As a daily walker living in Nelson, I am really pleased to see the sidewalk improvement work taking place in Uphill and Stanley Street. Thank you.
In many cases the curb cuts are being replaced or added to the corners so they continue the straight line direction to cross the street. This is so important for all ages and abilities as it can be difficult to maneuver a stroller, walker, wheelchair at an angle to safely cross a street.
Though aesthetically pleasing, and likely cost saving, some curb cuts at larger downtown intersections are angled as such that a sidewalk user is forced into the middle of the intersection rather than easily staying perpendicular to the street being crossed. The intersection at Vernon and Hall Street is an example. With Nelson being hilly, it certainly is understandable to use curbs and angles to keep runoff away from the sidewalks as keeping water/ice away from sidewalks is a pedestrian safety measure as well.
Thank you again for the replacement sidewalks in the Uphill area and that their design considers safety and ease for all ages and abilities of pedestrian users.
Patricia Dehnel
Nelson