By Jill Sperling

Kamloops’ pedestrian plaza pilot project has launched

Jul 26, 2018 | 4:47 PM

KAMLOOPS — A pilot project has launched in Kamloops, turning Fourth Avenue into a lively pedestrian plaza for a two-week period. 

The idea for the plaza space came out of discussions around the city’s downtown plan. 

The city’s community planning and sustainability manager, Jason Locke, says it became apparent that there was a lack of community gathering spaces in the downtown area. 

He says the city and the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association is looking to gather feedback from the pilot project to find out if the space could become permanent in the future. 

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“The idea is that this would be a permanent space sometime in the next five years,” Locke said. “We would have permanent street furniture, permanent shade trees and tree planters, and then the surface would have textured paving bricks as well. So, the idea is how is this being received in the public? And obviously many things would have to take place in order to make it permanent, but that’s the idea.” 

Fourth Avenue will remain partially closed to traffic until August 12. 

During the pilot project pedestrians will be able to take in entertainment, food, and games. 

So far the plaza has been attracting a lot of attention. 

“Last night was maybe an exception,” said KCBIA Executive Director Carl DeSantis, “I hope not, but we had a lot of spill over from the Music in the Park Festival last night, and there were activities here, up until 10:00 there were families playing games on the Fourth Avenue Plaza where traffic would normally be travelling. That’s just so exciting. It’s another reason for people to come downtown and enjoy what we have to offer in this community.” 

Residents can provide feedback on the City of Kamloops website.