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1 The City of Peterborough Chemong Road/Reid Street Widening Class Environmental Assessment (Schedule C) Public Information Centre #2 March 20, 2012 Northminster United Church WELCOME! Please sign in so we can keep you updated on the study

2 Purpose of Tonight s Meeting The purpose of this meeting is to present: The problems associated with the study area A summary of the information presented at PIC #1 The results of technical studies A description of the design alternatives The evaluation of the design alternatives and recommended designs A summary of the potential impacts and associated mitigation measures A summary of the future activities to be completed as part of this EA Study Study Area

3 Key Problems to Address Collisions Installation of continuous two way left turn lanes can reduce collisions by 20-35% Capacity Widening to provide a centre turn lane has been recommended in last 3 Transportation Plans Collisions collisions in past 4 years Pedestrians Sidewalks are not continuous on west side of Chemong Road Collision patterns are related and require an integrated solution

4 Class EA Study Process Phase 1 Data Collection & Study Initiation Define Problems & Opportunities Phase 2 Develop Alternative Solutions & Criteria to Evaluate Alternative Solutions Identify Benefits / Impacts for Alternative Solutions & Complete Evaluation Present Evaluation of Preferred Solutions to Public & Stakeholders for Review / Comment Consider Comments & Refine / Recommend Preferred Alternative Solution Phase 3 Develop Alternative Design Concepts for Preferred Solution - Access management alternatives - Widening alternatives Identify Benefits / Impacts for Alternative Design Concepts - Access management alternatives - Widening alternatives Present Evaluation of Alternative Design Concepts to Public & Stakeholders for Review / Comment Consider comments & refine / recommend Preferred Design Develop measures to mitigate impacts of Preferred Design Phase 4 Complete & File Environmental Study Report Presented at PIC #1 April 12, 2011 We are here

5 Information Presented at PIC #1 This EA Study was introduced at the first public information centre (PIC #1) held in the spring 2011, and presented an overview of the Class EA process and the problems associated with the study area. The study team introduced and recommended a Hybrid Solution to address to the problems associated with the study area. This solution includes a combination of: 1) Access Management to reduce number of current entrances / sideroad intersections along Chemong Road where feasible and beneficial 2) Access Management Policies to control / limit new entrances to Chemong Road 3) Widening to 5 lanes with a centre 2-way turning lane 4) Operational improvements to the Chemong/Reid/Parkhill Road intersections Preliminary alternative design concepts associated with these methods were also presented at PIC #1. In total, 45 respondents provided written feedback with regards to the study during and/or following PIC #1. Each comment was reviewed and considered by members of the study team.

6 Comments Received at PIC #1 Existing Operational Concerns vehicular speeds, traffic light timing for pedestrians current noise and traffic delays associated with transport truck movement and traffic in general Safety lack of sidewalks, offset from road, snow removal too many turns on/off of Chemong Road nearby residential streets used to bypass Chemong Road Drainage the need for improvements to stormwater and sewer services Access Issues emergency service accessibility access to businesses Impacts of Alternatives economic impacts on residences and businesses noise related to current and increased traffic tree removal associated with project loss of parking spaces at businesses and residences loss of service roads and impacts to property value, safety, traffic infiltration, etc. Impacts During Construction potential to impact groundwater related to project construction activities inconvenience of project (during and after construction activities) to businesses and/or patrons (i.e., lack of accessibility associated with construction, median development, etc.) surface drainage and/or flooding concerns related to the construction activities

