Transportation, including Active Transportation, is a vital consideration in land use planning. Development patterns that promote compact and complete communities and support efficient transportation and movement of goods can provide a basis for environmental, social, and economic well-being. The County of Simcoe Transportation Master Plan sets out detailed guidelines for achieving a comprehensive and sustainable transportation system.

Provincial & County Policy

The Provincial Policy Statement and the County of Simcoe Official Plan Policies provide direction on specific issues. The Township Official Plan policies must conform to the PPS and County Official Plan, which set out the following policies:

Safety & Efficiency

Transportation systems should be provided which are safe, energy efficient, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and are appropriate to address projected needs.

Connectivity within and among transportation systems and modes should be maintained.

Transportation and land use considerations must be integrated at all stages of the planning process.

Local municipalities should designate areas of higher density or mixed land use within Official Plans, to reduce the length and number of vehicle trips and to support active transportation.

Active Transportation

Local municipalities should develop a municipal Active Transportation Plan. Local municipalities are encouraged to develop Complete Streets and Transit Supportive Guidelines to incorporate into Official Plans.

Existing Policy & Legislation

• Provincial Policy Statement 2014
• County of Simcoe Official Plan Policies
• County of Simcoe Active Transportation Master Plan

Current Township Policies

Currently, there is no overarching policy for the provision of sidewalks and cycling facilities, although Council will give consideration for sidewalks near school sites in new developments. Off-road trails are considered as part of a system of parks and open spaces.

Roads are classified by their jurisdiction and level of service, including Provincial Highways, County Arterial Roads, Township Collector Roads, Township year-round Local Roads, and Township seasonal Local Roads. Mapping also identified aggregate haul routes, minimum right-of-way widths, and the locations of hamlets.

The current Township of Adjala-Tosorontio Official Plan:

• Prohibits new development on private roads or seasonally maintained roads.
• Permits development on roads that have the capacity to accommodate the increased traffic. A Traffic Impact Study may be required.
• Highlights the function of Provincial and County roads for carrying traffic into, out of, and around the Township.
• Encourages new developments to include through roads rather than cul-de-sacs.
• Highlights requirements for development adjacent to Provincial Highways and County Roads, provides standards for road widths, and provides guidance for upgrading unopened road allowances.

New and revised Official Plan policies will aim to balance the needs of pedestrians and cyclists with the efficient movement of goods.

Your ideas and vision are important!

What changes would you like to see?

• Do you think the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities are being addressed adequately?
• Should there be a policy for providing trails and sidewalks in settlement areas? Should there be a policy for providing cycling infrastructure and off-road multi-use paths?
• Do you think the current road classification system is sufficient to support different road functions, including the movement of goods and people?
• Please provide any other comments you may have for consideration in the development of new policies.