WATERLOO - Waterloo council has approved three key proposals to improve outdoor spaces in the uptown, while warning the unfunded projects won't happen right away.

The city will wait for better mapping of the Laurel Creek flood plain before implementing top outdoor priorities.

Consultants call it a reality check on aspirations, recognizing that drainage constrains, construction and much of the uptown is in the flood plain.

Three proposals, applauded by the public and uptown businesses during consultations, would:

• Enhance and expand the Laurel Greenway, turning it into a linear park and creating a continuous green space that cuts across the middle of the uptown.

• Turn Willis Way into a one-way street with a design that puts people first, connects better to parks at both ends and allows the street to close to traffic for special events.

• Develop a Civic Common - described as an extended front lawn for the uptown - around the historic waterworks and underused parks in the area of William and King streets.

"I think it is extremely inspiring," Coun. Tenille Bonoguore said. "This is not going to be a report that sits on a shelf."

Coun. Jeff Henry hailed the plan while noting "there are some real limitations" around implementation.

City hall may take small steps toward the top projects while waiting for constraints to be clarified.

Steps to improve the Laurel Greenway would include securing a 30-metre stretch of land centred on the Laurel Trail. The proposal is to put playgrounds, plazas and lawns along its edge while transforming the flood plain into a more durable park.

The enhanced greenway would have more trees and consistent way-finding as well as drinking fountains, receptacles, seating, and marked and protected crosswalks at major roads. Artists would be invited to stage temporary installations or events within the greenway.

Redeveloping Willis Way would make it more inviting for pedestrians while better connecting it to Cenotaph Park, an underused space that's hidden away at one end.

The street would close to cars at times for public events. The idea is to make it a continuous public space that is contemplative, but also a place for lively shopping.

The Civic Common would connect to the Ion rail transit station at King and Allen streets. It would become a gateway, stressing nature and resilience and showcasing the boundaries of the original town square.

jouthit@therecord.com

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