7 5-Step Evaluation Process Used: Step 1 Access Management: Alternatives work with most if not all widening alternatives Assessing the Access Management Alternatives early allows us to refine the widening alternatives and consider some hybrid alternatives that may reduce impacts Step 2 Ultimate Cross Section Width (26m, 30m, 36m): Consider incremental impacts / benefits of wider ROW (grading on private property, grading within ROW, space for utilities, benefits of additional boulevard behind sidewalk) Step 3 Widening Alternatives: Widening to the east, widening to the west, widening on both sides + one Hybrid Option were evaluated with best access management strategy and best ROW width Step 4 Reid / Parkhill Intersection Alternatives: Alternatives can fit with any Widening Alternative noted above Evaluation used best ranked widening alternative as a basis Step 5 Treatment for Old Chemong Road : Three Alternatives Cul-de-Sac, Partial Access or Full Access Chemong Road Class EA Study - City of Peterborough Evaluation Framework Criteria and Factors Used For Each Step: Transportation Accommodation of Transit Traffic operations Property access Emergency services access and response times Accommodation of pedestrians and cyclists Vehicle Safety Traffic infiltration (access management) Natural Environment Water courses, Surface and/ or Groundwater Vegetation & wildlife habitat Aquatic species & habitats Air quality Socio-Economic Environment Compatibility with proposed development Noise impacts Property impacts (commercial, residential) Aesthetics Engineering Considerations Construction Staging Snow Storage & Removal Major Services & Utilities Cost (capital, operation and maintenance) Cultural Environment Built heritage resources Archaeological resources First Nations and Métis Rights and/or Interests Evaluation identified positive and negative implications of each alternative and considered opportunities to mitigate or avoid impacts

8 Review of Existing Conditions Built Heritage Archaeological No properties designated under Parts IV and V of the Ontario Heritage Act in the study area No Category A properties in the study area Several Category B and Category C properties are located within the study area, the majority of which are located within the original Smith Township Several structures have been identified as potentially significant and worthy of further assessment Medium and High Archaeological Potential areas are located within the northern and southern portions of the study area The central portion of the study area holds Low Archaeological Potential given the previously disturbed/developed nature of the area A Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment was recommended for the undisturbed portions of the study area

9 Natural Environment A Natural Environment Assessment (NEA) was completed for the study area. The NEA included a site reconnaissance of the study area by aquatic and terrestrial ecologists. The findings of the NEA indicated the following: Aquatic Environment Bears Creek traverses the north portion of the study area According to MNR, Bears Creek is known to contain warm water fish communities that are typical of urban creeks in southern Ontario Fish habitat conditions for study area assessed, no fish identified at time of site reconnaissance (September 2011) Possible barriers to fish migration identified (woody debris, low water levels, metal grate and undergound culvert) No Species at Risk (SAR) or species designated as Special Concern were identified based on available Otonabee Region Conservation Authority ORCA mapping Existing culvert under Chemong Road, looking downstream. Terrestrial Environment A designated Natural Area is present in association with the Parkway Trail and Bears Creek Ten provincially rare wildlife species have been recorded by the MNR in the vicinity of the study area Suitable habitat for the recorded species was not identified during the site reconnaissance, with the exception of Chimney Swift (commonly found in urban settlements where they have potential to nest in residential chimneys) A small grove of 5 Manitoba Maples and meadow marsh was identified at the northwest corner of the study area at the time of the site visit (Fresh-moist Manitoba Maple Deciduous Woodland)

10 Traffic Noise Study A Traffic Noise Study (TNS) was carried out to evaluate the potential noise impacts on noise sensitive receptors/points of reception as a result of the proposed road widening. Noise Sensitive Points of Reception: Locations where excessive noise may disrupt the lives or activities of occupants/residents Analysis: Future traffic volumes, truck volumes, posted vehicular speed limits were considered as part of the analysis. These were assessed under ambient conditions ( Do Nothing ) and with the proposed widening to a 30 m ROW and 36 m ROW Eight (8) residences were identified as the most noise sensitive points of reception As per MOE/MTO guidelines, sound levels that increase between 0 db - 5 db do not require mitigation Any sound level increase greater than 5 db requires further consideration of noise control measures Results: The results of the analysis of the 30 m ROW and 36 m ROW predicted changes in noise levels below 5 db (ranging from -0.1 db to +4 db) The proposed road improvements are anticipated to have a low to negligible noise impact on the existing noise sensitive points of reception Noise mitigation measures are not recommended according to MOE/MTO guidelines

11 Stormwater Management As per the City of Peterborough s Flood Reduction Master Plan, improvements to the stormwater service trunk will be installed in concurrence with the proposed road improvements. Theses improvements will increase capacity to accommodate current growth in the City, and future growth planned to the north of the study area. In addition, these improvements will prevent downstream flooding Flood Event,Chemong Road at Wolsely Street (Source: ORCA) Note - A detailed Stormwater Assessment is currently being completed as part of the Chemong Road/Reid Street EA Study. The results of this assessment will be included as part of the Environmental Study Report.

