Mississauga neighbourhood will be brought to life and made safer this summer

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Published April 12, 2023 at 9:30 am

The Sharing Lanes initiative has proven successful in other areas of Mississauga, including in the downtown core.

An ongoing City effort aimed at making Mississauga streets safer and more inviting for pedestrians, cyclists and others continues this summer in a different part of the city.

The City of Mississauga’s Sharing Lanes initiative, which has been implemented in other areas of the city the past few summers with positive results, this summer takes aim at The Credit Woodlands area, near Dundas St. W. and Erindale Station Rd.

City officials say this year’s project will test new ideas on some of the sidewalks and roadway sections of The Credit Woodlands, specifically around Bert Fleming Park and two nearby elementary schools, Springfield Public and St. Gerard.

The objective, they add, is to increase safety for “vulnerable road users and improve access to Bert Fleming Park.”

As they launch this year’s initiative, which they say takes a “tactical urbanism” approach to community building, they’re also seeking feedback from the public.

“Tactical urbanism is an approach to city building that uses affordable, temporary measures to demonstrate different uses of the roadway and public space,” a City spokesperson said in a news release.

Plans for the space around The Credit Woodlands include:

  • traffic calming measures including piloting a new configuration for the roadway around Bert Fleming Park
  • vibrant designs on the roadway in front of the two nearby schools
  • transformed streets where a section of the roadway is replaced with a car-free community plaza space that will provide space for things like seating and community activities

Throughout April, residents are invited to share their thoughts and experiences online (search City of Mississauga Sharing Lanes) or at an in-person community meeting to take place April 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Springfield Public School.

Officials say the feedback will help the City understand what pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and drivers experience when travelling in the area.

“It will also help prioritize the best way to use the space to enhance the enjoyment and safety of all road users,” the City says.

Aerial photo shows area of The Credit Woodlands that will take part in the Sharing Lanes initiative. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

Final plans will be shared in May, with installation work to begin in July, City officials say, adding more opportunities for residents to give feedback will be provided throughout the project.

The City says tactical urbanism has been used by cities around the world to examine new ways to think about and enliven public spaces.

“The City of Mississauga identifies spaces that vulnerable road users may find uncomfortable or difficult to navigate, where the addition of tactical urbanism measures can have a positive effect,” Mississauga officials say.

The Credit Woodlands is the City’s fourth tactical urbanism project. Earlier projects include the Jaguar Valley Drive and Princess Royal Drive area in central Mississauga in 2022 and Living Arts Drive in 2019.

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