Click on the image below for a map that shows Phase 1 of the Georgia Greenway along with some of the key elements of the project.
Click on the image below for a map showing the planned route of the Georgia Greenway including the recently completed Phase 1 and future phases.
Public Participation
Community feedback was a key component in the development of the Georgia Greenway.
Two public engagement events were held for the project. The first was on May 13, 2017 during preliminary design, and the second was on May 12, 2018. Both events were at the Active for Life Expo, which is an annual event held in the Harewood community that promotes health, wellness and active participation opportunities for all ages and abilities. Public surveys were available at each event, and online, to collect feedback.
The majority of community feedback supported the Georgia Greenway and viewed the Phase 1 project as a neighbourhood benefit that would provide more connectivity with the park and surrounding area, and would create a safe active transportation route for pedestrians, cyclists and families of all ages and abilities.
Environmental Considerations
An Environmental Assessment for the bridge crossing site was completed during the engineering design. This assessment informed the project team of environmental constraints, requirements and considerations for project.
A single span bridge structure using concrete and steel prefabricated components was selected to minimize in-stream works, construction time, and environmental impact.
Even lighting options for the bridge were assessed in an effort to minimize light spillage and impacts to fish and wildlife habitat. The final design included bollard lights along the bridge railings that would provide lower lighting levels directed towards the bridge deck only.
The installation of a bridge at this location also presented us an opportunity to improve the adjacent riparian condition and function by removing invasive plant species and replacing them with species native to the area. This work will be completed in Fall 2019 and includes measures to discourage the public from using the riparian area such as fencing and interpretive signage that educates the public of the importance of riparian, fish and aquatic habitats.
Complete Streets + Georgia Greenway
Complete streets refers to transportation guidelines and design approach that supports safe and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities, regardless of their mode of transportation. The Georgia Greenway supports Complete Streets guidelines. Phase 1 is mainly an off street multi-use trailway, but future phases will be more integrated within existing streets.
Want to know more about Compete Streets and how the City of Nanaimo is working to develop our own Complete Streets Guidelines? Check out the project web page at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/CompleteStreets