Two blocks of sidewalk to be removed as part of Queen Street reconstruction

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Despite a petition from two neighbours, Stratford city council has opted to proceed with the presented Queen Street reconstruction plan – which will see two blocks of the western sidewalk removed.

“Removing sidewalks struck us as the sort of thing you see in another city, not Stratford,” said homeowner Tara Bissett, who was also joined by Rowan Lubke in her delegation. “Cities such as Kitchener and Toronto, for instance, have policies to add sidewalks where they are lacking, with Kitchener's policy stating clearly, ‘Sidewalks are a fundamental requirement for an accessible city.’ The provision of sidewalks helps to remove barriers to access for vulnerable populations, including seniors, children and persons with disabilities. Sidewalks offer a protective, dedicated space for all pedestrians, which is especially important for vulnerable pedestrians.

“… This sidewalk is well used,” Bissett continued. “It is part of a pathway that stretches from the river to the railway line, past the Festival Theatre, past a Domino's Pizza, across a busy highway and three arterial streets. In the middle of the stretch of sidewalk slated for removal is a variety store, which most people travel to on foot. The sidewalk is bizarrely well loved. In the face of this winter's relentless snow, the residents of Queen Street were out again and again, clearing the snow before the city plow came by – not an obligation, but pride in our street and care for our fellow citizens.”

The $3.2 million reconstruction project is to take place on Queen Street from Regent to Brunswick. It will upgrade the storm sewer, sanitary sewer and watermains, replace existing storm, sanitary and water services to the property line, reconstruct the road to a width of seven metres (marginally bigger than the 6.7 metres it is now), upgrade the asphalt roadway, curb and gutter and sidewalk, re-install a sidewalk on the east side of Queen Street at a new width of 1.5 metres, remove trees in poor health and plant additional trees along the path.

The removal of the west sidewalk, as explained by project manager Nick Sheldon, is in line with City of Stratford policy, specifically Council Policy S2.2, which requires a sidewalk on one side of a local residential street.

Sheldon also explained there would be three mature trees “for sure” that would be removed by reinstalling a code-compliant, 1.5 metre sidewalk on the western side. Because more ground would have to be excavated during the installation, it is possible more mature trees would be impacted.

“It really struck me when (the delegates) were talking …” Coun. Cody Sebben said. “But ultimately, I do support the recommendation because I think if it was tree or sidewalk, for me, I think in this scenario I’d (choose the trees) and it is part of our policy. I think if we want a different policy, we should review that and have that discussion.”

The decision to approve the design and move onto the tendering portion of the project was unanimous. Couns. Bonnie Henderson and Taylor Briscoe were absent from the vote.