Pulse to offer glimpse into future of Crescent St.
Peterborough Pulse returns July 15 with its longest route to date and one that will offer a glimpse into how Crescent St. along the south shore of Little Lake could look like after it undergoes a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly transformation.
Dozens of members of a variety of health-related community groups, ranging from from martial artists to tai chi practitioners, gathered Thursday morning at the Art Gallery of Peterborough as the third annual open streets event was officially launched.
This year’s modified route will give visitors an idea of what Crescent will look like after a facelift to add an adjacent path for walkers and turn one of the vehicle lanes into two lanes for cyclists, city transportation demand management planner Susan Sauvé said.
Detailed designs for the project will be created this year, she told those gathered. “Think of how wonderful that will be.”
This year’s route will run along George St. from McDonnel to Sherbrooke St. and follow along the Trans Canada Trail through Millennium and Del Crary parks, running the length of Crescent. It will include the busy commercial district along Charlotte St. between George and Louis streets.
The event is expected to draw more than 10,000 this year as pedestrians, cyclists, roller skaters take to the carfree corridor through the heart of the city between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra praised the focus of the event, noting that 40 per cent of locals are not physically active enough. It helps spread the message that getting moving is the single-best way to improving our health.
“We all need to be more physically active,” she said.
GreenUP executive director Brianna Salmon said the impact of Pulse cannot be understated, particularly for how it helps us re-imagine our public spaces.
Looking at city streets on any other day, it would be hard to see them as destinations in themselves, she told those gathered. “But they can be and Pulse shows us how.”
DBIA executive director Terry Guiel recalled how at the inaugural event, the street was empty at 8:45 a.m. but full 15 minutes later. “I had no idea there were so many people who wanted and enjoy healthy living,” he told those gathered.
Its healthy focus makes Pulse unique, Guiel added, pointing out how it inspired him to start riding a bicycle – something said he hadn’t really done since he was eight.
“I’ve never seen so many people smile at an event ... People get it. The community was desperate for something like this. That’s why it works.”
Event coordinator Hillary Flood said events like Pulse help residents learn more about their community, no matter how long they have lived here. “Peterborough is a never-ending onion ... it just has more and more layers to discover.”
Sauvé noted how the city has received many enquiries about Pulse, including from some who wondered why the event wasn’t created sooner. “We’re really thrilled how this community has taken on Pulse and made it its own.”
New this year is the George Street 150 Exhibit will showcase the rich history, culture and landscape of the downtown thoroughfare. To celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, Pulse will spotlight up to 10 historical photos along the route.
Each historical exhibit will be narrated in partnership with Peterborough Museum and Archives and Trent Valley Archives and funded by the province through Ontario 150.
Thanks to a $25,000 grant from Ontario 150 – this year’s funding partner – Pulse will also provide local artisans with the chance to reimagine public space through installation art. Two temporary installations will each be provided with a $1,000 honorarium.
Thursday’s call out welcomes visual, sound/audio, performing and media artists, who have until May 29 at noon to submit a proposal at www.ptbopulse.com.
Pulse was recognized at the 2017 Business Improvement Area National Conference in Toronto on Monday, winning the award for Large Special Events and Promotions.
NOTES: Pulse organizers still seek volunteers and sponsors .... The website is www.ptbopulse.com and follow the event on Twitter @PTBOPulse, Facebook and Instagram.