signage, manage access points and guide participants along the route.

Major intersections would be managed to allow safe crossings with flaggers at both 1st Street and 10th Street.

The goal is to create a safe, welcoming experience while maintaining emergency road access.

Open Streets Brandon is an opportunity to bring people together, promote healthy living, and celebrate Brandon’s public spaces. Even for a few hours, a street can become a place where the whole community can walk, ride, and connect.

The Open Streets Brandon Working Group is a community initiative with Downtown Biz, Bike Brandon, Prairie Mountain Health, Sustainable Brandon, the City of Brandon and members of the Accessibility Community.