HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-15-058 - Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy Staff Rport
tic tl R Infrastructure Services Department wmkitchene►:ca
REPORT TO: Community & Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: November 2, 2015
SUBMITTED BY: Dan Ritz, Supervisor of Design and Development
(741-2600 ext. 4348)
PREPARED BY: Josh Joseph, Multi-use Pathways and Trails Project Manager
(741-2600 ext. 4405)
WARD(S) INVOLVED: 9
DATE OF REPORT: October 14, 2015
REPORT NO.: INS-15-058
SUBJECT: Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy, including the project goals,
themes and recommendations contained within the document be approved; and
further
That the funding for the project priorities be referred to the 2016 — 2025 capital
budget process for consideration.
BACKGROUND:
Established in 1998, the Iron Horse Trail is used over 250,000 times per year and is a
premier destination for recreation, transportation and cultural uses. The trail celebrates
the city's environmental and cultural assets, heritage and natural landscapes. It is a
sense of community pride, participation and interaction and provides a well-defined,
comfortable recreational route through numerous neighbourhoods and business
districts. In addition, it is a prime commuter route, allowing residents and visitors the
opportunity to travel to work, school or other destinations by walking or cycling.
The Multi-use Pathways and Trails Master Plan identifies the Iron Horse Trail as a
priority north-south route for active transportation and contains a variety of policy
recommendations that would be addressed through the development of an
improvement strategy, including signage and wayfinding, road crossing improvements
and network connectivity. With urban intensification growth in Kitchener and the
incoming ION rapid transit system, there is also a need to understand how the Iron
Horse Trail will shape the city's future.
***This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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REPORT:
The City of Kitchener Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy was initiated in 2015 to
explore potential improvements to the trail and establish a clear strategic direction for
planning, developing, promoting and managing this vital community asset.
The Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy study area includes the entire length of the
Iron Horse Trail within the City of Kitchener boundaries from Union Street on the north
to Ottawa Street on the south, and stretches approximately 4.5 kilometers in length.
Improvement Strategy Background and Methodology
The Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy involved a strong consultative process and a
strategic, phased approach including background research, site inventory and analysis,
public consultation and strategy development. The methodology is described further in
Section 1.4.
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Vision and Goals:
The vision created for the Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy was developed
through extensive community input and provides a framework for future planning
decisions.
"To enhance, preserve and promote the Iron Horse Trail as a primary, continuous, off-road
walking and cycling corridor that provides residents of all ages, abilities and skills the means to
travel easily and safely through neighbourhoods, across the City and to other municipalities
year-round while promoting healthy and diverse transportation and outdoor recreation
opportunities."
Community Consultation
In order to inform stakeholders of the consultation process and of events and
milestones moving forward, staff utilized multiple platforms such as the city website and
social media, on-site signage, posters, information flyers and an interactive survey.
The public consultation process procured 884 comments from the public on the
proposed strategy — comments were gathered and analyzed from the following
consultation activities described in the table below. Key activities and highlights of the
consultation process are further detailed in Section 4.2 Consultation Process. See
Appendix A for a formalized letter of support from the Kitchener Cycling and Trails
Advisory Committee.
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Trail Feedback Station at Glas ow (May 2015 84
Trail Feedback Station at Courtland (June 3, 2015) 20
Trail Feedback Station at Queen (June 9, 2015) 20
Public Workshop (June 8, 2015) 241
Public Meeting (June 23, 2015) 214
Interactive Trail Survey (May 15 —July 2, 2015) 243
Email Correspondence 14
Social Media 36
they waLkln tours you discussions etc. 12
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Total Comments 884
Figure 1. Public Consultation summar table.
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Trail User Data
As indicated in Section 1.4 Methodology, three (3) permanent counters where installed
along the trail at key points — Cherry Street, Queen Street and Borden Avenue — to
accurately determine trail use. These points were chosen specifically for their high
density of trail usage and for the proximity to residential, commercial and industrial
areas. The information shown in Figure 3 summarizes the trail user data at each
counter location, including average daily user counts in winter (February — March),
spring (April to May) and summer (June to August) seasons.
With a peak of 1,700 average daily users at the Cherry Street counter location, it is clear
the Iron Horse Trail is well used by pedestrians and cyclists as a transportation and
recreational corridor. An average of 296 daily users during the winter season
emphasizes the 4-season role of the Iron Horse Trail. In total, over 250,000 trips have
been counted on the Iron Horse Trail since the counters were installed.
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Figure 2: Summary of trail data collected at each counter location. Data gathered from February 13 to
August 25, 2015.
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Proposed Improvement Strategy
Through the extensive public consultation process,
the City received 884 comments related the Iron
Horse Trail Improvement Strategy. In order to (A
productively develop a coherent process for ///JA P410
evaluating public comments, Staff and the
Consultant team developed a set of key topics that 111
covered user concerns, opportunities and �l1�' � 0
improvement requests. Al/
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Comments received were categorized into five (5) ������1�
major themes which guide the Iron Horse Trail ����� 911
recommendations for improvements and are ,�jr>UJ���
described below and in Section 5.1 Major Themes.
