Question

The following are the proposed plans for the transformation of Canal Street as a great urban place:

Pedestrian connectivity, recreational opportunities and environmental enhancements to support the health and well-being of all; the transformation plan strives to support the varied needs of all and allow convenient physical access to cafes, craft markets, shops and rain gardens. A safe connected pedestrian and bicycle network encourages and supports residents of all ages and physical capabilities to access various places without the use of a vehicle. Well designed and unobstructed crosswalks and sidewalks allow users with mobility limitations to traverse the sidewalks and onto the harbour. Landscape enhancements includes street trees and other plantings, benches, fountains, awnings which contribute to healthy and desired outdoor environment encouraging residents and tourist to dine, shop and visit on foot.

· Strengthen existing architectural style and infrastructure; Strong street walls comprised of buildings (cafes, craft market, shops, etc.), fences, walls and landscaping clearly articulate the public space that contains street trees, cobblestone paving, lighting and other amenities. The sustainable design, through the use of green gardens, building orientation and trees support a strong civic environment initiative. To ensure maximum safety the relevant authorities and necessary crime prevention measures will be implemented.

· Cycling trails, public arts, improved sidewalks; Canal street will be transformed into a comfortable pedestrian environment that encourages walking. Wide sidewalks, street trees and a unified family of paving and street benches encourage increase pedestrians activity. Safe and convenient for cyclist and pedestrian crossings along. The inclusion of high-quality, diverse public art helps to shape and define the street, express Trinidad’s history and draw tourist into its boundaries.

· Utility Improvements and sustainability; • Servicing requirements for the area include sanitary, water and power connections. Every effort will be made to co-ordinate and utilize services effectively to reduce cost where necessary. Showcase and test sustainable initiatives such as, but not limited to, a range of low impact development features such as rain gardens, low water landscaping and renewable energy/efficient street lighting. Power sources will be provided at the bases of street trees in order to support seasonal lighting, where possible. These are aimed to highlight the connections between ecosystems, infrastructure, and the urban environment.

Economic Benefit: a. What is the economic benefit created by your innovation and how does your proposal provide this benefit?

Answer 1

Answer: The economic benefit created by my proposal is of higher economic activity that will take place after Canal Street will be transformed by improving its eco systems, urban infrastructure and environment. The steps like convenient physical access for all types of people including elderly and disabled, landscape enhancement , improvement in the architectural style infrastructure and improvements in safety , sustainability and utilities will all make the Canal street a big tourist attraction. The shops, cafes and craft markets situated on the street will have more business and this will help in generating revenues not only for these businessmen but also for the government and at the same time will make the canal street more popular and better in terms of ecology.