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Staff Report
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Report To: General Government Committee
Date of Meeting: June 21, 2021 Report Number: PWD-026-21
Submitted By: Stephen Brake, Director of Public Works
Reviewed By: Andrew C. Allison, CAO Resolution#: GG-416-21, C-238-21
File Number:
By-law Number:
Report Subject: Active Transportation on West Beach Road
Recommendations:
1. That Report PWD-026-21 be received;
2. That the active transportation needs and recommendations for West Beach Road
between East Shore Drive and the future West Beach Park be addressed through
the active transportation master plan study; and
3. That all interested parties listed in Report PWD-026-21 and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
Municipality of Clarington
Report PWD-026-21
Report Overview
Page 2
This report is to provide Council with an update on research being conducted to provide safe
pedestrian and cycling access in the West Beach Road area.
1. Background
1.1 During the Regular Council meeting held on March 01, 2021, Council passed Resolution
# C-081-21. This resolution provided direction to staff to report back on providing safe
pedestrian and cycling access to the West Beach Road area, including options.
1.2 West Beach Road is a municipal local road with an estimated average annual daily
traffic (AADT) count of 1400 vehicles per day and a posted speed of 50km/h from East
Shore Drive to 300 m north of Cove Road, 40km/h from 300m North of Cove Road to
Cove Road, and 20km/h from Cove Road to the parking lot at the end of West Beach
Road. Staff had last undertaken a radar message board deployment in Winter 2021 to
review speed and volume impacts. Average speeds were shown to generally be in
compliance in the low 50s.The 85t" percentile speed (the speed at which 85% of
vehicles travel at or under) was 62km/h, which is typical considering the road
characteristics and surrounding environment.
1.3 West Beach Road is the only access route to the homes in the Cove Road and Cedar
Crest Beach area, and to the Port Darlington West Beach Park. The road acts as part of
the Waterfront Trail for approximately 240 m east of Bowmanville Creek to east of Soper
Creek. It also serves as an access point to the Bowmanville Westside Conservation
Area parking lot and trail.
1.4 There has been a growing concern by area residents regarding pedestrian safety with
blockages caused by vehicles due to increased on -street parking and narrow shoulders.
Specifically in the winter, as the Bowmanville Westside Conservation Area trail is not
maintained, West Beach Road becomes the only access for residents to the Waterfront
Trail. Pedestrian volumes will likely increase in the area with the Bowmanville Creek
Trail extension which now connects Baseline Road to the Waterfront Trail. With the
eventual construction of the Port Darlington West Beach Park, pedestrian and cycling
facilities on West Beach Road will be required to allow safe and buffered travel for trail
users.
Municipality of Clarington
Report PWD-026-21
2. Discussion
Page 3
2.1 In response to the direction given, staff have begun a preliminary investigation into
options to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists on West Beach Road.
West Beach Road — Cove Road to North Parking Lot
2.2 West Beach Road is located in a Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA)
regulated area. In order for road widening to occur, consultation with regulatory staff and
an application for a regulatory permit approval will be required. The timing and costs
associated with this process can be hard to predict, but after a preliminary consultation
with the conservation authority, they'd be willing to work with staff to make
improvements to the area. The Bowmanville Marsh is immediately adjacent to the east
side of the road, and right of way limits along the west side of the road are at the back
side of the ditch, allowing very little room for widening. Road widening or construction of
active transportation facilities, such as sidewalks or a multi -use path, could require
significant changes to ditches, adjacent ecological habitats, and road drainage.
2.3 There are several hydro poles on West Beach Road from the Bowmanville Westside
Conservation Area parking lot to Cove Road. For road widening to occur, relocation of
these hydro poles will likely be required. This is a lengthy and expensive process, which
can take up to nine months.
2.4 Additional research should be conducted to determine actual pedestrian usage with the
new Bowmanville Creek Trail connection, projected increase in active transportation
with future development of the Port Darlington West Beach Park, and how the area will
be incorporated into the overall Active Transportation Master Plan. Staff are currently
working on the terms of reference for the Active Transportation Master Plan study. An
analysis of connections to parks and waterfront amenities will be included in the study,
including connection to the Port Darlington West Beach Park.
2.5 The RFP for the Active Transportation Master Plan will be released in fall 2021, and the
expected completion of the final study report in mid-2022.The study will establish priority
routes for active transportation connections and potential estimated costs. Information
regarding the recommendations for West Beach Road and the creation of active
transportation connections will be provided in an update report following the completion
of the Active Transportation Master Plan study. Refer to Figure 1 for the location of
West Beach Road in relation to the existing trails and future Port Darlington West Beach
Park.
Municipality of Clarington
Report PWD-026-21
Vdaterfrora rra I
rA,
Page 4
Figure 1- Location of Waterfront Trail, Bowmanville Westside Conservation Area Trail and
Parking Lot, and Future Port Darlington West Beach Park
Municipality of Clarington
Report PWD-026-21
West Beach Road — Waterfront Trail Connection
Page 5
2.6 West Beach Road currently acts as a connection for two segments of the Waterfront
Trail (refer to Figure 2). Staff have investigated paving of the existing shoulders through
this segment to provide pedestrians and cyclists a safe, buffered access to the trail, but
it was determined that the existing shoulders are not adequate for cycling facilities
according to best practices. A more detailed assessment of the area is required prior to
implementing alternative improvements. Staff will continue to investigate, including
consultation with the conservation authority.
6o4v-7@nvllle Creek Tra
Connection
Figure 2: Location of Waterfront Trail Connection on West Beach Rd
Additional Information
2.7 The Municipality has recently constructed a gravel parking lot at the south end of West
Beach Road where the road bends to go east. This additional parking will help to
alleviate the issue of parking along the side of road.
3. Concurrence
Not Applicable.
Municipality of Clarington
Report PWD-026-21
4. Conclusion
Page 6
It is respectfully recommended that Council review this update and advise staff how
they should proceed.
Staff Contact: Ben Pegels, Capital Works Coordinator, 905-623-3379 ext. 2304 or
bpegels@clarington.net.
Attachments:
Not Applicable
Interested Parties:
The following interested parties will be notified of Council's decision:
Clarington Active Transportation and Safe Roads Committee
Lori Moore
Paul Slavchenko