New Tecumseth Online Meeting

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Welcome

Welcome

The Town of New Tecumseth has initiated a Multi Modal Active Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Study to develop a multi-modal transportation system that is safe, efficient, economical, convenient, and comfortable for all users. The TMP builds upon the Town’s Official Plan, Simcoe County TMP Update, County of Simcoe Official Plan, and Provincial plans and policies.

In Phase 1, we asked you to share your Vision for transportation in New Tecumseth. Based on the review of the comments received as part of the Phase 1 study, the project team has developed a set of Alternative Planning Strategies considering recommended walking, cycling, transit, and road projects to address key issues and opportunities identified in Phase 1.

Phase 2 of this study seeks your feedback on the alternatives considered and the recommended projects.

We Want to Hear From You

Click through the slides to learn about the Alternative Planning Strategies and recommended projects. Certain slides will have areas where you can provide your feedback on the information shown in the slide.

Provide a comment at any point by clicking the “Comment” button at the top right corner of your screen. Once finished, please make sure to hit "Submit" to send your comments to the project team.

How to Navigate

Click through the slides using the navigation pane on the left side of the screen or with the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen.

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Project Objectives

Purpose

The New Tecumseth Multi Modal Active Transportation Master Plan (TMP) will:

  • Improve the movement of all users by identifying cost-effective, feasible and implementable alternatives
  • Assess the existing and projected travel demand to the horizon year of 2041
  • Improve safety and efficiency of the transportation network for all users

Following Phase 1 and 2 of the Environmental Assessment

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The TMP Study is following Phase 1 and 2 of the Environmental Assessment. This Study is currently in Phase 2, Alternative Solutions, where we identify and analyze alternatives, evaluate and select the preferred alternative, and confirm the preferred network solution.

Click the image below to enlarge.

New Tecumseth is a town of situated in the County of Simcoe in southcentral Ontario. It is bordered by the Township of Essa to the north, the Town of Innisfil to the northeast, the Town of Bradford West-Gwillimbury to the east, the Township of King (in York Region) to the south, the Town of Caledon (in Peel Region) to the southwest, and the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio to the west. The Town comprises three main settlement areas: Alliston, Beeton, and Tottenham.

Phase 1 Summary (1 of 2)

Population and Employment Growth

Based on preliminary 2041 estimates, New Tecumseth will experience significant growth between 2016 and 2041.

Click the image below to enlarge.

This graph shows that the Town of New Tecumseth has grown from 27,700 persons in 2006 to 34,250 persons in 2016. The majority of this population growth occurred between 2011 and 2016, where the growth was almost double when compared to 2006 and 2011. Much of this growth occurred in the northern and southwestern parts of Alliston due to the development of new subdivisions.

91%
Population growth between 2016 and 2041*

91%
Employment growth between 2016 and 2041


Note: The 2041 population and employment forecasts are estimates and subject to change. The County of Simcoe is currently in the process of a Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) to determine 2041 population and employment, which will then be subject to Provincial approval.

Drivers of Change

  • New development in Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham will continue to increase traffic demand to, from and within the Town
  • The opening of Line 5 interchange at Highway 400 is changing traffic patterns and road improvement needs
  • Simcoe County LINX Transit Service is connecting Alliston to Bradford and the GO Station
  • Desire for Local Town Transit Service
  • Desire for better active transportation infrastructure

Future Development Areas and Growth in Traffic

By 2041, we anticipate significant growth in east-west travel to access County Road 27 and Highway 400 as well as north-south travel to Highway 9.

Click the image below to enlarge.

This map shows the forecasted travel demand for the year 2041. There will significant congestion along Highway 9 and Highway 89, as well as on County Road 10 within and south of Tottenham.
Key Traffic Issues
  1. North-south traffic volumes south of Tottenham.
  2. High vehicle and truck traffic volumes on Queen Street through Tottenham.
  3. East-west traffic volumes on Victoria Street in Alliston.
  4. Traffic operations issues at Victoria Street, King Street, Young Street and Albert Street in Alliston.
  5. East-west traffic volumes on Highway 89
  6. East-west traffic volumes through Beeton to access to County Road 27 and Highway 400.

Phase 1 Summary (2 of 2)

Future Traffic Conditions – Traffic Signal Delay in Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham

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This map illustrates where there is traffic delay in Alliston.

Growth will also put added strain on the transportation systems in the Town’s settlement areas – particularly in Alliston and Tottenham.

