Category Archives: Active Transportation

Public Spaces, Recreation, Parks & Trails Policy Paper

Background

Public spaces, recreation, parks, and trails support healthy active communities. Complete communities, whether urban or rural, provide publicly-accessible spaces which foster public interaction and support quality of life. The province recently amended the Planning Act through Bill 73 to identify a new matter of provincial interest in “the promotion of built form that is well designed, encourages a sense of place, and provides public spaces that are of high quality, safe, accessible, attractive, and vibrant.” The Planning Act now requires municipalities to incorporate policies relating to the built environment into their official plans. A well-designed public realm can promote public safety, foster opportunities for social interaction, contribute to public health objectives, and support quality of life. Open spaces, such as parklands, can also contribute to environmental objectives by providing valuable ecosystem services as green infrastructure. The provision of linear parks can also promote trail development and support development of an integrated open space system.

The Project for Public Spaces explains that great public spaces are “places where celebrations are held, social and economic exchanges occur, friends run into each other, and cultures mix. They are the ‘front porches’ of our public institutions – libraries, field houses, schools – where we interact with each other and government. When theses spaces work well, they serve as the stage for our public lives.” The Project for Public Spaces outlines 4 attributes which characterize great places, including: (1) sociability, (2) users and activities, (3) access and linkage, and (4) comfort and image. These attributes help to frame thinking around development and land use patterns which promote vibrant, complete communities. Placemaking can be a useful strategy to encourage improvements to the physical, social, and economic landscapes of the Township.

The dedication of parkland is an important consideration in development and land use patterns. Changes in provincial planning policies through Bill 73 support dedication of parkland rather than cash-in-lieu. To support transparency, there have been changes to requirements for reporting on density bonusing and parkland fees. New policies require development of a Parks Plan if municipalities would like to use the alternative parkland dedication rate; however, this is not required should the Township continue to use the current standard rates of 5% for residential development and 2% for commercial/industrial development.

Recreational opportunities in natural settings are abundant in a rural context, although opportunities for neighbourhood parks with facilities such as playgrounds and sports pitches need to be explored. Consideration for AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities) design standards in the development/redevelopment of neighbourhood parks and public spaces is necessary. Resources such as Parks and Recreation Ontario’s Pathways to Recreation Guidebook provides assistance in understanding the

Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (O.Reg. 191/11) regarding design of public spaces. According to the Guidebook, “The Design of Public Spaces Standard will help eliminate physical barriers to accessing some kinds of outdoor recreation experiences. The Standard is now law and requirements are being phased in over time.”

Proposed Objectives

The following objectives are those which are being considered for the new Township of Adjala-Tosorontio Official Plan. They have been developed through an examination of existing Official Plan objectives and principles, review of the Adjala-Tosorontio Community-Based Strategic Plan, and input received from council, the public, agencies, and Township staff.

To provide an adequate range and distribution of public spaces, recreation, parks, and trails to meet long-term needs in a sustainable manner

To promote healthy, active livable, and safe communities which support active transportation

To promote built form and development patterns which are sustainable, oriented to pedestrians, well-designed, and encourage a sense of place

To provide for public spaces that are of high quality, safe, accessible, attractive and vibrant

To support overall quality of life, including human health, for people of all ages and abilities

Proposed Policies

The following policies are those which are being considered for the new Township of Adjala-Tosorontio Official Plan. They have been developed through:

Reviewing existing Official Plan policies and updating them to comply with new provincial and county policy requirements
Input received from council, the public, agencies, and municipal staff

Policies that have been strictly mandated by the province or county appear in bold whereas those that have been municipally derived appear in plain text.

