Chorley Park Trail Connection New Design Options Information Booklet Prepared for June 9, 2014 Public Meeting Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 1 of 12
Our Goals for the Chorley Park Trail Connection The City of Toronto, in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), is working towards the construction of a new multi-use trail to connect Chorley Park to the Beltline Trail, Moore Park Ravine and the Don Valley Brick Works Park. Build a trail that is safe for a variety of users with differing abilities Protect existing butternut trees and minimize impact on other native trees Provide for natural environment protection and restoration planting Address erosion and stability of the slope Establish a long term and low maintenance solution This project is part of a larger plan to improve the Beltline Line Trail in terms of safety, protection and restoration of the natural environment, accessibility, connectivity and user experience. Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 2 of 12
Context Map Chorley Park as it exists today (June 2014) North Benches Lookout Chorley Park Previously Disturbed Areas Tree Removal Area (completed winter 2014) Existing Footpaths (to be removed) Access to Don Valley Brick Works Park Flagstone Stairway Bridge Timber Stairs (to be removed) Existing Asphalt Trail (to be removed) * Tree Protection Zones for Butternut trees are normally required to be 25m, but we have obtained permission from the Ministry of Natural Resources to reduce this to 15m for this project. Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 3 of 12
Timber Staircase and Footpaths to be Removed The existing footpaths, broken asphalt trail and deteriorating timber staircase at Chorley Park are not safe for public use and will be removed and converted to a natural forest condition. Rehabilitation of this existing infrastructure to bring it to up to standard and safe for public use is not possible at its current location because of the potential construction impact on the endangered butternut trees (which are Erosion on steep footpath Deteriorating timber staircase protected under the Ontario Endangered Species Act) as well as other important native trees. The existing network of numerous informal footpaths is harming the quality of the local forest environment, inhibiting healthy ground cover and contributing to erosion of the hillside. Effective forest restoration is achieved by concentrating users on a formal trail, keeping vegetation from being trampled. Old asphalt trail next to butternut trees Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 4 of 12
What We Have Heard from the Community Over the past couple of months the City has received a high volume of passionate and concerned comments covering a range of opinions on this project: Cutting down trees was unnecessary destruction Asphalt is not appropriate We don t like stone retaining walls or wood fencing We don t want more strangers coming to our park We don t want more cars parking in this area We don t want to lose our toboggan run Use fewer switchbacks 3m is too wide for the path Make it a rustic, woodland pedestrian trail Hurry up with the native plantings Don t delay this project because of the negative reaction to tree removal An accessible connection to the Brick Works and ravine trail will clearly benefit the vast majority We look forward to easy bike access We are always glad to hear from residents who care about public parks and trails, and we will do our best to address concerns in this civic engagement process. Toronto Makes Trails for Everyone Diversity Our Strength Rain or shine, we want everyone to feel comfortable and safe using this trail connection: Walkers, hikers, joggers and runners Nature enthusiasts of all ages Child guardians with strollers Cyclists (walking their bikes) Dog owners People with physical disabilities (e.g. who use walkers, wheelchairs or canes) photo credit Lynn Friedman Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 5 of 12
Asphalt is the Recommended Trail Surface While we appreciate many people have requested the trail be a more natural or granular surface, asphalt remains the recommended solution. Asphalt is a stable and firm surface that has some flexibility before cracking. It is also much less susceptible to rutting from storm water, or being slippery after rain, both of which are serious concerns on the Chorley slope. Although not obvious, many of the existing trails on Chorley slope are constructed of asphalt. Even now in disrepair, the asphalt is still protecting soils and tree roots in places. A reliably safe trail for all users on this slope requires a paved surface like asphalt. Wide Enough for Comfortable Passing We are not expecting crowds of users on this trail connection, but we do want to allow for comfortable two-way travel, passing, and people to easily walk side-by-side without going off-trail and thus harming the surrounding restored natural areas. A three meter width is recommended, which again is best served with paving to avoid puddles and rutting and to prevent widening of the trail into the natural environment caused by people walking around wet/damaged areas that occur more commonly on non-paved surfaces. Severe rutting in granular surface at Milkman's Lane (which is approx. 