Creating a space where all can participate, at any stage of life, for any reason

Confederation College students use data and GIS mapping to find areas in the City of Thunder Bay, ON where pedestrian crossovers would bring the most benefit.

For many cities across Ontario, a historical focus on car-centric infrastructure has dictated the layout and functionality of urban spaces, prioritizing the movement of vehicles over alternative modes of transportation. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards multi-modal design systems, with an emphasis on accommodating diverse means of getting around.

Thunder Bay, ON stands as a prime example of this evolving mindset. In recent years, designers, council, and community members have advocated for alternative methods of transportation, which has led to the expansion of multi-use paths and the implementation of cycling lanes, among other efforts to support active transportation.

In a collaborative endeavor with the City of Thunder Bay Engineering department and Confederation College's Applied Research team, two students in the Forestry Technician program (Marcello P. & Tristian S.), supported by faculty (Raquel Glavish & Keith Hautala), undertook an innovative project. Using their knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), gained through coursework, the students synthesized demographic data and other publicly available information. Their objective was to identify optimal locations for new or additional pedestrian crossovers within Thunder Bay, with a keen focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Through this project, the students also aimed to present a method that could be used by city staff in the future, to identify and score potential crossover locations.

"Widening the gap of who can move through a space that is traditionally designed for those of driving age and with access to a vehicle, helps create a space where all can participate at any stage of life, by any means. Multi-model transportation design is a space for all, and it excites me to participate in an applied research project that has a diverse group of students evaluating the community they live in; hoping that the proposed sites support a diverse group of users." – Raquel Glavish, P.Eng., M.PEd., Lead Researcher and Professor, Civil Engineering Technology/Technician.

This project represents more than just technical exercise—it symbolizes a commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible urban environments. By creating safe and convenient spaces for pedestrians to cross, the project not only promotes the integration of multi-modal pathways but also empowers individuals from all walks of life to actively engage with and contribute to their community.

In essence, this endeavor underscores the transformative power of collaborative, data-driven approaches in shaping the world around us. Initiatives like this serve as catalysts for building more equitable and sustainable cities across the province of Ontario. "Applied Research opportunities, like these, with projects that benefit our local community connect students to the place they live, work and grow. Encouraging students to use their educational skills, combined with lived experiences and future goals creates strong ties to our community and generates positive growth” says Glavish.