HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2023-022 - Sidewalk Infill Through Roadway Reconstruction in 2023
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: January 9, 2023
SUBMITTED BY: Barry Cronkite, Director, Transportation Services,
519-741-2200 x7738
PREPARED BY: Steven Ryder, Traffic Planning Analyst,
519-741-2200 ext. 7152
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 9
DATE OF REPORT: November 28, 2022
REPORT NO.: DSD-2023-022
SUBJECT: Sidewalk Infill Through Roadway Reconstruction in 2023
RECOMMENDATION:
That sidewalks be installed on the north side of Delaware Avenue.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to recommend approval for the installation of sidewalk on
Delaware Avenue through street reconstruction works in 2023.
The key findings of this report are that:
o Staff recommend the installation of sidewalk on the north side of Delaware
Avenue, which scores as Priority 1 in the Sidewalk Infill Policy.
o Priority 1 requires sidewalks on both sides of the street. However, staff is
recommending the north side only to avoid loss of trees and impacts to
telecommunications equipment.
Sidewalks are funded through the street reconstruction capital budget (Water
Infrastructure Program).
Community engagement included surveys posted to Engage Kitchener, with a mailing
to residents within 400 metres of Delaware Avenue, as well as a presentation to the
Active Transportation & Trails Advisory Committee.
This report supports People-friendly Transportation.
BACKGROUND:
On June 1, 2015, Council approved MUN-STR-2004 Sidewalk Infill Policy. The Sidewalk
Infill Policy defines the framework around the installation of new sidewalk locations where
sidewalk currently does not exist. T
sidewalk network on existing roadways to support a more pedestrian friendly environment.
It also defines priority levels for sidewalk infill locations and provides a framework for
community and Council input on proposed installations when sidewalk infill is not pre-
approved through the policy.
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The policy requires Council approval for some sidewalk infill locations. This report outlines
locations of sidewalk infill requiring Council approval and provides recommendations for the
application of the policy in these areas. If approved, the recommended sidewalk infill
locations will be built in conjunction with upcoming road reconstruction projects in 2023.
REPORT:
Delaware Avenue (from Highland Road East to Lorne Crescent)
This street is undergoing a full, City-led roadway reconstruction to replace and/or upgrade
underground services.
Current conditions of Delaware Avenue:
Local Street serving direct property access
Low-rise residential on both sides of the street
No sidewalks currently exist on either side of the street
There are four properties with seven combined units fronting or side lotting Delaware
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- Study Area
- Proposed Sidewalk Infill
- Existing sidewalk
Delaware Avenue scores a 75 in the Sidewalk Infill Policy, making it a Priority 1 location.
Delaware Avenue Point Summary Points
Within 200 metres from a bus stop (Route #16) 10
Within 800 metres from a major employer (500 employees or greater) 20
Within 800 metres of an elementary school (St. Bernadette Catholic School) 25
Within 400 metres from a commercial zone (Highland Road E) 5
Within 400 metres of a park (Veterans Park) 10
Within 400 metres of a place of worship (St. Stephens Lutheran Church) 5
A Priority 1 location (greater than 62 points) means sidewalks shall be required on both
sides of the roadway as they connect to a significant number of pedestrian origins and
destinations.
Community input on proposed sidewalk infill for Delaware Avenue
Staff surveyed residents within 400 m of the proposed sidewalk infill and received 110
responses out of 684 addresses, for a response rate of 16%. One (1) resident address on
or side lotting Delaware responded, out of seven (7).
Directly affected residents on Delaware Avenue that responded:
Position Percentage
In favour 1 of 1 (100%)
Opposed 0 of 1 (0%)
Indifferent 0 of 1 (0%)
Area residents that responded:
Position Percentage
In favour 82 of 109 (75.2%)
Opposed 13 of 109 (12.0%)
Indifferent 14 of 109 (12.8%)
Total residents (directly affected + area residents) that responded:
Position Percentage
In favour 83 of 110 (75.5%)
Opposed 13 of 110 (11.8%)
Indifferent 14 of 110 (12.7%)
Reasons cited in favour of sidewalk infill included increased walkability, equity for all and
safety for vulnerable users (including people with disabilities, children and older adults).
Reasons cited in opposition of the sidewalk infill included lack of vehicle traffic, waste of tax
dollars, and changing the character of the neighbourhood.
Staff recommendation for Delaware Avenue
Staff propose the installation of sidewalk on the north side of Delaware Avenue only, due to
potential conflicts with trees and telecommunications equipment on the south side of the
roadway.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports People-friendly Transportation.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget The cost of sidewalk installation is funded through the Water Infrastructure
Program (WIP) in the 2023 capital budget for this reconstruction project. This section of
sidewalk will cost approximately $8,000.
Operating Budget The sidewalk on the north side of Delaware Avenue is not expected to
have an impact on the operating budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM
the council / committee meeting. Residents within 400 m of Delaware Street were notified
CONSULT A survey was posted to Engage Kitchener, with the website link mailed to all
residents within 400 m of Delaware Avenue. 110 residents responded to the survey (16%
of all properties within the 400-metre circulation radius). One (1) out of seven (7) resident
addresses on or side lotting Delaware responded, for a response rate of 14%. This resident
was on the side of Delaware not receiving new sidewalks.
The Active Transportation and Trails Advisory Committee favourably reviewed the proposed
plans for sidewalk on the north side of Delaware Avenue on July 12, 2022.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
Sidewalk Infill Policy MUN-STR-2004
Complete Streets Guidelines DSD-19-235
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services Department