2014 AT Implementation Strategy Program Update Report
2014 AT Implementation Strategy Program Update Report
2014 AT Implementation Strategy Program Update Report
STRATEGY
2014 Program Update
AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................5
2. POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION ...........7
3. POTENTIAL FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IN PEEL ................................................................... 10
4. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN - IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ............................................... 11
5. WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A SHARED VISION ................................................................... 25
6. NEXT STEPS .............................................................................................................................. 29
APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................. 30
Appendix I: Approval of the Peel Active Transportation Plan and Implementation Strategy............ 31
Appendix II: Active Transportation Coordination Framework......................................................... 32
Appendix III: School Travel Planning Pilot Program School List and Map ........................................ 33
Appendix IV: STEPS to Active Transportation School List and Map ................................................. 34
Appendix V: Bicycle Parking Pilot Program School List and Map ..................................................... 37
Appendix VI: Bike Month Events 2014........................................................................................... 39
Appendix VII: Active Transportation Facilities on Regional Roads: 2012-2014 Implementation
Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 46
Appendix VIII: Planned Active Transportation Facilities on Regional Roads: 2015-2016 .................. 48
Appendix IX: Greenbelt Cycling Route ........................................................................................... 49
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Program Report provides an update on the 2014 implementation activities associated with
the Region of Peel Active Transportation Plan.
The Region of Peel is one of Ontario’s fastest growing regions, with a population of over 1.3
million people. The Region is estimated to be home to 1.77 million inhabitants by 2031 and 1.97
million by 2041. Employment growth is expected to increase from 734,000 to 880,000 workers
by 2031 and to 970,000 workers by 2041. Recognizing the increase in population and jobs that
comes with an expanded economy and the reality of constrained land area for development,
the transportation system in Peel can only accommodate future travel by ensuring more people
use sustainable modes of transportation such as transit, walking and cycling.
Notwithstanding the suburban automobile oriented environment in Peel Region, there are
encouraging signs related to actual transportation behaviour to suggest that increases in active
transportation (AT) although incremental are within reach. Based on the 2011 Transportation
Tomorrow Survey (TTS) - 18% of all daily trips made in Peel were within 2km (about 480,000
trips), 44% were within 5km (about 1.17 million trips), and 54% of all daily trips made were 7km
or less (about 1.44 million trips) – given that 84 % of these trips were made in an automobile
(either as auto driver or passenger) the data suggests that many of the shorter distance trips
could be converted to active modes of travel.
In Peel, 53% of residents 12 years of age and older are physically inactive during leisure time,
(Canadian Community Health Survey 2011/2012). Physical inactivity has led to a near doubling
of obesity rates in Canada (Public Health Agency of Canada/Canadian Institute of Health
Information, 2011), and an increase in the prevalence of chronic health conditions such as heart
disease and diabetes. While this statistic isn’t very encouraging, evidence suggests that active
transportation can help prevent some of these health concerns.
The Region’s Public Works Department (specifically its Transportation Division), in partnership
with Peel Public Health (Health Services), has taken a lead role in advancing the objectives
related to active transportation policy, programs and infrastructure support; and these internal
efforts are further enhanced through on-going and strategic collaboration with the local
municipalities of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.
The Region of Peel Active Transportation Plan (AT Plan) first adopted by Council in 2012 is the
overarching strategic document that provides a framework for how the Region of Peel will
increase the share of trips by walking and cycling, including AT trips linked with transit, and
offers guidance for creating a pedestrian and cycling supportive and accessible built
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
environment. The AT Plan is supported by the policy objectives of the Regional Official Plan that
include developing and promoting a sustainable, safe, efficient, effective and integrated multi-
modal transportation system, and encouraging the increased use of sustainable modes of
transportation. The AT Plan provides a ‘blue print’ for an active transportation network
comprised of sidewalks, trails, and cycling facilities to be implemented in partnership with area
municipalities and other community stakeholders. However, it is not just a plan of
infrastructure actions as it describes and recommends a variety of policies and programs
intended to influence travel behaviour and promote the use of active transportation.
Policy recommendations made in the AT Plan reflect the mandate captured in the Regional
Official Plan Amendment (ROPA 26). Coordination committee meetings led by Regional staff
with the participation of area municipalities and key stakeholders are held to plan and advance
active transportation initiatives and programs in Peel. The Region continues to work with area
municipalities to incorporate pedestrian and cycling supportive design and Transportation
Demand (TDM) strategies in development plans and transportation studies.
In terms of promotion, encouragement and education, the Region in collaboration with the
local school boards (Peel District School Board/Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board)
have implemented three (3) pilot programs to promote and support AT and physical activity
among school-aged children and youth. Today, there are 96 elementary and secondary schools
representing approximately 30,000 students, promoting walking and cycling to and from
school.
The Region collaborates with community partners to develop resources and provide education
and training that promotes and encourages the use of active transportation. Community
education and outreach initiatives include: participating in AT community events under the
Walk and Roll Peel banner; Outreach at Bike to Work Day events in both Brampton and
Mississauga, piloting the “Get Rolling” school campaign, and led six (6) Safe Cycling workshops.
Planning and design is underway for the expansion of the pedestrian and cycling network in
coordination, where feasible, with the Region and area municipalities’ capital infrastructure
construction and rehabilitation programs. Achievements were made in 2014 towards advancing
the implementation of the AT Plan and approximately 2.4 km of sidewalks and 1.8 km of multi-
use trails were constructed along regional roads. Since the approval of the AT Plan in 2012,
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Similar to other modes of transportation, once cycling and walking facilities have been
constructed, their design and use should be monitored and evaluated. A review of appropriate
methodologies and associated technologies designed to monitor walking and cycling activities
and trips is underway with the aim of establishing a coordinated approach with our municipal
partners.
