Bayview Avenue Class Envirnmental Assessment Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad Envirnmental Study Reprt August 2017
THE PUBLIC RECORD This Envirnmental Study Reprt is available fr a 45 calendar-day public review perid starting n Thursday August 17, 2017 during regular business hurs at: Yrk Regin, Reginal Clerk s Office Yrk Regin Administrative Centre, 17250 Ynge Street, Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z1 877-464-9675 ext. 79000 Mnday t Friday: 8:30 am t 4:30 pm City f Markham Clerks Department Markham Civic Centre, 101 Twn Centre Bulevard, Markham, ON L3R 9W3 905-475-4744 Mnday t Friday: 8:00 am t 5:00 pm (excluding statutry hlidays) Markham Public Library, Thrnhill Cmmunity Centre Branch 7755 Bayview Avenue, Thrnhill, ON L3T 4P1 905-513-7977 Mnday t Thursday: 9:30 am t 9 pm Friday: 9:30 am t 5:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am t 5:00 pm Sunday: 1:00 pm t 5:00 pm Twn f Richmnd Hill Clerk s Department Richmnd Hill Twn Hall, 225 East Beaver Creek Rad, Richmnd Hill, ON L4B 3P4 905-771-8800 Mnday t Friday: 8:30 am t 4:30 pm Richmnd Hill Public Library, Central Branch 1 Atkinsn Street, Richmnd Hill, ON L4C 0H5 905-884-9288 Mnday t Thursday: 9:30 am t 9:00 pm Friday: 9:30 am t 6:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am t 5:00 pm Sunday: Nn t 5:00 pm
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Intrductin The Reginal Municipality f Yrk (Yrk Regin) has cmpleted a Class Envirnmental Assessment (Class EA) Study fr Bayview Avenue frm Steeles Avenue in the City f Markham t Elgin Mills Rad in the Twn f Richmnd Hill. The study s gal is a transprtatin slutin that addresses existing prblems and pprtunities in the Bayview Avenue crridr. The Preferred Plan identified during the study supprts planned Reginal grwth in ppulatin and emplyment, imprves mbility fr all crridr users and prvides imprved cnnectivity within the Reginal transprtatin netwrk. The Class EA Study was carried ut in accrdance with Schedule C f the Municipal Class Envirnmental Assessment (Class EA) dcument (Octber 2000, amended 2007, 2011, and 2015). The Class EA prcess is apprved under the Ontari Envirnmental Assessment Act and utlines the prcess whereby municipalities can cmply with the requirements f the Ontari Envirnmental Assessment Act. This Envirnmental Study Reprt (ESR) dcuments the decisin-making prcess carried ut during the Class EA study. Bayview Avenue is a majr nrth-suth arterial rad that cnnects many municipalities including the City f Trnt, the City f Markham, the Twn f Richmnd Hill and the Twn f Newmarket, where Bayview Avenue becmes Prspect Street. The Bayview Avenue Class EA study area length is apprximately 10 km, frm Steeles Avenue in the suth t Elgin Mills Rad in the nrth. Within the study area, Bayview Avenue is an integral part f the cmmunity fabric f Markham and Richmnd Hill. Numerus schls, places f wrship, cmmercial/shpping areas, the Thrnhill Cmmunity Centre and residential neighburhds are lcated n r accessed by Bayview Avenue. Areas f urban redevelpment are ccurring alng r near Bayview Avenue. Richmnd Hill / Langstaff Gateway Urban Grwth Centre and Observatry Hill are the largest and densest areas hwever there are several ther smaller scale redevelpments ccurring between Highway 7 and Elgin Mills Rad, within Richmnd Hill. Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-1 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
Within the study area Bayview Avenue has tw crssings f CN Rail tracks: 1) an underpass (rad under rail) lcated just nrth f Laureleaf Crescent; and 2) an verpass (rad ver rail) lcated just nrth f Ryal Orchard Drive. Bayview Avenue is currently heavily used by mtrists with limited prvisins fr buses, cyclists and pedestrians. Yrk Regin Transit (YRT) Rute 91 perates n Bayview Avenue between Bethesda Siderad and Finch TTC Subway statin. Accrding t YRT, Rute 91 is the 5 th busiest rute in the Regin. Within the study area, Bayview Avenue is fur lanes frm Steeles Avenue t Langstaff Rad, six lanes frm Langstaff Rad t High Tech Rad and then transitins back t fur lanes nrth f Bantry / Briggs Avenue. Nrth f the study area, Yrk Regin is currently widening Bayview Avenue frm tw t