Speeding up consideration of the proposed Graham Avenue transit mall might help solve the woes of businesses on the south side of Portage Avenue, a city councillor says.

Coun. Chris Lorenc said solving transportation problems in the downtown is a key issue identified yesterday at the first meeting of a civic committee set up to address concerns about the deteriorating south side.

The proposed $2.6-million transit mall has been included in the city's five-year capital works program, with 1991 as a target date.

"We want to look at whether that date should be advance," Lorenc (Sisler), chairman of the five-member ad hoc committee, said.

"We think that may be a potential remedy to the southside problems. It would substantially increase pedestrian traffic."

If all buses were routed along Graham Avenue, pedestrians would be more likely to walk past southside businesses on their way to Portage Place, he said.

Also, the committee wants to take another look at a 1968 proposal to redevelop Graham Avenue like the Sparks Street mall in Ottawa.

Under that plan, Graham would be turned into a two-lane, bus-only transit corridor, with widenened sidewalks to make room for activities like outdoor cafes.

Also, the committee discussed need for public education about parking downtown, Lorenc said.

"We want to dispel the myth that parking is a problem downtown. There's more downtown parking than in the past."

Other priorities include meeting with southside property owners and tenants to discuss their concerns, as well as mediating conflicts they may have with the North Portage Development Corp., he said.

"We're hoping to get all interested parties together," Lorenc said.

"I don't think you have the mood on the committee that all is gloom and doom. We're very optimistic."

Large-scale interventions, including expropriating southside properties, would only be considered if all else failed, he said.

"I'm not of the opinion the problem will be solved by opening the taxpayer's purse," he said. "I think that (expropriation) would have to be an absolute last resort."

When the committee was struck July 20, Coun. Bill Clement (Charleswood) said expropriation might be needed rather than merely refurbishing racades of buildings along the strip.

Mayor Bill Norrie also downplayed the need for publicly funded overhaul of the south side.

"The south side will come back," Norrie said. "The city can assist with transportation and making the streets more attractive."

Martin Eva, president of the South Side Portage Association representing about 60 merchants and owners, said yesterday he welcomes the city's interest.

"It's late in coming, it's slow coming, but we're glad it's here."

"The important thing is serious recognition that we have a problem. We'll be pleased to participate in finding a solution," Eva said.

Lorenc said the committee hopes to report to the civic executive policy committee by November or December.