I read on Councillor Findlay’s blog (http://ward2guelph.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/wyndhamquebec-st-signal-changes/) that city staff have recommended that the traffic signals at the intersection of Wyndham and Quebec be restored to the same sort of timing and traffic rules that most other intersections in the city follow. I understand this to mean that the pedestrian scramble is to be removed and traffic and pedestrians will once again follow the same signals.
I am writing to speak against this proposal and encourage you to retain the scramble intersection. I ask you to do so both in the interest of pedestrian safety, and in furtherance of our civic goals of making the downtown a more humane and people-oriented space.
In terms of safety, the pedestrian scramble leads a complete separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, significantly reducing the possibility of collisions. Many cities have found it to be a boon in highly pedestrianized spaces such as the cores of cities. Toronto recently added three pedestrian scrambles to its streets, and is considering more.
I am sure that from the perspective of a traffic engineer, the scramble was an interesting innovation that was only brought in to contend with the volume of pedestrians which accompanied the presence of buses in St. George’s Square, and is thus now no longer needed. I would say that it would be preferable to consider that the pedestrian scramble permits pedestrians to more fully inhabit St. George’s Square, cuts down on motorists driving through the intersection unnecessarily (as it is slightly less convenient), and makes it a more human, enjoyable, and safer space. Given that motorists can easily bypass the core by taking Norfolk or Wellington/Woolwich – as they have been doing for three decades – I do not believe this is a pressing problem that requires intervention. In fact, I would say that it is far easier politically to increase than decrease road capacity in many situations, and that the city should take advantage of the fact that people are now accustomed to the presence of the scramble.
The recently approved Downtown Secondary Plan notes the following:
“The qualities of the public realm throughout Downtown will have been enhanced. St. George’s Square will have
been redesigned and programmed as a central gathering place that complements Market Square and other
new open spaces. The main streets of MacDonell and Wyndham will have been made more beautiful and
friendlier to pedestrians and cyclists.” (s. 11.1.2.1: “Vision”)And further:
“Objectives
As Downtown grows and evolves, it will be important to:
g) Improve historic public open spaces and streets, including St. George’s Square and MacDonell
Street and create new spaces for gathering and recreation.” (s. 11.1.2.2: “Principles”)I propose that retaining the pedestrian scramble at the traditional heart of Guelph and not sacrificing it in the name of vehicular convenience would be more effective in furthering the official vision and objective for our downtown. LW