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Council was onsite today to celebrate the opening of Second Avenue East, and completion of Phase 2 of the Town's "East Village Revitalization”.
This transformative initiative encompasses a range of improvements aimed at enhancing the overall appeal, accessibility, and sustainability of the area. Improvements include roadwork, paving, curbs, gutters, catch basins, street lighting, street trees, and irrigation.
Prioritization of pedestrians is a key element of the revitalization, with a variety of traffic calming measures implemented to create a pedestrian-friendly environment for users of all mobility levels. While some parallel street parking will be available, the long-term vision of the project will see a parking lot created at the corner of Berwick Road and Fern Road East.
Second Avenue East was also designed to provide opportunities for community gatherings. There are multiple servicing kiosks, equipped with power to accommodate mobile vendors and community events. Likewise, retractable bollards allow for mobile vendors and event traffic to move in and around the site with ease.
Furthermore, with sustainability in mind, the project features carefully chosen trees tailored to the environment, which are planted using innovative technology, such as Silvacell and Permavoid tree pits, to ensure trees have sufficient water retention and room for healthy root growth.
This phase of work sets the stage for Second Avenue East to be transformed into a unique and thriving neighborhood for both businesses and residents, with development currently underway to introduce 72 units with mixed commercial/residential use.
“Today's ribbon cutting for Second Avenue East marks a milestone in the 'East Village Revitalization'. We embrace the changes that will bring economic prosperity to businesses and enhance the area's livability for residents and visitors alike.” - Mayor, Teunis Westbroek.
The Town was fortunate to receive funding from Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) in the amount of $250,000 and $444,525 from Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program for Phase 1 of the project.
This is the second of a three-phase project, with Phase 3 anticipated to continue revitalization along Fir Street, creating a fully restored neighourhood.
For more information, visit the project qualicumbeach.com/_eastvillage.
Media Contact
Bob Weir, P. Eng
Director of Engineering & Capital Projects
250 752 6921
media@qualicumbeach.com
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