Belmont Plaza - Project Overview

July 2022

Context

The existing interim plaza on Belmont St was implemented in 2016 as a way to assess whether a partial street closure and new public space would be supported and used by the community. It is appreciated by many residents and is very well-used; however, there have been mixed results. We’ve heard from community members about some perceptions around a lack of safety and sense of welcomeness in the space, as well as other challenges. Both these positive and negative aspects of the plaza were reinforced during our July 2022 engagement.

What’s Happening?

The City is seeking to improve the Belmont Plaza for all community members. A range of design changes are being considered, together with bylaw and land use considerations.

Beyond physically expanding the interim plaza, the purpose of this project is to work with community members and bring them together to address four key challenges identified by plaza stakeholders:

• Reduce the incidence of loud cars and motorcycles
• Determine how to address people blocking the sidewalks and/or selling items
• Ensure people have access to a smoke-free environment, while acknowledging that many people smoke at the location, and that enforcement cannot be continual
• Reduce late-night noise

In addition to understanding how the expanded plaza looks and feels for people using the space, we are also assessing whether the co-design process can establish positive relationships among the diverse groups who use and live near the plaza.

How can I participate?

Findings from our summer 2022 engagement and a study of how the plaza is being used will be shared here soon. Additional opportunities for community input will be offered in the future – more info to come.