On Monday, May 29, 2023, Kimberley Council received an update on the Downtown Design Strategy Project, including an update on stage one of community engagement on the project.
The objective of the project is to create a plan for what could be developed in the downtown area in the future.
Given that there is a fair bit of underground infrastructure that will need to be replaced in the downtown area in the coming years, Manager of Planning Services Troy Pollock told Council that coming up with a cohesive, coordinated idea of what the streetscape would look like after infrastructure replacement was needed.
Overall, he said, feedback from residents indicated that they would like to see the Platzl ‘feeling’ extended further, not necessarily no cars, but wider sidewalks, more green spaces.
The first stage of community engagement began in January of this year on egagekimberley.ca and an open house as held on February 7. A tentative date of June 15 has been set for another open house at Centennial Hall.
Draft goals are as follows:
Mobility
• Ensure mobility options for people of all ages and abilities are included in the downtown transportation network including walking, biking, and transit options
• Create safe access to, through, and around downtown for all modes of transportation
• Ensure people of all ages and ability can access downtown comfortably and safely by foot or by wheel Sense of place
• Provide inclusive, comfortable, and welcoming spaces for residents and visitors of all ages, lifestyles, and abilities
• Prioritize places for people in the downtown that create memorable connections
• Foster enhancements that reflect the diverse history of the city and celebrate community identity Liveability
• Embrace downtown as a good and easy place to live
• Shape the public realm to serve as a “backyard” for downtown residents
• Invest in infrastructure to support the future needs of downtown residents Vibrant
• Welcome creativity and innovation in downtown redevelopment
• Promote a vibrant atmosphere that attracts and supports businesses, entrepreneurs, and talent to provide diverse employment opportunities
• Encourage a compact mix of land uses to provide opportunity for everyone to access places to live, shop, interact, play, work, and eat Environment
• Incorporate green spaces into the streetscapes and public places that reflect the beauty of surrounding natural areas
• Adapt to the changing climate by enhancing the resiliency of our infrastructure and reducing the impact of infrastructure on the environment
• Value the environment and protect ecological functions for everyone’s enjoyment
Feedback included the need for more crosswalks and additional bike lanes, pointed out unsafe intersections such as at Wallinger and Ross St., requested more art work and outdoor murals, better paths and connection to the high school; connecting Rails to Trails to the Platzl; more outdoor seating and much more.
The entire draft can be viewed at engagekimberley.ca
READ: City of Kimberley looks for public feedback on downtown planning
carolyn.grant@kimberleybulletin.com
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