Chatham's Streetscape has been received by municipal council, meaning preparations can now be made for more detailed construction plans for the downtown core.
The study outlines a number of adjustments, both functional and aesthetic, to sidewalks, parking lots and street furniture.
City Planner Ryan Jacques says after consulting with the downtown community, it's been made clear that these improvements are long overdue. "There was almost a unanimous consensus that it was needed," says Jacques. "I think through the decision-making process that translates into this being a higher priority."
A view of where Chatham-Kent's Streetscape study was focussed, extending from the Civic Centre to Adelaide St (Photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent)
Planners have identified three key areas where they feel adjustments can especially be made: a parkette at King St and Fourth St, the Civic Centre Plaza, and the area around the Chatham Cenotaph. Staff hope construction can begin in 2016 and wrap up in 2017.