We engaged in public consultation to reimagine this vibrant community high street, reconnecting the city to its waterfront.
Downtown Orillia, Ontario celebrates cultural heritage with streets that act as a platform to inspire arts and culture. However, the City was looking to reimagine its streetscape given a need to balance demand for on street parking with generous, safe walkable sidewalks.
Working with the City to establish the Streets for All master plan, we took advantage of seasonal events held within our study area to engage the public and visitors. Design sprint charettes with the study team, council, and technical teams also helped uncover challenges and opportunities. A key plan component is the Flex Street, a curbless street creating a consistent grade between building walls on either side—this multi-modal approach allows for accessibility, reduced vehicle speed, and has fewer obstacles to snow removal. Laneways transform into functional and inviting walkways with special lighting, furniture, public art, and other experience and safety features that connect the Flex Street to parking lots that act as tree nurseries for aging trees.
The Streets for All plan creates a distinctive sense of place using creative urban landscape design and engagement. It offers a blueprint for a thriving, resilient, inclusive, and accessible streetscape to welcome everyone safely, comfortably, and joyfully.
At a Glance
- Offices
Anushree Nallapaneni, Urban Designer
I enjoy graphic visualization of design ideas and urban data analysis and strive to incorporate innovative approaches in my work.
Jim Vafiades, Senior Landscape Architect
A key element to designing an urban space is to understand the people who will use it. What are their needs, lifestyles, and passions?
David Waverman, Senior Landscape Architect
The design of meaningful places is rooted in understanding nature—a deeper connection with the natural world around us leads to an improved state of wellbeing.
Brenda Webster Tweel, Senior Associate, Urban Places
I see problems as gifts—I love finding solutions that make cities more accessible for everyone.
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