Design options for potential new sidewalk

In accordance with section 2 of the City of Waterloo’s council-endorsed sidewalk policy, the city has identified the south side of Mackay Crescent from Weber Street North to the Moses Springer Park Trail as an appropriate location for the installation of a new pedestrian sidewalk. The sidewalk is intended to improve the pedestrian connection for the Laurel Trail between Moses Springer Park and Laurel Creek north of the Bridgeport Plaza. The installation of the sidewalk is supported by the city’s Strategic Plan as well as previous decisions/directions given to city staff by council.

The city and the engineering consultant have surveyed and assessed local conditions and prepared four possible design options for the new sidewalk between Weber Street and the Moses Springer Park Trail. Please note that full tree removal is not anticipated for any of the options noted below, however some may impact roots. Once your review of the options is completed, please let us know what you think by completing our survey. The streetscape for the rest of Mackay Crescent, from the Moses Springer Park Trail to Alvin Street, will remain largely unchanged.

Option 1: (view as pdf)

• New 1.5 metre wide sidewalk in front of hydro transformers, with exception of area adjacent to commercial property at intersection of Weber and Mackay, where the sidewalk will be behind the existing hydro infrastructure.
• Asphalt width of road narrowed to 7.0 metres from 8.4 metres.
• On-street parking will be permitted on both sides of the street.
• 1.0 metre boulevard between sidewalk and curb on the south side meets minimum suggested width for physical separation and snow storage.
• Curb on north side of road will be moved approximately 0.5 metres to the north, shortening driveway aprons for 112 Mackay, 120 Mackay and 122 Mackay. This will result in steeper driveway aprons for those three home, but still within city standards.

Option 2: (view as pdf)

• New 1.5 metre wide sidewalk in front of hydro transformers, with exception of area adjacent to commercial property at intersection of Weber and Mackay. where the sidewalk will be behind the existing hydro infrastructure.
• Asphalt width of road narrowed to 6.5 metres from 8.4 metres.
• On-street parking will be permitted on the north side of the street only.
• 1.0 metre boulevard between sidewalk and curb on the south side meets minimum suggested width for physical separation and snow storage.

Option 3: (view as pdf)

• New 1.5 metre wide sidewalk in front of hydro transformers, with exception of area adjacent to commercial property at intersection of Weber and Mackay, where the sidewalk will be behind the existing hydro infrastructure.
• Asphalt width of road narrowed to 6.0 metres from 8.4 metres.
• No on-street parking will be permitted.
• 1.2 metre boulevard between sidewalk and curb on the south side for physical separation and snow storage.

Option 4: (view as pdf)

• New 1.5 metre sidewalk behind hydro transformers, in much the same location as the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street.
• Asphalt width of road maintained at 8.4 metres.
• On-street parking will be permitted on both sides.
• 2.4 metre boulevard between sidewalk and curb for physical separation and snow storage.
• This option would result in reduced driveway lengths on the south side of the road.
• This option may impact trees roots and may require the relocation of underground Bell and Rogers infrastructure.

Please remember to indicate your preferred option by filling out the feedback survey.

The portion of Mackay Crescent between the Moses Springer Park trail and Alvin Street (north intersection) will remain more or less the same as it is now (view as pdf).

Effect on parking

Some residents have indicated their concern over loss of parking within their driveways. The table below outlines the effect that each option has on driveway parking and on-street parking:

1. Parking spaces are 2.8 metres wide by 5.5 metres long, per City of Waterloo Zoning By-law.
2. Includes parking spaces in garage, if applicable
3. Street parking spaces are 6.5 metres long, per City of Waterloo Zoning By-law.