welcome to the north maple community bridge public ......phase 3 - alternative design concepts for...

North Maple Community Bridge Class EA

Welcome to the North Maple Community Bridge Public Information Forum #1

Please sign-in on the sheet provided. Then feel free to walk around and view the displaysIf you have any questions, the Project Team will be pleased to discuss the study with you.Project Team members will be writing your questions/ comments for further discussion.Comment sheets are also provided for those who wish to provide additional comments. Please place your completed sheets in the Comment Box or take them with you and mail/fax to one of the Project Managers.


Study Area

The Study Area is bound by:Teston Road to the North;Jane Street to the East;Major Mackenzie to the South;Weston Road to the West;Highway 400 bisecting the overall Study Area.


In Ontario, the Environmental Assessment Act governs the requirements of the Environmental Assessment (EA) process.The purpose of the EA Act is to promote good environmental planning through the:

Protection;Conservation; and,Wise Management of Ontario’s environment.

The intent is to predict the environmental effects of proposed undertakings before they are carried out.The EA process ensures that environmental problems or opportunities associated with the project are considered along with alternatives, and their effects are investigated and mitigated through the planning process, before implementation (i.e. construction) takes place.

Environmental Assessment Background


Class EA’s are a method of dealing with projects that are routine undertakings, are limited in scale, have a predictable range of environmental effects and are able to implement appropriate mitigation measuresThe North Maple Community Bridge is following the Municipal Engineers Association Class EA process as a Schedule C project

Enhanced with:CLC Meetings (3) at key decision points – First CLC held on March 26/092 Public Information Forums (PIF)Accessible website

PIF #1 will present the details of Phases 1 and 2 of the Class EA process

Class EA Process


Class EA Process

Public Information Forum No. 2Early Fall, 2009

Public Information Forum No. 1April 16, 2009

ESR on the Public RecordLate Fall 2009

We are here

CLC Meeting No. 1March 26, 2009

CLC Meeting No. 2Late Summer 2009

PHASE 1 - Identify and Describe the Problem(s)PHASE 1 - Identify and Describe the Problem(s)

PHASE 2 – Planning Alternatives• Identify reasonable Planning Alternatives to the problem(s)• Evaluate Planning Alternatives taking into consideration existing environmental

and technical factors• Identify a Preliminary Preferred Solution to the problem(s)



PHASE 3 - Alternative Design Concepts for Preferred Solution• Identify Alternative Designs to implement the Preferred Solution• Inventory natural, social, economic and cultural environment• Identify the impact of the alternative designs after mitigation• Evaluate Alternative Designs with consideration of the impacts• Identify a Preliminary Preferred Design


Problem(s)Problem(s)

Select Preferred SolutionSelect Preferred Solution

Select Preferred DesignSelect Preferred Design

PHASE 4 - Prepare/Submit Environmental Study Report (ESR) • Complete ESR documenting planning and decision-making processes

undertaken through Phases 1 to 3• Place ESR on public record for a minimum 30 calendar days for review• Notify the public and government agencies of completion of the ESR and

provision for Part II Order Request




PHASE 5 - Implementation of Proposed Improvements• Proceed to construction of the Project• Monitor for environmental provisions and commitments


ESRESR

PHASE 1 - Identify and Describe the Problem(s)PHASE 1 - Identify and Describe the Problem(s)







Problem(s)Problem(s)

Select Preferred SolutionSelect Preferred Solution

Select Preferred DesignSelect Preferred Design









ESRESR

CLC – Citizen Liaison Committee

CLC Meeting No. 3Fall 2009


The need for a primary crossing of Highway 400 has been established at the planning level through the following policies/studies:

Vaughan Official Plan Amendment (OPA) No. 400 and Transportation StudyBlock 33 (East) Planning Basis Report and Transportation StudyVaughan OPA No. 600 and Transportation StudyBlock 33 (West) Planning Basis Report and Transportation StudyCity of Vaughan Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan York Region Official PlanYork Region Transportation Master Plan

Study Background


Study Background – OPA 400

OPA 400 was approved in 1995, which defined Secondary Plan Policies and Land Use designations for three areas, one of which was Urban Village No. 1 (Block 33 lands)This was supported by an overall City-wide transportation study, which provided the need for mid-block connections over Highway 400 (including America Avenue) to ensure that a porous transportation network was established within the new development areas throughout the City.


