Field Walk Overview

In late August, a group of project team members, representatives from the City of Canby, Canby School District and Regional Development Commission conducted a Field Walk as part of the Hwy 68 / Hwy 75 Canby Corridor Study. The walk provided an opportunity to:

1. Observe how residents, businesses, and visitors experience the corridor
2. Help identify opportunities and inform future corridor improvement concepts related to safety, accessibility, and connectivity in the community.

Participants noted several community assets, including local trail connections, recreational opportunities near Canby Creek, schools, businesses, and gathering places that contribute to community activity along the corridor.

Observations and findings

One theme emphasized by project partners was student and pedestrian safety, especially near Canby High School, the football field, and student destinations such as Casey’s General Store. Participants noted several locations where pedestrians frequently cross, including Haarfager Avenue, Poplar Avenue, Walnut Street, and areas near the school and football field. High-visibility crosswalks and pedestrian warning devices were suggested as potential safety improvements.

Attendees also expressed concern about vehicle speeds entering Canby, particularly along Hwy 68 from the west and Hwy 75 from the south. They discussed traffic-calming measures to improve driver awareness. Participants noted locations where drivers do not always follow stop signs or notice pedestrians, emphasizing the need for more visible crosswalks.

Participants also noted the popularity of fishing near Canby Creek and the opportunity for improved pedestrian and bicycle trail connections. Stakeholders expressed interest in gateway features that could strengthen Canby's community identity. Feedback gathered during the Field Walk will be considered alongside technical analysis, traffic data, and additional public input as the project team develops and evaluates potential corridor improvement concepts.