A “pedestrian scramble” at Sixth and Sixth is one of the concepts being considered as part of the Uptown Sixth Street Public Realm improvement projects.
The City of New Westminster is kicking off engagement about the projects with a pop-up event on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. inside Royal City Centre mall. A second pop-up event will take place outside London Drugs in Westminster Centre on Sunday, Nov. 21 from noon to 4 p.m.
“This block of Sixth Street is the heart of uptown, and this project will see a complete reimagining of this important area,” said Mayor Jonathan Cote in a news release. “Many improvements are planned that will enhance the experience, comfort and accessibility for all users of this section of Sixth Street, as well as allow for exciting flexible uses such as outdoor events.”
The initiative will see Sixth Street, between Sixth Avenue and Belmont Street, reimagined to better orient the street toward pedestrian uses, including more flexible uses of Sixth Street and improved accessibility, said the news release.
Proposed features include widened sidewalks, improved lighting, more seating options and temporary road closures for special events. It also envisions a “pedestrian scramble” at Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue, which would see all vehicle traffic stopped while pedestrians can cross all-ways at once.
These upcoming changes take direction from the vision outlined in city’s Uptown Streetscape Vision, which was endorsed by city council in November 2020. The vision’s plan is to “create a vibrant commercial district with a distinct identity, accessible and sustainable transportation, as well as inviting and engaging public spaces that are welcoming to all people.”
According to the city, both the Sixth Street Public Realm Improvements and a related project, the Uptown Active Transportation Improvements, align with the city’s master transportation plan goals and Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action, particularly in regards to creating a car-light community, a quality people-centred public realm and a robust urban forest.
The city has been consulting with community members about the active transportation improvements planned in the uptown. This includes upgrades to the Rotary Crosstown Greenway (along Seventh Avenue, between Eighth and Fifth streets) – including the replacement of the interim bike lanes that were installed on Seventh Avenue in 2017.
That plan also includes a cycling connection from the Rotary Crosstown Greenway on Seventh Avenue to New Westminster Secondary School, with the goal of making it more convenient and safe for students, staff and visitors to access NWSS.
“A key goal of these projects is to realize the opportunities for vibrant public streets and areas that are safe, accessible and enjoyable for all our community members,” said Coun. Patrick Johnstone, chair of the facilities, infrastructure and public realm committee. “We invite everyone to participate in the engagement activities and share which features that are most important to them so we can ensure the future space meets the needs of all users.”
For more information, go to www.behheardnewwest.ca and search for Uptown Sixth Street Public Realm Improvements or Uptown Active Transportation Improvements.
