SD LIBRARY
11744
Churchill Squa a Pedestrian Edmonton Planning an
CHURCHILL SQUARE PEDESTRIAN COUNTS
April, 1991 Downtown Planning Section Planning and Development Department City of Edmonton
4300a .E3 :1371 1991
CHURCHILL SQUARE PEDESTRIAN COUNTS In early 1991, the Downtown Planning Section of the Planning and Development Department conducted a number of pedestrian counts on Churchill Square. The purpose of these counts was to get an understanding of the change in pedestrian patterns and evaluate the use of the new Churchill Square Pedway, which opened on February 4, 1991. For these reasons, two counts were conducted. The first count took place on January 31, 1991, a week before the pedway opened, while the second count was conducted on March 7, a month after opening of the new pedway connection. Pedestrian counts of this type should be regarded as general indicators of pedestrian activity. Significant fluctuations can occur depending on weather conditions, day of the week, retail or special events. In order to keep these fluctuations to a minimum, the pedestrian counts were both conducted on Thursdays, with similar temperatures. Pedestrian Count, January 31, 1991. The pedestrian count prior to opening of the Churchill Square Pedway was conducted on Thursday January 31, 1991 (see Table 1). The temperature that day varied from -9C at 6:30 am to 0 C in the afternoon. The sidewalks were clear (except for the one north of 102 Avenue, where construction was taking place) but the roads were very slushy. Although few conclusions can be drawn based on this single count, a previous count conducted in 1987 by the Transportation Department provides a basis for some comparisons. Total count (7:00 am to 6:00 pm): PlannIng and Droo.prnent
1987
19911
Li bARY The City of Bilmonten
S 102 Avenue N 102 Avenue S 102A Avenue N 102A Avenue
1200 2000 2600 1800
6181 3043 3693 3165
Total
7600
16082
1 In
order to compare the 1991 data with the 1997 tallies, these 1991 figures reflect the 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM count and differ from the total count for that day (6:30 PM to 1:00 PM)
The 1991 numbers show a substantial increase over those of 1987, with the 1991 total showing an increase of 212%. This in spite of the fact that the 1991 survey was conducted during more severe weather conditions (+18 C in 1987, 0 C in 1991). There are a number of explanations for this increase: - Since 1987 there have been additional developments in the eastern portion of the downtown which may have resulted in increased pedestrian traffic (i.e. Canada Place, Eaton Centre, City Centre). - The 1987 count was based on a three hour sample; the final total numbers were extrapolated from this sample; this may influence the accuracy of the final figures for that day. - The 1987 counting stations were located in different locations on Churchill Square. The 1987 counting stations were located just west of 99 Street. For the 1991 count it was decided that counting stations just east of 100 Street would be more appropriate in order to get an accurate picture of the impact of the new Pedway link. As a result of these different locations of the counting stations, higher pedestrian counts could be expected on the northside of 102A Avenue (bus stops) and on the southside of 102 Avenue (bus stops and pedestrian traffic coming and going to and from the Centennial Library). The location of the 1991 counting stations is shown on the front cover of this report. The results of the January 31, 1991 count are displayed on Charts 1 to 3: Chart 1 displays the pedestrian traffic on the four individual sidewalks. Chart 2, provides a comparison between the pedestrian volumes on the four monitored sidewalks. The sidewalk south of 102 Avenue is the busiest (due to library traffic and the bus stops), while the sidewalk north of 102A Avenue shows a distinctive late afternoon peak because of LRT and bus passengers. The sidewalk traffic south of 102A Avenue shows a definite increase during the lunch hour when workers from Chancery Hall, Century Place and other offices north-east of Churchill Square go for lunch. Chart 3 shows the combined total pedestrian traffic on the four sidewalks. Pedestrian Count, March 7, 1991. The second pedestrian count took place on Thursday, March 7, 1991, approximately a month after the Churchill Square Pedway was opened. The temperatures ranged from -6C to +2C, and were similar to those on the first pedestrian count. From 7:00 am to approximately 3:00 pm there were light to heavy snowfalls; after 3:00 pm the accumulated snow melted, resulting in slushy conditions and the presence of large puddles along the pedestrian crossings.