Implementation of OPA 400 has proceeded through approvals of Block Plans and Draft Plans of SubdivisionBlock 33 East was developed first, with the Planning Basis report determining that the northerly connection over Highway 400 was most appropriate“The basis for this approach is that as the designated transit route, its connection to Block 33 (West) will integrate into the overall planned transit system and that this linkage, together with the remainder of the transit system proposed can accommodate the development planned for Block 33 (East)” (Section 2.3.3.1 (1))

The main objective of the City-wide Transportation Study was to:

“Develop a city-wide transportation strategy based on an integrated and comprehensive approach to land use and transportation planning which is tailored to the needs of existing development form, anticipates future patterns of development and encourages transit use.”



Canada Dr. America Av.

Highw

ay 400X


OPA 600 acted as a review of the effectiveness of OPA 400The designations and policies of OPA 600 are a refinement of OPA 400 and are based on the findings of the OPA 400 review process undertaken by the City as required under the Planning Act’s review of Local Official Plans on a 5 year basisThe OPA 600 review was undertaken and it was determined that the OPA 400 policies relating to transportation and the transportation system were in need of some refinement in order to address potential shortcomings due to modifications made through plan approvals since 1995“The Secondary Plan provides a comprehensive system of primary roads connecting key origins and destinations within the proposed communities, between communities and adjacent municipalities…The continuous street grid minimizes travel distance and time, promotes movement efficiency, provides alternative route options and is very efficient for transit operations” (Section 8, pg. 26)



Further relevant policies under OPA 600 include:“The City shall encourage and facilitate development of a transportation network to efficiently address the needs of Vaughan residents and the traveling public, and facilitate goods, pedestrian and bicycle movements.” (Section 1.11)“To ensure the completion of future transit and roadway improvements by reserving rights-of-way and ensuring that land use and transportation planning reflect the anticipated ultimate configuration of the transportation network.”(Section 2.10(vii))“Primary roads and collector roads are intended to afford organization for the local street system within residential areas and provide the main connecting points to the arterial system. They are designed to be continuous and are expected to carry moderate traffic volumes.” (Section 8.2.4, (a))



