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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEGD-022-14 Cl-aringtoll REPORT ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Date: June 23, 2014 Resolution#:GP( r-k4SS--\L By-law#: Report#: EGD-022-14 File#: Subject: HIGHWAY 2 SIDEWALK, SOUTH SIDE FROM TRULLS ROAD TO COURTICE ROAD — A DETAILED REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report EGD-022-14 be received; 2. THAT Council approve the installation of sidewalk on the south side from Trulls Road to Courtice Road; 3. THAT all interested parties listed in this report and any delegations be advised of Council's decision. Submitted y: Reviewed by: A.S. Can ella Franklin Wu, Director of Engin ring Chief Administrative Officer Services ASC/ra/jb/nl CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379 REPORT NO.: EGD-022-14 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 On June 16, 2014 Mr. Gary Dalby (Item D-2 on the agenda), appeared as a delegation before Council to oppose the installation of sidewalk on the South side of Highway #2 from Trulls Road to Courtice Road in Courtice. 1.2 In Mr. Dalby's presentation there were six main points of contention which are as follows (see Mr. Dalby's presentation notes as Attachment#1): 1.2.1 Existing sidewalk on the north side of this section of Highway#2. 1.2.2 No recent development on the south side of Highway #2. 1.2.3 May promote unsafe crossings on Highway#2. 1.2.4 Brush along the south side of Highway #2 may put pedestrians at risk of injurious assault. 1.2.5 The Region of Durham has plans to widen Highway #2 along the sidewalk section such that the sidewalk, if installed, may need to be repaired or re-done at that time. 1.2.6 The Maple Grove area would be better served being fronted by hundreds of homes without sidewalk on either side of the highway and close to a commercial area. 1.3 In the June 16, 2014 meeting Council received Mr. Dalby's presentation and requested that staff report back with a full analysis on the justification for sidewalks on the South side of Highway#2, in the area in question (see Attachment#2). 2.0 COMMENTS 2.1 The Municipality has made a very conscious commitment in recent years to promote active transportation within the municipality by providing our residents with the many benefits of an active transportation network. Sidewalk network connectivity is one of the essential features of an active transportation network and in recognition of this, Council approved the installation of sidewalk on the South side of Highway #2 from Trulls Road to Courtice Road as part of its 2014 Capital Budget. In addition to promoting active transportation the provision of this section of sidewalk allows for greater leisure and recreational opportunity within the local community because it may minimize the need to cross Highway #2 to access a sidewalk. If a resident were currently wishing to simply walk within their local community using a sidewalk, they may need to cross the highway to use the sidewalk on the North side. With the provision of sidewalk on the south side, this crossover is no longer necessary. 2.2 Regional Road Highway#2 is classified as a Type B Arterial and a Regional Transit Spine in the Official Plan. Section 19.5.2 of the Official Plan outlines the design principles for Arterial Roads, which includes the provision for sidewalks within urban areas on both sides of the road in order to facilitate the safe REPORT NO.: EGD-022-14 PAGE 3 movement of pedestrians in a higher traffic area. In our 2010 Development Charges (DC) background study this project was included as a project with 100% of the share benefitting new development. This project is funded 100% from Development Charges with no impact on the current or future tax base. 2.3 Development south of Highway#2 is continuing and a pedestrian connection on Richard Gay Avenue from Avondale Drive to Highway#2 would greatly improve access for new and existing residents. This connection cannot be made without the provision of a sidewalk on the south side of Highway#2. 2.4 Grade 7 and 8 French immersion students from Dr. G. J. MacGillvray Public School were relocated to the Courtice Secondary School in September of 2013. An adult crossing guard has been relocated from the Courtice Road and Moyse Drive location to the Courtice Road and Nash Road location to jointly service the Hancock Neighbourhood North and South of Nash Road. Furthermore, there has been a request for a crossing guard at Courtice Road and Highway #2 but because the intersection is a signalized intersection we were unable to approve the request. We were confident in relying on the signals and also in the fact that intersection improvements, including sidewalk, would only add to that confidence. 