Staff continue to collaborate with area municipalities and other stakeholders, through the
established AT implementation Coordination Committees, by working on initiatives and
programs that encourage and promote the use of active transportation as a viable mode of
travel in the community and to advance the development of a multi-modal transportation
system and the creation of supportive environments for healthy living.
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
1. INTRODUCTION
The Region of Peel is one of Ontario’s fastest growing regions, with a population of over 1.3
million people and forecasted growth that will see the Region reach 1.77 million people by 2031
and 1.97 million people by 2041. Employment and economic expansion is expected to keep
pace with population growth, and employment in the Region is forecasted to grow from
734,000 jobs in 2014 to 880,000 jobs by 2031 and to 970,000 jobs by 2041. Recognizing the
increase in population and jobs that comes with an expanded economy and the reality of
constrained land area, the transportation system in Peel can only accommodate future travel
by ensuring more people use sustainable modes of transportation such as transit, walking and
cycling.
Active Transportation (AT) can be defined as any self-propelled (i.e. non-motorized) mode of
transportation that uses human energy, such as walking, cycling, jogging and in-line skating. AT
can be used for commuting, utilitarian and recreational purposes. AT also supports transit trips
that are linked to walking or cycling, to or from a transit stop or station and buses today are
equipped with bike racks to accommodate cyclists. AT is also affordable, efficient, and
supportive of our economic objectives. Further, an increased use of active transportation will
be vital for efforts to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted from Peel’s transportation
systems, in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Physical activity has been ‘engineered’ out of our daily lives through a decline in manual
occupations and a decrease in the need or incentive to walk that can largely be attributed to
the design of neighbourhoods that predominately support the use of cars, (Region of Peel,
Changing Course 2012). Community design has a major impact on our ability to engage in
physical activity for our trips to work and to access services such as the doctor, grocery store or
bank. By making walking and cycling safe and convenient, we make it much easier for people to
build routine physical activity into their daily lives.
In Peel, 53% of residents (12 years and older) are physically inactive during leisure time – a
proportion that is higher than the provincial average of 46%, (Canadian Community Health
Survey 2011/12). It is estimated that one in 10 adults living in Peel have been diagnosed with
diabetes; without intervention, this is projected to rise to an estimated one in six by 2025. The
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healthcare costs to treat diabetes of Peel residents are projected to increase from $271 million
in 2004/2005 to $714 million by 2025 (Peel Health Status Report, 2008).
For the Region to maintain a high quality of life for its residents and employees, a shift away
from a culture of auto-dependency and auto-oriented development to one of sustainable,
transit-oriented development is critical, and was also reinforced by the message outlined in the
2012 Region’s Long Range Transportation Plan update.
Our Environment:
Reduced air pollution
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Reduced noise pollution
Reduced urban heat island effect
The Economy:
Happier, healthier people are more productive at work and school
Reduced costs towards health care with healthier citizens due to greater physical
activity
Potential increase in land values
More efficient use of existing infrastructure
Increased tourism potential
Revitalized urban centres
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
The objectives of the Regional Official Plan include developing and promoting a sustainable,
safe, efficient, effective and integrated multi-modal transportation system, and encouraging
the increased use of sustainable modes of transportation. The vision in the Corporate Strategic
Plan states that Peel is a safe, healthy, prosperous, sustainable and inclusive community that
protects its quality of life. In addition, there are four Council approved plans/strategies that
support the introduction of the various sustainable transportation initiatives including: active
transportation and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs.
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Support for the planning and implementation of active transportation - programs, services and
infrastructure is further enhanced through a policy alignment among Provincial, Municipal and
other Regional policies as illustrated in Figure 2 below.
Figure 2: Policies and Plans Supporting Peel’s Mandate for Active Transportation
The Region of Peel Active Transportation Plan is the overarching strategic document that
provides a framework for how the Region of Peel will increase the share of trips by walking and
cycling, including AT trips linked with transit, and offers guidance for creating a pedestrian and
cycling friendly built environment. The AT Plan provides a ‘blue print’ for an active
transportation network comprised of sidewalks, trails and cycling facilities to be implemented
over time in partnership with area municipalities and other community stakeholders. However,
it is not just a plan of infrastructure actions as it describes and recommends a variety of policies
and programs intended to influence residents’ travel behavior towards the use of active
transportation.
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
In addition, since transit trips are typically linked with biking or walking, the AT Plan also
supports Brampton Transit, MiWay, and GO Transit services by providing pedestrian and cycling
connections to and from transit corridors and nodes.
The Region has been to implement the AT Plan on three broad fronts:
The AT Plan builds collaboratively on existing and ongoing plans from the area municipalities,
neighbouring municipalities and other agencies. Because of this, it outlines a coordinated,
region-wide approach to achieving the Region’s mandate for active transportation that
supports the policies and plans presented in Figure 2 and 3.
