The “14 Ave NW Mobility Improvements Project” will redevelop 14 Ave NW between 14 Street and 24 Street NW, “to improve connectivity, mobility, safety, and accessibility”. The City first proposed this project in 2021, but there wasn’t a budget to proceed during COVID. The project is now proceeding, with the need for redoing the infrastructure even greater than before. The redevelopment will likely include better transit interfaces, sidewalks, pedestrian crossing, etc., and may be a good improvement to the area. The City is conducting an Engagement on this project from January 27 to February 17. Look for the City’s advertisements and more information from the Community Association, to provide your opinions and feedback on this corridor. The City plans engagement at SAIT, Louise Riley Library, Lions Park LRT, and North Hill Centre.
The City did a round of engagement in 2021. Aspects of the proposal in 2021 that caused the most concern were mostly west of 19 Street, and included a traffic circle at 14 Ave and 20 Street, bike lanes on 14 Ave west of 19 Street with a loss of parking, and the loss of the left turn lane coming out of Briar Hill on 14 Ave. Some neighbours did like the bike infrastructure. The City has the previous feedback and we don’t know what exactly the proposals will be at time of writing. Here are some things I feel important to consider.
Cycling: The long-term plan for the Crowchild Trail revamp moves the Crowchild pedestrian/cycling bridge from the west end of 14 Ave to the west end of 12 Ave – potentially making the 14 Ave route a “path to nowhere” (it is frustrating to see the Riley LAP and Calgary Plan documents do not match with the Crowchild Plan). There is also a path already on the north side of 16 Ave, and there is supposed to be another cycle lane put in just south of the sound wall in Briar Hill (promised but not yet completed). We mentioned to the City the idea of spending a limited budget to connect the Lions Park path to those 16 Ave paths, by constructing a path on the boulevard on the east side of 19 Street, from 14 Ave to 16 Ave. The budget should also be spent on other Lions Park pathway improvements, passing the station and the pinch point near 16A Street. Another consideration is that the Riley LAP Mobility Study found that 14 Ave west of 19 Street is not a stressful cycle on the road as it is.
Parking: In the first engagement, some neighbours were concerned about parking needs from Lions Park Plaza, and with the LAP allowing larger commercial uses there, parking overflow for patrons is a valid need and concern. I feel such parking should be on the collector road and not be forced onto the side streets. In addition, the corner lots in Briar Hill adjacent to 14 Ave are likely locations for increased density and row houses – again, the parking needs from these larger number of units should be anticipated. I feel redevelopment west of 19 Street should not disregard parking needs on 14 Ave.
Traffic Flow: Many neighbours were understandably concerned about losing a left turn lane for exiting eastbound out of Briar Hill on 14 Ave. The proposed traffic circle at 20 Street wasn’t well received, and could inhibit the flow at the light at 19 Street. And if this left turn becomes challenging, then residents may start exiting other ways, such as 12 Ave, which would cause tie-ups there. In short, the flow of all modes and the ‘knock on effects’ of changes need to be fully considered. The City, more recently, mused about the number of traffic lanes on 14 Ave between 14 and 19 Streets, near the LRT and mall. I responded that personally, I think a single lane in each direction is fine, if buses have bus bays to pull off and, importantly, there are left turn lanes for the various library, mall, and Renaissance parking entrances. A lower (40 km/h) speed limit may also be appropriate.
Pedestrian Safety: Improvements to inhibit jay walking by the LRT would be helpful, as would much wider sidewalks in the whole station area. Improvements to the Lions Park pathway at the pinch point at 16A Street would help pedestrian safety there, and the pedestrian bridge near 16A Street is in serious need of maintenance (which may not be part of this project).
The above reflects what I read in the first engagement report and my personal observations, and I and the rest of the Community Association board are very interested to know what other residents think. Please reach out to discuss and/or answer questions at [email protected].
Beth Atkinson
Director – Land Use, Hounsfield Heights – Briar Hill Community Association
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