BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLS WELCOME The Town of Smiths Falls has initiated the Beckwith Street Redevelopment Plan that includes the preparation of a streetscape functional design for the renewal of Beckwith Street in the downtown core. The purpose of this open house is to: • Update you on the project • Present a draft recommended plan • Receive your input Please identify any issues and concerns that you would like to see addressed during the study. You are invited to fill out a Comment-Questionnaire Form and leave it in the box provided, or return it to us by mail. Comments can also be submitted by email to: [email protected]and [email protected]. Your views and contributions are important to the success of this study! Purpose of the Open House N
Transcript
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLSWELCOME
The Town of Smiths Falls has initiated the Beckwith Street Redevelopment Plan that includes the preparation of a streetscape functional design for the renewal of Beckwith Street in the downtown core.
The purpose of this open house is to:
• Update you on the project
• Present a draft recommended plan
• Receive your input
Please identify any issues and concerns that you would like to see addressed during the study. You are invited to fill out a Comment-Questionnaire Form and leave it in the box provided, or return it to us by mail. Comments can also be submitted by email to: [email protected] and [email protected].
Your views and contributions are important to the success of this study!
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLSSTUDY AREA
The study area for this study is Beckwith Street, between Elmsley Street and Chambers Street.
The study area also wraps around each connecting side street.
Beckwith Street
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLSEXISTING CONDITIONS
• Angled parking configuration.
• Narrow sidewalks.• Wide vehicle travel lanes.• Limited trees or greening.• Limited opportunities for
active transportation.• 15,000 vehicles per day.• Curb to curb width is 22.4
metres.
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLS
2013 DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION AND WATERFRONT INTEGRATION MASTER PLAN
Seven Key Priorities for the Overall Plan
1. SERVICE SUSTAINABILITY to find operational savings and improvements
2. FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY for the effective management of town finances and assets
3. A STRONG COMMUNITY IDENTITY that reflects Smiths Falls evolving culture and long term vision
4. GROWTH & EXPANSION of the commercial tax base and economic development opportunities
5. IMPROVE LINKAGES to the waterfront area
6. TOURISM to support and expand the towns’ tourism offerings and opportunities
7. PLACEMAKING, the development of a town square and gathering place
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLS
Options Presented to Council on December 18, 2017:
• Option 1: Retain the street in its current configuration with on-street angled parking.
• Option 2: Reconfigure the street to include “Complete Street” features including separate cycle tracks with parallel parking.
• Option 3: Reconstruct the streets with parallel parking with very wide sidewalks but without separated bicycle facilities.
The three alternative concepts were evaluated against the following principles:
Consistency with Planning Documents Streets that fulfill the vision and strategic directions of the Town of Smiths Falls Official Plan, the Downtown Revitalizationand Waterfront Integration Master Plan.
Wider pedestrian zones Streets that add attractive sidewalks and surfaces; pedestrian-orientated lighting; street trees and plantings; street furniture; paving patterns; and curb edges.
Visibility to businessesStreets that create a pedestrian orientated street that is business-friendly.
Pedestrian and cyclist safetyStreets that accommodate travellers in all modes, seeking to find a balance that better supports pedestrians andcyclists as priorities.
Traffic movement and safetyStreets that slow traffic speeds while maintaining adequate through capabilities will be implemented.
Loading zones Streets that help fulfill the vision and strategic directions of the Town of Smiths Falls Pedestrian Study.
Cost to construct Streets that are a low cost to construct but provide a high potential for return on investment.
Parking yield Streets that retain an adequate supply of on-street parking for the downtown needs.
Improved accessibility Complete Streets that inclusive, barrier free and create opportunities for people with all abilities.
Greener streetsStreets that are attractive, sustainable and support a healthy and vibrant community. Streets that work in harmony with Smiths Falls natural and physical environment.
Festivals, Patio's, Art, etc. Streets that create opportunities for activities such as outdoor patios, festivals and special events.
