TOWN OF COBOURG EAST COMMUNITY SECONDARY PLAN AREA

Transcription

1 TOWN OF COBOURG EAST COMMUNITY SECONDARY PLAN AREA URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES DRAFT Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design November, 2004

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3 Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Urban Design Approach 1.2 Report Framework 1.3 Study Area 2.0 GUIDING URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES & COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK 2.1 Community Framework Plan 2.2 Guiding Urban Design Principles 2.3 Cultural Heritage 3.0 PUBLIC REALM GUIDELINES 3.1 Open Space System Guidelines 3.2 General Guidelines 3.3 Public Parks Neighbourhood Parks and Parkettes 3.4 Stormwater Management Ponds 3.5 Recreational Trails 3.6 Streets Streets for Walking and Recreation Unique Street Character Links to Heritage Natural Features Neighbourhood Size Block and Street Design Rear Lanes 3.7 Street Guidelines Arterial Roads Neighbourhood Connectors Local Streets On-Street Parking Above Grade Utilities 3.8 Transit Shelter Location & Design 3.9 Site Sustainability PRIVATE REALM GUIDELINES 4.1 Residential Design Principles 4.2 General Residential Guidelines 4.3 Single Detached, Semi-detached, Duplexes and Townhouses Minimum Front Yard Setbacks Guidelines Minimum Interior Side Yard Setbacks Guidelines Minimum Exterior Side Yard Setbacks Guidelines Minimum Rear Yard Setbacks Guidelines Garage Dimensions and Projections Guidelines Minimum Lot Depth Guidelines Maximum Building Height Guidelines Semi-Detached Lots Guidelines Attached Front Garage Guidelines Driveways and Tandem Parking Guidelines 4.4 Multiple Unit Buildings General Townhouse Lots Rear Lane Townhouses Guidelines 4.5 Residential Buildings: Architectural Control General Walls Windows Porches and Building Projections Roofs Garages and Coach Houses 4.6 Employment Lands Guidelines Business Park Elgin Road Mixed Use Village Centre Outdoor Storage and Service Areas Site Access and Circulation Barrier-free Access 4.7 Parking Surface Parking 4.8 Sustainable Design Site Buildings 4.9 Employment Lands: Architectural Control Walls Fenestration Pedestrian Entrances and Access General Building Materials Covered Walkways and Colonnades Roofs, Cornices and Parapets Signs

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5 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Urban Design Approach The Town of Cobourg has recognized a critical need for a new form of community growth that balances the preservation of natural resources with new forms of land use emerging from more sustainable, community conscious development initiatives. The planning and urban design framework for Cobourg is based on an integrated network of natural and neighbourhood places and a multi-use street system that supports transit, walkable neighbourhoods and the creation of vital neighbourhood centres. The hierarchy of pedestrian oriented streets is combined with a greater mix of housing and employment opportunities which place greater concentrations of people closer to home, local shopping, work places and open space. Located east of the Greater Toronto Area, the Town of Cobourg s lakeside setting, heritage Main Street, educational, cultural and recreational opportunities and direct access to Highway 401 makes the Town an increasingly desirable place to live, work and visit (Figure 1). The natural beauty of the Cobourg lands and their strategic location represents an opportunity for the Town of Cobourg to create a new progressive community that is closely linked to its natural and cultural heritage. The Urban Design approach includes the development of a community vision, Community Framework Plan for Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area, and Urban Design Guidelines that will support this vision. Community Vision: A significant amount of development in the Town of Cobourg will continue to be in the form of new residential and employment related development. The Combination of mixed-use, commercial and recreational uses will contribute to the area s evolution as a comprehensive developing urban area that is integrated with its surrounding natural context. The existing, largely agricultural context of Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area contains significant wooded areas, Brook and Midtown Creeks traversing the whole of the area, existing residential enclaves and strong connections south west to the surrounding developed community. The Secondary Plan Area is proposed to become a series of generally compact, linked pedestrian scaled neighbourhoods in close proximity to employment, public use and mixed use areas. The natural environment should be the primary framework of the community, which links the proposed neighbourhoods with existing development, and provides places to recreate and interact. The Open Space Network, parks, trails and roads will integrate the individual neighbourhoods, creating physical linkages to open space, parks, stormwater management ponds and woodlots to express the natural environment as the dominant community image. Cobourg Figure 1: Cobourg is strategically located between Toronto and Kingston along the shore of Lake Ontario. 1 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

