HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2026-029 - City Wide Active Transportation Route 2
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: March 9, 2026
SUBMITTED BY: Barry Cronkite, Director Transportation Services,
519-783-8955
PREPARED BY: Liz Christensen, Project Manager Trails, 519-783-8846
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Wards 1, 2, 10
DATE OF REPORT: February 27, 2026
REPORT NO.: DSD-2026-029
SUBJECT: City Wide Active Transportation Route 2
RECOMMENDATION:
That staff proceed with wayfinding of Route 2: Stanley Park Downtown Kitchener
Uptown Waterloo; and,
That Pedestrian Crossovers (PXO) Level 2, Type D be installed at:
Dom Cardillo Trail at Midland Rd,
Spurline Trail at Wellington St,
Spurline Trail at Louisa St,
Spurline Trail at Guelph St; and,
That Neighbourhood Bikeways (shared-use) be installed on:
Burbank Rd (Archer Pl to Ada St),
Nottingham Av (Lyndhurst Dr to Manchester Rd),
Graber Pl (Pathway to Dreger Av),
Dreger Av (Graber Pl to Franklin St); and further,
That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to present council with the next phase of the city-wide
active transportation wayfinding network. This was identified in the 2023-2026 Strategic
Plan, and in the Cycling and Trails Master Plan (2020).
The key finding of this report is that an all ages and abilities route can be provided to
complete Route 2: Stanley Park Downtown Kitchener Uptown Waterloo, with
wayfinding, trail upgrades and trail crossing improvements.
The financial implications are approximately $835,000 in capital funding which includes
the installation of the following: 80 wayfinding signs, 0.1 km of new boulevard multi-use
trail and 0.7 km of neighbourhood bikeways, as well as the upgrade of 1.4 km of trails
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
and improvement 4 trail crossings. There will be an approximated $180,000 of increased
operating costs to maintain the paved trails and PXOs.
Community engagement included over 400 people online and in-person on the overall
wayfinding strategy in 2025, as well as 50 people on Route 2 specifically. The strategy
is also supported by the Active Transportation and Trails Advisory Committee.
This report supports Building a Connected City Together: Focuses on
neighbourhoods; housing and ensuring secure, affordable homes; getting
around easily, sustainably and safely to the places and spaces that matter.
BACKGROUND:
Developing city-wide active transportation routes is identified as an action in the 2023-2026
Strategic Plan. The aim of this action is to
that connects neighbourhoods through holistic trail and bike route enhancements that are
The desire for more wayfinding on trails has been a common theme within Kitchener.
Accordingly, the City has been working on improving wayfinding with the development of
the Wayfinding Guidelines for Parks & Trails in 2019, which is used as a working document.
Additionally, in 2023 active transportation wayfinding guidance was created in partnership
with other bodies of government in Waterloo Region. Further, the Cycling and Trails Master
Plan, which was approved by Council in 2020, guides the development of safe and
comfortable active transportation options for people of all ages and abilities over the next 20
years. The plan identifies a complete route network and includes implementation of a
wayfinding strategy to help residents more easily navigate the city by walking, rolling and
cycling.
REPORT:
The City of Kitchener is implementing a city-wide network of branded active transportation
routes that will connect eight major neighbourhoodseach with regional significance and
transit accessthrough approximately 100 km of safe, accessible and signed infrastructure.
Each route has a brand with a name, colour, and numbersimilar to a transit system. This
approach improves recognition, legibility, navigation, and awareness of active transportation
options, especially for newcomers, students, and those with lower English proficiency.
As critical to the brand identity is the safety and quality of the infrastructure itself. For a route
ruction of infrastructure gaps, as well as smaller upgrades
along existing sections, such as curb cuts and raised trail crossings, to make the entire route
as cohesive and comfortable for users as possible. In 2025, the city implemented the first
wayfinding route of the city-wide active transportation network, called Route 1: The
Boardwalk - Downtown Kitchener.
Caption: The new Route 1 wayfinding signs with branded name, colour and number.
Route 2 - Stanley Park Downtown Kitchener Uptown Waterloo
Staff recommend that Route 2 - Stanley Park Downtown Kitchener Uptown Waterloo be
implemented in 2026. Staff have recommended this route, in part, because the upgrades
required include a small number of spot fixes and a limited amount of trail paving, which can
all be completed within the existing capital budgets for Active Transportation and Trails.
