Erieau Boulevard Site Plan

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is inviting public comment on the Tree Management Plan and Conceptual Site Plan for Erieau Boulevard.

Background

Erieau Boulevard is located centrally in the community of Erieau - extending from Ross Lane to Mariners Road - hosting annual events such as the Boulevard of Dreams Car Show and Art on the Boulevard.

In late 2023 the Municipality identified a need for a comprehensive tree management plan to address the removal of trees in poor condition, transplantations, and future site management to ensure the health and safety of the public and maintain the tree canopy.

During the initial phases of the assessment, the Municipality identified a need for an overall site infrastructure plan.

Community Input

A community workshop was held in July of 2024 with representatives from the Municipality, the consultants and local residents. Background information and goals for the site plan project were presented, where some of the key issues and questions considered were:

  • Parking challenges along the boulevard.
  • Lack of traffic calming measures.
  • Accessibility issues with the existing pathway.
  • Improved pedestrian crossings at intersections and create more pedestrian-oriented spaces near Commercial Core.
  • What are residents most proud of about the boulevard area?
  • Many of the trees in the park area are reaching their end of life and need to be replaced. This presents a unique opportunity to think about the natural character of the park and to diversify the canopy with native species. How do you see this area looking in the future?
  • What kinds of activities could take place in the boulevard area? How do these change with the seasons?
  • Space management, including open space and pavilion area for large events/concerts, smaller gathering spaces, or seating for take-out near restaurants.

Additional considerations for the site plan included:

  • Site access, visibility, and movement for various user groups.
  • A plan for facilities renovation and/or expansion.
  • An overall site layout.
  • Flexible redevelopment and phasing options.
  • The tree management plan with recommendations for removal, maintenance, and replacement.

What are these Plans for?

Goals include:

  • Maintain open space and accessibility for special events that bring residents and visitors together and support the local businesses.
  • Increase pedestrian safety with inclusion of pedestrian-oriented intersections, well-marked pedestrian crossings, and designated pedestrian patio areas in front of shop and restaurants.
  • Plan for future tree management including: removal and replacement of trees that reach the end of their life and pose a safety risk to park users and residents. Transplanting of small trees planted too close together is also part of the tree management strategy.
  • Provide opportunities for small gatherings spaces throughout the park and support take-out dining from local restaurants.
  • Update site features to include: digital community message board, custom art wrap for the utility boxes, entrance foyer to provide a sense of arrival to the park, banners for the community and annual events
  • Improve parking along the boulevard, including: vegetated bump-outs and some paving.

Site Plans outline how a particular space is intended to be designed, developed, and managed, specific to its location, users, and conditions. Site Plans ensure that future development is intentional and meets local needs. When adopted, these plans play a crucial role in future resource allocation decisions made by the Municipality and communicate a consistent and shared vision for that space.

What are the next steps?

Recommendations for next steps as well as public comments received will be brought to Council.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is inviting public comment on the Tree Management Plan and Conceptual Site Plan for Erieau Boulevard.

Background

Erieau Boulevard is located centrally in the community of Erieau - extending from Ross Lane to Mariners Road - hosting annual events such as the Boulevard of Dreams Car Show and Art on the Boulevard.

In late 2023 the Municipality identified a need for a comprehensive tree management plan to address the removal of trees in poor condition, transplantations, and future site management to ensure the health and safety of the public and maintain the tree canopy.

During the initial phases of the assessment, the Municipality identified a need for an overall site infrastructure plan.

Community Input

A community workshop was held in July of 2024 with representatives from the Municipality, the consultants and local residents. Background information and goals for the site plan project were presented, where some of the key issues and questions considered were:

  • Parking challenges along the boulevard.
  • Lack of traffic calming measures.
  • Accessibility issues with the existing pathway.
  • Improved pedestrian crossings at intersections and create more pedestrian-oriented spaces near Commercial Core.
  • What are residents most proud of about the boulevard area?
  • Many of the trees in the park area are reaching their end of life and need to be replaced. This presents a unique opportunity to think about the natural character of the park and to diversify the canopy with native species. How do you see this area looking in the future?
  • What kinds of activities could take place in the boulevard area? How do these change with the seasons?
  • Space management, including open space and pavilion area for large events/concerts, smaller gathering spaces, or seating for take-out near restaurants.

Additional considerations for the site plan included:

  • Site access, visibility, and movement for various user groups.
  • A plan for facilities renovation and/or expansion.
  • An overall site layout.
  • Flexible redevelopment and phasing options.
  • The tree management plan with recommendations for removal, maintenance, and replacement.

What are these Plans for?

Goals include:

  • Maintain open space and accessibility for special events that bring residents and visitors together and support the local businesses.
  • Increase pedestrian safety with inclusion of pedestrian-oriented intersections, well-marked pedestrian crossings, and designated pedestrian patio areas in front of shop and restaurants.
  • Plan for future tree management including: removal and replacement of trees that reach the end of their life and pose a safety risk to park users and residents. Transplanting of small trees planted too close together is also part of the tree management strategy.
  • Provide opportunities for small gatherings spaces throughout the park and support take-out dining from local restaurants.
  • Update site features to include: digital community message board, custom art wrap for the utility boxes, entrance foyer to provide a sense of arrival to the park, banners for the community and annual events
  • Improve parking along the boulevard, including: vegetated bump-outs and some paving.

Site Plans outline how a particular space is intended to be designed, developed, and managed, specific to its location, users, and conditions. Site Plans ensure that future development is intentional and meets local needs. When adopted, these plans play a crucial role in future resource allocation decisions made by the Municipality and communicate a consistent and shared vision for that space.

What are the next steps?

Recommendations for next steps as well as public comments received will be brought to Council.

Discussions: All (1) Open (1)
Page last updated: 04 Jun 2025, 11:48 AM