6 The Urban Design Guidelines: The objective of the following Urban Design Guidelines is to provide a common urban design direction for Cobourg Council, Town Staff, Public Agencies, Property Owners, Developers, Consultants and Utilities and others involved in the development of Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area. These Guidelines have been developed as the result of an extensive and thorough background research and consultation process that has engaged many diverse community stakeholders. The Guidelines should assist those involved in property development at the beginning of the design process and should be used as an ongoing reference resource during the processes of municipal and agency review of applications. The Guidelines have been developed through a set of guiding principles to ensure a high quality form of development. The Town should endeavor to achieve the standards set forth in this document, while recognizing that market and site conditions will require flexibility and judgment in the application of the Guidelines. The Community Framework Plan: The Community Framework Plan is not a fixed or finalized plan, but it serves as an illustration of design principles and an important point of reference for the on-going evaluation of development options (See Figure 4). The Urban Design Guidelines will serve as a basis from which to implement the Community Framework Plan for Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area. Through the process of ongoing discussions with the Town and consultation with the public and key stakeholders, a series of Community Framework Plan options have been developed and refined through the ongoing consultation process of the Study. The Community Framework Plan, like the Urban Design Guidelines, focuses on creating an overall vision by which to assess and guide future development for the next 5 to 100 years. Photo 1: View of rail line that borders the Study Area to the south. The Urban Design Guidelines focus on the creation of a high quality, integrated physical environment through written and graphic design standard recommendations. The Urban Design Guidelines are intended to: provide the Town of Cobourg with design direction in the assessment of development applications during the draft plan of subdivision, rezoning and site plan approval process; provide design parameters for both the private and public sector in preparing development Community Frameworks; and provide design direction for subdivision design, site planning and building improvements. Photo 2: Former farm complex located on Workman Road. 2 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

7 1.2 Report Framework The report is structured into the following sections: Section 1: Introduction Section 1 outlines the document structure, and the community vision and urban design approach for the preparation of the Urban Design Guidelines. Section 2: Guiding Urban Design Principles and Community Framework This section outlines the Community Framework Plan. The Design Guidelines are structured into two sections: Section 3: Public Realm Guidelines Community Structure: streets and blocks, gateways and land use. Streetscape Treatments: a hierarchy of roads including arterials, collectors (neighbourhood parkways and neighbourhood connectors) and local roads. Streetscape treatments include the design and placement of landscape elements, lighting, above grade utilities etc. Built Form: building placement, heights and massing; building character and gateway relationships; relationship to the Open Space Network, and treatments to service and loading areas. Landscaping: treatments to the front, side and rear yards including entry, forecourt, parking and service areas. Parking: design and location of on- and offstreet parking areas, landscape treatments, pedestrian and vehicular access, lighting and safety. Section 4: Private Realm Guidelines Section 4 outlines the Residential Design Principles, general and specific Guidelines and Architectural Control for each land use area followed by guidelines and architectural control for the Village Centre area. Figure 2: Aerial View of Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 3

8 1.3 Study Area (Photos 1-6) Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area is bounded by CN & CP rail lines to the south, Highway 401 to the north, approximately 420 metres west of Brook Road and Jarvis Road to the east (Figures 2 and 3). The area is approximately 2.6 to 3.2 kilometres in depth by 2.1 kilometres in length, comprising a total of area of 571 hectares (1411 acres). The character and fabric of Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area is generally defined by the following elements: Existing road patterns including the primary north south roads (from east to west): Jarvis Road, Workman Road and Brook Road. The primary east west roads: Danforth Road East, Elgin Street East and Kerr Street Extension Agricultural Uses Natural Heritage Features: Topographic features, Midtown and Brook Creeks, woodlots, wetlands, streams and meadows Cultural Heritage Features: Heritage buildings and agricultural structures. Photo 3: View looking south from Danforth Road. Photo 4: View of agricultural lands within Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area. Photo 5: View looking south on Greer Road. Photo 6: Existing silo located on Danforth Road. 4 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

9 DEVELOPMENT AREA C Elgin Street East Figure 3: Cobourg East City Location Plan Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 5 Brook Road Workman Road Jarvis Road CN / CP Rail

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11 2.0 GUIDING URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK 2.1 Community Framework Plan The Community Framework Plan (Figure 4) depicts the major community elements including: Neighbourhoods: Neighbourhoods will comprise the largest developable land area and shape the image of the new community. Each neighbourhood should be walkable within 5 minutes or less (Figure 7). The centre of the neighbourhood can be a variety of public use destinations including parkettes, transit stops, daycare, library etc. Neighbourhoods will be inter-connected through a collector road called Neighbourhood Connectors. The new neighbourhoods should maintain and incorporate the existing residential enclaves and neighbourhoods. New neighbourhoods should be in keeping with the nature of existing housing in the Town, but also build on the potential to create more compact, well designed, energy efficient housing in the future. Schools, convenience stores and larger community parks should be located at the centre or at edges of neighbourhoods, where they can serve more than one neighbourhood. Existing Residential Areas: Existing residential enclaves are interspersed throughout Area C. Development located immediately adjacent to these enclaves should maintain and be compatible to the scale, height and character of existing residential enclaves. Employment Lands: Three types of Employment Lands are proposed including: 1. Business Park between Danforth Road East and Highway Light Industrial west of Brook Road. 3. General Industrial south of Kerr Road. The location of the employment lands will play an important role in the development of employment use lands. The employment lands represent an important opportunity for this approximately 959,140 square metres of land to be developed with a high degree of design quality at a scale that fits with the adjacent low to mid-rise residential and institutional or public use built form. Gateways: The Primary community entrances or Gateways and focal points should be marked by landmark or public use buildings and enhanced streetscape treatments such as landscaping, lighting, signs and feature paving along walkways and at crosswalks. Primary Gateways are located at: Brook Road and Kerr Road Extension Brook Road and Elgin Street East Danforth Road and Nagle Road Workman Road and Jarvis Road Elgin Street Village Centre: Elgin Street Village Centre will be located at Elgin Street west of Brook Road. The Village Centre is intended to be developed as a pedestrian scaled mixed use local retail area (Figure 5 and 6). A Village Green is recommended to be located centrally along Elgin Street East to provide a symbolic heart and civic gathering place for the area. Road Connections: The existing and proposed road network should facilitate transportation and service requirements within an enriched public realm that maximizes connections within Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area and to the adja- cent community. Streets should be based on a rectilinear grid pattern, or a modified grid pattern in response to natural or open space conditions associated primarily within Midtown and Brook Creeks. Streets are designed to define a series of neighbourhoods based on walking distances of approximately five minutes from neighbourhood edge to neighbourhood centre. Minimum block dimensions are recommended to maximize pedestrian and vehicular interconnections, and flexibility in lotting patterns (Figure 8). Public Open Space Network and Natural Elements: Together the Natural Features and the Public Open Space Network form a major structure in the shaping of the new community. These elements should be preserved and integrated to the greatest extent possible into the new community as a means of maintaining a sense of connection with the original landscape. As illustrated in Figure 9, the Pubic Open Space Network consists of: Parks and Village Squares Stormwater Management Facilities Public Streets Within the Public Open Space System there are existing natural features, that should be integrated as part of publicly accessible open space. These include: Creeks (Midtown and Brook Creeks) Woodlots Hedgerows Specimen Trees Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 7