The primary, Level 1 destinations that anchor the route are identified as Stanley Park,
Downtown Kitchener and Uptown Waterloo. Major destinations along the route include
Stanley Park Mall transit station, Stanley Park Community Centre, Dom Cardillo Trail,
Kitchener Public Library Central, and the Spur Line Trail. Additional destinations on or close
to the route will also be included on the wayfinding signs in site specific locations.
Attachment A shows the map of Route 2.
Infrastructure upgrades for Route 2
Several infrastructure upgrades along Route 2 were identified by staff and the community
during public engagement that are required to make the route safe and comfortable for all
ages and abilities:
Paving of the Expressway Trail (Krug St to Burbank Rd), and the Dom Cardillo Trail
(Franklin St N to River Rd);
Installation of a boulevard multi-use trail on Nottingham Ave;
Upgrading of the walkway block to a typical asphalt multi-use trail between Burbank
Rd and Lyndhurst Dr;
Installation of Neighbourhood Bikeways (shared-use) on: Burbank Rd (Archer Pl to
Ada St), Nottingham Av (Lyndhurst Dr to Manchester Rd), Graber Pl (Pathway to
Dreger Av), Dreger Av (Graber Pl to Franklin St);
Installation of a raised, pedestrian crossover (PXO) at the Dom Cardillo Trail crossing
of Midland Rd;
Installation of PXOs at Spurline Trail crossings of Wellington St, Louisa St, and
Guelph St (raised crossings are not feasible due to the adjacent railway). The
warrants for PXO studies are found in Attachment B. Region of Waterloo staff are
generally supportive of improvements to the Spurline Trail crossings and will work
with City staff to address any technical considerations related to the rail corridor prior
to installation; and,
Installation of new trail counters on the Dom Cardillo Trail and the Expressway Trail.
Community feedback identified several safety challenges along the route that pass along or
through roads and intersections under the jurisdiction of the Region of Waterloo, namely
Ottawa Street and Frederick Street. City staff and Regional staff met several times to discuss
routing and infrastructure options. There are no feasible alternative routes that avoid these
Regional Roads. Wayfinding signs will encourage users to use caution on sections that do
Staff is also reviewing the feasibility of installing a trail on Suddaby Public School property
to avoid using the Lancaster St/Frederick St intersection. Currently, staff and the Waterloo
Region District School Board are negotiating an agreement that would allow the City to
install trails on school board property, where they connect with adjacent city-owned trails.
When this agreement is complete, staff will request the school board to review the feasibility
of a trail on Suddaby Public School. If feasible, it would likely take several years to complete
given the perceived impact to the existing parking lot on site. Staff recommend proceeding
with the proposed route on Lancaster St and Frederick St in 2026, and staff can adjust the
3-4 wayfinding signs required if a trail on Suddaby Public School is able to proceed in the
future.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports Building a Connected City Together: Focuses on
neighbourhoods; housing and ensuring secure, affordable homes; getting around
easily, sustainably and safely to the places and spaces that matter.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget Approximately $850,000 in capital funding will be used to install 80
wayfinding signs, upgrade 1.4 km of trails, install 0.1 km of new boulevard multi-use trail,
install 0.7 km of neighbourhood bikeways and improve 4 trail crossings. All capital funds are
previously identified in the 2026 capital budget.
Item Capital budget
Install wayfinding signs. Community Trails General
Provisions
Pave the Expressway Community Trails General
Trail (Krug St to Burbank Provisions
Rd), and the Dom Cardillo
Trail (Franklin St N to
River Rd).
Upgrade the walkway Walkway Upgrades
block to a typical asphalt
multi-use trail between
Burbank Rd and
Lyndhurst Dr.
Install a boulevard multi-Active Transportation
use trail on Infrastructure
Nottingham Ave
(Manchester Rd to Ottawa
St N).
Install 0.7 km of Active Transportation
neighbourhood bikeways Infrastructure
Install a raised, Community Trails General
pedestrian crossover Provisions
(PXO) at the Dom Cardillo
Trail crossing of Midland
Rd.
Install PXOs at Spurline Community Trails General
Trail crossings of Provisions
Wellington St, Louisa St,
and Guelph St.
warning signs at Krug St
and the Expressway Trail.
Install trail counters on Community Trails General
the Dom Cardillo Trail and Provisions
the Expressway Trail.
