Beginning next spring, Waterloo’s Larch Street will be converted into a ‘woonerf’ street.

A woonerf street is a living, shared street designed to emphasize walking and cycling and to be a social space where people can meet and interact. The term is Dutch, and the concept was originally implemented in Holland. It features shared spaces, traffic calming measures and lower speed limits.

The notion of a woonerf street was included in the City of Waterloo’s Northdale Streetscape Master Plan. The document considered design concepts and strategies for the neighbourhood's public spaces as well as its city streets. Preferred design elements included pedestrian and cycling facilities, on-street parking where needed, more public realm landscaping space, opportunities for lighting, and underground infrastructure upgrades.

The study's direction is based on the city's vision for a vibrant neighbourhood with more attractive streets and public spaces. Community members also expressed their preference for more active transportation options.

Larch Street will integrate all users within the same right-of-way and without boundaries separating the users. As part of the reconstruction, all underground municipal infrastructure will be replaced, including sanitary sewer, storm sewer, watermain and sanitary and water services up to the common property lines. Surface works will include new road structure and landscape features (planters, bike racks, posts, benches, waste receptacles, etc.)

Construction is expected to begin in May 2020 with completion and a grand opening expected by the end of August.