Voters are taking it to the streets this election.
Lonsdale Avenue is one of seven streets across Canada in the running for the 2016 Great Street award, presented by the Canadian Institute of Planners.
“Significant bragging rights” are on the line for the city with the winning street, according to CIP vice-president Lindsay Chase. “It’s an opportunity to recognize the contributions of planners by celebrating the places (they) create.”
Streets will be judged on esthetics, walkability, vibrancy, history and commercial activity.
Winners will be judged by a jury of five certified planners. However, a people’s choice award will also be handed out based on online voting. Online polls are scheduled to close Monday.
The contest is “an opportunity for the community to really band together and identify these places and celebrate them,” Chase said.
In an application submitted to the CIP, City of North Vancouver deputy director of community development Emilie Adin touted the street’s views, proximity to trails and tradition of shipbuilding. The application also promoted the slated transformation of The Shipyards, the “thought provoking” Walking Figure sculptures that line the street, Lonsdale Avenue’s multicultural makeup and the city’s low per capita carbon emission rate.
The CIP received seven applications for this year’s great street contest. Other streets in contention include Rue de Petit Champlain in Quebec City, Que.; Historic Main Street in Newmarket, Ont.; Fourth Street in Calgary, Alta.; and Dock Street in Shelburne, N.S. New Brunswick has two entrants, with Historic Water Street in St. Andrews and Bridge Street in Sackville both up for the award.
Anyone interested in casting a ballot can vote at greatplacesincanada.ca/vote/.
Winners are scheduled to be announced Nov. 8.