12 8 Figure 4: Community Framework Plan Local Park Open Space Network High Constraint Open Space Network Moderate Constraint Parkette Place of Worship Gateways Heritage Building CN & CP R ail Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design TOWN OF COBOURG - COBOURG EAST COMMUNITY SECONDARY PLAN AREA URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES N

13 Figure 5: Low-rise mixed use buildings at the Elgin Street Village Centre. Figure 6: Medium Density residential could front on to the Village Green. Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 9

14 Hwy. 401 Hwy. 401 Danforth Road East Danforth Road East Elgin Street East Elgin Street East Brook Road Workman Road Jarvis Road Brook Road Workman Road Jarvis Road 400 metres: 5 minute walk Kerr Street Extension Kerr Street Extension Legend: = Gateway Figure 7: Neighbourhood Plan illustrates a 5 minute walking distance from neighbourhood edge to neighbourhood centre. Figure 8: Road Network Plan and Gateways 10 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

15 Elgin Street East Figure 9: Public Open Space Network Figure 10: Developable Lands Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 11 Hwy. 401 Danforth Road East Elgin Street East Brook Road Workman Road Jarvis Road Brook Road Workman Road Jarvis Road Hwy. 401 Danforth Road East Kerr Street Extension Kerr Street Extension

16 2.2 Guiding Urban Design Principles The primary urban design objectives for the Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area include: Create a Strong Community Framework: To provide strong access and visibility opportunities from the surrounding road network and in particular from the primary existing and proposed arterial and collector road network. To align streets, open space and view corridors to maintain and create connections to parks, woodlots and other features including stormwater management facilities or landmark buildings. To establish a hierarchy of community elements from those that serve the Town as a whole, to uses such as commercial, schools, parks, daycare, future transit stops etc. that serve individual neighbourhoods. To establish a hierarchy of street design treatment including: Arterial roads, which define the boundaries of major community areas; Landscaped Parkways which define neighbourhood structure and open space access; Neighbourhood Connectors, which connect Neighbourhood Centres and provide local access within and between neighbourhoods; and local neighbourhood streets. To provide a design framework that concentrates on mixed use, employment and communitywide recreational uses throughout Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area. To provide block sizes and land parcels that accommodate the proposed variety of building types including residential, office and commercial buildings. Land parcels should allow for flexible site planning and phased development. Create Neighbourhood Centres: (Figure 11) To establish a street grid that provides visibility and access at key locations (parks, natural features, public use facilities, landmarks), and to create neighbourhood enclaves based on approximately five minute (400 metre) walking distances to Neighbourhood Centres. (Figures 12 and 13). To limit block lengths to not more than 200 to 250 metres to create shorter walking distances within neighbourhoods, and to encourage slower traffic movement through residential areas. To provide a high proportion of single loaded streets or window roads adjacent to woodlots, creeks and stormwater management ponds, which respond to the organic form of these elements and emphasize their public role (Figure 12). To centre neighbourhoods around parkettes, day care centres, future transit stops and other community use facilities. Create an Interface with Natural Features: To create a linked Open Space System that provides a well connected, highly visible and safe system of recreation and open space corridors throughout the Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area as an extension of the existing natural context. These existing natural features include stream corridors, woodlots, hedgerows and other significant vegetative features (Photos 7 & 8). To create a system of developed open space that is complementary to the existing natural Open Space System through the inclusion of stormwater management ponds, parkland and recreational trails and highly landscaped streetscapes. To provide appropriate buffers between buildings, structures and landscape elements. To facilitate access and visibility to the Open Space System through the design of roadways, pedestrian connections and buffer conditions. Figure 11: An offset grid at Neighbourhood Centres emphasises key neighbourhood landmarks including parkettes, daycare, transit stops and other community use facilities. Figure 12: Window Streets help to reduce single-loaded road lengths, while maintaining strong open space connections. 12 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

