ESTEVAN - Ideas for the future appearance and amenities in downtown Estevan were discussed at a meeting Jan. 26 at the Nicholson Centre.
A couple dozen people gathered to share their thoughts, which is part of Phase 2 for the revitalization project. The session started with a presentation by George Harris Collaborative – the consulting agency for the downtown revitalization efforts.
Harris shared the findings of an open house, christened Locals Know, in November.
“Our goal is to, potentially help to ensure growth of the town but also to ensure this town is stable and sustainable,” said Harris.
They have looked at the physical nature of downtown, which he said is bordered by 13th Avenue to the west, the CP Rail tracks to the north, Souris Avenue South to the east and Second Street to the south. All roads in Estevan lead to downtown.
Objectives include transforming downtown into a pedestrian-oriented area, designing more memorable spaces for people to come, making it a place where people want to remain, creating a well-connected open space system that brings people to and from downtown in a safe manner, reconnecting downtown to natural and urban settings, and reviving downtown in a creative way to connect people.
Their team looked at the comfort of pedestrians, the density of downtown, the frontage of businesses, and buildings with architectural value, including retail stores, the Orpheum Theatre and more. Some buildings have two-story units or canopies, an occupied attic size and multiple doors for access. Others have mixed use with commercial space on the ground floor and an upstairs residential suite.
Pedestrians have been a point of emphasis for the Harris group.
“We’re looking at some of the different things that would draw a pedestrian and what a pedestrian would be interested in. We created a diagram that we will use to think about nodes of activity, the circles or the nodes of interest that will draw people or enable people to move through this landscape. We’re trying to encourage people to get out of move around here.”
It’s important to create safe streets where people can walk, not just at night with good lighting, but at crosswalks.
Parks, such as the Garden Park on Fourth, would be a big addition. A larger park could accommodate a concert, skating rink or playground.
Also a priority would be events in the downtown area that are exciting and will draw people regularly and at different times of the year.
“This is something we’re seeing in urban design and park design all over. It’s not enough to build a place. Municipalities are conducting activities in there. They’re having food truck days. Parks will put on yoga in the park.”
It helps that Affinity Place is so close to the downtown area, he said.
About 90 responses have been received for the downtown revitalization survey, with 60 coming from November’s meeting and 30 online surveys.
People thought there weren’t enough trees, parks and open spaces downtown, but they thought streets were well-maintained. Visitors feel safe when walking alone on the sidewalks, rather than alleys or when crossing the street. Traffic feels to be on the fast side, Harris said.
A lack of parking keeps people from being downtown.
The people in attendance at the gathering were then divided into separate groups to get their input into the future of downtown Estevan. They shared what they would like to see downtown in terms of shopping opportunities, restaurants, coffee shops and more, and other amenities that could be added, such as parks and parking lots.
Also discussed was reducing the number of lanes of traffic on Fourth Street, and adding angled parking, to make it more pedestrian friendly.
A three-dimensional design of how the 1100-block of Fourth Street could look with changes was supplied.
Harris said he was pleased with the meeting and the ideas that were brought forward.
“The people that came out were super engaged and very interested. Our team, the consultants, got some really great ideas. It really helped us understand the feelings and how the city people think,” said Harris.
He found people are thinking in a progressive fashion.
“They’re thinking about best practices in urban design,” said Harris.
There is an interest in reducing the number of lanes of traffic that he described as progressive but bold.
The report is slated to be filed in March.
The city also announced that the business improvement district, along with additional funding from the city, secured the lots previously occupied by Kal Tire, located at Fifth Street and 13th Avenue. The city and BID are awaiting recommendations from the George Harris team before making any further decisions on how to implement changes to the downtown core.
