Removable Bollards Offer "Flexible" Streetscapes

The 75-lbs stainless steel cylinder bollards in the new Kitchener, Ontario streetscape are inserted into 18-inch stainless steel below-grade sockets and secured using jam-proof, unbreakable cylindrical keys. When the bollards are removed, the sockets are protected with non-skid, tamper-proof steel caps.

Kitchener, a Canadian city in Southern Ontario, pop. 204,668, is
reconstructing King Street with a "pedestrian-first experience" in mind. That means:

• wider sidewalks and high-end materials for walking areas and curbs;
• rolled curb for King Street from Frederick to Victoria to improve pedestrian movement and accessibility;
• improved lighting;
• planting 60 new trees;
• planter beds that will collect and filter storm water before it enters the sewers;
• new bike racks and improved transit stops and shelters;
• new benches, refuse bins and bollards.

According to the landscape architect, Jay (Jaehyun) Cheon, MLA of the IBI Group, the master plan involves reconfiguring King Street in the City Centre District and surface treatment of major and minor intersections. The area directly in front of City Hall will be designed as a special civic area that can be easily closed and used for special events. Parking spaces will be converted and relocated to give way to a vehicular drop off and loading zone.

The "flexible" parking component will be achieved via temporary bollards that maximize on-street parking during colder months (avg. temp. in Jan. and Feb. is 28 degrees) and allow additional street activity in the clement months (mid-70s in the summer).

More than 300 removable bollards, engineered and supplied by Blockaides, have been introduced into the streetscape. The above-ground height of the bollards is 36 inches. When the bollards are removed, the sockets are protected with tamper-proof steel socket caps. A stainless steel lift ring is positioned 20 inches above the ground to make it easier to place and remove the bollards. The bollards also have dual LED light rings to alert approaching drivers.