12 Stormwater Management A stormwater management analysis was carried out to assess the potential impacts to the existing storm water system associated with the proposed improvements, the findings of which noted the following: The proposed road widening will increase impervious area (paved surfaces). The potential to increase the storm runoff volumes, peak flow rates and pollutant loadings to receiving watercourses is also present. Based on detailed survey data, Wolsley Street and Parkhill Road comprise the two low points of the drainage system in the study area Existing 100-year Floodlines Storm Water Management Plan includes the following recommendations: Provide a separate or twin storm sewer system that will collect local flows within the study area from Chemong Road / Reid Street and fronting properties (designed for each of the two low points in the Chemong Road/Reid Street profile) Provide capacity for 100-year design storm event in Main Trunk Sewer given historical sewer flooding and lack of existing overland path routes Runoff rates can be reduced to existing peak flow rates Provide sufficient storage for peak flow by installing an oversized storm sewer with a controlled outlet at the downstream end of each twin system The Jackson Creek Flood Reduction Master Plan (Plan) recommended upsizing of several sections along Chemong Road The existing storm sewer system located downstream from the study area has sufficient capacity to convey additional flows associated with the upsized storm sewer system without increasing flooding downstream Orange Highlight = recommended areas of upsizing to proposed twin storm sewer system

13 Access Management Evaluation North End Benefits Impacts Key Evaluation Results Provide Centre Turn Lane Close Summerhill/ Applegrove Joint Entrance At Sunset Restrict Left Turns Close Summerhill / Left Turn Applegrove Elimination of Left Turning Conflicts X partial Prohibits SB Left Turns at New Clinic X X X X Reduced Conflicts with Cyclists / Pedestrians X partial partial Access to Neighbourhood X partial partial Reduction in Neighbourhood Traffic None Major Minor Minor Moderate Increase in EMS Response Time None Highest Minimal Modest Minimal Maintain Access to Businesses X partial partial Traffic diverted to Highland Road none Highest Minimal Modest Minimal Capital Costs Lowest Mod-High Highest Moderate Low Summary Least Preferred Most Preferred

14 Access Management Evaluation Highland Ave to Wolsely Street Benefits Impacts Key Evaluation Results Provide Centre Turn Lane Restrict Left Turns Consolidate Entrances Elimination of Left Turning Conflicts X partial Reduction in Collision Risk moderate major minor Reduced Conflicts with Cyclists/Pedestrians X partial partial Increase in Left Turns at Intersections none highest high Maintain Access to Businesses X X Ease of Implementation X X Capital Costs Lowest highest moderate Summary Least Preferred Most Preferred

15 Access Management Evaluation South End Key Evaluation Results Provide Centre Turn Lane Close Aberdeen Close Aberdeen / Mason Close Mason Close Aberdeen/ Mason/Victoria Close Victoria Restrict Left Turns Elimination of Left Turning Conflicts (# of locations) Benefits Impacts Reduction in Collision Risk moderate moderate moderate minor major minor moderate Reduced Conflicts with Cyclists/Pedestrians (# of locations) Access to Neighbourhood (# of locations) Reduction in Neighbourhood Traffic Increase in EMS Response Time Traffic Diversion to Chesterfield Avenue / Downie Street partial none moderate major minor major minor moderate none minor high minimal highest minimal minor none 200 veh/day 400 veh/day 100 veh/day 600 veh/day 180 veh/day Impacts to Business Access none none none none partial Impacts to Properties moderate moderate high low highest low lowest Capital Costs lowest moderate high low highest low low-mod Summary none Least Preferred Most Preferred

