Plans for redevelopment of Centennial (50th) Street in the downtown area include reduced lane widths, angle parking, changes to sidewalks, street lights and furnishings to emulate with what’s been done along Lakeshore Drive.
David Brown with Eidos Consultants gave Sylvan Lake councillors and overview of the project’s current status during Monday night’s meeting.
Lining up the 50th Avenue intersection at Centennial Street (to create a four-way intersection instead of the current jog) would require realignment of 50th Avenue east from 48th Avenue reversing the existing roadway into where public parking is and reversing the parking for businesses on the north side of the avenue.
Railway crossing improvements are also anticipated with warning lights and arms and sidewalks on both east and west sides of the crossing.
“An application for the intersection redevelopment requires CNR and Transport Canada approval and integration with railway crossing improvements, electronic barriers and traffic control/signalization,” said Brown’s report.
He added they’re looking at options for parking on 50A Avenue and 50A Street as well as redevelopment of some of the alleys as part of the overall plan.
One of the outcomes of the project would be the opportunity to close down 50th Street between Lakeshore Drive and 50th Avenue at certain times during the year for street festivals.
Elements of the new design include street upgrades, new sidewalks, street lights, trees, landscaping, furnishings and public art.
A public open house has been scheduled for Feb. 26 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the town hall.
Councillor Matt Prete asked whether large pick-up trucks would be able to park in the angled stalls planned for the southbound lane (west side) of Centennial Street. Brown responded they’d taken their length into consideration and “maximized the size dimensions of the angle stalls to ensure they fit”. He said larger vehicles may have to back into the northbound lane to get out of the stalls. He added that reducing the width of sidewalks wasn’t an option as they’re already quite tight.
“I’m really excited about it, it’s got potential,” said Councillor Graham Parsons. “Turning it into a festival area. It’s long overdue.”
He added that the opportunity for the public to view the plans will bring comments. “As we know about Lakeshore Drive, major change does bring lots of excitement.”
Brown noted feedback from CNR has not been too positive for the four way intersection so close to the railway. If they can’t get approval from Transport Canada and the railway, the back-up plan would be to leave the 50th Avenue intersection the way it is today.
Other aspects of the project include Centennial Street south of the railway tracks to 48th Street.
The project, coupled with a Facade Improvement Program pilot project which was approved with the 2014 budget “is intended to show the town’s commitment to revitalization of the town centre”, wrote planner Kim Devlin in her report to council. “The area will be a pedestrian friendly street that encourages people to walk, shop and explore. Once construction and upgrades are completed the town centre will have a similar feel to Lakeshore Drive.”
Completion of the design development is expected by the end of July.