StreetBond coatings transform neglected urban laneways into vibrant public spaces in Toronto and Vancouver through The Laneway Project and More Awesome Now initiatives.
Location: Toronto and Vancouver, Canada
Unlocking the Potential of Toronto's Laneways
The Laneway Project is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to bringing laneways to life. They are urban planners, designers, and placemakers who work with public, private, and community-level stakeholders to transform laneways and other neglected public spaces into complete, living public places — building collaborative teams, implementing best practices, and catalyzing policy changes.
The Laneway Project in Toronto incorporates colourful StreetBond Coatings for horizontal pavement surface designs and artwork. StreetBond provides a cost effective way to create outstanding surface applications for asphalt and concrete that are attractive, durable, and highly visible.
StreetBond adheres permanently to asphalt and concrete. When mixed with StreetBond SB150 Pavement Coating Part B and StreetBond Colorant, it provides an enduring, aesthetic finish, as well as a low-maintenance surface that helps protect and extend the life of the pavement for years.
More Awesome Now — Alley Oops (Vancouver)
Imagine if instead of avoiding Vancouver's downtown laneways or just using them as a shortcut through the city, you actively sought them out as spaces to socialize and play? More Awesome Now reshapes laneways using StreetBond 150 decorative coatings systems into engaging, accessible public spaces that contribute to the vibrancy of the city. Vancouver's street grid includes over 200+ downtown blocks bisected by laneways. By reimagining and reconfiguring these city corridors as recreational, commercial, and performance spaces, the pedestrian area of downtown can increase up to 30% and inspire new opportunities for social connections.
Design Challenge
HCMA partnered with the City of Vancouver and the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) to transform alleyways from utilitarian service corridors into bright, playful public spaces. These spaces are shared by people and vehicles, which continue to access the lane for service purposes.
This project was made possible through the collaboration and engagement of property owners, tenants, and visitors who share the responsibility for enjoying, cleaning, and monitoring each alley.
Improvements to Laneways Can Create:
- Improved local walkability and connectivity
- Increased local space for informal physical activity
- Local-scale midblock green spaces
- Opportunities for gentle intensification
- Opportunities for patios, pop-up shops, and micro-businesses
- Space for pop-up and permanent public art
- Space for community events and entertainment
