Chibougamau

The case study conducted was one of fourteen studies included in Montreal Urban Ecology Centre’s report analyzing Complete Street transformations across the province of Quebec.

Project Information:

• Street Category: Commercial street
• Project length: 280 m
• Total cost: $1.9 M
• Cost per km: $6.7 M
• Year of implementation: 2019

After:

Photo: Marie-France Simard

In 2019, the Town of Chibougamau redeveloped a section of 3rd Street at the northern entrance to the town facing its health centre (the Centre de santé de Chibougamau), and more specifically, at the intersection with 2nd Street. Included in the city’s 2016 special planning program, the Plan particulier d’urbanisme (PPU), the project aimed to increase safety at the crossing between the health centre and Obalski park and to facilitate crossing the intersection in preparation for the establishment of a new centre d’hébergement et de soins de longue durée (CHSLD), a long-term care facility. This development project was aligned with the human-scale cities principle informing the intention to create a “chaleureuse nordicité,” or “nordic warmth,” the idea being to showcase Chibougamau’s nordic, welcoming, and cross-cultural personality by means of attractive public spaces.

Pedestrian infrastructure

The installation of a raised median enables pedestrians to take a break while crossing between the north and south sides of route 167. This centre island is signalled by a flashing light at the entrance to the town. The intersection between 2nd Street and 3rd Street, which had been wedge-shaped, was transformed into a T intersection. Originally, 2nd Street was split into two separate lanes by a triangular median. Space belonging to the roadway was transformed into a parking area bordered by a sidewalk. At the intersection with the hospital entrance and with 2e rue, curb ramps were installed.

Cycling infrastructure

The installation of a two-way cycling path, 242 m long and 3 m wide and separated from the roadway, closed a gap in the pedestrian pathway linking lake Gilman to the multi-use path running alongside 3rd Street.

Landscaping and furniture

On either side of the street, different varieties of conifers and deciduous trees were planted to green the entry into the town. The addition of a new lighting system enhances the attractiveness and safety of this section for pedestrians and cyclists.

Key element: The cooperation of third parties

The work was carried out under a collaborative agreement between the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) and the Ville de Chibougamau. The maximum financial contribution from the Government of Québec is assessed at $1.65 m.

Cross section, corner of 2nd Street 

Total pavement: +/- 10 metres