DISCUSSION PAPER INFRASTRUCTURE

Transcription

1 Town of Penetanguishene DISCUSSION PAPER INFRASTRUCTURE OCTOBER 2016 Working Draft

2 Contents 1. Introduction Water, Sewer and Stormwater Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, County Policy Framework County of Simcoe Official Plan, South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Plan, County of Simcoe Water and Wastewater Visioning Strategy, Severn Sound Sustainability Plan, Town of Penetanguishene Official Plan, Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Policy Recommendations Transportation Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, County Policy Framework County of Simcoe Official Plan, County of Simcoe Transportation Masterplan, County of Simcoe Trails Strategy, Severn Sound Sustainability Plan, Local Policy Framework Town of Penetanguishene Official Plan Roads Parking Trail Network Marine Systems Transit Town of Penetanguishene Recreation and Community Services Strategic Master Plan Complete Streets Road Diets Active Transportation Transportation Policy Recommendations Appendix A: Urban, Rural and Semi-Urban Cross Sections (Source: Land Development Engineering Policy, 2009) Appendix B: Trail Design (Source: Recreation Master Plan, 2014)

3 1 1. Introduction The Town of Penetanguishene is undertaking an Official Plan Review, which offers an opportunity to evaluate the Plan s existing policy framework related to managing growth, improving transportation systems, capitalizing on economic development opportunities, and protecting and enhancing natural heritage features and water resources over the next 20 years. This Infrastructure Discussion Paper provides an overview of important infrastructure and transportation-related issues facing the Town. Furthermore, the intent of this Paper is to frame these issues within a policy narrative, while providing recommendations to addressing infrastructure issues that would support the development of an Official Plan. The purpose of this Discussion Paper is to provide a high level review of the Provincial, the County, as well as the Town s existing transportation and municipal servicing (water, sanitary & storm systems) policies to determine how each of these issues should be structured in the new Official Plan. This report will begin by examining the policy framework guiding water, sewer and stormwater systems, followed by a separate review of applicable transportation policies at the provincial, County and local municipal levels. 2. Water, Sewer and Stormwater Key to the discussion on water, sewer and stormwater are the provisions outlined in Provincial policy, including the Provincial Policy Statement and Growth Plan, County s Official Plan and Wastewater Strategy, and Town policy, including its Official Plan. Each is vital to understanding how to develop policy in the new Official Plan Provincial Policy Statement, 2014 The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), 2014 establishes a preferred hierarchy for the provision of sewage, water, and stormwater systems. The PPS indicates that municipal services are the preferred form of servicing for settlement areas, which means that development is preferred to have access to potable water and sewers maintained by the municipality. Where full services cannot be accessed, municipalities may permit the use of private communal sewage and water services (S and ). Where communal services are not provided or desired by the municipality, individual on-site sewage and water services may be used (private sewage disposal system and a well), provided that site conditions are suitable for the long-term provision of such services, which includes a certified hauler for the long-term disposal of sewage. In settlement areas, individual private services may only be used for infilling and minor rounding out of existing development (S ). Development on partial services will only be permitted in areas Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

4 2 where they are necessary to address failed individual on-site sewage services and individual on-site water services in existing development. Partial services may also be permitted within settlement areas to allow for infilling and minor rounding out of existing development provided that site conditions are suitable for the long-term provision of such services and that access to full services be transitioned when they are available. Stormwater Management is discussed in Section of the PPS. It specifies that stormwater shall be planned to minimize changes in water balance and erosion. Further, it requires that increases in contaminant loads shall be minimized or prevented, the extent and function of vegetative and pervious surfaces shall be maximized, and best stormwater management practices including attenuation, re-use and low impact development, shall be promoted. The Official Plan will ensure consistency with the PPS while managing local applicability with respect to water, sewer, and stormwater systems Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 The Places to Grow Act, 2005 enables the development of regional growth plans that guide government investments and land use planning policies. The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 (Growth Plan, 2006) was the first growth plan to provide a framework for implementing Ontario's vision for building stronger, prosperous communities by better managing growth in this region. The Growth Plan has been amended twice since its release in Amendment 1 was released in January 2012 which contains policies, schedules and definitions that apply in the Simcoe Sub-area. Amendment 2 was released in June 2013 to update and extend the Growth Plan s population and employment forecasts. Amendment 1 to the Growth Plan revised the Growth Plan to include policies to require the County of Simcoe and its area municipalities to identify lands within settlement area boundaries to manage the oversupply of land (S ). Amendment 1 also directs municipalities in the County to develop official plan policies in support of water and energy conservation, air quality protection, integrated waste management and cultural heritage conservation. The Growth Plan states that well planned and accessible infrastructure is essential to the viability of Ontario s communities and critical to economic competitiveness, quality of life and the delivery of public services. The Growth Plan provides that planning for new or expanded infrastructure will occur in an integrated manner, and will be supported by infrastructure master plans, asset management plans, community energy plans, watershed planning, environmental assessments and other relevant studies where appropriate. This includes leveraging infrastructure investment to direct growth and October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

5 3 development including the achievement of the minimum intensification and density targets in the Growth Plan. With respect to water and wastewater systems, the Growth Plan directs that municipalities generate sufficient revenue to recover the full cost of providing and maintaining water and wastewater systems. Municipal water and wastewater systems and private communal water and wastewater systems will be planned, designed, constructed or expanded in a manner that supports achievement of the minimum intensification and density targets of the Growth Plan. Construction of new, or expansion of existing, municipal or private communal water and wastewater systems should only be considered where the following conditions are met: Strategies for water conservation and other water demand management initiatives are being implemented in the existing service area; Plans for expansion or for new services are to serve growth in a manner that supports achievement of the intensification target and density targets; Plans have been considered in the context of applicable inter-provincial, national, bi-national, or state-provincial Great Lakes Basin agreements. The Growth Plan also directs that Municipalities develop stormwater master plans or equivalent for serviced settlement areas. These stormwater masterplans will identify the full life cycle costs of the stormwater infrastructure, including maintenance costs, and develop options to pay for these costs over the long-term. They will also examine the cumulative environmental impacts of stormwater from existing and planned development, including an assessment of how extreme weather events will exacerbate these impacts Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2016 The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2016, builds upon the success of the initial Growth Plan, 2006 and responds to the key challenges that the region will continue to face over the coming decades with enhanced policy directions. This section will include a review of the Growth Plan, 2006 as well as the proposed changes to the Growth Plan, 2016 as part of the 2015 Coordinated Land Use Review. The Growth Plan, 2016 expands existing criteria for the expansion of water and wastewater services would be supplemented by requiring a water and wastewater master plan, or equivalent, to demonstrate no negative impact on water quality and quantity, financial viability, and assimilative capacity. Additionally, the growth plan will include new policies that would specifically link infrastructure investments, of which include water and wastewater to facilitate higher-density development in strategic growth areas. Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

