Schedule ‘C’ Environmental Assessment for 16th Avenue between Yonge Street and Woodbine Avenue
Appendix C Public Comment Tracking
Accessible formats are available upon request.
16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker
ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 1 12/11/2015 Email Good afternoon Colin In the first quarter of 2016 York Region will commence Environmental Assessment (EA) Studies for Is there any update or study's you can share as it pertains to the planned work on 16th Ave. road improvements on 16th Avenue from Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue in the Town of Has the environmental assessment been completed? Richmond Hill and City of Markham; and 16th Avenue from Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line Thank you in the City of Markham. Sixteenth Avenue is a major east-west corridor in York Region. York Region's 2009 Transportation Master Plan identified the need for capacity improvements along 16th Avenue. Improvements will serve to increase east-west capacity within York Region's arterial network, accommodate growth and improve overall network connectivity. We will add you to our mailing list so that you receive study notifications and updates. This includes the Notice of Study Commencement, which we will issue in the first quarter of 2016, as well as notices of consultation activities. I am the Project Manager of the EA studies so feel free to contact me anytime to discuss project issues and provide your input. Alternatively, you can contact Cathy Downard-Parmer, who is the communications specialists for the study. She can be reached at [email protected]. Thank you. Colin 2 5/27/2016 Email Hi Colin, Thank you for your interest in the study. By way of this email, I will request our consultants at HDR to I would like to be informed of the commencement of the EA for the above noted works add you to our mailing list. (16th Ave Bayview to Yonge St EA) . Cheers, Thanks, Colin 3 6/7/2016 Email Dear Mr. Wong: Thank you for your voicemail and email. My name is [...] . My wife [...] and me are long Markham residents and I am a member of the The Region will commence an environmental assessment study for 16th Avenue very soon. Please URA. My concern is that 5 or 6 years ago the Region had a plan to widen 16th Ave. allow me a couple of days to gather information and I will give you additional information about the My self and several members of the URA canvased door to door and received hundreds of study. signatures in protest of this move and presented ourselves to council along with hundreds of I will forward this email onto the study team and we will add you to our mailing list. other protesters. Cheers, Council then referred the matter to Region. We also attended to the meeting with Region Colin and we thought the plan had been shelved to our great relief. I received the attached newsletter from the URA last week and was surprised to find that this plan may be back on the table if not approved. Can you please shed some light on this for me as our property backs on to 16th and we need to know the details.
4 Thank you for your email and I apologize for the delay in getting back to you with further details. York Region is beginning two transportation Environmental Assessment (EA) studies of 16th Avenue. Study A is between Yonge Street and Woodbine Avenue in the Town of Richmond Hill and City of Markham and Study B is between Woodbine Avenue and York/Durham Line in the City of Markham. The two EA studies are looking at possible improvements to 16th Avenue to accommodate the current and future transportation needs of residents, pedestrians, cyclist, public transit users and motorists along this corridor. As identified in York Region’s Transportation Master Plan, traffic congestion is a growing issue for York Region residents and 16th Avenue is a key road in York Region’s transportation network. The 16th Avenue EA studies will look at infrastructure improvements to accommodate all road users, while protecting communities, the natural environment and supporting local businesses. The 16th Avenue EA study team is familiar with the issues raised during the previous EA study and these issues will be looked at during these studies. York Region is looking for residents and stakeholders to provide their suggestions throughout the study. Multiple public consultation activities are planned, providing opportunities for all stakeholder to participate. Your contact information was added to our mailing list. More information regarding the 16th Avenue study will be posted on york.ca/ea. If you have additional questions or comments, please contact me. Sincerely, Colin
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 5 7/12/2016 Phone Conversation Phone conversation with […] regarding the study, inquiring about construction timelines. Phone conversation. […] reviewed the general timeline for EA studies and how long it can take from with […] study completion to construction, which reassured the resident. Confirmed that resident has been added to the contact list or the study and will receive an update about future open houses.
