St. Johns Street Redesign Project

We are working to make St. Johns Street a more comfortable and convenient place for people to walk, cycle, and access transit.

Project details

During public engagement for the Master Transportation Plan (MTP) in 2017, our community indicated that it was not easy to walk, cycle, or access transit along sections of St. Johns Street. The strategies and actions of the MTP identified the need to widen the sidewalk, install traffic signals to provide safe and accessible locations for pedestrians to cross the road, and implement bicycle amenities that appeal to people of all ages and abilities.

The MTP also identified that the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane westbound on St. Johns Street is under-utilized. The recommendation from the MTP is to remove the HOV lane and repurpose the street space for on-street parking, protected on-street or off-street bicycle paths, intersection safety improvements, curb extensions, landscaping, bus stops, and accessibility improvements.

This project has received co-funding from TransLink’s Multi-Use Pathway Infrastructure Program and the Bus Speed and Reliability Program, as well as the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program.

To achieve the recommendations of the MTP, the redesign project will be split into two phases. The first phase, encompassing the west section of the street from Albert Street to Moody Street, will focus on the construction of a new multi-use path.

The second phase, stretching from Moody Street to Ioco Road, will include repurposing the space of the westbound HOV lane for active transportation. Construction of this second phase is anticipated to be tied in with development and new construction along the corridor. Phase two will also review and make recommendations on traffic flow concerns during the eastbound rush hour. This includes:

St. Johns Street at Moray Street
St. Johns Street at Dewdney Trunk Road
St. Johns Street at Ioco Road

Phase one

phase one map

Phase one details

Construction is set to begin in the summer of 2023 and will include the following enhancements to the south side of St. Johns St.

improved safety for bicyclists and pedestrians with separate cycle lanes from Kyle St. to Grant St. and upgrades to the sidewalks
extra shaded areas and cooler environment by incorporating trees, when mature, that offer canopy coverage.
better wayfinding and orientation with raised crosswalks and green paint markings
enhanced accessibility and mobility for all users, including people with disabilities, children, and older adults.

Environmental considerations

To limit any impact to bird species, trees are being removed prior to the nesting season, and we will continue to monitor and minimize potential impact on local wildlife throughout the project. The trees to be removed are in poor health and in decline, causing gaps in the canopy that will persist. To address these gaps, trees will be removed and replaced with species suited for urban environments along St. Johns.

To further benefit the environment, rain gardens will be installed to collect, filter, and slowly release rainwater, reducing the burden on storm sewer systems and preventing soil erosion and pollution. Our goal is to ensure that the new trees contribute to a healthy urban ecosystem that benefits both the community and the environment in the long term. For more information please see the FAQ section below.

Results from the public engagement

City staff presented a report, including a public engagement summary and project recommendations, at the June 28, 2022 Council meeting.
The public was asked to rank various amenities in order of their importance and the feedback showed a preference for having separate facilities for cyclists and pedestrians whenever possible. The community also considered the trees, landscaping, lighting, and green infrastructure as the most important elements of the project.

Frequently asked questions

How will safety be addressed for those using the path alongside the busy street?

The new multi-use path will be separated from St. Johns Street traffic by a grass boulevard that includes trees. To increase the visibility of path users, the path will be set back from St. Johns Street where it crosses sideroads. In addition, curb bulges will be installed at sideroads to shorten the crossing distance for path users.

Will traffic on St. Johns Street be improved?

Changes to vehicle traffic on St. Johns Street are not included in this project. However, offering a safe and convenient space for walking and cycling can encourage people to choose sustainable and active forms of transportation, thus helping to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

Will there be any changes to parking on St. Johns Street?

On street parking on the south side of St. Johns Street, between Grant Street and Moody Street, will be removed to provide room for the multi-use path and protect the mature trees along that block.

Will any trees be removed as part of this project?

Yes, approximately 40 trees in phase 1 and 2 stages. They will be removed because they are in poor health or they are within the boundary of the work area.

Tree removals adhere to environmental guidelines and will not interfere with bird nesting. In addition, trees will be removed using environmentally sustainable practices, and will be chipped and eventually turned into topsoil. This project includes a landscape and planting plan as part of the overall project design to ensure no net loss of environmental habitat.

As per the City’s Tree Protection Bylaw (BL2961-C), each tree will be replaced at a 2:1 ratio. This means that for for every single tree that is removed, two new trees will be planted in its place.

To learn more about the Arborist's evaluation of the trees on St. Johns and their recommended management, please refer to the Preliminary Arborist's Report. The report provides an overview of the trees' current condition based on visual inspection and offers recommendations.

Timeline

Complete

detailed design of multi-use path
updates to traffic signal timing plans
health assessment of street trees
public engagement
area preparation for construction
contractor procurement

In progress - we are here

from Moody Street, progress will move both west and east from Albert Street towards the center, block-by-block
clearing and grubbing
curb and curb buldges construction
electrical conduit and street light bases installation
placing gravels and constructing new asphalt pathways
line painting

Not started - phase 2