fur lanes between Elgin Mills Rad and Stuffville Rad and has EA apprval t widen t fur lanes between Stuffville Rad and Blmingtn Rad. Suth f the study area, within the City f Trnt, Bayview Avenue is fur lanes. Planning Cntext The plicy cntext is discussed in Chapter 2 f the ESR. The plicy framewrk guides infrastructure, land use planning and strategic investment decisins t supprt Reginal grwth and transprtatin bjectives. These plicies are in place t sustain and imprve the quality f life fr Regin residents. The identificatin f study area prblems and pprtunities alng with the assessment f the prject s need and justificatin were carried ut with due cnsideratin f the plicy framewrk t ensure that the Preferred Plan is cnsistent with the plicies and bjectives f the varius levels f gvernment (i.e., reginal and prvincial). The key plans and plicies include: Grwth Plan (2017) Prvincial Plicy Statement (2014) Yrk Regin Visin 2051 Yrk Regin Strategic Plan (2015-2019) Yrk Regin Transprtatin Master Plan (2016) Yrk Regin Official Plan (2010) Yrk Regin Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan (2008) City f Markham Official Plan (2014) Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-2 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
City f Markham Transprtatin Planning Study (2002) City f Markham Pathway and Trails Master Plan (2009) Twn f Richmnd Hill Official Plan (July 2010) Twn f Richmnd Hill Transprtatin Master Plan (2006) Twn f Richmnd Hill Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan Study (2010) Richmnd Hill / Langstaff Gateway Urban Grwth Centre Ynge and Steeles Crridr Secndary Plan The Yrk Regin Transprtatin Master Plan (TMP) is the mst imprtant guidance dcument fr the Bayview Avenue Class EA study and relevant aspects f the TMP are discussed in in Chapter 2 f this ESR and highlighted here. The TMP was develped t prvide a framewrk fr making decisins related t the transprtatin system up t 2041. It is the Regin s visin t preserve and enhance Yrk Regin s sustainable natural envirnment, supprt Yrk Regin s ecnmic vitality, and encurage healthier neighburhds and cmmunities. Transprtatin Assessment The detailed assessment f existing and future traffic cnditins is presented in Chapter 2. The findings f the traffic cnditins review and a summary f the plicy framewrk prvided in Chapter 2 f the ESR and belw: Traffic cngestin cntinues t be identified as the tp issue facing Yrk Regin residents. The delivery f an intercnnected system f mbility is supprted by the prgressive bjectives, plicies and actins embedded in many f the Regin s Cuncil-apprved plans and dcuments, including Visin 2051, the Yrk Regin Official Plan (2010), the 2015 t 2019 Strategic Plan, as well as the previus 2002 and 2009 Transprtatin Master Plans and the 2008 Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan. The 2016 TMP update builds n this plicy and planning framewrk t guide transprtatin prjects and prgrams that will cntinue t imprve mbility. Crridr Evlutin is ne f the five main plicy areas in the TMP which directs the mst effective use f rad space t accmmdate a variety f travel mdes, Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-3 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
including transit vehicles, passenger cars and trucks as well as cyclists and pedestrians. The Regin s strategy includes: Maximizing Persn Carrying Capacity: reducing the number f peple driving in single ccupant vehicles is critical t managing cngestin. HOV lanes is ne strategy fr increasing persn capacity and als t supprt a shift frm single ccupant vehicle use. Building ut the HOV netwrk is a key bjective f the TMP. Increasing Capacity t Serve Develpment: new and expanded rads will be required t serve planned grwth areas. Mst f the Regin s fur lane arterial rads have been identified fr future widening t six lanes in rder t accmmdate transit and HOV initiatives, which wuld maximize the persn carrying capacity and eliminate pinch pints and bttlenecks. A six lane rad reflects the Regin s current plicy f expanding capacity thrugh the additin f Transit/HOV r transit-nly lanes. In the TMP, Bayview Avenue is identified as part f the Frequent Transit Netwrk and is priritized fr