1 PROJECT STATUS UPDATE 2 ND CONCESSION FROM BRISTOL ROAD TO DOANE ROAD TOWNS OF EAST GWILLIMBURY AND NEWMARKET

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1 Report No. 3 of the Regional Council Meeting of March 28, PROJECT STATUS UPDATE 2 ND CONCESSION FROM BRISTOL ROAD TO DOANE ROAD TOWNS OF EAST GWILLIMBURY AND NEWMARKET The recommends: 1. Receipt of the presentation by Mark Nykoluk, Project Manager, Roads; 2. Adoption of the recommendation contained in the following report dated February 22, 2013, from the Commissioner of Transportation and Community Planning, with the following addition: 2. Staff provide an update to the with respect to road capacity for the north/south corridors between the Town of Georgina and the Town of Newmarket. 1. RECOMMENDATION 1. It is recommended that this report be received for information. 2. PURPOSE This report provides a project status update on the widening and reconstruction of 2 nd Concession, from Bristol Road in the Town of Newmarket to Doane Road in the Town of East Gwillimbury. 3. BACKGROUND The project addresses current transportation and future servicing needs associated with planned growth in Holland Landing, Queensville and Sharon This project provides transportation capacity improvements for all modes as well as portions of the necessary servicing infrastructure to support growth in the communities of Holland Landing, Queensville and Sharon. A context map and location plan are appended to this report (See Attachments 1 and 2).

2 Report No. 3 of the Regional Council Meeting of March 28, 2013 The project is currently progressing on-schedule for construction to start in 2014 The environmental assessment of 2 nd Concession was completed in 2011, and received clearance from the Ministry of the Environment to proceed to implementation (design and construction) in June The study limits were Bristol Road in the Town of Newmarket, to Queensville Sideroad in the Town of East Gwillimbury. The detailed design is currently progressing on-schedule with construction expected to commence in early As per the recommendations of the environmental assessment the project is being designed to include the following: A widening of 2 nd Concession from two to four lanes between Bristol Road and Doane Road Regional servicing including a watermain and sewers Replacement of the existing bridge over the HollandRiver A new bridge to carry 2 nd Concession over the GO rail line Geometric improvements to upgrade 2 nd Concession to Regional standards Cycling facilities Rogers Reservoir was identified as a significant feature during the environmental assessment requiring additional design consideration The section of 2 nd Concession between the GO rail line and Rogers Reservoir received significant attention during the environmental assessment, with many residents referring to the Rogers Reservoir location as a diamond in the rough. Local public interest in this area was also identified in surveys conducted by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, which found that the Rogers Reservoir receives nearly 30,000 visitors per year, with nearly 80 per cent of these visitors coming from the local area (i.e. within a ten kilometre radius). The Region committed to developing a Context Sensitive Design for 2 nd Concession through the Rogers Reservoir In response to what was heard from the public, the following commitments were made during the environmental assessment: To provide cycling facilities as well as adequate space for municipal sidewalks which facilitate access to Rogers Reservoir from the north and south along the 2 nd Concession To minimize pedestrian/road/rail conflicts and improve operating conditions by grade separating the 2 nd Concession from the Rogers Reservoir with bridges over the GO rail line and HollandRiver

3 Report No. 3 of the Regional Council Meeting of March 28, 2013 To provide connectivity to the Nokiidaa Trail to the east and west of Rogers Reservoir To apply a context sensitive design to the retaining walls along the east side of 2 nd Concession at Rogers Reservoir, for approximately 120 metres, to enable the grade separation of the 2 nd Concession over the HollandRiver and the GO rail line. Although the need for a context sensitive design for the retaining walls was identified in the final Environmental Assessment, it is important to understand that this design increases the capital cost of the project as well as the long-term maintenance and rehabilitation costs of the asset. A sewer component of the 2 nd Concession project must be operational by April 2015 in order to meet future servicing requirements The Region is accommodating the Town of East Gwillimbury s request to coordinate all of the 2 nd Concession works to minimize public impact. Accordingly, sewer and watermain construction along the 2 nd Concession is progressing according to the milestones identified in the Development Charge Credit Agreement for the YDSS Sewer Extension, which will provide water and wastewater servicing to support growth in the communities of Holland Landing, Queensville and Sharon. The current status of the 2 nd Concession project is shown below in the project timeline. We are here Environmental Assessment Detailed Design Construction Phase ANALYSIS AND OPTIONS A context sensitive curvilinear retaining wall design incorporates stepped planting beds as features along the adjacent Nokiidaa trail The required 2 nd Concession grade separations at the Holland River as well as the GO Rail line require long retaining walls within the Rogers Reservoir. The retaining walls minimize the grading impacts and width of the road right-of-way required to connect the two grade separations. Given the findings of the environmental assessment which identified the Rogers Reservoir as a significant local feature, the design team developed alternatives to plain concrete retaining walls.

