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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 aContinue 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.
Tell us about a pedestrian-first street you've enjoyed in another city.
What did you like about it? What aspects could be applied to Gaukel Street?
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
Stephen Avenue in Calgary. I liked everything about it, it was vibrant, well-landscaped, and busy.
Andrea2249
about 1 year ago
Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado, USA. Filled with lovely shops, seating, tree cover, patios, and bike parking. As a parent I loved that there were play spaces, I remember one in particular which was a series of statues for kids to climb on with seating for parents nearby.
Jbrook
about 1 year ago
Mariahilfer strasse, Vienna
Ayad
almost 2 years ago
Any street where cars are removed or severely slowed down (Sparks St, many European city streets in downtowns). Unique lighting, wide walking spaces, patios, music, public art, ways to interact such as games, art installations, street performances, etc.
Mel B
almost 2 years ago
Page last updated: 04 February 2021, 16:59
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Life Cycle
Survey open
A pedestrian-first Gaukel Street has finished this stage
Share your ideas and priorities for a pedestrian-first Gaukel Street.
Survey under review
A pedestrian-first Gaukel Street has finished this stage
Ideas 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 stage
The first phase of the project will transform Joseph to Charles to a pedestrian and public space, available for informal use and public programming.
Phase 2 Transformation: Charles to King
this is an upcoming stage for A pedestrian-first Gaukel Street
The remaining portion of Gaukel Street is transformed following the completion of Charlie West construction staging, estimated to be in 2022.
Stephen Avenue in Calgary. I liked everything about it, it was vibrant, well-landscaped, and busy.
Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado, USA.
Filled with lovely shops, seating, tree cover, patios, and bike parking. As a parent I loved that there were play spaces, I remember one in particular which was a series of statues for kids to climb on with seating for parents nearby.
Mariahilfer strasse, Vienna
Any street where cars are removed or severely slowed down (Sparks St, many European city streets in downtowns). Unique lighting, wide walking spaces, patios, music, public art, ways to interact such as games, art installations, street performances, etc.