In spite of these conditions, the total pedestrian count for March 7 was similar to the one of January 31 (see Table 2). The reduction of 520 pedestrians (or 3%) can largely be contributed to the following factors: - The pedestrian count was terminated at 11:00 pm, rather than 1:00 am due to the fact that the Churchill Square Pedway was closed at that time. - Much of the remainder of the reduction appears to be due to a reduced number of people visiting the library due to the inclement weather. Charts 4 to 10 provide a visual display of the observed pedestrian volumes: Chart 4 shows the pedestrian traffic on the individual sidewalks and in the pedway. Chart 5 displays the pedestrian volumes of each sidewalk individually. As shown, between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm, the new pedway accommodates by far the most pedestrians, significantly reducing the lunchtime peak use of the four sidewalks. The sidewalk south of 102A Avenue, which in the first count showed heavy use during the lunch hour from office workers originating in the north-east of Churchill Square, has lost substantial traffic. The only sidewalk maintaining pedestrian traffic levels during the lunch hour is the one south of 102 Avenue; this is due in large part to library traffic. Chart 6 shows the combined total number of pedestrians using the four sidewalks and the pedestrians using the pedway. As shown, the four sidewalks combined continue to be used by more pedestrians than the pedway, except during the crucial lunch hour, when pedestrian volumes in the pedway exceed sidewalk pedestrian volumes. With 63,750 people working downtown, lunch time is of vital importance to the downtown retail sector. Without the pedway, lunchtime pedestrian traffic would likely be reduced substantially during inclement weather conditions. The preliminary conclusion can be drawn that Edmonton Centre's connection to the Churchill Square Pedway provides them with a steady flow of lunchtime shoppers, regardless of the weather conditions. Charts 7 to 10 show the distribution and volume of pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks before and after opening of the pedway. The pedestrian count south of 102 Avenue dropped from 6698 to 5144 (-23.2%). The pedestrian count north of 102 Avenue dropped from 3305 to 1346 (-59.3%). The pedestrian count south of 102A Avenue dropped from 3861 to 1896 (-50.9%). The pedestrian count north of 102A Avenue dropped from 3396 to 2213 (-34.8%). The total number of pedestrians using the above ground sidewalks dropped from 17,460 to 10,559 (-39.3%) (see Table 3). The Churchill Square Pedway accommodated 6431 pedestrians.
The smallest reductions occurred south of 102 Avenue and north of 102A Avenue. The limited reduction on the southside is due largely to the fact that library traffic cannot conveniently use the pedway system to reach the library and therefore continues to utilize the sidewalk; a number of bus stops also contribute to the limited reduction on this sidewalk. The limited reduction north of 102A Avenue is due to a number of bus stops along this sidewalk and the 99 Street LRT Exit pedestrian traffic. Condusions. As far as use is concerned, the new Churchill Square Pedway can be regarded as an initial success. A month after its opening, it has attracted 37 % of the east-west Churchill Square pedestrian traffic. This number can be expected to grow when people become more familiar with the pedway. It is further expected to see increased use during the winter months during inclement weather. Where the pedway appears to be the most successful and enjoys its greatest use, is from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm when the pedway usage level exceeds that of the four combined sidewalks (53% versus 47%). This high usage during the lunch hour is a positive sign for the retailers in the downtown, who can now count on a steady stream of lunchtime shoppers, even during inclement weather. For the City, the new Pedway is an important link in the Pedway system. It is the first east-west link connecting downtown's commercial area to the cultural, administrative and convention area. Implications for a future Library Pedway Connection. The Centennial Library records the number of patrons by monitoring its turnstile counts on a month by month basis. Once a year for a week, hourly and daily counts are recorded to determine the visitor flow and volumes. The Centennial Library attracts more than 1.3 million visitors annually, resulting in excess of 2.6 million trips. On average 3300 people pass the turnstiles daily (6600 trips). Although a number of visitors access the library via the Library Parkade, the majority of visitors enter via the 102 Avenue entrance. The large number of people entering the library in this manner, explains the continued high pedestrian count south of 102 Avenue. More counts will be needed to determine the exact number of library bound sidewalk users and to determine whether those numbers could justify a library pedway connection. After an initial lunchtime sample count, it is estimated that between 2500 and 3000 people (5000-6000 trips) access the library via 102 Avenue on a daily basis. According to Centennial Library records, on an average Thursday in March, they can expect about 3800 visitors a day (Turnstile count, Centennial Library, March, 1990), which accounts for 7600 trips.
