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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-19-131 - Council Input on the Cycling and Trails Master Plan REPORT TO: Council DATE OF MEETING: May 27, 2019 SUBMITTED BY: Barry Cronkite, Director, Transportation Services, 519-741-2200 ext. 7738; Liz Christensen, Multi-use Pathways & Trails Project Manager, 519-741-2600 ext. 4032 PREPARED BY: Barry Cronkite, Director, Transportation Services, 519-741-2200 ext. 7738; Niall Lobley, Director, Parks and Cemeteries, 519-741-2600 x 4518 WARD (S) INVOLVED: All Wards DATE OF REPORT: May 10, 2019 REPORT NO.: DSD-19-131 SUBJECT: Council input on the Cycling and Trails Master Plan __________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: For Discussion BACKGROUND: A number of policies and/or master plans have been developed over the past decade that support and guide implementation of active and sustainable transportation as well as trail use and recreation, however primary direction has been guided by the Cycling Master Plan and the Multi-use Pathways and Trails Master Plan. The Cycling Master Plan was developed in 2010 and has been the guiding framework for the development of cycling facilities within the City of The Multi-Use Pathways and Trails Master Plan was established in 2012 and has been the guiding framework for the implementation of off-road trails. Due to the age of these documents, changes in legislation and growth and intensification in the City of Kitchener, a comprehensive Cycling and Trails Master Plan review was launched in January 2019. The integration of both master plans is an opportunity to consider a system wide approach that addresses the future needs of active transportation and recreation trail use within our communities. With approximately 185 kilometers of trails and 50 kilometers of on-road cycling facilities, Kitchener has a solid foundation for active transportation that is currently enjoyed by many residents across the city. The new Cycling and Trails Master Plan will serve as a catalyst for building a city that is known for its innovation and leadership in its trails and cycling infrastructure. REPORT: The primary goal of the Cycling and Trails Master plan will be to create a plan that identifies and prioritizes opportunities to provide connected networks of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure for both recreational users and commuters. As such, the plan should be *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. considered both from a neighbourhood scale as well as a city wide scale. This plan must include an infrastructure network that is safe and comfortable for all ages and abilities. There are several important key deliverables: Identify a broader integrated and interconnected network between (existing and proposed) on-road cycling facilities, multi-use pathways, community trails, recreational trails and city features such as parks, natural areas, leisure/recreations/sport hubs, community centres, schools and commercial districts; Establish a cycling and trails network hierarchy and/or priority ranking that identifies classification for commuter users and recreational users; Identify a City Minimum Maintenance Standard for the various trail classifications proposed. Identify a city-wide separated minimum network for cyclists, including infrastructure type and costs of implementation and maintenance; Identify a minimum winter active transportation network, including equipment requirements and associated costs; Develop signage design standards for wayfinding/routing and/or distance signing for both the on-road and off-road networks, with consideration given to existing wayfinding in place in other Waterloo Region jurisdictions; Develop a branding strategy for trails; Develop a framework to facilitate prioritization of trails and cycling infrastructure investment; Citizen and stakeholder consultation will also form a significant portion of the Cycling and Trails Master Plan development. Innovative methods that exceed the norms for community engagement aimed will build upon the engagement that began in the summer of 2018 through Dhillon consulting and 8 80 Cities are engagement consultants that have been selected to be part the overall project team. They specialize in unconventional engagement strategies that get people informed, involved, and excited about new initiatives in their cities in a creative, interactive manner. The purpose of this strategy session is to update Council as to the progress made on the Cycling and Trails Master Plan to date, as well as ask that Council consider and provide input on the following questions: What does Council like about the current state of cycling and trails in the City of Kitchener? What does Council not like about the current state of cycling and trails in the City of Kitchener? What does a successful Master Plan look like to Council? Out of the key deliverables, what are the most important? *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: Strategic Priority: Sustainable Environment and Infrastructure Strategy: SE12 - Cycling and Trails Master Plan Review FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Capital budget has been allocated to the Cycling and Trails Master Plan Update. There is no additional funding request at this time. Implementation funding will be sought through future budget process, if and when required. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM council / committee meeting. CONSULT A Community Working Group has been established that is comprised of 21 community members that are representative a broad cross section of the City of Kitchener; 10 wards in summer 2018; th day (June 8, 2019) at the Stanley Park Community Center; Additional community engagement events will be conducted between the months of June and September and will be communicated to Council for information. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager of Development Services, Development Services Department; Denise McGoldrick, General Manager of Infrastructure Services, Infrastructure Services Department *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.