Report to: Development Services Committee              Date Report Authored: June 1, 2010

 

 

SUBJECT:                         Warden Avenue reconstruction from 16th Ave. to Major Mackenzie Drive by the Region of York

PREPARED BY:              Gabor Szakter, Engineering

                                            Elizabeth Wimmer, Senior Planner, Urban Design

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

1)      Report entitled “Warden Avenue reconstruction from 16th Ave. to Major Mackenzie Drive” by the Region of York be received;

 

2)      That the final detailed design for the reconstruction of Warden Avenue from 16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive by the Region of York be endorsed, as outlined in this report;

 

3)      And that the following works and funding be approved;

 

  • The installation of a 2.5m wide concrete Multi Use Pathway (MUP) in the east boulevard from 16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive at an estimated cost of $461,700 to be funded from Town account 83-5350-8114-005.
  • The installation of 1.5m wide concrete sidewalk in the west boulevard from 16th Avenue to Calvert Road and from Cachet Parkway to Major Mackenzie Drive at an estimated cost of $322,000 to be funded from Town Account 83-5350-9302-005.
  • The installation of streetlights on both sides of the road at an estimated cost of $588,600, funded from Town Account 83-5350-9301-005.

 

4)   And that a new 2010 Capital project be created within the Operations Department to include $156,600 for the diversion of existing storm flow from an existing culvert at 14 Cachet Parkway to the sewers on Warden Avenue, to be funded from the Life Cycle Replacement Capital Reserve;

 

5)  That the streetscape design “Option B” prepared by the Region of York be endorsed;

 

6)  That staff be authorized to submit an application to the Municipal Streetscape Partnership Program offered by Region of York and that the Town allocate  funding of  $65,000 from Town account 640-101-5699-7076 towards the installation of enhanced streetscape planting for this area; 

 

7)  That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Planning and Urban Design be authorized to finalize any future revisions to the streetscape plans as prepared by the Region of York;

 

8)   And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

 

 

 

1. Purpose                     2. Background                     3. Discussion                         4. Financial       

 

5. Others (HR, Strategic, Affected Units)                                   6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to:

·         Update Council on the conditions in the June 26, 2001 Council resolution for this project.

·         Update Council on the status of the project and construction schedule.

·         Obtain approval to issue a purchase order to the Region for the sidewalk, multi use pathway, illumination and storm sewer works to divert existing storm flow based on the actual tender prices.

·         Seek endorsement for the enhanced streetscape plan and to apply to the Region of York for the Municipal Streetscape Partnership Program award funding.

 

BACKGROUND:

The widening of Warden Avenue from 16th Avenue to Major MacKenzie Drive, as shown on Attachment ‘A’, by the Region is the last phase of the road widening based on the recommended improvements in the June 2001 Environmental Study (EA) for Warden Avenue from Steeles Avenue to Major MacKenzie Drive.  The Region’s detailed design has been completed and construction is to commence in Fall 2010 with completion in late 2012.  Approval from Ministry of Ministry of Natural Resourses may delay the creek crossing structures until 2011 but site preparation and some road works may start this year.

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

Council Resolution

The staff report, dated June 26, 2001 entitled, “Region of York Environmental Assessment Warden Avenue Improvements – Steeles Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive – North Section 16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive” was approved by Council subject to the conditions discussed in this report:

 

  • The need and justification for the construction of a continuous center left turn lane between Glenbourne Park Drive and Major MacKenzie Drive be reviewed in consultation with the Town during the detailed design phase of the project.

·         The impact of the proposed construction on the Warden Hemlock Woods, Berczy Creek and Carlton Creek be reviewed in greater detail and that measures to minimize these impacts be incorporated into the detailed designs for the project, including opportunities for continuous pedestrian pathway systems.

·         The Region be requested to fund the construction of raised, landscaped center medians throughout the project where feasible and that the location and extent be determined in consultation with the Town during the detailed design.