Operating Budget There will be $180,000 of increased operating costs to maintain the
paved trails and PXOs.
The vinyl on the signs is expected to last for 8-10 years, at which point the vinyl may need
to be replaced at a cost of $200 per sign. The most common maintenance cost related to
signage is monitoring and vandalism. Monitoring and inspection costs are not known at this
time as this is not a service level currently provided. Staff will evaluate costs as the
wayfinding project is implemented.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM the agenda in advance of
the council / committee meeting.
CONSULT Community engagement on the overall wayfinding strategy was undertaken in
2025. Over 400 people provided comments online and in-person at Gaukel Block, The
Boardwalk and Conestoga College.
The majority of people were in support of the project, with less than 5% of survey
respondents not in support. The Subway Map sign had the most feedback, with
suggestions to improve readability and content. Feedback highlighted the importance of
high-quality infrastructure that prioritizes safety and comfort, as well as winter maintenance
and lighting.
Community feedback also recommended the Spurline Trail become part of this route, so city
staff extended Route 2 to include the section between Downtown Kitchener and Uptown
Waterloo.
Community engagement for Route 2 took place from January 8 to January 31, 2026, through
the Engage Kitchener platform. Feedback was gathered specifically for Route 2. A total of
40 participants contributed 145 comments, providing input on specific locations along the
route as well as general comments on the proposed alignment.
Engagement was also conducted with the Active Transportation and Trails Advisory
Committee (ATTAC) on February 10, 2026.The committee shared their support for the route,
and reiterated community feedback that routes need to be safe and comfortable for all ages
and abilities, with stronger coordination between the City and Regional levels to reduce gaps
in the network.
There were two main themes in public feedback:
Safe infrastructure for all ages and abilities wayfinding is appreciated but only if the
route itself is safe, including things like safe crossings, separation from motor vehicles
and year-round maintenance.
Route alignment and wayfinding Preferences varied at specific locations that were
confusing to navigate or currently have challenging safety barriers that people try to
avoid.
Staff have developed the proposed infrastructure upgrades found in this report to respond
ewed various
route alternatives submitted by the public but did not find suitable route alternatives. Staff
recommend the route proposed in this report.
The full What We Heard report is found in Attachment D and posted on Engage Kitchener.
This includes staff responses to most common comments.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
DSD-2024-378 Wayfinding and Branding City Wide Active Transportation Routes
INS-20-015 2020 Cycling and Trails Master Plan
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A Route 2 Map
Attachment B Route 2 PXO Warrant Studies
Attachment C Route 2 Neighbourhood Bikeways
Attachment D Route 2 What We Heard
NORTH
Uptown Waterloo
Downtown Kitchener
Stanley Park
Cycling
Alternative
LEGEND:
ROUTE 2
STANLEY PARK – DOWNTOWN KITCHENER – UPTOWN WATERLOO
CYCLING ALTERNATIVE
Date: February 5, 2026
Written by: Kim Khanh Luu, Transportation Co-op Student
Mohammed Alsodani, Transportation Co-op Student
Darren Kropf, Manager, Active Transportation and Development
Subject: PXO Warrant Studies for Route 2: Stanley Park Downtown Kitchener
Uptown Waterloo
The City of Kitchener is implementing a city-wide network of branded active transportation
routes that will connect eight major neighbourhoods, with Route 2: Stanley Park
Downtown Kitchener Uptown Waterloo planned for 2026.
To improve trail crossing safety on Route 2 sections of the Dom Cardillo Trail and Spurline
Trail, Transportation Staff has conducted studies to investigate the installation of
Pedestrian Crossovers (PXO) within the following locations:
Guelph Street at Spur Line Trail
Louisa Street at Spur Line Trail
Wellington Street at Spur Line Trail
Midland Drive at Dom Cardillo Trail
For each location, data collected from a pedestrian study was used to determine if a
Pedestrian Crossover was warranted. The warrant requirements for a Level 2 Pedestrian
Crossover, as outlined in OTM (Ontario Traffic Manual) Book 15 Pedestrian Crossing
Treatments, are as follows:
100 or more pedestrians observed crossing over an 8-hour period.
No other traffic control within 200 m (or an identifiable pedestrian desire path that
is not feasible to be moved to that closest intersection).
Adherence to the Ontario Traffic Manual Book 15 lane configuration and traffic
volume conditions, which stipulate minimum and maximum traffic volumes.
