A pedestrian-first Gaukel Street

In summer of 2020, Gaukel Street was transformed to a pedestrian-first street and passive seating area. The pandemic has restricted opportunities for programming but the street continues to function as an enjoyable space for pedestrians, including a street art installation featuring Indigenous art. Feedback from previous surveys will continue to shape plans moving forward, as the space evolves and contributes to a vibrant downtown. Subscribe to this page to get updates and learn about future opportunities to give feedback on this project.
Background
In February 2019, a group of residents proposed the idea of converting Gaukel Street to a pedestrian-orientedContinue reading
In summer of 2020, Gaukel Street was transformed to a pedestrian-first street and passive seating area. The pandemic has restricted opportunities for programming but the street continues to function as an enjoyable space for pedestrians, including a street art installation featuring Indigenous art. Feedback from previous surveys will continue to shape plans moving forward, as the space evolves and contributes to a vibrant downtown. Subscribe to this page to get updates and learn about future opportunities to give feedback on this project.
Background
In February 2019, a group of residents proposed the idea of converting Gaukel Street to a pedestrian-oriented street, after observing the closure of Gaukel for construction. They hosted a pop-up park in September 2019, to build support for a permanent transition to the street’s function. At the pop-up park, a survey was completed by 258 people, who either attended the event or were notified through a direct mailing to people living nearby. Read a full summary of that survey here.
Council directed staff to explore the potential to make Gaukel Street a pedestrian-oriented street, available for community events and initiatives. Through Engage Kitchener, we asked residents how you’d like to see Gaukel Street function, and what type of amenities can enhance Gaukel Street as a pedestrian and pubic space street, using ideas provided from people at the pop-up park.
Gaukel Street serves as a major pedestrian route, connecting Victoria Park, the ION LRT station, City Hall and the heart of downtown. Named after Freidrich Gaukel, an early 1800s tavern keeper and community leader, Gaukel Street is home to historical panel boards, the heritage protected Public Utilities Commission Building and is situated on the traditional territory home of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. The street is at the centre of a transforming downtown, with a prominent arts institution (44 Gaukel), tech offices and new condos contributing to the resurgence of downtown Kitchener, where people can live, work, shop and play.
-
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCLOSED: This brainstormer has concluded.
Feel free to dream big! Just remember, the current budget does not allow for major construction so ideas that require significant changes to the streetscape will be used to shape a long-term vision of the street.
Share a idea and/or upload a photo!
Rachael12 months agoZoned /structured to hold festivals!
0 comment2IanSabout 2 months agoOld Bus Terminal
Depending on the plans for the bus terminal, this would influence my opinion about the usage of this space. I think for now the common-space works but when that new tower opens with what looks like 500+ people; maybe we need to consider tearing up the road, rebuilding into a parkway and adding a bike lane? Some like what was just don’t on Queen at Duke. The current state does not feel completed. We are local residents on Joseph and any way to reduce traffic on that corner is a good idea.
0 comment0Andrew K6 months agoContinuous pavement
Raise the street to sidewalk level for a more seamless pedestrian experience. Gaukel should interrupt Joseph and Charles, not the other way around.
0 comment1Bruce Ertel4 months agoReturn to the loop of one way streets. Then you can close as many streets as you want without affecting people who have things to do.
0 comment0Tylerbrook9 months agoPlanters, trees, seating, small scale playground / public art, open spaces for events
Example: Pearl Street, Boulder, CO
0 comment2
Follow Project
Life Cycle
-
Survey open
A pedestrian-first Gaukel Street has finished this stageShare your ideas and priorities for a pedestrian-first Gaukel Street.
-
Survey under review
A pedestrian-first Gaukel Street has finished this stageIdeas are being considered and incorporated into plans to source materials and develop a street layout.
-
Phase 1 Transformation: Joseph to Charles (Summer 2020)
A pedestrian-first Gaukel Street is currently at this stageThe first phase of the project will transform Joseph to Charles to a pedestrian and public space, available for informal use and public programming.
-
Evaluation of Phase 1 (Summer to Fall 2020)
this is an upcoming stage for A pedestrian-first Gaukel StreetExpect another survey to share your experience: How is it going so far? What's working well? What can be improved for Phase 2?
-
Phase 2 Transformation: Charles to King (TBD)
this is an upcoming stage for A pedestrian-first Gaukel StreetThe remaining portion of Gaukel Street is transformed following the completion of Charlie West construction staging, estimated to be in 2021.
Key Dates
-
January 11 2020
Who's listening
-
Phone 519-741-2200 ext 7314 Email darren.kropf@kitchener.ca -
Residents, business owners and staff
GS