Maple and Sycamore Safer Streets

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On February 16, 2023, the City of Powell River was awarded Government of BC grant funding to build traffic calming measures on Maple Avenue and Sycamore Street in Townsite. The goal of this project is to reduce traffic speeds and provide a safer way for children to get to school. This project is also part of our larger goal of connecting people walking, rolling, and cycling between Townsite and Westview.

Thank you to everyone who came to our April 11 and 12 workshops. Please see "Documents" in the sidebar for a summary of community feedback.

In May and June, staff worked with ISL Engineering to substantially update the concept plan for Maple Avenue and Sycamore Street to reflect public input. On July 13, 2023 Council reviewed the updated concept plan and directed staff to proceed to tendering and construction. ISL Engineering is currently working on this process. It's anticipated that construction could start as soon as March 2024. You can see the design that Council approved under the "Documents" tab. Please note that this project does not include changes to the location or curb painting associated with BC Transit bus stops.


How is the project being funded?

The total project cost of $510,000 is being paid for by grants from the BC Government Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program and Powell River Community Forest. One of the criteria for receiving the provincial grant is the project must be part of an active transportation network plan or equivalent.

The province will fund 70 percent of the project, or $375,000. Community Forest will pay the remaining $153,000.

How can I get involved?

We hosted three neighbourhood workshops in April 2023:




What is this project?

Over the years, we've heard that Maple Avenue is a great street for families where people walk to Henderson Elementary and Brooks Secondary schools, where almost 400 people come to celebrate Halloween, and where children can play right on the street. But, many residents are still concerned about speeding vehicles. This project will result in a 30 km/h zone on Sycamore Street and Maple Avenue from Arbutus Street (Highway 101) to Brooks. Physical infrastructure on the ground, such as speed cushions and curb extensions will help keep the traffic slow.


What is a neighbourhood bikeway? Does this mean there will be a bike lane on Maple?

No, there will not be a bike lane on Sycamore Street or Maple Avenue. A neighbourhood bikeway is suited to neighbourhood streets that are no more than 11 m wide, with an average daily traffic of 500 vehicles or less, and a speed limit of 30 km/h. Neighbourhood bikeways do not separate bicycle and motor vehicle space, but instead use traffic calming measures to ensure safe and comfortable sharing of the street.

Check out our other Questions and Answers in the sidebar labeled "FAQs".


On February 16, 2023, the City of Powell River was awarded Government of BC grant funding to build traffic calming measures on Maple Avenue and Sycamore Street in Townsite. The goal of this project is to reduce traffic speeds and provide a safer way for children to get to school. This project is also part of our larger goal of connecting people walking, rolling, and cycling between Townsite and Westview.

Thank you to everyone who came to our April 11 and 12 workshops. Please see "Documents" in the sidebar for a summary of community feedback.

In May and June, staff worked with ISL Engineering to substantially update the concept plan for Maple Avenue and Sycamore Street to reflect public input. On July 13, 2023 Council reviewed the updated concept plan and directed staff to proceed to tendering and construction. ISL Engineering is currently working on this process. It's anticipated that construction could start as soon as March 2024. You can see the design that Council approved under the "Documents" tab. Please note that this project does not include changes to the location or curb painting associated with BC Transit bus stops.


How is the project being funded?

The total project cost of $510,000 is being paid for by grants from the BC Government Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program and Powell River Community Forest. One of the criteria for receiving the provincial grant is the project must be part of an active transportation network plan or equivalent.

The province will fund 70 percent of the project, or $375,000. Community Forest will pay the remaining $153,000.

How can I get involved?

We hosted three neighbourhood workshops in April 2023:




What is this project?

Over the years, we've heard that Maple Avenue is a great street for families where people walk to Henderson Elementary and Brooks Secondary schools, where almost 400 people come to celebrate Halloween, and where children can play right on the street. But, many residents are still concerned about speeding vehicles. This project will result in a 30 km/h zone on Sycamore Street and Maple Avenue from Arbutus Street (Highway 101) to Brooks. Physical infrastructure on the ground, such as speed cushions and curb extensions will help keep the traffic slow.


What is a neighbourhood bikeway? Does this mean there will be a bike lane on Maple?

No, there will not be a bike lane on Sycamore Street or Maple Avenue. A neighbourhood bikeway is suited to neighbourhood streets that are no more than 11 m wide, with an average daily traffic of 500 vehicles or less, and a speed limit of 30 km/h. Neighbourhood bikeways do not separate bicycle and motor vehicle space, but instead use traffic calming measures to ensure safe and comfortable sharing of the street.

Check out our other Questions and Answers in the sidebar labeled "FAQs".

Page last updated: 16 Oct 2023, 01:53 PM