Table
Churchill Square Pedestrian Count, January 31,
(Before Pedway Opening)
Time
S 102 Ave
N 102 Ave
Subtotal
S 102A Ave
N 102A Ave
Subtotal
Total
62.72
20
11
31
8
700 • 710
37 71
48 65
33 44
67
47
140
39 114 205 187
70 199
57 71
85 136 124
31 81 161
71
142
70
66 99 74 98 119 179 309 241
184 263 283 300 412 603 910 886
57 94 143 112 178 258
175 154 207 263
317
118 164 209 202 293 424 601 645 500 379
105 97 113
205 177 181 157 121 170 315 149 75
705 556 508_ 583 374
343
252 185 171 176
505 722 558 362
177 126 205 85
57 40 45 26
223 118 131 80
13 35 11 42 9 4
76 98 81
35 2 35 21 21
72 -803 82-82 830.900 900.930 910 .102 1000 • 10:30 102.112 11:00 - 1120 1110.1200 1200 .1210 1230.100 100•130 10.20 2:00.2:30 230300 3:00 -310 330•400 42 .42 410 • 510 5:00.5:30 5:30 • 600 6:00 • 620 610-72 700 • 710 730.800
327 426 253 335 407 409 287 166 78 86 54 63
467 435
120 II 140 184 235
213 318 442 702
179 218
614 561
184 140 128 125 184 154 192 124
436 325
60 25 32 16 22 12
299 301 361 20 397 209 95 47 67 37 43 17
341 311 338 470 546 513 730 1045 1612 1500 1266 992 833 882 675 866 1002 955 571 318 165 198 117 119 115 103 105 44 42
19 18
5 15 13 6 10 4
1
5 1 1 1
6 9
3 1
10 10 9 2
19 23 16 11 10
6 6
7 7
34 21 20 16 11
,.:
3305
10203
3861
3396
7257
17460
8:00 • 82 830.900 90.930 90.100 10:00.1030 10:30 • 11:00 1100.112 1110.122 122.1210
63 70 29 16 15 9 2 5
1210 .100 Total
6
9 8 5
Source: Planning & Development Department
71 25
7 21 13 13 12
22 34
Chart 1: Churchill Square Pedestrian Count, January 31,'91 (Before Pedway Opening)
350 700 300 600 250 500 200 100
N 102 Ave • S 102 Ave 150
300 100 ?00 50 100 0 7:00 7:00
9:00
11:00
1:00
3:00
5:00
7:00
9:00
11:00
9:00
11:00
1:00
3:00
5:00
7:00
9:00
11:00
1:00
1:00
250
500 450
200
400 350
150
300 •
250
S 102A Ave
N 102A Aw, 100
200 150 100
50
50 0 700
9:00
11:00
1:00
3:00
5:00
7:00
Source: Planning & Development Department
9:00
11:00
1:00
7:00
9:00
11:00
1:00
3:00
5:00
7:00
9:00
11:00
1:00
Chart 2: Comparison of Pedestrian Traffic on Sidewalks, January 31,'91 (Before Pedway Opening)
700
600
500
400
300
200
100 S 102 Ave S 102A Ave
CA
co N-1‘=4 cr,
=p 77-
N 102 Ave
,=
• • CS,1 p•;•i
Source: Planning & Development Department
FRER ERERE
2
N 102A Ave
Chart 3; Total Pedestrian Traffic, January 31,'91 (Before Pedway Opening)
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
i 1 1 i i
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
1111111111111W
IIIIIMIIIII 11111111111111
1
200
0
SR PR ER gR ER PR SR 0: ed Jd d4 dr; 6
ER A9 ER PR ER 2 e4 d4
gR ER PR SR 2 ER PR ER PR SR gR ER PR ER
.L d4 CA 41
Source: Planning & Development Department
-tr Al di