6 7/2/2016 Email Can you please add a longer left turn lane the the lights at Woodbine and 16th Avenue for Thank you for your feedback, your comments have been incorporated in the Study for consideration. drivers exiting the highway and travelling east along 16 Avenue to make a left hand turn Information regarding open houses and other community events will be published on york.ca/ea and onto Woodbine Avenue (to go north). There is a left hand turn lane but it is short AND the on York Region's Facebook and Twitter social media channels. Your contact details have been added left hand turn arrow is too short causing a backup of traffic on 16 towards the woodbine and to the mailing list. 16th avenue lights in the evening traffic hours. Should you have additional questions, please let me know. Thank you 7 7/5/2016 Email Thank you for giving residents an opportunity to voice their opinions on improvements on Thank you for your feedback regarding 16th Avenue. Your comments have been incorporated into 16th Avenue. the study finding. More information regarding open houses and other community events will be To start with, 16th Avenue is a total mess with only 2 lanes in each direction. The traffic posted on York.ca/ea and on York Region’s Facebook and Twitter channels. lights are not timed with a lot of traffic lights on insignificant streets meeting 16th Avenue being triggered by just one car sometimes making it impossible to time 16th Avenue as a complete roadway. This has to be sorted out to make the road more efficient. If you go to Mississauga, their leaders way back were visionaries building 3 lanes in either direction major roads and as the city grew, the transportation infrastructure was already there. People are enjoying the benefits now. We lack true visionaries in the York region. As York region grows, it seems to get worse. I suggest you people take the reins now for the future. Highway 404 has proved to be an impediment with movement of traffic east-west as there are not too many cross roads between the 2 segments. 16th Avenue is one of the roadways transporting cars between the 2 segments and that's one of the reasons driving on 16th Avenue has heavy traffic and is very slow.
8 7/7/2016 Phone conversation Interested in the area from Bayview to Elm, and general interest in the project. Would like to Phone conversation documented in an email from M. Mascarenhas: with M. be added to the 16th Avenue EA study mailing list to be kept informed of the study progress Mascarenhas and receive the notices for the open houses. It was nice speaking with you. As requested my contact information is below. I understand you would like to be added to the 16th Avenue EA study mailing list to be kept informed of the study progress and receive the notices for the open houses. We will add you to the list. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
9 7/11/2016 Email Thank you for your notice of assessment in widening 16th Ave. Thank you for your feedback and continued interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment As a resident, who’s home backs directly on 16th Ave., I have a request for pertinent (EA) studies. Based on your letter dated January 17, 2017, we understand you are concerned about existing measurement or measurements to be undertaken in the following areas. [seismic, increased traffic along 16th Avenue as a result of the proposed improvements, and any associated noise, traffic congestion, air pollution]. vibration impacts. As discussed during our January 20, 2017 meeting (the notes from this meeting are Further, I wish to know if the above studies have been conducted or will be conducted? Have attached for your reference), the proposed improvements between Yonge Street and Markham any feasibilities been conducted and if so, may I please receive a copy(s)? Road/Highway 48 consist of widening 16th Avenue to 6 lanes (3 lanes per direction), to I would also request if any study information, restricting truck size, (Tons / Axle) to be accommodate Transit and High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) in the curb lanes, in addition to providing enforced on 16th Ave, as is the case east of 9Th line, has been completed? (As I discussed continuous cycling and pedestrian facilities and improved landscaping as feasible. Trucks, which you with Councilor Armstrong Dec 11, 2016) identified as being your main concern related to vibration impacts, would remain in their current In terms of detriments’, as outlined above, what is the Region of York’s position in relation lane and not in the additional lanes that would be located closer to your property. to compensation /repairs required? (medical &/or engineering) Although the EA work includes assessing noise impacts and the potential for mitigation based on York Region’s Noise Policy and York Region’s Standard Operating Procedures, the current EA scope does not include baseline vibration analysis or projected traffic vibration post-construction. However, as a standard practice during construction, specific locations are typically selected for vibration monitoring and these locations are monitored before, during, and after construction. This could mitigate construction vibration, but not projected traffic vibration.
