St. John’s city council voted unanimously Monday to award the contract for design work and public engagement on the first phase of the bike master plan to Stantec Consulting.
The engineering firm will prepare a detailed design of a shared-use path for the Kelly’s Brook Trail, currently a walking trail that stretches from King’s Bridge Road to Columbus Drive.
“Nothing will happen until all these conversations take place, and everyone has a chance to have a say."
The value of the contract is roughly $259,000 and the work is expected to be completed by April.
Coun. Dave Lane said details about how the consultant will go about the work is forthcoming, but he said it will enable an analysis of the current state of the trail and what would be required to convert it to a shared-use path, and also provide a chance for everyone interested to take part in a discussion about what they’d like to see happen.
Meanwhile, surveyors may be seen on the trail in the coming weeks, but Lane said not to be concerned because it’s a part of the process.
“Nothing will happen until all these conversations take place, and everyone has a chance to have a say,” said Lane.
He said the engagement process will be announced once the city meets with the consultant.
Coun. Ian Froude said he’s excited for the conversation and the project to proceed.
“What this process allows is for the public and council to have the conversations that we desire about this project, and how to do it right, and how to move forward on it right.”
The bike plan has been a contentious project, with some people arguing it will improve accessibility and active transportation in the city, while others have concerns about environmental impacts, and safety concerns with cyclists and pedestrians on a shared path.
Juanita Mercer reports on municipal politics in St. John’s.
