HomeMy WebLinkAboutEGD-008-12 Clarington REPORT
ENGINEERING I T
Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: February 27,2012 Resolution#: By-law#:
Report#: EGD-008-12 File#:
Subject: REGIONAL CYCLING PLAN
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report EGD-008-12 be received; and
2. THAT Council request that the Regional Municipality of Durham Council direct
their staff to:
a) Modify the current work plan such that the presentation of the draft updated
Regional Cycling Plan is made to the May 24, 2012 Joint meeting of the
Finance and Administration, Planning and Economic Development, Works
and Health and Social Services Committee instead of the March 22, 2012
meeting;
b) Include a funding commitment that will ensure continuous, reliable and
sustainable funding to address the construction, repair, maintenance,
monitoring and promotion of the Regional Cycling Plan through the
development of an on-going five (5) year long range capital plan as part of the
Region's annual budgeting process;
c) Revise the current regional policy so that implementation initiatives of the
Regional Cycling Plan are not confined to strictly correspond with road
improvement projects, but may also be considered independent of road
construction to close network gaps and facilitate key connections along
Regional Road spines;
d) Modify the current work plan to require public and stakeholder consultation by
the Region, given that updating the Regional Cycling Plan is a Regional
initiative and is inter-municipal in scope;
REPORT NO.: EGD-008-12 PAGE 2
3. THAT Regional Council be requested to provide the area municipalities,
stakeholders and public with sufficient time to analyze the draft updated Regional
Cycling Plan by requesting comments no later than September 30, 2012;
4. THAT the Municipal Clerk forward a copy of EGD-008-12 and resolution to the
Regional Municpality of Durham and local municipalities in the Durham Region.
5. THAT all interested parties listed in Report EGD-008-12 be advised of Council's
decision.
Submitted by: ' '`''` Reviewed by:
Anthony S. Cannella, C.E.T. Franklin Wu,
Director of Engineering Chief Administrative Officer Ie Services
ASC/Ij b/j b
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379
REPORT NO.: EGD-008-12 PAGE 3
1. BACKGROUND
1.1 On June 8, 2011 Regional Council requested the area municipalities to provide
updates and suggestions for modifications to the existing Regional Cycling Plan
(RCP). In Clarington, the plan provided for a cycling spine on Highway 2 only
from west Townline Rd. to the village of Newcastle. The plan also proposed a
preliminary cost sharing strategy; however, staff felt that not all aspects of
funding were addressed including design, level of maintenance service, signage,
etc.
1.2 In preparation for Clarington's response, staff met internally to discuss
augmenting the proposed network and providing connections to other roads and
trails. Staff also met with the Beech Street Spinners (BSS) Cycling Club to elicit
their valuable input to establishing a desirable cycling network in Clarington.
1.3 On Oct. 3, 2011, the Municipality responded to the Region's request (see
Attachment 1), confirming a commitment to work with the Region and proposing
that monies be committed in 2012 to fund the development of a Master
Transportation Plan (including a Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan) in
Clarington. Those funds were ultimately approved by Council for inclusion in the
2012 budget. The response also contained comments from staff and BSS
Cycling Club suggesting additions, improvements and connections to the
proposed plan.
1.4 Regional Report 2011-J-45 dated November 10, 2011 was subsequently
prepared with a recommendation that a draft updated RCP be presented to a
joint meeting of the Planning and Economic Development, Works, and Finance
and Administration Committees (the Tri-committee) on March 22, 2012 and
further indicating that on June 14, 2012 a Report to the Tri-committee will be
presented recommending adoption of a revised RCP.
