A pedestrian-first street: Market District
Why a pedestrian-first street?
We are planning to create a pedestrian-first street between the Kitchener Market ION Station and the Kitchener Market. A pedestrian-first space makes it easier to walk to the Market and host events and activities out on the street. It will also support the Market in serving as a community hub for the east end, which residents have told us is a key priority.
Creating people-friendly transportation options and a vibrant economy are items in City of Kitchener's Strategic Plan. Currently, the Kitchener Market uses parts of Eby Street for Saturday market vendors. This reveals one of many possible uses for streets that are oriented around the pedestrian experience. The city's Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS) is guiding new developments around the Market. Kitchener City Council also approved plans to convert Cedar Street to a one-way street. This would allow for the addition of separated bike lanes. All these initiatives will change and influence the pedestrian experience.
What can be done to support pedestrians in the Market District? Your feedback will help us develop programming and physical improvement plans, as described in our action plan. That work will start with low-cost and flexible improvements in 2022-2023. Together, we'll create a long-term vision for a pedestrian-first street in the Market District.
Feedback on what we heard and the action plan
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
Who's Listening
-
Phone 519-741-2200 ext 7314 Email darren.kropf@kitchener.ca -
FAQs
-
Demographic Questions FAQ
- Why are we collecting socio-demographic data?
- Why are you asking me about my sexual orientation, gender identity or race?
- Why are you asking me about my place of birth?
- Why do you need to know how much money I earn? Do you report this to any agency?
- Are you allowed to ask me these questions?
- What are you going to do with my information?
- Who can see my information?
- Do I have to participate?
- What if there are questions that I don’t want to answer?
Calling this a "pedestrian-first street" does not make it a pedestrian-friendly space. The summary document makes it clear that (1) the priority is to preserve parking spaces for cars, and (2) despite repeatedly mentioning the narrow sidewalks, there is no consideration being given to widening the sidewalks.
That's fine, I guess, but don't point at a goldfish and tell me it's a dolphin. This plan envisions a flexible event space. It considers placemaking for the market district. It improves the visitor experience for market attendees. But it is *not* a "pedestrian-first" space. Except for a few hours each week, cars will continue to reign supreme.