Calmer traffic urged in rehabilitation of Water Street

Recommendations for the final design for the rehabilitation of Water Street in Lakefield were presented Tuesday night to Selwyn Township council.

Following a second round of public consultations on the design, a summary of the recommendations for the final design of the project was presented to council.

There was strong public support to reduce traffic volumes on Water Street, including a reduction in traffic speed, the report states.

Implementing three-way stops at the intersections with King and Reid streets would help calm traffic and improve pedestrian crossings, the report states.

The report also looks at parking needs for the church, funeral home and other businesses in the area along with those who specifically come to use the trail and waterfront. Boat and trailer parking is also needed, according to the report.

Two accessible parking spaces could be created on the west side of Water Street to improve accessibility of the Millennium Trail for persons with disabilities, the report suggests.

Other recommendations include creating defined parking next to the boat launch and installing signage directing boats and trailers to park at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre, but not on days when the farmers market is taking place.

Encouraging cyclists and motorists to share the roadway is the preferred alternative, the report found, because traffic volumes and speeds are relatively low, mitigating potential hazards for cyclists and motorists.

Additional crosswalks for pedestrians to cross the street are proposed in front of Lakefield Dentistry, King Street and between Bridge Street and Burnham Street.

The report states existing sidewalk sections will remain in their current locations, but will be removed and replaced with new concrete.

Adding additional sidewalks next to the Lakefield Condominiums extending from where the sidewalk ends at Concession Street to Lakefield Dentistry and, if possible, to King Street is also suggested in the report.

There was an overwhelming desire from residents to maintain the trees, including memorial trees, the existing trail, benches and access to water, the report states. The design ensures that these amenities will remain and be accessible, the report states.

Marissa Lentz is a staff reporter at the Examiner, based in Peterborough. Her reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. Reach her via email: mlentz@peterboroughdaily.com