Construction will begin this month on a new downtown transit exchange that will strengthen transit connections across the West Kootenay region and improve access to downtown shops, restaurants, healthcare services, and workplaces.
The contract to build the new exchange, located on Cedar Avenue between Spokane Street and Portland Street, has been awarded to local company Simm Excavating & Snow Removal Ltd.
Businesses, galleries, schools and restaurants will remain open during construction, with the project team working closely with the community to support continued public access. Appropriate construction signage will be posted to help ensure everyone travels through the area smoothly.
A temporary bus stop to service the downtown area will be established along Spokane Street, between Cedar Avenue and Bay Avenue during construction.
The project will include:
- Six concrete bus pads to support current and future needs;
- Three weather-protected bus shelters with bench seating and lighting;
- Six bicycle racks so cyclists can easily pair cycling with bus travel;
- A dedicated transit operator washroom;
- Utility upgrades to add brighter lighting to the area;
- Sidewalk widening and reconstruction, street resurfacing, crosswalk painting; and
- Wayfinding signage to better support pedestrians, cyclists, and transit customers.
The project is expected to complete this winter.
The transit exchange will be designed to meet the Security Achieved through Functional Environmental (SAFE) Design Standard certification, an industry standard that uses thoughtful design and public space planning to create a safer, more welcoming environment for customers and the surrounding community.
Funding partners for the project, valued at up to $3.73 million, include the Government of Canada ($1,231,359) through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Province of British Columbia ($1,535,592) and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary ($963,049).
For more information, visit: Trail Transit Exchange – BC Transit
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