All above subject to an assessment using sound technical engineering judgement.
In addition to the pedestrian studies, vehicle volume data was determined using an
Automatic Data Recorder.
Guelph Street at Spur Line Trail
The study area consists of Guelph Street between Weber Street and Waterloo Street at
Spur Line Trail crossing Guelph Street as seen in Figure 1
PXO study area
Figure 1 Study area (Guelph Street at Spur Line Trail)
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Data collected from a pedestrian study conducted on October 9, 2025, was used to
determine if a pedestrian crossover was warranted. In addition to the pedestrian study,
vehicle volume was determined using an Automatic Data Recorder installed for
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approximately one week from May 28, 2025, to June 4, 2025. The results of these
studies are shown in Table 1 below:
Table 1 Vehicle and Pedestrian Volumes (Guelph Street)
24-hour average traffic volume May 28, 2025 June
1630 vehicles
4, 2025
Maximum 8-hour traffic volume May 28, 2025 June
812 vehicles
4, 2025
Number of Pedestrian Crossings Thursday, October 9, 549 pedestrians
8-hour period 2025 and cyclists
The warrant summary for the proposed Pedestrian Crossover on Guelph is shown in
Table 2 below:
Table 2 - Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover Warrant Summary
Spur Line Trail at Guelph Street
Required Actual Conditions
Warrant Justification
Value Value Satisfied?
1. 8-hour Pedestrian Volume at
> 100 peds 549 YES
proposed crossover location
Level 2
2. 8-hour Two-Way Vehicle Min 750
Pedestrian 812 YES
Volume Max 2250
Crossover
3. Distance from Nearest > 200
150 NO
Controlled Crossing meters
The crossing is in close proximity to the signalized intersection at Weber St W and Guelph
St. However, given the low traffic volumes, a PXO is not expected to have any tangible
impact on the signalized intersection. Further, there is no reasonable way to shift the
pedestrian desire path of the trail to be included in the intersection or exceed 200 m.
Observers noted that the minimum gap time for cyclists and pedestrians to cross was
approximately 150 seconds. Data from the Automatic Traffic Recorder indicated slow-
moving traffic, with the 85th percentile speed recorded at 43.8 km/h. It was also observed
that most cyclists use the trail as an alternative route to access Weber Street. Additionally,
five collisions were reported over the past five years along Guelph Street, between
Waterloo Street and Weber Street West; none of these incidents involved pedestrians or
cyclists.
A raised crossing is not feasible due to the adjacent rail line.
Based on the study data and analysis, a Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) type D level 2
is recommended by Transportation Staff on Guelph Street at Spur Line Trail.
Louisa Street at Spur Line Trail
The study area focuses on the stretch of Louisa Street between Weber Street West and
Ahren Street West, where the Spur Line Trail crosses the road this is shown in Figure
2.
PXO study area
Figure 2 Study area (Louisa Street at Spur Line Trail)
nd
Data collected from a pedestrian study conducted on October 22, 2025, was used to
determine if a pedestrian crossover was warranted. In addition to the pedestrian study,
vehicle volume was determined using an Automatic Data Recorder installed for
rdth
approximately one week from June 23, 2022, to June 29, 2022. The results of these
studies are shown in Table 3 below:
Table 3 Vehicle and Pedestrian Volumes (Louisa Street)
24-hour average traffic volume June 23, 2022
748 vehicles
June 29, 2022
Maximum 8-hour traffic volume June 23, 2022
249 vehicles
June 29, 2022
Number of Pedestrian Crossings
Fri Sept 29, 2023 102 pedestrians
8-hour period
The warrant summary for the proposed Pedestrian Crossover on Louisa is shown in Table
4 below:
Table 4 - Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover Warrant Summary
Spur Line Trail at Louisa Street
Required Actual Conditions
Warrant Justification
Value Value Satisfied?
1. 8-hour Pedestrian Volume at
> 100 peds 102 YES
proposed crossover location
Level 2
2. 8-hour Two-Way Vehicle Min 750
Pedestrian 249 NO
Volume Max 2250
Crossover
3. Distance from Nearest > 200
30 NO
Controlled Crossing meters
The crossing is in close proximity to the stop controlled intersection at Weber St W and
Louisa St. However, given the low traffic volumes, a PXO is not expected to have any
tangible impact on the intersection. Further, there is no reasonable way to shift the
pedestrian desire path of the trail to be included in the intersection or exceed 200 m.