implementatin in 2017 based n rute ridership, relatinship t the VIVA Netwrk Expansin Plan (VNEP) and the Reginal Express Rail netwrk and cnnectin t GO Statins. The prpsed future six lane widening, which will expand the HOV netwrk, will supprt the Frequent Transit Netwrk. The FTN n Bayview Avenue will supprt the Rapid Transit Crridrs n: Majr Mackenzie Drive between Markham Rad and Jane Street; Leslie Street between Steeles Avenue and Majr Mackenzie Drive; Ynge Street between Highway 7 t Green Lane in the twn f Newmarket; Highway 7 acrss the Regin (Reesr Rad t Highway 50); and Steeles Avenue between Jane Street and Kennedy Rad. The TMP recmmends the widening f Bayview Avenue between Steeles Avenue and Majr Mackenzie Drive t accmmdate the implementatin f Transit/HOV lanes, and the mid-blck capacity utilizatin analysis carried ut as part f this Class EA study supprts the widening f Bayview Avenue thrughut the entire prject limits between Elgin Mills Rad and Steeles Avenue. Detailed intersectin capacity and level f service analysis that was als carried ut as part f the Class EA study demnstrated the need fr widening frm Elgin Mills Rad t Steeles Avenue. While suthbund impacts supprt the widening sutherly t a pint suth f Jhn Street, nrthbund perating impacts based n a widening sutherly t Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-4 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
Steeles Avenue are similar t thse based n a widening t nly suth f Jhn Street while accmmdating 15% additinal nrthbund thrughput at Jhn Street. The phasing f develpment f the Richmnd Hill / Langstaff Gateway UGC is tied t area transprtatin netwrk imprvements fr example, the early phases f develpment identify the fllwing needs n Bayview Avenue: Phase 1A recmmends adding a new branch f the Bayview Avenue bus (15 minute headway) cnnecting Richmnd Hill Centre Terminal and Finch Statin via Cedar, Langstaff and Bayview which results in increased service n Bayview Avenue suth f Langstaff. Prir t Phase 1B transit pririty lanes and cycling facilities are t be implemented n Bayview Avenue frm 16th Avenue t Steeles Avenue and capacity at the Bayview Avenue and Highway 7 intersectin is t be imprved. Althugh lcated away frm Bayview Avenue, the Ynge and Steeles Crridr Secndary Plan is supprted by a mre efficient transit system n Bayview Avenue thrugh the implementatin f the Frequent Transit Netwrk / Transit Pririty. Other infill develpment and redevelpment within the Bayview Avenue crridr that is ccurring in accrdance with the plicies f lcal municipal fficial plans, adds t the ppulatin grwth within the crridr. Cnsistent with the Regin s TMP, imprved transit service and efficiency, and active transprtatin facilities will prvide residents with mre sustainable mbility chices. Based n the transprtatin assessment, and cnsistent with the Regin s Official Plan, TMP, and municipal Official Plans, Yrk Regin recmmends the widening f Bayview Avenue between Steeles Avenue and Elgin Mills Rad t accmmdate future Transit/HOV in each directin. Prblems and Opprtunities Based n the transprtatin planning plicy cntext and the analysis f existing and future traffic cnditins the fllwing prblems and pprtunities were identified fr Bayview Avenue: By 2041, Yrk Regin is prjected t grw t 1.8 millin peple and 0.9 millin jbs. The Regin needs t ensure the rad netwrk is efficient and supprts a range f transprtatin mdes. Current perating cnditins n Bayview Avenue reflect capacity cnstraints at each f the majr intersectins with Majr Mackenzie Drive, 16th Avenue, Highway Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-5 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
