Narrower medians mean angle parking still possible in new plan
By David Hutton, The StarPhoenixFebruary
All it took was four feet.
The debate about what to do with Third Avenue took a step forward Tuesday as a city committee struck a compromise, agreeing to forward a plan to city council that recommends narrower medians than initially proposed and therefore allows angle parking to remain an option.
The change would also see much wider inside lanes to provide more room for cyclists.
The Third Avenue redesign, which many have said will guide the future direction of downtown, was held up this month as the committee considered how best to accommodate cyclists, drivers, business interests and city transit on the key downtown artery.
Under the plan, Third Avenue would narrow to two lanes from three in each direction. It accommodates a three-metre-wide raised centre median, complete with trees, left-turn bays and bulbed curbs at the corners.
The plan is for a four-year, $7-million overhaul of the aging avenue between 19th and 23rd streets, starting with the block between 21st and 22nd this year.
"It feels like progress," said Don Cook, the city's acting manager of planning and design.
The new plan -- with a median 1.3 metres narrower than initially proposed by administration -- allows for more space on inside lanes to help cyclists. The proposal also leaves enough space for angled parking spaces to be installed in the future, though it would be tight for drivers, Cook said.
Although the plan isn't optimal for parking or traffic management, he said it is more flexible and would still bring about the desired result of reshaping the street.
Mayor Don Atchison said a more "global" look at downtown needs to be undertaken, including examining other ways to direct traffic. But he said he approves moving forward so long as the city proceeds "cautiously."
"We're trying to solve all the needs of everyone, but we don't have the space to do it," he said. "So why don't we proceed a little more cautiously here and put the medians in and see."
Atchison said wider shared bike lanes will help make the street safer and more appealing for less-experienced cyclists.
"It's an extra three feet," he said of the shared bike lanes. "It will make a difference."
Coun. Charlie Clark initially called for a bold direction for Third Avenue, with dedicated bike lanes, but said Tuesday he's satisfied with the administration's report.
"To what extent are we responding to what's happening and to what extent are we shaping what's going to happen?" Clark said. "I would love to see us make a bold statement . . . but I still feel this is making progress."
Coun. Bob Pringle noted his intention at the last committee meeting was to find a temporary compromise when he suggested city administration explore a mix of angle and parallel parking.
He said he's happy with the new plan as it satisfies competing interests.
"It accommodates the bikers, encourages people to take transit and is safer than the angle parking," he said.
Downtown business owners will be pleased angle parking remains an option as the need for more parking remains paramount, said Terry Scaddan, executive director of The Partnership.
"I'm happy we have an option," he said. "The personal vehicle doesn't seem to be waning as a way of getting around downtown Saskatoon."
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This is similar to the previous article posted but a little different.
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