Re-Imagine Churchill Square

On Wednesday, April 7 at the Committee of the Whole, Council will decide whether to approve the proposed Re-Imagine Churchill Square concept plan and determine the next steps with regards to design and construction of improvements in this public space.

A concept plan is an early design document that is intended to establish how areas of space could be used and the general layout of the public space. This includes areas of parking, drive-aisles, and sidewalks, as well as the general locations of intersections and landscaping. Concept designs provide direction for the next step of detailed design and are used to develop project cost estimates.

Engagement in the most recent public consultations included feedback from the City’s Inclusion Advisory Committee and other city committees, representatives of the Churchill Square Business Association, and members of the public through this site as well as through two virtual public open houses which were held on March 25, 2021.

Interest in the concept plan was high, with more than 5,000 individuals visiting the project information page.

While the project team did hear concerns from the public that the overall focus of the Churchill Square space, in the concept plan, remains too focused on parking, there was strong support for the extended sidewalks, main central plaza, lighting and landscaping, and accessibility improvements. The consultations indicated that the redesign is an improvement to pedestrian safety and residents in the area generally felt the project was positive for the neighbourhood.

If Council approves the proposed concept plan, detailed design work will be required, which will take into consideration the feedback gathered from the final stage of public engagement where feasible.

The overall estimated cost for design and construction of the proposed concept plan is in the order of $3,225,100.

It is noted there are additional cost considerations related to enhanced winter maintenance, as well as possible underground utility rehabilitation work, should the design of the square proceed.

Many questions have been asked in the comments section and more have been received through the Question and Answer tool, phone calls, and emails. Check out the updated Frequently Asked Questions for some of the most commonly asked questions and responses. Use the Q and A tool to post a question.

The concept design for a re-imagined Churchill Square is now available for public feedback. Take a look at the concept plan and renderings here, check out the FAQs, and tell us what you think below in the comments or by answering three quick survey questions here.

Sign up to attend one of the virtual information sessions where you will learn more about the plan and the next steps for the project.

• March 25, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• March 25, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Consultation will close on Sunday, March 28, 2021.

The ‘What We Heard’ document summarizing public feedback for re-imagining Churchill Square is now available. The document provides a summary of the engagement activities completed and feedback received from the community during this first round of consultation.

From March to June 2020, the public engagement process used a variety of methods to reach the community, including an interactive project page, an online survey, virtual meetings with the public and the Churchill Square Business Association representatives, as well as consultation with the City’s Advisory Committees.

A few key themes that emerged from the public consultation process include:

• The space needs to be pedestrian and community oriented
• More outdoor amenities and upgrades to current infrastructure is needed
• Ample parking is critical to the success of businesses in Churchill Square
• Well-spaced accessible parking, and improved accessibility of buildings is required
• Re-configuration of traffic flow and/or parking could provide more community space
• More greenspace and improved snow clearing

Further engagement will take place on a draft concept design once completed. The final concept design for Churchill Square is anticipated to be presented to City Council later this year.