7, Green Lane, Jhn Street and Steeles Avenue during at least ne f the peak hurs. Crrespnding netwrk level f service impacts include significant nrthbund cngestin appraching Majr Mackenzie Drive during the afternn peak hur. Afternn peak hur impacts als include significant nrthbund queuing at 16th Avenue and Steeles Avenue. Prjected 2041 perating perfrmance at signalized intersectins under the D Nthing alternative identifies significant capacity cnstraints. Impacts in bth directins supprt the need fr crss-sectin imprvements frm nrth f Elgin Mills Rad t suth f Jhn Street by 2041. Impacts are greatest during the afternn peak hur and in the nrthbund directin, in particular. There wuld be significant travel time imprvements fr the afternn rush hur between Steeles Avenue and Elgin Mills Rad fr all vehicle types with the implementatin f the Transit/HOV lanes between Steeles Avenue and Elgin Mills Rad. The TMP, which was endrsed by Cuncil in June 2016, sets ut the infrastructure and plicy requirements t enable the Regin t build and maintain an intercnnected transprtatin system t accmmdate grwth t 2041. One f the key bjectives f the TMP is t Develp a Rad Netwrk Fit fr the Future. Majr initiatives t supprt this bjective include the expansin f the Regin s Transit / HOV netwrk, maximizing the persn carrying capacity thrugh crridr evlutin and eliminating pinch pints and bttlenecks. The TMP identifies five main plicy areas t assist the Regin in delivering an intercnnected system f mbility t serve residents and businesses. One f these key plicy areas deals with Crridr Evlutin. Supprting the initiative f maximizing the persn carrying capacity thrugh crridr evlutin requires the mst effective use f rad space t accmmdate a variety f travel mdes. This apprach includes the develpment f rapid transit crridrs, the implementatin f transit pririty measures and the additin r cnversin f existing generalpurpse lanes t Transit/HOV) lanes. A six lane rad netwrk reflects the Regin s current plicy f expanding capacity beynd fur lanes fr the additin f Transit/HOV r transit-nly lanes. The TMP identifies Bayview Avenue as part f the Frequent Transit Netwrk and is priritized fr implementatin in 2017 based n rute ridership, relatinship t the VIVA Netwrk Expansin Plan (VNEP) and the Reginal Express Rail netwrk and cnnectin t GO Statins. In additin, Bayview Avenue is identified fr Prpsed Future 6 Lane widening, which will expand the HOV netwrk, supprt Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-6 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
the Frequent Transit Netwrk and prvide increased rad capacity t mve mre peple. Thrugh reviewing the cmbined findings in the TMP and the Class EA Study, Yrk Regin recmmends the widening f Bayview Avenue between Steeles Avenue and Elgin Mills Rad t accmmdate a future Transit/HOV in each directin. This is cnsistent with the Regin s visin in develping a rad netwrk that wuld maximize persn-carrying capacity and accmmdate a variety f rad users and reflects the prjected capacity cnstraints thrughut the majrity f the study crridr. Prblem and Opprtunity Statement: Bayview Avenue is the centre f the lcal cmmunity, prviding access t a variety f lcal destinatins and supprting bth reginal and lcal mbility fr many different users (pedestrians, cyclists, transit patrns, and drivers). Traffic cngestin during rush hurs is a significant issue and with planned grwth in the Regin, cngestin will get wrse in future. Alternatives t single ccupant vehicle travel are currently nt well served. Imprvements are necessary t accmmdate lng term travel demands and supprt key grwth plicies and transit netwrk planning. There is an pprtunity t prvide sustainable transprtatin chices, link the pedestrian and cycling netwrk, imprve access t transit, facilitate mre efficient mvement f transit, multi-ccupant vehicles and gds and enhance the streetscape within the crridr. Alternatives and Evaluatin Preferred Planning Slutin The Preferred Planning slutin includes a cmbinatin f the fllwing slutins: Intersectin and Signal Imprvements: dedicated turning lanes, new traffic signals, traffic signal timing (synchrnizatin). Alternative Mdes f Transprtatin: Prvisin f r imprvements t pedestrian and cycling facilities. Imprvements t transit system thrugh imprved efficiency. Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-7 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