LOS A/B = Minor Delay

LOS C/D = Moderate Delay

LOS E/F = Significant Delay

This map illustrates where there is traffic delay in Beeton.
This map illustrates where there is traffic delay in Tottenham

Phase 1 Consultation

Community Pop-Up Events

Community pop-events were held across New Tecumseth and provided opportunities for the public to provide their input. Community pop-up events were held on:

  • April 13, 2019: Tottenham Home Show and Artisan Market
  • April 27, 2019: New Tecumseth Home & Leisure Show; and
  • August 10, 2019: Alliston Potato Festival.


Key messages that we heard from residents included:

  • Support for Transit: Residents generally responded positively to bringing some form of public transit to New Tecumseth, and recognized that is a need for youth and seniors.
  • Improve Roadways: Residents generally responded positively to bringing some form of public transit to New Tecumseth, and recognized that is a need for youth and seniors.
  • Improve Cycling/Active Infrastructure: Residents were supportive of improving cycling infrastructure within the Town, with many supporting the various cycling trails that already exist. Residents also commented that in many areas there are no sidewalks and would like to see more constructed.

Open House #1: What We Heard

Open House #1 was held on October 3, 2019 at the administration centre at 10 Wellington Street East, Alliston. Key messages we heard from residents included:

  • Lack of safe active transportation infrastructure generally throughout the Town. Suggestions included adding sidewalk to roads such as 11th Line, wider sidewalks, paved shoulders, adding or modifying crosswalks and better signage.
  • Support for cycling infrastructure: Albert Street, Church Street, and King Street were identified as streets that are unsafe to bike on and require cycling infrastructure.

Other Engagement Activities

Other engagement activities carried out in Phase 1 included:

  • Public Opinion Transportation Survey
  • Student / Youth Transportation Survey
  • Major employer Transportation Survey
  • Meeting with major employers
  • Meeting with local Business Associations

Problem and Opportunity Statement

The Town of New Tecumseth is comprised of three distinct settlement areas and dispersed rural areas with limited connectivity between them. The automobile is the primary method of travel within the Town as there is no existing conventional transit service and limited active transportation facilities.

The Town of New Tecumseth’s population is expected to nearly double between 2016 and 2041, with the majority of this growth being targeted towards the existing settlement area of Alliston. This will cause strain and congestion on the existing road network if the current car-focused trends continue.

The Town can address these transportation issues through the following opportunities:

Provide transportation options that meet the needs of all Town residents, especially those without access to an automobile

Create complete streets which are accessible and safe for all users

Improve existing roads to ensure they can meet growing demand

Explore transit options and implementation opportunities

Encourage walking and cycling for short trips

Improve connections between the settlement areas and rural areas

Alternative Strategies

Overview

To address emerging issues, priorities, and initial feedback summarized in the Problem and Opportunity Statement, the project team identified four Alternative Strategies guide the development of the list of potential road improvements projects:

Alternative 1: Create a Town-wide Pedestrian and Cycling Network

Alternative 2: Transit Service Implementation Strategy

Alternative 3: Road Network Improvements

Alternative 4: Local Traffic Improvements

Alternative 1 - Create a Town-wide Pedestrian and Cycling Network

Alternative 1 - Create a Town-wide Pedestrian and Cycling Network

The project team developed a draft Active Transportation Network to address the needs and opportunities for cycling and walking in the Town of New Tecumseth.

The proposed network was developed to:

  • Build connections to points of interest
  • Link gaps in the existing cycling and pedestrian network
  • Support and feed into the Active Transportation Plan

Highlights:

  • Trans-Canada Trail connection between Beeton and Tottenham
  • New Trail between Beeton and Alliston
  • On-street cycling facilities within Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham

Proposed Active Transportation Network

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This map illustrates the Preliminary Route Cycling Network

Routes shown are conceptual and subject to further study

Alternative 2 - Transit Service Implementation Strategy

Alternative 2 - Transit Service Implementation Strategy

A Transit Feasibility Study was completed in 2019 and a preliminary fixed route service connecting Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham was endorsed by council in July 2019. This route will complement the County’s new LINX transit route connecting Alliston to Bradford GO Station via Beeton and Bond Head.

Next Steps

  • Conduct a Transit Implementation Strategy Study to further refine routing and initial stop locations
  • Investigate potential capital and operating funding programs from higher levels of government
  • Review potential alternatives for accessible transportation

Proposed Route

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This map illustrates the Preliminary Route for fixed route transit service connecting Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham.

Alternative 3 - Road Network Improvements

Alternative 3 - Road Network Improvements

Proposed Road Improvement Projects that have been identified to address key Town-wide traffic issues include:

  • Road Widening
  • New Roads
  • Road Upgrades

Satisfying Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Requirements
Alternative solutions to address key traffic issues have been identified. These alternatives will be evaluated on a set of criteria which considers each project’s benefits and impacts.

