Public asked to weigh in on streetscape
The public’s chance to comment on potential streetscape improvements in the Creemore Business Improvement Area (BIA) is coming up on July 20.
The Creemore Streetscape Study, a collaboration between the BIA, the Creemore Community Foundation and the Township of Clearview, was initiated last fall to develop a comprehensive plan for the commercial section of Mill Street between Edward and Francis.
ERA Architects, who were involved with the development of Creemore Village Green, have been engaged to explore spatial organization, vehicle access and parking, site furnishings, lighting, planting and beautification, and wayfinding strategies, to enhanceaesthetic appeal and functionality for residents and visitors alike.
The first phase of the project has seen ERA conduct a detailed inventory and analysis of existing conditions to come up with preliminary concepts, which will be unveiled to the public at the upcoming meeting. The public will be invited to provide written feedback and vote on preferred solutions. The comments will inform a final design concept.
During analysis, it was determined that the initial scope of the streetscaping study was too broad to come up with an effective range of enhancements. The streetscape committee then adjusted to focus on key priority areas: Gateway features; sidewalk and intersection enhancements; streetscape upgrades; trees and planting, activation zones; parking optimization and traffic calming.
BIA president Nancy Johnston said the ultimate goal is to make downtown Creemore a place where people will want to linger longer.
As a Mill Street business owner, Johnston’s top wish-list items include more trees and garbage receptacles.
“The vision is not necessarily something that will happen quickly, but more of a five- or 10-year plan,” she said. “There are some ideas which I believe we could start implementing within the next year.”
The idea of burying power lines along Mill Street has been talked about for years, but BIA member and past president Laurie Severn says a meeting with an engineer from EPCOR (the power utility) effectively removed that option from the table.
“It would be very expensive, like $8- or 9-million if it is even possible,” said Severn. “It would require upgrades for every user along the street and it would mean at least two summers of construction which would be very disruptive.”
Severn said the upcoming public meeting will be a chance to see if they are headed in the right direction.
Following the public meeting, ERA will present final concepts, a phased plan and estimated costs.
The July 20 public meeting will be held at Creemore Station on the Green, from noon to 2 p.m.