Add New Lanes fr Transit/HOV: Widen Bayview Avenue t prvide increased traffic capacity by adding new lanes designated fr HOV and/r Transit-nly in rder t ptimize traffic flw and encurage a shift away frm single ccupant vehicle travel. The Preferred Planning slutin will maximize persn carrying capacity: Withut imprvements, by 2041 traffic n Bayview Avenue will experience increased cngestin and travel time; Reducing the number f peple driving single ccupant vehicles is critical t managing cngestin; HOV lanes is ne strategy fr increasing persn carrying capacity. Building ut the HOV netwrk is a key bjective f the TMP; The additinal lanes will supprt the Frequent Transit Netwrk; Transit and active transprtatin are critical in supprting a shift away frm single ccupant vehicles. Preferred Rad Crss-Sectin In develping the rad crss-sectin cncepts, a number f key cnstraints and design elements were cnsidered: Cmpatibility with adjacent neighburhds and cmmunity features within the study area; Prvisin fr pedestrians and cyclists and future multi-use path cnnectins; Available existing right-f-way and minimizing prperty impacts; The Regin s Official Plan right-f-way f 43 m; A reductin in lane widths; Intersectin and turning lane recmmendatins; Regin s Streetscape Prgram; and Gemetric design requirements. Based n the cnsideratins abve, three rad crss-sectin alternatives were develped fr Bayview Avenue, as described belw and depicted in Exhibit 5-1 f the ESR: Alternative A: Yrk Regin Official Plan Right-f-Way Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-8 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
43 m right-f-way an ptimal rad crss-sectin allws fr median tree planting allws fr multi-use path n bth sides f rad wide bulevard n bth sides fr landscaping and utilities Alternative B: Reduced Crss-Sectin 36 m rad crss-sectin allws fr landscaping in bulevard nly allws fr multi-use path n ne side f the rad and sidewalk n the ther minimum bulevard n bth sides fr landscaping and utilities Alternative C: Cnstrained Crss-Sectin 33.9 m rad crss-sectin allws fr limited landscaping and utilities in bulevard n ne side nly allws fr multi-use path n ne side f the rad and sidewalk n the ther Rad crss-sectin alternatives are cnceptual, based n a mid-blck lcatin, and that the actual crss-sectin will vary depending n lcal cnditins, cnstraints and intersectin design. The rad crss-sectin alternatives were evaluated cnsidering the factrs listed in Table 4-1 f the ESR. The evaluatin is prvided in Table 5-1 f the ESR. Based n the evaluatin, Alternatives B and C are recmmended t be carried frward because they ffer the best balance fr reducing prperty impacts while still prviding pprtunities fr active transprtatin and landscaping. Alternative A (Official Plan Right-f-Way) is nt being carried frward as part f this Class EA study hwever, the Regin will lk fr pprtunities t acquire the full Official Plan Right-f-Way (43 m) as areas adjacent t Bayview Avenue redevelp. This is cnsidered t be a lng-term strategy and is beynd the scpe f the current Bayview Avenue Class EA study. Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-9 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
Active Transprtatin cnsideratins are dcumented in Chapter 5 f the ESR. A multiuse path is prpsed n the east side f Bayview Avenue fr the fllwing reasns: Direct cnnectin t the existing trail netwrk n the east side f Bayview Avenue varius east-west trail netwrks in the study area, fr example, suth f Highway 7, at Ryal Orchard Bulevard, suth f Jhn Street adjacent t the CN Rail tracks, etc. Cnnectin t schls in the study area fr example, Bayview Secndary Schl, Thrnlea Secndary Schl, etc. largely n the east side f Bayview Avenue. Preferred Rad Widening Alternative Three rad widening alternatives were cnsidered fr Bayview Avenue, as depicted n Exhibit 5-2 f the ESR. Alternative 1: Widening ut frm the existing centreline; Alternative 2: Widening t the east nly (i.e., hlding westerly prperty line); and Alternative 3: Widening t the west nly (i.e., hlding easterly prperty line). While the abve alternatives prvide a reasnable range f ptins, fr much f the study area, there are existing cnstraints lcated alng bth sides f Bayview Avenue. Therefre, it was nt cnsidered reasnable t develp alternatives that widen strictly t the east r west, r n the existing centreline thrughut the entire study area. The study area was reviewed in sectins and an apprach t widening in each sectin was develped in cnsideratin f the existing right-f-way, adjacent land use and cnstraints lcally. The evaluatin is prvided in Table 5-2 f the ESR as well as belw. In additin t determining the preferred widening alternative in each sectin the preferred rad crss-sectin was als identified. Bayview Avenue Sectin Alternative Alternative Alternative 1 2 3 Widen by Widen t Widen t Centreline the East the West Suggested Rad Crss-Sectin Steeles Avenue t Reduced 36 m Crss-Sectin can be Fairfield Place / largely be accmmdated within existing Whitelaw Curt right-f-way. Therefre, it is X X Existing right-f-way recmmended t allw landscape varies frm pprtunity in the bulevard n the east 36 m t 52m side. Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-10 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
Bayview Avenue Sectin Fairfield Place / Whitelaw Curt t CN Railway Existing right-f-way varies frm 29 m t 49 m CN Railway t Jhn Street Existing right-f-way varies frm 34 m t 38 m Jhn Street t Langstaff Rad Existing right-f-way varies frm 33 m t 44 m Langstaff Rad t Briggs Avenue / Bantry Avenue Already six lanes Briggs Avenue / Bantry Avenue t 16th Avenue Existing right-f-way varies frm 36 m t 43 m 16th Avenue t Weldrick Rad Existing right-f-way varies frm 34 m t 38 m Weldrick Rad t Majr Mackenzie Drive Existing ROW varies frm 31 t 40 m Alternative 1 Widen by Centreline Alternative 2 Widen t the East Alternative 3 Widen t the West X X X X X X n/a n/a n/a n/a X X X X X X Suggested Rad Crss-Sectin Cnstrained 33.9 m Crss-Sectin is recmmended in rder t minimize impact t the Dn River crssing and existing mature trees adjacent t Bayview Avenue. Cnstrained 33.9 m Crss-Sectin is recmmended in rder t minimize impact t the adjacent prperties. Widening can largely be cntained within the existing right-f-way. Reduced 36 m Crss-Sectin can be largely be accmmdated within existing right-f-way. Therefre, it is recmmended t allw landscape pprtunity in the bulevard n the east side. Reduced 36 m Crss-Sectin can be largely be accmmdated within existing right-f-way. Therefre, it is recmmended t allw landscape pprtunity in the bulevard n the east side. Reduced 36 m Crss-Sectin can be largely be accmmdated within existing right-f-way. Therefre, it is recmmended t allw landscape pprtunity in the bulevard n the east side. Cnstrained 33.9 m Crss-Sectin is recmmended in rder t minimize impact t the adjacent prperties. Widening can largely be cntained within the existing right-f-way. Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-11 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
Bayview Avenue Sectin Majr Mackenzie Drive t Taylr Mills Drive Suth Existing right-f-way varies frm 33 m t 38 m Taylr Mills Drive Suth t Elgin Mills Rad Existing right-f-way varies frm 36 m t 41 m Alternative 1 Widen by Centreline Alternative 2 Widen t the East Alternative 3 Widen t the West X X X X Suggested Rad Crss-Sectin Reduced 36 m Crss-Sectin can be largely be accmmdated within existing right-f-way. Therefre, it is recmmended t allw landscape pprtunity in the bulevard n the east side. Cnstrained 33.9 m Crss-Sectin and assciated grading can be accmmdated within existing right-fway. Therefre, it is recmmended t allw landscape pprtunity in the bulevard n the east side. Preferred Plan The Preferred Plan fr Bayview Avenue between Steeles Avenue and Elgin Mills Rad includes the fllwing aspects: Widening Bayview Avenue t six thrugh-lanes frm Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad - New lanes are fr Transit/HOV; Prviding a cntinuus system f sidewalk n the west side and multi-use path n the east side f Bayview Avenue; Widening CN Rail Overpass nrth f Jhn Street t accmmdate the prpsed additinal lanes, sidewalk and multi-use path; Replacing the CN Rail Underpass suth f Jhn Street t accmmdate the prpsed additinal lanes, sidewalk and multi-use path; Implementing a drainage design that addresses the nminal increase in paved rad surface, ensures apprpriate water quantity and quality cntrl and is cnsistent with City f Markham s Glynnwd Tributary Class EA and West Thrnhill Fld Remediatin Class EA; Implementing intersectin imprvements which includes extending turning lane strage lengths, and additin f dedicated suthbund right-turn lanes where required; Optimizing traffic signal phasing; Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-12 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