2.5 The sidewalk on the South side of Highway#2 would be beneficial in promoting walking to amenities within Courtice and would provide more direct access to transit stops in this area. Access to existing and future transit stops will be greatly enhanced. Durham Transit's Long Term Strategy includes light rail transit on Highway #2 from the west Durham boundary to Courtice Road. The construction of this project out to Courtice Road is not expected until approximately 2031 but in the meantime our active transportation network will be developed in a fiscally sound and progressive manner. The Maple Grove area, as discussed in Mr. Dalby's presentation, will in time, benefit from a long range active transportation connectivity plan but priorities within current urban boundaries will be addressed first prior to the Maple Grove area as is the case with the proposed Highway#2 Sidewalk. The section in question is an essential early phase of a multi-year plan. 2.6 The Region of Durham has communicated their plans for widening Highway#2, explaining that they may need to construct a right turn lane at the Courtice Road intersection. Although it is not currently warranted traffic volumes are being re- assessed as necessary once the East Durham Link between Highway 401 and Highway 407 is constructed. If a turn lane is required in the future, the sidewalk in front of Roy Nichols would need to be removed and placed within a widening on land that is currently owned by Roy Nichols. Although approximately ten years out, any sidewalk that must be re-located will be done so by the Region as part of the road widening project. In the intervening ten years or so, sidewalk on the South side of Highway #2 between Trulls Road and Courtice Road is considered to be of significant benefit to public safety given that there are schools in this area, along with public recreational facilities that promote significant pedestrian activity. REPORT NO.: EGD-022-14 PAGE 4 2.7 Pedestrian and cyclist counts have been conducted in this area and are considered high enough to support the decision to install sidewalk now, regardless of any long range plans on the part of the Region. Public safety is considered a priority. As part of the count 75 individuals used the north sidewalk and 17 people crossed Highway #2 between Trulls road and Courtice Road just east of future Richard Gay Drive. Although Mr. Dalby states that the sidewalk on the south boulevard will promote more of this activity, we contend that pedestrians will be able to use the new sidewalk to continue east or west to the signalized intersections and Trulls Road and Courtice Road. 2.8 Roy Nichols currently has a sign placed within the road allowance that must be relocated. The corner of the sign is 1.2m from the back of curb at the location where pedestrians cross both Highway#2 and Courtice Road. This is an obstruction for wheelchairs, strollers and pedestrians walking two or more abreast (see Attachment#4). Ontario Regulation 191/11 of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requires new or re-constructed sidewalks to be a minimum of 1.5m wide, but whether the sidewalk goes in or not, the sign needs to be moved to promote visibility and safety in this very busy area. In addition, Roy Nichols Motors has an unfulfilled commitment to move the sign as part of the approval of their March 24, 2004 site plan agreement. 3.0 CONCURRENCE The Director of Planning Services has reviewed this report and concurs with this recommendation. 4.0 CONCLUSION Engineering Services Staff have thoughtfully reviewed Mr. Dalby's request within the context of our long range Active Transportation Plan, goals of our Official Plan, the Region of Durham's Official Plan, Places to Grow and Provincial Policy Statement and in recognition of the fact that high pedestrian counts of a primarily younger and more at risk population, along with continuing development, schools, recreational facilities and transit stops; we continue to support the construction of this section of sidewalk approved as part of the 2014 Capital Budget (Attachment 3). Sidewalk along the south side of Highway#2 from Trulls Road to Courtice Road is a vital part of our Active Transportation Network, our long range plans and to the safety of our residents. REPORT NO.: EGD-022-14 PAGE 5 It is our recommendation that Roy Nichols Motors be advised that a thorough review has been done and sidewalk must proceed as planned. CONFORMITY WITH STRATEGIC PLAN — Not Applicable Staff Contact: Ron Albright, Assistant Director, Engineering Services Attachments: Attachment 1 — Presentation notes for Mr. Gary Dalby's presentation to Council on June 16, 2014. Attachment 2 — Key map for the section of sidewalk in question Attachment 3 —2014 Capital Budget sheet Attachment 4 — Roy Nichols Motors sign location List of interested parties to be advised of Council's decision: Mr. Gary Dalby, Roy Nichols Motors Attachment 1 Report EGD-022-14 Side Walk -- Trulls Rd to Courtice Rd Along Highway 2 Good evening, Mayor Foster, Councillors, Ladies and Gentlemen. As mentioned, my name is Gary Dalby, and I am the General Manager of Roy Nichols Motors. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak to you, concerning the sidewalk on the south side of Highway 2, between Courtice Road and Trulls Road, that is planned for installation this summer, We are requesting a thorough review, to determine whether this sidewalk is warranted at this time. A sidewalk that is approximately one kilometre in length would be a costly project. In addition, any expense of this magnitude should provide significant value to the taxpayers. There are a number of reasons to reconsider delaying this planned installation: 1) There already exists a sidewalk on the north side of this stretch of highway. My office happens to look onto that sidewalk, and I can see that it gets very little use. 2) There has been no recent development on the south side of Highway 2 that would necessitate a sidewalk addition on the south side of the Highway. In fact, conservatively speaking, this stretch of highway has not seen any development in over 50 years. 