As requested during our meeting, please find below a table summarizing the existing and projected traffic data for the various segments of 16th Avenue between Yonge Street and Markham Road/Highway 48 in the form of annual average daily traffic (AADT), percentage of all traffic captured during the day (between 7am and 11pm), and percentage of trucks compared to all other vehicles. Please note that this data is preliminary, and it is based on the following anticipated construction dates per the most current York Region 10-Year Roads and Transit Capital Construction Program: • Yonge Street to Leslie Street: anticipated construction start in 2023 • Leslie Street to Woodbine Avenue: anticipated construction start in 2021 hdrinc.com • All other sections (east of Woodbine Avenue) have an anticipated construction start beyond 2028.Page 2/49 [Traffic information was included] The study team is still undertaking the development and assessment of alternative design concepts as part of Phase 3 of the EA process. This information will be presented to the public at the next set of Open Houses, anticipated for Fall 2017. Since you are already on the study contact list, you will receive a notification with details about the Open Houses. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us with any additional questions or comments. 9 7/11/2016 Email Thank you for your notice of assessment in widening 16th Ave. Thank you for your feedback and continued interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment As a resident, who’s home backs directly on 16th Ave., I have a request for pertinent (EA) studies. Based on your letter dated January 17, 2017, we understand you are concerned about existing measurement or measurements to be undertaken in the following areas. [seismic, increased traffic along 16th Avenue as a result of the proposed improvements, and any associated noise, traffic congestion, air pollution]. vibration impacts. As discussed during our January 20, 2017 meeting (the notes from this meeting are Further, I wish to know if the above studies have been conducted or will be conducted? Have attached for your reference), the proposed improvements between Yonge Street and Markham any feasibilities been conducted and if so, may I please receive a copy(s)? Road/Highway 48 consist of widening 16th Avenue to 6 lanes (3 lanes per direction), to I would also request if any study information, restricting truck size, (Tons / Axle) to be accommodate Transit and High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) in the curb lanes, in addition to providing enforced on 16th Ave, as is the case east of 9Th line, has been completed? (As I discussed continuous cycling and pedestrian facilities and improved landscaping as feasible. Trucks, which you with Councilor Armstrong Dec 11, 2016) identified as being your main concern related to vibration impacts, would remain in their current In terms of detriments’, as outlined above, what is the Region of York’s position in relation lane and not in the additional lanes that would be located closer to your property. to compensation /repairs required? (medical &/or engineering) Although the EA work includes assessing noise impacts and the potential for mitigation based on York Region’s Noise Policy and York Region’s Standard Operating Procedures, the current EA scope does not include baseline vibration analysis or projected traffic vibration post-construction. However, as a standard practice during construction, specific locations are typically selected for vibration monitoring and these locations are monitored before, during, and after construction. This could mitigate construction vibration, but not projected traffic vibration.
16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker As requested during our meeting, please find below a table summarizing the existing and projected traffic data for the various segments of 16th Avenue between Yonge Street and Markham Road/Highway 48 in the form of annual average daily traffic (AADT), percentage of all traffic captured during the day (between 7am and 11pm), and percentage of trucks compared to all other vehicles. ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action Please note that this data is preliminary, and it is based on the following anticipated construction dates per the most current York Region 10-Year Roads and Transit Capital Construction Program: • Yonge Street to Leslie Street: anticipated construction start in 2023 • Leslie Street to Woodbine Avenue: anticipated construction start in 2021 • All other sections (east of Woodbine Avenue) have an anticipated construction start beyond 2028. [Traffic information was included] The study team is still undertaking the development and assessment of alternative design concepts as part of Phase 3 of the EA process. This information will be presented to the public at the next set of Open Houses, anticipated for Fall 2017. Since you are already on the study contact list, you will receive a notification with details about the Open Houses. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us with any additional questions or comments.
12/27/2016 Email Veronica: thanks for this message. I enjoyed meeting you at the evening session last month. Thank you for your interest in the studies and your participation at the November open houses. The I would like to discuss the seismic implications on the expansion. Can I please arrange an study team can be available for a meeting at HDR’s office (100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond appointment to discuss? Shouldn't take more than 15-20 min. Hill ON L4B 1J8). Can you please let me know your availability to meet over the next couple of weeks I appreciate it .... so we can set up a time?
7/2/2017 Email Thank you for addressing my concerns re; Vibration Impacts from widening of 16Th Ave. Hi […], I also greatly appreciate receiving your very detailed study analysis and associated data. Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. Thanks again for your interest in the 16th Avenue EA I am disappointed that vibration analysis is currently not included in the EA. studies. Locations for future vibration monitoring will be reviewed during detailed design and I would however, be interested in receiving any vibration analysis, as you indicated in your confirmed at the time of construction. However, your request for vibration monitoring in the vicinity letter,(See below), and offer my location/locale/vicinity as a possible, “Vibration of your property during construction has been noted by York Region. Analysis/Monitoring Testing Area”. Regards, "However, as a standard practice during construction, specific locations are typically selected for vibration monitoring and these locations are monitored before, during, and after construction. This could mitigate construction vibration, but not projected traffic vibration.”
Please understand that I greatly appreciate you & your team’s efforts to meet with me and listen to my concerns. Please let me know, if my vibration location request is agreed upon by your team?
7/11/2016 Email The only input that I have on this project is that it is an opportunity to encourage individuals Thank you for your feedback regarding 16th Avenue EA Study. to cycle to work and/or cycle for exercise or recreation. However, it is not safe or pleasant to ride beside cars on the road so my recommendation is that there be a lane for bikes on Your comments have been incorporated into the study findings. Information regarding open houses each side of the road that is separated from the road by a cement barrier, or even better, and other community events will be posted on york.ca/ea and on York Region’s Facebook and Twitter that the bike lane be up on the boulevard but separated (perhaps with painted lines) from social media channels. the area where pedestrians walk.
Thank you for considering my input
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 10 7/12/2016 Email With respect to the Notice of Study Commencement I received today in the mail, kindly help Thank you for your question […]. The short answer is that I support the Region's Transportation me understand the following: Master Plan and the necessary widening of our Regional roads. I expect that you back onto this 1) Which facts (current or expected) are prompting the town to conclude that the current Regional road and find that the traffic loads have increased over the past few years and you would 16th Avenue situation needs to be improved? prefer that the widening be denied? Unfortunately our traffic problems and our population growth 2) In my humble opinion, the transportation needs of pedestrians, will continue and worsen if we do not make full use of the regional road network. cyclists and transit users have to be given absolute priority. The world is moving toward "green" and the town must lead by example. This being said, I'd like to understand which of the 4 types of users (pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, motorists) will be given the number one priority when considering the intended improvements. 3) The 16th & Bayview area has already been seriously affected by the deforestation on Observatory Hill. Widening 16th Avenue will further reduce the green spaces which the town badly needs. Please let me know whether the widening of 16th Avenue is being considered by the town, or not.
11 1/19/2017 Email Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, Brenda. I am York Region’s project manager of the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment Studies. Thank What I don't get is why is 16th Avenue the subject of an assessment when we already have you for the opportunity to help address […] comments. two major roads (407 and Hwy 7) more than capable of bearing the east-west traffic in the southern part of the region... Do we really need another multi-lane highway just 2 km north […] is correct that the Region is growing. The Region will grow from approximately 1.16 million of 7? people and 578,000 jobs in 2015, to 1.79 million people and 900,000 jobs by 2041. The Region is I think we both agree that housing and business development will continue in the region, addressing this growth through improvements to the road, transit and active transportation with the central and northern parts becoming an inevitable magnet. Why not plan for that (pedestrian and cyclist) networks throughout York Region. These plans are described in the Region’s right now? I believe that targeting Elgin Mills, Bloomington, and Davis, in conjunction to Transportation Master Plan (TMP), which can be viewed at www.york.ca/tmp. widening 404, 400, 48, and Bathurst would yield much more benefits to our region in the long run. The TMP considers improvements on all of the roads mentioned by Mr. Stefan and identifies improvements for Elgin Mills, Bloomington Road, Bathurst Street, Davis Drive and Highway 48. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s plans to expand Highway 400 and Highway 404, future improvements to Highway 407 and Metrolinx’s plans for expanded commuter rail service, were all considered in developing the TMP. These improvements are all needed in addition to the plans for 16th Avenue to address long-term transportation demands.
The purpose of the 16th Avenue environmental assessment (EA) studies is to refine the TMP recommendations for 16th Avenue, investigate the unique needs and opportunities of the road corridor, identify the benefits and impacts to the local communities and evaluate options and designs in greater detail. Based on the work completed through the EA study, the recommendations include widening 16th Avenue between Yonge Street and Markham Road/Highway 48 and to maintain the existing lanes from Markham Road/Highway 48 to York/Durham Line. The additional lanes will be used for transit and high occupancy vehicles. Continuous active transportation facilities are also recommended. The next steps involve developing design alternatives and studying the benefits and impacts. As Mr. Stefan is included on our study mailing list, he will receive notification of future open houses, where the study findings and recommendations will be available for public review and comment.
We highly value input from residents and commuters. If Mr. Stefan, interested constituents or you have any additional questions, comments or require more details, please feel free to contact me.
