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Front Street to have Complete Streets makeover

New two-way protected cycle lanes a first for Nanaimo

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed March 4, 2021 3:00 PM

Summary

Starting this month, Front Street will begin its transformation to a modern street that will increase the comfort and safety for people who walk, bike, take transit and drive along Nanaimo's downtown waterfront. Approved by Council in 2020, the project is a continuation of the City of Nanaimo's commitment to Complete Streets and will connect cyclists between Maffeo Sutton Park and the recently completed waterfront walkway at 1 Port Drive.

The project includes reduction of vehicle travel lanes from four to two (one lane in each direction), creation of Nanaimo's first two-way protected cycle lane and installation of improved transit stops. Pedestrian crossings will be enhanced, including a new elevated crosswalk near the Nanaimo Law Courts and a new crosswalk near the temporary transit exchange. The project will also include improvements that will provide overall traffic calming along Front Street.

The Government of Canada contributed $605,000 to the project through the Federal Gas Tax program, which is administered in British Columbia by the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

Work is expected to start in March and will be completed before Summer 2021. For more information, visit the detailed project web page at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/FrontStreet

Link to Strategic Plan: Environmental Responsibility, Livability, Excellence in Governance

Key Points

  • The Front Street cycle lanes are one of the short-term cycling priorities identified in the Nanaimo Downtown Mobility Hub Project.
  • Complete Streets are designed for everyone - pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users and motorists - by increasing the safety and comfort for people who walk, bike, take transit and drive.
  • Commuters can expect delays during construction and are encouraged to plan their commute accordingly, and use alternate routes whenever possible.

Quotes

"Investments in projects that integrate different forms of transportation greatly contribute to making communities greener, more accessible and resilient. I’m pleased to see the City of Nanaimo moving forward with construction on Front Street to improve and integrate safe active and collective transportation. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities. (* on behalf of Honourable Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities)"

Patrick Weiler
Minister of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country
Government of Canada

"Together, with the federal government, we are investing in community infrastructure that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for people. The addition of two-way cycle lanes and enhanced crossings for pedestrians will make the waterfront more accessible and safer for everyone."

Josie Osborne
Minister of Municipal Affairs
Province of B.C.

"The federal Gas Tax Fund is helping B.C. communities expand transportation for local residents through new infrastructure that balances the priorities of transit riders, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. I appreciate the federal funding that has been made available to support this priority in Nanaimo."

Brian Frenkel
President
Union of B.C. Municipalities

"By utilizing Federal monies, this necessary improvement to Front Street provides a great opportunity to add to Nanaimo's active transportation network with a two-way cycle track. This project is a great example of saving dollars by doing a number of improvements in one go."

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • Windley Contracting Ltd. of Nanaimo was awarded the construction contract.

Images

Front Street Complete Street Concept Render
Front Street Complete Street Concept Render
Render completed by McElhanney
-30-

Contact:

Kurtis Noble
Capital Project Management Specialist
City of Nanaimo
(250) 756-5330

Print News Release

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