[CANUFNET] sidewalk materials suitable for a winter city

[Ian Wilson]

Hi Martha,

In 2006 our transportation department wanted to install a new sidewalk next to some mature green ash trees, in a location where there had never been a sidewalk before.  We ended up using rubber sidewalk panels in the areas near the trees.  The grade of the entire sidewalk was raised so that we didn't have to cut any roots.  In the areas near the trees, they didn't excavate or compact the base, they just scraped off the grass and organic layer and applied a layer of sand for the rubber panels.

Kelowna has a milder winter than Winnipeg but we do get a lot of freeze-thaw cycles and salt, and small snowplows will also plow the sidewalks.  These panels have held up well, in some areas you can see some very mild flexing of the rubber panels due to the root growth, but I don't think we've had to do any repairs to the site.

There's a photo and a bit of a story here:  http://www.cbc.ca/daybreaksouth/2011/08/08/rubber-sidewalks-in-kelowna/

Ian

Ian Wilson
Park Services Manager
250-469-8842 | iwilson at kelowna.ca

From: CANUFNET [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Barwinsky, Martha
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 2:01 PM
To: Canadian Urban Forest Network
Subject: [CANUFNET] sidewalk materials suitable for a winter city

We are looking for alternative sidewalk treatments adjacent to mature American elms for a new apartment development in an older neighbourhood near our city center (Osborne Village). The proposed sidewalk is within 2 m of the trees where there has never been a sidewalk previously.

We are looking for a treatment other than concrete or pavers. Has anyone had experience with rubber sidewalks or other materials / methods in conditions similar to ours - freeze/thaw cycles, clay soils, very active winter road maintenance program (de-icing salt and snow clearing equipment on sidewalks)? The sidewalk would have to withstand sidewalk snow clearing equipment and meet accessibility design standards.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Martha Barwinsky
City Forester
City of Winnipeg
105-1155 Pacific Ave.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3E 3P1
Ph: 204-986-3701

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