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
Even within an automobile-oriented development pattern, there is the possibility for many trips
currently made by car to be made by active modes of travel. For example - trips of
approximately two (2) kilometres or less are typically considered suitable for walking, and trips
of approximately seven (7) kilometres or less are considered to be “bikeable” (Peel Long Range
Transportation Plan). According to data gathered in the 2011 Transportation Tomorrow Survey
about the Region of Peel, 18% of all daily trips made were within 2 km (about 480,000 trips),
44% of were within 5km (about 1.17 million trips), and 54% of all daily trips made were 7 km or
less (about 1.44 million trips). 84% of these trips were made in an automobile (either as auto
driver or passenger). The median trip length for an auto driver is about 6.2km.
In Peel, 5% of total trips are made by walking or cycling, 7% of total trips are made by transit.
Based on the results of the 2011 Transportation Tomorrow Survey (TTS) for Peel Region, a 20%
increase in daily active transportation trips (daily trips that walk/bike on all or part of their trips
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to transit facilities and continue on transit) were recorded between 2006 and 2011, with about
254,000 trips in 2006 and 305,000 trips in 2011 (Region of Peel, taking the road together 2015).
With continued growth in population, there is a substantial opportunity to increase the
proportion of walking and cycling trips. Trips that are less than 7 km in length are potential
trips that could be made with active transportation. The data in Table 1 provides a breakdown
of the type of transportation used in 2011 for trips under 7 km. The majority of trips less than 7
km are made by automobiles (either as auto driver or auto passenger).
2 km or less
(potential 57 19 2 20 1 2
walking trip)
5 km or less
(potential 61 21 4 10 1 3
cycling trip)
7 km or less
(potential 63 21 5 8 0.4 3
cycling trip)
Table 1: Modal Split for Trips Under 7 KM in the Region of Peel (Transportation Tomorrow Survey 2011)
The Region has been working on the implementation of the AT Plan on three broad fronts
(Policies and Organizational Development; Promotion and Education; Network Development).
Activities
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The AT Plan includes recommendations to strengthen policies that reflect its mandate. Through
the Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA 26), regional staff incorporated policy
recommendations made in the AT Plan. Staff will continue to encourage policy improvements
in area municipal plans and encourage policies supportive of active transportation at all levels
of government.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) released #CycleON (Ontario’s Cycling Strategy)
and associated Action Plan to promote cycling as a viable mode of transportation. The Region
joined other GTHA municipalities provided comments and successfully advocate to the Province
in committing to invest in AT infrastructure and education. They are made as part of the Action
Plan to invest $10 million over three years to support municipalities as they improve cycling
infrastructure and provide stakeholder partners with new funding to develop or enhance
cycling skills training programs. The Province secured funding for both of these initiatives and
released the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program (EBR Registry No. 012-428) and
Supporting Cycling Skills Training Funding Program (EBR Registry No. 012-2432) for public
consultation in September 2014.
Regional and area municipal staff coordination committees were established to facilitate,
collaborate, plan, and implement AT in Peel. The AT Leadership Group, AT Network
Infrastructure Coordination Committee, and AT Programming Coordination Committee
meetings are held from two to three times a year. A framework of the above committees is
outlined in Appendix II.
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Through these committee meetings, Region and area municipal staff partnered with Share the
Road Cycling Coalition to deliver the Region’s first active transportation conference “Walk + Roll
Peel Summit” in February 2013 to provide stakeholders to share active transportation projects,
identify joint efforts, and establish the foundation for future partnerships. The Summit was
attended by over 150 people, and resulted in positive feedback.
The purpose of the committee is to support education and outreach strategies, policies and
programs that encourage students, families and school staff to choose active transportation
modes when travelling to and from school. The committee includes representation from:
Regional staff
Municipal staff / representatives
Peel Regional Police
School Personnel
EcoSchools
Metrolinx
Others (e.g., EcoSource)
The rapid review titled “Interventions that influence Active Transportation to and from school
among school-aged children”, provided strong rationale for AT programming in Peel schools.
Recommendations of the research included:
Develop and implement school travel plans with community partners and actively
engage students in the process
Foster a culture that supports physically active travel for journeys to and from school
and during the school day
Develop programs to ensure the local environment around schools and nearby
catchment areas provide opportunities for all children to cycle or walk
There are currently three programs being implemented to promote and support AT among
school-aged children and youth and to increase utilitarian physical activity through AT.
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The Peel’s School Travel Planning (STP) Pilot Program’s purpose is to address transportation-
related issues and promote walking and cycling to and from school by bringing together the
school community to develop and implement school travel plans. STP is currently being
implemented in 11 schools (Peel District School Board/Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School
Board, 10 elementary schools and 1 high school) in Brampton and Mississauga. The pilot
program timeline is Fall 2012 to Summer 2015. Refer to Appendix III for a list of participating
schools.
The STEPS to Active Transportation Program’s purpose is to increase active travel to and from
school by supporting the school community to implement weekly walking days. Schools work
with their school public health nurse to encourage walking at least once a week and collect data
on student travel behaviour and parent perception. Schools are supported through resources as
required. To date, STEPS to School is being implemented in 61 Peel schools. Refer to Appendix
IV for a list of participating schools.
The Bicycle Parking Pilot Program’s purpose is to encourage students to cycle to and from
school by providing safe and secure bicycle parking, supported by a comprehensive cycling
education and outreach strategy. The lack of bicycle parking is one of the barriers identified for
cycling. A total of 42 elementary and secondary schools (Peel District School Board/Dufferin
Peel Catholic District School Board) are participating in the program after submitting
applications, and a total of 54 bicycle racks to be installed. Participating schools are encouraged
to complement bicycle parking with awareness and education through school action plans to
increase cycling to and from school. The pilot program timeline is Fall 2013 to Winter 2016.
