Major pedestrian safety and streetscape improvements are coming to Prairie Avenue, starting with the section from Coast Meridian Road to Burns Road.
The three kilometre stretch of Prairie Avenue between Shaughnessy Street and Fremont Street sees more than 13,000 cars per day and is a critical connector to residents and businesses living and travelling to the north side of the community.
In addition to enhancing safety and function, the improvements will support the beautification and future redevelopment of the north side business area.
The Prairie Avenue improvements have been divided into three phases.
Phase one includes sanitary and storm main upgrades along Prairie Avenue between Cedar Drive and Fremont Street. This work has been completed and temporary restoration is in place.
Phase two includes road construction along Prairie Avenue between Coast Meridian Road and Burns Road. Construction was substantially completed Spring 2022, and the scope of work includes the following:
Phase three will be a continuation of Phase two between Shaughnessy Street and Coast Meridian Road, and is planned for construction in Spring/Summer 2025, pending Mayor/Council approval.
As part of the planned rehabilitation works on Prairie Avenue, the City has been considering additional improvements along the corridor to meet the community’s future needs.
This corridor is a primary entry point for the north side neighbourhoods and commercial zone, yet lacks modern streetscape features in many areas. Additionally, traffic congestion has continued to increase along the corridor.
In 2017, the City allocated funding in the Capital Program for road design and construction improvements. Design options and concept plans were developed in 2018 and 2019, with the work including traffic studies, and a review of best practices.
At the June 11, 2019 Committee of Council Meeting, staff were approved to proceed with public consultation on the planned improvements.
Three options with a variety of configurations were presented to the public for feedback in September. The approved concept design is based on a fourth option that reflects public feedback and traffic analysis data.
A variety of modern streetscape features will be introduced along Prairie Avenue. No additional traffic lanes are proposed.
Some of the features are shown below, with details provided in the staff reports linked on this page.
 | Roundabouts • Intersection control and traffic calming benefits. • Allow for safe U-turns and reduced collisions at intersections. • Planned for Newberry Street and Prairie Avenue. |
 | Curb Extensions, Crosswalks and Street Parking • Curb extensions and crosswalks will be added at strategic locations for traffic calming and pedestrian safety. • Commonly used throughout the City and region. • The extensions will delineate the street parking (creating “parking pockets”) while providing greater visibility to crossing pedestrians and reduced crossing distances. See Construction Impacts below for effect on parking. |
 | Raised Planted Medians • Safely separate lanes, reducing conflict zones by limiting left-hand turns. • Can be used in concert with roundabouts, which allow for U-turns. • Add interest and beauty to the streetscape. • Provide environmental benefits (e.g. contribute to cooler temperatures and reduce the “heat island effect”). |
 | Planted Boulevards and Street Trees • Separate pedestrians from the roadway, improving safety. • Add interest and beauty to the streetscape. • Provide environmental benefits, e.g. provide shade, contribute to cooler temperatures (reducing the “heat island effect”) and add to the City’s tree canopy. |
 | Off-street Multiuse Path • Safe, grade-separated paved paths for pedestrians, cyclists and other human-powered modes of transportation. • Three metres wide with markings for bicycles and pedestrians |
Every effort will be made to carry out the work with as little inconvenience as possible. Some of the potential impacts are noted below.
Boulevards
Some Prairie Avenue residents have installed permanent structures or significant landscaping on the City road allowance or boulevard (the space between the road edge and property line). Examples include sprinkler systems, walls, fences, and large trees and hedges.
While these types of enhancements may be common, they are not permitted by the City’s Road Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw, and may be in the way of planned improvements based on the option and features chosen.
In these cases we will work with the owners, providing them with appropriate advance notice if they wish to remove their features before any work takes place.
Click here for more information about the rules for boulevards.
Parking
The introduction of curb extensions and crosswalks for pedestrian safety will delineate street parking (creating “parking pockets”) and have a nominal impact on the number of available spaces.
Traffic
Construction will cause some waits and detours, but the City will work to minimize the inconvenience to drivers and corridor users. Alternate routes will be provided and scheduling will take into account peak traffic hours.
Businesses
All precautions will be made to ensure business needs are understood. Throughout the course of the project, there may be temporary impacts to the access points of businesses. Should this be necessary, the contractor will provide proper notice and signage to guide customers to alternative access points. The contractor and the City will arrange for a meeting prior to beginning any work which may impact businesses.
Construction Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As with all construction work taking place in Port Coquitlam, strict provisions will be in place to ensure workers are following all public health requirements, which differ slightly for construction sites and essential services than those for the public. The city is closely monitoring updates provided by health authorities and will take any necessary action directed by the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
The following timeline may be affected by weather and other variables.
Engineering & Public Works
Tel: 604.927.5420
Email engineering@portcoquitlam.ca
