Water Street redesign to involve public, councillor says

The City of St. John's is appealing to the public for ideas on how to improve Water Street, the heart of the city's downtown.

A major tear-up is planned for Water Street next spring as the road's century-old sewer system is set to receive an upgrade, between Waldegrave Street and Prescott Street.

• Big dig nears for Water Street to replace century-old pipes

From heated sidewalks to diagonal parking and improved accessibility for those with disabilities,the city says it welcomes all suggestions for potential improvements.

In an interview with CBC Radio's On The Go, Coun.Dave Lane said the city wants to include downtown-goers and businesses in the decision-making process.

"Right now we have a very open mind about what can happen with Water Street," Lane said.

"That said, it's a very historic street, there's a lot of things people love about it right now. So ultimately, what we're looking for is ways we can improve the street, enhance it, what are some things we can do better, maybe some additions. So the book is open right now and we're open to all ideas."

Lane said he wants to make the area more accessible to pedestrians, encourage the use of off-street parking and improve the flow of public transit in the downtown core.

"We're trying to enhance what it already is," he said.

While Lane said he's open to the suggestion ofreverting the road back toone-way, he doesn't believe that's a viable option as studies have shown that one-way roads increase traffic speeds.

Lane said the pitch process will be ongoing for the next month, and people can submit ideas online at Engage St. John's.

The city also plans to hold public forums and design studios toput people in connection with consultants.

On Aug.29, the city will have a pop-up studio at the Avalon Mall in St. John's while apop-up studio will be heldatBannermanPark on Sept.13from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.