Calling it a once-in-a-generation chance to make over a local landmark, the City of Victoria is asking the public to weigh in on a draft redesign for Government Street.
The street has evolved through the pandemic into what the city calls a people-priority thoroughfare, with new pedestrian-only zones and more on-street activity that does not include vehicles.
The concept the city is considering proposes two new cultural plazas with landmarks to serve as gateways to the street — a Lekwungen plaza at Humboldt and a realignment of the Pandora intersection to create a new plaza for Chinatown, while improving circulation for all forms of travel.
Also included are expanded pedestrian areas, timed car-free zones and the extension of the character of Government Street north, between Yates and Pandora, while maintaining two-way vehicle traffic.
The city sees the chance for new public art and cultural interpretation, more accessible seating, lighting and landscaping and space for restaurant patios and storefronts. It also plans to make some room for vehicles with accessible parking, pick-up and drop-off areas and commercial loading zones along the entire street.
“Community members shared what they value most about Government Street and what they would like to see improved,” said Mayor Lisa Helps. “Making Government Street a people-priority street is a key action of the city’s strategic plan and now it’s time to tell us what you think — what have we got right, what have we missed?”
The city notes the streetscape hasn’t changed in more than 50 years and has aging street furniture, trees, traffic signals and sidewalk and road surfaces. It will also require a new water main in coming years.
The draft concept was put together by a stakeholder working group with input from First Nations and about 700 residents who participated in an online forum and survey.
Local businesses are being invited to register to participate in one of two online focus group discussions on March 8, while the broader community can participate in online open houses on March 9.
The public can also take part in an online survey or provide feedback in an email to [email protected] with “Government Street Refresh” in the subject line, until March 20.
After the next round of consultation, the city says, the project team will refine the draft concept design in collaboration with the stakeholder working group, First Nations, representatives of the Chinese community, local businesses and others, before it is presented to council in late spring.
More information on the redesign project is available online at engage.victoria.ca.