12% slope at its steepest) Example 2.5m wide trail Chorley Park Hillside Options We Want Your Feedback! On the following pages are summary descriptions of the main options for Chorley Park Hillside that the City and TRCA consider to be acceptable. We invite your feedback, in particular: 1. What features do you like or dislike about each option? 2. Are the options presented fairly? If not, what should be changed? 3. What other design possibilities would you suggest? All Options Include Restoration Consistent to all the options, each plan would include: Remove existing footpaths, broken asphalt trail and deteriorating timber staircase and convert those areas to a natural forest condition Plant slope with native trees and shrubs around any proposed infrastructure Implementation of a broader ravine management plan to address current hazards and target improvements to biodiversity and ecological integrity Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 6 of 12
Chorley Park Trail Hillside Option 1 - No Formal Trails, Forest In this option the entire hillside would be converted back to a forest condition. Signs would be installed to indicate existing trails are closed. No infrastructure would be installed on the slope: complete area would be planted with native species trees and shrubs. Fences may be required to protect newly planted areas. Pros Cons Potential for improving the ravine environment Lowest cost and quickest implementation Some of the tree removals already completed would have been un-necessary No formal connection provided from Chorley Park to the Beltline Trail and the Brick Works Park. A network of informal footpaths will certainly be recreated, due to lack of formal trail and the desire of many park users to access the area. These footpaths will disturb the natural environment, including newly restored areas, and may be unsafe. Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 7 of 12
Chorley Park Trail Hillside Option 2 Original Switchback Proposal A typical muti-use asphalt trail that traverses the slope in a zig-zag pattern at a moderate grade with many convenient connections and accessible and comfortable for a variety of users with differing abilities. Natural limestone retaining walls (up to 1.8m high (6ft) in some sections) and wood fencing used along the complete length. Trail Width: 3.0 meters Slope: moderate 6.8% grade. # of switchbacks: Five Connections from Chorley Park: Three 1. Path from Douglas Dr. to existing northern lookout 2. A new central steel staircase from the top of the slop to the first switchback 3. Existing south western limestone staircase from heritage driveway) Connections to the Beltline Tail: Two (north & south located close to existing foot trail connections) 3. 2. 1. Pros 6.8% grade is a more reasonable than the alternative 8.0-10.0% as it will allow access for a variety of users with differing abilities Convenient south and north direct connections to the Beltline Trail 3m provide comfortable passing on the trail Cons Extensive retaining walls and fences may feel "overengineered" Planting space is limited to areas beside the trail and between switchbacks More switchbacks result in longer distance traveled Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 8 of 12
Chorley Park Trail Hillside Options 3, 4 and 5 Modified Switchback These options also propose a typical muti-use asphalt trail that traverses the slope in a zig-zag pattern with natural lime stone retaining walls (up to 1.8m high (6ft) in some sections) and wood fencing used along the complete length. The key modifications between these and the original switchback proposal include: Eliminates proposed formalized path through upper park from Douglas Dr. at Astley Ave. 1. Removes proposed staircase from central area of park Reduced trail width from original 3.0 metres down to 2.5 metres Variations on the design of the switchbacks Trail Width: 2.5 meters Slope: Moderate 6.8% to steeper 8% grade. # of switchbacks: Three to five Option 3 shown here (4 & 5 are on the following page) Connections from Chorley Park: Two 1. Existing northern lookout 2. Existing southwestern limestone staircase from heritage driveway. Connections to the Beltline Tail: One - north direction (location varies) 2. Pros Reduction in trail surface width provides marginally more space for plantings Removing steel staircase reduces construction costs Cons Common to all three Modified Switchback options Narrower trail width is less comfortable for passing Less convenient connections at Chorley Park Less direct connection if going south on the Beltline Trail e.g. to Brick Works Not including the proposed staircase removes an entry point that is currently used Extensive retaining walls and fences may feel "over-engineered" Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 9 of 12
