Commission hears MPO plan for C-13 Canal Greenway; residents press for south-side routing

Broward MPO staff and a consultant outlined the proposed C-13 Canal Greenway on a presentation to the Sunrise City Commission, describing three alignment alternatives and a public outreach history. The project, included in the MPO's Local Agency Program planning and in the city's updated bicycle and pedestrian master plan, would create a 10'12 to 12-foot shared-use path along the C-13 canal between Hiatus Road and University Drive, with engineering programmed for fiscal year 2027.

The consultant said the MPO held two public workshops and collected about 42 comment cards; 20 favored the south-side alignment, 14 favored the south-to-north switch at Pine Island Road, three favored the north side and 18 submitted other or combined preferences. The MPO emphasized it planned safety improvements such as reduced curb radii, special-emphasis crosswalks and pedestrian hybrid beacons at major crossings.

Commissioners focused on midblock crossing safety, lighting limits on canal right-of-way and regional connectivity. Mayor Ryan and others noted South Florida Water Management District rules prevent most "vertical elements" such as lighting or benches within 40 feet of the canal edge, limiting shaded or lit amenities in some alignments. MPO staff said canopy trees may be feasible where right-of-way allows and that crossing devices would be prioritized at Pine Island Road and other high-demand locations.

Public speakers from Sunrise Lakes and Welloughby urged the commission to prefer the south-side option or alternative 2 (south switching to north at Pine Island) so older and less-mobile residents would have closer, safer access and so private backyards would not be directly abut the path. A longtime bicycle-board member said the greenway should benefit people who cannot easily ride to distant trailheads and pushed for a South-Side alignment to serve Sunrise Lakes residents.

Police and MPO staff said local analyses do not show a clear relationship between existing greenways and increased crime; the police chief said calls for service along canal banks occur with or without a trail but that clearing overgrowth for a greenway has reduced some encampment activity. Commissioners asked staff to contact leaders in Sunrise Lakes phases and other affected subdivisions to ensure neighbors received notice and an opportunity to review design details.

Next steps: MPO staff asked the commission for guidance toward a preferred alternative and a resolution of support; commissioners signaled they would seek additional outreach with neighborhood leadership and expected a resolution for the March meeting, with engineering to begin if funding and interagency coordination proceed.