REPORT NO.: EGD-008-12 PAGE 4
1.5 On November 23, 2011 Regional Council approved the following resolution
adopted by the Tri-committee on November 10, 2011:
a) That the recommendations on the updated Regional Cycling Plan be
presented at the March 22, 2012 Joint meeting of the Finance and
Administration, Planning and Economic Development, Works and Health and
Social Services Committees, to allow for adequate analysis and input by the
area municipalities and interested parties;
b) That an economic analysis of the Waterfront Trail through Durham Region be
undertaken to identify local and regional costs and benefits associated with
the completion of the trail;
c) That the Commissioner of Finance report back on funding alternatives for the
Cycling Plan, including a review of formulas used in other Southern Ontario
Regional Municipalities; and,
d) That staff develop a work plan that involves a Regional and Area Municipal
Senior staff working committee, and a work plan that assesses the items in
Attachment No. 4 to Report No. 2011-J-45 plus a comparison of best
practices in funding cycling facilities and socio-economic, environmental and
health benefits of a Regional Cycling Plan.
1.6 Since the Municipality's response to the Region, staff have met with other area
municipalities and the Region to determine the best cycling network that will be
desirable for cyclists to use.
1.7 In light of the fact that the Commissioner of Finance has been directed to report
back to Regional Council on "funding alternatives", area municipalities have
collectively discussed this issue and respectfully suggest that Municipal Councils
express their common concerns to the Region. It is critical to the successful
implementation of an updated RCP that the Region commit to a continuous,
sustainable and reliable funding strategy for the RCP, that the area municipalities
REPORT NO.: EGD-008-12 PAGE 5
be given appropriate time to undertake analysis and provide input endorsed by
local Councils on a draft updated RCP, and that the Region take ownership of
the public consultation process given that the RCP update is a Regional initiative
and inter-municipal in scope.
2. CONCLUSION
2.1 Area Municipal staff have drafted a resolution which is intended to be considered
by each Municipal Council in late February or early March. The purpose of the
resolution is to request the.Region to include a "continuous, reliable and
sustainable funding commitment" that addresses a number of financial issues in
the Regional Cycling Plan regardless of road jurisdiction. Staff respectfully
recommend that the GP&A Committee recommend that the resolution be passed
by Clarington Council.
3. CONCURRENCE:
This report has been reviewed by David Crome, Director of Planning Services
who concurs with the recommendations.
CONFORMITY WITH STRATEGIC PLAN — Not Applicable
The recommendations contained in this report conform to the general intent of the
following priorities of the Strategic Plan:
_ Promoting economic development
Maintaining financial stability
_ Connecting Clarington
X Promoting green initiatives
X Investing in infrastructure
_ Showcasing our community
_ Not in conformity with Strategic Plan
Staff Contact: Leslie Benson, P. Eng., Manager of Transportation and Design
REPORT NO.: EGD-008-12 PAGE 6
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - October 3, 2011 letter from A.S. Cannella to Jeff Brooks- Durham
Region Planning Department
List of interested parties to be advised of Council's decision:
Beech Street Spinners Cycling Club
ATTACHMENT NOA
REPORT NO.: EGD-008-12
1'1101, 0I1taIf0
October 3,2011
The Regional Municipality of Durham
P.O. Box 623
605 Rossland Road Fast
Whitby,ON
LIN 6A3
Attn: Mr.Jeff Brooks, Regional Planning Department
Dear Mr. Brooks:
Re: Regional Cycling Plan Comments
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Regional Cycling Plan by way of
recommendations that came from the Tri Finance&Administration, Planning and Works Committees,
and forwarded to our Council for comments both from the Municipality and from key partners such as
local cycling clubs and individual users.
As you will be aware,the Municipality of Clarington is committed to working with the Region on their
Cycling Plan through our Official Plan because we see active transportation as an important part of our
long term vision. To add emphasis to this statement you should know that the Municipality's Strategic
Plan identifies alternative modes of transportation,including cycling,as one of our key objectives in
developing"a comprehensive transportation master plan that reviews all modes of transportation (i.e.
vehicular,cycling,and pedestrian)on our roads,sidewalks and trails". We recognize the many benefits
of alternative and active transportation including improved health benefits for our residents,cleaner air,
and a more efficient transportation network and reduced dependence on the automobile. In fact we
see the promotion of alternate modes of travel,such as walking,transit and cycling as being key in
allowing us to reach our sustainable transportation objectives.