Observers noted that the minimum gap time for cyclists and pedestrians to cross was
approximately 180 seconds. Data from the Automatic Traffic Recorder indicated slow-
moving traffic, with the 85th percentile speed recorded at 40.1 km/h. Additionally, one
collision was reported over the past five years along Louisa Street, between Weber Street
West and Ahrens Street; the incident did not involve pedestrians or cyclists.
A raised crossing is not feasible due to the adjacent rail line.
Based on the study data and analysis, a Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) does not meet
all warrant requirements. However, given the significant pedestrian desire path and
to provide a consistent trail experience that limits confusion on when pedestrians
are granted the right-of-way, staff recommend a PXO Level 2 Type D on Louisa
Street at Spur Line Trail.
Wellington Street at Spur Line Trail
The study area looks at Wellington Street between Weber Street West and Ahrens Street
West, where the Spur Line Trail crosses the road as shown in Figure 3.
PXO study area
Figure 3 Study area (Wellington Street at Spur Line Trail)
th
Data collected from a pedestrian study conducted on October 15, 2025, was used to
determine if a pedestrian crossover was warranted. In addition to the pedestrian study,
vehicle volume was determined using an Automatic Data Recorder installed for
thth
approximately one week from May 28,2025 to June 4, 2025. The results of these
studies are shown in Table 5 below:
Table 5 Vehicle and Pedestrian Volumes (Wellington Street)
24-hour average traffic volume May 28, 2025 June
5763 vehicles
4, 2025
Maximum 8-hour traffic volume May 28, 2025 June
3119 vehicles
4, 2025
Number of Pedestrian Crossings
Oct 15, 2025 144 pedestrians
8-hour period
The warrant summary for the proposed Pedestrian Crossover on Wellington is shown in
Table 6 below:
Table 6 - Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover Warrant Summary
Spur Line Trail at Wellington Street
Required Actual Conditions
Warrant Justification
Value Value Satisfied?
1. 8-hour Pedestrian Volume at
> 100 peds 144 YES
proposed crossover location
Level 2
2. 8-hour Two-Way Vehicle Min 2250
Pedestrian 3119 YES
Volume Max 4500
Crossover
3. Distance from Nearest > 200
80 NO
Controlled Crossing meters
The crossing is in close proximity to the signalized intersection at Weber St W and
Wellington St. However, given the low traffic volumes, a PXO is not expected to have any
tangible impact on the signalized intersection. Further, there is no reasonable way to shift
the pedestrian desire path of the trail to be included in the intersection or exceed 200 m.
Observers noted that cyclists and pedestrians typically waited around 35 seconds to
cross. Data from the Automatic Traffic Recorder showed higher speeds and heavy traffic
volumes, with the 85th percentile speed recorded at 51.8 km/h. It was also observed that
most people using the crossing were cyclists. Pedestrians tended to exit the Spur Line
Trail and head toward Weber Street, likely because the signalized intersection there offers
an added layer of safety. A couple of close calls were witnessed at the crossing,
suggesting it could be a high-risk location. Over the past five years, there has been one
reported collision on Wellington Street between Ahrens Street and Weber Street, with no
involvement of cyclists or pedestrians.
A raised crossing is not feasible due to the adjacent rail line.
Based on the study data and analysis, a Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) type D level 2
is recommended by Transportation Staff on Wellington Street at Spur Line Trail.
Midland Drive at Dominic Cardillo Trail
The study area is at Midland Drive between Ottawa Street North and Dooley Drive, where
the Dom Cardillo Trail crosses the road as shown in Figure 4.
PXO study area
Figure 4 Study area (Midland Drive at Dominic Cardillo Trail)
th
Data collected from a pedestrian study conducted on October 28, 2025, was used to
determine if a pedestrian crossover was warranted. In addition to the pedestrian study,
vehicle volume was determined using an Automatic Data Recorder installed for
thrd
approximately one week from October 16,2024 to October 23, 2024. The results of
these studies are shown in Table 7 below:
Table 7 Vehicle and Pedestrian Volumes (Midland Drive)
24-hour average traffic volume October 16, 2024
687 vehicles
October 23, 2024
Maximum 8-hour traffic volume October 16, 2024
245 vehicles
October 23, 2024
Number of Pedestrian Crossings
Oct 28, 2025 291 pedestrians
8-hour period
The warrant summary for the proposed Pedestrian Crossover on Midland Drive is shown
in Table 8 below:
Table 8 - Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover Warrant Summary
Dominic Cardillo Trail at Midland Drive
Required Actual Conditions
Warrant Justification
Value Value Satisfied?
