DSBRT - PIC 3 - Socio-economic Conditions
An existing conditions review was completed to understand the population that exists in the study area. Census data was reviewed to determine factors such as population and business density, age structure, household income, immigration and education attainment.
The review found that there are areas with a high density of businesses along the corridor. BRT will support expected growth by connecting people and jobs along the corridor.
Map of Business Density
The North American Industry Classification System structure was used to categorize businesses into the following classifications:
- Primary
- Employment Lands
- Retail and Service
- Office
- Institutional
Some businesses classifications are more sensitive to disruptions such as construction and loss of parking than others.
Impacts
Potential construction impacts include:
- Temporary disruption to accesses and parking
- Temporary disruption to curbside activities
- Temporary closure of sidewalks and cycling facilities
- Congestion related to construction activity and detours
- Visual effects from construction areas/activities
- Reduction of on-street parking
Potential operational impacts include:
- Permanent changes to access with centre-medians
- Improved streetscape, walking and cycling facilities
- Higher demand for community resources within study area due to new development / redevelopment
Mitigation
To mitigate construction impacts, the following measures are proposed:
- Develop an action plan to support businesses including signage, wayfinding and an ambassador program
- Implement Curbside Management Plan for waste removal, deliveries and pedestrian activities
- Create Emergency Response Plan
- Create Traffic Management and Control Plan
- Identify alternative parking to support businesses
To mitigate operational impacts, the following measures are proposed:
- Implement signage and educational programs to educate the public about u-turns
- Identify alternative goods movement routes to support businesses
- Work with emergency services to identify potential median crossings and / or alternative routes
- Identify need for additional community resources to maintain adequate capacity through the development application process