To emphasize our commitment the Municipality is proposing that monies to fund the development of a
Master Transportation Plan and an open spaces and trails study be included In our 2012 municipal
budget identifying all modes of transportation and specifically including a Pedestrian and Cycling Master
Plan. These plans/studies will be completed through our OP review process and will be proposed for
preparation In 2012 with adoption of the plan possibly In 2013 and implementation post 2013. it Is
important however that time is taken to prepare a Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan that clearly
Identifies Clarington's own local priorities in a distinct and adequate way.
The Pedestrian and Cycling Plan will respond to the need to develop policies,guidelines and standards at
the Regional.leyel to take a leadership role and to support municipal efforts for the provision of cycling
and pedestrian facilities and related infrastructure as well as policies to support implementation. It is,
howeverjecognized that it takes more than bicycle lanes or recreational pathways/sidewalks to make
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COR•P.OE2ATIQN.:O ,THE MU.N[CIPA•L'tTY QF:::,CLARI.NC'yTO.T
46-TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO.? L1C 3A6,:" T 995-623-337.1
Regional Cycling Plan Comments
October 3,2011
Page 12
Clarington pedestrian and cyclist friendly. It is our intention that the plan will address ways that we
might Improve cyclist and pedestrian safety,education,enforcement and promotion, enhance modal
Integration and the provision of trip end facllltles. Our policies and guidelines will also look at design
standards and implementation measures for the development of both on and off-road local cycling
networks.
The Municipality Is looking towards the development of our comprehensive pedestrian and cycling plan,
which would be co-ordinated with the Regional Cycling Plan addressing wide cycling and pedestrian
Initiatives as we work together to examine opportunities to connect many of our villages and hamlets in
the northern portions within the Municipality and in the Region (to the west)and appropriate
treatments for bicycles and pedestrians within the Regional Road allowance. There may be
opportunities where expansion of the local system could facilitate network connectivity and consistency
and help Increase the level of walking and cycling In the region.
In Clarington we do not rely solely on our long term vision,already we make it a practice to construct
new trails through our valleys to provide some north south continuity, however roadways need to also
be used to provide alternative north south continuity. Recently when we reconstructed Concession
Roads 7 and 8,we deliberately paved the shoulders to provide an east west spine across the top of the
municipality.
As you know the Municipality of Clarington is widespread compared to some other regional
municipalities with many smaller villages that need connections to a cycling and trail network and there
are various challenges for both the novice and experienced cyclist.
Having outlined our goals and intentions I would like to advise that the following points were gathered
from staff and from local key users for further consideration:
Comments from Staff
1. Taunton Road is Identified as a Regional Cycling Spine but only as far east as Slmcoe Street in
Oshawa.Cyclists who like to access rural roads In Clarington often come in from the west.Taunton
Road with a bicycle friendly cross-section might be used as a connection to the rural roads in
Clarington and it should be identified as a Regional Spine all the way to 115/35 Hwy.
2. The Waterfront Trail is not Identified as one of the Regional Cycling Sp€nes and it might be the most
heavily used cycling route between the lakeshore municipalities in the Durham Region.The Region
should consider a funding formula similar to what they have proposed for rural roads,a 50/50 cost
sharing for the cost of granular,asphalt,signage,markings,and the provision of other amenities.
The maintenance of the Waterfront Trail would remain the responsibility of the respective
municipality.This type of funding formula could expedite the improvement of deficient sections and
the construction of new sections of Waterfront Trail.
3. The cycling spine should provide for connections to all local and regional trails,as well as
connections to other modes of transportation such as GO Transit particularly since GO Transit
provides for and encourages bicycle riders to use their transit. In the report,the route appears to
stand on its own without mindful connectivity to other routes and trarisportatlon'modes.
Regional Cycling Plan Comments
October 3, 2011
Page 13
4. Hwy 2 through Clarington has Regional sections and Municipal sections.The methodology to
determine responsibilities in the Regional Cycling Network should consider the entire length of Hwy
2 as"Regional".