6 4 The proposed changes Growth Plan, 2016 also include new details on stormwater management to emphasize the connections between preparing for extreme weather events and adapting to a changing climate; and updated references to Building Together, the Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act, 2015, the Ontario Great Lakes Strategy and the Great Lakes Protection Act, New requirements for low impact development and green infrastructure would be incorporated throughout the Growth Plan to help address climate change are also included in the Growth Plan. These proposed changes are required to be implemented in the Town s Official Plan following the County of Simcoe s next municipal comprehensive review County Policy Framework Upon considering the Provincial Policy context with respect to servicing and transportation, the subsequent sections will discuss County and local policy. This will include a review of the County of Simcoe Official Plan, South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Plan, Severn Sound Sustainability Plan and Water and Wastewater Visioning Strategy, which provide guidance with respect to water, wastewater and stormwater management. The following sections review these documents County of Simcoe Official Plan, 2016 The County of Simcoe s Official Plan (OP), 2016 promotes the development of sewage and water service systems that facilitate the conservation and protection of ground and surface water quality and quantity and natural heritage features and ecological functions. Section identifies that the preferred method of servicing settlement areas and other multi-lot developments is full municipal sewage services and full municipal water services. The County encourages local municipalities to undertake comprehensive master servicing plans for development within settlement areas. The County also requires that local municipalities will incorporate policies into their official plans to implement the policies related to the phasing and other strategies to ensure logical and orderly progression of development within settlement areas. They also require that municipalities minimize partially developed communities and time the provision of infrastructure and public service facilities required to meet the current and projected needs. The County also includes the following policies with respect to sewage and water services: a) direct and accommodate expected growth or development in a manner that promotes the efficient use and optimization of existing services; October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

7 5 b) ensure that the systems are provided in a manner that can be sustained by the water resources upon which such services rely; is feasible, financially viable and complies with all regulatory requirements; and protects human health and the natural environment; c) promote water conservation and water use efficiency; d) integrate servicing and land use consideration at all stages of the planning process; and e) be in accordance with the servicing hierarchy outlined in the policies above. The County also encourages local municipalities to establish stormwater management policies relating to development associated with new plans of subdivision and condominium and other large scale development in order to protect, improve or restore the quality and quantity of water resources and related natural heritage systems. The Town s OP will incorporate policies which direct growth and multi-lot development to fully serviced and municipal water serviced areas. The Town s OP will consider the requirement for a Stormwater Management (SWM) Report to address the impacts of the development on stormwater runoff volumes; water quality; erosion and sedimentation; and environmental features, including fish habitat South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Plan, 2015 The Town is subject to the South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Plan under the Clean Water Act, which provides an additional level of protection for drinking water resources. The Act establishes a locally driven, science-based, multi-stakeholder process to protect municipal residential drinking water sources and designated private drinking water sources. The Protection Plan provides additional policies which regulate infrastructure such as water, waste, sewer and stormwater facilities. This includes provincial policy instruments such as Environmental Compliance Approval, which requires source protection prior to the establishment of new infrastructure. Additionally, land use mechanisms such as Official Plans may also manage source protection as well. All municipal planning documents must be updated to conform with the Source Protection Plan within 5 years of the in-effect date. Section identifies threats of wastewater and sewer systems to drinking water. This includes discharge to of partially treated or untreated sanitary waste into a water body. The Protection Plan provides policies which prohibit the construction of these facilities where significant drinking water is threatened. Where services and capacity exist, municipalities are encouraged to consider enacting by-laws to require mandatory connection to municipal waste water systems in vulnerable areas where the onsite sewage system is a significant drinking water threat. Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

8 6 With respect to stormwater management, rainwater run-off, water run-off from roofs, snowmelt and surface run-off provide a treat to drinking water. The circumstances determining whether an activity is a significant drinking water threat relate specifically to the drainage area associated with the stormwater management facility discharge (discharge is defined as including addition, deposition, emission or leakage). Where the existing and future stormwater management facility, the Ministry of Environment shall ensure through that the activities ceases to be or does not become a significant drinking water threat. The OP will regulate and prohibit infrastructure that negatively impacts source water systems by implementing the policies of the Protection Plan. This includes reducing reduce impervious services in parking areas, and directing flows to storm sewers. Policies will also be included for the conservation and protection of drinking water quality and quantity County of Simcoe Water and Wastewater Visioning Strategy, 2012 On February 2012, the Simcoe County approved the Water and Wastewaster Visioning Strategy, which included mechanisms for service delivery and a servicing gap analysis in the Town of Penetanguishene. The report was prepared as required to the Places to Grow - Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision for Growth in June The Payette Well and Lepage Subdivision Well Systems are the two groundwater systems that are identified as the town s primary water supply in the report. The Payette system is comprised of three wells, a chlorination system, and three reservoirs that act as the Town s primary water system. The system has a maximum rated capacity of 11,000 m³/day and,i 2009, the maximum day demand was approximately 54.7% (6,014.2 m³/day). Based on information provided by the Town s Public Works Department for the report, there are 2,856 water servicing connections in the Payette water distribution system, as of The Lepage Subdivision Well Supply System is comprised of two wells and a chlorination system located at 45A Lepage Drive. The Lepage Subdivision Water System has a maximum rated capacity of 432 m³/day and, in 2009, the maximum day demand was approximately 8.8% (38.2 m³/day). Based on information provided by the Town s Public Works Department, there are 22 water servicing connections that are connected in the Lepage water distribution system, as of The Main Street Water Treatment and Fox Street Waster Treatment are the two facilities located within the Town of Penetanguishene. Both of the treatment facilities discharge into the Penetanguishene Bay and are capable of servicing the Town s current and future needs. The sanitary October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

9 7 distribution system within the Town of Penetanguishene is comprised of approximately 48 km of sanitary sewer of varying in size. There are two production wells at the Robert Street West facility which were shut down in 1992 due to contamination and are not currently in service. The Town continues to maintain its permits to take water at Robert Street West and retests the water approximately every 5 years. The Town has also completed preliminary engineering analysis for the cost to remove the contaminants from the groundwater but the identified works have not been constructed due to high capital and ongoing maintenance costs. The Robert Street West area is currently serviced by the Payette Water System. Based upon information obtained as part of this study, a servicing gap analysis for both water and wastewater servicing was performed for the 2009 population. Based on Town s identified population potential in the report, no major servicing gaps are expected to occur on the basis that the Main Street Wastewater Treatment Plant be upgraded Severn Sound Sustainability Plan, 2009 The Severn Sound Sustainability Plan (2009) provides a long range 40-year framework for agencies to ensure that environmental, social, cultural and economic issues are managed. The Plan stresses the protection of the watershed since there is increasing pressure for urban development. The communities that make up the watershed are largely rural, with three urban centres Midland, Penetanguishene and part of the City of Orillia. Only Midland, Tay and Penetanguishene lie wholly within the watershed. The Sustainability Plan contains a number of goals which have been developed under the pillars of environmental sustainability, economic prosperity and economic well-being. Infrastructure plays a crucial role in the reduction of natural resources and is discussed in the Sustainability Plan. The Sustainability Plan includes a number of sub goals including the reduction of solid and hazardous waste, energy consumption, as well as improving water quality. A number of strategic directions help achieve these sub-goals including integrating waste management policies in municipal official plans, ensuring sufficient sustainable treatment plant capacity, and developing a coordinated plan to reduce impacts on climate change. A Sustainability Plan Steering Committee (SPSC) has been established to develop a plan for its implementation. The Official Plan will implement policies from the Sustainability Plan including the monitoring long term waste management, ensuring sustainable sewage treatment and encouraging sustainable transportation strategies. Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