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16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker
ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 7/12/2016 Email With regard to study area B - it is Perfect - it does Not Need anything doing to it - Thank you for your thoughtful comments regarding 16th Avenue. Your comments have been when we have had to leave the area we always remark "How Nice we are back to proper including in the study and will be considered. I have add you to our contact list, information about Markham" when we turn back onto 16th ave after being somewhere else. upcoming open houses and community events will be published in the local paper, on york.ca/ea and It is a lovely road - wide - with lots of greenery - trees - fresh air - Please do Not alter it! on our Facebook and Twitter social media channels. What you do with study area A - we really have no interest.... But please do Not Mess Up study area B - it is excellent the way it is. Thank you
12 7/11/2016 Email I live at [...] and my home directly faces 16th Ave. The future changes of this roadway will Thank you for your feedback and your inquiry regarding a noise assessment study. The project team impact my family and I as well as the other neighbors who live on Sutcliffe Cres. Right now is reviewing your request and will respond shortly. we have mature columnar oaks that line our street and large mature bushes that I hope will Should you have any questions or comments, please let me know. not be clear cut to make room for a wider 16th Ave. These large trees and bushes create an ideal barrier between for our homes and the traffic on 16th. Thank you for your comments and your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment I understand that there may be a desire to widen 16th to 3 lanes east and west bond and I Studies. Your comments were noted by the project team and will be considered as we move forward hope that included in this study is how to minimize the noise levels affecting thee home with the Environmental Assessments. facing 16th. We bought our home over 18 years ago with 2 lanes of 16th Ave both ways not The studies will review possible improvements to 16th Avenue to accommodate the current and 3 lanes each way. Making this to 3 lanes each way will increase noise , pollution and possibly future transportation needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users and motorists along this our quality of life on how we can enjoy the outdoor space around our home. I would like to corridor. A transportation analysis will be completed to determine the existing and future needs have a large architectural pleasing noise barrier built on the boulevard which help keep the along the corridor. Potential improvements will be evaluated based on a number of criteria, including noise and traffic fumes and odours away from our homes. They do this in Europe and it feasibility, effectiveness, benefits and impacts to the natural, cultural, and socio-economic works well so why not in Markham? environments and effects on adjacent properties and features. The EA work also includes assessing Please advise me on the next community meeting and I will be present to participate as noise impacts and the potential for mitigation, based on York Region’s Noise Policy and York Region’s required Standard Operating Procedures. As the EA studies progress we will be able to share more information. Your e-mail address is included on our contact list so you will continue to receive updates about the project, including invitations to future open houses where you will be able to meet with the project team to discuss the study findings/recommendations and any concerns you may have. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions.
13 7/12/2016 Email My residence is [...] . They have started adding condos north and south on Yonge.My street is Hello […], now, and will be used as a different route rather than Yonge. My parents emigrated from Italy in 1957. Dad worked for Dufferin Construction for many Thank you for your comments and your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment years. He always said. They built the infrastructure/roads , then the homes/condos. Now it's Studies. Your comments have been noted by the project team and will be considered as we move a fricken zoo. Developers keep buying land, and sold to builder, not taking in consideration forward with the Environmental Assessments. the roads. I think that you should study Japan's infrastructure and learn from them. With there roads and population they are doing something right. I'm sure we all have better The studies will review possible improvements to 16th Avenue to accommodate the current and things to do than wait in traffic, or trying to get out of your condo. God help us all. That's all I future transportation needs of residents, pedestrians, cyclist, public transit users and motorists along have to say. Let's put our expertise at work. this corridor. A transportation analysis will be undertaken to determine the existing and future needs along the corridor, and the proposed improvements will be evaluated based on a number of criteria, including their feasibility, effectiveness, and impacts to the natural, cultural, and socio-economic environment (including impacts to adjacent properties and features).
As the study progresses we will be able to share more information. Your e-mail address has been added to our contact list so you will continue to receive updates about the project, including invitations to any future open houses where you will be able to meet with the project team to discuss the study findings/recommendations and any concerns you may have.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us with any additional comments or questions.
Regards,
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 14 7/12/2016 Email I would suggest the following: Comments noted and considered throughout the EA studies. a) No more buildings should be authorized at 16th Ave. but if that is the case, at least not to close to important intersections. Currently 16th and Yonge street is a mess. b) 16th Ave. needs to be wider c) Encourage people for more commute. Promote some benefits for those who share their car with 3 or more people who uses Yonge street or 16th Ave. d) Use dedicated line at 16th Ave for those who drive with more than 3 people in the car e) Use advertising to recognize people and companies who have the biggest number of employees who share their car.
