Howard Wray, Triton Engineering provided an overview of the replacement of sidewalks and boulevards on Broadway from John Street to Third Street. Mr. Wray outlined several concerns that have been identified with the current state of the sidewalks which include:
- differential movement between concrete and pavers
- movement and shifting of the paving stones
- heaving of tree grates and paving stones around boulevard trees
- vertical movement of curb stops and water valves
- sidewalk ramps at curbs do not meet AODA standards
- electrical junction boxes have shifted and create trip hazards
- fountains and watering hose bibs are no longer functional
- parking meter posts that are no longer functional due to meters no longer being used
- additional issues regarding streetscape furniture and other amenities identified by the BIA
The following goals and objectives have been identified for the renewed surface materials:
- materials should be durable and designed to resist differential movement
- surfaces should be easy and cost effective to maintain
- accessibility and compliance with the AODA is a key objective
- items that can move vertically (curb stops, valve and junction boxes) should be designed to limit movement
- surfaces to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing
Mr. Wray outlined the projected timeline with an anticipated start day of Fall 2021.
Deputy Mayor Macintosh questioned the anticipated completion date.
Mr. Wray indicated completion anticipated to be in early November.
Deputy Mayor Macintosh asked if the project were put off to early next year how would the project be affected.
Mr. Wray indicated that one of the affects would be another winter of maintaining the existing system.
Councillor Andrews questioned if the construction would impede traffic.
Mr. Wray advised that the contractor would use some parking lanes and these lanes would not be available for parking but traffic would be able to continue to flow on the street. Mr. Wray indicated that they work very closely with business owners to minimize disruption.
Councillor Andrews asked for suggestions of locations for bike racks.
Mr. Wray advised that they would work in consultation with the community to find the optimal location for bike racks.
Councillor Peters asked if there is opportunity to have any water bottle refilling stations.
Mr. Wray indicated that he has no personal experience with the installation of water bottle refilling stations but it could possibly be done given that the water service is there.
Councillor Peters asked for elaboration on impressed concrete versus pavers.
Mr. Wray indicated that impressed concrete can collect water in the grooves and over time the colour changes and the pavers are constructed in a more controlled environment and are more durable.
Councillor Peters asked if the cost difference between impressed concrete and pavers would be covered in the staff report.
Mr. Lackey indicated that a cost comparison would be included in the staff report.
Councillor Peters questioned if some creative solutions could be considered to save more of the trees or possibly to add more trees.
Mr. Wray indicated that alternative ways of retaining more trees could be considered.
Mayor Brown asked if the step up from the sidewalk into different businesses can be addressed during the construction process.
Councillor Sherwood asked if trees have been removed since the original brick project was completed.
Mr. Lackey indicated that yes, approximately 10 trees have been removed over the years.
Councillor Taylor questioned if the Blues and Jazz Festival could be approached to change their dates for 2022 to allow for the project to be completed in Spring of 2022.
Councillor Post asked how could we address some of the trip hazards and accessibility issues if we delay until Spring of 2022.
Mr. Lackey indicated that there is a possibility of delaying to fall of 2022. There is a program, each year to go through the downtown core and repair the trip hazards.
Councillor Post asked if there is something that could be done to keep the trees but that would minimize the heaving that can occur.
Mr. Wray indicated that having an open levelled mulch area could be an alternative that would assist in retaining more trees.
Deputy Mayor Macintosh asked what the BIA position was on the timing of the project.
Councillor Sherwood advised that the BIA discussed the matter and there were mixed emotions on the timing of the project.