A report examining the walkability of downtown Port Coquitlam does not address the biggest impediment to mobility in the neighbourhood: the Shaughnessy Street underpass.
That was the message from several PoCo councillors Tuesday evening as council adopted the Pedestrian Circulation Study, a document that makes several recommendations to improve walkability in the area.
"I continue to be challenged on the basis of that underpass," said Coun. Mike Forrest. "We need to address that... It is not dealt with in any specific way."
Coun. Glenn Pollock agreed with Forrest, saying many people do not feel safe using the underpass, which connects Shaughnessy Square and the new Onni tower with the downtown core.
The study mentions some of the problems associated with the underpass, saying the walkway is narrow and has minimal lighting; it is not inviting for pedestrians, the report states, and seniors are generally hesitant to walk through the area.
While the underpass was outside the scope of the study, the report states the city needs to review the structure and make major improvements to both pedestrian and vehicle circulation. New lighting fixtures, a walkway surface and handrails that match the existing downtown streetscape theme would also be beneficial in the short term, the report noted.
Shaughnessy between Kingsway and Kelly avenues is identified as the primary pedestrian route while major routes such as Elgin, McAllister, Whyte, Bury, Maple and Wilson are also included.
Nodes were also identified and recommendations were made that would make the area more walkable, adding components such as site furnishings, paving details and street crossings.
The plan will become a part of the city's planning guidelines for new developments in the downtown area. The first proposed project will extend the walkway along Donald Street between Wilson Avenue and Leigh Square, adding sidewalks and lighting along the route.
As PoCo's downtown area becomes more densely populated, the city suggests more people will choose to walk when doing their shopping or visiting amenities.
The Pedestrian Circulation Study was commissioned in 2009 in order to identify significant pedestrian routes and make recommendations on how to improve and encourage more foot traffic in the area. Council voted unanimously to approve the report during Tuesday's meeting.