Public Spaces, Recreation, Parks, and Trails – General

The Township will plan and provide for a full range and equitable distribution of publicly-accessible built and natural settings for recreation, including:

(a) facilities,

(b) parklands,

(c) public spaces,

(d) open space areas,

(e) trails and linkages, and

(f) water-based resources, where practical and appropriate (PPS 1.5.1)

The Township will plan for and provide a supply of parks, trails and other recreation facilities needed to support planned population and employment growth in a timely manner, particularly as built-up areas are intensified (Proposed Growth Plan 2.2.1.3)

The Township may consider entering into joint use agreements with other municipalities to secure services, as required (Township OP 3.2.5)

The Township shall comply with the accessibility standards prescribed in O.Reg. 191/11 under Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in the design of public spaces (O.Reg 191/11)

The Township will plan public streets, spaces and facilities to be safe, meet the needs of pedestrians, foster social interaction and facilitate active transportation and community connectivity (PPS 1.5.1)

The Township encourages establishment of an open space system within settlement areas, which may include opportunities for urban agriculture, rooftop gardens, communal courtyards, and public parks. (Proposed Growth Plan 4.2.5.2)

The Township recognizes provincial parks, conservation reserves, and other protected areas, and will minimize negative impacts on these areas. (PPS 1.5.1)

The Township, in cooperation with conservation authorities, non-governmental organizations, and other interested parties, encourages the development of a system of publicly accessible parkland, open space and trails, that:

(a) clearly demarcates where public access is and is not permitted;

(b) is based on a co-ordinated approach to trail planning and development; and

The Township promotes high quality built form and publicly-accessible open spaces that are safe and accessible with site design standards that create an attractive and vibrant public realm. (Proposed Growth Plan 2.2.1.3)

The design of streetscapes, building orientation, and traffic flow should be planned to provide safe pedestrian and cycling access and movement in downtowns, main streets, and other activity areas. (Simcoe County OP 4.1.5)

When considering secondary plans and development applications, the Township, in cooperation with the County, shall pursue the connection of trails and/or bicycle facilities among other local municipalities and beyond County boundaries and require the dedication of land for such use in accordance with the Planning Act. (Simcoe County OP 4.8.45)

The Township should consider opportunities for the planning and provision of public art and other placemaking strategies as appropriate

Park Dedication

In considering land division by registered plan of subdivision, the Township may require the applicant to dedicate up to 5% of the gross area for residential development or 2% for commercial/industrial development to the provision of public open space other than roads. This dedication may take the form of land or as a cash payment under the provisions of the Planning Act. (Township OP 8.10.1)

Land judged by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority or the Toronto Region Conservation Authority to be hazard areas will be set aside as permanent open space and shall not constitute part of the dedication for public open space use. (Township OP 8.10.2)

Planning for park dedication shall help to promote active communities by:

(a) Providing a full range of and distribution of publicly accessible recreational facilities including but not limited to facilities, parklands, and open space areas;

(b) Considering the impacts of planning decisions on provincial parks, conservation reserves and areas. (Township OP 8.10.3)

Recreation Trails

In order to enhance the potential for a network of linked trails throughout the Township, regard will be had for the creation and preservation of such a network when evaluating development proposals. (Township OP 8.11.1)

Where deemed appropriate by the Township, it may require that development provide lands and/or develop lands for a linked trail system may be required. This is considered to be infrastructure similar to that required for the provision of roads and others services to support development. The provision, and development, of land for trails shall therefore not be considered to be part of the park dedication requirement. That is, the provision of trails shall be over and above the requirements for provision and development of parkland.

Abandoned rail right-of-ways, utility corridors, and waterways for transportation, recreation and trails purposes should be examined for opportunities that would facilitate active transportation. The Township may promote the facilitation of trails as an interim use in abandoned rail corridors and will consider combination of active transportation and rail facilities for the long term (Simcoe County OP 4.8.51)

Township road allowances which could become a link in a trail system will not be conveyed out of public ownership. (Township OP 8.11.3)

Where application is made to close and convey a road allowance, if the road allowance would not contribute to a trail system, regard shall be had for the possibility of conducting an exchange for alternative land that could become part of a trail system. (Township OP 8.11.4)

Any such trails will have regard for the protection of the surrounding agricultural operations, and will not interfere with such operations. (Township OP 8.11.5)

It is the objective of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan to establish or extend trails throughout the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area subject to Section X.X.X.X of this Plan. (Township OP 8.11.6)

Open Space Recreation Designation

Location and Definition

Lands designated as open space recreation are identified on Schedules X to X and X to X of this Plan. (Township OP 4.7.1.1)

The Open Space Recreation designation generally includes those lands in the Township owned by public authorities (e.g. County Forests and Provincial Parks) or used for private recreation activities (e.g. rod and gun clubs, ski clubs, golf courses, etc.) The Township will consider what constitutes a ‘private club’ (Township OP 4.7.1.2)

Development and site alteration on lands currently used for Open Space Recreation on the Oak Ridges Moraine are subject to the policies of Section <<to be determined>>of this Plan. (Township OP 4.7.1.3)

The Township should in its zoning by-law establish a hierarchy of parks (community parks, neighbourhood parks, natural areas, parkettes, etc.) which includes methodology and criteria for designating park classes (i.e. size, services provided, location, and service radius) with associated permitted uses. (Township OP 4.7.1.4)

Principles

The preservation and promotion of the rural and open space character of the Township is a basic principle for development in the Open Space Recreation designation. (Township OP 4.7.2.1)

Major public lands that have an open space, conservation or recreation focus are identified in the Open Space Recreation designation. (Township OP 4.7.2.2)

Private lands in the Township that are used for open space or recreational activities, or major private recreational activities shall be located in the Open Space Recreation designation, except for those lands located on the Oak Ridges Moraine where low-intensity recreational uses may be located in the Natural Core Area and Natural Linkage Area designations and major recreational uses may be located in the Countryside Area designation, all subject to the policies of Section 4.12 of this Plan. (Township OP 4.7.2.3)

Major large scale private recreational facilities that require a large amount of land to develop shall be discouraged from locating within existing Settlement Areas due to potential conflicts with noise, light and traffic associated with such uses. (Township OP 4.7.2.4)

The Township will promote the linkage of parks within Settlement Areas through the use of trails or pathways. Park locations shall also maintain continuous road frontage on at least one roadway to allow for visibility. Parkland dedications that do not provide a continuous road frontage along at least one roadway will be discouraged. The Township shall determine on a case by case basis an appropriate frontage for parks. (Township OP 4.7.2.5)

Permitted Uses

The predominant use of land shall be for public and private outdoor recreation uses, which may include:

Public parks of all types, including fairgrounds and lands owned by or under the control of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority or the Toronto Region Conservation Authority;
Private parks, including picnic areas, camp grounds, swimming areas, pavilions, eating establishments and other service buildings associated with the park use;
Private clubs including those for golf, skiing, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling;
Private lands for hiking trails or wilderness areas involving the use of open lands; and
Conservation and forest management uses. (Township OP 4.7.3.1)

Development Policies

One single detached residential use that is accessory to a recreation use may be developed on a property. (Township Official Plan 4.7.4.1)

New lot creation is not permitted on lands designated open space recreation. (Township Official Plan 4.7.4.2)

Where lands designated Open Space Recreation are under private ownership, this Plan shall not be construed so as to imply that the lands are free and open to the general public, or that the lands are to be acquired by the Township or the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority or the Toronto Region Conservation Authority.

The standards appropriate for new permitted uses shall be established in the zoning by-law, consistent with the policies of this plan. (Township Official Plan 4.7.4.4)

An Agricultural Impact Study, Environmental Impact Study and Planning Justification Report shall be submitted to the satisfaction of the Township prior to Council considering a zoning amendment to permit new large scale private recreational uses (including golf courses) within the Open Space Recreation designation. (Township Official Plan 4.7.4.5)

New private recreational uses located outside the Open Space Recreation designation shall proceed by Official Plan Amendment, and zoning by-law amendment with guidelines for appropriate standards established as part of the Amendment. (Township Official Plan 4.7.4.6)

Proposed Definitions

Active transportation: means human-powered travel, including but not limited to, walking, cycling, inline skating and travel with the use of mobility aids, including motorized wheelchairs and other power-assisted devices moving at a comparable speed. (PPS 2014) & (County of Simcoe)

Green Infrastructure: Natural and human-made elements that provide ecological and hydrologic functions and processes. Green infrastructure can include components such as natural heritage features and systems, parklands, stormwater management systems, street trees, urban forests, natural channels, permeable surfaces, and green roofs. (PPS, 2014) (Proposed Growth Plan 2016)