  • The installation of gateway features and the enhanced landscaping of boulevards be incorporated into the design of the project and that further consultation with the Town’s Urban Design Group regarding streetscape design be carried out during the detailed design of the project.

·         The feasibility of providing pedestrian cross-overs with median refuge islands to be reviewed in consultation with the Town during the detailed design phase of the project.

·         That the Region conduct public meetings prior to the start of construction to provide residents with details of the proposed construction activities, project schedule and mitigating measures to be implemented.

A)    Widening of Warden Avenue

 

The widening of Warden Avenue consists of the following components as per Attachment ‘B’, resulting from the detailed design:

·         The construction of a four-lane cross-section.  The installation of left turn lanes are only proposed where required, instead of a continuous centre left lane, which reduces the grading impact within the right-of-way (R.O.W.) and decreases the impact on the Warden Hemlock Woods, Carlton Creek and Berczy Creek.

·         The installation of a 0.6m wide coloured concrete strip on both sides of the boulevard behind the curb at the Region’s cost, to minimize unnecessary winter salt damage to the boulevard landscaping.

·         The installation of a 2.5m wide concrete Multi Use Pathway (MUP) in the east boulevard, from 16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive, at the Town’s cost. 

·         The installation of 1.5m wide concrete  sidewalk in the west boulevard from 16th Avenue to Calvert Road and from Cachet Parkway to Major Mackenzie Drive at the Town’s cost.

·         The installation of streetlights on both sides of the road at the Town’s cost.

·         The re-alignment of Glenbourne Park Drive to reduce the sharp angle at the Warden Avenue intersection and improve safety at the intersection.  Since the re-alignment affects access to #4 and #6 Glenbourne Park Drive, a cul-de-sac is proposed to branch off from Glenbourne Park Drive to provide access.  Region and Town staff have contacted the residents at #4 and #6 Glenborne Park Drive and are continuing the consultation process.

 

Based on the June 26, 2001 report, Council’s endorsement included that staff examine opportunities for the provision of a continuous pathway system.  A 2.5m wide multi-use trail will be provided along the easterly R.O.W. as per the Pedestrian and Cycling Masterplan. The trail will be constructed of concrete adjacent to a 0.6m wide coloured concrete strip, which is located beside the curb.  Staff have examined opportunities for an east/west connection through the valley land and do not recommend it to be pursued.  Upon review of the road design, it was determined that the vertical clearance is 1.5m, which is not sufficient to provide an opportunity for pedestrian movement along the Creek alignment under the road.  

As outlined in the June 26, 2001 report to Council, staff reviewed the feasibility of providing pedestrian cross-overs with median refuge islands at the north leg of the intersection of Warden Avenue and Calvert Road, and midway between the two intersections of Warden Avenue with Cachet Parkway.  During the detailed design stage, staff have reviewed the concept of two mid-block “at grade” pedestrian crossings.  The Region currently does not endorse non-signalized “mid-block” crossings and the use of refuge islands and pedestrian crossings without full traffic signals.  The Region has reviewed the installation of traffic signals and found that the traffic volumes currently do not meet the required warrants at these two locations.  However, the Region will install underground ducts at the intersection of Calvert Road which will allow the installation of traffic signals in the future without trenching across Warden Avenue.  The Town will work with the Region and monitor the volumes of traffic, pedestrians and cyclists to determine an appropriate time to install the traffic signal at the intersection of Calvert Road.

B)    Streetscape Design

The streetscape design on Warden Avenue, as shown in Attachment ‘C’, highlights the following measures to be implemented by the Region:

  • The layout of the proposed noise attenuation fencing along Warden Avenue was coordinated with residents and staff and has been finalized.
  • The trees removed over 20cm diameter are identified and quantified and will be replaced as per the requirements of the Trees for Tomorrow Streetscape Manual, June 2009.
  • The tree protection measures reflect the technical guidelines and details as identified in Appendices “C and G” of the “Trees for Tomorrow” Streetscape Manual, June 2009, be included in the construction drawings.

