Augusta Ave., Kensington Market BIA Public Realm Masterplan

Mar 13

Re-envisioning Augusta Ave. as a post-COVID-19 Canadian Main Street

By: SUMO Project, Gladki Planning Associates, Greenberg Consulting Inc., and PMA Landscape Architects

The global pandemic has had an impact in the way we live, work, socialize and connect. This has emphasized the importance of the public realm as the glue that binds society together through casual encounters and common activities irrespective of social, economic, political or cultural backgrounds. These spaces have become particularly vital by providing a much needed escape valve and a way of reconnecting with friends and neighbours.

The re-design vision of Augusta Avenue, as part of the Kensington Market BIA Public Realm Masterplan, is an example of a main street that’s been re-envisioned as a post-COVID-19 Canadian Main Street. Working together with the BIA we designed short and long-term strategies that start with the introduction of temporary pilot projects to test the Masterplan. The idea is to create a series of public spaces and urban moments that enhance the pedestrian realm and make it safe and accessible to all while creating opportunities for leisure and social interaction that provide a sense of place and break up the continuity of the street.

Examples of these spaces include the College St. intersection where new sitting areas, public art and greenery opportunities redefine the space for pedestrians to enjoy while promoting social well-being, placemaking and place keeping. At Oxford St., communal activity areas, such as allotment gardens, encourage community bonding and civic literacy associated with growing, harvesting and consumption of food. Sidewalk enhancements have been proposed along the blocks to allow for safe circulation and potential expansion of uses to the street.

Details

Collaboration: The BIA Office at the City of Toronto introduced a Streetscape Master Plan Program. “The Streetscape Master Plan Program provides eligible BIAs with one-time funding to acquire consulting services to create comprehensive streetscape plans that guide future improvements.” The Kensington Market BIA (KMBIA) participated in this program due to growing concerns within the Market about waste management, poor pedestrian lighting, a depleting green canopy, a lack of environmentally conscious strategies, the negotiation between pedestrians, trucks, cars and bicycles, etc. The purpose of the KMBIA Public Realm Masterplan is to serve as a tool to provide a comprehensive longterm vision for Kensington Market’s Public Realm that works to mitigate some of the above-mentioned threats and challenges. It aims to provide guidance and allow for change to happen in a direction that is appropriate for Kensington Market’s unique character and circumstances.

Estimated budget: A high level, class D, cost estimate was done during the Masterplan process estimated between 4-5M dollars for public realm improvement including public art for Augusta Ave. depending on which of the public enhancement areas design options (table top crossings, sidewalk widening, curbless street, etc.) is selected.

Materials and fabrication: The design includes the use of simple materials that concord with the simple and welcoming aesthetic of the market, such as stamped or coloured concrete in different tones and patterns, tactile warning strips, bollards and other unobtrusive streetscape elements that adhere to universal design principles.

Installation and other services: The masterplan is organized around the principles of community building. With that in mind, smaller community lead projects could start to be implemented in the short term to test the ideas of the masterplan. However, larger infrastructure moves will require greater investment that will need to be coordinated with Municipal projects and initiatives. It is understood that these type of infrastructure projects are beyond the BIA’s financial possibilities.