Major recreational uses: means recreational uses that require large-scale modification of terrain, vegetation or both and usually also require large-scale buildings or structures, including but not limited to the following:

• golf courses,

• serviced playing fields,

• serviced campgrounds,

• ski hills. (Township OP)

Public Realm: All spaces to which the public has unrestricted access, such as streets, parks and sidewalks. (Proposed Growth Plan 2016)

Public Service Facilities: Lands, buildings and structures for the provision of programs and services provided or subsidized by a government or other body, such as social assistance, recreation, police and fire protection, health and educational programs, and cultural services. Public service facilities do not include infrastructure. (PPS, 2014) & (Proposed Growth Plan 2016) & (County of Simcoe)

Recreation: means leisure time activity undertaken in built or natural settings for purposes of physical activity, health benefits, sport participation and skill development, personal enjoyment, positive social interaction and the achievement of human potential. (PPS 2014)

Recreational district: is an area within the rural area identified within a local municipal official plan as an area to be mapped and planned on a comprehensive basis to accommodate recreational, residential, and related commercial development associated with particular geographic features. (County of Simcoe)

Transportation Policy Paper

Background

The province, county, and township cooperate to provide for the development of an integrated multimodal transportation network which efficiently moves people and goods, and also supports active transportation. The road network and hierarchy are important structural elements of the township, since they provide a framework for corridor functions and right-of-way design. Currently in the township, roads are classified by jurisdiction, function, and level of service. Provincial highways are intended to facilitate movement of a high volume of traffic, and are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation. Arterial roads are medium to high traffic volume roads under the jurisdiction of the county, intended to move people and goods inter-municipally. Collector roads are township collector roads which provide for movement and access to a variety of land uses. Township roads are local roads maintained year-round and local roads maintained seasonally which carry low traffic volumes.

Encouraging the use of alternative transportation modes and reducing automotive congestion and one-passenger trips contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved public health. Development of Complete Streets policies can support planning and design for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, public transit, and vehicles. Public streets and streetscapes have a significant effect on the public realm in settlement areas, so the design of transportation facilities should contribute to quality built form, meet the needs of pedestrians, and facilitate community connectivity. Pedestrian-oriented, human-scale streetscapes can encourage more people to choose walking or cycling.

The County of Simcoe Official Plan outlines a number of steps being implemented to support effective multimodal transportation. The County of Simcoe Transportation Master Plan (TMP) provides more specific strategies to improve transportation, including road network improvements, support for alternative travel modes, and transportation demand management (e.g. carpooling/ridesharing; parking management; site design and on-site facilities that support transit and walking; bicycle facilities and programs; initiatives to discourage single vehicle occupant trips). The TMP directs local municipalities to develop active transportation plans, and encourages connections between local streets and neighbourhood parks, schools, natural areas, and other open spaces in new subdivision plans. The TMP also provided the impetus for development of the Simcoe County Trails Strategy.

Significant work has also been undertaken at the provincial level to promote active transportation, including the development of #CycleON Ontario’s Cycling Strategy, which calls for improved commuter cycling facilities and networks. It is clear that the province and the county are encouraging municipalities to shift away from accommodating single occupant vehicles towards to provide a more comprehensive, sustainable, and efficient transportation system.

Proposed Objectives

To coordinate long-term transportation system planning, land use planning, and transportation investment

To provide a safe, efficient multimodal transportation system to facilitate the movement of people and goods

To protect major goods movement facilities and corridors for long term use

To reduce traffic congestion and minimize the length and number of vehicle trips through Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies, and through designation of higher-density and mixed-use areas

To encourage the use of active transportation as a mode of transportation that supports healthy living, economic development, and tourism, and to support cycling

To promote development of complete communities with an interconnected cycling and pedestrian system

Proposed Policies

The following policies are those which are being considered for the new Township of Adjala-Tosorontio Official Plan. They have been developed through:

Reviewing existing Official Plan policies and updating them to comply with new provincial and county policy requirements
Input received from council, the public, agencies, and municipal staff

Policies that have been strictly mandated by the province or county appear in bold whereas those that have been municipally derived appear in plain text.