Physical Aspects: The physical aspects of the trail are considered a
critical component and a high priority for improvement. Issues identified
within this theme include trail width, surface, condition, closures and
maintenance.
emTrail Use, Safety and Accessibility: The safety and accessibility aspects
of the Iron Horse Trail are considered essential in supporting the success
of the trail. Issues identified within this theme include trail-road crossings,
etiquette, safety, signage and wayfinding and accessibility.
Allll� ��, Network Connectivity: The Iron Horse Trail provides ample connections
between existing transportation networks, parks and open spaces, natural
areas, and urban centres. Issues identified within this theme include trail
connectivity, parks and public spaces, and nature in the city.
Amenities and Improvement Opportunities: Additional features can
improve the overall experience on the trail and enhance the aesthetic
quality. Issues identified within this theme include trail lighting, garbage
containers, public art and seating and rest areas.
f l�� Community Partnerships: Continued and strengthened partnerships with
stakeholders such as neighbourhood associations, community
organizations and businesses would ensure a more robust and well-cared
for trail corridor. Issues identified within this theme include trail stewardship
and neighbourhood strategies.
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Implementation Strategy Priorities (Years 1 — 10):
The Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy provides strategic direction for the planning,
development, promotion and management of the Iron Horse Trail and to successfully
realize the community led vision, capital investment will be required. The
implementation strategy and associated cost estimates have been categorized into
three (3) key trail sections and priorities.
WATERLOO
North Section
(Unlion to Victoria)
�J Central) Section
0
(Victoria to Quee r
South Section
(Queen to Ottawa)
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Priority A: Central Section (Victoria Street to Queen Street)
• Cost Estimate: $750,000
• Includes improvements related to trail-road crossings, signage and
wayfinding, seating and rest areas, trail width and surface,
connectivity, garbage containers, counters, landscaping and
naturalization.
Priority B: North Section (Union Street to Victoria Street)
• Cost Estimate: $750,000
• Includes improvements related to trail-road crossings, signage and
wayfinding, seating and rest areas, trail width and surface,
connectivity, garbage containers, counters, landscaping and
naturalization.
Priority C: South Section (Queen Street to Ottawa Street)
• Cost Estimate: $1,000,000
• Includes improvements related to trail-road crossings, signage and
wayfinding, seating and rest areas, trail width and surface,
connectivity, garbage containers, counters, landscaping and
naturalization.
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The total capital cost for improvements to the Iron Horse Trail is approximately $2.5
million, summarized in the table below.
Prwnty C South Section TOTAL
Improvement Strategy Recommendations:
A consolidated list of (39) recommendations can be found in Section 5.7 of the Iron
Horse Trail Improvement Strategy. Costs associated with each recommendation have
been incorporated into the three project priorities. See Section 7.2 Cost Estimate and
Funding Sources for a more detailed cost estimate for each project priority.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommendations of this report support the achievement of the city's strategic
vision through the delivery of core service.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Financial implications are outlined briefly above and in more detail in Section 7.0 of the
Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy, circulated under separate cover.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Community engagement is outlined briefly above and in more detail in the Consultation
and Strategy Development (Section 4) of the Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy.
CONCLUSION:
The Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy provides an excellent opportunity to plan,
develop, promote and manage the trail as a vital community resource for the next 10
years. With 884 comments received during the public consultation process, it is clear
that the Iron Horse Trail is celebrated by residents who want to see the trail improved
from a transportation, recreation and cultural perspective.
Strategic investment into the Iron Horse Trail can significantly increase and improve
active transportation, recreation, heritage and culture, tourism, sponsorship,
intensification, community engagement and accessibility within the community.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Dev Tyagi, Deputy CAO Infrastructure Services Department
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Appendix A— Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee (KCTAC) Support
Dear Josh,
At the most recent full meeting of the Cycling & Trails Advisory Committee of the
City of Kitchener, October 13, 2015, the members unanimously voted to support
the Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy as presented by City of Kitchener
Staff.
The Iron Horse Trail is currently the most important separated active
transportation infrastructure in our city. Not only does it connect cities and act as
an important link in the Trans Canada Trail, it facilitates active transportation
commuters and recreational users, is a nexus to numerous downtown Kitchener
festivals, connects to virtually every ward in the city of Kitchener via feeder AT
infrastructure like the Harry Sturm Greenway, and offers culturally and historically
significant narratives.
At peak times, the trail is at its carrying capacity. Bi-directional and multi-use,
there is no longer the requisite width to accommodate the maximal number of
users. And it's well used in every season; so well used that the asphalt is at the
end of its useful life. The commitment to improve the infrastructure should also
be the requirement for more frequent winter maintenance, keeping it accessible
for everyone all the time.
We at the KCTAC believe that this staff proposal, that although comes with
significant capital requirements, will meet active transportation needs along this
corridor for years to come. And it will continue to offer cultural and recreational
opportunities for both visitors and residents to the City of Kitchener.
Regards,
Peter Dedes
Chair, City of Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee
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