Designing intersectins cmpliant with Accessibility fr Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) with enhanced visual, aural and textural elements; YRT cnsideratin f upgrading / replacing transit shelters and amenities, cnsistent with YRT current standards; and Streetscape / landscape enhancements, mitigatin / replacement fr street tree remvals and ther amenities (benches, gathering areas). It is nted that Bayview Avenue is already at six lanes between Langstaff Rad and Bantry Avenue / Briggs Avenue. The existing Highway 407 Bridge is six lanes and is in gd cnditin. Therefre replacement f this structure is nt being cnsidered at this time. An existing sidewalk n bth sides f the bridge facilitates pedestrian crssing and prvides a cnnectin t Highway 7, belw. In the future, a multi-use path is prpsed fr the east side f Bayview Avenue hwever since there is nt sufficient space n the existing Highway 407 Bridge t accmmdate a multi-use path, cyclists will dismunt and walk n the sidewalk. Cnsideratin f widening the Highway 407 Bridge t accmmdate a multiuse path will be subject t future cnsultatin with 407ETR and MTO. Whether the design invlves widening the existing bridge r cnstructing a new dedicated bridge fr the multiuse path, the design will have t accmmdate the future 407 Transitway, invlve an assessment f bridge design alternatives, cnsider cnnectin t VIVA at Highway 7, and directly invlve 407ETR and MTO in the planning and apprval prcess. The Preferred Plan fr widening Bayview Avenue between Steeles Avenue and Elgin Mills Rad is described in Chapter 6 and depicted n Plates 1 t 29 at the end f Chapter 6. The typical crss sectins are shwn n Exhibit 6-1 f the ESR. The design plan and prfile will subsequently be refined during detailed design f the prject. The implementatin f the Preferred Plan will be carried ut in a phased apprach as fllws: The cnstructin f Bayview Avenue between Highway 7 and Majr Mackenzie Drive is currently prgrammed t begin in 2020 per the 2017 10-Year Rads and Transit Capital Cnstructin Prgram. The imprvements f Bayview Avenue between Steeles Avenue and Highway 7 is identified in the Yrk Regin Transprtatin Master Plan 2016, Map 17, t be in the phase f 2022 t 2026 (i.e. 6-10 years rad netwrk). The 10-year Rads and Transit Capital Cnstructin Prgram is subject t annual Cuncil review and apprval. Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-13 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
Prperty Requirements and Access Significant effrts have been made during the Bayview Avenue Class EA t minimize prperty impacts, including: Minimizing the rad crss-sectins and assciated rights-f-way t 36 m and 33.9 m (as discussed in Chapter 5); Recmmending a flexible best fit apprach t rad widening (as discussed in Chapter 5); and Recmmending design mitigatin measures such as retaining walls t minimize the extent f grading in select lcatins, as depicted n the Preferred Plan. Retaining walls are prpsed in the fllwing lcatins: Statin 10+560 t 10+680 (west side) at Cham Shan Temple; Statin 10+580 t 10+740 (east side) Dn River valley; Statin 10+740 t 10+810 (west side) Dn River valley; Statin 10+810 t 10+980 (east side ) residential prperties n Presctt Curt; reversed frntage t Bayview Ave; Statin 10+920 t 10+970 (west side) Temple Har Zin; and Statin 17+160 t 17+200 (west side) 9640 Bayview Avenue. Despite these measures t avid prperty impacts, sme sectins f the Bayview Avenue crridr have very limited existing right-f-way and therefre sme prperty will be required t accmmdate the rad widening. The prpsed prperty requirements are shwn n the Preferred Plan prvided in Chapter 6. The Preferred Plan will impact 30 private prperties. Impacts are limited t very minr edge encrachments. There are n direct impacts (i.e. displacement) t residences r cmmercial buildings. In sme cases encrachment impacts will result in the remval f existing landscaped vegetatin. Additinal prperty will be required frm lands apprved fr future develpment r currently being develped. It is assumed that, at these lcatins, the Regin has acquired the rad right-f-way per the Regin s Official Plan. Easements will be required at apprximately 8 ther prperties t accmmdate grading r temprary cnstructin wrks. The lcatin and extent will be cnfirmed in detailed design. Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-14 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