Study Background – Mid-Block Examples

Morning Star Drive

Derry Road E

Finch Ave

HWY 427

UTM Zone 17N, NAD 837

7

Rutherford Road

Dufferin Street

Bathurst Street

Spinnaker Way

Summeridge Drive

Langstaff Road

Staffern Drive

Westwood Lane

Citation Drive

Dufferin Hill Drive

Derrywood Drive

Mistysugar Trail

Fore

st R

un B

oule

vard

Flam

ingo Road

Yeshivah Drive

Birch Avenue

Ten Oaks Boulevard

Maple Sugar Lane

Freemont Street

Novella Road

Teefy Avenue

Forecastle Road

Confederation Parkway

Mar

yval

e Cr

esce

nt

Denham Drive

Moodie Drive

Bryson Drive

Thornhill Woods Drive

Garden Avenue

Napa Hill Court

Fernstaff Court

Jenkins Drive

Harm

ony Road

Langtry Place

Worth Boulevard

Belvia Drive

Marathon Avenue

Winchester Lane

Sala DriveChardonnay Drive

Sassafras Circle

Leameadow Road

Cambridge Crescent

Glenforest Drive

Seabreeze Avenue

Ritin Lane

Old Langstaff Road

Highcliffe Drive

Bellagio Crescent

Wigston’s Place

Old Surrey Lane

Loire Valley Avenue

Sadot Court

Bentoak Crescent

Floral Parkway

Eminence R

oad

Tuscana Boulevard

Lina Maria D

rive

Cividale Court

Hammers

tone Cres

cent

Rondeen Drive

Casmir Court

Canelli Height Court

Pebblelane Court

Benjam

in Hood D

rive

Cabernet Road

Noam Court

Lander Crescent

Honeyview Street

Citron Court

Trilogy Court

Orlo

n C

resc

ent

Udine Court

Birch Avenue

Denha

m Driv

e

Map

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Block 10Autumn Hill Blvd.

April 2009Project 90096

©2009 AECOM Canada Ltd. All Rights Reserved.This document is protected by copyright law and may not be used,reproduced or modified in any manner or for any purpose exceptwith the written permission of AECOM Canada Ltd. ("AECOM") ora party to which its copyright has been assigned. AECOM acceptsno responsibility, and denies any liability whatsoever, to any partythat uses, reproduces, modifies, or relies on this document withoutAECOM’s express written consent.

Basemapping from Ontario Ministry of Natural ResourcesOrthophotography: 2007

0 200 400100

m

Autumn Hill Blvd.

Autumn Hill Blvd.