3) Subdivision pedestrian traffic from the southern district of Highway 2, now has to cross at either the Trulls Road or Courtice Road intersection lights. This is, by far, the safest place to cross. The pending side walk on the south side would allow pedestrians to walk either east or west, and then, end up crossing a 4 lane high without benefit of a normal intersection stop light. Halfway between the previously mentioned roads, on the north side, there is a pathway through the creek valley to the schools. The new pending sidewalk on the south side of Highway 2 will put school children at risk, by encouraging them to cross a four lane highway anywhere along that one kilometer stretch, so they could cut through the creek valley. We all know that children can be distracted by a number of things, and may not be as careful as they should be crossing a busy highway. This new encouraged ability is a very important point. 4) A sidewalk installation on the south side of Highway 2 would run along a stretch of undeveloped brush land. This brush/undercover puts any sidewalk users at additional risk. How often do we hear in the news about someone being pulled into the bushes and assaulted? In case you think this would not happen in Courtice, let me draw your attention to the fact that just within the past two weeks, a man without a stitch of clothing was arrested, while walking on Courtice Road, just south of the plaza,at 8:30 in the morning. 5) Durham Regional Government has plans to widen Highway 2 along the stretch fronting Roy Nichols Motors. A new sidewalk now, plus in a few years, a road widening, would probably necessitate repairing or redoing some of this sidewalk. 6) Let me draw your attention to the Maple Grove area. This stretch of Highway 2 is fronted by approximately 100 homes, plus hundreds more on intersecting side roads, and even with a large shopping district within walking distance, there are no sidewalks on either side of the highway. This and many other locations would seem to be more of a priority, than having sidewalks on both sides of Highway 2, between Courtice and Trulls Roads, that at this time, see very little use. In the News Media a few years ago there were daily reports about money being spent in the U.S. on a "THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE". It seems like we are now trying to build "A SIDEWALK FOR NO ONE". Now, we do recognize that the time will come when the south side of Highway 2 between Trulls and Courtice Roads becomes developed, and at that time a sidewalk would probably be necessary. But, until that time, please reconsider the current need for this new sidewalk, and do not unnecessarily add to the taxpayers' expenses, and take the opportunity to redirect this money to more pressing issues. Thank you for listening. We trust you will give this matter serious consideration. �_ -- •• 7= ■1111111111111'�'■■■■■■��— 11111111 M mmm ��III ■■ � III��I�����Illllllllllllllllp � ��=, ► COURTICENORTH == IIII __ _� rl�lllllll I _II II -- °� �111111111111111111111� -_ ._= 1 IIIIIIIIIII =_ IIIIIIJJ,� _= ■Illllr��l� X1111111111111\ . I�I��//� _� :1111111111111111 �� ��111111111111111_:� Milli lIII lllllllllll : �IIIIII�►/ IIIIIIIIIIIID: MIN��1�j ,: `����Illllllllllllllllllll :I//IIIIIIIIII = 1, iiii1i_1_1i���..����I�..__ :�������IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Ni 1300- MINE I.............F uu::Fii1[:r_�i K11 :.. DATE:June 17,2014 is=_�='= :: � �_,y�'' I�,:;�!►.=. ==I� �� I ��__ 11111'_ , ..'=__.._°_' II •+.'�i . ,� (�,.s_„`'�IIIIU; _'__ ._--_ III/�-•,•Inlll'I �� 0%J,�C'•�I __:�?m_I-'°=___nnl,\i, _ 'i , wnmroi �ii!�,```` , /rte�rc.a A,�'� �� REPORT EGD-022-14 ATTACHMENT�- • Attachment 3 Municipality of Clarington. Report EGD-022-14 Capital Projects Project 32-331-14101 Highway#2 Sidewalk Trulls Rd to Courtice Rd South Side Version Ca ital Plan Year 2014 )epartment JENG. SERVICES Sub-Department S/WALKS &WALKWAYS Gallery - - 1:1^DepartmentlCapital Works1201412014 Capital Budget12014 Budget Mapsl32-3/31-14101.jpg r/ IV vF GreeK M U__1_ 2. UR 1 I CE HIGHWAY 2 SIDEWALK i Municipality of Clarington Capital Projects Project 32-331-14101 Highway#2 Sidewalk Trulls Rd to Courtice Rd South Side Version Ca ital Plan Year 2014 )epartment ENG. SERVICES Sub-Department ISMALKS &WALKWAYS - ., Description - Project Description: . The work includes the construction of sidewalk on the south side of Highway 2 to service the increased development in the area and to improve safety. This will also go towards improving active transportation in Clarington. This link will provide a safe connection to signalized intersections at either Trulls Road or Courtice Road for pedestrians wishing to cross Hwy. 2. Location: South Side of Hwy. 2 from Trulls Road to Courtice Road, Courtice. Budget( total �0�4 20 i 5 _ _0 6 2017 6018_ _201° 292Q Expenditures Contract Admin. 4,000 4,000 Design 7,000 7,000 Construction 208,000 208,000 219,000 219,000 Expenditures Total 219,000 219;000 - Funding Development Charges Roads&Related 219,000 219,000 219,000 219,000 Funding Total .219,000: y 219 000 _ - __-_ - Attnbute - Valoe ;Department `ENG.SERVICES Sub-Department `f- _ ^- 'S/WALKS&WALKWAYS a,W� Project Approval Location .-Ward 1 Pro•ect Classification New Program/Activity DC Reference No. Road Segment No. - Expected Useful Life -36-40• - Project Manager Attachment 4 Report I 4 . , I I i I � t I I