10 Town of Penetanguishene Official Plan, 2001 Last comprehensively updated in 2001, the Official Plan outlines the long-term vision for land use throughout the Town of Penetanguishene. Infrastructure policy will form a critical component of the Official Plan, reflect the interconnectedness of servicing and land use planning decisions, and determine if the growth forecasted in the Growth Management Study update can be accommodated and assist the Town in determining what, if any, upgrades are required to the system. The Town s current servicing areas are illustrated on Figure 1. Water and Sanitary Services in the Town are bound by Fuller Ave to the east, as far as Brunelle Side Rd to the south, and Terrien Ct to the West. There are four sites with Water Service only as indicated on Figure 1. Figure 1 Current servicing areas The continued growth and prosperity of the Town is dependent on the efficiency and continued availability of high quality transportation infrastructure, municipal services, water, wastewater and stormwater. The following subsections overview local policies with respect to as water, wastewater and stormwater as well as provides recommendations for the Town s Official Plan. October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

11 9 Water and Sewer The Town s Official Plan provides a servicing strategy which guides the development of lands on the periphery of the built-up area. The policies are intended to be general; not removing the need for individual assessment of each development upon the submission of a formal planning application. Section states that new projects proposed by developers will not be considered unless they are reasonably close to existing trunk sewers or trunk watermains and no large expenditures are required by the Town or the developer to extend these services to a vacant area. Based on each application, the Town must ensure that they are not unduly burdened by a proposed development, in accordance with Provincial Policy. With regard to sewage treatment facilities, the Town intends to use the existing treatment plants to service future development permitted, without reducing the standard of treatment or endangering the waters of Penetang Harbour. With future expansion to include additional modules at the Main Street sewage plant, the OP anticipates that it can accommodate the expected sewage effluent from proposed residential and industrial development within the horizon of the Plan. Section identifies that a priority of the Town towards the use of any existing sewage treatment plant capacity will be to allow limited infilling of the areas already serviced with sanitary sewers and to permit small development projects having a maximum of twenty to thirty housing units. Each must be readily connected to the existing trunk sewers provided the Ministry of the Environment is satisfied that sufficient capacity exists. Intensification and redevelopment within settlement areas on existing municipal sewage services and municipal water services should be promoted, wherever feasible. The OP should promote the development of sewage and water service systems that facilitate the conservation and protection of ground and surface water quality and quantity and natural heritage features and ecological functions. The preferred method of servicing settlement areas and other multi-lot developments is full municipal sewage services and full municipal water services. The OP should consider policies that recommend a comprehensive master servicing plan to review and identify potential, serviceable areas to accommodate growth in the Town. Stormwater Management The Town s OP provides that all plans of subdivision and condominium, and the creation of more than five (5) new lots by consent shall be accompanied by a Stormwater Management (SWM) Report. A SWM Report will also be required for industrial, commercial and institutional development where large impervious areas and/or chemical storage and use is proposed. The OP also contains an urban Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

12 10 drainage policy, with accordance to the Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan which is based on the following principles: (S ) a) Preserve and improve the quality of our receiving waters and environmentally sensitive areas; b) Encourage sustainable development for present and future uses; c) Protect life and property from flood water and erosion damage by application of efficient and maintainable stormwater management practices; d) Recognize stormwater as a natural resource which shall be managed to further the Plan s environmental goals. The OP should continue to encourage stormwater management policies relating to development associated with new plans of subdivision and condominium and other large scale development in order to protect, improve or restore the quality and quantity of water resources and related natural heritage systems. The policies will consider the requirement for a SWM Report to address the impacts of the development on: stormwater runoff volumes; water quality; erosion and sedimentation; and environmental features, including fish habitat Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Policy Recommendations Where new development requires an extension of water and sewer services, the expansion of the Town s system should occur in an orderly and incremental fashion in terms of geographic extent and capacity. In situations where non-sequential development occurs, policies need to be put in place to direct the extension of trunk services. If it is deemed necessary to install a larger diameter watermain to service future lands beyond the development, the cost of the extension should be paid in full (front-ended) by the benefitting developer. However, a mechanism should be implemented that allows the developer to recover the oversizing costs from the Town at a later date. This could be undertaken through development charge credits when drawing building permits or recovering funds from upstream benefiting developments. Stormwater management facilities shall be designed to manage stormwater quality and quantity, at an appropriate level, as defined by the most current Ministry of Environment Stormwater Planning and Design Manual, and the County. The OP will also include policies to promote the integration of natural vegetative features adjacent to and within new facilities, and the naturalization of the periphery of the existing stormwater management facilities. Green Infrastructure, which may include stormwater management, reductions in heat stress, clean and sustainable water and wastewater practices will be promoted, where appropriate. Based on the servicing review completed for the purposes of this study, the following recommendations have been included to be carried forward into the Official Plan. October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

13 11 Direct significant growth to fully-serviced areas within the built boundaries of the Town; Provide policies to ensure that existing water, wastewater, and stormwater management infrastructure can meet the long-term needs of the Town and its residents; That the Official Plan be updated to address stormwater pond discharges and sanitary sewers and related pipes by requiring master environmental servicing plans (MESPs) as part of a complete application; Consider enacting by-laws to require mandatory connection to municipal waste water systems in vulnerable areas where the onsite sewage system is a significant drinking water threat; That the Town ensure adequate infrastructure is in place prior to permitting new development to proceed; That the Town ensure existing infrastructure is optimized prior to extending into new greenfield areas promoting the efficient use of existing municipal water and wastewater services; That the Town encourages sustainable stormwater management techniques (such as green roofs, vegetated swales, and constructed wetlands) to encourage and limit impacts on the existing system. 3. Transportation The network of transportation, which includes roads, trails, marine and transit, etc. are an integral part of any community. These networks and systems are critical to economic vitality, community health and the ability to protect the environment. Ensuring that there is a well-planned and fully functioning multi-modal transportation network in the Town is a key factor in establishing and maintaining a healthy and complete community. The following section will outline provincial, County and local policies that are applicable to the discussion of transportation in the Town s Official Plan Review Provincial Policy Statement, 2014 The PPS, 2014 contains policies aimed at providing a safe and efficient transportation system. These policies also protect corridors for future transportation infrastructure and promote land use patterns than minimize vehicle trips and support the development of public transit. The PPS encourages land use patterns, densities and a mix of uses to be utilized in a manner that minimizes the length and number of vehicle trips and supports the development of public transit and alternative modes of transportation (S ). Section of the PPS encourages healthy active communities by Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