17 Photos 7 and 8: New development patterns are aligned to create open space connections to woodlots, hedgerows, stormwater ponds and the Natural Open Space Network. Figure 13: Parkettes are centrally located within neighbourhoods. Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 13

18 Create a Diverse Community Framework: To encourage a mixture of lot sizes, building types and architectural styles that contribute to a diverse streetscape image (Photo 4). To permit deliberate variations in the design of blocks and streets around natural elements such as woodlots, creeks and topography to enhance views and achieve a place-specific neighbourhood character. To create a consistent and identifiable community image through specific landscape treatments, street furnishings, paving materials, lighting and signs (Photo 10). Photo 9: A variety of house styles and forms will contribute to a diverse community image. Photo 10: An identifiable community image is created by consistent and high quality landscaping, street furnishings, lighting and signs. 14 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

19 2.3 Cultural Heritage (Photos 11-14) Although the majority of Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area is rural in character the Unterman McPhail report lists cultural heritage resources that have been identified within its boundaries: Seven Residences One Silo One Barn Seven Roadscapes Four Farm Complexes One Former Farm Complex One Agricultural Landscape The Town will work with landowners to achieve the inclusion in future development of such features as: Improved public access to heritage properties. The inclusion and preservation of rural landscape features including barn ruins, foundations, existing treelines, hedges and fence lines. Interpretive devices such as plaques and displays. The use of compatible and appropriate building materials and design in new development adjacent to heritage properties. Built cultural heritage resources such as residences and farm houses are easy to incorporate into new development and should be preserved as focal points of community. Other structures (barns and silos) may be preserved, where appropriate, as elements of the former rural landscape and act as a link between the existing and the emerging community. Opportunities for incorporating Cultural Heritage included in the Unterman McPhail report: To actively encourage the incorporation of farmhouses, residences and major agricultural built heritage elements such as barns and silos into future development. To protect and maintain the character-defining elements i.e. treelines and hedgerows, associated with the road allowance for Stanton Road south of Elgin Road. To protect and maintain character-defining elements i.e. treelines and hedgerows and the rolling topography, associated with the Danforth Road and Elgin Mills roadscapes. Photo 11: Existing residence located on Elgin Road East. Photo 12: Existing farm complex on Brook Road. Photo 13: Existing residence located on Danforth Road. Photo 14: Existing barn located in Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area. Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 15

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21 3.0 PUBLIC REALM GUIDELINES 3.2 General Guidelines 3.1 Open Space System Guidelines (See Figure 6) The Open Space System includes: Community Parks Neighbourhood Parks Stormwater Management Ponds Natural Features: Creeks, Woodlots, Hedgerows, Specimen Trees Recreational Trails The following Guidelines are intended to create a network of natural features including: creek valleys, parks, woodlots, streets and open space as the predominant structure and amenity for the new community. The creek valleys are the dominant natural feature and provide the opportunity to redefine the importance of these natural areas as visible and accessible public amenities in the context of community growth. Woodlots, stream corridors, hedgerows and specimen trees will be preserved and protected as natural heritage features. Design Guidelines: a) Open spaces should be framed or flanked by public roads or public parks wherever possible to improve the presence and safety of these amenities in the identity of neighbourhoods (Figure 14). b) Single loaded roads and or parks are recommended to surround a minimum of 50% of the perimeter of woodlots, drainage channels, stormwater management ponds and parks. c) Parks and schools should be considered as a neighbourhood focus and designed to provide areas for community and civic events. d) Provide a wide range of park sizes that allow a balance of active playing areas in larger parks with passive open space and children s play spaces. Photo 15: Houses fronting on to a single-loaded street surround the storm water management pond create an attractive community entry feature and overlook for the surrounding houses. A primary objective of these Guidelines is the creation of a linked network of open spaces and trails to provide safe recreational connections throughout the community. By building upon a linked Open Space Network and by incorporating the new parks with existing natural features for example, comprehensive connections between developing neighbourhoods and the community centre can be achieved (Photo 15). Streets are intended to have an enhanced landscape image with double rows of street trees, sidewalks, landscaped central medians and off road cycling trails on major streets. Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 17

22 Figure 14: Single Loaded roads at woodlots promote public access and visibility. 18 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

