Crossing areas for pedestrians along Albert St. will be improved in the coming years, not only creating a safer environment overall but also completing an active transportation link between VIU and the downtown. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

pedestrian funds

Crosswalk changes completing active transportation link between VIU and downtown Nanaimo

May 13, 2024 | 4:40 PM

NANAIMO — Previously unallocated money is poised to finally complete an active transportation link between city’s downtown and VIU.

Crossing improvements and other amenities for cyclists and pedestrians will be added to Albert St. from Milton St. to Dunsmuir St., connecting previously completed work along the corridor to downtown Nanaimo.

Jamie Rose, City manager of transportation, said during a Monday, May 13 governance and priorities meeting, the two existing crossings could use some attention to moderate traffic and provide a safer overall experience.

“We are exploring different ways to improve these crossings. We’ve tabled the idea of raised crosswalks, the rectangular rapid flash beacons, curb extensions where there aren’t any…all of those are strong elements that support a more walkable community and increase pedestrian comfort and safety.”

A total of $300,000 was set aside from the 2024 Pedestrian Unallocated funds, while $182,500 was taken from the 2023 pool to fully finance the project.

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The pedestrian unallocated fund is a pool of money set aside from taxation for projects like sidewalk or bike lane improvements throughout Nanaimo.

Past projects have also included signals and better lighting at high-volume crosswalks and intersections.

The extra money from the 2023 fund came as result of a successful grant application for a sidewalk project in Departure Bay, which lessened the City’s contribution.

Work will likely focus around the Selby St. and Dunsmuir St. intersections with Albert St., with the current intersections featuring uncontrolled crosswalks..

An additional crossing area could also be installed at Prideaux St., while some minor roadway reconfiguration would create a semi-protected bike lane and sidewalk infrastructure.

It would align with projects completed in recent years along Albert St./Fourth St. to create a long-desired active transportation laneway connecting downtown with the University area.

An illustration of potential road configurations along Albert St. to provide safer areas for cyclists and pedestrians. (City of Nanaimo)

Support for the project was mixed, as many priorities competed with limited City resources.

Upgrades along Hammond Bay Rd. were discussed at length, but ultimately shelved due to a pending Regional District of Nanaimo sewer upgrade in the coming years, which would have effectively ripped out any work the City would do now.

Also discussed were sidewalks along Third St. near the Rotary Field House.

“This particular sidewalk is a missing leak from the field house up to Jingle Pot Rd.,” Rose added. “Ideally we would couple this with some sort of surface restoration or utility renewal but they haven’t come around so we are looking for a way to include it, but also trying to find a way to do it in an economically efficient way.”

Several other projects were also flagged as potential focuses, however were deemed not immediate possibilities due in large part to required discussions with senior levels of government.

School safety was also discussed, following a presentation from representatives of Ecole Quarterway who said their school area is unsafe for staff and students.

However, the area was not flagged for immediate attention through the City’s scoring system for identifying road priorities.

Crosswalks along Albert St. are set to be upgraded to provide a safer experience for pedestrians and cyclists. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Ultimately Council sided 5-2 to advance the staff recommendation of upgrades to Albert St., over similar work along Third St. or at local schools.

Mayor Leonard Krog said there were clear public safety concerns along Albert St.

“In terms of pedestrians, as we know with a number of the individuals in our downtown going back and forth to the…safe injection site, there are a number of individuals crossing Albert St. who are, how shall I say as kindly as I can, not often cognisant of the dangers.”

Coun. Hilary Eastmure was one of the two votes against the Albert St. proposal, saying it’s an area she walks regularly.

“It’s got sidewalks on both sides, well established crossings, drivers are used to looking for pedestrians crossing at various parts…putting that up against some of the potential improvements in schools and Third St., those for me rank as a higher priority than adding raised crosswalks on Albert St. at this point.”

Coun. Ben Geselbracht joined Eastmure in voting against the proposal while coun. Tyler Brown and Janice Perrino were absent for the meeting.

It will now go to a detailed design phase where the exact specifics will be decided with plans returning to Council at a future date.

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