By Tyler Marr

Potential parking, laneway options for Central Ave. redesign open for public feedback

Aug 21, 2018 | 2:00 PM

Remaining status-quo, moving to two driving lanes with one lane of parallel parking, or one or two driving lanes with angled parking. Those, along with narrowing down more specific ideas for Central Ave., are the questions being asked of residents in Phase 2 of feedback for the corridor’s eventual overhaul.

The city is planning a project that has been dubbed the “Big Dig,” which will see Central Ave. ripped up to replace ageing pipes in use for more than 110 years. The dig will require the replacement of all curbs, sidewalks, and streets, and before rebuilding, the city wants to establish a streetscape design plan for downtown. 

Using feedback from nearly 500 responses during the first phase of consultations, four streetscape options have been developed for additional input. With 20 metres of space to work with for sidewalks, parking and traffic, the city is consulting on how much priority should be given to each element. Residents can weigh in online.

“The four configurations offer an opportunity to compare and visualize a pedestrian versus vehicle-focused Central Avenue,” Craig Guidinger, the city’s director of planning and development services, said in a release. “It is a simple two-question survey, so we are hoping people will take the time to give careful consideration to what is being presented.”

Each option presented keeps Central Ave. a one-way northbound corridor.

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Option 1 includes remaining status-quo with two lanes of traffic and parallel parking on both sides. This option would provide minor space for updated streetscape aesthetic such as unique features, landscaping, street furniture and opportunities for small sidewalk cafés and parklets, according to the city.

Option 1 is remaining status-quo with two driving lanes and two parallel parking lanes. It would allow for minor updated streetscape aesthetic and features. pic.twitter.com/ulb5VMwGv5

— Tyler Marr (@JournoMarr) August 21, 2018

Option 2 involves keeping with two lanes of traffic but limiting parallel parking to one side of the street. This option would substantially widen sidewalks on the other side to allow for more unique features and ample landscaping options.

Option 2 involves keeping with two traffic lanes but limiting parallel parking to one side of the street. This option would substantially widen sidewalks on the other side to allow for more unique features and ample landscaping options. pic.twitter.com/q1uOUD8IwM

— Tyler Marr (@JournoMarr) August 21, 2018

The third option would most noticeably change Central Ave., by reducing traffic to one lane and adding angled parking on one side of the street. The survey notes this layout would slow vehicle speeds, reducing traffic noise and creating a safer place for people to enjoy. Angled parking, the survey said, maintains roughly the same number of spaces.

Option 3 would most heavily change Central Ave. by reducing traffic to one lane and adding angled parking on one side of the street. The survey notes this layout would slow vehicle speeds and reduce traffic noise. Angled parking keeps roughly the same # of spaces. pic.twitter.com/iFd5Z9mJq9

— Tyler Marr (@JournoMarr) August 21, 2018

The fourth option sees two lanes of traffic with angled parking. Here, pedestrian space would be reduced but there would remain some opportunity to improve the streetscape aesthetic.

The fourth option keeps with two lanes of traffic but adds angled parking. Here, pedestrian space would be reduced and the priority clearly goes to cars. pic.twitter.com/1g2HYAkwup

— Tyler Marr (@JournoMarr) August 21, 2018

The second half of the survey asks residents to weigh in on what specific features and amenities they would like to see downtown, such as lighting, street art, café spaces and greenery.

The input received from both rounds of consultation will be used to make a recommendation to city council for approval. A final streetscape design is expected to be prepared and presented by the end of 2018, according to the city.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr