Grant Program: Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC)

 

            Project summary – Pathways and Trails Program

A Cycling, Pathways and Trails Master Plan has been developed to guide the implementation of future pathways and trails network and sets out the means for improving and expanding the network across the Town.  The pathways and trails network provides a wide range of leisure, learning and healthy lifestyle opportunities for residents and visitors.

 

Among the priority projects recommended by the master plan include improvements and connections that are key linkages to trail networks.  These connections include pathways, bridges over waterways, and road crossings to facilitate safer network access.    

 

Three improvement projects that are high priority for implementation are:

 

1.      Hwy 7 Pedestrian / Cycling underpass (top priority) connecting the existing pathways along the Rouge valley east of Main Street Unionville, west of Kennedy.  There are currently 5 lanes of continuous heavy traffic along Hwy 7 which is extremely dangerous for residents, families with young children to cross.

 

2.      German Mills / Settlers Park pathways and trails improvement and expansion (2nd priority) between John St. and Steeles Ave. east of Leslie St in Thornhill.  Currently there is an existing trail along the valley from John St to Waterloo Crt / Leslie St that is in poor condition.  The Town hopes to upgrade and improve this trail to meet the existing high pedestrian and cyclist demand and also expand it to connect to an existing pathway south of Steeles Ave in Toronto.

 

3.      Main Street South Pedestrian / Cycling underpass (3rd priority) connecting the existing pathways in Unionville to Markham Centre.  The existing Main St south bridge over the Rouge River will be replaced this coming year.  As such it would be timely to expand the scope of the project to incorporate a pedestrian / cycling underpass into the bridge design to accommodate the increasing pedestrian traffic due to Markham Centre developments.

 

The end users of these facilities are residents of Markham and visitors who will use the pathways and trails network for commuting, recreational and leisure activities to enjoy the natural surroundings of our parks and open spaces. 

 

Total Cost

 

The total estimated cost for implementation of the 3 projects is:

1. Hwy 7 underpass                               $  650,000.00

2. German Mills park trail                     $1,500,000.00

3. Main St. South underpass                  $ 500,000,000

                        Total:                                                   $2,650,000.00

 

Timeline to complete – all projects require completion in 2 years

 

Phase 1: 2009 - 2010 detailed feasibility study and design, site works and tendering of the projects, concurrently

Phase 2: 2010 develop working drawings and hire contractor

Phase 3: 2010 – 2012 approvals and construction

  

            Benefits to community/Town

 

The benefits of pathways and trails network to the community and Town are significant and many and include the following:

 

Environmental and Sustainability

Support a shift away from increased automobile use, thereby reducing the negative environmental impacts related to carbon dioxide and other tail-pipe emissions.  They also educate the public about our parks and natural open spaces and help promote environmental stewardship.

 

Social and Community Benefits

Promote active transportation which helps families, friends and colleagues enjoy the health and social benefits associated with the physical activity of cycling, rollerblading and walking.

 

Health and Safety Benefits

Encourage more residents to use active transportation for commuting, recreational and other trips which lead to improved individual physical health.  Pathways and trails also provide facilities for cyclists and pedestrians that are separate from automobile traffic therefore improving safety.

 

Economic Benefits

Pathways and trails for commuters and others to cycle or walk to their destinations support individual cost savings associated with automobile commuting.  With increased use of alternative mode of transportation such as cycling and walking, the Town can also realize savings associated with road expansions and local businesses can benefit from the pedestrian traffic.  Further, these projects will provide substantial employment opportunities relating to the design and construction activities.