Examples of Primary Roads in Residential Communities in the City of Vaughan


7

Islington Avenue

Pine Valley Drive

Langstaff Road

Ansley G

rove Road

Willis Road

Weston R

oad

400

400

Jevlan Drive

Chrislea R

oad

Aberdee

n Avenue

Fiori Drive

Embassy Drive

Blue Willow Drive

Airdrie Drive

Trowers Road

Applew

ood Crescent

Wigwoss Drive

Edgeley Boulevard

Torii Street

Caster Avenue

Whitm

ore Road

Windflower Gate

Belair Way

Balding B

oulevard Dante C

ourt

Mis

ty M

eado

w D

rive

Belview Avenue

Jeanne Drive

Nimbus Place

Winges Road

Riverside D

rive

Fieldstone Drive

Rive

rvie

w Av

enue

Roytec Road

Lime Drive

Fifth Avenue

Andrea Lan

e

Dianaw

ood Ridge

Sylvadene Parkway

Rowntree Dairy Road

Villa Park Drive

Vera Street

Vineyard Court

Russet Way

Carlauren Road

Longhouse Street

Firglen Ridge

Valeria Boulevard

Sandy’s Drive

Gamble Street

Davidson Drive

Tayo

k Dr

ive

Hayhoe Lane

Clover Leaf Street

Monsheen Drive

National Drive

Alderson Avenue

Silton Road

Marycroft Avenue

Blaine C

ourt

Bourbon Street

Foxchase Avenue

Nes

sus

Stre

et

Hayhoe Avenue

Trevor Street

Spring Town Road

Pine Grove Road

Marieta Street

Jules Avenue

Bordeaux Drive

Northview Boulevard

Waym

ar Heights B

oulevard

Matthew

Drive

Lento Court

Romeo Crescent

Carmen Crescent

Wakelin Court

Charm

aine Road

Firefly Crescent

Benjamin Drive

Granite Street

Terecar Drive

Lavender Place

Pine

dale

Gat

e

Brougham Drive

Auto Park Circle

Michelle Drive

Beatrice Way

Adrianno C

rescent

Ferrari Court

Amy Court

Nova Star D

riveNestor Crescent

Ashcroft Court

Tumbleweed Court

Goldpark Court

Rav

ine

Cou

rt

Lucky CourtPi

ne R

idge

Ave

nue

Cristina Crescent

Stan Gate

Liskearde Circle

Norglen R

oad

Ashburn CrescentIntersite Place

Gregory Gate

Yellow Pine C

rescent

Nada Crescent

Irish

Mos

s C

ourt

Queen

Pos

t Driv

e

Sylvadene Court

Todd Court

Thistlewood Avenue

Marco C

rescent

Summ

erwood Court

Kan

ata

Cou

rt

Sharer Road

Hartman Avenue

Impe

rial C

ourtPine Grove Road

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Block 37Chancellor Drive




0 200 400100

m

Chancellor Drive

Rom

ano Crescent

Chancellor Drive

Venetian Crescent



Confederation Parkway

Thornhill Woods Drive

Autumn Hill Boulevard

Barrhill Road

Melville Avenue

Melville Avenue

Cunningham Drive

McN

augh

ton

Road

America Avenue

Fossil Hill R

oad

Valeria Boulevard

Velmar D

rive

Vellore Woods B

oulevard

Canada Drive

7

Weston R

oad

Pine Valley Drive

Teston Road

Keele Street

Islington Avenue

Rutherford Road

Dufferin Street

Jane Street

Chancellor Drive

Langstaff Road

Ansley G

rove Road

Major Mackenzie Drive West

Clarence Street

Bathurst Street

Willis Road

Pine Valley Crescent

Teston Road

Weston R

oad

400

400Legend

Roads of InterestBlock 33

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Roads of Interest




0 500 1,000250

m


Study Background – Other Policies and Plans

Canada Dr.America Av.

Highw

ay 400 City of Vaughan

Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Study provides for a connection via Canada Drive/America Avenue over Highway 400Short term priority (2006-2016)


Numerous planning documents and studies (i.e. OPA No. 400/600, York Region Official Plan, City of Vaughan Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan) have established a need for a primary road connection over Highway 400 in Block 33.This road connection is a key component of the Block 33 multi-modal transportation system for:

Personal vehicles;Cyclists;Pedestrians;Transit;Community Connectivity;Emergency Services; and,Other Public Services

Phase 1 – Define the Problem/ Opportunity


Continued development throughout the City and the Region will constrain the existing Block 33 transportation network.The City is proactively proceeding with the need to implement the goals and objectives of OPA 400 and 600, and the recommendations of all related Transportation Master Plans/ Studies. Currently, residents must utilize major arterials to move from one side of Highway 400 to the other (i.e. Jane, Teston, Major Mackenzie,Weston), resulting in poor transportation efficiency and connectivity for the area.



An opportunity exists to:Improve the multi-modal connectivity of the two communities on either side of Hwy 400 (Block 33 East and West), while still retaining the local character and pace;Provide residents with better access to amenities (schools, parks, recreational facilities, emergency and other public services, etc.);Provide for more sustainable modes of travel (i.e. cycling, pedestrian, transit) as the current configuration of Block 33 negates this; and,Complete the planned road network for the community.



Problem/ Opportunity Statement:“The existing Block 33 road network does not provide connectivitybetween the east and west sides of Highway 400. As a result, the present and future transportation needs of Block 33 are served by the surrounding arterial roads, which are increasingly congested andreaching capacity.

An opportunity exists to improve the Block 33 transportation efficiency by providing a continuous road network between Blocks, shortening travel times, improving emergency response services, providing additional pedestrian facilities and offering access to enhanced transit systems and bicycle networks. This opportunity is consistent with the City’s Official Plan, offers better access to community amenities and promotes sustainable multi-modal transportation options contributing to the reduction of gas emissions.”

Phase 1 – Problem/ Opportunity Statement

Existing Conditions

5

2021 AM Peak Hour – V/C Ratios Across Screenline

0.95

1.15

0.76

0.92

Teston Road

Major Mackenzie Dr.