S. In addition to multi-use boulevard paths,on-road cycling facilities on urban cross sections should be
considered within the methodology of the Regional Cycling Plan.
6. While the design of the"cycling facilities" Is mentioned, there Is no mention of who will undertake
the design and who will pay for the design. The entire cycling plan will be under the jurisdiction of
eight different road authorities,and there must be consistency throughout with respect to design,
signage, path markings, etc.
7. While Sect. 1.8 of the report discussed Risk Management and Mitigation Strategies,subsequent
reports on this matter identify that further consideration needs to be given to risk management and
insurance issues"to ensure that the proper standard of care is provided [level of service]". Liability
has been and continues to be a significant issue,and to our knowledge, no"proper standard of
care" has been defined. Sect. 1.11 Implies that winter maintenance is expected on the cycling
facilities. There are significant costs and liability associated with that level of service. Appropriate
levels of service for maintaining these facilities must be defined.
8. The report proposes that the local municipality Is entirely responsible for the cost of"path
maintenance"In urban areas where a multi-use boulevard path will be located on one side of the
road. Clarington maintenance personnel,therefore,will be required to maintain bike lanes along
kilometers of Regional road boulevards which will have significant impact on their work schedules.
As stated previously,the level of service on those paths is not defined. For these reasons and for
consistency with respect to design, maintenance,signage,markings,etc.,cycling facilities along
Regional Roads should be completely funded and maintained by the Region.
9. There are no north/south Regional Cycling Spines in Clarington,currently shown on the plan. Spines
along such roads as Reg. Rd,34,Reg. Rd.57,Reg. Rd. 14 and Reg. Rd.42 would be appropriate
north/south routes with a great deal of connectivity to destinations. As well,significant cycling
activity occurs all along Hwy.2 in Clarington as cyclists travel east, and we request that the Cycling
Spine be extended to,the Clarington/Port Hope boundary.
Comments from Beech Street Spinners(BSS) Cycling Club
1. Hwy 2 should be Included as a Regional Cycling Spine to the east limit of Clarington.This route Is
used regularly by the BSS for rides to Port Hope and beyond.
2. The Beech Street Spinners do not believe that Taunton Road is a good route for cycling in its current
configuration.The club always chooses alternate routes to avoid Taunton Road and believes that
other east/west spines should be identified.
3. The Plan only allows for Regional funding assistance on rural cross sections of Regional Roads
Identified In the plan part of the Regional Cycling Spine.There are partial sections of Regional Roads
---that-are often-used-by-the-BSS-as-IInks-to other-routes For-instance-the-section of-1111-57.between - - -
Regional Cycling Plan Comments
October 3, 2011
Page 14
Nash Road and Longworth Avenue is a frequently used route that would benefit from a paved
shoulder bikeway on both sides of the road.Since RRS7 Is not part of the Regional Cycling Spine It
would currently not be eligible for funding assistance from the Region.
4. Regional Road 34 is used regularly by the BSS and should be Identified as a Regional Cycling Spine
between the 401 and Taunton Road,
5. Regional Road 42 is used regularly by the BSS and should be Identified as a Regional Cycling Spine
between Hwy 2 and Concession Road 4.
The Municipality Is committed toward developing a comprehensive and viable transportation network
that supports various alternative modes of active transportation within Clarington. The Regional Cycling
Plan is vital but equally Important,for Clarington and for the Region, Is the need for us to identify our
own unique vision and priorities and we intend to do so,with your help, by way of our 2012 Pedestrian
and Cycling Master Plan. Once that is In place,and a copy has been made available to you,we feel that
we will be in an even better position to support and develop a combined regional vision.
I invite you to contact me directly with your thoughts and questions.
Sincerely
A.S.Cannella,C.E.T.
Director of Engineering Services
ASC/jb
Cc: Clarington's Mayor and Council
Frank Wu, C.A.D.
P. Barrie, Municipal Clerk
D.Crome, Director of Planning Services
F. Horvath, Director of Operations