Temporary Traffic Calming: 8th Avenue – Columbia Street – 11th Avenue
You may have noticed the new yellow painted concrete blocks, with hazard marking signs, in the neighbourhood above the school. They were installed in June 2026 at the intersection of 8th Avenue and Columbia Street, and along Columbia Street toward 11th Avenue.
These are temporary curb extensions, installed as part of a traffic calming trial. The purpose of the trial is to test ways to slow vehicle speeds, improve road safety, and better understand how changes to the street affect residents and people who walk, bike, or otherwise travel through the neighbourhood.
The curb extensions are temporary and will be removed before winter, to allow for snow clearing and winter maintenance.
History
In 2021, the Village adopted an Active Transportation Network Plan, which can be reviewed online HERE.
Also in 2021, a group of residents presented to Council requesting traffic calming along the route commonly used as a shortcut between Highway 6 and Highway 31A through 8th Avenue, Columbia Street, and 11th Avenue.
In 2023, the Village received Vision Zero BC grant funding to support road safety improvements along this corridor. As part of the project, the Village hired a multi-disciplinary engineering firm, with a specialized Transportation Division, to review traffic volumes, vehicle speeds, roadway conditions, and other factors. The engineering review provided recommendations for a range of potential traffic calming measures.
The engineer’s report identified a range of possible measures, including temporary curb extensions, speed tables, and other traffic calming options.
Why Temporary Curb Extensions?
Temporary curb extensions were selected as the first trial measure because they provide a flexible and lower-cost way to test traffic calming. They can be moved, adjusted, or removed based on their effectiveness, practical considerations, and community feedback. If they are not effective in this location, they can be moved and used elsewhere in the community.
The 8th Avenue and Columbia Street intersection was identified as the location where curb extensions could have the greatest impact by slowing vehicles entering and leaving the neighbourhood from Highway 31A. This location is also within the school zone, where the speed limit is 30 km/h between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and 40 km/h at other times.
A limited number of curb units were available, so a second trial location was selected along Columbia Street between 8th Avenue and 11th Avenue. Additional temporary curb extensions may be installed in the future using remaining units currently located at the intersection of Kootenay Street and Slocan Avenue, where improvements were recently made using another Vision Zero grant.
Next Steps and Feedback
The Village recognizes that residents have different views about traffic calming. Some residents would like to see additional measures, while others have concerns about changes to the streets. A temporary trial allows the Village to better understand the impacts of these measures before considering any longer-term changes.
The Village intends to monitor the project through traffic information, community feedback, and a future community survey. The Village intends to review this information after approximately one year to help determine whether adjustments, additional measures, or other solutions should be considered.
Residents are welcome to share their comments and experiences with the Village Office at any time during the trial.
Thank you for your patience and feedback as the Village continues to explore ways to maintain safe and accessible streets for everyone.
