The City says it will improve access to City Hall — including wheelchair access — through the Second Street entrance, which is to be reconstructed beginning on Monday, August 18.
A statement from the City said the new design will include new and improved wheelchair accessibility, a social gathering area complete with seating and landscaping, as well as directional signage. The design has been approved by the Enhancement Committee and vetted through the Heritage Commission.
“If you require assistance accessing City Hall during the construction phase, please call Administration at 250-837-2911 and we (will) provide immediate assistance,” the statement said.
During the construction there will be road closures that extend down Second Street from Orton to Mackenzie and will include the alley from First Street to Third Street. Pedestrian traffic will be directed to the south side of the street. The closures are expected to last until mid-September.
Businesses and residents in the affected area have been notified and every effort will be made to minimize any inconvenience, the statement said, adding that “in keeping with the City’s plan for appropriate replacement of infrastructure… (it) will be taking this opportunity to replace an 80-year-old water line along Second Street.”
“This design will improve pedestrian movements and the public space around City Hall, providing space for new bike racks, benches and way-finding signage,” Mike Thomas, Director of Engineering and Development Services, said in the statement. “Through an integrated design and risk management process, City staff identified that the existing eighty-year old cast iron water main on Second Street should be replaced prior to construction, improving the City’s aging infrastructure through efficient, practical design processes.”
While the overall cost of this project is still to be determined, it is supported by a $30,000 grant from the Resort Municipality Infrastructure program.