2041 Base Case Scenario
These road improvement projects have been identified in consideration of other existing policies and plans, including Town Official Plan Amendments (OPA) and the Simcoe Transportation Master Plan (2014).


Proposed Road Improvement Projects

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This map illustrates the Proposed Road Improvement Projects

Alternative 3 – Road Network Improvements Evaluation Criteria

Five objectives guide the TMP evaluation process, each with their own set of measures. This Evaluation Criteria was developed to identify which projects to carry forward for further assessment.

Improve Transportation Service

Provides a diversity of travel choices, including walking, cycling, and transit through the design of complete streets

Improves connections to/from surrounding municipalities

Provides opportunities to walk and cycle throughout the Town

Provides efficient connections within the Town

Provides safe access

Efficiently moves people and goods

Support Policy Environment

Supports Provincial policies

Supports Simcoe County policies

Supports the Town's Official Plan

Improve Transportation Service

Minimizes impacts to property

Supports existing and future population areas

Provides opportunities for planned growth

Maintains Affordability

Minimizes capital costs

Minimizes maintenance and operation costs

Protect the Natural Environment

Minimizes impacts to the natural environment

Network encourages active transportation




Each alternative road improvement is evaluated using a four-point scale: 4 points being the most supportive and 0 points being the least supportive



Based on the evaluation, recommendations are made to either carry forward, screen-out, or consider as a long-term project.

Alternative 3 - Road Network Improvements Evaluation (1 of 2)

Potential Road Improvement Projects addressing the 6 Key Issues were evaluated against the Evaluation Criteria to identify which projects to carry forward for further assessment. For more detail on how we evaluated each option, please see our detailed analysis tables here.

Issue 1: Increasing traffic is projected south of Tottenham from 3rd Line to Highway 9.

To address this issue, two alternatives are considered: 1A – widen County Road 10 from 2 lanes to 4 lanes from 3rd Line to Highway 9; and 1B - reconstruct parallel roadways (10th Sideroad and 15th Sideroad) from 3rd Line to Highway 9. 1B is recommended to be carried forward for consideration because it can serve projected growth in traffic while mitigating cost and environmental impacts. 1A is recommended as a long-term project.

1 Long-term project, beyond 2031 identified in Simcoe County TMP.

2 Road reconstruction typically improves road capacity and/or safety by rebuilding the road base and updating road geometry to current standards if required.


Issue 2: Minimize traffic and trucks passing through Tottenham on Queen Street from 5th Line to 3rd Line.

To address this issue, two alternatives are considered: 2A – construct a Tottenham Bypass – a new 4 lane road west of Tottenham, between 3rd Line and 5th Line; and 2B - Reconstruct parallel roadways (10th Sideroad and 15th Sideroad) from Highway 89 to 3rd Line. 2B is recommended to be carried forward for consideration because it can serve projected growth in traffic while mitigating cost and environmental impacts. 2A is recommended as a long-term project.

1 Long-term project, beyond 2031 identified in Simcoe County TMP.

2 Road reconstruction typically improves road capacity and/or safety by rebuilding the road base and updating road geometry to current standards if required.


Issue 3: Increasing growth in east-west traffic on Victoria Street in Alliston, from CPR tracks to Sir Frederick Banting Road.

To address this issue, three alternatives are considered: 3A – Widen Victoria Street from 2 to 4 lanes, 3B – Implement active transportation facilities on Victoria Street, and 3C – Construct a new arterial road north of Alliston from King Street to County Road 10. Alternative 3A is screened out because traffic flow can be maintained with operational improvements. Alternative 3C may be considered for a long-term project. 3B is recommended to be carried forward as it meets the objectives of the evaluation criteria the best.

Alternative 3 - Road Network Improvements Evaluation (2 of 2)

Issue 4: Address traffic operations issues at Victoria Street, King Street, and Young Street in Alliston.

To address this issue, two alternatives are considered: 4A – a new 2- lane road from Victoria Street and King Street intersection to meet Young Street as a continuous connection, and 4B – undertake intersection improvements at Victoria Street & King Street and at Victoria Street and Young Street. Alternative 4B is recommended to be carried forward because it can address capacity issues while meeting the objectives of the evaluation criteria. Alternative 4A will be considered as a long-term project.

1 Long-term project, beyond 2031 identified in Simcoe County TMP.

2 Road reconstruction typically improves road capacity and/or safety by rebuilding the road base and updating road geometry to current standards if required.


Issue 5: Increasing growth in east-west traffic on Highway 89 from Industrial Parkway to New Tecumseth-Innisfil boundary.

