HomeMy WebLinkAboutSHCAC - Transportation Master Plan - Nov 2Background
As part of the City’s review and update of its Municipal Plan (Official Plan), the Transportation
Master Plan (TMP) will provide an integral component towards a healthy, vibrant and sustainable
community. Its’ relationship to land use planning, environmental stewardship, health and
wellbeing, and the safe, convenient and energy efficient movement of goods and people through
the city is critical. Kitchener’s transportation network, programs and policies must complement
those of the Region and be compatible with the City of Waterloo to ensure a seamless transition
within and between municipalities.
The City’s Strategic Plan defines the type of community that the citizens want to develop and
enhance. The Community Vision states “Together, we will build an innovative, caring and vibrant
Kitchener with safe and thriving neighbourhoods”.
This is based on the following community priorities.
1. Quality of life
2. Leadership and engagement
3. Diversity
4. Dynamic Downtown
5. Development
6. Environment
All of these priorities must be reflected in the TMP.
While the City’s Municipal Plan (2000) did recognize the need for cycling, pedestrian and transit
enhancements in addition to defining the road network, more can be done to support alternative
travel modes in an effort to discourage single occupant vehicle trips.
Significant developments, both greenfield and redevelopment, are taking place within Kitchener
that will change the way people travel now and into the future. Population is expected to increase
to about 311,500 residents by 2031, an increase of 100,000 persons over today’s population.
Light rail transit is being proposed through the region within the next five years that will
significantly change travel patterns. The realignment of existing and additional transit routes in
support of the LRT will increase the opportunity and exposure to enable a significant number of
residents to use transit.
A more compact, efficient form of development which optimizes the use of existing infrastructure
will reshape where people live, work, the number of vehicles they own and how they travel.
The policies developed within the TMP will address, among others:
Vehicular movements, both passenger and truck on local roads and how they integrate
with regional corridors in a safe and efficient manner
Cycling, and how the recently completed Cycling Master Plan will fully integrate into the
TMP
Pedestrian circulation including sidewalks, trails, interconnecting links, safety,
accessibility and lighting
Transit – although owned and operated exclusively by the Region of Waterloo, provision
of transit between work and home is essential. Anticipated changes as a result of LRT, I
Xpress and the realignment of routes needs to be explored
Intercity connections to neighbouring municipalities as well as to Provincial corridors i.e.
Hwy 401
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TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Higher order transit service (GO, VIA Rail, etc)
Compatibility with the Region’s RTMP
Purpose of the Transportation Master Plan
The purpose of the Transportation Master Plan will be to define and prioritize a transportation
network that is supportive of all modes of travel, thereby reducing dependency on single occupant
vehicle trips. Options will be developed for improved walking, cycling and transit, while
maintaining and improving the efficiency of trips related to the movement of people and goods.
This will be accomplished in conjunction with Regional initiatives that supports intensification
efforts in a sustainable manner.
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