Public Road Access

Direct public year round maintained road access is required for all uses in the Township, with the exception of forestry or agricultural uses. (Township OP 5.2.1)

No development is permitted on private roads or on seasonally maintained public roads. (Township OP 5.2.1)

The Township will require permit applications for new entrances and for the upgrading of existing entrances to all local roads. (Township OP 5.2.1)

Transportation Systems

Transportation systems should be provided which are safe, energy efficient, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and are appropriate to address projected needs. (PPS 2014 1.6.7.1)

As part of a multimodal transportation system, connectivity within and among transportation systems and modes should be maintained and, where possible, improved including connections which cross jurisdictional boundaries. (PPS 2014 1.6.7.3)

A land use pattern, density and mix of uses should be promoted that minimizes the length and number of vehicle trips and supports current and future use of active transportation. (PPS 2014 1.6.7.4)

Transportation and land use considerations shall be integrated at all stages of the planning process. (PPS 2014 1.6.7.5)

Transportation systems will be planned and managed to:

(a) provide connectivity among transportation modes for moving people and for moving goods;

(b) offer a balance of transportation choices that reduces reliance upon the automobile and promotes active transportation;

(c) be sustainable and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the most financially and environmentally appropriate mode for trip-making;

(d) offer multimodal access to jobs, housing, schools, cultural and recreational opportunities, and goods and services; and

(e) provide for the safety of system users. (Proposed Growth Plan 3.2.2.2)

In the design, refurbishment or reconstruction of the existing and planned street network, a complete streets approach will be adopted that ensures the needs and safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of cars and trucks are considered and appropriately accommodated. (Proposed Growth Plan 3.2.2.3)

In addition to Section X of this Plan, in the consideration of new roads and related infrastructure, lands located on Schedules ‘X to X’ on the Oak Ridges Moraine shall be subject to the provisions of Section X.X.X of this Plan. (Township OP 5.3.7)

Road Hierarchy and Network

The Township will consult with the Ministry of Transportation and the County of Simcoe as appropriate. (Township OP 5.3.4)

Provincial

The principal function of Provincial Highways and County Roads is to carry traffic into, out of and through the Township. This important purpose will be protected by the Township. Any application leading to the intensification of existing land uses or the establishment of new ones along these corridors will be considered in conjunction with Provincial and County policies and guidelines. (Township OP 5.3.3)

Provincial Highways are designed to carry large volumes of traffic at high speed. Therefore, access to these roads is restricted. (Township OP 5.4.1)

Development adjacent to Provincial Highways is subject to the requirements and permits of the Ministry of Transportation. (Township OP 5.4.2)

County

Entrances onto County Roads shall be in conformity with the roads policies and by-laws of the County of Simcoe. (Township OP 5.5.1)

Development adjacent to County Roads is subject to the requirements and permits of the County of Simcoe. (Township OP 5.5.2)

Township

Schedules <<>> and <<>> indicate the minimum rights-of-way width for roads in the Township. Where existing rights-of-way do not meet the standard established in the Township Official Plan, road widening may be acquired through various means, including through approval of consents and registered plans of subdivision and site plan control. (Township OP 5.6.1)

Unopened Road Allowances

Some road allowances shown on Schedules <<>> and <<>> have not been “opened” by the Township in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Act. The Township will not upgrade, maintain or repair such roads for vehicular traffic unless and until a by-law has been enacted and passed by the Council to open any one of the roads so designated for public vehicular use, the road is upgraded to the standards of the Township, and meets the requirements of Section 4.12.16 for those lands on the Oak Ridges Moraine as shown on Schedules <<>>to this Plan. Upgrading of unopened road allowances is the responsibility of the proponent of the development (Township OP 5.7.1)

Traffic Impact Study

Development applications may require a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) to address safe access/egress, turning lanes and other issues identified by the Township, the County or by the Ministry of Transportation. (Township OP 5.8.1)

Transportation Demand Management

Efficient use shall be made of existing and planned infrastructure, including through the use of transportation demand management strategies, where feasible. (PPS 2014 1.6.7.2)

