Abbotsford council has passed the first step of an estimated $4 million project that would see the realignment of Montvue Avenue and a public plaza in a closed-off section of the road.
The “concept design” came before council at its executive meeting on Monday afternoon (Feb. 13) and now proceeds to the public-engagement stage for community feedback.
The plan calls for a “West Railway Plaza” in the historic downtown core that includes a space for small community gatherings, cultural programming, performances and/or street market activities.
Amenities would include benches, bike racks, garbage cans, electrical outlets and pedestrian lighting, according to a staff report.
Landscaping would include large shade trees, street trees, rain gardens and planters with irrigation.
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The plaza would be located along a portion of West Railway Street and on a small section of Montvue Avenue that would be closed off just south of Essendene Avenue by the Fraser Valley Inn.
The portion of Montvue Avenue that branches off and connects to West Railway would be retained and realigned further south. All right and left turns from Essendene and southbound through traffic would be directed onto West Railway.
Northbound traffic on West Railway would be able to turn left directly onto Montvue.
The staff report states that traffic lights would be modified in the area, pedestrian crossings would be improved or added, and on-street parking stalls would be added.
The Abbotsford Downtown Business Association has said it will support the city in “reducing unwanted activity” such as loitering in the plaza, the report states.
The total estimated cost of the project is $4 million, including roadwork, utilities, electrical, landscaping, plaza works and site furnishings. The cost is expected to be refined as the project moves along.
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At Monday’s meeting, Coun. Simon Gibson said he supports the project but is concerned about traffic issues.
“I don’t think the traffic circulation is really that wise, in my opinion, and potentially dangerous … I think the access and egress will be problematic,” he said.
Coun. Patricia Ross disagreed.
“To me, I see this as a great solution to the traffic issues, not just for vehicular traffic but for making the area more walkable, more bike-friendly,” she said.
Gordon Botha, the city’s director of transportation, told council that consultants conducted a thorough review of the proposed intersection.
“It was actually found to be a much safer configuration, making it four legs instead of five legs, and there is sufficient ‘storage’ at this intersection to deal with the peak hours,” he said.
Botha addressed concerns about people using the liquor store parking lot on Montvue to cut over to West Railway, saying the driveway is expected to be closed in the future as further development occurs in the area.
Initial community feedback will now be sought through the city’s Let’s Talk Abbotsford platform (letstalkabbotsford.ca) and direct outreach to community stakeholders.
A more detailed design is expected to be presented to council this spring or summer, with a final update slated for the fall.
vikki.hopes@abbynews.com
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