40 45
ER AR ER PR ER 2
6S 4d 6-1 6., ; 25 .ct:;
z= CA
Table 2 Churchill Square Pedestrian Count, March 7;91 (After Pedway Opening)
S 102 Ave
N 102 Ave
Subtotal
S 102A Ave
N 102A Ave
Subtotal
Pedway
Total
62 • 700
16
10
26
10
19
29
20
75_,
72.713
27
n
so
28
43
71
47
168
710.82
32
42
74
30
ea
114
125
313
80.830
70
42
112
62
104
166
177
455
810 • 910
93
29
122
44
53
97
100
319
91042
144
26
170
35
90
125
108
403
90•1000
179
40
219
es
78
147
142
508
10001030
117
48
165
64
107
171
156
492
10:30 - 112
199
62
261
66
74
140
161
562
112 -1110
204
51
255
93
102
195
198
648
1110 • 1210
214
70
284
110
103
213
453
950
1200 -1210
351
57
408
174
129
303
803
1514
122 .1:00
330
87
417
143
109
252
862
1531
1:00 -U0
260
53
313
100
106
206
546
1065
110 • 2:00
216
41
257
82
74
156
342
755
200 -2:30
250
ea
314
76
85
161
247
722
22 • 32
261
62
323
es
78
147
188
658
3:00 • 310
267
75
342
87
116
203
198
743
330.400
42
90
372
83
103
186
207
765
4:00.4:30
329
95
424
112
156
268
242
934
4:30 • 52
398
80
478
145
122
267
249
994
5:00.530
248
48
296
56
75
131
190
617
510 • 6:00
172
37
209
33
56
89
108
406
610.610
105
25
130
26
23
49
61
240
630•700
120
13
133
19
29
as
95
276
7:00.710
67
13
80
17
15
32
64
176
72.8:00
57
16
73
11
16
27
80
180
8:0083O
46
s
55
8
14
22
48
125
810.9110
38
6
44
21
7
28
39
111
903.930
20
13
33
12
19
31
59
123
9:30.10:00
5
6
11
4
8
12
12
35
10:00.10:30
21
s
so
1
10
11
12
53
1030 .112
6
4
10
6
6
12
2
24
Total
5144
1346
6490
1896
2213
4109
6341
16940
Time
Source: Planning & Development Department
Chart 4: Churchill Square Pedestrian Counts, March 7,'91 (After Pedway Opening)
I Pedway
• S 102 Ave
III S 102A Ave
Source: Planning & Development Department
•s 102 Ave
•N 102A Ave
Chart 5: Comparison of Pedestrian Traffic on Sidewalks and in Pedway, March 7, '91
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200 Pedway 100 S 102 Ave S 102A Ave N 102A Ave
F1 ER r-
ER cq
P3
N 102 Ave
c'
141, +3 iU
th
CD
ca uo
,.:,:
410•
,
,cs
1='
64
'45 r-
Source: Planning & Development Department
Chart 6: Comparison of Pedway and Sidwalk Pedestrian Traffic Counts, March 7,'91
1800
1600
1400
1000
800
600
400
200
Pedway
0
Sidewalk Total
I -----7 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00
---r--,
I
4:00
Source: Planning & Development Department
5:00
6:00 7:00 8:00
9:00
10:00
11:00
Chart 7: Comparison of Pedestrian Traffic South of 102 Avenue (Before and After Pedway Opening)
700
600
500
400---
.300
200
100
E
11111, 3:00
Source: Planning & Development Department
S 102 Ave (After)
1 r--1-5:00
7:00
9:00
S 102 Ave (Before)
11:00
1:00
Chart 8: Comparison of Pedestrian Traffic North of 102 Avenue (Before and After Pedway Opening)
