Dear Business/Property Owner:
The Town would like to inform you of an upcoming construction project taking place on First Avenue in early August.
Nine bollards will be installed on the high side of First Avenue between Gatacre Street and High Street beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019.
Installation of the bollards will involve removing or closing sidewalks, as well as limiting on-street parking in front of the construction area in order to complete the necessary work. Part of the project also involves relocating underground infrastructure services which is why the sidewalk needs to be closed.
We estimate the installation of the bollards and replacement of the sidewalk could take until approximately Friday, Aug. 16, 2019.
We understand that this work will be an inconvenience to you as well as patrons, particularly those with mobility challenges, who are trying to access businesses in this area of downtown.
The Town will create a pedestrian path through the closed parking area and install ramp walkways leading to the door of each business in order to minimize disruption. Additional parking will also be made available at the public lot on Roberts Street beside the Chamber of Commerce.
The Town believes it is important to ensure pedestrian safety along First Avenue. The bollards are being installed to prevent cars from jumping the curb and crossing the sidewalk in the wake of recent incidents that resulted in damage to buildings, and near misses on personal injuries.
Future installation of bollards is at the discretion of Council and will be considered in upcoming budget discussions.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with me at City Hall, 250.245.6400, or with our Infrastructure Services Department, 250.245.6445.
Thank you for your patience during this brief construction period.
Guillermo Ferrero, CAO