The Township will develop and implement transportation demand management policies to:

a) reduce trip distance and time;

b) increase the modal share of alternatives to the automobile, which may include setting modal share targets;

c) prioritize active transportation, transit and goods movement over single-occupant automobiles; and

d) target significant trip generators. (Proposed Growth Plan 3.2.2.4)

Transportation and Infrastructure Corridors

The Township shall plan for and protect corridors and rights-of-way for infrastructure, including transportation, and electricity generation facilities and transmission systems to meet current and projected needs. (PPS 2014 1.6.8.1)

The Township shall protect major goods movement facilities and corridors for the long term. (PPS 2014 1.6.8.2)

The Township will plan for and protect corridors and rights-of-way for infrastructure, including major goods movement facilities and corridors, transportation, active transportation and electricity generation and utility facilities and transmission systems to meet current and projected needs. (PPS 2014 1.6.8.1 & County of Simcoe OP4.8.7)

The Township shall not permit development in planned corridors that could preclude or negatively affect the use of the corridor for the purpose(s) for which it was identified. New development proposed 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 and should be designed to avoid, mitigate or minimize negative impacts on and from the corridor and transportation facilities. (PPS 2014 1.6.8.3)

The preservation and reuse of abandoned corridors for purposes that maintain the corridor’s integrity and continuous linear characteristics should be encouraged, wherever feasible. (PPS 2014 1.6.8.4)

Active Transportation

The Township will ensure that active transportation networks are comprehensive and integrated into transportation planning to provide:

a) safe, comfortable travel for pedestrians, bicyclists and other users of active transportation; and

b) continuous linkages between strategic growth areas, adjacent neighbourhoods and key trip generators, including dedicated lane space for bicyclists on the major street network, where feasible, or other safe and convenient alternatives. (Proposed Growth Plan 3.2.3.4)

The Township will consider development and implementation of a Complete Streets policy, and consider opportunities for accommodating all road users

In the design and provision of active transportation facilities, the Township will consider provincial guidelines outlined in Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18 (OTM 18)

The Township will ensure, whenever feasible, the provision of facilities to encourage active transportation, and to address the needs, safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists when constructing or reconstructing public facilities (County Official Plan 4.8.46)

The Township may consider development of a municipal Active Transportation Plan, which should include: (County Official Plan 4.8.47)

(1) An active transportation system map identifying existing and proposed sidewalks, bicycle facilities, multi-use trails, and associated facilities, including proposed connection to the County Trail System;

(2) Policies requiring the provision of sidewalks and/or multi-use trails through all new development areas and standards outlining a minimum number of development units for application of this policy;

(3) Policies outlining the requirements and conditions related to the dedication of lands in new development areas to complete future trail and sidewalk connections identified in the Official Plan;

(4) Policies outlining cycling and pedestrian safety measures to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with motor vehicle collisions (i.e. traffic calming, narrower streets, signage, cycling lanes, etc.);

(5) Policies and plans that identify where new sidewalks and trails should be provided through existing built up areas;

(6) Policies and standards specifying the design parameters that should be used for new trails and sidewalks that reflect Ontario Provincial Standards, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements, and best practices; and

(7) Policies requiring the provision of secure bicycle racks and shelters, showers and change rooms, and sidewalk connections between buildings and municipal sidewalks for all new community centres, schools and other public use buildings, meeting halls, and major employment land uses that meet a minimum floor space threshold to be established by the Township.

Design of Development

Entrances shall only be considered where adequate sight lines can be maintained. New entrances are discouraged on hills or curves. (Township OP 5.3.1)

Development shall only be permitted on roads that have the capacity to accommodate the increased traffic generated by that development. (Township OP 5.3.1)

On main streets, downtown areas and in the design of public facilities and streetscapes, development which generates an increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic, the application of Complete Streets and Township design guidelines shall be incorporated, where appropriate. (County of Simcoe OP 4.8.40)

In the design of new subdivisions, the township will encourage the development of through roads and will avoid the creation of cul-de-sacs, except where the scale of development or the natural features of the site preclude the reasonable construction of a through road. (Township OP 5.3.6)