23 3.3 Public Parks The Secondary Plan established a park land hierarchy of 3 types: 1. Local Park 1.2 hectares (3.0 acres) minimum 2. District Park 4.0 hectares (10.0 acres) or greater 3. Park (Parkette) variable based on a site specific basis Public parks are intended to serve the diverse open space needs of the community. Neighbourhood parks should be designed to support many community functions such as community wide events, local fairs and athletic fields for organized sports and recreation. Community parks should, where feasible, be located beside schools with access to recreational trails where connections from the wider area and adjacent residences are possible. The following Guidelines should be applied in the planning and design of parks Neighbourhood Parks and Parkettes Design Guidelines: a) Parks and parkettes should have a minimum of 50% public exposure through streets or other public right-of-ways and lands to increase accessibility and safety opportunities (Figure 15). b) The parks should contribute to the structure and identity of the neighbourhood and where appropriate, be located in connection with schools or other community uses or with the Open Space Network wherever possible (Figure 16). c) Parks may, where their size permits, include a variety of minor outdoor playing fields, ice pads and children s play equipment. d) The park should, where feasible, be open to at least 3 sides of the public street. (Figure 15) e) Local and District Parks should support the larger community identity and provide a variety of spaces for passive park use, as well as include a variety of active/ recreational sports facilities (e.g. baseball diamonds, soccer pitches, swimming pools etc). f) Parks adjacent to school sites should encourage mutual use of outdoor facilities g) Park entrance design should provide amenities including small areas of surface parking, visitor drop-off and signs to assist in orientation and use of park amenities. h) Parks should include passive park facilities including walkways, formal gardens, seating areas, park pavilions and interpretive displays relating to local history or the natural context. i) Highly visible connections should link the major park amenities and facilities through walkways and bicycle paths. Where feasible, a separate pedestrian network should be distinguished between the recreational network used for biking and/or in-line skating. j) Vehicular connections through parkland should be limited to emergency vehicle routes and access to major park facilities (e.g. arenas, pools) and parking areas. k) Provisions to buffer residential areas from lighting, traffic and parking areas should be provided through landscaping and appropriate setback treatments. l) Parks should be located along major community roads such as arterials and Neighbourhood Connector / Collector Roads and where possible at the terminus of streets and open crescents to reinforce a strong public profile (Figure 17). Figure 15: Neighbourhood parks that are open to the street increase their exposure and provide greater visibility and access from the surrounding neighbourhood. Figure 16: The Combination of schools, woodlots and neighbourhood or community scale parks contribute to the sharing of local amenities and the identity of the neighbourhood. Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 19

24 Figure 17: Strong access and visibility to community parks reinforces their public profile and safety. 20 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

25 3.4 Stormwater Management Ponds Three Stormwater Management Ponds have been identified for Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area. These are located at: Two between Danforth Road East and Elgin Street East within the Midtown Creek Valley Lands. One on Workman Road just north of Kerr Street Extension. Stormwater management facilities should have public access and be integrated as positive and safe amenities within the community and Open Space System. The objective of creating a few well-designed community ponds will assist in greater concentration of use as well as provide a public focus and connections between surrounding communities. d) The design of ponds should avoid fencing requirements to promote public access and surveillance opportunities. e) Safe access to the perimeter of ponds should be examined on a site-by-site basis through a combination of pond edge treatments. Shallow slopes should be considered for direct access areas and overlooks with railings or densely planted areas should be applied to discourage direct access. f ) A hierarchy of design treatments should be developed to address the various conditions of pond design and locations (e.g. on-line ponds vs. table land ponds). The following general recommendations for stormwater management ponds should apply: Design Guidelines: a) Stormwater management ponds (SWM) should be integrated as community amenities to optimize their use as a component of the publicly accessible Open Space Network. b) Of the total linear perimeter distance of a SWM that is adjacent to a new development area, a substantial portion of the perimeter should be bounded by a public road right-ofway, public park or a combination of publicly owned and accessible lands. A minimum of 50% of publicly accessible exposure is generally recommended (Photo 16). c) SWM ponds should have as much public exposure as possible. Although the exact proportion should be determined on a caseby-case basis, as a general objective not more than 50 % of a SWM perimeter should be bounded by the rear or side yards of adjacent houses (Figure 18). Photo 16: Storm water management ponds should be accessible community features. Their active use will contribute to their safety. Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 21

26 Figure 18: Not more than 50% of a stormwater pond should be bounded by the rear or side yards of adjacent buildings. 22 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

27 3.5 Recreational Trails The potential to link the primary open space features, including creek valleys, woodlots, hedgerows and specimen trees within Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area encourages the development of a trail system to link the community together and to be an integral part of the Open Space Network (Photos 17a & 17b). The creek valleys, street network and woodlots provide the primary linear framework for establishing connections between neighbourhoods, parks and schools. A trail system can provide pedestrians and cyclists with direct connections throughout the Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area. The provision of recreational trails creates an attractive and viable alternative to driving and thus may result in a significant decrease in short automobile trips. They also serve as a means of linking new residential areas without adding additional vehicular traffic to these sensitive areas. d) Trails that align stream corridors, woodlots or other sensitive natural areas should employ separation distances from such features. Such separation distances should be individually determined. e) Lighting on trails should be individually determined, particularly where lighting may disturb natural habitats or have high maintenance costs. f ) Bicycle paths along streets should provide direct connections to other trails within the Open Space System. g) Connections should be provided as part of the street bicycle path/trail system across arterial or collector roads at properly signed and/or signalized intersections. Photo 17a: Residential presence on trails helps to maintain a safe environment and creates visual interest. The following Guidelines should be considered in the planning and design of recreational trails: Design Guidelines: a) Create links between primary open space destinations, neighbourhoods and employment areas by providing continuous recreational trail connections for walking and cycling along streets and the existing drainage channels (See Figure 4, Community Framework Plan). b) Recreational trails on streets and within park and open space areas should connect to the Town wide Open Space System as well as to existing and proposed trails in Cobourg and other adjacent municipalities. c) The design of the recreational trail should reflect the function and nature of the type of open space it occupies. Trails should be a minimum of 3 metres wide to allow for twoway use. Photo 17b: Linking the community together through a trail system will incorporate the existing natural features with new open spaces, parks and streets. Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 23

