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Playing our part to stimulate the economy

King Street Streetscape Construction

The King Street streetscape reconstruction project -- which has transformed Kitchener's downtown core into a more pedestrian friendly, urban setting -- received $1.23 million through the federal government's Community Adjustment Fund (CAF).

The CAF work around Kitchener City Hall is now complete. The project included streetscape work and improved lighting on Young and College streets; new patio furniture in Civic Square; additional streetscape furnishings on King Street; and new waste-management receptacles -- known as Moloks -- on King Street, in front of city hall.

Project background

The King Street reconstruction project - which saw six blocks of downtown Kitchener's main street reconstructed throughout 2009 and 2010 -- is aimed at stimulating economic regeneration and revitalization in downtown Kitchener.
The streetscape design - which was approved by Kitchener city council in 2007 - is based on the results of the Help Design Downtown Kitchener survey, as well as many public open houses and meetings held with downtown businesses.

The new design includes:

  • Wider sidewalks and flexible parking that will increase the city's capacity to hold special events and festivals in the core, and allow for more outdoor cafes, patios, restaurant seating and retain in the warmer months while maximizing on-street parking in the winter months.
  • Improved street lighting.
  • Environmentally sustainable features which have earned a ''green street'' designation from Tree Canada, including 120 new street trees; planter beds that collect and filter storm water before it reaches the sewer system; the recycling and reuse of road materials; improved waste management; new bicycle racks and improved transit stops and shelters.
  • A contemporary design for Speaker's Corner, a traditional community gathering place, which include more street trees, added seating, sustainable planters, increased space for outdoor events and an interactive public art installation.

The $10.8-million King Street reconstruction project has also been supported by a $3.2-million grant from the Province of Ontario's Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative; and a $13,200 contribution from Tree Canada.

Other benefits to be realized from the reconstruction of King Street include the potential reuse of properties which are currently vacant or underutilized and/or the remediation of properties which may be contaminated - by new investment and redevelopment projects. Additionally, residential and employment intensification in downtown Kitchener will enable more people use alternative modes of transportation such as transit and cycling - reducing dependency on cars.



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