How will this Phase 2 conversion affect St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Emergency Medical Service response?
The Downtown Transportation Master Plan Study and meetings with EMS in 2003, confirmed that the mandated fire response time will not be exceeded in any downtown areas. This is primarily because there will be more direct routing for emergency fire vehicles accessing fire zones and better access opportunities to St. Josephs Hospital. In 2003, staff from both the Fire Department and EMS confirmed their ability to accommodate changes to traffic flow on James Street and John Street. At that time, both EMS and the Fire Department indicated their support for the project. We have and are continuing to meet with representatives of St. Josephs Hospital to ensure a smooth transition for Hospital operations on-site. The Hospital agreed that the Phase 2 Conversion will improve the overall accessibility to the Hospital. Secondly the installation of a traffic signal at James Street and St. Josephs Drive would provide much improved pedestrian access at this intersection and provide improved pedestrian
