The 4-lane Option and Bike Lanes

In 2000, the King Edward Avenue Task Force recommended that reducing King Edward Avenue from 6 to 4 lanes was the only major long-term solution until truck traffic was diverted off the avenue. Delcan Corporation refused to adopt the option stating that it would cause too much congestion in the downtown. Between 2006 and 2007, King Edward Avenue has been functioning at the 4-lane level due to the on-going renewal construction. The task force believes that this is proof enough that this option is viable. We would also like to see bike lanes added as part of this option. Council voted in favour of funding a $125,000 four-lane study in October of 2007. This was a momentous victory for the task force thanks both to a strong effort on our part to inform councilors and a brave effort on Councillor Bédard’s part to convince his colleagues around the council table. Now, the concern is that the process to complete the study is being intentionally or unintentionally dragged out until the issue dies. The situation continues to be closely monitored.