To address this issue, three alternatives are considered: 5A - Widen 14th Line from 2 to 4 lanes from Industrial Parkway /OPA29 Lands to 10th Side Road, 5B – reconstruct 2-lane cross-section and pave 14th Line from 10th Side Road to New Tecumseth-Innisfil boundary, and 5C – reconstruct and pave pave 20th Sideroad from Highway 89 to 14th Line including intersection and drainage infrastructure improvements. All three alternatives are recommended to be carried forward.

1 Road reconstruction typically improves road capacity and/or safety by rebuilding the road base and updating road geometry to current standards if required.


Issue 6: Address traffic operations issues at Victoria Street, King Street, and Young Street in Alliston.

To address this issue, two alternatives are considered: 6A –a new 2-lane road south of Beeton (Beeton Bypass), between County Road 10 and 15th Side Road, and 6B - Reconstruct1 and pave 10th Line from 10th Sideroad to 15th Sideroad. Alternative 6B is recommended to be carried forward as it best meetings the objectives of the evaluation criteria.

Alternative 3 - Road Network Improvements – Recommended Network*

*Routes shown are conceptual and subject to further study

Click the image below to enlarge.

This map illustrates the Road Network Improvements that are recommended to be carried forward.

Alternative 4 – Local Traffic Improvements (1 of 3)

In addition to the Town-wide traffic issues, local traffic improvements are needed to improve safety and traffic flow, particularly in Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham.



Signal Timing Optimization

Adjustment of traffic signal times to respond to changing traffic patterns to improve efficiency, reduce stops and reduce delay.

Capacity Improvements

Addition of new travel lanes to enable intersections to handle more vehicles.

Intersection Reconfiguration

Modification of intersection elements such as lane striping, signage, or traffic signal placement to improve capacity, safety, sightlines, clarify movements to reduce driver error, etc.

Signalization

Installation of a new traffic signal to improve traffic flow or provide a protected crossing for pedestrians or cyclists.

New Road Connection

Construction of a new roadway to improve access and provide additional route options

Alternative 4 – Local Traffic Improvements (2 of 3)

Improvements in Beeton and Tottenham

Intersection Existing Conditions Drivers for Improvement Proposed Improvements to Consider for Further Study
1. Queen and 4th Line/Mill Street (Tottenham) Signalized Higher rate of collisions, delay Intersection Reconfiguration
2. 4th Line and McGahey Street / Turner Drive (Tottenham) McGahey / Turner stop controlled Queuing / delay Intersection Reconfiguration / Signalization
3. 9th Line and 10th Side Road (Beeton) All-way stop Queuing / delay Intersection Reconfiguration / Signalization
4. Centre Street and Main Street (Beeton) Centre Street stop controlled Queuing / delay Intersection Reconfiguration / Signalization
5. 10th Side Road and Main Street (Beeton) Signalized Higher rate of collisions Intersection Reconfiguration

Click the image below to enlarge.

This map illustrates where intersection improvements are recommended in Tottenham. This map illustrates where intersection improvements are recommended in Beeton.

Alternative 4 – Local Traffic Improvements (3 of 3)

Improvements in Alliston

Intersection Existing Conditions Drivers for Improvement Proposed Improvements to Consider for Further Study
1. Industrial Pkwy / Young St Signalized High delay Signal Timing Optimization + Additional Capacity
2. King St / Victoria St Signalized High delay Signal Timing Optimization + Additional Capacity
3. Industrial Pkwy / King St Signalized Delay Signal Timing Optimization
4. King St / Young St Signalized High delay Signal Timing Optimization + Additional Capacity
5. Albert St / Church St Signalized Delay Signal Timing Optimization
6. Industrial Pkwy / Ellis St Signalized Delay Signal Timing Optimization
7. Victoria St / Sir Frederick Banting Road Sir Frederick Banting Road stop controlled Delay Signalization
8. King / Albert Frederick Banting Road Albert Street stop controlled Delay Intersection Reconfiguration
9. Albert / Centre Centre Street stop controlled Delay Intersection Reconfiguration / Signalization
10. New road from Dufferin Street to Alderson Court No connection across railway Connectivity New road to provide alternate access for commercial/industrial land uses on Dufferin St

Simcoe County Intersections Existing Conditions Drivers for Improvement Proposed Improvements to Consider for Further Study
11. Industrial Pkwy / Tottenham Rd Signalized High delay Signal Timing Optimization
12. Victoria St / Industrial Parkway Signalized High delay Signal Timing Optimization + Additional Capacity

Click the image below to enlarge.