350-i —______________
300---_,
250
200
150
100
50
N 102 Ave (Before)
o 7:00
9:00
11:00
1:00
3:00
Source: Planning & Development Department
1
5:00
1
1 1 7:00
I 1
N 102 Ave (After)
—r---r9:00
11:00
1:00
Chart 9: Comparison of Pedestrian Traffic South of 102A Avenue (Before and After Pedway Opening)
500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 7:00
S 102A Ave (Before) 9:00
11:00
1:00
S 102A Ave (After) 3:00
Source: Planning & Development Department
5:00
7:00
9:00
11:00
1:00
Chart 10: Comparison of Pedestrian Traffic North of 102A Avenue (Before and After Pedway Opening)
250
200
150
106
50
0
,
7:00
N 102A Ave (Before) Iii
9:00
1
1 r--r 11
I
11:00
1:00
3:00
Source: Planning & Development Department
I
II 5:00
N 102A Ave (After)
r—T 7:00
9:00
11:00
1:00
Table 3
Churchill Square Pedestrian Counts (Before and After Pedway Opening)
Time
S 102 Ave
S 102 Ave
N 102 Ave
N 102 Ave
S 102A Ave
S 102A Ave
N 102A Ave
N 102A Ave
(Before)
(After)
(Before)
(After)
(Before)
(After)
(Before)
(After)
6:30 - 7:00
20
16
11
10
8
10
31
19
20
7:00 - 7:30
37
27
as
23
33
28
61
43
47
7:30-8:00
71
32
65
42
44
30
161
84
125
8:00 - 8:30
57
70
67
42
47
62
140
104
177
8:30 - 9:00
71
93
71
29
70
44
105
53
100
9:00 - 9:30
118
144
66
26
57
35
97
90
108
94
69
113
78
142
Pedway
9:30 - 10:00
164
179
99
40
10:00 - 10:30
209
117
74
48
143
64
120
107
156
10:30 - 11:00
202
199
98
62
112
66
101
74
161
11:00 - 11:30
293
204
119
51
178
93
140
102
198
11:30 - 12:00
424
214
179
70
258
110
184
103
453
12:00 - 12:30
601
351
309
57
467
174
235
129
803
12:30 - 1:00
645
330
241
87
435
143
179
109
862
1:00 - 1:30
500
260
205
53
343
100
218
106
546 342
216
177
41
252
82
184
74
327
250
181
64
185
76
140
85
247
2:30 - 3:00
426
261
157
62
171
69
128
78
188
3:00 - 3:30
253
267
121
75
176
87
125
116
198
3:30 - 4:00
335
282
170
so
177
83
184
103
207
4:00 - 4:30
407
329
315
95
126
112
154
156
242
4:30 - 5:00
409
398
149
80
205
145
192
122
249
5:00 - 5:30
287
248
75
48
85
56
124
75
190
5:30 - 6:00
166
172
57
37
35
33
60
56
108
6:00 - 6:30
78
105
ao
25
22
26
25
23
61
6:30 - 7:00
86
120
as
13
35
19
32
29
95
7:00 - 7:30
54
67
26
13
21
17
16
15
sa
7:30 - 8:00
63
57
13
16
21
11
22
16
80
8:00 - 8:30
63
46
35
9
5
8
12
14
48
8:30 - 9:00
70
38
11
6
15
21
7
7
39
9:00 - 9:30
29
20
42
13
13
12
21
19
59
9:30 - 10:00
16
5
9
6
6
4
13
8
12
10:00 - 10:30
15
21
4
9
10
1
13
10
12
4
6
12
6
2
2213
6341
1:30 - 2:00 2:00 - 2:30
379
10:30 - 11:00
9
6
11:00-11:30
2
8
5
6
11:30-12:00
5
5
1
9
12:00-12:30
6
3
1
6
12:30-1:00
1
1
1
6
Total
6698
5144
9
3305
Source: Planning & Development Department
4
1346
3661
1896
3396