Refer to Appendix V for a list of participating schools.
The three school active transportation programs are being evaluated to assess program impact
and improve process and outcome in order to continue to support schools that are currently
participating, and to engage additional schools.
Walk + Roll Peel - is the brand developed by the Region to support marketing, outreach and
communication activities designed to raise awareness on the benefits of walking and cycling.
In May 2010, the Region launched the Walk + Roll Peel website (www.walkandrollpeel.ca) to
support the communications and marketing for AT. The website highlights Regional projects
and includes:
Region-wide walking/cycling trails and pathways map where users can plan active trips
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
Since the launch of the website in 2010, the navigation and overall experience of the website
has been improved. The number of unique visitors has increased by over 300% since 2011 (its
first full year of operation), with nearly 75,000 visitors in 2014. Of these 75,000 visitors, over
13,400 of them returned to the website after initial visit, which is a 44% increase over the
number of return visitors in 2013. The homepage, interactive trails map and calendar continue
to be the primary pages of interest - the number of visits to the trails map page increased by
53% from the previous year.
Under the Walk + Roll Peel brand, staff attended outreach events to engage and educate the
public on the benefits of walking and cycling. These included events for schools, Bike Month,
the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit
Action Plan and the Tour de Mississauga.
The School Trip Planner tool, shown in Figure 4, was added to the Walk + Roll Peel website in
July 2014. The tool is currently available and being used by Peel school community members
(families, students, teachers, etc.) to plan active travel to and from school. The feedback to date
has been exceedingly positive and a number of municipalities in the GTHA have contacted the
Region about replicating a similar tool for their municipalities.
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Figure 4: School Trip Planner Tool on the Walk + Roll Peel Website
Additionally, in order to extend the reach of the Walk + Roll Peel online trails map, the Region
also supported Sheridan College students in the creation of Trailmix, a mobile device
application for Android phones. Using trail information from the Peel Data Centre, the
application enables users to find trail maps categorized by activity (biking, walking and hiking),
view details of major trails (e.g. Waterfront Trail), track their trips (by time and distance), and
get information on upcoming active transportation events in the Region. Trailmix was awarded
the top prize in Sheridan College’s 2014 Computer System Technology Capstone Project
Competition.
The Region regularly works with municipal and non-governmental partners to expand cycling
education in Peel Region, particularly in the form of bike rodeos. A bike rodeo is a fun and
educational event for cyclists to learn, practise, and develop skills that will help them to cycle
safely and with confidence.
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As of 2013, only two organizations – the Peel Children’s Safety Village and Brampton Safe City –
regularly delivered bike rodeos in the Region. In 2014, Regional staff trained as Can-Bike
instructors continued to train Brampton Safe City staff to deliver bike rodeos in Brampton. Peel
Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police (in Caledon) also deliver bike rodeos when
available. However, the demand for bike rodeos far exceeded the delivery capacity of these
organizations.
In order to meet the increased demand for bike rodeos across the Region, Regional Staff
worked with the Peel Safe and Active Routes to School Committee (PSARTS), representatives
from Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon, as well as Peel Regional Police and local
organizations, in creating a Bike Rodeo Community Kit that provides the basics for community
members or schools to run their own Bike Rodeos. The Kit is available for download on the Peel
Children’s Safety Village website and physical implementation kits can be borrowed from the
Peel Children’s Safety Village.
Additionally, 6 Safe Cycling workshops were delivered to a total of 100 high school students,
200 elementary school students, and 27 members of the public. The Region also continues to
support municipalities in offering CAN-BIKE education through their recreational facilities and
promotes the courses on walkandrollpeel.ca. All three municipalities offered CAN-BIKE courses
in 2014.
Bike Month is an annual event held in June to encourage and support cycling. The Region
participated in Bike Month for the first time in 2013. Building on the success of previous year,
the Region continues to participate in the 2014 Bike Month. To kick-off Bike Month, staff
participated in Bike to Work Day events in both Brampton and Mississauga. Peel specific cycling
resources and event information were highlighted on bikemonth.ca as a part of a GTHA-wide
Bike Month event. During Bike Month, the Region also piloted the “Get Rolling” campaign as a
way to build awareness in cycling with students. In this campaign, 240 students rode their bikes
to school, and the awareness campaign reached 1,700 students.
In collaboration with area municipalities and other stakeholders, staff participated in various
capacities at many cycling friendly education and outreach events in 2014. Events included
presentations on Cycling Benefits to Local Businesses, valet bicycle parking at Caledon Day, Peel
Environmental Youth Alliance’s Amazing Green Race, Brampton’s inaugural Bikefest on
Brampton Day and Brampton’s first annual Bike the Creek Ride, the Tour de Mississauga, and
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multiple community rides across Mississauga. Through these events, over 4,000 people learned
about the Region’s active transportation initiatives. Detailed list of events is outlined in
Appendix VI.
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The Brampton Bicycle Advisory Committee (now referred to as Bike Brampton) and the Peel
Poverty Reduction Strategy Committee, along with the Region of Peel (Public Works, Human
Resources, Public Health) and the City of Brampton, have developed a bicycle repair training
pilot program for youth and young adults living in McHardy Court, Brampton.
The Bicycle Clinic Pilot Project uses the bicycle as a tool to build leadership skills, strengthen
participants’ connections to the McHardy Court community and:
Over the span of six sessions in December 2014, six participants learned basic bike repair
techniques, built leadership skills, and had the opportunity to interact with volunteer bicycle
enthusiasts in the community. Half of the project’s participants have used the bicycle repair
training to secure employment. The program is undergoing assessment to review findings and
consider next steps.