Municipal Address / Lcatin Apprximate Prperty Requirement (ha) 1 7160 Bayview Avenue 0.013 ha 2 2 Steele Valley Rad 0.029 ha 3 3 Steele Valley Rad 0.03 ha 4 Cham Shan Temple (7254 Bayview Avenue) 0.014 ha 5 Temple Har Zin (7360 Bayview Avenue) 0.021 ha 6 Thrnhill Cmmunity Centre and Thrnhill Pumping Statin (5 Jhn Street and 1 Green Lane) 0.09 ha 7 Markham Fire Statin (7801 Bayview Avenue) 0.031 ha 8 Cnd cmplex (7825 Bayview Avenue) 0.041 ha 9 Thrnlea Secndary Schl (8075 Bayview Avenue) 0.16 ha 10 Bayview Reservir Park 0.156 ha 11 Trnt Mntessri Schl (8569 Bayview Avenue) 0.019 ha 12 50 Rbin Street 0.004 ha 13 Cmmercial plaza (9275 Bayview Avenue) 0.017 ha 14 9640 Bayview Avenue 0.003 ha 15 Richmnd Hill Christian Cmmunity Church (9670 Bayview Avenue) 0.045 ha 16 9741 Bayview Avenue 0.01 ha 17 9785 Bayview Avenue 0.013 ha 18 9791 Bayview Avenue 0.012 ha 19 9860 Bayview Avenue 0.009 ha 20 9868 Bayview Avenue 0.005 ha 21 9874 Bayview Avenue 0.005 ha 22 9890 Bayview Avenue 0.005 ha 23 9900 Bayview Avenue 0.006 ha 24 9904 Bayview Avenue and 9912 Bayview Avenue (same prperty) 0.01 ha 25 Cmmercial plaza (nrtheast quadrant f Bayview Avenue / Majr Mackenzie Drive, 0.034ha 1070 Bayview Avenue) 26 Bayview Secndary Schl (10077 Bayview Avenue) 0.085 ha 27 St. Paul Lutheran Church (10131 Bayview Avenue) 0.026 ha 28 TD Bank (10381 Bayview Avenue) 0.016 ha Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-15 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
Municipal Address / Lcatin Apprximate Prperty Requirement (ha) 29 Our Lady Queen f Wrld Church (10411 Bayview Avenue) 0.044 ha 30 Jean Vanier Cathlic High Schl (10475 Bayview Avenue) 0.068 ha The Preferred Plan will result in the fllwing changes t existing access Accesses that will be clsed are: Suth access at 8569 Bayview Avenue (Trnt Mntessri Schl) Suth access at 8905 Bayview Avenue Accesses that will change (i.e. by the intrductin f a raised median) are as fllws: The fllwing will becme right-in/right-ut nly: 7160 Bayview Avenue 7165 Bayview Avenue 7175 Bayview Avenue 7195 Bayview Avenue Access t Steeles Valley Rad will becme right-in/right-ut Access t Old Markham Rad will becme right-in/right-ut Recnfiguratin f parking area will ccur at: Thrnhill Cmmunity Centre Thrnlea Secndary Schl Bayview Secndary Schl Pssible changes t access f the undergrund parking area at the Cham Shan Temple (7254 Bayview Avenue) will be cnfirmed during detailed design. Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-16 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017
Cnsultatin The cnsultatin prgram is dcumented in Chapter 7 f the ESR. External agencies, utilities, emergency service prviders, municipalities and ther stakehlders, as well as prperty wners in prximity t the study area were cntacted during the study and requested t prvide input and t cmment n the study findings. Members f the general public were ntified f the study thrugh lcal newspapers and the Regin s website and invited t cntact the prject team and t jin the prject mailing list. Abriginal cmmunity engagement is dcumented in Sectin 7.2 f the ESR. The cmpleted MOECC Preliminary Assessment Checklist is prvided in Chapter 7. On the basis f Abriginal cmmunity respnses t date, and the cmpletin f the checklist, n specific cncerns have been identified t date that wuld trigger a frmal Duty t Cnsult prcess. Yrk Regin remains flexible t accmmdate and address any triggers that may be identified in future, as the prject mves frward. Cmmitments t Further Wrk Envirnmental prtectin and mitigatin measures will be emplyed during implementatin f the Preferred Plan t reduce r avid envirnmental impacts. Table 8-4 in Chapter 8 f the ESR summarizes the key cncerns identified t date, and cnsideratins / cmmitments t future wrk. Reginal Municipality f Yrk Bayview Avenue Steeles Avenue t Elgin Mills Rad E-17 Envirnmental Study Reprt WSP MMM Grup August 2017