Public Feedback Streets that are cost-effective to construct, operate and maintain, and that promote investment in the area.
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE STREET RENEWAL
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLSEVALUATING THE OPTIONS
Criteria Option 1-Angled Parking and No Cycling Facility
Option 2-Parallel Parking & Cycle Tracks
Wider pedestrian zone ○ ◒Visibility to businesses ○ ●Cyclist safety ○ ●Traffic movement ◒ ◒Traffic safety ○ ●Loading zones ○ ●Parking yield ● ◒Improved accessibility ◒ ◒Greener streets ● ◒Festivals, Patio's, Art, etc. ○ ◒Public Feedback ● ◒Cost to Construct ○ ◒
○ - Least Desirable, ◒ - Moderately Desirable, ● - Most Desirable
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLSPARKING SUPPLY RESULTS
Number of On-Street Parking Spaces
Existing Parking Supply
Option 1 - Angled Parking and No Cycling Tracks
Option 2 - Parallel Parking & Cycle Tracks
Chambers to Main 21 (2 accessible) 23 (2 accessible) 23Main to William 23 (2 accessible) 20 (2 accessible) 22William to Russell 29 (2 accessible) 22 (2 accessible) 21Russell to Church 23 21(2 accessible) 20
Sub-Total Chambers to Church 96 (6 accessible) 87 (8 accessible) 86
Church to Gladstone/Daniel 19 (1 accessible) 10 (2 accessible) 13
Gladstone/Daniel to Elmsley 5 4 2
Sub-Total Church to Elmsley 24 13 15
TOTAL 120 (7 accessible) 101 (10 accessible) 101 (all accessible)Potential of 14 Spaces on Side Streets
14 14
TOTAL 115 115• Approximately 640 spaces exist in downtown Smiths Falls today.• Of those spaces, approximately 120 spaces are on Beckwith Street today.
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLS
During Construction Ultimate Design
The Revised Concept (Summary)
• Angled parking is maintained.
• Parking yield is reduced from existing to 101 spaces.
• 40 degree angle parking provided for safe vehicle
movements, but lower parking yield
• Wide parking spaces (3.0 metre) are maintained.
• Sidewalks widths are increased marginally
• Raised intersections provided at Russel and Main Street.
• Sidewalk plantings mid –block and at intersections
OPTION 1: ANGLED PARKING ARRANGEMENT – REFINED BASED ON PUBLIC FEEDBACK
Cross Section
Concept #1What we learned from the study and heard from you:
• Desire to keep things the way they are
• Desire to maintain angled parking and the “wide street” look
• Desire for wider sidewalks
• Desire to improve safety for pedestrians
• Desire to incorporate of flex space / shared space / festival space
• Desire to reduce speed for vehicles
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLS
During Construction Ultimate Design
The Revised Concept (Summary)
• Parallel parking replacing angle parking.
• Wider parallel parking spaces proposed.
• One-way single lane cycling tracks included both north and
south bound with a dooring buffer.
• Raised intersections at Main and Russel to reduce vehicle speed.
• Sidewalk and tree plantings mid-block and at intersections.
• Improved accessibility for all users.
• Wide sidewalks for streetscaping and shared spaces.
• Provides 101 parking spaces on Beckwith Street.
• Provides the highest use of the wide street.
DESIGN OPTION 2: PARALLEL PARKING WIDTH CYCLE TRACKS – Refined Based on Public Feedback
Cross Section
Concept #2 What we learned from the study and heard from you:
• Desire for wider sidewalks.
• Desire to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Desire to improve accessibility for all users.
• Desire to incorporate of flex space / shared space / festival space.
• Desire to reduce speed for vehicles.
• Desire to link the Downtown with the waterfront area.
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLS
• Cycle lanes conform to Complete Street policies of the Official Plan and the Ontario Cycling Strategy
• Smiths Falls is strategically located to benefit from the increase in cycling tourism in Ontario.
