Improving the Laurel Greenway experience

The City of Waterloo, along with a consultant team led by SHIFT Landscape Architecture, are conducting a feasibility study for the Laurel Greenway. Moving through several phases, the ultimate goal of this study is the development of potential concept designs for key areas within the greenway.

The study focuses on the improving the experience along the entire Laurel Greenway, focusing on the trail, wayfinding, active transportation, and connections between spaces throughout.

The Laurel Greenway Feasibility Study video provides a high-level introduction to the Laurel Greenway and spaces within it, outlining the project components and focus areas and tasks.

Grounding the Greenway concept:

We are pleased to present the overall concept for the Laurel Greenway, which highlights the project vision:

The Laurel Greenway is a continuous, playful, and immersive experience that serves the needs of all users, supports natural features and processes, highlights local heritage, and responds to the surrounding urban context.

The full concept document is now available for review and the videos below highlight the overall concept and the short-term catalyst projects proposed for the greenway.

Video 1 - Overall concept

Video 2 - Catalyst projects

The Laurel Greenway:

The greenway is a linear park space and trail that weaves through uptown Waterloo, running from Waterloo Park in the west to Weber Street in the east. For this project, the study boundaries are approximately defined from Weber Street, southwest through uptown Waterloo and the public square, and west to the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex on Father David Bauer Drive.

Within the study area, there are a variety of spaces that can be improved to create a more connected and integrated experience along the greenway related to the Laurel Trail. Given its significance through uptown and into the surrounding neighbourhoods, the greenway can become a space with a clear identity.

Please visit the document library to learn about the history of the Laurel Greenway and Laurel Creek, and to understand some of the initial problems and opportunities that are being identified for the project.

Two additional projects, focusing on Waterloo Public Square and Willis Way, are also ongoing and directly related to the Laurel Greenway. Please visit the Engage Waterloo pages related to your interests and move between all the following links to see information and engage with the projects:

• Exploring a shade structure for Waterloo Public Square, supporting activities in all four seasons.
• Creating a more vibrant and welcoming experience on Willis Way between Caroline and Regina Streets.

The feasibility study process:

The study began by developing problem and opportunity statements to direct the work throughout the project. Following this initial phase and public feedback on the work to date, the design team has developed concepts for the Laurel Greenway (current phase). Final concepts and costing will be presented to council for approval before detailed design for specific areas and features can begin.

Public consultation and comments:

The community will have several opportunities to provide feedback on the concepts and ideas developed for the study.

• The first opportunity to provide feedback took place in early 2021 and we have provided a summary of feedback from that engagement.
• The second round of engagement took place from October 20 to November 30, 2021. The community provided feedback on the overall design concept and catalyst projects using the ideas board, survey and mapping tool. We are now reviewing that feedback and will post a summary in the weeks to come. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas!

  
  

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, this strategy will focus on online engagement through this Engage Waterloo page and using tools that will allow for the greatest outreach possible while abiding by public health protocols.