Construction update: Spring 2023

At the end of 2022, construction was completed on Ontario Street and Cedar Street, marking the halfway point of building the Downtown Cycling Grid. Bike wayfinding was also installed on several routes, with more to come in 2023.

A cyclist rides in bike lanes separated from vehicle traffic by a concrete curb

A contract has been awarded for the next stage of construction on Margaret Avenue and Otto Street. This route will fill an important connecting link to the Spurline Trail and several downtown neighbourhoods. Construction will begin in the spring and proceed in three stages:

  • Stage 1 – Margaret Avenue from Victoria St N to Queen St N
    • Work on this stage includes: underground utility relocations within the roadway, new curb and gutter, new roadway asphalt, new driveway ramps, and new 3.0 metre wide bidirectional boulevard multiuse trail for both pedestrians and cyclists on the southwest side only.
  • Stage 2 – Otto Street from Queen St N to Frederick St
    • Work on this stage includes: new curb and gutter, new driveway ramps, and new 3.0 metre wide bidirectional boulevard multiuse trail for both pedestrians and cyclists on the southwest side only.
  • Stage 3 - Margaret Avenue from Victoria Street N to Wellington Street N
    • Work on this stage includes: new 3.0 metre wide bidirectional cycling lane on the existing roadway created by installation of new line markings and precast barriers on southwest side only.

In addition, under a separate contract, installation of a multi-use trail is planned for Stewart Street (Park Street to end) and Joseph Street (end to Victoria Street) to connect the Downtown Cycling Grid with the Transit Hub Trail and Iron Horse Trail.

The final stage of construction includes sections of Duke Street and will proceed in 2024.

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This project has concluded. On Dec 14, 2020 Kitchener City Council approved the downtown cycling grid, connecting the downtown core to adjacent neighbourhoods and regional cycling arteries. Public consultation showed a strong desire for better-connected cycling options downtown and for more people-friendly transportation options. The population in downtown continues to grow at a rapid pace in the downtown and many are looking for greater mode choice. The pandemic has also highlighted the demand for high quality cycling facilities as we adjust to the new norm. A downtown grid was identified as a necessary step in connecting Kitchener’s neighbourhoods together, and the community identified their preference of which streets would receive cycling upgrades in the downtown. Changes were made to the plan as a result of the latest round of communication, including changes to Joseph, Duke, Ontario and Water Streets.