On behalf of City of Vaughan…

On behalf of City of Vaughan staff, I would like to share the following comments for consideration in the development of the Province Wide Cycling Network:

In general the City would like the Ministry to consider the inclusion of more off-road and separated facilities over on-road options (e.g. paved shoulders) if available for the Primary Province Wide Cycling Network. The province-wide network should be in line with Goal 3 of #CycleON in making sure that "Ontario's cycling environment is safe for people of all ages". For example instead of Albion Vaughan Rd/Highway 50, Countryside Drive and McVean connecting to Etobicoke Creek Trail consider the inclusion of Humber River Trail/William Granger Greenway through Vaughan connecting to a short segment on Highway 7 to ultimately connect to Etobicoke Creek Trail. oThe Humber River Trail/William Granger Greenway is a significant existing trail, and part of the Carrying-Place Trail, Vaughan's Supertrail, and Nashville Conservation Reserve Trail. oThe trail is a key destination that forms part of the GTA collection of cultural and natural heritage trails. We are of the opinion that the trail provides a unique off road experience that can connect the HWY 50 starting in Bolton to the Finch Trail in Toronto. This segment is not identified and should be considered of a Province-Wide route status. oConnects key tourist destinations including Nashville Conservation Lands, Kleinburg, McMichael Art Gallery, Boyd Conservation area, Old Woodbridge, Doctors Mclean District Park, and Highway 7 separated facilities that will connect into the VMC - subway station, transit hub, VivaNEXT, etc.

Also please consider the following as part of the Primary Province Wide Cycling Network:

•Originally Highway 7 was identified as part of the Primary Province Wide Cycling Network but has since been removed from the overall network plan and been identified as a connecting route instead. Given its significance as a key connector to adjacent Cities, destination points, regional transit we strongly recommend that Highway 7 be reconsidered for the primary Province-Wide Cycling Network. oThe Highway 7 corridor will consist of high-level cycling facilities – buffered bike lanes and raised cycle tracks, as well as the first centre median separated cycling facility over a major barrier at Highway 400. oMost of the Highway 7 Buffered bike lanes and raised cycle tracks (in the proposed stretch for inclusion) currently exist or will be completed by 2019 as part of the regional VIVANext BRT project. oThese cycling facilities are along a regional BRT corridor which connects to the TTC Subway and GO lines. oHighway 7 provides connection to major tourist destinations in Vaughan including our up and coming downtown - the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, Edgeley Pond Park, a grid of planned separated cycling facilities in the VMC, the future Jane Street separated cycling facilities which will connect to Vaughan Mills Mall, Wonderland, Mackenzie Health Hospital, etc. oThe addition of the Highway 7 corridor creates an 80KM cycling loop that touches several key destination points and tourist attractions in Vaughan, Toronto and North York

Please consider the following as part of the Secondary Route:
•The Bartley Smith Greenway (on the east side of Vaughan) is an existing trail and key component of Vaughan's Supertrail and continues southward connecting to Toronto trails. This segment is not identified and should be considered as a Connecting Route.

In addition, for your information and consideration: On April 3, Parks Development presented an off-road trails concept to Council – “The Vaughan Super Trail” with the vision of creating a world class desirable identifiable memorable signature trail linking communities to each other and with cultural, natural, heritage, public spaces and destinations accessible to residents and visitors. The City of Vaughan recommends that this new information be considered in the development of the Province Wide Cycling Network.

•Connecting the Dots: The Vaughan Super Trail – Presentation to Finance, Administration and Audit Committee April 3, 2017 https://www.vaughan.ca/council/minutes_agendas/Communications/FAA%200403_17_C2.pdf

Thank you

[Original Comment ID: 209459]