by Robyn Roste, Contributor
The First Avenue improvement project has now moved into phase three, and local businesses say they are looking forward to the project’s completion.
The downtown revitalization project is now past the halfway point.
“Overall, we’re very pleased with the progress,” said Jamie Hayes, executive director of the Mission Downtown Business Association.
“The project is moving swiftly, the construction crew is beyond amazing – we really have nothing negative to say.”
Construction moved into phase three at the end of July, affecting First Avenue from James Street to Grand Street.
Beginning in mid-August, plants and furnishing will be installed, and the remaining paving and line painting will happen by late September.
“The project is going very well. It’s within budget and scope,” said Jay Jackman, the district’s manager of development engineering and projects.
As with any large-scale project, there have been some challenges affecting the construction schedule and timeline but they expect the renovation to be complete by the end of September.
Incorporating hanging baskets with drip irrigation, planters, and plantings from Horne Street to Grand Street, the First Avenue streetscape design will also include salt- and pollution-tolerant plants in intersection plantings.
These plants will be easy to maintain and an appropriate and safe height for pedestrians.
Streetscape planter boxes will contain evergreen plants with some seasonal plantings. Furnishings include lighting, seating, trash receptacles and tree gates.
The streetscape design also incorporates crime prevention through robust lighting, centrally located larger plantings, benches with centre rests and bike racks.
The anticipated higher street presence from the community is also expected to deter illicit activities.
Phase one of construction began from Horne Street to Welton Street in April.
Phase two began in June between Welton Street and James Street. Phase two also included paving from Murray Street to Welton Street. Downtown businesses have remained open throughout construction.
“There’s no doubt that there is an impact,” Hayes said.
“However, for the majority of businesses, the negative impact has been less than we expected. We’ve got a lot of loyal customers and they continue to shop downtown, and we’ve got a lot of new customers who are interested in what’s happening.”
While shoppers are encouraged to visit downtown during the project, they also should be aware it’s an active construction zone and remember to be vigilant when navigating the work zones. This includes wearing appropriate footwear.
“There have been four trips and falls – that’s four more than we wanted,” Jackman said.
Focusing on First Avenue from Horne Street to Grand Street, the $3.8-million revitalization project should result in renewed interest in the downtown for both residents and tourists.
To encourage investments in Mission’s downtown, there is a Downtown Development Incentive Program designed for both commercial and residential projects within the downtown core.
Incentives include considerations for taxes and fees, flexible parking requirements and building height as well as facade and signage improvements.