14 12 planning for a full range of publically accessible and natural settings for recreation including trails and linkages. The PPS in Section also directs that planning authorities identify and protect corridors and rights-of-way for infrastructure, including transportation, transit, and electricity generation facilities and transmission systems to meet current and projected needs. This includes protecting major goods facilities and corridors for the long term and ensuring that development on adjacent lands to existing or planned corridors and transportation facilities should be compatible with, and supportive of, the long-term purposes of the corridor. The PPS in Section identifies policies that relate to Marine Facilities. The PPS states that land uses in proximity to marine facilities shall be undertaken so that their associated operation and role is protected and that land uses are designed and buffered appropriately. Due to the large number of marine facilities within the Town, these policies shall be used to manage growth and development in proximity. Further to the PPS, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has developed Transportation Guidelines for Municipal Official Plan Preparation and Review, August 2012, to assist municipalities in understanding the MTO s interest in municipal official plans. MTO s 2012 Transit-Supportive Guidelines are intended to assist municipalities in implementing the policies and objectives of the PPS Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 The Growth Plan, 2006 states that transportation system planning and investment will be undertaken in a coordinated manner. The transportation system within the Greater Golden Horseshoe will be managed to provide connectivity among transportation modes for moving people and goods. This also includes offering a balance of transportation choices that reduces reliance upon the automobile and promotes transit and active transportation. This includes offering a balance of transportation choices that reduces reliance upon any single mode and promotes transit, cycling and walking. The Growth Plan directs that transit infrastructure is optimized by high density land uses, and that highway corridors are planned to promote efficient goods movement and support more efficient compact urban form through appropriate design and control of access points. Public transit is identified as the first priority for transportation infrastructure planning and major transportation investments. Section of the Growth Plan directs that decisions on transit planning and investment be made according to the following criteria: October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

15 13 a. prioritizing areas with existing or planned higher residential and employment densities to optimize return on investment and the efficiency and viability of existing and planned transit service levels; b. increasing the capacity of existing transit systems to support strategic growth areas; c. expanding transit service to areas that have achieved, or will be planned to achieve, transitsupportive densities and provide a mix of residential, office, institutional and commercial development, wherever possible; d. facilitating improved linkages between and within municipalities from nearby neighbourhoods to urban growth centres, major transit station areas and other strategic growth areas; e. aligning with, and supporting, the priorities identified in Schedule 5; f. increasing the modal share of transit; and g. contributing towards the provincial greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The Growth Plan states that Municipalities will provide for the establishment of priority routes for goods movement, where feasible, to facilitate the movement of goods into and out of areas of significant employment, industrial and commercial activity and to provide alternate routes connecting to the provincial network. Municipalities will also plan for land uses in settlement areas adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, transportation facilities such as inter-modal facilities, dockyards, and major highway interchanges that are compatible with, and supportive of, the primary goods movement function of these facilities. Through sub-area assessment, the Ministers of Transportation and Infrastructure, in consultation with municipalities and other stakeholders, will undertake further work to implement the transportation network and policies of the Plan. Section provides that Municipalities will develop and implement transportation demand management policies in official plans or other planning documents, to reduce trip distance and time, and increase the modal share of alternatives to the automobile Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2016 As part of the 2016 Growth Plan, goods movement policies would be updated to align with the PPS, 2014 and Ontario s Freight-Supportive Guidelines (2016). The concept of freight-supportive land use planning would also be integrated throughout the Growth Plan. New subsections are also proposed for infrastructure corridors, which would encourage the colocation of linear infrastructure and would ensure the planned corridors identified in Schedules 5 and 6 of the Growth Plan would be protected in accordance with the PPS, These corridors are Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

16 14 would also be required to be planned to minimize, or mitigate impacts on the agricultural system, key natural heritage features, key hydrologic features and key hydrologic areas. These proposed changes are required to be implemented in the Town s Official Plan following the County of Simcoe s next municipal comprehensive review County Policy Framework Within the County of Simcoe, three planning documents have been prepared including the recently approved Official Plan Transportation Master Plan and Trail Strategy. These documents are examined further within this section County of Simcoe Official Plan, 2016 The OP provides transportation policies related to a comprehensive and sustainable transportation system, including both the road network and alternative transportation system for walking, cycling and transit. Objectives in the OP include maintaining and improving the County s multimodal transportation system to provide efficient automobile, truck, transit, and where feasible, bicycle and pedestrian routes which link settlement areas and other activity nodes throughout the region. This also includes planning for a more flexible transportation system including Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies, cooperative transit initiatives and supportive land use strategies. The County will review road corridors, in consultation with local municipalities, to determine if a change in classification and/or jurisdiction is warranted and to ensure that such a modification will not negatively impact the ability to maintain and improve the resulting County and local municipal road network. The OP also directs that local municipalities in primary settlement areas develop Active Transportation Plans to inform local official plans. The development of an Active Transportation Plan would also include maps identifying existing and proposed sidewalks, bicycle facilities, multi-use trails, and associated facilities, including proposed connection to the County Trail System. Although the OP provides the objectives and policies for the consideration of transportation systems, the specific and detailed implementation guidelines are set out in the County of Simcoe Transportation Master Plan, which are outlined below County of Simcoe Transportation Masterplan, 2008 The Transportation Masterplan (TMP), July 2008 identifies the existing and future travel demands within the County, and provides the County with transportation strategies, policies and tools to October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

17 15 support and improve the existing transportation facilities and services in working towards a more balanced and sustainable transportation system for the next 25 years. The recommended transportation strategy, summarized, promotes a balanced approach to transportation that: Emphasizes need to promote and invest in alternative modes of travel; Establishes the principle of municipal leadership by example, particularly in promoting Transportation Demand Management measures; Actively promotes alternative transportation modes in the community through the use of policies, and standards; Focuses on partnerships with local municipalities, the provincial government and private interests to build upon existing best practices to enhance services; and Requires an investment in incentives to encourage participation and remove barriers. The County identifies Simcoe Road 93 within Penetanguishene as a Primary Arterial Road on Figure 57 Recommended 2031 County Road Classification. The TMP contains policies that encourage Highway 93 as a corridor for long term protection. Additionally, the Average Annual Daily Traffic volume (2004) to Penetanguishene for Highway 93 is 17,900 cars (s ). The County has developed long range programs for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road network so that it can meet rapidly increasing demands. Additionally, the County s Plan for Transit suggests a number of new or enhanced transit service connections between Barrie and major urban area such as Midland/Penetanguishene. The TMP also contains policies to support active transportation. This policies state that the County is assume the leadership in the development of a County-wide road trail network, the promotion of walking and cycling as a preferred mode of travel for short trips, funding support for active transportation infrastructure, and the development of Official Plan policies to promote walking and cycling in local municipalities. The County also requires that municipalities develop Active Transportation Plans as part of their Official Plan, recognizing that each municipality will have a different approach to implementation. Trucking is also identified in the TMP as an integral part of the movement of goods through the County of Simcoe. The volume of truck traffic is expected to increase as employment and industries grow in the Simcoe Area. Trucks heading to destinations in Penetanguishene and Midland rely on Highway 400 and Simcoe Road 93 through the County to get to their destination (S.2.2.4). County Roads such as Simcoe Road 93 play primary role in linking the movement of goods to the Town. The County recommends that a permissive truck route program be developed to identify key goods movement corridors and to encourage the usage of these routes by shipper and carriers, and minimize undesirable impacts to existing communities and built up areas. Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