·         The impact of the proposed construction on the Warden Hemlock Woods, Berczy Creek and Carlton Creek have been reviewed in greater detail, and measures were introduced to minimize these impacts, such as reducing the footprint of the road and boulevard, where possible.

  • Enhanced landscaping and tree planting of boulevards have been incorporated into the design.

 

In the June 26, 2001 Council resolution, the Region was requested to review if raised landscaped centre medians could be provided throughout the project.  Staff examined the feasibility of this item and recommend that islands not be considered.  Staff has worked with the Region to eliminate the continuous centre turn lane, and provide left turn lanes only where required. The only opportunity for a landscaped median is from Calvert Road and Glenburn Forest Way.  Providing continuous raised centre medians would expand the width of the R.O.W. and would further impact existing natural features.  In addition, where possible, the boulevard widths have been reduced to minimize the impacts of grading to existing vegetation, while allowing for a MUP on the east side of the roadway.

 

Existing Vegetation

A detailed Tree Preservation Report has been prepared by Ecoplans on behalf of the Region.  Urban Design staff has reviewed the report and are satisfied with the proposal to achieve significant planting to mitigate and offset the overall loss of vegetation in this area. 

 

The Warden Hemlock Woods is a locally significant area as described in the Town of Markham’s Official Plan Amendment Number 52 (Policies to protect, enhance and restore natural features).  The Warden Hemlock Woods is located on both sides of Warden Avenue between Calvert Road and Glenbourne Park Drive.  The edge of the existing woods is approximately 4 to 5 metres from the existing edge of pavement. The loss of vegetation resulting from the road widening will be compensated by the planting of replacement trees by the Region.  This replacement approach will be applied in all cases where the removal of existing trees is an issue.  The “Trees for Tomorrow Streetscape Manual” (endorsed by Council June 16, 2009) requires tree replacement based on the caliper and quantity of trees over 20cm diameter to be removed.  The Town has received a Tree Preservation Report prepared on behalf of the Region which quantifies the size and number of trees to be removed.  Urban Design is working with the Region to ensure that the appropriate numbers of replacement trees are included in the final streetscape design.

 

Streetscape Options

The widening of Warden Avenue from 16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie will have an impact on the existing vegetation on the west side of Warden Avenue. In order to mitigate the impact of this street widening on the natural features, The Region has prepared two streetscape design options for Warden Avenue. In both options, the tree planting strategy is in addition to the vegetation that will be replaced due to the vegetation loss, resulting from the road widening.  

·         “Option A” identifies regular street tree planting with limited naturalized planting  adjacent to the Berczy Creek watercourse and the edge of the Warden Hemlock Woods. 

·       “Option B” identifies an enhanced planting scheme which identifies additional vegetation along the length of the R.O.W. from 16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive.  Urban Design is recommending the approval of the “Option B” plan as it provides replacement tree planting along the right-of-way which will correspond to the number of trees to be removed. 

 

Streetscape Fund

The Region has established a “Municipal Streetscape Partnership Program” which enables communities within the Region to apply for enhanced streetscape on Regional roads.  It is the requirement of the Region that the Town applies to the streetscape fund prior to the end of June of each year.  In order to apply for the streetscape fund the Region has the following requirements:

a)      The municipality is to provide 50% of the cost of the work to be undertaken.

b)      The municipality is responsible to prepare design drawings and a cost estimate for review and evaluation by the Region.  In anticipation that the Town is applying for the streetscape funding, the Region has completed the streetscape design and cost estimate.

c)      A Council resolution is required to accompany the application.  

 

The Region’s budget for Streetscape Option “A” is approximately $200,000.  Urban Design recommends Streetscape Option “B”, which utilizes the “Municipal Streetscape Partnership Program”.  The Town will fund $65,000 of the enhancement and, in turn, will apply for an additional $65,000 of funding through the Region.  Therefore, Option “B” will have an estimated budget of $330,000.

 

C)    Public Consultation

There was a Public Information Centre held by the Region on March 30, 2009 to provide an overview of the project.  

