Victoria_Park_Re port Final.pdf - City of Charlottetown

VICTORIA PARK COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN
Final Report • June 2013
Long-term Solution
In the long-term, it is likely that the shoreline of Victoria Park will require additional
stabilization and reinforcement to address the impacts of sea level rise and the to
mitigate the potential risks of flooding. When this is undertaken, it would be an
opportunity to upgrade the boardwalk, either from the existing 2.5 metre wide existing
condition, or from the interim multi-use trail cross section. As the sea wall elevation
is raised, a wider, more robust boardwalk could be constructed along the edge. This
boardwalk, at a minimum of 4.0m wide, would also be intended to function as a multimodal
facility carrying both pedestrian and non-motorized wheeled users. Similar to
the Halifax waterfront boardwalk, the construction and durability of the facility would
provide the City with a longer life cycle and would address the need to provide a multimodal
waterfront active transportation route.
There would be several key areas under this solution where the adjacent carriageway
would be at a lower elevation than the boardwalk. In these locations, the carriageway
could either be raised as well, or a retaining wall could be constructed to mitigate the
elevation difference.
Traffic Calming & Carriageway Character
The seasonal closure of the Park Driveway and dedication of a cycle track continues
to be one of the more contentious initiatives in Victoria Park. During the public
consultation, support for and opposition to this program were almost equally mixed.
Much of the support arises from the lack of a functional alternative cycling route
through the Park and along the waterfront. Much of the opposition relates to the
desire to use Park Roadway as a short cut to the Brighton neighbourhood, and the
desire to circumnavigate the park to enjoy the scenery.
With the conversion of the boardwalk to a safer, multi-modal active transportation
facility, the need for a dedicated seasonal cycle track is less pressing. However, that
does not mean that the Park Roadway should continue to function as a major civic
street. Victoria Park is a people place, and as such the design of infrastructure should
focus on the needs of people first, and vehicles second. Park Roadway should remain
open, but upgraded to function as an internal driveway as opposed to a full municipal
street. Traffic calming, surfacing changes, and a reduced speed limit can be introduced
to change the character of the road and de-emphasize its importance as a street.
The conversion of Park Road from a street to an internal park carriageway has a
number of significant benefits. By maintaining two way traffic, vehicles are still
able to access major areas in the park, which is important for an aging population.
Those park users who presently park their cars to take in the view will still be able to
engage in this activity, and buses will still be able to loop the park as part of a tour.
Some parallel parking will still be provided, especially in key areas near the intensive
recreation nodes. However, the change in road character will decrease the efficiency
of the trip, acting as a deterrent for those who are using it as a short cut. This will help
to reduce trips to those with specific park business. Parking will be focused at the new
primary park entrance off of Brighton Road, and park users will be encouraged to walk
to their destinations. Parking spaces off of the carriageway will be generally reserved
for those with mobility restrictions, or for short term water viewing.
6.15
Proposed Park Driveway Cross Section
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