1. 8-hour Pedestrian Volume at
> 100 peds 291 YES
proposed crossover location
Level 2
2. 8-hour Two-Way Vehicle Min 750
Pedestrian 245 NO
Volume Max 2250
Crossover
3. Distance from Nearest > 200
256 YES
Controlled Crossing meters
This crossing location does not meet the warrant requirements for Pedestrian Crossover
(PXO) installation due to low traffic volume.
Field observations indicated that cyclists and pedestrians experienced a minimum
crossing time of approximately 230 seconds. Data obtained from the Automatic Traffic
Recorder reflected slow-moving traffic conditions, with the 85th percentile speed recorded
at 45.4 km/h. The majority of pedestrians observed at the crossing were young children,
primarily under the age of 12. This crossing provides direct access to the playground of
Saint Daniel Catholic Elementary School. It was heavily utilized during the 30-minute
intervals before and after the school bell, with usage primarily by school-aged children.
Parents frequently used the crossing for student pick-up and drop-off activities.
Additionally, no collision history was reported within the traffic study segment.
A raised crossing is feasible and recommended.
Based on the study data and analysis, a Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) does not meet
all warrant requirements. However, given the significant pedestrian desire path and
to provide a consistent trail experience that limits confusion on when pedestrians
are granted the right-of-way, staff recommend a PXO Level 2 Type D on Midland
Drive at the Dom Cardillo Trail.
Date: February 5, 2026
Written by: Darren Kropf, Manager, Active Transportation and Development
Subject:
Neighbourhood Bikeways for Route 2: Stanley Park Downtown Kitchener
Uptown Waterloo
Industry Guidance for Neighbourhood Bikeways
Neighbourhood Bikeways are low-volume, low-speed streets that have been optimized
for bicycle travel. These streets prioritize through movements for people riding bikes
These bike routes are considered safe and comfortable for all ages and abilities through
intentional traffic calming measures that reduce speed and volume of motor vehicles.
This approach is consistent with industry guidance found in Ontario Traffic Manual Book
18, which provides ideal conditions:
motor vehicle speeds of 30 km/h or less, with 40 km/h as an upper limit
less than 1,500 vehicles, per day and ideally less than 500. Up to 3,000 vehicle
per day may be acceptable in limited sections of a neighbourhood bikeway
corridor
Route 2 Neighbourhood Bikeways
Traffic studies were undertaken in fall 2025 on the following streets, in order to fill gaps
between the off-road trail network of Route 2:
Burbank Rd (Archer Pl to Ada St),
Nottingham Av (Lyndhurst Dr to Manchester Rd),
Graber Pl (Pathway to Dreger Av),
Dreger Av (Graber Pl to Franklin St);
th
Street From To Vehicles 85
Per Day percentile
speeds
BURBANK RD ADA ST ARCHER PL 622 42.5
NOTTINGHAM LYNDHURST MANCHESTER 2035 41.7
AV DR RD
GRABER PL DREGER AVE HYDRO 126 41.0
DRIVEWAY
DREGER AVE EVELYN FRANKLIN ST N 363 38.4
CRES
Burbank Rd, Graber Pl and Dreger Ave meet the vehicle volume threshold and are slightly
above the speed threshold. The installation of sharrows and bike route signs may result
in reduced speeds to meet the speed threshold of <40 km/h. Staff will conduct additional
studies in 2026 to determine if additional traffic calming is needed for these street
segments.
Nottingham Av carries more traffic than the preferred threshold, but does fit within the
upper threshold for short distances. A boulevard multi-use trail would result in the loss of
6 mature trees. Due to the lack of grid pattern in the neighbourhood and that most streets
funnel onto Nottingham Av, traffic diversion measures would result in significant increases
in motor vehicle travel times. Given this route is only 100 m, staff is comfortable
recommending a neighbourhood bikeway.