18 16 A Municipal Class Environmental Assessment is underway for County Road 93, which will result in a preliminary design for the corridor. The objective of this study is to identify a complete street design, within the context of the existing and planned future urban and rural environments along County Road 93, which support alternative modes of travel including transit, pedestrians, cyclists, transit, motor vehicles and freight. The Official Plan will consider ensure the protection of the right of way for potential servicing options and alternative modes of travel. The recommendations and policies of the TMP as well as the results of the EA for County Road 93 should be carried forward into the Town of Penetanguishene s Official Plan project. This includes the compliance with the County s identified road network for the Town, as well as, the long range transportation and transit forecasts for the Town. The OP should also implement provisions to support active transportation including the development of an Active Transportation Plan County of Simcoe Trails Strategy, 2014 As a result of the County of Simcoe 2008 Transportation Master Plan and the New Official Plan adopted in 2008, it was determined that there was a need for the County to take on a role to coordinate and support the development of trails and active transportation routes to help build a healthier and stronger County. The document outlines a vision and the necessary goals and objectives for a regional trail system that spans the entire County and connects communities. The County s Trail Strategy Vision is: To create a world class network of multi-purpose passive-use trails that connects the County s communities while providing linkages to natural, cultural, and tourism assets to increase visitation, recreational and active transportation opportunities, thereby improving the quality of life for County residents and visitors. The goals of the Trail Strategy are: 1. Support a variety of passive trail uses through an accessible, connected trail network that links communities and places of interest 2. Maximize trail investments 3. Enhance trail-user experience 4. Collaborate with stakeholders 5. Promote awareness of Simcoe County trails. The Tiny Trail (Tiny / Springwater Townline-Penetanguishene) trail identified is one of the larger, more notable trail corridors in the County. The Trail spans along the length of Penetang Harbour and provides connections to the Midland and Tiny to the south of the Town. The County does not propose any county-wide trail network expansion in the Town. However, the County of Simcoe will October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

19 17 work with municipalities to encourage conditions for appropriate pedestrian circulation and trail integration are applied to new plans of subdivision and other development applications. In addition, the County of Simcoe funds municipal trail development through its Trails Connecting Communities Program. The Town s OP should identify and encourage the development and enhancement of pedestrian and shared use of non-motorized trails and bicycle routes in accordance with the Trail Strategy Severn Sound Sustainability Plan, 2009 The Severn Sound Sustainability Plan, 2009 contains policies that encourage the efficient design of public facilities inclusive of transportation. Strategic directions for achieving this goal include implementing the Simcoe County Transportation Master Plan, and developing municipal plans that focus on mass transit, including car-pooling, implementing connecting trails, and encourage microprivate sector initiatives such as community buses. Goals related to promoting wellness include improving the safety of alternative transportation modes, particularly cycling. The Official Plan will include policies the Sustainability Plan include working with the County to monitor the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan and encouraging sustainable transportation strategies Local Policy Framework Within the Town of Penetanguishene, there are two policy documents that guide infrastructure including the Official Plan and the Recreation Master Plan with respect to the trail network Town of Penetanguishene Official Plan As the Town of Penetanguishene grows, so will the demands for a strong and efficient transportation system. As part of the overall Official Plan review, key aspects of the Town s transportation system are being examined in the context of the Town s anticipated future growth. A viable transportation network is essential for the efficient movement of people and goods. The following section will existing Official Plan s identified road network, parking, trail network, marine systems and transit policies and provide policy recommendations for consideration in the Official Plan Review project Roads The following section will discuss the identified road network and policies pertaining to road widenings and road extensions in the current OP. Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

20 18 Road Network The Town is accessed via two County roads: Simcoe Road 93 from the south, which connects to the Town of Midland and on to Highway 400; and Simcoe Road 26, which connects to the community of Lafontaine and further west to the community of Tiny Beaches. Schedule C of the Official Plan (Figure 1) identifies Major Roads, Proposed Roads and Road Widenings in the Town. The existing road network is also identified in Figure 1 and comprises Arterial Roads, Collector Roads and Local Roads. Figure 2 Penetanguishene Official Plan Schedule C: Road Network The purpose of establishing a road classification system is to clearly define the role and function of each component of a road system to ensure adequate capacity for the movement of people and goods. The Official Plan defines these road classifications as follows: 1. Arterial roads are existing and proposed roads designed to facilitate the inter-area or through traffic on 2 to 4 traffic lanes. October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

21 19 2. A collector road has the dual function of carrying medium volumes of traffic and providing land access. The collector road distributes traffic between local roads and the arterial roads and generally carries higher volumes for shorter trips at lower speeds than an arterial. 3. A local road provides land access and generally carries low volumes of traffic most of which has either an origin or destination along its length. The following table summarizes the road classification and proposed road widenings/additions as identified on Schedule C of the Official Plan: Road Penetanguishene Rd Robert St W and E Champlain Road Beck Blvd Fox Street Lafontaine Rd Thompsons Road West Classification Arterial Rd Arterial Rd Collector Collector Rd Collector Collector Arterial The new Official Plan will carry forward these road classifications and provide an opportunity to reclassify any of the Town s roads, in consultation with Town staff and Council. Intersection Improvements Intersection improvements address capacity requirements and safety concerns in both existing and new areas of the Town. These improvements are often necessitated by increases in traffic, road aging and weathering or changes in travel modes or patterns as the Town grows. These improvements may include regulation of turn movements, proper signing, installation of traffic signals, marking of traffic lanes and channelization construction. The OP contains policies that encourage the improvement of intersections where deemed necessary. This includes having adequate regard to sight distances and any eliminating road jogs and potholes. Section of the OP identifies Dufferin St, Burke St and Robert St E as roads in need of intersection improvements. The OP will continue to encourage improvements to intersections as traffic conditions warrant. Road Widenings and Expansions The OP contains policies (S ) that identify that Council will pursue a program of improving road alignments, surfaces, pavement widths, improving and/or constructing new curbs and gutters, storm sewers, sanitary sewers and sidewalks. As a condition of Official Plan, Zoning By-law Amendment, or Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

