Cornwall Rd Sidewalk Project

Project Background

The Cornwall Rd sidewalk project is part of an ongoing series of City investments to make walking a more comfortable, safer and viable way to travel through Kelowna. Making more of our trips by walking supports long-term goals around protecting our environment, reducing greenhouse gases, and improving community health. Walking also reduces traffic congestion and supports growth in our densifying core areas. The project and its goals are guided by policies within the Official Community Plan (OCP), Transportation Master Plan (TMP), Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (PBMP), and Council Transportation Priorities.

This project was recommended through the Safe Routes for Schools program which identified Cornwall Rd as a route to Springvalley Elementary School. It will link the existing sidewalk and crosswalk on Ziprick Rd to a series of walkways further east and south, leading to Gerstmar Rd, Collison Rd, and other areas in Rutland. This connection will serve both people walking within and through this neighbourhood, filling in a gap today and serving future growth.

Project Update
The project is currently in the preliminary design phase with construction tentatively anticipated for 2024. It will be located entirely within the public right-of-way.

Project Design (for informational purposes only):
Preliminary Concept Design

Policy and Planning Links:

Other Information Links:

Further Information and Questions:

Will on-street parking increase due to the sidewalk project?
On-street parking is expected to remain similar to today. Residents will maintain the ability to park vehicles in their garages and on their driveways. On-street parking is common throughout the core area of the city, particularly near schools, and can provide a traffic calming benefit. It is recommended strategy within the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Traffic Calming Manual to manage traffic speeds on neighbourhood streets and has been shown to provide an overall safety benefit.

Is a sidewalk required?
Each individual has their own level of comfort and abilities. While some pedestrians are comfortable walking on the street, others are not, regardless of the traffic conditions. A sidewalk helps create an equitable, accessible space for people of all ages and abilities (TMP Policy 1.2). This is particularly important for younger pedestrians, those with diverse abilities and pedestrians who depend on consistent access to key destinations, and public facilities throughout the year, particularly in winter. Furthermore, goals within the OCP, TMP, and PBMP aim to achieve more active transportation trips. Providing a safe and more comfortable environment is vital to promoting this travel mode shift.

Why does the bylaw design include a boulevard between the sidewalk and curb?
The benefits of a sidewalk boulevard are well understood and are a key design element to achieving a safe and comfortable space for pedestrians. Boulevards are included in current industry design standards and best practices for core city areas. Examples of their benefits from TAC include:

Area for snow storage
Physical separation from parked vehicles and traffic increases pedestrian safety and comfort
Reduced vehicle/pedestrian collisions by placing the sidewalk some distance from the curb
Space for utilities, signs, trees, etc.
Increased sightlines between drivers and pedestrians crossing the street
Pedestrians are less likely to be splashed by passing vehicles in wet weather
The conflict is minimized between pedestrians and solid waste or recycling containers temporarily stored at curbside for scheduled pick up

Is sidewalk planned on other streets in the area? How are projects selected?
Sidewalk projects are primarily selected based on the PBMP and recommendations from safety programs, including the Safe Routes for Schools program. The ranking and criteria are described in Chapter 4 of the PBMP. The City Sidewalk Program webpage can be viewed for more information and a map of active transportation projects currently listed in the PBMP: Sidewalks | City of Kelowna