New sidewalk on Michael Street

About this project

The City of London is committed to providing safe, convenient, and accessible mobility choices for all residents. As part of this commitment, new sidewalks are added each year on streets that currently lack them, to bolster connectivity and provide more mobility options.

In November 2023, City Council approved a Neighbourhood Connectivity Plan for the Huron Heights neighbourhood that includes adding a sidewalk on one side of Michael Street from Michael Circle to Cheapside Street.

The City then evaluated different options for the sidewalk location with resident input. The sidewalk construction is now planned to begin in the spring or summer of 2025.

Above: A map of the proposed sidewalk along Michael Street.

In the fall of 2024, the City sent a notice to residents about the upcoming sidewalk project on Michael Street that will improve connectivity and increase mobility choices for nearby residents, see map below showing the proposed sidewalk limits.

Since the notice, a detailed land survey has been completed, an on-street meeting was held, and the feasibility of various sidewalk locations on Michael Street have been assessed.

The assessment looked at a range of factors, including walking connectivity, pedestrian comfort, street lighting, grading, and potential impacts to trees, utilities, on-street parking and driveways. City staff also considered the comments we received from residents at the on-street meeting on November 14, 2024 and all other feedback received to date.

Based on resident feedback and the detailed assessment, the City is recommending the following sidewalk locations:

• Michael Street between Cheapside Street and 50 metres north of Irving Place. The sidewalk design will be behind and adjacent to the existing curb on the west side. (Design option #2)
• Michael Street between Michael Circle and 50 metres north of Irving Place. The sidewalk design will narrow the road and introduce a curb and sidewalk on the west side. (Design option #3)

Advance tree removals

After careful assessment by the City, it was determined that 6 trees within the City right of way will need to be removed. Learn more about the tree removals.

Advance tree removals will occur in February or March and these trees will be marked with white spray paint in advance of their removal.

A tree protection plan has been established for the remaining trees and tree replanting will occur after construction, with the goal of planting the right tree in the right location.

Design

There were three design options considered for the sidewalk:

1. The standard location for most sidewalks is behind the curb with a wide grass boulevard between the curb and sidewalk, leaving space for trees.
2. Another typical location for sidewalks is behind the curb, immediately adjacent to the curb.
3. A final option is to narrow the roadway for vehicles by shifting the curb toward the centre of the road, and locating the sidewalk near the existing curb location.

The examples pictured below show the three different options of sidewalks assessed by the City. A combination of options #2 and #3 have been selected for this project.

1. Grass boulevard example - the sidewalk is behind the curb with a wide grass boulevard between the curb and sidewalk.	2. Curb adjacent sidewalk example - the sidewalk is behind the curb and immediately adjacent to the curb.	3. Sidewalk with road narrowing example - the roadway is narrowed by shifting the curb toward the centre of the road.