Staff recommendation
Staff recommend the installation of sharrows and bike route wayfinding signs to indicate
that Burbank Rd (Archer Pl to Ada St), Nottingham Av (Lyndhurst Dr to Manchester Rd),
Graber Pl (Pathway to Dreger Av), Dreger Av (Graber Pl to Franklin St) are
Neighbourhood Bikeways, and that the Uniform Traffic Bylaw is updated accordingly.
About this project
Developing city-wide active transportation routes is identified as an action in the 2023-
2026 Strategic Plan. The aim of this action is to
transportation that connects neighbourhoods through holistic trail and bike route
The City of Kitchener is implementing a city-wide network of branded active transportation
routes that will connect eight major neighbourhoodseach with regional significance and
transit accessthrough approximately 100 km of safe, accessible and signed infrastructure.
Route 1: The BoardwalkDowntown is nearly complete, with Route 2: Stanley ParkDowntown
Kitchener Uptown Waterloo planned for 2026.
How we engaged
City staff sought community feedback on Route 2 to identify any location-specific upgrades that
would make the route safer and more comfortable for all ages and abilities. We also asked for
feedback on where you feel the route may be confusing to new users.
1
Staff engaged online with an interactive map of Route 2, where residents could comment on
specific places on the route that may require safety upgrades or may be confusing to navigate.
Staff received over 150 online comments and direct emails.
What we heard
There were two main themes in public feedback:
Safe infrastructure for all ages and abilities wayfinding is appreciated but only if the
route itself is safe, including things like safe crossings, separation from motor vehicles
and year-round maintenance.
Route alignment and wayfinding Preferences varied at specific locations that were
confusing to navigate or currently have challenging safety barriers that people try to
avoid.
responding
Feedback on safe infrastructure for all ages and abilities
To respond to requests for safe infrastructure for all ages and abilities, staff have identified
upgrades that are feasible for this project. These recommendations will be presented to the
Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee of Kitchener City Council on March 9, 2026.
Staff recommendations to improve Route 2
Resident Feedback Proposed Route 2 Upgrades
Improve accessibility and Paving the Expressway Trail (Krug St to Burbank Rd), and
provide all-season reliability on
the Dom Cardillo Trail (Franklin St N to River Rd).
trails.
Upgrading the walkway block to a typical asphalt multi-use
trail between Burbank Rd and Lyndhurst Dr.
Improve safety at the Installation of a boulevard multi-use trail on
Manchester Rd and Ottawa St Nottingham Ave (Manchester Rd to Ottawa St N),
N intersection. effectively moving cyclists out of the high turn, high
volume intersection.
Improve safety and comfort at Install a raised, pedestrian crossover (PXO) at the Dom
trail crossings. Cardillo Trail crossing of Midland Rd.
Install PXOs at Spurline Trail crossings of Wellington St,
Louisa St, and Guelph St (raised crossings are not feasible
due to the adjacent railway).
signs at Krug St and the Expressway Trail. A PXO was not
warranted.
2
Install trail counters and post Install new trail counters on the Dom Cardillo Trail and the
publicly for accountability to Expressway Trail. An existing counter is installed on the
justify trail expenses. boulevard multi-use trail on Margaret Ave.
All existing and future trail counters are posted on the
City
Requests for upgrades that are outside of scope
There were several comments requesting upgrades that may not be feasible or are not within
scope of this Route 2 project. For transparency, they are listed here, including whether they are
identified in the Cycling and Trails Master Plan as future upgrades.
Resident Feedback Response
Install lighting along all trails.
Currently, there is
no identified funding for lighting.
Separated bike lanes should be
installed on all streets bikeways. These bike routes are considered safe and
intended to be a bike route, comfortable for all ages and abilities through intentional
including Breithaupt St and traffic calming measures that reduce speed and volume of
Chapel St. motor vehicles. This is a more effective approach to
improving cycling safety on quiet, low volume streets and
is consistent with industry guidance found in Ontario
Traffic Manual Book 18 and NACTO Urban Bikeway Design
Guide.
Upgrade the entirety of This is a planned project in the CTMP, in approximately 12-
Margaret Avenue from painted 15 years.
bike lanes to protected bike
lanes.
Upgrade the painted bike lanes This is a planned project in the CTMP, in approximately 12-
on Krug St to protected bike 15 years.
lanes.
Improve cycling options to The CTMP identifies upgrades to River Road
Stanley Park Senior Public (approximately 5-8 years) and Crosby Dr (approximately
School. 20-25 years).
