CORNWALL, Ontario – The public had a chance to weigh-in on three possible new looks for the promenade in front of the Justice Building.
All options include a raised podium area in front of the Justice Building for presentations and press announcements. All options also keep the fountain in the centre of the promenade.
“Part of the reason for this redesign is that there are deficiencies that need to be addressed,” said Municipal Works Division Manager Bill de Wit.
He explained that the site in front of the Justice Building as it is right now has poor drainage, which leads to ice build-up. The site is also not universally accessible and in some respects, is deteriorating and dated.
Architecture firm Lashley + Associated was asked to come up with concepts for a redesign of the site.
They developed three options which they presented at a public meeting at Cornwall City Hall on the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 24.
“The main focus throughout the designs is getting rid of the steps,” said Lashley + Associates Landscapes Architect Edgar Ramirez. “Modern cities are moving to universal access.”
Ramirez was referring to the steps at either end of the promenade, which could deter those in wheelchairs or mobility issues.
All options also have a curved crescent angled towards the justice building.
The first option has gray paving stones, the second has dark brown paving stones down the centre and on the sides of the site.
The last option includes a lot of greenery and trees near the front of the promenade near Pitt St.
Lashley + Associates was collecting feedback from the public at the Wednesday evening forum and will include that feedback in a future presentation to Cornwall City Council.
