Screetscaping plans will counter congestion: stakeholder

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This article was published 08/02/2011 (5331 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A key Corydon Avenue business figure says that moves are in motion to address the increasing traffic flow and limited parking availability along the popular strip.

Katia von Stackelberg, executive director of the Corydon Avenue BIZ, was speaking in light of the imminent arrival of a new Tim Hortons coffee shop at the intersection of Corydon Avenue and Stafford Street.

A sign near the site says the shop — which is currently under construction next to the Marble Slab Creamery — is scheduled to open Feb. 17.

Currently, there are currently approximately 15 parking spaces available to serve the twin units.

Area councillor John Orlikow confirmed that the new Tim Hortons will not be a drive-thru location, noting such an operation is forbidden under the “PDO [planned development overlay] for the area”.

The BIZ’s von Stackelberg said she “doesn’t have a problem” with the arrival of Tim Hortons on the strip.

“I welcome them here, because it’s good competition. I like a diversified business area. We have several bars, coffee shops and gelati places within walking distance, so bring on Tim Hortons,” von Stackelberg said.

“This is a very vibrant, mixed-use destination and residential area. I’m actually surprised Hortons didn’t arrive on the strip much earlier.”

In terms of direct competition, there is a Second Cup and Starbucks on facing sides of Corydon four blocks north of Stafford at Cockburn Street North.

“My one concern is that their parking lot is fairly small, so there won’t be much space in there,” said von Stackelberg.

She said the BIZ is currently in discussion with city planners regarding a “streetscaping” initiative that she hopes will eventually “generate about 200 more parking spots in the immediate area.”

The Corydon Avenue BIZ Streetscaping Enhancement Project is a comprehensive revitalization strategy for the commercial area on Corydon, from Pembina Highway to Harrow Street, von Stackelberg said.

The plan is at the final draft stage and is likely to be completed by the summer. It is designed to provide the framework for establishing revitalization goals for the next five years.

“We want to enhance and expand upon Corydon’s unique commercial image and its Mediterranean character by enhancing the pedestrian experience with a secondary entranceway at Stafford, festoon lighting at intervals along the avenue,” von Stackelberg said.

“This will create the Avenue of the Arts concept, which will also include a Walk of Fame, sidewalk renovations and extensions, information kiosks, bicycle parking areas, street trees, new banners, additional parking and streetscaping.”

Before the project can continue, the city must complete a traffic/parking analysis study.

“Before the streetscaping plan can move forward, we might have to lose between 30 and 40 parking spaces. But then we will eventually generate many more spaces, so the whole process will take time and patience,” von Stackelberg said.

Orlikow said the potential implications of the soon-to-be latest addition to the Corydon retail empire should be balanced out.  

“It’s a busy corner anyway, so now we’ll potentially have more traffic in and out of there, especially with cars turning left off Stafford on to Corydon and into the Tim Hortons parking lot,” he said.

“So we’ll have to continually monitor that and maybe put up some signage and keep our eyes on how things progress.”

“Having said that, on the plus side, this new location will bring more business and enterprise to the area, which is good thing,” he added.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com