Jane

Str

eet

Wes

ton

Roa

d

HIG

HW

AY

400

Canada Drive

America Avenue

City

view

Blv

d

LEGEND

0.95

0.76

V/C in the year 2021 (without proposed over pass)

V/C in the year 2021 (with proposed 2-lanes over pass)

Corridor 2021 (AM Peak Hour)East West Both

Teston Road E - E of Hwy 400

Volume 1831 2149 3980# Lanes 2 2 4Capacity 1800 1800 3600V/C ratio 1.02 1.19 1.11

Major Mackenzie Dr. E - E of Hwy 400


Both corridors


6

Future (2021) AM Peak Hour Traffic Conditions (Without Proposed Overpass)

1620

1360

1620

780

120

170

1380

460

890

1640

450

1760

1110

410

390

410

380

1810

1630

1750

470

190

200

160

150

60

1910

1630

260

130

Teston Road

Major Mackenzie Dr.

Jane

Str

eet

Wes

ton

Roa

d

HIG

HW

AY

400

Canada Drive

America Avenue

City

view

Blv

d

1150

1200

1560

860

430

2030

850

660

680340

40

LEGEND

V/C < 0.65 (Uncongested)

0.65 ≤ V/C ≤ 0.85 (Approaching congestion)

V/C > 0.85 (Congested)

Unsignalized intersection

Signalized intersection

Travel direction

190Highest volume of vehicle/hour between 07:00AM and 09:00AM

John

Dei

sman

Blv

d

Grand Valley BlvdRetreat Blvd

Tierra Avenue

7

Future (2021) PM Peak Hour Traffic Conditions (Without Proposed Overpass)

1870

1940

520

1910

160

100

1390

1540

1290

260

1370

1600

540

950

270

480

1210

1500

2720

630

1810

170

350

290

90

110

2010

2470

620

170

Teston Road

Major Mackenzie Dr.

Jane

Str

eet

Wes

ton

Roa

d

HIG

HW

AY

400

Canada Drive

America Avenue

City

view

Blv

d

1770

1150

2360

1020

680

1120

John

Dei

sman

B

lvd

500

250

1120130

120

LEGEND






Travel direction

170Highest volume of vehicle/hour between 04:00PM and 06:00PM


Tierra Avenue

8

Future (2021) AM Peak Hour Traffic Conditions (With Proposed Overpass)

1650

1400

1550

780

180

200

1420

530

910

730

460

1710

1270

350

390

880

330

1780

1530

1630

470

220

360

310

160

80

1850

1660

230

140

Teston Road

Major Mackenzie Dr.

Jane

Str

eet

Wes

ton

Roa

d

HIG

HW

AY

400

Canada Drive

America Avenue

City

view

Blv

d

1160

1160

1620

960

320

1970

800

660

730

220

125

170

165

LEGEND






Travel direction

220Highest volume of vehicle/hour between 07:00AM and 09:00AM

John

Dei

sman

B

lvd


Tierra Avenue

9

Future (2021) PM Peak Hour Traffic Conditions (With Proposed Overpass)

1990

1900

550

1900

170

160

520

1650

1310

270

1370

1540

590

880

280

420

1050

1500

2480

510

1820

310

450

390

130

130

2180

2460

290

360

Teston Road

Major Mackenzie Dr.

Jane

Str

eet

Wes

ton

Roa

d

HIG

HW

AY

400

Canada Drive

America Avenue

City

view

Blv

d

1820

1170

2430

990

430

2490

330

260

1160

160

245

315

175LEGEND






Travel direction

310Highest volume of vehicle/hour between 04:00PM and 06:00PM

John

Dei

sman

B

lvd


Tierra Avenue

10

2021 Model Simulated Link Flows (With Proposed Overpass) - PM Peak Hour

20

York Region Existing Transit Network


1. Do Nothing - No changes or improvements to Block 33 transportation network

2. Reduce Auto Demand – Improve public transit, cycling and Travel Demand Management initiatives within and around the Study Area

3. Upgrade/ Improve Other Roadways - Improvements to other local roadways within the study area in conjunction with the ongoing Western Vaughan Transportation Improvements Individual EA.

4. Build Hwy 400 Overpass - mid-block connection over Highway 400 between America Avenue and Canada Drive

Phase 2 – Identify Alternative Solutions

* Combinations of the above may be implemented, should the evaluation prove this to be a viable option.


