Refresh Water Street 'What We Heard' Document Now Available

Between July and September 2015, the City of St. John’s worked closely with consulting engineers CBCL Limited and UPLAND Urban Planning and Design to carry out a comprehensive public engagement process about how to refresh Water Street. The results of the consultation process are now available online at engagestjohns.ca.
 
“Water Street is a cornerstone of our City and with the replacement of the 100 year old infrastructure we have a wonderful opportunity to enhance what we already have and to create more opportunities to build on an already vibrant downtown,” said Councillor Dave Lane. “The themes that have emerged during the public engagement process will contribute to a well-rounded and exciting design concept.”
 
Through the engagement process many people spoke to the fact that Water Street is more than just a thoroughfare.  Water Street is a destination – a place to shop, relax, eat, drink and connect with others. Other themes which will help shape the design indicate that Water Street should be: a flexible street with an adaptable design; an avenue for all modes of transportation; a safe street with improved accessibility; a platform for arts and culture; an entrepreneurial street; and a technologically smart, innovative and practical street.
 
“On behalf of City Council and staff I thank the public, downtown business community, and all stakeholders who participated and shared ideas for improving and refreshing Water Street,” said Councillor Lane. “In total, there were over 2000 participants on our Engage St. John’s webpage and over 100 attendees during our in person events.”
 
As the project moves forward the City will be working closely with downtown stakeholders to ensure that their concerns, such as construction mitigation and planning, are heard and considered throughout all phases of the multi-year project.
 
For more details about 'What We Heard' during the public engagement process please visit engagestjohns.ca, under Refresh Water Street - Document Library.
 
The detailed design for the streetscape is scheduled to be released in November.
 
Media Contact:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca