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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOES 15-06 REPORT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Report Number: OES 15-06 Date: March 27, 2006 From: Everett Buntsma Director, Operations & Emergency Services Subject: Draft Regional Trail Network - Durham Trail Coordinating Committee (DTCC) - File: A-2130 Recommendation: 1. That Report OES 15-06 regarding the Draft Regional Trail Network be received; and 2. That Council endorse the comments received from staff in this report and provide direction for staff to forward a copy of Report OES 15-06 to the Region for their consideration. Executive Summary: In 2004 Regional Council established a Durham Trails Coordinating Committee (DTCC). The scope of DTCC's activities was outlined in their Terms of Reference in two phases. The first phase includes the development of proposal for a Regional Trail Network which links existing and future trails throughout the Region. The second phase is to develop an implementation strategy for the approved Regional Trail Network. The DTCC has now completed a Draft Regional Trail Network as part of its first phase and is seeking comments from the municipalities within the Region. Financial Implications: Not Applicable Background: Since the establishment of a Durham Trails Coordinating Committee (DTCC), a Technical Support Group (TSG) was formed in the spring of 2005 comprised of staff from the Region, area municipalities, conservation authorities and non-government agencies (i.e. Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Oak Ridges Trail Association, etc.) and has met regularly to discuss the Regional Trail Network. City staff has participated in the TSG and provided DTCC with input of the City's trail plans. A network plan of all significant existing trails within the Region was mapped along with known future connections to indicate connectivity within the Region and to major trails such as the Waterfront Trail, Trans Canada Trail and the Oak Ridges Trail. Potential trails are also shown for future connection and consideration in order to provide connection throughout the Region. The Regional Trail Network provides an overview of Report OES 15-06 Date: March 27, 2006 Subject: Draft Regional Trail Network Page 2 the existing and future trails that connect Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe and connect City of Toronto (Scarborough) to Northumberland County with off shoots to Lake Scugog. This Draft Regional Trail Network (Attachment #1) was to be on display at each area municipality during a series of Open House events put on by the Region from the end of February to mid March to obtain public input. The Open House for the City of Pickering was Tuesday, March 21, 2006. The Region has also circulated this Draft Regional Trail Network to each municipality for review and comment. Staff have received and reviewed the Draft Regional Trail Network and upon endorsement from Council will be providing the following comments to the Region for their consideration. 1. It is premature to present the Draft Regional Trail Network for public comment prior to receiving comments from the various area municipalities involved. The date scheduled for comments from municipalities set by the Region falls after public consultation: - Region's Public Open House Schedule was sent January 19, 2006 (City of Pickering Open House: March 15, 2006) - Change to City of Pickering Open House accepted on January 26, 2006 (City of Pickering Open House changed to March 21,2006) - Region's request for comments from Municipalities was sent February 2, 2006 to be received by March 17,2006 (Attachment #2) - City of Pickering request extension for comments to after April 3, 2006 after City Council had a chance to review the Draft Regional Trail Network 2. The circulated plan is at a scale that is difficult to read and assess. 3. Major roads and streets should be labeled for better orientation. 4. The existing named Trails should be labeled (i.e. Seaton Trail, Trans Canada Trail, Oak Ridges Trail, Waterfront Trail, etc.) 5. The portion of the Duffins Creek Trail (existing and future) that connects the Seaton Trail to Ajax and the Trans Canada Trial is not shown. 6. A proposed trail is indicated from the hydro corridor, at Brock Road and Third Concession, and runs north into Ajax and connects to the Trans Canada Trail, which we believe is in error. There is no trail planned within Pickering in this location. The Regional Trail Network plan shows a proposed trail within the Hydro One transmission corridor. If the new trail is to be constructed, the City would be required to enter into leasing arrangements with Ontario Realty Corporation. As CORP0227-07/01 Report OES 15-06 Date: March 27, 2006 Subject: Draft Regional Trail Network Page 3 part of the leasing arrangements, the City would be responsible for paying both provincial and regional portions of the property tax bill. To promote the regional trail network, the Region should waive or reimburse the City's property tax portion. 7. The future trail north of Hwy 7 connecting the Seaton Trail to the Oak Ridges Trail may not be necessary as Markham is looking to complete a trail through the Rouge Park and through the future airport site and connect to the Oak Ridges Trail. This should be further investigated and perhaps a future trail should be indicated to connect Seaton Trail with the Rouge Park Trail instead. 8. The Region's report notes that area municipalities are to implement Regional Trails, it does not address how the Region will assist the municipalities in funding these trails. The equitable funding and resources available to the municipalities should be discussed and offered. If funding does become available for regional trail construction and maintenance, area municipal Councils should be able to decide which regional trail is a priority within their respective municipality. For Pickering, the completion of the waterfront trail is a priority. - There should be a guiding principal that would require the filling of gaps between trails and completing loop connections prior to establishing new regional trails. Attachments: 1. Map - Draft Regional Trail Network 2. Region of Durham Letter dated February 2, 2006 3. Memorandum from Chris Darling, Region of Durham (Regional Report No. 2006-P-6) CORP0227-07/01 Report OES 15-06 Date: March 27, 2006 Subject: Draft Regional Trail Network Page 4 ?1fiI Approved I Endorsed "...- ,.....'" ,/' .-- Prepared By: ~ , Doris Chee Coordinator Landscape & Parks Development Everet( Direc r Operations & Emergency Services DC Attachments Copy: Chief Administrative Officer Recommended for the consideration of Pickering CiJy Co "I /. CORP0227-07/01 The Regional Municipality of Durham Planning Department 605 ROSSLAND ROAD E 4TH FLOOR PO BOX 623 WHITBY ON UN 6A3 CANADA 905-668-7711 Fax: 905-666-6208 E-mail: planning@ region.durham.on.ca www.region.durham.on.ca A.L. Georgieff, MCIP, RPP Commissioner of Planning q./~ !. 1-,; _."."..L. :"¡ ,·,rrJOOT·' ^E.S..... 15-6ft:, .' 1<..Cr n I #...!,.,L" ,..3,",,""_ February 2, 2006 Ms. Doris Chee Coordinator, Landscape and Parks Development City of Pickering 1 The Esplanade Pickering, ON L 1V 6K7 Re: Circulation of the Draft Regional Trail Network for comment File No. 007-05 In 2004, Regional Council established a Durham Trails Co-ordinating Committee (DTCC). The Terms of Reference outlines the scope of its activities into two separate phases. Phase one calls for the DTCC to develop a Proposal for a Regional Trail Network to: · Interconnect and enhance the Lake Ontario waterfront trail; · Further the trail system of the Lake Scugog waterfront; and · Further a regional trail system that establishes connections between: Area municipalities; The Oak Ridges Moraine and Lakes Ontario, Scugog and Simcoe; Other key destination points such as marinas, parks, conservation authority owned land and the Trent Severn Waterway; and Trails beyond the Region's boundary. Phase two calls for the DTCC to develop an implementation strategy for the approved Trail Network. At its December 1, 2005 meeting, the DTCC endorsed a draft Regional Trail Network as a basisfor initiating a consultation process to receive input on the Network. Attached is a map illustrating the draft Regional Trail Network, and a staff report outlining the background to the preparation of the Network and details on the consultation process. Also, we will be emailing you for your review and comment on a trail inventory illustrating all existing trails throughowt the Region. Any comment you may have on the accuracy of this map is appreciated~ Additional information on this Trails initiative, in.cluding the approved Terms of Reference and the meeting minutes, can be found on the Regional web site under the Planning Department page at www.reqion.durham.on.ca. In addition, the DTCC will be hosting open houses throughout Durham Region to generate public comment on the draft Network. A copy of the newspaper advertisement detailing dates and locations of the open houses is also attached. @ 100% Post Consumer REPORr#...Qe.$ /5-6& _..~>2v ","2..~_. Page 2 Any comments you may have on the draft trail network are appreciated and should be submitted prior to March 17,2006. If you have any questions please contact Chris Darling, Durham Region Planning Department. Yours truly, ~--)-- ~ é'_,/ & ~ .. ~--"¿~""-':::--'ð'- Nestor Chornobay, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Director Strategic Planning Branch :¿ _..3___ THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF DURHAM NOTICE OF OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS DRAFT REGIONAL TRAIL NETWORK & REGIONAL CYCLING PLAN STUDY Durham Region is seeking comments on two complimentary trails initiatives which will form the basis for future network development in the Region. The first is a Regional Trail Network, drafted by the Durham Trail Coordinating Committee that identifies existing and proposed future trail linkages to connect key Region wide destinations. The second is a Cycling Network, drafted to identify potential on and off road cycling routes. Open House Meetings Open house meetings to provide interested parties the opportunity to make comments and identify issues relative to these initiatives will be held from 7-8:30 pm. on the following dates and locations: February 23.2006 Town of Ajax, Municipal Building, River Plate Room, 65 Harwood Ave. S., Ajax February 28, 2006 Municipality of Clarington, Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 40 Temperance St., Bowmanville March 1, 2006 Township of Brock, Cannington Community Center, 91 Elliot St., Cannington March 2, 2006 Regional of Durham, Municipal Building, Lower Level Conference Room, 605 Rossland Rd. E. Whitby March 8, 2006 Township of Scugog, Municipal Building, Council Chambers,181 Perry St., Port Perry March 14, 2006 Township of Uxbridge, Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 51 Toronto St. S., Uxbridge March 16,2006 City of Oshawa, Municipal Building, Council Chambers,50 Centre St. S., Oshawa March 21, 2006 City of Pickering, Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 1 The Esplanade, Pickering COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? Information on the draft Regional Trail Network and the Regional Cycling Plan Study may be obtained from the Durham Region Planning Department by contacting Chris Darling or Jeff Brooks respectfully. Additional information may be obtained on-line at www.reqion.durham.on.ca Contact Information: Tel: 905-668-7711 Toll Free Tel: 1-800-372-1102 Fax: 905-666-6208 e-mail: chris.darling@region.durham.on.ca jeff.brooks@region.durham.on.ca PORT#~"S {'5-0~ .3. Planning Department "Service Excellence for our Communities" 1\:¡ -3 __.1 ?ORT#i).§,~ t S-D ~ ~,- Memorandum FROM: Chris Darling, Senior Planner Policy Planning & Special Studies DATE: February 9,2006 RE: Circulation of the Draft Regional Trail Network for Comment File No. 007-05 Further to our letter of February 2nd, please find enclosed the staff report outlining the background to the preparation of the Network, and details on the consultation process (Report No. 2006-P-6). encl. N:\Strategic PB\Citizen Advisory Committees\DTCC\draft trail network circulation followup memo.doc :3 ~'nT#-1L~S Jç..()~ --~.~ ~.. The Regional Municipality of Durham To: The Planning Committee From: Commissioner of Planning Report No.: 2006-P-6 Date: January 10, 2006 SUBJECT: Durham Trail Co-ordinating Committee Public Consultation of a Draft Regional Trail Network, File: D07 -05 RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Durham Trail Co-ordinating Committee be authorized to proceed with public consultation on the draft Regional Trail Network, as illustrated in Attachment 1 to Commissioner's Report No. 2006-P-6. REPORT: 1. PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of this report is to present a draft Regional Trail Network developed by the Durham Trail Co-ordinating Committee (DTCC) and to seek authorization for the Committee to proceed with the public consultation process. 2. BACKGROUND 2.1 The Regional Council approved Terms of Reference for the DTCC defines the scope of activities into two separate phases: Phase one requires that the Committee develop a proposal for a regional trail network to: · Interconnect and enhance the Lake Ontario waterfront trail; · Further the trail system of the Lake Scugog waterfront; and 31 .. 3 "".r, "'''",.,,'',," DES lS-o~ -3'H ~_." Report No.: 2006-P-6 Page NO.2 . Further a regional trail system that establishes connections between: · Area municipalities; · The Oak Ridges Moraine and Lakes Ontario, Scugog and Simcoe; · Other key destination points such as marinas, parks, conservation authority owned land and the Trent Severn Waterway; and · Trails beyond the Region's boundary. Phase two has DTCC facilitating the implementation of the approved Proposal. 2.2 Since their inaugural meeting in June, 2005, the DTCC has been developing a draft Regional Network. On December 1, 2005, the DTCC endorsed a draft Regional Trail Network as an appropriate basis for initiating a public consultation process. 3. DRAFT REGIONAL TRAIL NETWORK 3.1 Initially, the DTCC examined an inventory of all trails established or planned in the Region. The purpose was to identify existing higher order trails that could function as part of a Regional Network and to identify future trails needed to complete connections and fill gaps. Key destination points, unopened road allowances, trail maintenance and adjacent trails external to the Region were also considered in refining the Network. The draft Regional Trail Network developed by the Committee, illustrated in Attachment 1: · Identifies existing higher order trails that form the basis of a regional network and defines conceptual future links to fill in gaps. Three inter- regional trails, the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail, Oak Ridges Moraine Trail and the Trans Canada Trail form the backbone of the draft Trail Network. Other trails provide connections to these main trails. The exact alignment of the future trail links will be determined through more detailed studies or at the time of trail securement; · Focuses on a recreational trail network, primarily located off road; · Incorporates the trail system along the Lake Scugog waterfront in Port Perry; 32 3 >,-",.~. .~.~.. ()ES ,;-oCp Report No.: 2006-P-6 Page No.3 · Includes a variety of existing trails ranging from footpaths, to multi-use manufactured surfaces, to utility and former rail lines, to waterways and portage routes providing opportunities for different users; · Connects each area municipality; · Connects the Oak Ridges Moraine and Lakes Ontario, Scugog and Simcoe; · Connects to other key destination points such as the marinas, municipal parks, conservation authority owned land and the Trent Severn Waterway; · Establishes connections beyond the Region's municipal boundary primarily through the Waterfront Trail, the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail and the Trans-Canada Trail; and · Has been co-ordinated with the preparation of the Regional Cycling Plan Study to ensure consistency. 4. GUIDING PRINCIPLES 4.1 The approved Terms of Reference for the DTCC establishes a set of guiding principles that have been followed in the development of the draft Trail Network. Through this process, the DTCC has identified additional guiding principles for the development and implementation of the Network, including: · Trail design standards and trail users should be determined by the securing body at the time of trail securement. Currently, some area municipalities have trail design standards. Trail standards vary depending on a number of factors, such as target trail users and sensitivity of the area. Trail users are typically defined in municipal by-laws or agreements that specify the type of user for trails. Trail users can include walkers, hikers, joggers, cyclists, in-line skaters, horseback riders, cross-country skiers, canoeist and motorized vehicles. The final trail network should not pre-determine trail standards and users. Trail standards and users for existing trails should continue to be determined by the body securing the trail, as they are today. ,,"- ,) .) MEt-iT ~ REPORTu.Æ21'5-Dc¿' -5-... ()j_f.2_ Report No.: 2006-P-6 Page NO.4 · The Region should not own any off road portion of the trail system. The Region's role is to identify a Regional Trails Network that will be implemented primarily by the area municipalities. Once the Network is approved, the DTCC in its recommendation to Planning Committee will address the Region's role in the development or enhancement of trails that implement the Regional Trail Network. 5. NEXT STEPS 5.1 The draft Regional Trail Network has been developed in accordance with the Terms of Reference for a connected regional trail system throughout the Region. It is recommended that Planning Committee authorize the DTCC, with the assistance of Planning staff, to proceed with a public consultation process for the draft Regional Trail Network illustrated in Attachment 1. The public consultation process would involve: · Placing notices in the local newspapers and on the Regional web site; · Co-hosting one joint open house with the Regional Cycling Plan Study; · Hosting open houses in each area municipality; and · Circulating the draft Network to area municipalities and other stakeholders. 5.2 The consultation process will extend to the end of March and must be planned so as not to impact the consultation process being initiated for the Regional Official Plan Review. DTCC will consider all comments received and recommend to Regional and Area Municipal Councils a final Regional Trail Network with identified priority areas. ~6;1 A.L. Georgieff, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Commissioner of Planning ')4 <) ..>.3 RE ~~_. i.:1 ..J.I2...,,____ Report No.: 2006-P-6 RECOMMENDED FOR PRESENTATION TO COMMITTEE /~ Garry H. Cubitt, M.S.W. Chief Administrative Officer Attachment: 1. Draft Regional Trail Network H:\ 1-2\agendas\2006\01-1 0-06\DTCC Update.doc 35 :_,,º.ï;~ ¡5-OCo Page No.5