Take existing environment into consideration and comparatively evaluate the Alternative Solutions using a descriptive or qualitative assessment based on criteria developed within the following categories (representing the broad definition of the environment as described in the EA Act):

TechnicalSocio-economicFinancial

The Criteria have been put forward based on their ability to identify the potential environmental effects of each alternative and distinguish the advantages and disadvantages between them.

Phase 2 – Assessment of Alternative Solutions


Evaluation Criteria includes:

TechnicalPotential to improve traffic operations and future transportation needsPotential to improve safety for the travelling publicPotential for physical & operational implementationSupport to support alternative modes including transit, cycling and pedestrian



Evaluation Criteria includes:Socio-economic

Potential for disturbing existing residences, community and recreation facilities through temporary and/ or permanent effects (i.e. construction/ traffic noise, dust, traffic disruption, property access disruption, etc)Potential for property impactsDegree of compatibility with Regional and Municipal Official Plans, Transportation Plans, and other PoliciesPotential to improve emergency services response times( fire, police, & ambulance services)Potential effects on existing community characterPotential sustainability improvements to the communityPotential to improve safety to cyclists and pedestriansPotential for sharing community resourcesPotential for improving access to employment and commercial areas

FinancialPotential cost of acquiring propertyPotential Capital costs to the City of Vaughan for implementationPotential future maintenance costs



Preliminary Evaluation Results:

Alternative #1 – Not Recommended as it will not fully address the current or future operation efficiency problems and does not complete the City’s road network as outlined in the Official Plan

Alternative #3 – Not Recommended as it will not fully address the current or future operation efficiency problems, does not complete the City’s road network as outlined in the Official Plan and major upgrades to existing roadways would be required.

Phase 2 – Comparative Evaluation


A combination of Alternative #2 and #4 (Reduce Auto Demand and Build Hwy 400 Overpass) is Recommended for the following reasons:These alternatives (in combination) are expected to address the Problem/Opportunity Statement as they offer the best opportunity to deal with the identified operational efficiency concerns for personal vehicles and emergency services and will fully implement and complete the planned road network as identified in the City’s Official PlanImplementing these Alternatives will also provide a local road connection within Block 33, which will allow for the sustainablemovement of multi-modal services, including buses, cyclists and pedestrians, and therefore, facilitate access to local communityfacilities, businesses and schools.

Phase 2 – Preliminary Recommended Alternative Solution


Respond to comments from PIF #1 and incorporate into the Phase 1 and 2 ReportPost the PIF material and Phase 1 and 2 Report on the websiteCLC Meeting #2 – Late Summer 2009Undertake Phase 3 – Identify and Evaluate Alternative Design Concepts for the Preferred Alternative SolutionPublic Information Forum #2 – Early Fall 2009CLC Meeting #3 – Fall 2009Undertake Phase 4 – Summarize the planning and decision-making processes undertaken through Phases 1-3 and document in the Environmental Study Report (ESR)Post ESR on Public Record for 30 Calendar Day Review – Late Fall 2009

Next Steps


Michael Frieri, C.E.T.City of Vaughan Project Manager Development/Transportation Engineering Dept.2141 Major MacKenzie DriveVaughan, ON L6A 1T1Tel: 905-832-8585, Ext. 8729Fax: 905-832-6145Email: [email protected]

Jose Vernaza, M.Sc., P.Eng.Consultant Project ManagerAECOM Canada Ltd.5080 Commerce BoulevardMississauga, ON L4W 4P2Tel: 905-238-0007 Ext. 8287Fax: 905-238-0038Email: [email protected]

Project Contacts

Thank you for your involvement in this project

For additional information and to submit comments, please visit the project’s website www.northmaplebridge.ca or contact one of the following:

welcome to the north maple community bridge public ......phase 3 - alternative design concepts for...

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