Its more or less symbolic, but sure. What do you think the street will look like? Really. Try to avoid using buzz words like "connected" and physically describe what the street will look like.
I'd add also that I think revitalization schemes like what is happening in Regent Park are more important to Jarvis than this face lift.
I wouldn't disagree for a moment that what's happening in Regent Park is more important than Jarvis Street, it's not even a fair comparison. Regent Park will have a monumental impact on the quality of life for geared to income residents who return to live in the neighbourhood, for market renters and condo purchasers. It's a good central location that is well served by transit and should turn out to be a great place for all to live, shop and play.
Here is what I honestly envision, and hope for in about five years based on the "Jarvis Street Streetscape Improvement" proposal. I have no illusions that the whole plan will be implemented, but I am still an optimist at heart.
* I believe that the improvements will bring people back to the street and become more of a destination given the heritage homes/mansions and other important points of interest that can be found along here. Many who live in the community will choose to walk and cycle sections of the street more instead of avoiding it by using nearby streets due to it being safer, a visually appealing place to walk and a somewhat quieter street thanks to the trees that will be added which will hopefully be more matured by then. I expect that the rush-hour "expressway" mentality with only two lanes in each direction should calm the traffic speed too.
* The improved, wider sidewalk widths will be able to accommodate wheelchairs and motorized scooters at all points and improve safety for both the disabled and pedestrians along sections with narrow areas of sidewalk
* More trees added, poorly planted trees removed makes for a healthier and more attractive area
* Jarvis Street could actually become a great place to sit, enjoy a coffee or meet with friends in more attractive surroundings with improved lighting (by night) and street furniture - which hardly exists at all right now
* There are existing opportunities and future opportunities for more retail and perhaps more importantly, restaurants with patios. Sitting on the patio at The Red Lion at Jarvis & Maitland for brunch or dinner is nice, but is noisy as all hell due to traffic whipping by. Hopefully that will improve.
* Improving Allen Gardens relationship to Jarvis Street by making it friendlier to use (benches and landscaping); generally making it more inviting by beautifying that edge of the park which borders Jarvis Street
* The street will become a much more traveled N/S route for cyclists but I think it will take a season or two for people to find it and try it. Hopefully this along with many other added bike routes will continue to get more people onto bicycles in the years to come
* Folks who opposed the removal of the middle lane may be frustrated at their loss and at gaining 2 or 3 minutes of travel time but I believe that most will come around
* Although not exactly a tourist hot spot, out of towners/tourists will be rightly impressed should they find themselves scoping out the beautiful old mansions or taking walking tours with the added beautification.
* Reduced noise, dangerous traffic and pollution for the thousands of people who live on or near Jarvis Street. Hopefully reduced speed too during "rush-hours"
* Finally, added pedestrian crossings at points where there are long stretches in between traffic lights and improved pedestrian crossings (most notably where Jarvis splits at Charles Street and continues to Bloor and veers off on the right side to Mt. Pleasant Rd.
Off the top of my head, that's what comes to mind at the moment.
