On Council June 12 agenda there is report presenting a plan for building 3 km of quality sidewalks in several areas of King City which have been deficient for far too long. Target areas are Keele south of King Road, King Road both east and west of Keele. As reviewed 33% of cost are anticipated to be covered under partnership programs with York Region. Unfortunately it is not happening as fast as pedestrians stumbling on the current sidewalks want and deserve; the Keele Street project will be completed in 2018 and King Road one in 2019.
I will be requesting more information about how these projects integrate with the identified development applications on Keele at south end of target area; and I want to understand more about the pedestrian & cycling municipal partnership program briefly mentioned in the report. As reviewed in the report the projects are not exclusively focused on the sidewalks. For example the King Road project will include the required left turn lane required at the new Town Hall site.
It is encouraging to hear that additional sidewalks on Keele Street and King Road are being planned. One important consideration and suggestion for safety is to set the new sidewalks in further from the curb, so there is a buffer between pedestrians and the traffic which often includes large trucks on King Road. I have this sidewalk design implemented in other municipalities along main roads. A short walk on the north side of King Road west from Keele Street during rush hour is enough for anyone to understand the safety concerns. I believe it is important to strive to make King City pedestrian friendly and safe for everyone including children and seniors.
Hi Bruce….your last sentence is exactly the objective. Features include enhanced sidewalks i.e. decorative and wider. In many cases the sidewalk area will be made wider to improve walkability.