The Region initiated a Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM) Pilot Program in August 2014.
This pilot program aims to increase the use of active transportation in the Region. This pilot
program aligns with Peel’s Official Plan, Phase II of the Regional Active Transportation Plan, and
the Peel Public Health 2014-2019 Strategic Plan program priority of developing supportive
environments for healthy living.
The program is currently in the planning stage and will be launched in the Summer of 2015 with
the following goals:
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It aims to accomplish these goals by using proven behavioural change methods, including the
identification of an appropriate target population for the pilot, detecting and removing barriers
that prevent participants from cycling, providing participants with the opportunity to ride a
bicycle, implementing commitment strategies, and offering the support required to sustain
participant behavioural change beyond the project.
In the first stage of the project, the target community will be identified based on locations that
exhibit the following criteria:
The Let Your Green Show campaign (LYGS) introduced its third and final phase in 2014, which
encouraged and provided incentives for residents to leave their car at home. This campaign is
part of the Peel Climate Change Strategy that was adopted by Regional Council on June 23,
2011. The campaign partners (Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga, Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority, Credit Valley Conservation) have been working towards achieving six
goals by implementing 38 actions outlined in the strategy that aim to reduce community
greenhouse gases, improve Peel’s resilience to the local impacts of climate change, and work
towards a shift to a green economy.
The LYGS campaign has three phases that encouraged residents to: grow local, eat local, use
less water, and give their cars a break. Based on Facebook analytics, the potential reach of the
campaign was 448,000 through Facebook ads and 228,000 through Twitter ads. The LYGS social
media campaign has a geographic target of Caledon, Caledon East, Mississauga, Inglewood,
Bolton and Brampton. More than 3,800 people ‘liked’ the LYGS page on Facebook, 296
provided comments, and 405 shared posts on their personal page. Over 1,500 people followed
the Let Your Green Show Twitter page, with over 818 clicks, retweets, and mentions of LYGS
posts on Twitter.
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The Metrolinx sponsored Smart Commute program - funded in part by Peel Region and
delivered by three transportation management associations in Mississauga, Brampton/Caledon
and the Pearson Airport area - encourages and motivates the employees of the 70 member
firms to choose alternatives to private automobile for their journey to work. Among the
commuter options that Smart Commute promotes and supports are public transit and active
modes of travel like cycling and walking to work. The most recent survey (2012) of Peel
employees highlights that close to 30% of employees that live 5 km or less from work –
approximately 115 - are ‘definitely willing’ to cycle to work. On an annual basis, this program
helped to reduce 11 million km of single occupant vehicle (SOV) trips and over 2.4 million kg of
greenhouse gases. It also saved commuters over $7.2 million.
Initiated by Road Safety Mississauga and the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee, the
“Share the Road” safety message was endorsed by Mississauga Council in 2013 to promote
sharing the road between cyclists and motorists. Peel Council supported the promotion of the
safety message by having the messaging placed on Regional fleet vehicles. Regional and area
municipal staff are exploring how to promote and support the message in a consistent and
unified manner.
C. AT Network Development
Collaborating with area municipalities to plan and implement AT facilities on Regional
rights-of-way
Coordinating with neighbouring municipalities to interconnect AT networks and facilities
along Regional roads
Research and development of best practices in pedestrian and bikeway design
In 2014, approximately 2.4 km of sidewalks and 1.8 km of multi-use trails were constructed
along regional roads, and since the approval of the AT Plan in 2012 approximately 58 km of new
AT facilities (18 km of multi-use trails, 16km of sidewalks, and 24km of paved shoulders) have
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been built along regional roads and added to the overall transportation network. Pedestrian
signals and a ‘cross-ride’ that provides positive guidance and improves safety and visibility in
the form of pavement markings and tactile treatments; and permits cyclists and pedestrians to
use the same roadway crossing have been implemented at the crossing of the Caledon Trailway
at Airport Road. Projects implemented from 2012 to 2014 are listed in Appendix VII. The
Region anticipates building an additional 16km of new AT facilities in 2015 and 2016. These are
listed in Appendix VIII.
Figure 9: Derry Road Trail: Argentia to Figure 10: Airport Road at Caledon Trailway Crossing
West of Montevideo
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Regional staff are working with area municipalities and the Ministry of Transportation on
several active transportation projects such as:
Designing the Lakeshore Royal Windsor Hydro corridor (West) multi-use trail from
Winston Churchill Blvd to South Sheridan Way;
Designing the South CityTrail from North Service Road to Westfield Drive;
Conducting a feasibility study for bike lanes along Dixie Road from south of the QEW
Ramp to Lakeshore Rd;
Developing a preliminary design plan for multi-use trail and sidewalk along Dixie
Road at QEW ramp;
Reviewing guidelines for bikeway signage for rural roads in Caledon;
Reviewing pedestrian enhancements along Queen Street from Hwy 410 to Chrysler
Drive;
Designing the Eastgate/Hwy 403 multi-use trail from Central Parkway to Fieldgate
Drive (minus the section from Cawthra Rd to Tomken Rd under Hanlan Water
Project);
Designing the Steeles Avenue multi-use trail from Mavis Rd to Winston Churchill
Blvd.;
Designing a multi-use trail along the Mayfield Road corridor;
Designing the Mississauga Rd multi-use trail from north of Williams Pkwy to Mayfield
Rd;
Designing the Hwy 50 multi-use trail from Castlemore Rd to Mayfield Rd;
Assessing for a Cawthra Road bikeway from Burnhamthorpe Road to Lakeshore
Road; and
Developing active transportation improvements in Bolton as part of the Bolton
Transportation Master Plan.
