City council has approved the closure of a section of Main Street to create a pedestrian-only town square for the summer months.

Under the bylaw approved by council Tuesday evening, Main Street can be closed from Front Street to Second Avenue from June 1 to Sept. 5.

The closure also includes the two alleys running off Main between Front Street and Second Avenue.

The bylaw approved notes the closure can be in full or partial.

Council also approved an amendment Tuesday to the city’s operating budget for $105,069 to cover the cost of the street closure.

That includes the provision of furniture such as picnic tables, chairs and additional planters.

The intent of the project is to create vibrancy in the square.

A city survey of the general public and businesses showed strong support for the town square proposal, provided concerns were addressed such as the loss of parking space.

The square will be providing space and electricity to food vendors interested in operating in the town square.

Vendors will be selected through a lottery, though there will be a rotation.

The plan also calls for a stage in front of the Edgewater Hotel where bands will play every Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce is expected to provide additional planters and the local anti-poverty coalition will provide planters with vegetables to promote growing food.

There has been general support on council for the project.

A six-metre-wide lane will remain free of obstacles in the middle of the street to allow access by emergency vehicles.