15 7/14/2016 Email I work for a landlord that owns property fronting onto 16th Avenue and we would be very Thank you for your email regarding the 16th Avenue EA Study. Your contact information has been interested in attending open houses or other community events related to the 16th Avenue added to the mailing list. study. Can you please include me on your email list? 16 7/17/2016 Email Good Morning Mr. Wong, Thank you for your comments and your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) I am writing to you in regards to this Environmental Assessment study and would like to Studies. Your input was noted by the project team and will be considered as we move forward with state reasons why this project should not pass or approved to go forward. the EA. 1- As it stands now 16th Avenue is very busy and crowded, pollution level in my mind is at The studies will review possible improvements to 16th Avenue to address the current and future hight level. transportation needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users and motorists along this corridor. A 2- Allowing commercial vehicles and heavy duty trucks on 16th Avenue causes more transportation analysis will be completed to determine the existing and future needs along the congestion and traffic jam not to mention the extreme noise. corridor and this involves studying traffic volumes and operations. 3- Accidents on 16th Avenue are on the high count especially on traffic lights and Potential improvements will be evaluated based on a number of criteria, including feasibility, intersections where left or right hand turns drivers cannot clearly see incoming traffic and effectiveness, benefits and impacts to the natural, cultural, and socio-economic environments and some are serious. effects on adjacent properties and features. The EA work also includes assessing noise impacts and 4- Noise level on 16th Avenue is very high during the day, evening and early mornings with the potential for mitigation, based on York Region’s Noise Policy and York Region’s Standard commercial vehicles passing through. Operating Procedures. These are some of the main and very important reasons I can think of and would like to As the EA studies progress we will be able to share more information. Your e-mail address was added bring to your attention. to our contact list so you will continue to receive updates about the project, including invitations to By widening 16th avenue will only cause more traffic congestion and pollution not to future open houses where you will be able to meet with the project team to discuss the study mention more accidents with higher number of vehicles going through especially findings/recommendations and any concerns you may have. commercial trucks of the heavy duty ones and for sure by widening the avenue more of In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions. these big trucks will be using this passage. I am sure all other home owners in the area share the same sentiment and concerns and join me in my request to re-consder this plan. If anything needs to be done to 16th Avenue is to limit traffic to passenger vehicles only no commercial trucks over 3000 GVW shall pass and add more traffic signs and safety tools to control speed and make intersections more visible at traffic lights and intersections when making left or right hand turns. Mr. Wong, I hope that you will take these notes into consideration and study and should there be a reason I would love to meet and discuss this issue further more. Thank you for your time and hope to hear from you on this matter. 10/27/2018 Email Hello Veronica, Thanks […]. As an update regarding timelines, we are nearing the end of the Study A (Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue) Environmental Assessment study. The Environmental Study Report (ESR) for that Thanks for sending this study, I will review and be in-touch with any questions or concerns. segment is anticipated to be filed and available for review/comment in December 2018. At that time, you will receive a notice confirming where you can review the report and when/how you can provide Best regards, comments. The Study B (Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line) ESR is anticipated to follow in the first half of 2019.
Regards,
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 17 7/16/2016 Email I received the notice of study commencement for the EA on 16th Avenue. As my property Thank you for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment Studies. The studies will backs on to 16th avenue I am interested in knowing what the future plans for 16th Avenue review possible improvements to 16th Avenue to address the current and future transportation are. I'm located in study area "B" and would like to receive more information and any needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users and motorists along this corridor. Potential materials you have related to the study. improvements will be evaluated based on a number of criteria, including feasibility, effectiveness, benefits and impacts to the natural, cultural, and socio-economic environments and effects on adjacent properties and features. As the EA studies progress we will be able to share more information. Your e-mail address was added to our contact list so you will continue to receive updates about the project, including invitations to future open houses where you will be able to meet with the project team to discuss the study findings/recommendations and any concerns you may have. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions. 18 7/18/2016 Email Q 1. Why not Major Mackenzie instead of 16th Avenue? Apologies for the delay in responding to you. Thank you for your comments and your interest in the I ask as; 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) Studies. Although your comments are included as part houses already infringe on any reasonable boundary between fence line and 16th Avenue. of the project documentation along with all other public comments, your personal information will Potential further widening of 16th Avenue and or increase in traffic/transit in what ever remain confidential. Your comments were noted by the project team and have been considered fashion would only reduce the current distance/space, increase current noise levels, and during the duration of the EA studies. negatively impact the quality of life even more for those that have properties backing onto or adjacent to 16th Avenue and no doubt negatively impact property values; and The need for improvements to 16th Avenue has been identified in York Region’s Transportation Major Mackenzie currently has more space or no current residential/commercial Master Plan (TMP). Improvements to other roads including Major Mackenzie Drive are also identified development in various sections with the result being impact to fewer current property in the Region’s TMP and can be reviewed as part of separate studies. owners/residents; and any new development along Major Mackenzie in these vacant spaces could take these The 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment studies review possible improvements to 16th Avenue transit plans into account and through good planning address more effectively the impact to to accommodate the current and future transportation needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transit future property owners and their quality of life along Major Mackenzie versus trying to rejig users and motorists along this corridor. A transportation analysis has been completed to determine 16th Avenue; and the existing and future needs along the corridor. Potential improvements have been evaluated based the Donald Cousens Parkway connects/terminates at Major Mackenzie thus it seems illogical on a number of criteria, including feasibility, effectiveness, benefits and impacts to the natural, to study 16th Avenue. cultural, and socio-economic environments and effects on adjacent properties and features. Air Q 2. What dialogue has York Region undertaken with Durham Region in order to understand quality and noise have also been assessed as part of the EA studies. Durham Region plans for their part of 16th Avenue and or that of Major Mackenzie? I ask as; Coordination with Durham Region and the City of Pickering has been ongoing throughout the EA Durham Region plans would certainly impact 16th Avenue and or Major Mackenzie in studies. As you noted, future plans in Durham Region may affect the recommended improvements to regards to traffic/transit volume; and 16th Avenue. York Region would need to plan accordingly in order to address those issues and the potential negative impact to local residents/property owners quality of life and property Your e-mail address has been added to our contact list so you will be notified once the values. Environmental Study Report (ESR) is ready for public review. Study A (Yonge Street to Woodbine If I was asked directly do I support 16th Avenue being considered my answer would be “no”, Avenue) will be filed later this week, and Study B (Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line), which with reasons as mentioned above. will address your specific concerns, is anticipated to be completed in 2019. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions regarding Study A or Study B.