In tandem with the construction of the Hanlan Water Project, the Region and the City of
Mississauga have completed the design for multi-use trails along:
These trails are planned for construction as part of the Hanlan Water Project. The completed
trails will provide connection to the Hwy 403 Bus Rapid Transit services.
The Region, in collaboration, with the area municipalities, will continue to plan for and build AT
infrastructure through Environmental Assessments studies, resurfacing projects, and roads
capital projects.
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The Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) provides design guidance for the design of
pedestrian and bicycle facilities, however, pedestrian and bicycle facility design is a rapidly
evolving field. As a result, the use of TAC documents is being supplemented by a number of
domestic and international guides, as well as city-specific urban street design guides and this
primer document is intended to provide a targeted comparison of the technical design
guidance for pedestrians and bikeways between existing TAC publications, leading domestic
and international guides, and selected city-specific guides. While pedestrian and bikeway
designs overlap with that of complete streets, the specific focus of this primer is on pedestrian
and bikeway designs. The Primer will help staff consider the unique needs and issues of various
types of cyclists when designing transportation infrastructure; support the effective planning,
design, implementation and management of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
The Waterfront Regeneration Trust (WRT) has received funding from the Greenbelt Foundation
to implement a 470 km signature Greenbelt Route crossing six regions from Northumberland to
Niagara. The Caledon Trailway is part of the Greenbelt Route and the Region is working with
area municipalities to explore a north-south connection from the Greenbelt Route to the
Waterfront Trail (from Lake Ontario) via the Etobicoke Creek Trail. A longer term north-south
connection is being investigated at the east boundary of Peel/York. The project will increase
opportunity for tourism and generate economic activity in the Region. The launch for the
Greenbelt Cycling Route is planned for summer 2015 (GWTA 2015 – Special Edition Launching
the Greenbelt Route). Refer to Appendix IX for a map of the Greenbelt Route.
The City of Mississauga, City of Brampton, and Town of Caledon are implementing local
initiatives to promote active transportation in their respective communities. To support the
timely and effective delivery of the objectives related to the AT Plan the Region established two
AT Implementation Coordinating Committees – one with a mandate related to infrastructure
and network development, and a second responsible for program and service coordination and
delivery. The following highlights initiatives undertaken by each area municipality:
City of Mississauga
The Mississauga Cycling Master Plan, approved by City Council in September 2010, is a 20 year
strategy to build an integrated on-road and off-road cycling network as part of a multi-modal
transportation system, as well as accompanying policies and programs to enhance cycling. The
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
City of Mississauga is actively implementing the Plan in partnership with the community, the
Region and the Province.
Since the development of the Mississauga Cycling Master Plan, there have been a total of over
61 km of infrastructure improvements of new sidewalks and cycling facilities.
In 2014, the City of Mississauga was awarded with Silver WALK Friendly Community Designation
from the WALK Friendly Ontario Program of Green Communities Canada.
City of Brampton
In May 2013, Brampton City Council approved the Bicycle Facility Implementation Program
(BFIP). It provides staff with a strategy to implement a safe and efficient city-wide cycling
network by making systematic improvements to road related bikeway infrastructure (i.e. on-
road and in-boulevard) as part of major road reconstruction projects, development review
processes, and the road resurfacing program. Since the approval of the BFIP, planning and
construction of multi-use pathways and bike lanes have been included in all new block plan
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
The City of Brampton has been involved with community programs and events which include:
Town of Caledon
Caledon Council has endorsed the Caledon Trailway becoming part of the Greenbelt Cycling
Route. The Town will be working with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust to install wayfinding
signage along the route prior to its launch in 2015.
The Secondary Plan for Mayfield West Phase II is in the review phase. The Town is looking to
include cycling infrastructure in the development plan that will connect existing trail networks
and enhance network connection for future routes.
In 2014, the Town of Caledon adopted the Caledon East Community Improvement Plan which is
an incentive program for property upgrades to commercial, mixed-use, office, institutional or
residential properties. Upgrades could include bicycle parking and wayfinding signage.
The Town has provided over 8 km of paved shoulders and resurfaced 4 km of the Caledon
Trailway. The Town has also doubled the amount of available bicycle parking spaces at
recreational facilities.
The Town of Caledon has been involved with community programs and events which include:
Free valet bike parking at Caledon Day and Bolton’s Midnight Madness event
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
The Town of Caledon also recently received an “honourable mention” as a Bicycle Friendly
Community through the BFC Program. The Town will continue to strive towards Bronze
recognition based on the program’s feedback.
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
6. NEXT STEPS
Similar to other modes of transportation, once cycling and walking facilities have been
constructed, their design and use should be vigorously promoted, evaluated and monitored. A
review of appropriate methodologies and associated technologies designed to monitor the
walking and cycling activities and trips made by Peel residents and visitors is currently
underway with the aim of establishing a coordinated approach with our municipal partners.
Staff will continue to collaborate with area municipalities and other stakeholders, through the
established AT Implementation Coordinating Committees, to work on programs that encourage
and promote the use of active transportation as a viable mode of travel in our community.
