Mackay Crescent reconstruction

The City of Waterloo is pleased to present the first of two virtual Public Information Centre’s (PIC’s) for the Mackay Crescent project. This update provides the most up to date design drawings (PDF) for the reconstruction of Mackay Crescent as well as an information package (PDF) on what to expect during construction.

Typically PIC’s are held in person as different residents will generally have different concerns and questions about the process. The information package addresses the most common questions and concerns, however it could not possibly address every question you might have. If you have any questions following review of the drawings or information package please submit them by January 11, 2021 via the Questions tab and the City and IBI Group will provide responses shortly thereafter.

Thank you,

the Project Team

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback during the selection process. The Project Team would like to share that Option 2 has been selected for the installation of the sidewalk on Mackay Crescent:

Option 2: (view as pdf)

• New 1.5 metre wide sidewalk in front of hydro transformers, with exception of area adjacent to commercial property at intersection of Weber and Mackay. where the sidewalk will be behind the existing hydro infrastructure.
• Asphalt width of road narrowed to 6.5 metres from 8.4 metres.
• On-street parking will be permitted on the north side of the street only.
• 1.0 metre boulevard between sidewalk and curb on the south side meets minimum suggested width for physical separation and snow storage.

The evaluation process considered numerous criteria, including cost, impact on trees, and public feedback received.

With regard to survey results, they were as follows:

• 19 people responded to the survey
• 11 of those respondents indicated that they live on MacKay
• Overall, the total option scores (where lowest score indicates preference) were Option 2 (35), Option 3 (45) Option 1 (46) and Option 4 (64).
• Of those who live on MacKay, the scores were Option 2 (21), Option 1 (23) Option 3 (30) and Option 4 (36).

In accordance with section 2 of the City of Waterloo’s council-endorsed sidewalk policy, the city has identified the south side of Mackay Crescent from Weber Street North to the Moses Springer Park Trail as an appropriate location for the installation of a new pedestrian sidewalk. The sidewalk is intended to improve the pedestrian connection for the Laurel Trail between Moses Springer Park and Laurel Creek north of the Bridgeport Plaza. The installation of the sidewalk is supported by the city’s Strategic Plan as well as previous decisions/directions given to city staff by council.

The city and the engineering consultant have surveyed and assessed local conditions and prepared four possible design options for the new sidewalk between Weber Street and the Moses Springer Park Trail. Please note that full tree removal is not anticipated for any of the options noted below, however some may impact roots. Once your review of the options is completed, please let us know what you think by completing our survey. The streetscape for the rest of Mackay Crescent, from the Moses Springer Park Trail to Alvin Street, will remain largely unchanged.

Option 1: (view as pdf)

• New 1.5 metre wide sidewalk in front of hydro transformers, with exception of area adjacent to commercial property at intersection of Weber and Mackay, where the sidewalk will be behind the existing hydro infrastructure.
• Asphalt width of road narrowed to 7.0 metres from 8.4 metres.
• On-street parking will be permitted on both sides of the street.
• 1.0 metre boulevard between sidewalk and curb on the south side meets minimum suggested width for physical separation and snow storage.
• Curb on north side of road will be moved approximately 0.5 metres to the north, shortening driveway aprons for 112 Mackay, 120 Mackay and 122 Mackay. This will result in steeper driveway aprons for those three home, but still within city standards.

Option 2: (view as pdf)

• New 1.5 metre wide sidewalk in front of hydro transformers, with exception of area adjacent to commercial property at intersection of Weber and Mackay. where the sidewalk will be behind the existing hydro infrastructure.
• Asphalt width of road narrowed to 6.5 metres from 8.4 metres.
• On-street parking will be permitted on the north side of the street only.
• 1.0 metre boulevard between sidewalk and curb on the south side meets minimum suggested width for physical separation and snow storage.

Option 3: (view as pdf)

• New 1.5 metre wide sidewalk in front of hydro transformers, with exception of area adjacent to commercial property at intersection of Weber and Mackay, where the sidewalk will be behind the existing hydro infrastructure.
• Asphalt width of road narrowed to 6.0 metres from 8.4 metres.
• No on-street parking will be permitted.
• 1.2 metre boulevard between sidewalk and curb on the south side for physical separation and snow storage.

Option 4: (view as pdf)

• New 1.5 metre sidewalk behind hydro transformers, in much the same location as the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street.
• Asphalt width of road maintained at 8.4 metres.
• On-street parking will be permitted on both sides.
• 2.4 metre boulevard between sidewalk and curb for physical separation and snow storage.
• This option would result in reduced driveway lengths on the south side of the road.
• This option may impact trees roots and may require the relocation of underground Bell and Rogers infrastructure.

Please remember to indicate your preferred option by filling out the feedback survey.

The portion of Mackay Crescent between the Moses Springer Park trail and Alvin Street (north intersection) will remain more or less the same as it is now (view as pdf).

Effect on parking

Some residents have indicated their concern over loss of parking within their driveways. The table below outlines the effect that each option has on driveway parking and on-street parking:

1. Parking spaces are 2.8 metres wide by 5.5 metres long, per City of Waterloo Zoning By-law.
2. Includes parking spaces in garage, if applicable
3. Street parking spaces are 6.5 metres long, per City of Waterloo Zoning By-law.