Turning Banff’s Bear Street into a more pedestrian friendly zone doesn’t mean getting rid of cars altogether.
The idea of the road, known as a woonerf, is a street designed for cars and people, but with precedence given to pedestrians and cyclists, and it’s a concept that’s generating discussion around the council table.
“When we look at Bear Street in the future, I would like us to look at the possibility of a ‘pedestrian priority’ street in the 200 block,” said Councillor Leslie Taylor.
“We can’t make Bear Street a complete pedestrian street. Cars would be allowed, but they would have to pick their way through, and it would be mainly for people and bikes.”
The idea of woonerfs – Dutch for ‘naked streets’ where curbs and road lines are typically removed and vehicle speeds are limited to walking pace – are used throughout Europe and are becomingly increasingly popular in North America.
It is a street that gives priority to pedestrians and cyclists over cars. Vehicles can still snake through the street and even park on the street. On-street parking is actually used as a device to slow down traffic.
Basic alterations to the street, like planting trees in the middle of the roadway, help slow down traffic, too. Multi-coloured paving stones, strategic placement of bollards and other landscaping features are also used.
Taylor said council has long been asked to turn the downtown blocks of Banff Avenue into a pedestrian street.
“That’s never going to happen in my personal opinion,” she said, noting Banff Avenue is important for moving vehicles through town and such a move would destroy Beaver Street as a residential neighbourhood.
“I don’t know if a ‘pedestrian priority’ street can work in the 200 block of Bear Street, but I’d love to see us start talking about it. The surface is something that signals to drivers this is a special kind of place.”
Coun. Grant Canning, who is a Bear Street merchant, said he likes the idea of a woonerf and is excited to look into it.
“There has been considerable support in the community to establish a pedestrian friendly area in the downtown core and this suggestion for Bear Street may be the answer,” he said.
His only concern is ensuring the existing parking supply is not compromised.
“Bear Street has on-street parking, an off-street parking lot and three underground parking lots and we need to ensure all of those are still available,” he said.
“So a ‘pedestrian priority’ street where pedestrians and bicycles have the priority, but still allows cars may be a great solution as along as the existing parking and accessibility is maintained.”
Canning said Bear Street is an important part of the commercial mix and “quite frankly, it needs some TLC”.
“Right now the visitor experience on Bear Street is not as good as it should be,” he said. “We need to look at improving the on-street infrastructure and this idea of ‘pedestrian priority’ may be the answer.”
Town staff said the idea of a woonerf street could be considered as part of a $90,000 transportation master plan.
“I think Coun. Taylor’s idea is an interesting one,” said Mayor Karen Sorensen.
Improved lighting, increased pageantry, signage and improved sidewalks are also on the radar for Bear Street businesses.
Amy Sigouin, a Bear Street business owner, has asked council to consider improving lighting to make it more attractive to visitors after dark and directional signage so visitors are aware of shops and restaurants.
“When you walk down Wolf and Caribou, Bear Street doesn’t look appealing,” she said. “Safety is also an issue. It’s not very lit up, especially at this time of year, it’s very dark at 5 p.m.
Administration reported that the wayfinding project in the downtown core is complete, and there are currently no plans to add more signs directing visitors specifically to Bear Street.
Staff also said council will review a lighting master plan for the entire town in the first three months of 2012. When the lighting policy comes forward, council will be asked to consider priorities and approve a budget.
“It’s my personal belief that Bear Street be lit up to more of a commercial standard,” said Coun. Stavros Karlos.
Stuart Back, director of in-resort services at Banff Lake Louise Tourism, said the organization is hoping to have a lighting plan for Bear Street this winter.
“It’s not going to illuminate the street, but what it’s going to do is make it more inviting,” he said.
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