Columbia Street project still on track for 2015
NEWS — The Columbia Street widening plan is still on schedule for a construction start next year, but the public will have another chance for input before the contract is awarded.
It was originally expected to start this year or even 2013.
Kristen Meersman.
Kristen Meersman, the City’s capital projects manager, told City council today “you’re going to see this project come back a few times yet.”
Another public open house will be held next spring, and there will be updates to council as the project progresses.
She said one of the biggest concerns coming from the public is the lack of more bicycle-pedestrian focus but she said Columbia Street hasn’t been a priority in the bicycle master plan.
She acknowledged that more information needs to be provided to the public on “the big picture” impact, including things like alternative transportation on Columbia.
Coun. Arjun Singh suggested the long-term plan for the Peterson Creek bicycle plan should be considered with respect to how it will tie in with Columbia Street.
“I was really frankly surprised how many times people have commented on this project,” he said.
Another big issue is the lefthand turn off Columbia onto Second Avenue. Meersman said opinion on closing it is divided and doesn’t depend on whether or not people live in the West End.
“We’re going to make half the people unhappy no matter what we do,” commented Coun. Tina Lange.
She said the project will be a big benefit overall. “I’m thrilled to see this moving ahead…. I think it’s going to make a big difference to access the downtown.”
Coun. Marg Spina said she got some calls on the lane closure from people who thought removing trees would improve the line of sight and reduce accidents.
Meersman said that was the first she’s heard that comment but said the biggest concern is that drivers who are following in the lefthand lane don’t expect the car ahead of them to suddenly slow or stop to turn left at Second.
The Sixth Avenue intersection also needs work to cut down on driver confusion, she said.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
I’m not so sure that cycling up or down Columbia Street should be a major concern. It is a rare occasion, if ever, when you see someone making the climb up Columbia Street on their bicycle. One is more likely to see some one coming down columbia street on a bicycle. So I don’t see a major problem. It would be a nicety to have bike lanes up and down columbia street, but in reality it’s impractical and I don’t think it is worth the expense, at this time at least, to consider it. Maybe the city should consider bicycle lanes in future when building new roads and subdivisions. Just a thought!
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Peter, one big reason you do not see more bicycles up and even down Columbia Street is pretty obvious: too much traffic moving too fast. Too much traffic moving too fast translates to too much unpleasant noise and too much unpleasant air.
Too much unpleasant noise and too much unpleasant air is a big concern not only for cyclists but also for people living closer to Columbia Street. Also considering what is happening in the world presently, I think the city is making a grave mistake making Columbia Street even bigger and faster. This colossal waste of money needs to be stopped.
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