Quilchena Avenue

Reinforcing Quilchena Avenue As a Pedestrian-first Main Street.

THE CHALLENGE

Quilchena Avenue is one of Merritt’s key pedestrian and retail streets. The City sought strategies to strengthen the role of Quilchena Avenue by improving its accessibility, comfort and  identity as a walkable shopping and events street. Strategies to improve accessibility and grow tree canopy were also needed. An engagement-led design process was desired by the City, to develop a community vision together.

THE RESPONSE

Through an engagement led design process, MODUS developed a concept vision which aims to identify targeted investments that build on what’s working on Quilchena today. The concept introduces a mid-block pedestrian-priority zone with special paving, catenary lighting, and movable furnishings to support comfort and choice. A tree strategy helps to grow a resilient tree canopy, with diverse, climate adaptive species that provide seasonal and visual interest. These changes reinforce Quilchena as a lively, welcoming high street that supports local businesses, seasonal events, and encourages people to linger downtown.

Client

City of Merritt

Collaborators

Matthew Thomson Design

Calum Srigley