Differences Between Options 3, 4 and 5 Op Description # of Switch backs 3 4 5 Same design as original, but without south direction connection to Beltline Trail or connection to Douglas Dr. Extend 2nd last switchback from the bottom of the slope at the same grade (6.8%) and connect to Beltline trail further north Steeper switchback at 8% grade, with additional landings and extend 2nd last switchback Connections to the Beltline Tail 5 North-only, located near existing foot trail 3 North-only, located further north 3 North-only, located further north Slope Pros Cons Moderate at 6.8% Moderate at 6.8% Steeper at 8% Does not increase the requirement for additional tree removals More direct connection if going north on Beltline Trail More direct connection if going north on Beltline Trail Additional landings provide for rest stops. (see common "cons" on previous page) More tree removals may be required to extend 2 nd last switchback (species and health unknown) This area at the base of the mature native forest could otherwise be planted (e.g. hemlock, ferns). May be too steep for some users Option 4 Option 5 Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 10 of 12
Chorley Park Trail Hillside Options 6 Staircase with Bike Trough In this option we aim to provide a reliable and safe trail connection without the need for a switchback by installing a staircase structure down entire slope. The design would include a bicycle trough on at least one side of the stairs to make it easier for cyclists to roll their bikes up and down. Staircase location and recommended materials to be determined Tread Width: 2.1m Slope: standard stairs # of switchbacks: None Connections from Chorley Park: One Connections to the Beltline Tail: One? Location of potential stairs and connecting trail to be determined Pros Provides a direct trail connection Staircase minimizes the size of the impacted area of the slope and provides additional area for tree and shrub planting Cons Limits accessibility for all but most able-bodied users Not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs Not as pet friendly (many dogs do not like walking on open-riser or metal stairs) Vegetation under the stairs would have to be managed Structure requires higher maintenance than an asphalt trail May require additional tree removals Will require additional geotechnical analysis and completely new design and tendering process Will likely eliminate connection to existing trail under bridge Steel and wood stairs may feel "over-engineered" Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 11 of 12
Next Steps Following the June 9, 2014 public meeting, staff will use the feedback provided during the workshop to inform the finalizing of the trail design options in preparation for an online survey. Online Survey to Follow The online survey would include the updated and refined information presented in this booklet and a finalized set of options, which may include new designs suggested by you today. For each option the key question will be: On scale of 1-5, how acceptable is this option for Chorley Park Hillside? We will also ask participants to prioritize the options and provide additional feedback. The survey will be will be open to anyone. Participants will be asked questions about where they live in relationship to the park and measures will be taken to validate this information. We will also ask questions about trail user types and some very basic demographics. Measures will be taken in order to reduce the chance of repeat submissions. Survey results will be published as anonymous aggregated data. Interpretation of the survey results will be weighted to give priority to: those who live closer to the trail e.g. within a 15 minute walk those who use the trail most often e.g. more than once a week in warmer weather Weighting may also be adjusted to represent a fair balance of various types of Toronto trail users. We request your suggestions on what approaches you would recommend to make this proposed online survey and its interpretation as fair and transparent as possible. Time Line Going Forward* June 9, 2014 Public meeting Mid-June Staff review and publish results Mid-June Further consultation with Resident Associations on options and survey approach July 2014 Online Survey August 2014 City announces design decision Early 2015 Begin Implementation of design *dates subject to change We Would Like To Hear From You Public engagement is an important part of this project. You are invited to learn more and to share your insights and opinions at any time. For more information, please contact: Jason Diceman, Public Consultation Unit, City of Toronto Tel: 416-338-2830 Fax: 416-392-2974 Email: jdicema@toronto.ca Wendy Strickland Natural Environment Specialist Urban Forestry, City of Toronto Tel: 416-392-7111 Fax: 416-338-1069 Email: wstrick@toronto.ca www.toronto.ca/chorleytrail Chorley Park Trail Booklet June 9, 2014 Page 12 of 12