Centennial Street One-Way Proposal

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OVERVIEW

As part of our Find Your Centre - City Centre Renewal Plan, we're working to breathe new life into the heart of our community. At the centre of this vision is the creation of a vibrant City Centre area, focused around Centennial Square, the surrounding stretch of Commonwealth Avenue, and St. David's Park.

Our goal? To transform this area into a dynamic destination where people want to live, shop, dine and connect; a community hub that brings us together through culture, commerce, and life.

To make this happen, we're planning for:

  • A wider range of retail, cultural, and entertainment spaces
  • Higher-density residential developments to support local businesses
  • More flexible zoning and land use, allowing for a mix of uses that create a lively and walkable neighbourhood.

But first, we need to lay the groundwork - starting with safety and accessibility. That's why we want to pilot a one-way conversion of Centennial Street.

By making Centennial Street a one-way, we can:

  • Improve traffic flow and safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers
  • Create opportunities for more sidewalk space, parking, landscaping, or even patios and pop-up shops
  • Set the stage for future improvements that support a thriving City Centre

PROPOSED TRAFFIC CHANGES

Centennial Street will be a one-way on the stretch from Bannister Street to Commonwealth Avenue. The pilot project, if approved, will last for a duration of 5-6 months,

During this one-way pilot project, there will be NO vehicular access to Centennial Street from Commonwealth Avenue. Traffic entering Centennial Street from Bannister may turn left or right at the intersection. There will still be access to Centennial Street via Park Avenue.

There will be new traffic signs implemented on the one-way portion of Centennial Street, including:

  • One-Way
  • Do Not Enter
  • No Left Turn
  • No Right Turn
  • Temporary "New Traffic Pattern"

For full details, please refer to the Centennial New Roads Signs document.

WHAT WE HEARD

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback on the proposed one-way pilot for Centennial Street. Your voices are helping shape the future of our City Centre, and your input continues to be a vital part of the decision-making process.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve reviewed feedback from residents, visitors, and businesses on the potential benefits and challenges of converting a section of Centennial Street to one-way traffic. While there was support for many of the goals behind the proposal, such as creating more parking and wider sidewalks, there were also concerns that need further consideration.

What We Heard

Here are some of the key themes that emerged from your feedback:

  • Support for More Public Space: Many respondents appreciated the idea of increasing on-street parking, widening sidewalks, and adding space for seating or greenery. These features would contribute to a more walkable and welcoming City Centre.

  • Concerns About Traffic Flow: Some community members expressed worry that a one-way street could cause increased traffic congestion in nearby areas, particularly before the Team Gushue Highway expansion is complete.

  • The Need for More Business Input: While we received general feedback from the community, we recognize that more in-depth input is needed from local businesses.

What’s Next?

Based on the feedback we received, we’ve decided not to proceed with the one-way pilot at this time. However, this isn’t a permanent decision—it’s a pause while we gather more information and wait for a better time to reassess.

Once the Team Gushue Highway expansion is completed, we anticipate a reduction in traffic volumes in the area. At that point, we’ll collect new traffic counts and revisit the one-way option with updated data and additional community input.

Our Ongoing Commitment

We remain committed to building a vibrant, inclusive, and walkable City Centre that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. This process takes time and thoughtful planning. We’re grateful for your continued engagement.

OVERVIEW

As part of our Find Your Centre - City Centre Renewal Plan, we're working to breathe new life into the heart of our community. At the centre of this vision is the creation of a vibrant City Centre area, focused around Centennial Square, the surrounding stretch of Commonwealth Avenue, and St. David's Park.

Our goal? To transform this area into a dynamic destination where people want to live, shop, dine and connect; a community hub that brings us together through culture, commerce, and life.

To make this happen, we're planning for:

  • A wider range of retail, cultural, and entertainment spaces
  • Higher-density residential developments to support local businesses
  • More flexible zoning and land use, allowing for a mix of uses that create a lively and walkable neighbourhood.

But first, we need to lay the groundwork - starting with safety and accessibility. That's why we want to pilot a one-way conversion of Centennial Street.

By making Centennial Street a one-way, we can:

  • Improve traffic flow and safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers
  • Create opportunities for more sidewalk space, parking, landscaping, or even patios and pop-up shops
  • Set the stage for future improvements that support a thriving City Centre

PROPOSED TRAFFIC CHANGES

Centennial Street will be a one-way on the stretch from Bannister Street to Commonwealth Avenue. The pilot project, if approved, will last for a duration of 5-6 months,

During this one-way pilot project, there will be NO vehicular access to Centennial Street from Commonwealth Avenue. Traffic entering Centennial Street from Bannister may turn left or right at the intersection. There will still be access to Centennial Street via Park Avenue.