19 7/18/2016 Email I received a letter to provide feedback, and I hope this the appropriate time and method to Comments noted and considered throughout the EA studies. make two comments: 1. I believe that the speed limit on 16th Avenue between York/Durham Line and Yonge Street is too low at 60 kmph, and I believe this contributes to congestion. 2. There is no pedestrian sidewalk immediately west of the Hwy 404 overpass. Pedestrian sidewalks are absent on both the northern and southern sides of 16th Avenue.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 20 7/18/2016 Voicemail to C. Voicemail expressing interest in the study. Concerns include pollution, traffic congestion, V. Restrepo left voicemail on July 22, 2016 and spoke with the resident later that day. Parmer and safety of cyclists and motorists. Resident's concerns include pollution, traffic congestion, and safety of cyclists and motorists. She requested that bike lanes (or other dedicated cycling facilities) be considered.
She will contact either Cathy or Veronica with any further questions or comments throughout the study, and is looking forward to receiving project updates via future notices (she is on the property mailing list and received the notice of commencement in the mail).
21 7/15/2016 Phone conversation Called C. Parmer to see how he could get involved in the study. M. Mascarenhas returned Phone conversation documented in an email from M. Mascarenhas: with M. call. Mascarenhas It was nice speaking with you this afternoon. Based on our discussion I understand you received our notice of study commencement and are interested in Study A. You have also provided your email to be added to our email study mailing list. As discussed we will be holding an Open House to present the needs and opportunities that we have identified for the 16th Avenue corridor with the public and receive input. The open house is tentatively scheduled for later this year. As you are on our mailing list you will receive this notification directly. You also noted that you do not wish for 16th Avenue to look like Highway 7 as you feel that although it looks nice the bus only lanes and restrictions to make left turns are confusing to some people and as a result has resulted in an increase in traffic on 16th Avenue. We will add your comments to our consultation record for consideration in the study. If at any time during the study you wish to share input or if have any questions please contact either Cathy or me. Thank you for your interest in the study. 22 7/20/2016 Email in response to Indeed it was nice chatting with you. Thank you for capturing our discussion, I would also like Comment noted. phone conversation to add that we need a plan that will reduce motor vehicles on 16th Ave. They are no place for all of these vehicles to go, the 404 is already plugged. I think we should establish the main East to West routes as Major Mac and Hwy 7. Adding more main routes such as 16th Ave, encourages more cars. I think 16th Ave should be more environmentally friendly by creating better infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.
23 7/20/2016 Email in response to Hello Michelle, Another item for you to consider is the Motor vehicle noise level, it has A noise assessment study will be undertaken as part of our EA Study work to review the impacts of phone conversation significantly increase. Suggest we evaluate the instalment of noise barrier walls where the project with respect to noise and identify potential mitigation measures. We will also add this houses are located along 16th Ave. comment to our consultation record. Thanks again for the input.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 24 11/30/2016 Email Hello Councillor Godwin, Hope all is well. My wife and I attended the open house this Comments noted and considered throughout the EA studies. Response to be provided by Councillor evening and learned that the leading option is to expand 16th Ave to six lanes with cycle Godwin. lanes and dedicated bus and HOV lanes. This will not get people out of their cars and it will be regrettable costs as this tactical step does not line up with the overall strategy of light rail transit. Suggest we minimize the spend on 16th Ave by doing nothing and use the money to advance the light rail transit on Hwy 7 and Major Mac. Also in the interim direct and increase the bus routes from the north/south feeder roads(Leslie, Woodbine, etc) into Hwy 7 to start utilizing the bus infrastructure that is currently under utilized along Hwy 7. Increasing bus transit on 16th Ave will not get people out of cars, we will have buses running up and down under utilized, creating bottlenecks at the major intersections such as Yonge St. Bayview, Leslie, etc. Also bike lanes will be completely under utilized similar to Hwy 7. This concept of building it and they will come will only work if the alternative is more productive for people. Inefficient bus service will not get people out of their cars, effective light rail transit that is integrated with the Toronto transit will get people out of cars, any other spend in this area will be regrettable. I spoke with many residents at the meeting and they shared the same views. These concerns were also expressed by many at the meeting. One item that need urgent attention along 16th Ave is noise barriers, money will be best spent on this.