4 Report No. 3 of the Regional Council Meeting of March 28, 2013 Following analysis and discussion with internal and external stakeholders, a curvilinear retaining wall option was selected as the preferred option. This curvilinear retaining wall option combines the necessary functions of the retaining walls with stepped planting beds and connections to the adjacent Nokiidaa Trail to the east and west of the site. Concept sketches of the proposed retaining walls are included as Attachment 3. The curvilinear retaining wall design increases the capital cost of the project as well as long-term maintenance requirements The maintenance of the curvilinear retaining walls, including stepped planting beds, will be a Regional responsibility. The anticipated incremental capital cost of the curvilinear retaining walls compared to more conventional plain concrete retaining walls is approximately $1.5 million. This cost is currently provided for in the project budget. The anticipated maintenance cost associated with the curvilinear retaining wall is similar to the more conventional plain concrete retaining wall, however there are additional costs for maintaining the stepped planting beds,estimated to be $5,000 per year. This represents a small increase over the expected annual maintenance cost of plain retaining walls. The design maintains a portion of the Nokiidaa Trail on the Region s rightof-way, and requires maintenance responsibilities to be clarified A portion of the existing Nokiidaa Trail runs along and then crosses the 2 nd Concession right-of-way at the Rogers Reservoir. Although the trail resides on conservation land, private land, and public right-of-way, maintenance agreements have not yet been formalized, with the various land owners.the Region, Town of East Gwillimbury, and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority staff will continue to work together to determine a maintenance strategy for the portion of the Nokiidaa Trail which resides on Regional property. To meet the project schedule, 2 nd Concession will need to be closed to traffic prior to the opening of the Highway 404 extension 2 nd Concession needs to be closed for approximately 18 months, beginning in the early second quarter of 2014, in order to construct the grade separations over the Holland River and the GO rail line in the Rogers Reservoir as well as the water and waste water servicing. To minimize transportation impacts to local residents and commuters, the Town of East Gwillimbury formally requested that the closure of 2 nd Concession be coordinated to occur after the opening of the Highway 404 extension, expected sometime in 2014, through council resolution provided to the Region on August 10, Although the 2 nd

5 Report No. 3 of the Regional Council Meeting of March 28, 2013 Concession project schedule has not changed, the delayed opening of the Highway 404 extension means the additional north-south capacity provided by the highway extension will not be in place to offset delays created by the required closure of 2 nd Concession. The Region is working to develop strategies and measures to reduce impacts to residents and road users during the road closure Primary concerns raised by the Town of East Gwillimbury related to increased traffic and the associated impacts along Leslie Street, through the community of Sharon as well as along residential sections of Mount Albert Road, Farr Avenue and Yonge Street in Holland Landing. The detailed design already includes strategies to minimize disruption to local residents and users of the 2 nd Concession corridor during construction. Part of the strategy includes implementing intersection improvements at Green Lane and 2 nd Concession, and at Green Lane and Woodbine Avenue. Construction sequencing is also being developed to minimize travel delays. With the delayed opening of the Highway 404 extension, additional studies are also underway to better understand the transportation impacts relative to what was assumed at the project outset. The project schedule cannot be maintained if the closure of 2 nd Concession has to wait until the completion of the Highway 404 extension. Related on-going projects include three pumping stations for the Holland Landing, Queensville and Sharon Wastewater Servicing Project A number of other major infrastructure projects, including the pumping stations and nonlinear works outside of the 2 nd Concession road right-of-way, are underway as part of the Holland Landing, Queensville and Sharon Wastewater Servicing Project. These are summarized in the following table: Table 1 Other Works Associated with 2 nd Concession Project Current Status Completion Target Holland Landing Pumping Station Under construction September, nd Concession Pumping Station Contract Awarded February 2015 Queensville West Pumping Station Award in progress February 2015 Linear works outside of right-of-way Tender in Q December 2014 Linear works outside of the right-of-way include the Holland Landing forcemain, the Sharon trunk sewer, and the forcemain along Green Lane to the Newmarket Pumping Station.

