Agenda (Appointed) - Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee - 20250122Town of Aurora
Active Transportation and
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Time:7 p.m.
Location:Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Meetings are available to the public in person and via live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel.
To participate, please visit aurora.ca/participation.
Pages
1.Call to Order
1.1 Appointment of Committee Vice Chair
That a Committee member be appointed as Vice Chair of the
Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for
a two-year term (2025-2026).
1.
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of November 27, 2024
1
That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory
Committee meeting minutes of November 27, 2024, be received
for information.
1.
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Transportation and Traffic Analyst; Re: Yonge Street
Active Transportation Facilities Draft Design Presentation
5
(Presentation to be provided by Courtney Hough, P.Eng., Project
Manager, Ainley Group)
That the memorandum regarding Yonge Street Active
Transportation Facilities Draft Design Presentation be received;
and
1.
That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory
Committee comments regarding Yonge Street Active
Transportation Facilities Draft Design Presentation be received
and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
2.
8.Informational Items
9.New Business
10.Adjournment
Town of Aurora
Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Steve Fleck
Owen Heritage (Vice Chair)
Lil Kim
Gino Martino
Members Absent: Giovanni Turla
Klaus Wehrenberg
Other Attendees: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (arrived at 7:40 p.m.)*
Michael Ha, Traffic and Transportation Analyst
Emily Freitas, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
Page 1 of 25
Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 27, 2024 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Gino Martino
Seconded by Steve Fleck
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of September 25, 2024
Moved by Gino Martino
Seconded by Lil Kim
1. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of September 25, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Transportation and Traffic Analyst; Re: Request for
Traffic Calming Measures on Timberline Trail
Staff provided a brief summary of the memorandum and indicated that
traffic calming measures are not warranted at the subject locations on
Timberline Trail.
Page 2 of 25
Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 27, 2024 3
The Committee inquired about the possibility of installing flexible signs,
and staff indicated that the pavement width is narrow and therefore does
not fit the criteria.
The Committee and staff discussed various aspects of the report
including low volume of traffic indicated in the traffic data, if the street is
considered a collector roadway, and the possibility of neighbouring streets
to qualify for traffic calming measures.
Moved by Steve Fleck
Seconded by Gino Martino
1. That the memorandum regarding Request for Traffic Calming
Measures on Timberline Trail be received; and
2. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
comments regarding Request for Traffic Calming Measures on
Timberline Trail be received and referred to staff for consideration and
further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Transportation and Traffic Analyst; Re: Stone Road
Speed Limit Assessment
Staff provided a brief summary of the memorandum and indicated that the
current posted speed limit of 50 km/h is appropriate and no reduction to
the speed limit is recommended.
The Committee inquired about what methods were used by staff to
determine that the speed reduction was not recommended, and staff
indicated that an evaluation tool was used to assess the appropriate
posted speed limits and a speed study for seven days to verify that the
current posted speed limit is appropriate.
The Committee expressed support for a speed reduction from 50 km/h to
40 km/h for the subject locations.
Moved by Steve Fleck
Seconded by Gino Martino
Page 3 of 25
Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 27, 2024 4
1. That the memorandum regarding Stone Road Speed Limit Assessment
be received; and
2. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
comments regarding Stone Road Speed Limit Assessment be received
and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee expressed concerns regarding pedestrian safety around Aurora
GO Station on Wellington Street and Industrial Parkway and inquired about
providing additional street lighting by the parking garage.
The Committee expressed support for installing bike lanes.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Lil Kim
Seconded by Steve Fleck
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Carried
Page 4 of 25
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Planning and Development Services
Re: Yonge Street Active Transportation Facilities Draft Design Presentation
To: Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
From: Michael Ha, Transportation and Traffic Analyst
Date: January 22, 2025
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding Yonge Street Active Transportation Facilities Draft
Design Presentation be received; and
2. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee comments
regarding Yonge Street Active Transportation Facilities Draft Design Presentation be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Background
As approved by Council as part of the 2024 Capital Budget process, the Town has
initiated Capital Project No. GN0163 – Active Transportation Facilities – Yonge Street -
Bloomington to GO Bridge Both Sides. The key objective of the project is to complete
the detailed design of active transportation facilities, which may include multi-use
pathway and/or sidewalks, on Yonge Street from Bloomington Road to Industrial
Parkway South.
Analysis
Currently, sidewalks are not provided along the subject section of Yonge Street. Cyclists
are sharing the road with motorists without dedicated and separated facilities and
pedestrians are walking on the shoulder of the road to access services and amenities
north of this area. The construction of active transportation facilities will increase safety
for all road users. This is consistent with the recommendations from the draft Active
Transportation Master Plan which proposes a multi-use path along both sides of Yonge
Street between Bloomington Road and the Metrolinx railway overhead bridge.
Page 5 of 25
Yonge Street Active Transportation Facilities Design Presentation
January 22, 2025 Page 2 of 2
The proposed Yonge Street active transportation facilities will form a major north-south
active transportation link in the Town for pedestrians and cyclists. It will provide
connections between other active transportation systems including the multi-use path
on Bloomington Road and the bicycle facilities on Industrial Parkway South.
Ainley Group was retained to undertake the design of the Yonge Street active
transportation facilities. The design is currently underway, and the final study is
expected to be completed in Q2 2025.
The purpose of this report is to provide an opportunity for the committee members to
review and comment on the Yonge Street active transportation facilities options for
comments. Ainley Group will be providing a presentation (Attachment 1) that provides a
brief overview of the project including project scope, methodology, and draft design
alternatives for the Committee’s review and comment.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Presentation
Page 6 of 25
Yonge Street Active Transportation FacilityBloomington Road to Industrial Parkway SouthATTSAC Meeting PresentationJanuary 22, 20251ATTACHMENT 1Page 7 of 25
IntroductionsThank you for attending this Public Information Centre.Information boards are set up around the room. Please take your time to review. If you have any questions, we are more than happy to assist. Town of AuroraMichael Ha, Project ManagerGlen McArthur, Municipal EngineerAinley Group | Design ConsultantCourtney Hough, Project ManagerMatt Houle, Design Technologist2HostsPublic Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationPage 8 of 25
Land AcknowledgementThe Town of Aurora acknowledges that the Anishinaabe lands on which we live and work are the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island, as well as many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day. As the closest First Nation community to Aurora, we recognize the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this territory. They are the water protectors and environmental stewards of these lands, and as a municipality we join them in these responsibilities.We further acknowledge that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 as well as the Williams Treaties of 1923.A shared understanding of the rich cultural heritage that has existed for centuries, and how our collective past brought us to where we are today, will help us walk together into a better future.3Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationPage 9 of 25
Project Location4Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active Transportation>TSLJ8YWJJYKWTR'QTTRNSLYTS7TFIYT.SIZXYWNFQ5FWP\F^8TZYM>TSLJ8YWJJYKWTR'QTTRNSLYTS7TFIYT.SIZXYWNFQ5FWP\F^8TZYMPage 10 of 25
Project Timeline5Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationPage 11 of 25
Project Purpose6Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationImprove transportation, mobility, and connectivity with active transportation facilities on Yonge Street (Bloomington Rd to Industrial Pkwy S).Significance of Yonge Street: A major north-south corridor connecting high-traffic destinations and growing residential areas.Planned Connections: Link to existing trails at:Cannon Valley Court14378 Yonge Street (opposite Industrial Pkwy S)Potential future connection at Elderberry TrailPartnership with York Region:Ensure facilities meet Town and Region requirements.Explore cost-sharing opportunities for a multi-use pathway (MUP) in the boulevard.Page 12 of 25
Project Scope & StatusProject ScopeDetailed design and construction of active transportation facilities, which may include multi-use pathway and/or sidewalks, on Yonge Street from Bloomington Road to Industrial Parkway South.Project StatusPreliminary field investigations are underway and include topographic survey, tree inventory, geotechnical investigation and existing streetlighting assessment. An extensive list of active transportation facility options have been explored and the list condensed to the top three (3).The preferred option will be advanced to 60% detailed design for construction in summer 2025.7Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationPage 13 of 25
Active Transportation Facility TypesThere are many active transportation facility options to accommodate users including those who walk, bike and roll. The two (2) facility types being evaluated for this project include sidewalk and multi-use pathway (MUP). Sidewalk A path intended for pedestrian use. In accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the minimum width of a sidewalk must be 1.5m. A sidewalk typically runs parallel to the roadway and is separated from the travelled road by a buffer, including curb and/or boulevard. 8Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationPage 14 of 25
Active Transportation Facility TypesMulti-Use Pathway (MUP) A two-way path intended for shared use by users, including pedestrians and cyclists. The minimum suggested width for a MUP, in accordance with Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18, is 3.0m.Factors that may impact the width of a MUP include site constraints such as the terrain (slopes/embankments), utilities/infrastructure and available property.A MUP is typically separated from the roadway by a buffer including a curb, grassed boulevard, shoulder, etc. 9Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationSource: OTM Book 18, 2021Page 15 of 25
Design ConsiderationsProper engineering design and safety constraintsCompliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Utility locations/conflictsLighting for active transportation facility and roadway.Connectivity of the active transportation facility to existing trails, sidewalks, bus stops, community mail boxes, residential entrances, etc.Impact to trees and vegetation10Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationTopographical constraints (ground elevations) including need for retaining walls and railing/fencing. Impact to stormwater conveyance (ditches, culverts)Property constraints including road allowance widths and physical barriers.Bayview Drive MUP | North of Bloomington RoadSource: GooglePage 16 of 25
