The city is going to undertake consultations with residents on Upland Drive, Saratoga Drive and Belair Drive to seek feedback on proposed "Slow Streets" zones as well as sidewalks in their neighbourhood.
Speed humps were installed three years ago on those Tsawwassen streets following support for traffic calming by area residents, however, currently no sidewalks exist in the neighbourhood.
A report to council notes the city continues to receive letters of concern about traffic speeds and volumes, although, based on traffic data collected in the fall of 2020, the speed humps have demonstrated to be effective in lowering the vehicle travel speeds.
The city plans to install "Neighbourhood Slow Zone" signs as a reminder as part of the slow streets initiative.
Also, since Upland Drive, Saratoga Drive and Belair Drive do not have sidewalks, most pedestrians have to share the travel lane with vehicles, so staff recommended to council that the city get feedback from residents on the installation of sidewalks.
Over the past year, the issue of Delta neighbourhoods having poor sidewalk networks has become a concern raised by council.
The city noted in a recent report that a number of older neighbourhoods in Delta were developed without sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
Sidewalks have typically been delivered over the years through new developments and capital projects within the Neighbourhood Road Improvements Program.
However, with increased requests for infilling of missing sidewalks, council approved additional funding in its annual capital plan.
The Neighbourhood Livability and Safety Improvements Plan was developed in 2021 to improve accessibility and enhance pedestrian connections within communities.
Council recently approved an engineering department recommendation to install sidewalks in several South Delta and North Delta streets as part of the new program.
The new sidewalks will be installed next to the existing curbs and tie into existing sidewalks.
Council this week also approved the 2022 city operating budget which includes additional funding in the capital program for the Neighbourhood Livability and Safety Improvements Plan for various sidewalk connections, crosswalks, road safety and enhanced cycling infrastructure program.
