Expanded pedestrian areas, extra accessible seating, upgraded lighting and more is envisioned for one of Victoria’s most iconic and well-known streets.
The City of Victoria now seeks public feedback on its draft plan to refresh Government Street, enhancing a streetscape that hasn’t changed in nearly 50 years.
Mayor Lisa Helps finds it’s a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” supporting downtown businesses for years to come, all the while adding more public spaces and working with First Nations to tell the history of the land.
Currently, Government Street faces aging infrastructure – street furniture, trees, traffic signals, sidewalks, road surfaces and more will need to be replaced in the coming years, says the city.
With this in mind, officials feel now’s the time to do a complete overhaul from the bottom up.
A draft plan proposes two new “cultural plazas” with landmarks to serve as gateways – one at Humbolt Street, with the other at Pandora Street.
And while expanded pedestrian areas and “timed car-free zones” are included in the draft, the city notes bikes, pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages will still be welcome.
The draft calls for public art to be incorporated, plus more space for restaurant patios and storefronts along Government Street.
There are also plans to extend the character of the street north between Yates and Pandora Streets, with no impact on two-way vehicle traffic, parking or loading zones, says the city.
“Community members shared what they value most about Government Street and what they would like to see improved,” added Mayor Helps.
“Making Government Street a people-priority street is a key action of the city’s Strategic Plan, and now it’s time to tell us what you think – what have we got right, what have we missed?”
Locals invited to provide feedback, engage in online discussions:
According to the city, more than 700 residents took part in the project’s first phase, sharing their ideas in an online forum and survey.
Following this next round of input, the project team will refine the draft concept design before it’s presented to city council in late spring.
Until March 20th, locals can participate in a survey found on the city’s website or by emailing engage@victoria.ca with “Government Street Refresh” in the subject line.
The city says businesses in the area will also receive an invitation to participate in one of two virtual focus group discussions set for March 8th.
As well, locals are invited to a virtual open house to learn more and ask questions. It’s set for March 9th with two sessions at noon and 6 p.m. and no registration is required.