16 Access Management Recommendations North Section Provide center raised median island to restrict left turns at Summerhill Ave Provide left turn lane to improve safety of access to Applegrove Rd. Highland Ave to Wolsely St Provide two way left turn lane to improve safety of existing entrances Implement access control policies for properties that re-develop South of Wolsely Provide center raised median island to restrict left turns to/from Chemong Rd / Reid St. NB Left Turn

17 Evaluation of Cross-Sections Benefits 26 m ROW 30 m ROW 36 m ROW Lowest potential to impact commercial parking spaces Lowest potential to displace residential & commercial properties Lowest property acquisition costs. Lowest impact to built heritage resources Can accommodate enhanced transit stops / shelters Can accommodate recommended bike lane Provides m offset to sidewalks Provides space for streetscaping Better opportunity to maintain traffic during construction Sufficient boulevard width for snow storage Sufficient boulevard width to accommodate utilities Can accommodate enhanced transit stops / shelters Can accommodate recommended bike lane Provides m offset to sidewalks Provides space for enhanced streetscaping Better opportunity to maintain traffic during construction Sufficient boulevard width for snow storage Sufficient boulevard width to accommodate utilities Impacts Does not accommodate enhanced transit stops / shelters Cannot accommodate recommended bike lane Minimal offset to sidewalks Does not allow for streetscaping More difficult to maintain traffic during construction Insufficient boulevard width for snow storage Narrow boulevard requires hydro poles placed close to road Potential for higher utility costs (buried) Loss of service roads Moderate potential to impact commercial parking spaces Between 0-6 residential properties displaced Between 1-3 commercial properties displaced Increased number of commercial and residential entrances affected during construction Moderate impact to built heritage resources Loss of service roads Major impact commercial parking spaces at numerous sites Between 5-8 residential properties displaced Between 3-4 commercial properties displaced Numerous business displaced Virtually all commercial and residential entrances affected during construction Highest impact to built heritage resources High property cost and significant implementation risks due to property acquisition delays Least Preferred Most Preferred

18 Chemong Road Widening Alternatives 1) West Alignment 30 m Right of Way Mason Ave. Aberdeen Ave. Wolsely St. Loss of service roads 6 Residential properties displaced Aberdeen Ave. Provides offset sidewalks and accommodates utilities, snow storage, streetscaping Loss of service roads Impact to commercial parking at Tim Hortons Avoids displacement of commercial properties / businesses Lowest amount of commercial parking loss Highland Rd. Applegrove Ave.

19 Chemong Road Widening Alternatives 2) East Alignment 30 m Right of Way Loss of service roads Mason Ave. Aberdeen Ave. Wolsely St. Direct access to Chemong Road for residential properties Impacts to KFC (drive thru) and Chemong Plaza (parking loss) Aberdeen Ave. Provides offset sidewalks and accommodates utilities, snow storage, streetscaping Loss of service roads Major impact to commercial parking (Asta s Plaza, Chemong Plaza) Up to 3-4 commercial properties and businesses may be displaced (i.e., Husky Gas Station Highland Rd. Applegrove Ave.

20 Chemong Road Widening Alternatives 3) Center Widening 30 m Right of Way Loss of service roads Mason Ave. Aberdeen Ave. Wolsely St. 3 residential properties displaced Direct access to remaining residential properties Steep driveway grades (west side) Aberdeen Ave. Impacts to KFC (drive thru) and Chemong Plaza (parking loss) Provides offset sidewalks and accommodates utilities, snow storage, streetscaping Loss of service roads Highest impact to commercial parking (Asta s Plaza, Tim Hortons, Chemong Plaza, etc.) Up to 2-3 commercial properties and 7-8 businesses may be displaced (i.e., Husky Gas Station) Highland Rd. Applegrove Ave.

21 Chemong Road Widening Alternatives 4) Hybrid Widening 30 m Right of Way Loss of service roads Mason Ave. Aberdeen Ave. Wolsely St. Curb face sidewalk on retaining wall would require hand rails No room for utilities / snow storage, streetscaping Loss of service roads Aberdeen Ave. Requires retaining wall & new driveway access for 4 homes on west side Avoids residential and commercial property displacement No commercial property displacement Cannot provide bike lane Extensive impact to commercial parking, but some may be mitigated during design Alignment shifts may increase collision risk Highland Rd. Applegrove Ave.