22 20 Site Plan approval, the Town may require a portion of land for road widenings without compensation. Where the existing road allowance is less than the proposed road allowance width, the dedication of land shall consist of one-half of the total road allowance width required, as shown on Schedule "C". The following table identifies which roads may require to be widened or expanded. Road Fuller Ave (from Simpresca Rd to Waypoint) Main Street (From Robert St E to Brunelle Side Rd) Robert St (from West St to Scott St, and from Penetanguishene Rd to Fuller Rd) Beck Blvd from (Fox St to Broad Street) Thompsons Rd (Extension from Thompsons Rd to Robert St E) Thompsons Rd (Extension from Main Street to Lafontaine Rd) Proposed Road Widening/ Addition Widen to 26 metres Widen to 26 metres Widen to 26 metres Proposed Rd 20 metres Proposed Rd 20 metres Proposed Rd 26 metres Further to this, however, it has been identified by Town staff that other roads may need to be included in the new Official Plan. Where roads have been identified by the Town that require additional widening or expansion, these should be included in the Official Plan with a strategy to increase their width/length over time. Where any new roads are required, including local subdivision roads, the OP identifies that these shall be designed with the topography and will follow contours and provide views of the bay to the greatest extent possible. Schedule C identifies these proposed roads including the extension of Beck Blvd and Thompsons Rd. However, in discussions with staff, it was determined that Beck Blvd will not be extended further than Broad Street.. Furthermore, the extension of Thompson Rd West to Lafontaine Rd is unlikely to occur due to topographical issues and land use conflicts with significant woodlands. New Road Widenings The Land Development Engineering Policy (April 2009), provides uniformity in the approach to the design and construction of infrastructure works in the Town of Penetanguishene, and to set out the parameters for Developers contemplating the development or redevelopment of lands within the municipal boundaries. These policies supplement the Town s current Official Plan in providing direction with respect to road widenings and improvements. The policies provide that the Developer is responsible for the construction of roads, and/or, where necessary, the improvements to existing roads, to service all developed properties created as a result of the Development. The classes of roadways (local, collector, arterial, etc.) are to be determined at October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

23 21 the time of the preparation of the Draft Plan. For public roads, the Town of Penetanguishene has adopted various road cross sections for use in new developments. These variations include: - Full Urban Cross Section with curb and gutter, storm sewers and sidewalk; - Rural Cross Section with open ditches and driveway culverts; and - Semi-Urban Cross Section with paved shoulders and enclosed ditches, and a sidewalk. For each of these Cross Sections the pavement width and the right-of-way width is determined by the road classification (local, collector, arterial). A demonstration of each cross section is included in the appendix of this report. The OP should contain policies that identify the current and proposed network for roads in the Town and identify where new roads may be proposed. However, should it be determined that the future roads identified are not required or require a realignment, the new Official Plan should show approximately where they are to be located to assist in land use planning decisions. Further, the Plan will provide a road classification system similar to what currently exists in the Plan and associated network, which will help govern land use planning decisions and associated traffic flows throughout the Town. Private Lanes A private lanes is a road owned and maintained by a private individual, organization, or company rather than by the municipality. Private lanes exist in both urban and rural contexts, and are commonly used to access seasonal homes with no public road frontage, but also for common element condominiums where the internal road is privately maintained. Where permanent residential condominium development is proposed on a private lane, the lane should be developed within a common element condominium pursuant to the Condominium Act, 1998, as amended, and connected directly to an existing public road. A number of private lanes exist within the Town, and specifically discussed in the Shoreline Residential designation. Section provides that lands that do not have frontage on and direct access to a public road are subject to a Holding Provision in the Zoning By-law. The Holding provision will have the effect of prohibiting the construction of new dwelling units or enlargement of the existing dwelling unit. The holding provision is in effect until the occupant obtains written confirmation from the appropriate agencies that the dwelling's septic system conforms to current standards. Additionally, the Town may also require the owner of a lot on a private road to enter into an agreement regarding the servicing of lots that are accessed only by a private road before new development or an expansion to existing development is permitted. The construction or Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

24 22 development of new private roads or extensions to existing private roads shall not be permitted. The creation of a new lot on such a road is not permitted. Private Lanes are also permitted as an exception for the lands at 175 Fox St and 21 Hunter Rd. The lands contain 114 unit land lease residential uses comprised of 58 single detached and 56 row townhouse dwellings (S ). All units on Fox St have driveway access provided from a private lane internal to the development. The Official Plan will consider the impacts of private lanes and evaluate the existing private lane system. Where appropriate, OP may identify criteria to allow the assumption of a private lane as a public road provided that the road is brought up to the appropriate municipal standard. No private lane will be assumed into the Town s road system unless Council is satisfied that the annual maintenance or long term capital and operating costs will not place an undue burden on the costs of operating the Town s road system. New Private lanes should be encouraged to be built to the satisfaction of the Town, and is considered acceptable for emergency service delivery by the Town s public works and fire department staff. Heritage Roads Penetanguishene Road has Provincial and local significance due to its historical use as a connection between a military base in Toronto in the lower lake region to the (now) Town s waterfront in the upper lake region. Furthermore, Penetanguishene Road was one of the first roads opened in Ontario. Special recognition should be provided in the OP to identify heritage roads and encourage the commemoration of these roads Parking Parking is often one of the larger concerns in many Towns across Ontario. While this Official Plan project is not analyzing supply, it will establish contemporary policies to address parking for new developments as well as policies to improve/repurpose existing lots. For every new development project undertaken in Penetanguishene, the Town is responsible for determining factors such as the size, location and how many parking spaces should be provided. While residents in the Town would prefer that its downtown transition to be more walkable, the principal mode of transportation will continue to be the automobile. However, this does not restrict the Town from seeking new opportunities to address parking including, but not limited to, share facilities, providing any parking at the rear of buildings, removing on-street parking in favour of a larger public realm, and staggering on-street parking on one side of the road and relocating other parking to existing, underutilized lots. This section will review the parking policies in the Town s current OP. October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

25 23 The OP states that adequate parking and loading facilities shall be required for all industrial, commercial, institutional and associated uses, where normal traffic generation so warrants. The detailed loading and parking requirements for these facilities are located in the Town s Zoning Bylaw. Such facilities shall be: Adequately surfaced to minimize dust and mud; Clearly defined for their purpose; and Generally designed to present a satisfactory appearance. The OP states that residential uses with accessory dwelling units must be sufficiently large to accommodate on-site parking, private open space areas for each unit, buffering, etc. The parking should be provided in such a way as to maximize the open space areas on the lot, yet not interfere unduly with neighbouring properties. The Central Commercial area is the multi-functional centre of the Town of Penetanguishene. The core is focused on Penetanguishene Road (Main St.). The Town s goals for the development of the Central Commercial area include providing a sufficient supply of off-street parking to accommodate long term needs. With respect to lands for industrial, commercial institutional and associated uses, adequate parking and loading will be required (S.5.5.5). The location of parking and loading shall be adequately surfaced to minimize dust and mud, clearly defined or this purpose, and generally designated to present a satisfactory appearance. The OP also provides that adequate off-street parking be provided and shall be directly related to the number of boat slips in lands designated Marine Commercial One and Marine Commercial Two. Additional parking is also required where a public boat launching ramp is provided. However, further consideration is required for the large parking areas adjacent to the Town Dock as they represent some of the only remaining lands near the Town s waterfront that could accommodate future development. These lands are currently underutilized and are within a prominent waterfront location, which provides a significant opportunity to enhance the public realm. One issue to be acknowledged is that these lands are adjacent to the Town s Sewage Treatment Facility and, as a result, require some coordination with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change to determine appropriate separation distances between the facility and new development. The OP will contain policies which focus on the promotion of planned, compact, efficient, and appropriate locations of parking in appropriate areas. All new development or redevelopment shall be required to provide sufficient parking on-site; however, parking requirements within the Central Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