28 3.6 Streets The opportunity to create a sense of connection to the Area s existing context and history is possible through the design of new street and block patterns. Streets can be oriented and designed to enhance the experience of travel, cycling and walking and to create visual and physical connections to the remaining natural heritage features (woodlots, creek valleys, significant tree stands) Streets for Walking and Recreation The use of the street as a place for informal socializing, walking, cycling and other recreational activities increases personal safety through casual surveillance opportunities. In the existing established Cobourg neighbourhoods the presence of sidewalks, bikeways and mature tree-lined streets provide a comfortable place for residents to walk and an extended area for children to play. The provision of sidewalks and recreational trails where major arterial roads apply, allow for jogging, cycling, skateboarding and other informal recreational activity. Where cars are permitted to park on local or other streets, there are fewer cars in the front yard and a buffer zone between the street and the sidewalk is created. The design principles for streets that will promote streets for walking and recreating include: a) Create Interconnected Road Patterns: A highly interconnected local street network with shorter block lengths will allow traffic flow to dissipate more evenly through neighbourhoods. This pattern will limit increased traffic speed on long road stretches and the need for traffic calming devices, which limits emergency vehicle response time, reduces street parking and are costly to construct and maintain. b) Disperse Local Traffic: An offset street grid and, where appropriate, one way streets will encourage through traffic to stay on major routes including Neighbourhood Connectors and Arterial Roads rather than filtering through less direct local streets. c) Minimize Pavement Width: The widths of streets are proposed in accordance with operational safety of the road and the provision of an enhanced pedestrian realm. The width of the pavement in particular, should be kept as narrow as practically feasible, to encourage traffic to slow down. d) Encourage Street Parking: Street parking will also help to slow traffic through the manoeuvring of parked cars. e) Plant Street Trees: Tree-lined streets provide an evolving and lasting impression of the street and a physical buffering between the pavement, sidewalk and private dwellings. The shading effects of mature street trees have a significant mediating effect on summer sunlight Unique Street Character Design Guidelines: a) Preserve the Character and Function of Existing Roads (Where feasible): Jarvis Road and Workman Road have been identified as potential character roads that should in whole or in part maintain it s existing profile and transportation function. b) Vary the Length of Streets and Blocks: Allow streets to respond to the configurations of topography, other natural features and existing development (streets, residential areas) to reinforce a sense of place in the new community. A uniformity of new streets and blocks will limit orientation with community landmarks. A variety of streets and blocks that are occasionally offset, single loaded or slightly curved will enhance one s orientation and enjoyment of the area. c) Provide a Variety of House Types: The visual interest of the street will be improved by a consistent variety of lot sizes, house types, building heights, materials and colours. d) Provide a Variety of Setbacks: Opportunities to provide a variety of street setbacks will create visual interest and a sense of informality. A greater variety of buildings will create an image of incremental development, as housing has evolved in the Town s older neighbourhoods, rather than an appearance of being built all at once. 24 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

29 3.6.3 Links to Heritage Natural Features The organization of streets and blocks should reinforce this historic connection to the landscape by providing physical and visual connections to natural features, parks and the surrounding rural landscape. These features can define the edges or centres of neighbourhoods, should be both easily seen and accessible and create a strong sense of local identity. Design Guidelines: a) Preserve and incorporate natural features into new neighbourhoods to support an environmentally aware community. b) Wherever feasible, incorporate mature trees and hedgerows into parks and other publicly owned areas including street rights-of-way. The visual prominence of hedgerows should be a key organizing element in the design of new neighbourhoods. A new planting approach that replicates hedgerows and the patterns of tree-lined lanes may also be used in publicly owned areas or as a tree-lined path along recreational trails Neighbourhood Size The size of neighbourhoods is based on reasonable walking distances within and between adjacent neighbourhoods. These distances are generally organized to allow a maximum of five to ten minutes walking distance to local parks and schools. Design Guidelines: a) The extent of a neighbourhood should generally be defined by a 400-metre radius (five minute walk) from centre to edge. b) Neighbourhoods should be discernable through public use buildings and destinations (schools, parks) and a shifted or changing street pattern that changes to accommodate access and exposure to natural and developed open space. c) Parks, woodlots, creek valleys and streets can define neighbourhood entrances or edges Block and Street Design The existing established neighbourhoods in Cobourg generally provide a fine grain grid pattern of streets and blocks. The average lengths of blocks average metres. This pattern of shorter blocks and more frequent cross streets allows for greater filtering of pedestrian activity and general connections between neighbouring streets. It also helps to reduce traffic volumes on single streets by providing more options to a given destination as well as promoting walking and cycling. Design Guidelines: a) The street and block pattern should fit-into and accentuate the natural and heritage elements of the Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area including woodlots, creek valleys, established residential areas, tree-lined roads and lanes, hedgerows and topographic features. b) To maximize the connections for automobiles and especially pedestrians and cyclist, streets should be based on a grid pattern that is modified in response to natural, open space or existing street conditions. c) Blocks and streets should be designed to enhance views or to achieve a distinctive character around a neighbourhood focus through deliberate variations in the street alignment. d) Block lengths should generally range between 120 and 200 metres. Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 25