There will be new traffic signs implemented on the one-way portion of Centennial Street, including:

  • One-Way
  • Do Not Enter
  • No Left Turn
  • No Right Turn
  • Temporary "New Traffic Pattern"

For full details, please refer to the Centennial New Roads Signs document.

WHAT WE HEARD

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback on the proposed one-way pilot for Centennial Street. Your voices are helping shape the future of our City Centre, and your input continues to be a vital part of the decision-making process.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve reviewed feedback from residents, visitors, and businesses on the potential benefits and challenges of converting a section of Centennial Street to one-way traffic. While there was support for many of the goals behind the proposal, such as creating more parking and wider sidewalks, there were also concerns that need further consideration.

What We Heard

Here are some of the key themes that emerged from your feedback:

  • Support for More Public Space: Many respondents appreciated the idea of increasing on-street parking, widening sidewalks, and adding space for seating or greenery. These features would contribute to a more walkable and welcoming City Centre.

  • Concerns About Traffic Flow: Some community members expressed worry that a one-way street could cause increased traffic congestion in nearby areas, particularly before the Team Gushue Highway expansion is complete.

  • The Need for More Business Input: While we received general feedback from the community, we recognize that more in-depth input is needed from local businesses.

What’s Next?

Based on the feedback we received, we’ve decided not to proceed with the one-way pilot at this time. However, this isn’t a permanent decision—it’s a pause while we gather more information and wait for a better time to reassess.

Once the Team Gushue Highway expansion is completed, we anticipate a reduction in traffic volumes in the area. At that point, we’ll collect new traffic counts and revisit the one-way option with updated data and additional community input.

Our Ongoing Commitment

We remain committed to building a vibrant, inclusive, and walkable City Centre that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. This process takes time and thoughtful planning. We’re grateful for your continued engagement.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share Your dept. commented below that they had been in touch with business' in the area for feed back. I was in touch with Connective Therapies in that area yesterday and no one had contacted them. (They are on the corner of Bannister and Centennial.) Are you certain you contacted affected businesses? on Facebook Share Your dept. commented below that they had been in touch with business' in the area for feed back. I was in touch with Connective Therapies in that area yesterday and no one had contacted them. (They are on the corner of Bannister and Centennial.) Are you certain you contacted affected businesses? on Twitter Share Your dept. commented below that they had been in touch with business' in the area for feed back. I was in touch with Connective Therapies in that area yesterday and no one had contacted them. (They are on the corner of Bannister and Centennial.) Are you certain you contacted affected businesses? on Linkedin Email Your dept. commented below that they had been in touch with business' in the area for feed back. I was in touch with Connective Therapies in that area yesterday and no one had contacted them. (They are on the corner of Bannister and Centennial.) Are you certain you contacted affected businesses? link

    Your dept. commented below that they had been in touch with business' in the area for feed back. I was in touch with Connective Therapies in that area yesterday and no one had contacted them. (They are on the corner of Bannister and Centennial.) Are you certain you contacted affected businesses?

    Bill G asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your message. Businesses along Centennial Street were contacted directly, and remaining businesses were provided with an information handout. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I will follow up with Connective Therapies to ensure they received the appropriate information.

  • Share I totally disagree with this decision it should be a 2 way street on Facebook Share I totally disagree with this decision it should be a 2 way street on Twitter Share I totally disagree with this decision it should be a 2 way street on Linkedin Email I totally disagree with this decision it should be a 2 way street link

    I totally disagree with this decision it should be a 2 way street

    Keith Brown asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for sharing your feedback! Your input helps us better understand what matters most as we look at the future of Centennial Street. We’d love for you to be part of the conversation—please take a few moments to complete the survey and share your ideas.  

  • Share Will there be access to Bannister street from Centennial street ? on Facebook Share Will there be access to Bannister street from Centennial street ? on Twitter Share Will there be access to Bannister street from Centennial street ? on Linkedin Email Will there be access to Bannister street from Centennial street ? link

    Will there be access to Bannister street from Centennial street ?

    Scott asked about 2 months ago

    Thanks for your question. Yes, access will still be available. Centennial Street at Bannister Street will remain two-way traffic. You will be able to reach Bannister street by entering Centennial from Park Avenue and continuing through. 

    Please see the below map for your reference. 

