HomeMy WebLinkAboutEGD-020-07
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REPORT
ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Date:
GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Monday February 5,2007 Resolution #: GPA ..-eft (- () 7
Meeting:
By-law #:
Report #: EGD-020-07
File #:
Subject:
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
PROPOSED SOPER CREEK RECREATIONAL TRAIL,
MEARNS PARK TO SPRUCEWOOD CRESCENT, BOWMANVILLE
Recommendations:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report EGD-020-07 be received;
2. THAT staff proceed with finalizing the design of the proposed recreational trail; and
3. THAT the project be forwarded for consideration in the 2007 Capital Budget.
Respectfully by,
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Submitted by: AS. Cannella
Director of Engineering Services
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Reviewed by: Franklin Wu
Chief Administrative Officer
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January 29, 2007
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379 F 905-623-9282
Report #EGD-020-07
Page 2
1.0 BACKGROUND
1.1 The Municipality of Clarington has developed a plan to create a recreational trail
in Bowmanville from Highway 401 along Soper Creek to approximately as far
north as the CPR rail line north of Concession Street East. The first section of
trail was constructed in 2005 from Soper Creek Park to King Street and has been
extremely well used. The next section of trail, approximately 1,870 m in length,
will extend from Mearns Park to Concession Street East and from Concession
Street East to Sprucewood Crescent (Attachment 1). The design for this section
of trail was approved in the 2006 Capital Budget.
Recreational trails are extremely popular features in Clarington. They provide
unscheduled recreation opportunities for users of varying ages and mobility
levels. Our existing paved trails in the Bowmanville Creek Valley and Soper
Creek Valley provide access to the natural areas of Bowmanville from the urban
areas surrounding them.
2.0 PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
2.1 To obtain local resident input to the design process, a Public Open House was
held on November 22, 2006 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Council chambers.
The public was notified of the meeting by newspaper advertisement and those
houses that back onto the proposed trail alignment received a notice in the mail.
At the meeting the following displays were presented for discussion:
. Aerial photography of the section of trail from Simpson Avenue to
Sprucewood Crescent with the existing and proposed trail locations and
property fabric;
. Aerial photography of the section of trail from King Street to Sprucewood
Crescent with the proposed trail locations;
. Display board with photographs of proposed trail location;
. Display board with photographs of existing trails in Bowmanville;
Report #EGD-020-07
Page 3
. Before and after visualizations of proposed trail cross sections;
. Handouts of aerial photography with the proposed trail alignment shown; and
. Photographs of proposed tree species, benches and trash receptacles.
In all, 28 people signed the register, with an additional 5-10 in attendance that did
not sign in. Eleven comment sheets were submitted by residents. The main
concern expressed by some residents was the proximity of the trail to their rear
yards and fear that vandalism, litter and theft could result from increased use of
the area. There were also concerns about the potential use of motorized
vehicles on the trail. A number of people requested that trees or shrubs be
planted between the trail and their property to maintain privacy. A couple of
residents recommended that the trail be located on the east side of the creek on
private property in order to increase the separation from existing houses.
Overall, those who attended the open house were supportive of the proposed
trail provided that there was ample separation from the houses and the trail was
maintained sufficiently.
3.0 CONCLUSION
3.1 Most of the concerns raised at the Open House pertained to the section of trail
between the soccer field in Mearns Park and Concession Street. It is in this area
that the Municipality's property between the Soper Creek and residential is
narrowest. It is currently a popular walking route for area residents.
Constructing a paved trail through this area would increase the use of the area
as a walking, jogging and cycling route.
To address the residents concerns, the new section of the proposed trail would
be located as far as possible from the rear yards without impacting the existing
tree line at the top of bank. This would ensure that the new portions of trail would
be setback at least 10m from the residential yards at its narrowest location. In
addition, a row of trees would be planted between the trail and the rear yards.
Report #EGD-020-07
Page 4
Based on the input received, it is recommended that the Municipality proceed
with finalizing the trail design with alterations to address the concerns about
screening and setbacks.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Detailed Plan
PRIVATE PROPERTY
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Soper Creek Recreation Trail
Phase 2 - Mearns Park to Sprucewood Cr.
Detailed Plan
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ATTACHMENT NO.: 1
REPORT NO.: EGD-020-07