(link coming July 16)

Phase 1 - Engagement

Phase 1 - What We Heard

Businesses shared a range of perspectives on the corridors and what improvements matter most to them. Overall, the businesses along 16th Street SW and 8th Avenue SW favour practicality, cost-effective improvements that prioritize industrial functionality, parking, and goods traffic flow, while addressing key infrastructure and maintenance issues. You can read the What We Heard report here.

Here is a summary of the key themes that emerged from this engagement:

• Functionality: Businesses consistently emphasized that the area should remain functional and suited to industrial use. Features like sidewalks were viewed as misaligned with how the space operates today. Option C was widely preferred due to its simplicity, lack of sidewalks, and preservation of parking and operational flexibility.
• Infrastructure: Ongoing drainage issues, aging underground infrastructure, and winter-related challenges were key concerns. Businesses supported proactive upgrades and coordination (e.g., utilities, fibre) before roadwork.
• Safety: While speeding and visibility issues were noted, there was little support for additional controls like signals or stop signs. Businesses prefer solutions that maintain flow while addressing key risk areas.
• Parking: Maintaining parking and accommodating large delivery vehicles are critical. Poor alley conditions were identified as a major barrier to efficient loading and unloading of deliveries.
• Road Condition and Maintenance: Deteriorating pavement, drainage issues, potholes, and inconsistent snow and ice management were widely reported. Many businesses prioritized cost-effective maintenance and resurfacing over full reconstruction.
• Cost Efficiency: There was a strong focus on minimizing costs and avoiding unnecessary upgrades. Stakeholders favored functional improvements that align with the area’s industrial purpose.
• Communication: Participants appreciated the City’s proactive and multi-channel communication approach, which helped them stay informed and feel heard throughout the process.

You can view all cross-section design options that were shared with businesses in the What We Heard report. Based on business feedback, Option C is the most preferred design and is highlighted below.

16th Street - Option C:

Phase 2 - Conceptual design

The City has developed a conceptual design for 16^th Street SW based on input gathered during phase 1, as well as technical analysis and engineering standards. The design aims to reflect the priorities and concerns heard from businesses, addressing drainage, improving road surface conditions and safety, and maintain the functionality and character of this important corridor. You can view the conceptual design here.

Option C was refined to include business feedback and is highlighted below.

16th Street - Revised Option C:

Rolled curbs will be used along most of this corridor. These curbs are designed to allow vehicles to easily drive over them, supporting access to parking and nearby properties. Standard curbs may be used at intersections to help guide traffic. You can view our curb standards here.

Now that a conceptual design has been developed, we are bringing it to the broader community to share what we heard, show how it shaped the design, and invite any additional feedback. Your input at this stage is important to us and will help inform the final design.

Importantly, at this time 8 Street SW was removed from the scope of this project.

Who is involved

This project directly affects businesses and property owners in the light industrial area, as well as residents in the neighbouring communities of Cottonwood and Kensington. It will also impact commuters who regularly use 16th Street SW.

• Businesses and property owners along 16th Street SW
• Broader light industrial area
• Nearby residential communities, including Cottonwood and Kensington
• People who use the corridor regularly

How can you get involved

2. Attend the open house: Join us in person to speak with the project team, ask questions, and review the design.

• Date: September 9, 2026
• Venue: TBC
• Time: TBC

Next steps