  • Share Will the signalling at Commonwealth Avenue be changed to remove the left arrow allowing traffic to turn onto Centennial St. and allow traffic to move in both directions at the same time after the red? on Facebook Share Will the signalling at Commonwealth Avenue be changed to remove the left arrow allowing traffic to turn onto Centennial St. and allow traffic to move in both directions at the same time after the red? on Twitter Share Will the signalling at Commonwealth Avenue be changed to remove the left arrow allowing traffic to turn onto Centennial St. and allow traffic to move in both directions at the same time after the red? on Linkedin Email Will the signalling at Commonwealth Avenue be changed to remove the left arrow allowing traffic to turn onto Centennial St. and allow traffic to move in both directions at the same time after the red? link

    Will the signalling at Commonwealth Avenue be changed to remove the left arrow allowing traffic to turn onto Centennial St. and allow traffic to move in both directions at the same time after the red?

    Peter asked about 2 months ago

    Thanks for your question. Yes, that is correct. The left-turn arrow will be removed, and the signal timing will be adjusted to allow traffic in both directions to proceed after the red light, rather than prioritizing a dedicated left-turn phase.

  • Share My main concern with this proposal is that the traffic for the drive-thru access for Mary Browns will add traffic to area that would have stayed localized to the restaurant. Additionally, this will lilely lead to an increase in the (already high) thru-traffic seen on Bannister street as people choose that option versus dealing with what is lilely 2 more traffic lights and the delays. Perhaps the 1-way traffic should be the other direction to reduce other negative impacts. on Facebook Share My main concern with this proposal is that the traffic for the drive-thru access for Mary Browns will add traffic to area that would have stayed localized to the restaurant. Additionally, this will lilely lead to an increase in the (already high) thru-traffic seen on Bannister street as people choose that option versus dealing with what is lilely 2 more traffic lights and the delays. Perhaps the 1-way traffic should be the other direction to reduce other negative impacts. on Twitter Share My main concern with this proposal is that the traffic for the drive-thru access for Mary Browns will add traffic to area that would have stayed localized to the restaurant. Additionally, this will lilely lead to an increase in the (already high) thru-traffic seen on Bannister street as people choose that option versus dealing with what is lilely 2 more traffic lights and the delays. Perhaps the 1-way traffic should be the other direction to reduce other negative impacts. on Linkedin Email My main concern with this proposal is that the traffic for the drive-thru access for Mary Browns will add traffic to area that would have stayed localized to the restaurant. Additionally, this will lilely lead to an increase in the (already high) thru-traffic seen on Bannister street as people choose that option versus dealing with what is lilely 2 more traffic lights and the delays. Perhaps the 1-way traffic should be the other direction to reduce other negative impacts. link

    My main concern with this proposal is that the traffic for the drive-thru access for Mary Browns will add traffic to area that would have stayed localized to the restaurant. Additionally, this will lilely lead to an increase in the (already high) thru-traffic seen on Bannister street as people choose that option versus dealing with what is lilely 2 more traffic lights and the delays. Perhaps the 1-way traffic should be the other direction to reduce other negative impacts.

    DavidRoy asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback. Traffic in and around the area is being carefully considered as part of this proposed pilot project. We understand the concerns about potential increases in thru-traffic and are evaluating traffic flow patterns, including the direction of one-way access, to help minimize any negative impacts. Your input is valuable and will be taken into account as we refine the plan.

  • Share I would like for Centennial Street to remain both directions on Facebook Share I would like for Centennial Street to remain both directions on Twitter Share I would like for Centennial Street to remain both directions on Linkedin Email I would like for Centennial Street to remain both directions link

    I would like for Centennial Street to remain both directions

    Tina Elliott asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback! Your input is valuable as we consider potential changes to Centennial Street. We encourage you to participate in the survey to share more of your ideas and concerns. Your voice plays an important role in shaping the decision-making process.

  • Share Will this make more traffic on bannister. . ? As a parent, with a child that has disabilities, or as parents with younger kids and all kids for that matter, I think the idea will make bannister st much busier and dangerous. on Facebook Share Will this make more traffic on bannister. . ? As a parent, with a child that has disabilities, or as parents with younger kids and all kids for that matter, I think the idea will make bannister st much busier and dangerous. on Twitter Share Will this make more traffic on bannister. . ? As a parent, with a child that has disabilities, or as parents with younger kids and all kids for that matter, I think the idea will make bannister st much busier and dangerous. on Linkedin Email Will this make more traffic on bannister. . ? As a parent, with a child that has disabilities, or as parents with younger kids and all kids for that matter, I think the idea will make bannister st much busier and dangerous. link

    Will this make more traffic on bannister. . ? As a parent, with a child that has disabilities, or as parents with younger kids and all kids for that matter, I think the idea will make bannister st much busier and dangerous.

