Bentley's Main Street May Have a New Look in Time for Summer

Bentley’s main street may be getting a complete makeover, with construction possibly starting as early as April. 

Over 50 Bentley residents showed up for an open house at their community hall last night to get a look at a proposed plan regarding the reconstruction of 50^th Avenue. 

Stantec Consulting provided drawings of the new designs which include plans of adding grass, trees and a better lighting system.

Sidewalks will also be redone, something Mayor Lynda Haarstad Petten said is crucial.

 “We have sidewalks on main street that are in desperate need of repair. That project will go ahead whether people agree with it or not,” said Haarstad Petten. 

Bentley resident Sarah von Tettenborn said all the extra trees and bushes being planted on each corner of every intersection on 50^th Aveune could cause problems for pedestrians.

“Our drivers are very nice and they try to wait, but they don’t always see you,” said von Tettenborn. 

Another concern von Tettenborn has is the lack of wheelchair accessibility in the downtown area.

“None of the businesses are wheelchair accessible. Our sidewalks all need replacing, but they need wheelchair accessibility,” said von Tettenborn.

Haarstad Petten ensures wheelchair accessibility will be taken into consideration before construction begins although ramps for businesses are not promised. 

“On each corner of the intersections there will be indents for wheelchairs to go up. We’re providing handicap parking which we don’t have right now,” said Haarstad Petten.

“I think with the sidewalk improvements, it will make it easier.”

Costs for the project are undetermined at this point, but Haarstad Petten said the town has put money aside to help cover the costs.

“We have some in reserve, we have a substantial amount of money that Alberta Transportation will be providing us and now that our fire hall is paid for we may use some of the MSI (Municipal Sustainability Initiative) funding,” said Haarstad Petten.

The project is all part of the Downtown Streetscape Plan and the town hopes to have it complete for the beginning of summer.