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 and ICBC 2023 Road Improvement Program.

To achieve the recommendations of the MTP, the redesign project was split into two phases. The first phase, encompassing the west section of the street from Albert Street to Moody Street, focused 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 1 - (completed)

phase one map

Phase 1 details

Construction began in the summer of 2023 and included 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.

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.

Timeline

completeComplete

  • 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
  • preparing the ground by grading it with gravel for the pathway and bike lanes
  • building retaining walls to provide support and structure
  • creating curb bulges to enhance safety and traffic control
  • installing electrical conduits and new streetlight bases for improved lighting
  • construction along St. Johns Street - between Moody Street and Albert Street
  • applying asphalt to create a smooth new pathway
  • building rain gardens to enhance greenery and manage rainwater
  • improving concrete sidewalks for safer and more accessible walking
  • improved crossing on side roads
  • landscaping and tree planting 
  • upgrading streetlights for better visibility and aesthetics
  • construction along Moody Street between Clarke Street and St. Johns Street.
  • addressing any remaining deficiencies

not started Not started

  • phase 2

Phase 2

St. Johns Street map

Timeline:

  • conceptual design: tbd
  • final design: tbd
  • construction: is dependent on development and new construction along the corridor

Contact

Engineering
604.469.4619