6 Report No. 3 of the Regional Council Meeting of March 28, 2013 Link to key Council-approved plans Strategic Plan: The 2 nd Concession project provides needed infrastructure to support growth in the communities of Holland Landing, Queensville and Sharon. Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan: The cycling and trail facilities included as part of the 2 nd Concession project promote active transportation. 5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Improvements to the 2nd Concession corridor in the Town of East Gwillimbury and Town of Newmarket are identified in the Region s 10 Year Roads Construction Program. Construction is planned to commence in 2014, for a duration of three years. The anticipated capital cost of the project, including the necessary servicing infrastructure as well as the curvilinear retaining walls is currently estimated at $100 million, apportioned $40 million for the road widening and reconstruction, and $60 million for the sewers and watermain located within the limits of this project, but does not include the costs of other works associated with 2 nd Concession, identified in Table 1 (above). Sufficient funds are included in the appropriate budgets within the Transportation and Community Planning Department and Environmental Services Department. The road works are funded at ten per cent from Tax Levy and ninety per cent from Development Charges. The water and sewer works are funded from a combination of development charges and from developer contributions through a front-end financing agreement. The anticipated annual maintenance cost of the stepped beds within the curvilinear retaining walls at Rogers Reservoir is estimated at $5,000, which represents a marginal increase in the anticipated annual maintenance cost associated with plain retaining walls. 6. LOCAL MUNICIPAL IMPACT The project will provide significant benefit to the communities of Queensville, Holland Landing and Sharon The widening and reconstruction of 2 nd Concession will provide significant benefit to the Region and the communities of Holland Landing, Queensville and Sharon by improving access to the Rogers Reservoir. The Rogers Reservoir, including the existing wetland and historical lock structures, is a popular local destination and will become an increasingly popular recreation area as the surrounding area develops. The project also supports development growth for these communities in the Town of East Gwillimbury.

7 Report No. 3 of the Regional Council Meeting of March 28, 2013 The 2 nd Concession will need to be closed prior to the opening of the Highway 404 extension, however, steps are being taken to minimize community impacts. Trail maintenance responsibilities, where the Nokiidaa Trail resides on Regional property, will be further addressed during detailed design in cooperation with the Town of East Gwillimbury and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority staff. 7. CONCLUSION The widening and reconstruction of 2 nd Concession, including watermain and sewers, addresses transportation and servicing needs associated with growth in the communities of Holland Landing, Queensville and Sharon. The Rogers Reservoir was identified as a significant feature during the environmental assessment requiring additional design consideration. To address this, a context sensitive curvilinear retaining wall design which incorporates stepped planting beds was designed as a feature along the adjacent Nokiidaa trail. The context sensitive curvilinear retaining wall design increases the capital and maintenance costs of the project. The proposed design supports the commitments from the environmental assessment while encouraging active transportation to a popular local historic attraction. For more information on this report, please contact Brian Titherington, Director Roads at Ext The Senior Management Group has reviewed this report. (The three attachments referred to in this clause are attached to this report.)

8 COUNCIL ATTACHMENT 1

9 COUNCIL ATTACHMENT 2

10 COUNCIL ATTACHMENT 3

11 Project Status Update 2 nd Concession from Bristol Road to Doane Road Presentation to Mark Nykoluk March, 6, 2013

12 Presentation Overview Background Project Status Context Sensitive Project Features Next Steps March 6, 2013 Slide 2

13 The Queensville, Holland Landing and Sharon Communities are Planning to Grow East Gwillimbury anticipates significant growth in the Queensville, Holland Landing and Sharon Communities in the coming years Population 23,700 48,100 86,500 Employment 6,900 18,700 34,400 March 6, 2013 Slide 3

14 York Region Transportation Master Plan Recommends Improvements to 2 nd Concession 2 nd Concession between Green Lane and Doane Road was identified for improvements by 2021 March 6, 2013 Slide 4

15 The Project Addresses Current and Future Transportation and Servicing Needs 4 lane widening between Green Lane and Doane Road Regional servicing including a watermain and sewers Bridges over the Holland River and GO rail line Cycling facilities March 6, 2013 Slide 5

16 Rogers Reservoir is a Significant Local Feature Needing a Context Sensitive Design Rogers Reservoir: a destination that receives 30,000 visitors each year March 6, 2013 Slide 6

17 Curvilinear Retaining Wall View looking to the north west March 6, 2013 Slide 7

18 Strategies to Reduce Impacts Anticipated 18 month closure of 2 nd Concession beginning Q Hwy 404 Extension delayed opening until 2014 Intersection improvements in 2013 to offset impacts: 1. Green Lane and 2 nd Concession 2. Green Lane and Woodbine Avenue Traffic Management Plan will be developed March 6, 2013 Slide 8

19 Other Associated Works Holland landing Pumping Station 2 nd Concession Pumping Station Queensville West Pumping Station Linear Works Outside of Right-of-Way 1. Holland Landing Forcemain 2. Sharon Trunk Sewer 3. Green Lane forcemain to the Newmarket Pumping Station March 6, 2013 Slide 9

20 Project is on Schedule We are here Environmental Assessment Detailed Design Construction Phase On-schedule for construction to begin in early 2014 March 6, 2013 Slide 10

21 Next steps Vegetation removal in April 2013 Finalize property acquisition by May 2013 Finalize permits by November 2013 Relocate utilities by December 2013 Award Contract January 2014 Construction begins April 2014 On-schedule for construction to start in 2014 March 6, 2013 Slide 11