This map illustrates where intersection improvements are recommended in Alliston

Complete Streets (1 of 2)

Part of this TMP Study includes exploring ways the Town can implement Complete Streets principles. Complete Street are streets that are designed to be safe for all users, including people who walk, cycle, take transit, or drive. The goal is to improve accessibility, safety, and comfort for road users of all ages and abilities while respecting the context of the street and surrounding land uses. The following cross sections illustrate several options on how Church Street (from Industrial Parkway to Beech Street), which is part of the Proposed Active Transportation Network, could be reconstructed to accommodate cyclists and/or pedestrians

Click the image below to enlarge.

This is an image of a cross section showing Option 1: Paved Shoulders. It has a 20-meter Right of Way. It has two vehicle lanes, one in each direction, that are 3.5-meters wide. On both sides, there are paved shoulders that are 1.2-meters wide, and a 5.3-meter boulevard containing utilities and a trench.

Complete Streets (2 of 2)

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This is an image of a cross section showing Option 2: Bike Lane. It has a 20-meter Right of Way. It has two vehicle lanes, one in each direction, that are 3.5-meters wide. On both sides of the road, there is a 2-meter bike lane, a 2-meter boulevard and a 2-meter sidewalk. This option would require road reconstruction.

Transportation Policies (1 of 2)

The Town’s TMP Study will also be developing policy recommendations which will provide guidance on transportation decisions in multiple areas. Which policies are you most interested in? Provide your feedback in the comment box at the bottom of the next page.

Active Transportation and Transit Supportive Policies: Active Transportation and Transit Supportive policies aim to make active transportation and transit more attractive as a mode of transportation. These may include policies that aim to improve infrastructure and facilities such as sidewalks, cycle lanes, bike parking, bus shelters and bus stop upgrades. This TMP will include a policy framework that identifies where active transportation and transit supportive policies can be applied across the Town’s existing policy areas.

Image of a bus shelter Image of covered bike parking

Sidewalk Prioritization: A Sidewalk Prioritization policy seeks to prioritize in-fill of gaps in the sidewalk network, including cross-walks, to complete the pedestrian network in a cost-effective manner. This TMP will include an evaluation framework to identify priority sidewalks based on existing conditions, accessibility, land use connectivity, road type, public support and cost.

Image of community safety zone sign Image of community safety zone sign

Community Safety Zone Policy: A Community Safety Zone is a designated area marked with community safety zone signs that are recognized under provincial legislation and allows the doubling of fines associated with speeding within the Zone. Community Safety Zones are typically implemented for schools, community centres, parks, retirement homes, or roadway sections with high collision rates. This TMP will include a policy framework that identifies where community safety zones can be implemented.

Image of unpaved shoulder Image of pedestrian cross-walk


Traffic Calming: Traffic calming uses physical design and other measures to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists by managing speed and traffic volumes on neighbourhood streets. This TMP will include a traffic calming policy and process for applying traffic calming within New Tecumseth.

Image of a road median Image of speed bumps

Transportation Policies (2 of 2)

The Town’s TMP Study will also be developing policy recommendations which will provide guidance on transportation decisions in multiple areas. Which policies are you most interested in? Provide your feedback in the comment box (below).

Managing Off-Road Vehicles: Off-Road Vehicles such as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, and dirt bikes are year-round and recreational vehicles. The TMP will incorporate the Town’s existing ATV Off-Road Vehicles By-Law and provide recommendations on the policy framework where appropriate. Aspects such as trail type, location, characteristics and connectivity will be included.

Image of before and after of an unpaved gravel road.

Speed Limit: A Speed Limit policy aims to improve mobility, safety and security for all users. This TMP will include a policy framework that identifies the appropriate speed limit for each roadway segment in the Town’s road network. Aspects such as existing road conditions, developments, pedestrian and cycling activity, speed limits on adjoining segments, and collision data will inform the framework. This will be done in coordination with the Community Safety Zone Policy

Image of a speed limit sign.

Gravel Road Upgrades: The Town currently has a Gravel Road Upgrade policy that establishes a process by which Gravel Roads are prioritized for upgrades. The TMP will review and make recommendations for updates to the policy that include a complete streets approach.

Image of snowmobiles Image of All Terrain Vehicles (ATV)

Next Steps

Next Steps

After this Online Public Open House, the project team will:

  • Gather all feedback related to the alternatives and options presented
  • Finalize the preferred alternatives
  • Develop transportation policy recommendations
  • Prepare Final Report and publish for a 30-day Public Review

We Want to Hear From You

For more information visit us at:
www.newtecumseth.ca/en/town- hall/transportation-master-plan.aspx

Please share your thoughts or opinions about the project by sending us an email at:
MMATMP@newtecumseth.ca

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