Prince Albert’s historic Central Avenue, which runs through the downtown core, is one step closer to becoming a two-way street. “Now the real estate on the streets, on both sides of the streets get a lot of visibility, and so it increases even more opportunities for our entrepreneurs, our arts, our coffee houses,” said City Councillor Dawn Kilmer, who is in support for the idea. At Monday’s meeting, city council voted seven to two for the design of the future streetscape for Central Avenue between River Street and 15 Street west including two-way traffic. Central Avenue currently only has northbound traffic. The city says two-way traffic will make it easier for drivers to access businesses, and would increase walkability and transit access. Some councillors voiced doubt for the idea, including Councillor Bryce Laewetz. “Central was changed to two-way traffic, and then it was changed back to one way traffic again,” he said. Laewetz says he’s been looking into the reasoning for the changes. “Obviously it didn’t work the first time we tried it, and I do have budgetary concerns when it comes to multiple projects projected over the next few years. So based on that, I will not be supporting this at this time.” The city says some of the underground infrastructure in the area is more than 120 years old and in need of replacement. “We still know the infrastructure is not getting any newer,” said Councillor Darren Solomon. “It’s just continuing to age and we’re eventually gonna get pushed into a situation where we’re going to have to address it, and usually when that happens, we’re not going to be ready and it’s going to cost more.” The Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce submitted a letter to the city in support of two-way traffic. “We recognize that any change of this scale will require a period of adjustment for residents, visitors, and businesses,” the Chamber of Commerce noted. “However, the long-term advantages, including improved navigation, increased storefront exposure and a more welcoming environment for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, align strongly with our shared goals for a vibrant, thriving downtown.” Kilmer says Prince Albert has an official plan aimed at having an arts and education centre in the downtown area. “The potential changes allow for that to happen while we’re doing the infrastructure that we would be doing anyway.” A city administration report from March says the project could take until 2029 to be construction-ready.