Design Considerations11Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationAdjustments to existing ditching/drainage including implementation of low impact development (LID) features, where possible. Modifications to existing steel beam guide rail (SBGR) including removal and reinstatement. Double-sided SBGR may be proposed when separating the road from the active transportation facility. Significant retaining walls with suitable fencing/railing to navigate the steep slopes throughout the site. Bayview Drive MUP | North of Bloomington RoadIn general, we anticipate the following challenges across the site:Tree/Vegetation removalsUtility relocations, including Town servicing such as hydrants.Earth moving for cut/fill of embankments.Source: GooglePage 17 of 25
Design OpportunitiesConnection to existing active transportation facilities, bus stops, etc. Opportunity for connections to new developments and trails.Landscaping or streetscaping rest areas for active transportation facility users.Opportunity for sections of 4.0m wide multi-use pathway to be set back from the roadway.12Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationPage 18 of 25
Twenty (20) options were evaluated and include single sidewalk and multi-use pathway (MUP) facilities in one boulevard to a combination of facilities in both boulevards.The options were evaluated based on the following four (4) categories that were further divided into criteria. The weighted value applied to each category is identified:Active Transportation Facility Options13Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationSocial Environment (30%)Financial (30%)Natural Environment (10%)Technical (30%)The evaluation matrix helped identify the highest-ranking transportation facility options for further review and discussion.Page 19 of 25
Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active Transportation14Evaluation Matrix Criteria per CategoryCost sharing opportunity with York RegionConstruction costsMaintenance and operation costsFinancialComplexity of design (utility, geotechnical, lighting and soil impacts)Meets technical and regulatory standards (including AODA)Ease of maintenance and operationTechnicalImproves active transportation access to users, including those who walk, bike, or rollMinimizes impact to existing properties within the ROWMinimizes disruption due to constructionMeets Town’s strategic plans (ATMP, OP)Increases connectivity to Town amenities, including green spaceSocial EnvironmentMinimizes ecological impactMinimizes watershed impactsNatural EnvironmentPage 20 of 25
Active Transportation Facility Options15Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationThrough collaboration with Town Stakeholders and the Region of York, the following three (3) options are being considered for further review. The preferred option will be selected from these three and advanced to 60% detailed design. 1. West Side MUP, East Side MUP or SidewalkHighest Construction Value()2. West Side MUP, East Side MUP or Sidewalk connection sectionsMid-Range Construction Value ()3. West Side MUPLowest Construction Value ()NOTE:West Side MUP is consistent with all 3 options.Through collaboration with Town Stakeholders and the Region of York, the following three (3) options are being considered for further review. The preferred option will be selected from these three and advanced to 60% detailed design. 1. West Side MUP, East Side MUP or SidewalkHighest Construction Value()2. West Side MUP, East Side MUP or Sidewalk connection sectionsMid-Range Construction Value ()3. West Side MUPLowest Construction Value ()NOTE:West Side MUP is consistent with all 3 options.Page 21 of 25
Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active Transportation16Active Transportation Facility OptionsPage 22 of 25
Option Specific Opportunities and Considerations17Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active TransportationConsiderationsOpportunitiesOption‼Design and construction challenges across the cemetery frontage increases construction costs.‼Construction of a sidewalk on the east side will not accommodate cyclists. ‼Highest construction value9Continuous pedestrian/cyclist connection on the west side. 9A MUP on the east side would offer a continuous pedestrian/cyclist connection across the project limits.9A sidewalk on the east side would be a more feasible design and a lower construction cost. Option 1 West Side MUP, East Side MUP or Sidewalk‼Construction of a signalized intersection at Elderberry Trail is required to facilitate a continuous network connection.9Continuous pedestrian/cyclist connection on the west side. 9Opportunity for continuous network connection with signalized intersection at Elderberry Trail.9Sidewalk/MUP sections north of Royal Hill Court and south of Gilbert Drive reduces the scope of difficult design/construction by 900m; reducing construction costs.Option 2 West Side MUP, East Side MUP or Sidewalk connection sections‼Pedestrians and cyclists will be required to cross at signalized intersections to access the MUP.9Continuous pedestrian/cyclist connection on the west side. 9Lowest construction valueOption 3West Side MUPPage 23 of 25
Review Public FeedbackNext StepsCollaborate with Stakeholders to Confirm Next Phase of DesignSelect Preferred Active Transportation Facility & Advance to 60% Detailed DesignPublic Information Centre | Yonge Street Active Transportation18Page 24 of 25
How to Offer Feedback?Please fill out a questions and comments form at the PICVisit our website for more information on the project and to leave your feedback. 19Public Information Centre | Yonge Street Active Transportationhttps://engageaurora.ca/yongemupPage 25 of 25