• Connect downtown with local and regional trail networks.
• Smiths Falls is located along Trans Canada Trail Network and the Cataraqui Trail.
• Capitalize on Lanark County Cycling Resources
• Cycling connections to businesses on Beckwith Street to boost revenue for local business.
THE CASE FOR CYCLING
Route 6 – Carlton Place to Smiths FallsRoute 8 – Perth – Smiths Falls - Merrickville
Rideau Trail
The Great Trail (Trans Canada)
Source: Ontario Cycling Strategy
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLS
Option 2 Parallel Parking Configuration with Cycle Tracks: This solution is based on the following key reasons:
• There is a need and opportunity to reconstruct the streets to enable them to beconsistent with the vision and strategic objectives of the Municipality’s Official Plan andthe Downton Revitalization and Waterfront Integration Master Plan … Option 2 bestmeets this vision
• Beckwith Street’s 30 metre width provides opportunity to create multi-functional publicspaces within the downtown and accommodates travellers in all modes, seeking to finda balance that better supports pedestrians and cyclists as priority modes.
• Option 2 provides a “Complete Street” that best meets the needs of all users.
• The estimated cost to renew Beckwith Street with Option 2 is $137,330 less expensivethan Option 1.
RECOMMENDED OPTION – OPTION 2
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLSSTREETSCAPING DIRECTION
A vibrant, animated, pedestrian and business friendly street
• Strengthen Smiths Falls as a destination.
• Create opportunities for street activities such as outdoor patios, outdoor retailing, festivals and special events.
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLSSTREETSCAPING THEMES
• Calming measures can include:
• Green medians and street tree plantings;
• Bump-outs at cross walks for shorter crossings; and
• Distinct and/or raised intersections.
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLSSTREETSCAPING THEMES
• New decorative street lights system including pedestrian level lighting.
• New Street greening including street trees and planters.
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLSSTREETSCAPING THEMES
• Renewed streetscape environment, including paving stone surfaces and street furniture.
• Attractive bench seating and waste receptacles.
• Functional and attractive bicycle racks provided along Beckwith and side street corners
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLSNEW NORTH GATEWAY
• “Announce” the north entry to Beckwith Street.
• Reconfiguration of “highway” type intersection design
• Shorter crosswalks• Minimal additional
delay to motorists• Potential locations for
gateway features.• Transition from highway
to Downtown core• Improved wayfinding
Town of Ajax, Ontario
Town of Summit, New York.
Cedar City, Utah
Windsor, Ontario
Grand Rapids, Michigan
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLS
Environmental Mitigation Strategy
Communications Strategy
Project Phasing Strategy
1. Managing traffic Impacts for the general public and
commuters• Public Open Houses
• Option for variable message boards
• Public Service Announcements
• Municipal Website, Facebook and Twitter
2. Managing construction impacts on local residents and
businesses• Construction Start Notice
• Meeting with businesses as required
• Meeting with small groups of residents as required
• Mailing list (construction schedule look ahead via email)
• “Block Captains”
• “Business Open as Usual” promotions
• Contractor incentive / disincentive provisions to expedite
work duration
MANAGING CONSTRUCTION DISRUPTION
Two Streams of CommunicationsCommunications Considerations
Plus
• Municipal Project Manager
• Contract Administrator
• Construction Liaison Officer
• Contractor Representative
BECKWITH STREET REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TOWN OF SMITHS FALLS
Thank you for attending! Your feedback is important to us. We encourage you to do the following:
W. Troy Dunlop, C.E.T.Director of Roads and Public WorksTown of Smith [email protected]
Ron Clarke, MCIP, RPP VP, ParsonsP: 613.738.4160 x1526E: [email protected]
Complete a Comment Form and return it to us now, or return it to one of the contacts below.
Notify others in the community about the project.
Stay updated with the process through the Municipality’s website and Facebook page.