22 Evaluation Chemong Road Widening Alternatives Benefits Impacts Key Evaluation Results Widen on West Side Widen on East Side Widen on Both Sides Accommodates transit stops, offset sidewalks, X Boulevard for snow storage / streetscaping X Accommodates bicycle lane X Accommodates offset utilities / hydro poles X Maintains service roads X X X X Residential properties displaced Commercial properties displaced Potential businesses displaced Residential properties affected by widening Hybrid Loss of commercial parking / access Lowest Major Highest Extensive Capital costs Mod-High Moderate Moderate Highest Property cost / acquisition risk Low-Mod High Mod-High Low Summary 0 0 Least Preferred Most Preferred

23 Reid Street Widening Alternatives Alternative 1 - Widen East / Widen West Widen East 9 Residential properties displaced 3 Commercial properties displaced Best alignment through Reid Street/ Parkhill Road intersection increases visibility/safety Widen West 8 Residential properties displaced 4 Commercial properties displaced Acceptable alignment through Reid Street/ Parkhill Road intersection

24 Alternative 4 5 Residential properties displaced 2 Commercial properties displaced Reduced lane widths, no offset to sidewalks, no space for utilities / snow Chemong Road Class EA Study - City of Peterborough Reid Street Widening Alternatives Alternative 3/4 Minimal Improvements Alternative 3 No northbound left turn at Parkhill Road reduced visibility for southbound left turns 6 Residential properties displaced 1 Commercial property displaced Reduced lane widths, no offset to sidewalks, no space for utilities / snow

25 Chemong Road / Reid Street Intersection Alternatives Benefits Impacts Key Evaluation Results Accommodates Transit Stops, Offset Sidewalks, Widen West Widen East Minimal No NB Left Turn Minimal With NB Left Turn Roundabout X X Intersection Capacity & Safety Best Best Worst Poor Good Ability to Accommodate Utilities Best Best Worst Poor Fair Commercial Properties Displaced Potential Businesses Displaced 4 6 Residential Properties Displaced Loss of Heritage Structures (B/C) Capital Costs Lowest Lowest Moderate Mod-High Highest Property Cost / Acquisition Risk Summary High- Very High Mod- High Lowest Moderate Very High 4 6 Least Preferred Most Preferred

26 Old Chemong Road Alternatives

27 Old Chemong Road Alternatives Key Evaluation Results Alternative A Cul-de-Sac Alternative B Partial Access Alternative C Full Access Eliminates SB Left Turn at Parkhill X Benefits Impacts Ease of Access Good Worst Best Noise / Local Air Quality Best Improved Worst Potential to Enhance Neighbourhood Best Improved Worst Traffic Through Neighbourhood Best Improved Worst Residential Properties Impacted Snow Storage / Removal Worst Good Best Capital Costs Highest Moderate Lowest Summary Least Preferred Most Preferred

28 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures The following strategies and treatments are recommended to mitigate the impacts associated with the proposed improvements to the Chemong Road / Reid Street corridor. Potential Impacts Property Impacts The recommended design displaces 15 residential properties and grading work will affect numerous other residential properties 3 businesses will be displaced by the recommended design Commercial parking spaces may be displaced and/or impacted Vegetation Vegetated areas and mature trees may be impacted by construction activities Stormwater Management The proposed road widening will increase impervious area (paved surfaces). The potential to increase the storm runoff volumes, peak flow rates and pollutant loadings Noise The proposed road widening will result in short term noise impacts during construction No significant increase in noise due to improvements Preliminary Mitigation Measures The City of Peterborough property acquisition process is based on fair market value as determined through independent appraisals. The City will work to minimize disruption to affected households and/or businesses Impacts to commercial parking space can be mitigated through design, where feasible The City may require permission to enter and construct on private property. The City will also develop restoration plans in consultation with affected property owners prior to undertaking work. Impacts to individual trees will be confirmed and surveyed in consultation with an arborist during detailed design Impacted trees will be replaced at a 2:1 ratio, where possible, and completed in consultation with an arborist and property owners Provide capacity for 100-year design storm event in Main Trunk Sewer. Runoff rates can be reduced to existing peak flow rates by providing an oversized storm sewer with a controlled outlet at the downstream end of each system Appropriate measures to reduce impacts to water quality will be documented in Stormwater Management report (currently being completed) and further documented in the ESR. Construction activities will adhere to all applicable bylaws Construction equipment noise emission will comply with MOE guidelines Based on the findings of the Traffic Noise Study, no mitigation is required in association with the operation of the improved roadway

