The City of Parksville launched its Hirst Avenue streetscape and utility upgrade project on Aug. 1, with construction anticipated to begin in spring of 2020.
The upgrade covers the area of Hirst Avenue West between McMillan Street and the Alberni Highway.
The project consultant, McElhanney Ltd., will plan, design, and oversee construction for the renewal of the underground storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water utilities. The streetscape corridor will also be upgraded to the City’s current downtown standard.
Plans will be made to accommodate the historically significant buildings of the Rod & Gun and the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #49, which the City of Parksville says encroach on the road right-of-way.
The project’s first steps will be to collect information about existing utilities, encroachments and subsurface conditions.The existing road structure will be evaluated by a geotechnical engineer, who will also provide detailed recommendations for its design. An assessment will also be underway to see how the area is used by pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Local stakeholders will also be contacted for input about streetscape design. The City’s website, www.parksville.ca, will provide information about the project as it unfolds.
– NEWS Staff, submitted
