Active Transportation Plan

Active Transportation Plan on Counties Roads

On May 19, 2022, Counties Council approved the Active Transportation Plan as prepared by WSP and endorsed that it be considered in future planning and budgeting for Counties roads projects; and, that the other Active Transportation Plan recommendations related to items such as public outreach, programs, policy preparation and monitoring be considered as budget and resources permit.

The completion of the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) means that the Counties now has a strategy for active transportation, a network to build towards and is the first step in the Counties being able to apply for future provincial funding for active transportation capital projects to construct mainly cycling infrastructure such as paved shoulders.

The Counties Active Transportation Plan is available by clicking on the links below. 

   Leeds Grenville Active Transportation Plan (11mb)

   Leeds Grenville Active Transportation Plan - Appendices (19 mb)

Background

Over the last few years, there have been two issues, the reduction of greenhouse gases and healthy communities that have been prominent for local governments. Counties Council identified the need for an Active Transportation Plan as it relates to Counties road infrastructure. The focus of this plan was to be on active transportation using a high-level county-wide approach but with consideration of local municipal active transportation facilities and networks. The Plan was to also look at connectivity to natural assets and key destinations such as employment and shopping areas, parking/rest areas, community facilities and existing pathways/trails. The Plan was further anticipated to include design standards for active transportation infrastructure that incorporate best practices for user accessibility and safety.

The Counties applied for and received funding ($60,000) to complete a study on cycling and active transportation through the provincial Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program.

Through a request for proposals in April 2021, the Counties retained WSP to prepare the Active Transportation Plan to meet the above objectives. WSP has significant expertise in active transportation plans having completed similar exercises in the Municipality of North Grenville, in the United Counties of Prescott-Russell and in Prince Edward County.

The Plan was completed by the consulting team through a four stage process. It began with an overview of the existing conditions as it relates to active transportation and integrated what was heard through the public and stakeholder consultation process, current standards and guidelines and best practices found in similar municipalities.

The second stage was the development of the network identifying missing links, proposed routes and the criteria for selection and prioritization.

The third stage of the study was the preparation of the network project list including cost estimates, the development of the implementation plan in the short, medium and long-term planning horizons, the creation of new policies and identification of existing policy updates, and setting out future strategic initiatives (outreach and facility implementation). All of these were presented to the public, local municipalities and stakeholders through a public information centre where input was gathered and informed the draft ATP. 

The fourth phase was to finalize the prioritized project list and implementation plan, develop design standards and guidelines, and the recommendations for funding and monitoring.

Throughout the study an extensive stakeholder consultation program was undertaken by staff and the consulting team. There were multiple meetings and opportunities for input by local municipalities, stakeholders and the public. The study was guided by a technical steering committee composed of Counties staff from multiple departments and the Health Unit, who provided on-going input and advice. Early in the process, there were municipal listening sessions held with most local municipalities to gather background information and ideas for potential improvements. There was an on-line survey released to the public to gather information and opinions, a stakeholder consultation session on potential draft routes, two implementation workshops for stakeholders, and a virtual public information centre. There was a dedicated Counties’ webpage that has been kept up-to-date throughout the study. Draft documents and mapping were made available through the website for public and stakeholder input. The final document as accepted by Council on May 19, 2022 is posted above.

The ATP has developed a strategy for the design and implementation of routes, infrastructure and programs for mainly cycling transportation. The Plan focusses on Counties road infrastructure and includes proposed policies and programs, the proposed network and a prioritized project list with estimated costs and maintenance considerations for implementation within the short, medium and long-term planning horizons.

As mentioned previously, the ATP will be considered in future planning and budgeting for Counties roads projects and other Active Transportation Plan recommendations related to items such as public outreach, programs, policy preparation and monitoring be considered as budget and resources permit.