30 3.6.6 Rear Lanes Where appropriate, consideration should be given to the use of rear lanes at the following locations: a) At arterial roads and particularly on Brook Road, Danforth Road, Elgin Street or Kerr Road Extension where excessive curb cuts to private driveways would impede the operational function of the roadway. b) At parks or open space (parks, woodlots, creek valleys) where lane based housing may benefit from having direct overview of these areas (Photo 18). c) Where smaller lot frontages or townhouse dwellings are being considered. Photo 18: Rear lanes allow housing to have adjacent overview of parks and open space. Design Guidelines: a) Rear lanes should provide a minimum lane right-of-way of 9 metres (Figure 19). b) Travel pavement width should be a minimum 6.0 metres providing a setback of 1.5 metre from the travel lane to the garage face. This 1.5 metre is intended to accommodate snow clearance and decorative paving. c) On one side of any garage in a rear lane a minimum side yard setback of 3.0 metres for semis and 3.0 metres for singles shall be provided to allow for visual connections from the lane to the rear of the house and to promote safer laneway conditions. d) On semis and singles the side-yard beside the garage may also be used as an additional driveway parking space. e) Rear lane garages associated with townhouses require no side yard setback; however, a minimum 3.0 metre setback must be provided between a maximum of six townhouse garages constructed in a row to provide access for emergency services. Figure 19: Rear lanes may be required for housing at specific areas, including arterial roads, parks or where small lot housing is proposed. 26 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

31 Arterial Road Collector Road Neighbourhood Connector / Collector Road Highway Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 27 Brook Road Workman Road Jarvis Road 3.7 Street Guidelines (Figure 20) Elgin Street Hwy. 401 Danforth Road East The proposed street network outlines a hierarchy of new streets that will both alleviate pressure of future increased transportation on existing streets, such as Brook Road and Workman Road where the existing residential enclaves are located, as well as provide new streets that will serve the wider community and the neighbourhoods within it Arterial Roads (Figures 21-26) The arterial roads include Danforth Road, Elgin Street, Kerr Street, Brook Road and Workman Road (min metres). These streets will support moderate to high volumes of passenger and commuter traffic at moderate speeds. Limited access to development will necessitate reducing the number of driveways and, where residential is proposed, alternative access through rear lanes or other measures to reduce driveways should be examined. Opportunities for transit should be considered in the design and function of these streets. Brook Road Elgin Street is shown as a 2 lane arterial (26.0 metres) providing large volumes of east west traffic in combination with a tree-lined pedestrian oriented street edge treatment. The potential for Elgin Street to become a vibrant, compact mixed use and commercial centre will increase as the mix of housing opportunities are provided in the adjoining neighbourhoods. Elgin Street is intended to be the primary mixed-use street in the Secondary Plan Area and should be generally expressed through consistent building heights and setbacks and a high level and wide variety of at-grade commercial and retail uses. Wide sidewalks, street trees, seating, lighting and other streetscape elements will create a strong impression of a main street. The variety and fine scale of built form, proposed civic square block and mid-block pedestrian and recreational trail connections will allow for a variety of choices and experiences as pedestrians are able to move both directly and circuitously along its length. Elgin Street Brook Road is intended to be the primary north south Arterial Road within Area C ( metres). Brook Road will be a high order Arterial providing large volumes of north south traffic in combination with a tree-lined pedestrian oriented street edge treatment. Kerr Street Extension Figure 20: Road Network.

32 RESIDENTIAL OR RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL OR RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL RETAIL RETAIL m SETBACK 1.5 m 1.5 m SIDEWALK 3.0 m BOULEVARD 3.5 m PARKING LANE 3.5 m 3.5 m TRAVEL LANE 14.0 m PAVING 26.0 m RIGHT OF WAY TRAVEL LANE 3.5 m 3.0 m 1.5 m 1.5 m PARKING LANE BOULEVARD SIDEWALK m SETBACK CAFE Figure 21: Arterial road 28 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

33 3.0 to 6.0 m SETBACK 1.5 m 1.5 m 3.0 m SIDEWALK BOULEVARD 3.5 m 3.5 m 3.5 m 3.5 m 3.0 m 1.5 m 1.5 m PARKING LANE PARKING LANE BOULEVARD SIDEWALK TRAVEL LANE 14.0 m PAVING 26.0 m RIGHT OF WAY TRAVEL LANE 3.0 to 6.0 m SETBACK Figure 22: Arterial road Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 29

34 RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RETAIL m 2.75 m 2.0 m 2.75 m 3.75 m 3.75 m 3.75 m 3.75 m 2.75 m 3.0 m 1.0 m SETBACK BOULEVARD SIDEWALK BOULEVARD TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE BOULEVARD 15.0 m PAVING 36.0 m RIGHT OF WAY RECREATIONAL TRAIL m SPACING Figure 23: Arterial road 30 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