The Township will incorporate site plan design that promotes multimodal transportation and Complete Streets concepts along County Roads within settlement areas, in consultation with the County. (Simcoe County OP 4.8.14)

When considering secondary plans and development applications, the Township shall pursue the connection of trails and/or bicycle facilities among local municipalities and beyond County boundaries and require the dedication of land for such use in accordance with the Planning Act. (County Official Plan 4.8.45)

Proposed Definitions

Active Transportation: Human-powered travel, including but not limited to, walking, cycling, inline skating and travel with the use of mobility aids, including motorized wheelchairs and other power-assisted devices moving at a comparable speed. (PPS, 2014) (Proposed Growth Plan 2016) (County of Simcoe OP)

Compact Built Form: A land use pattern that encourages the efficient use of land, walkable neighbourhoods, mixed land uses (residential, retail, workplace and institutional) all within one neighbourhood, proximity to transit and reduced need for infrastructure. Compact built form can include detached and semi-detached houses on small lots as well as townhouses and walk-up apartments, multi-storey commercial developments, and apartments or offices above retail. Walkable neighbourhoods can be characterized by roads laid out in a well-connected network, destinations that are easily accessible by active transportation, sidewalks with minimal interruptions for vehicle access, and a pedestrian friendly environment along roads to encourage active transportation. (Proposed Growth Plan 2016)

Complete streets: means a public right-of-way where the transportation facilitates and adjacent land uses are planned, designed and constructed to accommodate users of all ages and abilities including pedestrians, cyclists, automobiles and freight traffic. (County of Simcoe OP)

Freight-supportive: In regard to land use patterns, means transportation systems and facilities that facilitate the movement of goods. This includes policies or programs intended to support efficient freight movement through the planning, design and operation of land use and transportation systems. Approaches may be recommended by the Province or based on municipal approaches that achieve the same objectives. (PPS, 2014) (Proposed Growth Plan 2016)

Grid Roads: refer to roads such as Concession and Sideroads which form part of the original rural road system of the Township, plus all arterial roads which now serve as Provincial Highways, County Roads, and local municipal arterial roads. (County of Simcoe OP)

Major Goods Movement Facilities and Corridors: The transportation facilities and corridors associated with the inter- and intra-provincial movement of goods. Examples include: inter-modal facilities, ports, airports, truck terminals, freight corridors, freight facilities, and haul routes and primary transportation corridors used for the movement of goods. Approaches that are freight-supportive may be recommended in guidelines developed by the Province or based on municipal approaches that achieve the same objectives. (PPS, 2014) (Proposed Growth Plan 2016) (County of Simcoe OP)

Modal Share: The percentage of person-trips or of freight movements made by one travel mode, relative to the total number of such trips made by all modes. (Proposed Growth Plan 2016)

Multimodal: Relating to the availability or use of more than one form of transportation, such as automobiles, walking, and cycling. (PPS, 2014) (Proposed Growth Plan 2016) (County of Simcoe OP)

Traffic Demand Management (TDM): means a set of strategies that result in more efficient use of the transportation system by influencing travel behaviour by mode, time of day, frequency, trip length, regulation, route or cost. (County of Simcoe OP)

Transportation Demand Management: A set of strategies that result in more efficient use of the transportation system by influencing travel behaviour by mode, time of day, frequency, trip length, regulation, route, or cost. (PPS, 2014) (Proposed Growth Plan 2016)

Transportation System: A system consisting of facilities, corridors and rights-of-way for the movement of people and goods, and associated transportation facilities including sidewalks, cycle lanes, parking facilities, park-and-ride lots, service centres, rest stops, vehicle inspection stations, inter-modal facilities, and associated facilities such as storage and maintenance. (PPS, 2014) (Proposed Growth Plan 2016) (County of Simcoe OP)

Trip Generators: Destinations with high population densities or concentrated activities which generate a large number of trips (e.g., urban growth centres and other downtowns, major office and office parks, major retail, employment areas, community hubs and other public service facilities and other mixed-use areas) (Proposed Growth Plan 2016)

Transportation & Active Transportation

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.