    Raymond woodfine asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for sharing your concerns. Traffic in and around the City Centre is being reviewed as part of the pilot project. We are carefully considering how changes will impact traffic flow on adjacent streets, including the safety and accessibility for all residents. We’ll continue to monitor and assess the situation to ensure that safety remains a top priority.

  • Share trying to access Centennial Square? I don't see widening the sidewalks is going to benefit anything. During the three day City Days when Centennial street is closed for the one day family event there it is a "snarl" to try to get to business' in Centennial square. You hopefully have checked with the existing business' in Centennial Square as the staff at the stores were "frustrated" at how "lobster trap" like it was to get in and out, during the one day interruption. It took over 20 years to get a set of lights at Centennial and Commonwealth. If it is working why fix it? The worst of all traffic wise is the lineup in the street Monday's and Friday's for Mary Brown's. When there is a traffic issue at Commonwealth and Ruth/Park, what then for traffic own's. Only one lane will be a disaster for this reason alone. (not If/When) on Facebook Share trying to access Centennial Square? I don't see widening the sidewalks is going to benefit anything. During the three day City Days when Centennial street is closed for the one day family event there it is a "snarl" to try to get to business' in Centennial square. You hopefully have checked with the existing business' in Centennial Square as the staff at the stores were "frustrated" at how "lobster trap" like it was to get in and out, during the one day interruption. It took over 20 years to get a set of lights at Centennial and Commonwealth. If it is working why fix it? The worst of all traffic wise is the lineup in the street Monday's and Friday's for Mary Brown's. When there is a traffic issue at Commonwealth and Ruth/Park, what then for traffic own's. Only one lane will be a disaster for this reason alone. (not If/When) on Twitter Share trying to access Centennial Square? I don't see widening the sidewalks is going to benefit anything. During the three day City Days when Centennial street is closed for the one day family event there it is a "snarl" to try to get to business' in Centennial square. You hopefully have checked with the existing business' in Centennial Square as the staff at the stores were "frustrated" at how "lobster trap" like it was to get in and out, during the one day interruption. It took over 20 years to get a set of lights at Centennial and Commonwealth. If it is working why fix it? The worst of all traffic wise is the lineup in the street Monday's and Friday's for Mary Brown's. When there is a traffic issue at Commonwealth and Ruth/Park, what then for traffic own's. Only one lane will be a disaster for this reason alone. (not If/When) on Linkedin Email trying to access Centennial Square? I don't see widening the sidewalks is going to benefit anything. During the three day City Days when Centennial street is closed for the one day family event there it is a "snarl" to try to get to business' in Centennial square. You hopefully have checked with the existing business' in Centennial Square as the staff at the stores were "frustrated" at how "lobster trap" like it was to get in and out, during the one day interruption. It took over 20 years to get a set of lights at Centennial and Commonwealth. If it is working why fix it? The worst of all traffic wise is the lineup in the street Monday's and Friday's for Mary Brown's. When there is a traffic issue at Commonwealth and Ruth/Park, what then for traffic own's. Only one lane will be a disaster for this reason alone. (not If/When) link

    trying to access Centennial Square? I don't see widening the sidewalks is going to benefit anything. During the three day City Days when Centennial street is closed for the one day family event there it is a "snarl" to try to get to business' in Centennial square. You hopefully have checked with the existing business' in Centennial Square as the staff at the stores were "frustrated" at how "lobster trap" like it was to get in and out, during the one day interruption. It took over 20 years to get a set of lights at Centennial and Commonwealth. If it is working why fix it? The worst of all traffic wise is the lineup in the street Monday's and Friday's for Mary Brown's. When there is a traffic issue at Commonwealth and Ruth/Park, what then for traffic own's. Only one lane will be a disaster for this reason alone. (not If/When)

    Bill G asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback. The proposed pilot is not intended to close Centennial, as was the case during the City Days events you referenced, but rather to implement a one-way traffic flow to help improve access to businesses in the area. We have been in touch with businesses in Centennial Square to gather their feedback on this proposal.

    We are carefully considering all factors before proceeding to ensure that any changes improve traffic flow without compromising safety.

Page last updated: 03 Jul 2025, 05:49 AM