 

Prior to and during construction, the Region will be consulting with individual residents, on an as-needed basis, to provide details of the proposed construction activities, project schedule and mitigating measures to be implemented. 

 

D)    Cachet Storm Sewer Diversion

During the construction of Cachet Estates, in the 1960’s, a block of land owned by the Town was established between #12 and #14 Cachet Parkway, as per Attachment ‘D’, for the construction of a storm sewer outfall from a ditch inlet catchbasin (on the east side of Cachet Parkway) to the natural watercourse running behind these properties.  Instead of the storm sewer outfall being constructed in this block, it was constructed through private property at 14 Cachet Parkway as shown on Attachment ‘D’.  The owner of 14 Cachet Parkway has approached the Town on several occasions requesting removal and relocation of the storm outfall to the Town-owned block of land (originally secured for the storm outfall) located adjacent to the north property line.

 

The relocation of the outfall to the existing easement would cost approximately $200,000 and require removal of several mature trees which are located in the back of these properties.  Through discussions with the Operations Department and the Region, a more desirable solution to divert this storm water runoff and outfall towards the proposed storm sewer at Warden Avenue was recommended. 

 

The cost estimate for the storm sewer diversion is $156,600.  This storm sewer diversion is not included in the Operations Department’s current life cycle reserve study but will be added to the reserve study update, to be presented to Council in the Fall, 2010.  Staff is recommending that a new 2010 Capital project be created within the Operation Department to include $156,600 for the diversion, to be funded from the Operations Department storm sewer life cycle reserve.

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE: (external link)

The following financial considerations are required:

  • The installation of a 2.5m wide concrete Multi Use Pathway (MUP) in the east boulevard from 16th Avenue to Major MacKenzie Drive, at an estimated cost of $461,700, to be non-tax base funded from Account 83-5350-8114-005.
  • The installation of 1.5m wide concrete sidewalk from 16th Avenue to Calvert Road and from Cachet Parkway to Major Mackenzie Drive in the west boulevard.  The estimated cost is $322,000, to be non-tax base funded from Account 83-5350-9302-005.
  • A new 2010 Capital project be created within the Operation Department to include $156,600 for the diversion of existing storm flow from an existing culvert at 14 Cachet Parkway to the sewers on Warden Avenue, to be funded from the Operations Department storm sewer life cycle reserve.
  • Streetlights will be installed on both sides of the road at an estimated cost of $588,600, to be non-tax base funded from Account 83-5350-9301-005.
  • The Town allocate $65,000 for an enhanced landscaping scheme (Option “B”), to be non-tax base (development charge) and tax-base funded from account 640-101-5699-7076.  In addition, staff will submit an application form to the Region’s Municipal Streetscape Partnership Program, for matching Regional funding.

 

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

Warden Avenue is an important arterial route that provides a high volume of daily commuters through York Region.  By respecting the adjacent vegetation, the footprint of the widening has been minimized through the elimination of a continuous left-turn lane and providing a narrower boulevard.  By utilizing a multi-use path and enhanced landscaping, the corridor is improved for pedestrian and cyclist use.  The project supports the Town’s strategic priorities including Growth Management, Transportation/Transit, and Environmental Sustainability.

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

The Warden Avenue design has been circulated to the Operations, and Planning and Urban Design Departments.  All comments have been incorporated into this document.

 

RECOMMENDED BY: 

 

________________________                                            ________________________

Alan Brown, C.E.T.                                                                Jim Baird,.M.C.I.P., R.P.P.

Director of Engineering                                                          Commissioner of         Development Services                        

 

ATTACHMENTS:

‘A’ – Key Map of Proposed Warden Avenue Widening

‘B’ – Cross-sections of Warden Avenue

‘C’ -  Streetscape Option ‘B’

‘D’ -  Town-owned block at #14 Cachet Parkway

 

 

 

Q:\Development\Engineering\REPORTS\2010\June\Warden Ave Widening June 1, 2010.doc