26 24 Commercial Area should be relaxed or removed to allow for more flexibility for development on small lots. Where appropriate, the OP may consider improved parking efficiencies by shared parking, and opportunities to provide alternative modal choices, such as transit, cycling or walking. Additional considerations will be provided to ensure that adequate snow storage in parking areas is provided and properly located to ensure that melt does not carry contaminants into water resources Trail Network Trails provide a valuable function to the Town by facilitating access to active transportation opportunities such as walking, jogging, cycling, cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Trails should serve to provide linkages between public amenities including greenspaces and destinations such as schools, recreation centres, shopping areas and the waterfront. Section identifies that a continuous trail system shall be established along the waterfront. Walking and cycling form an important component of building active communities and reducing the dependence on the single occupant vehicle. The Town of Penetanguishene currently has a number of trails provide opportunities for recreation and travel through the community. Figure 2 provides a map of the major trails located in the town. Though the current OP does not have a schedule depicting trails, the main trails in Penetanguishene, as identified through the town s website are as follows: 1. Penetanguishene Trail - A vital Trans Canada Trail link between Tiny Trail and the Midland Rotary Waterfront Trail. Two other trails also branch from the main trail including the Copeland Creek Trail and the Discovery Harbour Trail. 2. Trans Canada Trail - This trail begins at the border of Tiny Township in the west along the waterfront of Penetanguishene connecting with the Town of Midland at Penetanguishene s southerly boundary. 3. Discovery Harbour Trail this 3.0 km trail begins at the Port of Historic Penetanguishene along the waterfront heading east where lumber mills, tanneries and a grand hotel once stood. 4. Copeland Trail this trail is a connection off of the Trans Canada Trail and heads along Copeland Creek over provincially significant habitat areas, and along Champlain Road. (private property section) 5. Fox Run Trail a new natural trail that began in 2012 across from the Ecology Garden, this trail connects Fox Street to Church Street through a natural wooded area of native species trees and plants. 6. Payette Trail another new natural trail mapped out in 2012, this trail has many loops in a natural setting by the Payette water tower. October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

27 25 7. Tom Coffin Trail - this newly named trail adjoining Tom Coffin Memorial Park will connect Edward Street and Robert Street West. Figure 3 Trail Network. Source: Town of Penetanguishene The Plan will provide policies around the existing trails and should provide a procedure to expand the existing system. This Plan should recognize that bicycle and pedestrian trails and paths contribute to healthy communities and support such sustainable modes of travel. The OP should identify and encourage the development and enhancement of pedestrian and shared use of non-motorized trails and bicycle routes. Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

28 26 The Town also has two bicycle lanes directly integrated with vehicular traffic (Figure 3). In coordination with road reconstructions, the Town will evaluate the possibility of implementing bicycle lanes provided that road widths can accommodate them and traffic impacts are minimized. Figure 4 Existing bicycle lanes Marine Systems The Town of Penetanguishene has a significant amount of traffic related to the five active marinas in the Town. The marinas are located around the Penetang Harbour, which flows into Georgian Bay, providing a significant draw for local and seasonal boater traffic to the Town. Currently, the following marinas are operational in the Town (see Figure 3). The Historic Port of Penetanguishene (Town Dock) is owned by the Town has a capacity of 112 boat slips. - Bay Moorings; - Dutchman s Cove Marina; - Town Dock; - Beacon Bay Marina; - Hindson Marina Inc.; and - Harbour West Marina. October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

29 27 Figure 5 Location of existing marinas in Penetanguishene (Source: Google Maps) These marinas are designated as Marine Commercial One and Marine Commercial Two on Schedule A1 of the Official Plan (Figure 4). The principal use on a Marine Commercial One property is a marina operation. A marina facility operating on the shore consists of a number of core elements, including boat slips, both for long term lease and for transient use, car parking, fuel, minor repair service, sewage pump out, and water supply. The Marine Commercial Two designation applies to those lands in the Town of Penetanguishene that are used primarily for the storage and dockage of boats and that are located outside of the urban serviced area of the municipality. As a result of these limited services, uses in the Marine Commercial Two designation are more limited than the Marine Commercial One designation. Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

30 28 Figure 6 Schedule A1 Land Use Plan Penetanguishene Official Plan, 2001 Policies in the Plan should protect existing facilities while seeking to bolster opportunities to increase connections between downtown, waterfront, and the marinas. These policies should be comprehensive and consider matters including environmental impacts, public use and access to marina facilities, multi-modal transportation linkages and economic and local and tourist traffic impacts Transit In accordance with the County of Simcoe s Official Plan and Transportation Masterplan, the Official Plan should also contain policies that will facilitate planned transit systems and improvements, including conventional bus service, enhanced bus service both locally, and with the Town of Midland. Planning for these facilities and routes should also include considering urban form and densities and connecting road networks adjacent to and in proximity to these corridors. It is also noted that Section 51(25)(b.1) of the Planning Act additionally indicates that lands can be dedicated for commuter parking lots, transit stations and related infrastructure. October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

31 29 The Town of Midland and The Town of Penetanguishene have shared transit services that connect the two communities. The transit system is comprised of three bus routes: - Penetanguishene - Midland South - Midland North The service operates on an hourly basis and provides connections to a number of points of interest between the two municipalities. This includes key destinations such as the Georgian Village, Village Square Mall, Town Hall and Way Point in Penetanguishene (see Figure 5). The plan should provide coordination policies to promote enhanced transit service between urban areas in addition to discussing land use and streetscape improvements along existing transit corridors currently being provided. On September 27, 2016, the County of Simcoe Council approved a plan to provide regional transit that would link the Town of Penetanguishene to other municipalities in the County. The plan is to be built in phases over the next four years, with a Midland-Barrie route to begin in year 1 of the plan. On year 2, the County will assume responsibility of the Midland-Penetanguishene transit system. Figure 7 Midland-Penetanguishene Transit Routes Town of Penetanguishene Recreation and Community Services Strategic Master Plan The Town s Recreation and Community Services Master Plan was prepared in 2014 and provides a multi-year framework of short, medium and long term priorities for the development of recreation, Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