Create a new pathway from The CTMP identifies a boulevard multi-use trail along
Manchester Rd to the Stanley Manchester Rd, but a trail through the conservation area
Park Conservation Area trail was not included in the CTMP due to environmental
network. impacts.
Pave the remaining sections of This is a planned project in the CTMP, in approximately 10-
the Dom Cardillo Trail. 15 years.
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Region of Waterloo jurisdiction
There are several points along the route that pass along or through roads and intersections
under the jurisdiction of the Region of Waterloo. City staff and Regional staff met several times
to discuss routing and infrastructure options. There are no feasible alternative routes that avoid
these Regional Roads. Wayfinding signs will encourage users to use caution on sections that do
feedback.
Resident feedback Region of Waterloo staff response
Extend the multi-use pathway There is not enough boulevard space to extend the multi-
on Ottawa St to Franklin St, to use path from the Stanley Park Conservation Area to
provide the most direct and Franklin St. This is due to constraints from the
safe route for pedestrians and existing property line fence and hydro poles.
cyclists;
This section of Ottawa Street was recently
reconstructed and the significant expense of relocating the
existing hydro poles cannot be accommodated within
existing programs in the Region of Waterloo's
Transportation Capital Program.
Safety concerns crossing There is an existing pedestrian refuge island to the east of
Ottawa St at Nottingham Ave; Nottingham Ave and a signal controlled crossing at
the highway interchange.
The Region will explore options at the refuge.
However, options are limited because of the high
amount of Ottawa St traffic and the proximity to the
highway interchange.
Safety concerns at the The
Frederick St and Lancaster St program identifies Frederick St for reconstruction in 2032
intersection; (#05612). Improvements to cycling are set to be included
in this project.
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While Frederick St will receive new surface asphalt in 2026
to address poor pavement conditions prior to the planned
reconstruction, planned painted bike lanes cannot be
implemented due to changes to the Highway Traffic Act
brought about by Provincial Bill 60.
Safety concerns due to lack of The
cycling infrastructure on program identifies Frederick St for reconstruction in 2032
Frederick St; (#05612). Improvements to cycling are set to be included
in this project.
While Frederick St will receive new surface asphalt in 2026
to address poor pavement conditions prior to the planned
reconstruction, planned painted bike lanes cannot be
implemented due to changes to the Highway Traffic Act
brought about by Provincial Bill 60.
Confusion navigating the Shared crossrides were added to the multi-use
Spurline Trail crossing at path alignments on the west and east of Weber St W from
Weber St W and Wilhelm St, 2023 to allow people on bikes to cross Wilhelm St.
in part due to awkward
geometry and lack of
crossrides and cyclist space
Safety concerns cycling to the There is a continuous multi-use path from Wilhelm St to
Kitchener Train Station (GO, Victoria St. Cyclists can cross onto the east side of Weber
VIA) via Victoria St. St at both Breithaupt St and Victoria St.
Route alignment and wayfinding
In response to route alignment and wayfinding requests, staff have the following responses.
Resident Feedback Response
directly The boundaries of Downtown Kitchener include Otto St
downtown. and Margaret Av, including downtown destinations like
Centre in the Square and Kitchener Public Library Central
branch. Wayfinding signs will direct people to additional
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downtown destinations using the existing Maynard
Av/Young St bike route.
Provide wayfinding to secure To be provided.
bike parking at Civic District
Garage.
Install a trail on Suddaby Public City staff will pass along this request to school board staff.
School property to avoid using If feasible, that would likely take several years to complete.
the Lancaster St/Frederick St Staff recommend keeping the proposed route around the
intersection. school at this time.
Several alternatives to the The CTMP process identified the overall cycling network
route through Central through community input and feasibility analysis. Staff
Frederick neighbourhood were recommend maintaining the identified routing in the
requested, such as Irvin St, CTMP for Route 2 wayfinding. That said, anyone is
Gordon St or Mansion St. welcome to bike on alternative quiet streets if they feel
more comfortable.
Requests to use Archer Place This route requires use of Ottawa St N, which is a Regional
and Ottawa St N instead of Road and the City does not have jurisdiction to make
Nottingham Ave. upgrades on Ottawa St N.
Next steps
Recommendations for Route 2 will be presented to the Planning and Strategic Initiatives
Committee of Kitchener City Council on March 9, 2026. If approved, construction is expected to
be completed before the end of 2026.
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