The St. Clair College MediaPlex on University Avenue West and Victoria Avenue. (Photo by Alexandra Latremouille)The St. Clair College MediaPlex on University Avenue West and Victoria Avenue. (Photo by Alexandra Latremouille)
Windsor

Public comment welcomed on Windsor street 'reimagining'

Windsor residents will soon be asked for feedback on a plan to "reimagine" two key thoroughfares.

Representatives from the City and CIMA+ Consulting provided an update Tuesday afternoon on a proposed redesign of University Avenue and Victoria Avenue.

The update is the latest step in a process that began in 2018 when an environmental study was conducted. The plan is to reconfigure University Avenue from Huron Church Road to Caesars Windsor, a distance of 3.5 kilometres, and upgrade the public right-of-way on Victoria Avenue between Chatham Street West and Park Street West, near points of interest such as the Capitol Theatre and the St. Clair College MediaPlex.

University Avenue would include additional options for walking, bicycling, and other forms of transportation, as well as additional green space. Mayor Drew Dilkens said that the east-west artery from the Ambassador Bridge to downtown is particularly due for an update.

"The University Avenue that you see today was designed to accommodate streetcars," said Dilkens. "It's too wide and it's underutilized, and it allows a great opportunity for us to think of innovative beautification efforts that we can consider when we redevelop this space."

The mayor confirmed later to Blackburn News that the overall price tag for the project will be over $50-million. The funding is budgeted as part of the city's ten-year, $1.6-billion road and infrastructure master plan.

Jeff Hagan, the City's Transportation Planning Senior Engineer, said the project, once done, will open up many options for residents on getting to and from the core.

"It will provide a comfortable and convenient connection between the neighbourhood of River West and downtown, and also be an important commuter route for residents living in the immediate project area," said Hagan.

Between now and August 24, residents will have a chance to comment on the city's plan. Complete information on the plan and how to submit a comment on it can be found on the project page of the City's official website.

This slide shows a rendering of University Avenue West in downtown Windsor after a street upgrade project. Image from City of Windsor/CIMA ConsultingThis slide shows a rendering of University Avenue West in downtown Windsor after a street upgrade project. Image from City of Windsor/CIMA Consulting

This slide shows a cross-section of Victoria Avenue in downtown Windsor after a street upgrade project. Image from City of Windsor/CIMA ConsultingThis slide shows a cross-section of Victoria Avenue in downtown Windsor after a street upgrade project. Image from City of Windsor/CIMA Consulting

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