Design Concept
General, site-wide improvements that would be included in the preferred design concept:
- Improved Paving
- New Furnishings (benches, trash receptacles, etc.)
- New Lighting Strategy
- New Interpretive / Way-finding Signage
- Repair Masonry Walls, Railings and Steps
- Update Servicing (as required)
- Prune Vegetation to Open Views
- Tree Planting Plan
- Street Tree Planting along Concession Street.
- Invasive Species Management Plan
- Escarpment Slope Stabilization
Arkledun Avenue & Bruce Trail Access
All design concept alternatives propose improvements to the Arkledun Avenue and Bruce Trail access connection to Concession Street and Sam Lawrence Park. These changes will improve access and safety:
- New trail head that creates a sense of arrival to the Bruce Trail and includes amenities like way-finding signage and benches.
- New pathway and native shade garden below the escarpment edge that addresses existing drainage issues.
- Pruning trees and shrubs to open up views and new lighting throughout the area to improve safety.
Intersection Improvements
All design concept alternatives propose improvements to the Concession Street/Jolley Cut intersection. The design team investigated these changes, with approval from City of Hamilton stakeholders:
- Removal of channelized right turn lanes at the Concession Street/Jolley Cut/Upper Wellington Street intersection.
- The design team explored numerous configuration options as part of the intersection investigation. The investigation resulted in proposing the following changes, with approval from City of Hamilton stakeholders.
Public Art
All design concept alternatives propose a public art component at various scales. In keeping with the recommendations of the City`s Urban Indigenous Strategy, this site due to its position on the escarpment edge may be a suitable location for an Indigenous themed public art work.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
There is always the option to Do Nothing but that doesn’t mean there are no costs involved. The “Do Nothing” option fixes what is broken; however, it does not address community concerns or include new improvements, except for the already-approved City of Hamilton initiatives including:
- Mountain Brow Multi-Use Path Feasibility Study – include multi-use path along Concession Street from Belvidere Avenue to Belwood Avenue.
- Public Art Master Plan – funding allocated to Sam Lawrence Park for small public art component.
The cost of the “Do Nothing” option includes, but is not limited to:
- Remedial repairs to pavements, lighting, stairs, walls etc.
- Piecemeal repairs do not contribute to site-wide rejuvenation
- Design aesthetic is not coordinated
- Increased maintenance
- Limited demonstrated response to community concerns, for example connectivity