UPDATES: KING STREET RECONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE CHANGE, RAINBOW CROSSWALK & MORE
IMPORTANT UPDATES
Rainbow Crosswalk Coming to Downtown Midland Council approved a motion that would see a Rainbow Crosswalk installed in Downtown Midland in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Council directed staff to prepare a report detailing the timing and location of the crosswalk, with consideration being given to the King Street reconstruction project taking place in 2020. Rear Facade Improvement Program Launched by Downtown Midland BIA The Downtown Midland BIA is pleased to introduce a new Rear Facade Improvement Program for BIA members. $35,000 in funding is available with eligible work including: interior work (up to 3 meters maximum from the doorway), greenery & landscaping, waste management improvements, parking lot upgrades, exterior lighting, etc. Minimum project funded will be in the amount of $300 - maximum $1,000. Full details about this new program and other grant & loans can be found on the BIA’s website at www.DowntownMidland.ca/FacadeProgram Rear Sign Permit Application Fees Waived by Town of Midland Council passed by-law 2019-64 Wednesday night to waive sign permit application fees for new and improved signage in laneway entrances for businesses that are planning for the 2020 Big Dig Project. By waiving sign fees for 2019 and 2020 Council is hoping to assist downtown business owners improve the laneway accesses into their buildings and provide for clear signage for customers to continue to shop and spend downtown. King Street Reconstruction Schedule Change An adjustment to the King Street Reconstruction schedule has been made, after Council approved a report that will see some work begin in the Fall of 2019 along Bayshore Drive and on King Street from Bayshore Drive to Bay Street (from the Marina entrance to Bay St.). The purpose of moving this work forward ahead of schedule is to help reduce the anticipated transportation disruptions in 2020 during the work along King Street, from Bayshore Drive to Yonge Street. The businesses will be impacted regardless of when the construction occurs. If the construction is this Fall the disruption will be a maximum of 8 weeks with full access to their businesses in 2020 rather than 20 weeks of disruption next year. Also, eliminating the traffic closures during the summer on Bayshore Drive next year will have a significant positive benefit for tourism and visitors to the harbour as well as with general traffic management while King Street is closed. Bay Street from King Street to Borsa Laneway & Bay Street from King Street to Bourgeois Laneway will be used for material storage during the 8 week Fall construction (Marina will be a backup space for material storage if needed). All municipal parking lots will remain open during the 8 week project as requested by the BIA. The Fall construction is set to begin around September 16th.
Fall 2019 work will directly impact the following area
