CW-33-15 11/9/2015 Community and Corporate Services Committee November 10, 2015 1 Presentation Outline Background Vision and Objectives Study Process and Timeline Public and Stakeholder Engagement Organization of the Report The Trail Network Design Guidelines Implementation ti 2 1
Background Policy Support at the Federal, Provincial, Regional, and Local level The Strategy for Greenways and Trails on Burlington Public Lands (1994) Relationship to other key policy documents Burlington Cycling Master Plan (2009) Burlington Transportation Master Plan (update currently in development) Burlington Strategic Plan (currently in development) 3 Vision and Objectives What the plan is A long-range, Flexible Blueprint for Trails A set of Tools to Facilitate Implementation What the plan is not Prescriptive / Set-in Stone Intended only as a City Initiative Vision Community Trails in the City of Burlington are designed and developed as a means of connecting residents and visitors to open spaces, parks, community destinations and surrounding communities for recreational and day to day activities. The network is made up of off-road routes which reflect current design standards and unique municipal characteristics. Objectives 1. Build upon existing on and off-road connections 2. Improve connectivity 3. Bridge gaps and missing links 4. Accommodate a range of trail user groups 5. Review accessibility of trails 6. Identify municipal processes for trail development 7. Identify funding and partnership opportunities 8. Contribute to a more walkable community 4 2
Study Process and Timeline Project Commencement November 20 Final Report: May 2015 Phase 1: Project Initiation & Building the Foundation Engage the Public & Study Team Members Assemble and Review Background Information Phase 2: Inventory & Assessment Prepare study vision & criteria to select routes Identify Potential Trail Linkages and Investigate in the field Review trail standards Phase 3: Collecting Feedback Gather input from and engage the public Analyze public input Phase 4: Developing the Strategy Prepare Draft Trails Network Identify Facility Types & design guidelines Prepare a strategy for implementation Phase 5: Finalizing the Strategy Present network and strategy to the public Develop & submit the draft report Finalize the strategy & present to Council Engage Public Public Open House #1 Public Open House #2 5 Public and Stakeholder Engagement Drop - in Session with Councillors Focus Group Sessions (Stakeholders &C Committee Members) Public Open Houses Individual Stakeholder Meeting Let s Talk Burlington Questionnaires i January 27 th, 2014 May 6, 2014 January 27 th, 2014 May 6, 2014 4 Locations in February 2014 May 22, 2014 April 16, 2014 4 Discussion Boards between December 20 & May 2014 6 3
A Few Themes that Emerged Network Upgrades and maintenance on existing trails Close gaps in the existing trail network Create new routes in areas not currently served by trails Crossing barriers such as the QEW Explore natural trails along the small creeks Explore connections to regional trails (e.g. Bruce Trail, Waterfront Trail, Trans Canada Trail) Other User conflicts on some trails Examine winter maintenance on trails Add / improve trail amenities (e.g. benches and wayfinding signage) 7 Organization of the Report Volume 1 Background and support for trails in policy documents, relationship to other key policies (e.g. Cycling Master Plan) Benefits of Trails Public and Stakeholder Views Vision for Community Trails Appendices Other policy supporting trails Consultation record Trail Designer s Toolbox Network Costs Performance Measures Volume 2 The Community Trails Network existing and proposed routes, facility types Implementing the Strategy network priorities, promotion and outreach, funding, tracking progress 8 4
The Trail Network: Investigations Fall 20 Spring 2014 Desktop review using digital mapping, Google Earth etc. Across entire city, with focus on the urban area 170 GPS waypoints 850 photos 9 The Trail Network: Route Selection Principles Is the network Cost Effective to construct and maintain? Are the routes Linked to form a continuous network? Are the routes Accessible? Is the system Visible? Are the routes Connected to important destinations? Are the routes Conveniently located? Are the trails Well Designed? Are the trails in Context with the trail location? Are the routes designed and located to maximize Safety? Is the network Expandable? Does the network provide a Diverse experience? 10 5
The Proposed Trails Network 11 The Proposed Trail Network 12 6
Design Guidelines A designer s toolbox / resource Review existing trail guidelines and update where appropriate Develop additional guidelines where needed Implementation Identifies short, medium and long term priorities Short term (Map 5.0) separated into Build Projects = Upgrades to Existing + New Links Advance Planning Initiatives = Planning now so we can be ready for building in the future 14 7
Implementation: Build Projects Example: Initiative #3 Cumberland Hydro Corridor Multi-use Trail (Northern Section) 15 Implementation: Advance Planning Initiatives Engaging in discussions and planning with owners, public agencies and stakeholders in the short term to advance medium and long term projects Advance key projects to shovel-ready status Position the City to take advantage of future opportunities as they come available (e.g. stimulus funding etc.) Includes Lands that t are currently owned or managed by the City New growth areas of the City (i.e. developer lands, linear utilities) 16 8
Implementation 17 Implementation: Promoting Community Trails Engineering Education Encouragement Source: MMM Group Source: City of Toronto Source: Google Source: MMM Group The way facilities and amenities are planned, designed, constructed and maintained. Providing users with important information regarding how and where to safely use trail infrastructure. Promoting the use of the trails network as well as active forms of transportation on a daily basis. Enforcement Evaluation Source: Metroparkstoledo.com Orelans Star, Ottawa Source: Credit Valley Conservation Ensuring the users of the trail network understand and adhere to the rules and regulations. Monitoring the success of facilities and programs and making the necessary adjustments and improvements. 18 9
A long term strategic plan, founded on a vision Based on community Presentation engagement to Council Each individual project within the Community Trails Strategy contributes to a more livable and walkable city 19 Alignment with Other Initiatives Strategic Plan 2015 2040 Official Plan Review Cycling Master Plan The Bruce Trail Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark System 10
Draft Strategic Plan 2015-2040 A City that Moves A Complete Streets vision is implemented through a coordinated active transportation plan which will include on and off-road bikelanes, sidewalks, multi-use paths and trails that are well-connected throughout the City A Healthy and Greener City There will be a trail system linked to the City s park network and to other regional systems, ensuring that the City s rural area and waterfront are easily accessible The Bruce Trail will be supported by planning and investments to ensure usability, safety and access Official Plan Review The Official Plan Currently contains policies related to trails and active transportation Will be updated to better reflect the opportunities and connections identified ifi d in the Community Trails Strategy 11
Cycling Master Plan Provided framework for the Community Trails Strategy Coordinated to create a continuous network of on and off road trails The Bruce Trail Work currently underway to examine opportunity for enhanced pedestrian crossings and parking at key Bruce Trail locations Conceptual design has been completed for parking at Walker s Line/ No. 2 Sideroad 12
Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark Community Trails Strategy identifies trail initiatives within study boundary Key reference for ongoing and future Master Plans Capital Budget and Forecast Proposed 2016 Capital Budget & 2017 2025 Forecast includes a number of the priority projects for implementation in the next 10 years Future budget processes to consider medium to long-term projects Opportunities for implementation through other initiatives and funding sources
Thank you 20 14