Beautiful, practical and ecologically sound

Co-operation, vision and planning allowed the City of Rossland to incorporate important elements into its downtown upgrade

by Marie Milner — January 07, 2013

Broadly smiling man wearing a black bowler hat and topcoat gestures with his right hand toward the festive lights on the street behind him

1 of 2Rossland Mayor Greg Granstrom proudly indicates the city's upgraded winter streetscape. — Photo courtesy Doell Photo

Deep blue sky over a winter streetscape with a few parked vehicles and indications of sidewalk construction

2 of 2Rossland's downtown now has improved snow-melt drainage. — Photo courtesy Jason Ward

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The reconstruction of Rossland’s downtown core primarily addressed the practical matters of upgrading the aging water and sewer pipes below the streets, as well as resurfacing the highway to facilitate traffic flow through the heart of town.

But there's more

Safety and convenience were considered in designing the project. To naturally slow traffic and improve sightlines beyond parked cars, sidewalk curbs have been curved outward at intersections, extending into the roadway. This physical constraint results in what is called "traffic calming," and creates greater visibility and a shorter crossing distance for pedestrians.

There were some esthetic considerations too, and environmental sustainability was partnered with technology in the landscaping and beautification features.

“In 2007 we were designated a resort municipality by the government of B.C.," said Mike Maturo, manager of planning and development services for the City of Rossland. "When you get that designation, you want your appearance to be worthy of it."

Maturo said choosing drought-resistant plants that thrive in an urban environment will help the City maintain its commitment to water conservation in the downtown core.

“Trees were planted using strata cells, promoting the trees’ health and preventing the roots from causing sidewalk heave," he said. "LED streetlights reduce energy demand and there are irrigation lines within the poles to more efficiently water the hanging flower baskets."

The candle in the icing on the cake

“We decided to eliminate problems that we had with snow-melt collecting at the curbs,” Maturo said. “We re-profiled three full blocks of Columbia (Avenue), creating a storm swale on each side. Support from MOTI (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure) for this feature was critical. Now the water will drain away from the curbs, and shoppers can exit their vehicles without stepping into a puddle.”

That improvement alone should earn the project some applause.