32 30 services and facilities. The Master Plan provides guidance and objectives for the provision of recreation and leisure in the Town until The Master Plan identifies a number of matters pertinent to transportation infrastructure including a detailed classification of the Town s existing trails. The Master Plan proposes a hierarchy of trails, which are classified as follows: - Primary: 3 metre hard surface trail - Secondary: 2.4 metre hard surface trail or walkway or 2.7 metre Granular Trail (suitable for future upgrade to 2.4m hard surface) - Tertiary: 1.5 metre Granular Trail or Dedicated Bike Lane on Road Surface The Recreation Masterplan provides recommendations for the sustainable and universal design of these trails. With respect to sustainability, trails should remain in form for long term use, and it will be able to adapt to change. Universal design ensures that trails are accessible to people of all abilities. The following table summarizes the trails in the Master Plan: Trail Motorized/ Non-motorized Surface Suggested Classification Trans Canada Trail Non Motorized/ limestone, asphalt, and Primary Trail Motorized portions paved sidewalk sections Discovery Harbour Non Motorized Paved Secondary Trail Trail Copeland C. Trail Non Motorized Paved/crushed limestone Secondary Trail Fox Run Trail Non Motorized Unpaved Tertiary Trail Payette Trail Non-Motorized Paved and Unpaved Tertiary Trail Tom Coffin Non-Motorized Under Development Tertiary Trail The Master Plan proposes on and off road connections, which may potentially be delineated by trail crossings and effective way-finding signage. The Master Plan recommends that these locations be further assessed as part of a Trail Development Strategy. The proposed locations for road connections to trails are: - Thompson Road Trail extension and Main Street: to navigate users north to Rotary Park or to continue east along the Thompson Road Trail. - Trans Canada Trail: should offer appropriate connections along Main Street (and potentially include bike/pedestrian paths). - Copeland Creek Trail: Develop on and off road connections to navigate users south along Park Street and connect to the planned Thompsons Road Trail. Also develop stronger linkages to the trail in Rotary Park to the east. October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

33 31 The detailed design trails in the Master Plan are further outlined in Appendix B of this report. This design matrix provides a framework and a guideline, but is intended to be implemented by a Trail Development Strategy. The Master Plan provides important considerations for the classification and assessment of Trails within the context of the OP review. The OP will consider the recommendations and classification of trails in the Town and encourage the enhancement of trails and promote the use of active transportation Complete Streets A Complete Street is designed for all ages, abilities, and modes of travel, rather than just for automotive purposes. Complete Streets allow for safe travel by those walking, cycling, driving automobiles, riding public transportation, or delivering goods. As a note, the County of Simcoe along with the municipalities of the Town of Midland and the Town of Penetanguishene are proposing to complete an Environmental Assessment (EA) and preliminary design for the existing County Road 93 corridor, from the limit at Hwy. 12 north through the Town of Midland to the limit of the Town of Penetanguishene. The study is intended to follow the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process which generally includes improvements and minor expansions to existing facilities. There is no one size fits all approach to a Complete Street. However, common components include automobile lanes, priority transit lanes, bicycle lanes, wide sidewalks, street trees, and landscaped boulevards. Complete Streets have arisen in transportation planning and have been integrated into planning policy and processes in Ontario. Related concepts that help create Complete Streets include, but are not limited to road diets and active transportation Road Diets A road diet, also known as a lane reduction, is a technique in transportation planning to reduce the number of lanes or width of the road to accomplish systemic improvements. These improvements are often used to improve road safety, or provide space for other modes of transportation. Road diets are commonly implemented as a measure to reduce the size of roads with excessive capacity. Upon reduction in size, road diets provide for additional space to accommodate other modes of transportation. Some improvements that can be made include: widening sidewalks, creating boulevards (with landscape strips), bicycle lanes, creating a centre left turn lane, adding a reversible centre lane, and providing dedicated transit lanes. In some cases, road diets for certain streets in the Town can provide the town with a number of key benefits including safe vehicular speeds, reduced automotive accidents, improved pedestrian safety and providing for a wider range of transportation options. Road diets also help promote the Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

34 32 Complete Streets concept, and encourage for a more livable community. Since Road diets are often implemented on roads with excessive width, automotive travel times are often not reduced as a result of properly implemented road diets. The OP will encourage road diets, where appropriate and where identified by a Transportation Improvement Plan Active Transportation Active transportation refers to any form of human-powered transportation walking, cycling, using a wheelchair, in-line skating or skateboarding. Active transportation can also be combined with other modes, such as public transit. A critical component of active transportation is providing for the necessary infrastructure to support safe and quick travel. As a more physically active and therefore healthier form of transportation, there are proven links between AT and improved public health outcomes. Well-designed networks and purpose-built infrastructure can also greatly improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. Additionally, as a self-propelled form of transportation, it generates far less air pollution emissions and is far less carbon intensive than other forms of transportation. Infrastructure costs for active transportation are far lower than other transportation infrastructure. The Official Plan will encourage active transportation in accordance with the County of Simcoe Transportation Masterplan and the recommendations of the Complete Streets EA. The Official Plan will provide a starting point to utilize active transportation concept as part of a complete streets approach rather than as an afterthought, or for recreational purposes only. Active transportation should be visibly located, easy to access and integrated into the Town s transportation system. Routes should be located to link communities and important destinations such as community centres, commercial areas, employment and tourist areas. Opportunities for the location of active transportation facilities include roads with excessive width, linear corridors such as decommissioned railway lines, or where links to other modes of transportation such as transit already exist. 4. Transportation Policy Recommendations Where new growth and development are proposed, the Official Plan should include policies with respect to the preparation of traffic studies to address both the impact of any new development upon the provincial highway system and any associated highway improvements that are required prior to the approval of any secondary plans or subdivisions. Generally, direct access onto a provincial highway will be restricted and development should be encouraged to utilize local roads and service roads wherever possible. October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

35 33 Based on the identification of key issues, it is recommended that the Town of Penetanguishene: Provide policies to ensure that the existing transportation infrastructure can serve the needs of existing and future development, and that adequate infrastructure is in place prior to proceeding with new development; Encourage active transportation in the Town, including the development and implementation of trails strategies; Undertake a detailed review of the road networks and a road classification study to determine which roads need to be widened and/or expanded; Consider a detailed Transportation Master Plan based on the conceptual road and trail network in the Official Plan, of which includes an active transportation strategy; Consider undertaking the construction of new roads and development projects through the lens of complete streets and implement the recommendations of the County s Complete Streets EA; Add new bike lanes as part of any road reconstruction project on a major road provided the right-of-way is sized appropriately and traffic conflicts are minimized; Undertake a road diet exercise for every road reconstruction project; Reviewing the existing land development policy to divert future development from private roads or unopened road allowances to year round publicly maintained roads; Plan for the seasonal boater traffic and include marinas as part of an integrated transportation planning approach; Identify and protect the long term operation and economic role of existing marine facilities; Corridors and rights-of-way for significant transportation facilities shall be planned for and protected to serve the long-term needs of the City. Development that could preclude the use of a corridor or right-of-way for its long-term purpose shall not be permitted; The Town should promote public transit connections to major community destinations, including the downtown and waterfront area, mixed use and commercial areas, employment areas, major institutional areas, and major parks and open space areas; Through the promotion of public transit connections, improve secondary connections to/from transit stops to improve the accessibility and safety for pedestrians; and Assess parking needs in the downtown and waterfront area in order to provide adequate onand off-street parking. Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

36 34 Appendix A: Urban, Rural and Semi-Urban Cross Sections (Source: Land Development Engineering Policy, 2009) October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

37 35 Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

38 36 October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited

39 37 Infrastructure Discussion Paper Town of Penetanguishene

40 38 Appendix B: Trail Design (Source: Recreation Master Plan, 2014) October 2016 WSP MMM Group Limited