Additionally, staff will collaborate with area municipalities, neighbouring municipalities, and the
Province to plan and implement active transportation infrastructure that over time will result in
the creation of a comprehensive multi-modal transportation network. To ensure our practices
related to AT implementation continue to address community expectations and further the
promotion of a multi-modal transportation system and the development of active
transportation friendly communities - staff will continue to review and refine policies (e.g.
inclusions of an AT figure, aligning policies with new provincial plans) in the upcoming Regional
Official Plan update.
The AT Plan is to be reviewed every five (5) years to ensure it remains relevant, responds to the
needs of the Region, municipalities and the community, and to confirm that it continues to
align with new plans and policies. The current AT Plan was approved in 2012, and therefore the
next review is scheduled to be completed by 2017.
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AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
APPENDICES
AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
Appendix I: Approval of the Peel Active Transportation Plan and Implementation Strategy
PW-A. INTERDEPARTMENTAL
That the Active Transportation Plan (AT Plan) and Implementation Strategy as summarized in the joint
report of the Commissioners of Public Works and Health Services, Chief Financial Officer and
Commissioner of Corporate Services and Medical Officer of Health, dated January 10, 2012, titled “Peel
Region Active Transportation Plan and Implementation Strategy”, be approved;
And further, that a copy of the subject report be forwarded to the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga,
and Town of Caledon for their endorsement and direction to staff to work collaboratively with Peel
Region to implement the AT Plan;
And further, that a copy of the subject report be forwarded to the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority, Conservation Halton, Credit Valley Conservation, Peel District School Board, Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District School Board, Toronto French School Board, Regions of York and Halton, Town of Halton
Hills, County of Wellington, Dufferin County, Town of Orangeville, Simcoe County, City of Toronto,
Ministry of Transportation, and Metrolinx, for information.
Carried 2012-270
Appendix III: School Travel Planning Pilot Program School List and Map
Brampton's Get to Dust off your bike, bring it along with your family for a trail
Know Your Trails ride. You will go through a bicycle and helmet safety check
14-Jun Brampton
and Pathways - and then for a bike ride through Brampton's Etobicoke
Etobicoke Creek Creek Trail!
Trail
Fun, food, music & more. Headlining Act – Big Sugar!
Caledon Day – fun
Followed by a fireworks finale * NEW this year – Valet Bike
14-Jun Caledon for the whole
Parking - Free, safe premium parking. Bicycle Rodeo offered
family!
by local insurance company
Bike the Etobicoke Creek Trail through the heart of
Brampton. Select one of three rides to fit your skill &
21-Jun Brampton Bike the Creek
interests. Learn about local plants, wildlife and other
elements of our natural heritage.
Community Ride A casual group ride led by MCAC citizen members
21-Jun Mississauga (Streetsville - Ward highlighting cycling infrastructure in the Streetsville
11) community of Mississauga.
Community Ride A casual group ride led by MCAC citizen members
26-Jun Mississauga (Rockwood - Ward highlighting cycling infrastructure in the Rockwood
3) community of Mississauga
Bicycle Friendly Mini-Bike workshops during Bolton Farmer's Market and a
28-Jun Caledon
Farmer's Market Community Bicycle Ride
Peel Human Services working in partnership with
28-Jun Brampton Community Day community members will host a bicycle event in South-
West Brampton
Program led by MIAG Centre for Diverse Women and
June 6 to Active Family Teams
Mississauga Families to encourage active family activities. The event in
August 8 in Action
Summer 2014 is "Multicultural Children's Soccer"
Bring your helmet, and have it fitted by Safety Village staff.
Children will receive a brief safety lesson, then practice in
PCSV "Open to the
02-Jul Peel Region our miniature village. The event is free, however we
Public" Day
request that parents register their child. Bicycle program
runs from 12:30 - 2:00pm
09-Jul Peel Region PCSV "Open to the Bring your helmet, and have it fitted by Safety Village staff.
AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
Public" Day Children will receive a brief safety lesson, then practice in
our miniature village. The event is free, however we
request that parents register their child. Limited space is
available. Bicycle program runs from 12:30 - 2:00pm
FREE Community Rides are a series of casual cycling tours in
all corners of Mississauga from May until October. Led by
citizen member volunteers of the Mississauga Cycling
COMMUNITY RIDES: Advisory Committee (MCAC), the Community Rides are an
10-Jul Mississauga CLARKSON / LORNE opportunity for residents to explore Mississauga on their
PARK bikes. The 2014 Community Rides series is sponsored by
Toronto Pearson Airport – all Community Rides are
followed by free refreshments provided courtesy of
Toronto Pearson.
"A carnival! Yes, a FREE carnival, open to anyone and
Brampton Safe City
everyone... a day when families can come and experience
Bicycle Rodeo @
12-Jul Brampton JOY with each other. We have games for all ages, prizes,
Lucas Holtom
and pony rides. The plan is to do it every year, on the
Carnival
second Saturday of July."
Brampton Safe City
Bicycle Rodeo @ To run a bike rodeo event for children at the Downtown
19-Jul Brampton
BSC Downtown Block Party
Block Party
The Cycle Caledon Challenge (CCC) is a road bike tour for
the cycling enthusiast. Starting and ending at the Caledon
Cycle Caledon Ski Club West Lodge situated on the Niagara Escarpment,
19-Jul Caledon
Challenge tour routes of 40 km, 60 km, 100 km (metric century), and
160 km (100 miler) will challenge cyclists with the rolling
terrain of the Hills and Headwaters of the region.
The FREE Community Rides are a series of casual cycling
tours in all corners of Mississauga from May until October.
