So, thoughts on Stats Can's
"Downtown Fredericton" map?
As I've said elsewhere (and copied below), it feels pretty good to me overall. Sure Nashwaaksis isn't part of the official Downtown, but it feels like a downtown by itself, and it is closely adjacent to the main core.
The wings might need a bit of trimming, but seem okay. On the south side, the West boundary is basically at the Delta and Diplomat which makes sense. (It's actually at Hanwell but the difference is pretty trivial).
The South east end is at the Princess Margaret Bridge, which feels a bit too far. I'd probably cut it off at the walking bridge and go along University Avenue to Beaverbrook.
On the north side, the west end is probably a bit too far, but between Brookside and Sunset drive there probably isn't an easy dividing area, and Main street has been steadily densifying both commercially and residentially over the past few years.
On the east side, I'd probably have extended it a hair to bring in Barker's Point, but I wouldn't take it much further. While Riverside is commericial, it feels more "suburban commercial" than like a downtown.Maybe in another 10 years it will grow a bit more; but it doesn't feel that way.
Any other thoughts on our "Downtown" ?
As I said over in the Atlantic Canada threads (in hte Moncton thread I think), the Freddy "Downtown" map seems a bit strange, but also feels right.
It's basically the commercial 'core' of the city, and while much of Freddy is focused on the Legislature to City Hall section, the commercial corridor of Main/Union street just across the river (and linked by Westmoreland Bridge) does contribute to feeling like part of the 'core' part of the city. It would probably feel more natural if Westmoreland Bridge dumped right onto Main/Union, instead of going onto Devonshire and up the Ring Road; but it's not a big deal (and better for traffic flow).
The wings of the Freddy Downtown map might go a bit far; but it's a relatively minor quibble about a few hundred metres more or less. The south west wing going on Woodstock road goes long enough to encompass the Delta hotel and the GG's house so it makes some sense there. The North west wing goes far enough to reach the edge of the commercial area, but only really encompasses a gas station and some churches, so it should probably be trimmed back a bit.
I'd almost argue the north east side should be extended a little further to take in Barker's Point, considering it stops right on the river bank and the motel and bar are there. The rest of Riverside Drive to the Princess Margaret Bridge is a mix of houses and commercial businesses, but they feel more suburban than downtown. (Lots of car dealers and light industrial places without much density).
The South east end should probably be trimmed back to the walking bridge; beyond that it is mainly Old Historic Residential and park space and the edge of UNB's space. They don't really feel that "Downtown" ish.
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