29 Potential Impacts Natural Environment Potential disturbance to soil and/or sediment within Bears Creek Increased potential contamination (i.e., salt) to Bears Creek during rain events and decreased infiltration Potential chimney swift and other bird species habitat may be impacted by displaced buildings and/or trees Heritage Resources One (1) Class B and 8 Class C buildings may be displaced Archaeological Resources The Stage 1 Archaeological indicated that the undeveloped portions of the study area had a moderate to high potential for the recovery of archaeological resources Neighbourhood / Business Disruption During Construction Construction activities will result in disruption to traffic flows and potentially result in temporary traffic diversion to adjacent streets, temporary closures of side roads and/or business entrances. Chemong Road Class EA Study - City of Peterborough Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures Preliminary Mitigation Measures Erosion and sediment control measures will be installed according to applicable standards Any disturbed areas will be restored using native species following construction Works within Bears Creek will be completed in consultation with the ORCA and authorization from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, if required The timing of construction activities will be scheduled to avoid sensitive timing windows for resident species (i.e., outside breeding bird window of Mar.15 - June 30) The presence of potential chimney swift habitat will be confirmed (i.e., spacious and open chimneys, visible nests). Habitat compensation will be implemented (if/where necessary), in consultation with the MNR The Class B building will be: researched and documented to applicable standards; photographed as vegetation is removed; and, basic measured drawings detailing the floor plans and elevations to permit future research will be completed Impacted Class C structures will be researched and photo documented mitigation measures will be reviewed with the City s Heritage Preservation Office A Stage 2 archaeological field assessment will be completed to identify impact to archaeological resources prior to construction activities To the extent possible, traffic will be maintained during construction along Chemong Road. A traffic management plan will be developed during detailed design to define the details and define measures to reduce the need for / duration of temporary closures. Some neighbourhoods may see a temporary increase in traffic as motorists avoid construction work or delays. The City will investigate the use of temporary turn restrictions or side road traffic closures to minimize short cutting of traffic through neighbourhoods during construction. A temporary closure of Downie St / Chesterfield Avenue may be required during certain phases of the construction to avoid neighbourhood short cutting. The City will work with adjacent business owners to maintain access to all business properties during construction, although some short term closures may be unavoidable. The closures will be scheduled to minimize impacts during business hours where feasible and practical.

30 Next Steps Continue to meet with affected property owners as required Consider comments received and address mitigation measures Finalize the preferred alternative and preliminary design Present Recommended Design to Council for approval (June 2012) Complete the Environmental Study Report (ESR) File the ESR for 30 day public and agency review period Note: The Environmental Assessment Act has provisions that allow an interested person, Aboriginal community, or government agency to ask for a higher level of assessment for a Class EA project if there are outstanding issues that have not been adequately addressed. This is known as a Part II Order. A Part II Order request may be submitted in writing to the Minister of the Environment (a copy to the City Clerk) within the 30 day review period after filing the Environmental Study Report. A request should be made only when there are outstanding significant environmental issues that cannot be resolved through the EA process, discussions with the City or mediation. Questions? If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact either of the following team members: Mr. Kevin Jones, Consultant Project Manager AECOM Canada Tel: kevin.jones@aecom.com Mr. Robert Dunford, Senior Project Manager City of Peterborough Tel: rjdunford@peterborough.ca