35 RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RETAIL m 2.75 m 2.0 m 2.75 m 3.75 m 3.75 m 3.75 m 3.75 m 2.75 m 2.0 m 2.75 m m SETBACK BOULEVARD SIDEWALK BOULEVARD TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE BOULEVARD SIDEWALK BOULEVARD SETBACK 15.0 m PAVING 36.0 m RIGHT OF WAY Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL RETAIL m SPACING Figure 24: Arterial Road

36 3.0 to 6.0 m 2.75 m 2.0 m 2.75 m 3.75 m 3.75 m 3.75 m 3.75 m 2.75 m 2.0 m 2.75 m 3.0 to 6.0 m FRONT YARD SETBACK BOULEVARD SIDEWALK BOULEVARD TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE BOULEVARD SIDEWALK BOULEVARD 15.0 m PAVING 36.0 m RIGHT OF WAY FRONT YARD SETBACK m SPACING Figure 25: Arterial road with residential on both sides. 32 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

37 m FRONT YARD SETBACK 1.0 m 1.5 m SIDEWALK 2.5 m 3.5 m 3.5 m 3.0 m 2.5 m 1.5 m 1.0 m BOULEVARD PARKING BOULEVARD SIDEWALK TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE 10.0 m PAVING 20.0 m RIGHT OF WAY Figure 26: Collector Road Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 33

38 3.7.2 Neighbourhood Connectors (Figure 27) Neighbourhood Connectors (21 metres): Approximately four Neighbourhood Connectors are proposed to support pedestrian and vehicular links between the neighbourhoods and to provide connections to Open Space, Schools and Parks. Neighbourhood Connectors will be designed with a high degree of pedestrian amenity including sidewalks, lighting, double rows of street trees, on -street parking and on- road cycling lanes. 3.0 to 6.0 m FRONT YARD SETBACK 1.5 m 1.5 m 2.5 m 2.5 m 3.25 m 3.25 m 2.5 m 1.5 m 1.5 m BOULEVARD PARKING TRAVEL TRAVEL BOULEVARD SIDEWALK LANE LANE LANE SIDEWALK 9.0 m PAVING 20.0 m RIGHT OF WAY 3.0 to 6.0 m FRONT YARD SETBACK Figure 27: Neighbourhood Connector 34 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design

39 3.7.3 Local Streets Local Streets: Local Streets will support low traffic volumes within neighbourhoods. A narrower 18.0 metre rights-of-way is recommended to create a more intimate, pedestrian scaled neighbourhood setting. Local streets will be designed with a high degree of pedestrian amenity including sidewalks, lighting, and street trees and on street parking that could alternate street side location. Specific guidelines are illustrated on Figure 28. Jarvis Road and Workman Road Existing Jarvis Road and Workman Road will be maintained as a character road. Existing built forms which contribute to the character of the entire area include: residences, a former farm complex and identified heritage roadscapes. 3.0 to 6.0 m FRONT YARD SETBACK 1.0 m 1.5 m 2.5 m 2.75 m 2.75 m 2.5 m 2.5 m 1.5 m 1.0 m BOULEVARD TRAVEL TRAVEL PARKING BOULEVARD SIDEWALK LANE LANE LANE SIDEWALK 8.0 m PAVING m RIGHT OF WAY Figure 28: Local Street Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design 3.0 to 6.0 m FRONT YARD SETBACK 35

40 3.7.4 On-Street Parking 3.8 Transit Shelter Location & Design The provision of on-street parking should be provided on at least one side of the street where appropriate. Design Guidelines: a) Driveways on lots less than 12.0 metres should be paired to increase opportunities for onstreet parking. b) Consideration to permit on-street parking to reduce the number of cars required to park on the lot should be given with respect to all lot sizes Above Grade Utilities Above grade utilities on residential streets including hydro, telephone and cable boxes generally contribute to a negative image for the streetscape particularly when placed in highly visible areas of the public rightof-way. Streets that have smaller lots require a greater number of above grade utilities and the location of above grade services reduces opportunities to plant street trees. Design Guidelines: a) Bus stops should be located conveniently for pedestrian access. b) Bus stops should be located in close proximity to activity nodes, such as commercial retail areas, the Mixed Use Elgin Street Village Centre and Employment Districts. c) Far-side stops (after an intersection) are encouraged for safety and efficiency. d) Bus stops should be located near building entrances. e) Bus stops should include shelters for weather protection, with sufficient shelter for 10~15 people. f ) Bus shelters should include basic amenities, including seating, trash receptacles, lighting, and route information. g) Bus shelters should be located between 1m and 3m from the curb. Design Guidelines: a) The general location of all utilities should be addressed at the Draft Plan of subdivision stage. b) Staff should examine the opportunity for grouping utilities in single locations above grade (e.g. the flankage yard of the public right-of-way) or underground. Such locations should be guided by the location and primacy of streets, storm water management facilities, parks and major Open Space Systems. c) Staff should continue to work with the utility companies to examine ways to determine and improve the interface of the utilities within new communities. Photo 19: Transit Shelter. 36 Brook McIlroy Inc Planning + Urban Design