Led by citizen member volunteers of the Mississauga
COMMUNITY
Cycling Advisory Committee (MCAC), the Community Rides
19-Jul Mississauga RIDES:Lakeview/
are an opportunity for residents to explore Mississauga on
Port Credit
their bikes. The 2014 Community Rides series is sponsored
by Toronto Pearson Airport – all rides are followed by free
refreshments provided courtesy of Toronto Pearson.
Can-Bike- Learn
22-Jul Brampton How to Bike for 2 hour clinic for first time rider
Adults
Can-Bike- Learn
23-Jul Brampton How to Bike for 2 hour clinic for first time rider
Children
Length
Type of of
Location From To Municipality Year
Facility Facility
(km)
Mavis Rd 250 m 300 m south Brampton Multi-use 0.4 km 2012
north of of Steeles Ave Trail
Steeles Ave
Steeles Ave 340 m west 170 m east of Brampton Sidewalk 0.4 km 2012
of Mavis Rd Mavis Rd
The Gore Rd Cottrelle Castlemore Rd Brampton Sidewalk 3.8 km 2012
Blvd Multi-use 0.4 km
Trail
Cawthra Rd Meadows Eastgate Pkwy Mississauga Multi-use 0.4 km 2012
Blvd Trail
King St Coleraine King St Caledon Sidewalk 0.5 km 2012
Drive Multi-use 1.4 km
Trail
King St Humber Farmers Lane Caledon Sidewalk 1.4 km 2012
Lea Rd
King St Farmers Sneath Rd Caledon Sidewalk 0.3 km 2012
Lane
Regional Rd 136 Queen St Garafaxa Caledon Paved 10 km 2012
Rail Line Townline Shoulders
Hwy 50 Centennial Bolton Heights Caledon Sidewalk 1.4 km 2012
Dr
Hwy 50 Bolton Columbia Way Caledon Sidewalk 0.6 km 2012
Heights
Mississauga Rd Hwy 407 Steeles Ave Brampton Sidewalk 0.9 km 2013
Multi-use 0.9 km
Trail
Mississauga Rd Steeles Ave Lionhead Brampton Sidewalk 1.6 km 2013
Entrance
Mississauga Rd Steeles Ave Embleton Rd Brampton Multi-use 2.6 km 2013
Trail
Mississauga Rd Queen St William Pkwy Brampton Multi-use 1.7 km 2013
Trail
Mississauga Rd Queen St Ostrander Brampton Sidewalk 0.5 km 2013
Hwy 50 Queen St Castlemore Rd Brampton Sidewalk 3.0 km 2013
Multi-use 3.0 km
Trail
Airport Rd Steeles Ave Driver Brampton Sidewalk 1.5 km 2013
AT Plan – Implementation Strategy Program Report 2014
Steeles Ave Goreway West of Brampton Sidewalk 0.1 km 2013
Dr Goreway Dr
Steeles Ave Bramalea West of Brampton Sidewalk 0.1 km 2013
Rd Bramalea Rd
Dixie Rd Father Countryside Brampton Temporary 1.0 km 2013
Tobin Dr asphalt
sidewalk
Queensway East Dixie Rd Greenhurst Mississauga Sidewalk 0.05 km 2013
Ave Multi-use 0.8 km
Trail
Derry Rd Argentia Rd Millcreek Mississauga Multi-use 0.8 km 2013
Trail
Mississauga Rd King St Olde Caledon Paved 8.0 km
Baseline Rd Shoulders
Regional Rd 136 North of North of Caledon Paved 6.4 km 2013
Charleston Beechgrove Shoulders
Sideroad
Steeles Ave Torbram Rd 220 m east of Brampton Sidewalk 0.2 km 2014
Torbram Rd
(north side)
Steeles Ave Torbram Rd East of Brampton Sidewalk 0.2 2014
Torbram Rd
(south side)
Mayfield Rd Dixie Rd Bramalea Rd Brampton Multi-use 1.4 km 2014
Trail
Derry Rd Malton Mimico Creek Mississauga Multi-use 0.4 km 2014
Creek Bridge Trail
Bridge
Derry Rd Rexwood Hwy 427 Mississauga Sidewalk 0.4 km 2014
Rd
Derry Rd Goreway Hwy 427 Mississauga Sidewalk 0.8 km 2014
Dr
Dixie Rd South of Courtneypark Mississauga Sidewalk 0.8km 2014
Derry Rd Dr
Sidewalks 16km
Length of
Type of
Location From To Status Facility Year
Facility
(km)
Airport Rd Mayfield Countryside Dr Pre- Multi-use 1.3km 2015
(Brampton) Rd Engineering/ Trail
Construction
2015
Old Church Rd Marilyn St 680m east Construction Sidewalk 1.0 km 2015
(Caledon) Innis Lake Rd 2015
Paved 4.8km
Shoulders
Mavis Rd Steeles Ave Hwy 407 Construction Multi-use 1.0 km 2016
(Brampton) 2015 Trail
Britannia Rd Erin Mills Winston Pre- Multi-use 2016
(Mississauga) Pkwy Churchill Blvd Engineering/ Trail 1.4 km
Construction
in 2015/2016
Dixie Rd Kendall Rd Blundell under Multi-use 0.5 km 2015
(Mississauga) construction Trail /2016
with Hanlan
Dixie Rd South of Kendall Rd under Multi-use 2.5km 2015/
(Mississauga) Eastgate construction Trail 2016
Pkwy with Hanlan
Sidewalk 2km