Done and done.
On Fri, 5 Jun 2020 at 13:01, Sam Nabi <sam@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi everyone! It's been a while.
On Wednesday thousands of people gathered on Gaukel Street to show support
for Black Lives Matter, and to demonstrate against the systemic racism and
police brutality that still exists in our country and beyond.
Seeing Gaukel Street used as a starting point for this rally was so
heartening. This is the potential that we can achieve when underused
streets are turned over to public space.
This Monday, Kitchener Council will be meeting to discuss the city's plans
for a phased re-opening from COVID restrictions. Staff have created quite a
comprehensive report (
https://calendar.kitchener.ca/council/Detail/2020-06-08-1200-Special-Council2),
and I wanted to draw your attention to a couple of topics that impact
Gaukel Street specifically.
As you may know, a pedestrian-first Gaukel Street was approved by Council
in their Strategic Plan, and it is to be completed by 2022. (It is
understood that Gaukel was supposed to happen earlier, with the second
pedestrian-first street connecting to the Kitchener Market by 2022).
On Monday, council will be looking at "Emerging Opportunities" that might
affect how the Strategic Plan gets implemented. These include:
1. Accelerate the implementation of active transportation networks to
provide physical distancing and achieve local sustainability targets.
2. Launch a Slow Streets program that closes select neighbourhood bikeways
to through traffic seasonally.
In advance of the council meeting, I urge you to contact your Councillor
to express your support for these two Emerging Opportunities. *Please
call for the immediate closure of Gaukel Street to vehicles*, to allow
for social distancing in the vicinity of Victoria Park, which is a major
attraction in the summer months. We may not be able to install nice
furniture and amenities on Gaukel Street yet, but it can still function as
a great boulevard for people walking between the Park and the ION station.
Find your councillor here:
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/city-services/who_s-my-city-councillor.aspx?_mid_=21387
Cheers everyone, and stay safe!
Sam Nabi
sam@xxxxxxxxxxx
226-988-4137
