During today’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Victoria’s city council voted unanimously to accelerate projects that would convert road space to public space for pedestrian use.
The motion was spearheaded by Councillors Matt Dell and Jeremy Caradonna who want to use success stories such as Government Street and Fernwood Square as a model for the future of public space in the city.
They see this as an opportunity to build stronger communities and create more usable space for people, rather than vehicles on underutilized roads.
“People in Victoria are eager for greener neighborhoods, slower streets, and more spaces for community to gather,” said Councillor Dell in a media release. “One of the easiest ways to do this is by converting underutilized road space in key community locations into pedestrianized public space.”
“This has been done successfully across the world, and I’m excited to see it happen more in Victoria. This work aligns closely with our climate goals, our community building ambitions, and with proven practices to build a wonderful city.”
See also:
- Mayor Alto seeks to increase city council transparency regarding ‘closed meetings’
- 13 serene scenes from Victoria’s first snowfall of the season (PHOTOS/VIDEOS)
Going forward, City staff will now look to investigate where this kind of road conversion could succeed best and how to go about these transformations.
The council’s primary goals with this initiative while it was discussed in today’s meeting were regarding increasing safety for children, pedestrians and seniors as well as working with local residents and small businesses to ensure success.
Council also identified a few trial closure locations that may work as a jumping off point which include, Ryan Street in the Oaklands, which cuts off Oaklands Elementary from their school field; Haultain Street in Oaklands; and Simcoe or Toronto street at the Five-Corners in James Bay, to reduce traffic congestion for the community.
“Victoria is a city of villages, and pedestrianizing more under-utilized roads will increase safety, build community and enhance a sense of place,” said Councillor Caradonna.
“I’m thrilled that Council supports this vision moving forward.”
Where in Victoria would you like to see a street closed off to vehicles and converted to community space? Let us know in the comments!
