Community Placemaking Strategy & Design

Public Realm Strategy | Grant Acquisition | Tactical Urbanism | Project Management

GAUKEL BLOCK

Photo by Plural Digital Media for AfroVibes Festival, 2023

Pedestrianization Project

Overview

Following the decommissioning of the Charles Street Transit Terminal in 2020, Gaukel Street was permanently closed to vehicle traffic—opening a unique opportunity to reimagine a key connector between Victoria Park and Carl Zehr Square in Downtown Kitchener.

As part of the Economic Development team, I led the post-pedestrianization visioning and implementation strategy, transforming Gaukel Block into a vibrant public space anchored in local identity, equity, and economic activation.

My Role

  • Vision & Strategy: Developed a place-based framework for long-term activation, integrating input from residents, local artists, and small businesses

  • Interdepartmental Collaboration: Worked closely with Transportation, Parks, and senior leadership to align design intent with operational feasibility

  • Funding Leadership: Authored two successful grant applications, securing $500,000 in federal investment through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund

  • Pilot Programming: Designed and delivered seasonal activations to test use cases, drive early engagement, and assess community response

Tactical Activations

Low-cost, high-impact programming was used to prototype the space and build momentum:

  • Spells + Stardust Night Market (Oct 2021)

  • Howloween Pooch Party (Oct 2021)

  • Christkindl Market (Dec 2021)

  • Witch + Wellness Spring Equinox Market (Mar 2022)

These events attracted diverse users and provided measurable feedback for final design decisions.

Photo by Liam Good Visuals, 2022 for Kitchener’s Downtown Development Team

Impact

The Gaukel Block placemaking strategy redefined the street’s function as a pedestrian-priority corridor rooted in creative expression and public life.

With the secured federal funding, the project moved into implementation in 2023, resulting in flexible infrastructure, new programming zones, and a teen-focused pocket park designed in collaboration with youth and placemaking partners.

Key Outcome: Demonstrated ability to lead multi-stakeholder public space projects from ideation to delivery — including strategy, funding, community programming, and implementation oversight.

Photo by Plural Digital Media for AfroVibes Festival, 2023

Photo by Liam Good Visuals, 2022 for Kitchener’s Downtown Development Team

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