7/20/2016 Email I would urge to build a traffic light for the 16th & Nufield/Lockridge intersection since it's Comments noted and considered throughout the EA studies. dangerous for seniors & children to cross that section of road ( there is a bus stop & a mall in that area ). 25 7/20/2016 Email I would like more info on this EA study. Thanks. Added to e-mail contact list. 26 7/19/2016 Email to councillors, I have just received a notice from York Region about the start of the transportation EA study My name is Colin Wong and I am the Region’s project manager on the 16th Avenue Environmental forwarded to for 16th Ave. I would like to hear how the Region and the City propose to coordinate any Assessment (EA) Studies. I apologize for not acknowledging your email earlier, but I appreciate your roads.ea email redevelopment of York Downs with any major construction work on 16th. Clearly to have input. If you have any specific questions about the project in the future, feel free to contact me address by Executive either one of them ongoing is going to have significant traffic, dirt and pollution, noise, directly or email [email protected]. Assistant to Deputy power outages etc impact on nearby residents such as myself. To have both going on With regard to your comments about the EA studies, the objectives include reviewing possible Mayor Jack Heath together in an uncoordinated manner would be our worst nightmare. In past years we have improvements to address the current and future transportation needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public (Markham) seen the City planting trees on 16th, only to have the Region rip them up again months later transit users and motorists along 16th Avenue corridor. Throughout the study, York Region will to work on water/sewer pipes, hence my question. consult with stakeholders, including the public, City of Markham and the Town of Richmond Hill, to What would really be good is if each Regional Councilor was responsible for their own coordinate initiatives such as future development. The objective will be to identify improvements segment of the City to be on point for such issues, perhaps each taking several Wards. with the greatest benefit and minimize impacts to the community. (There is an idea for future change). In the absence of that I am obliged to query all of the As the EA studies progress we will be able to share more information. Your e-mail address was added RCs, what specific plans will be in place to coordinate both of these major projects to ensure to our contact list. You will continue to receive updates about the project, including invitations to minimal impact on nearby residents (and presumably businesses such as the Village Grocer)? future open houses where you will be able to meet with the project team to discuss the study findings and any concerns you may have.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 27 7/25/2016 Email Thank you for the notice to comment on the 16th Avenue Study B. Comments noted and considered throughout the EA studies. We live at [...] , just south of 16th Ave and need to travel on it every day. We've lived here for 6 years now and seen a tremendous amount of change along 16th Avenue and Markham Rd. We have 2 grandchildren (1 & 3 years old) living just north of 16th Ave off Williamson so we are going between our homes almost every day. We comment often about the dangers we feel driving and even walking and have stopped biking anywhere near the 16th Avenue and Markham Rd/Hwy 48 intersection, if we can avoid it. The speed of drivers as they travel east on 16th around the blind curve at Peter St is astounding. The turn into Peter St is regularly blocked. We've actually begun to call it the Peter St disaster turn. Here are our suggestions: 1. Prevent west bound left turns onto 16th Ave from the ESSO. (this has been done at the Shell at Ninth line). West bound 16th Ave drivers come up a grade crossing Markham Rd and often can't see a driver jutting out of the ESSO until the last minute. We regularly hear squealing tires from that. 2. Prevent east bound left turns into Garden Basket off 16th Ave. These turners sit in the Markham Rd south turn lane or block the traffic and back it up into the intersection. Again, a totally dangerous action and I have witnessed an accident here. 3. Repair to the right lane pavement, particularly the east bound lane. This road is so rough and needs repair. 4. With the new housing developments on Williamson, will there be a signal light at Williamson and 16th Ave? 5. Is there a bike lane planned for 16th Ave? Here are some of our concerns, suggestions and questions.
28 7/23/2016 Email This refers to the letter we received recently asking us to provide suggestions. We wish to Comments noted and considered throughout the EA studies. make suggestions on the improvement for traffic and transportation on 16th Avenue/Cornell Center Blvd area. We need bike lanes on this area on the 16th Avenue as lots of cyclists and groups use this road most of the time. The other main concern for us is the bus service to commute to office and back. The bus#16 on 16th Avenue on it's return to MS Hospital turns off at 9th line instead of coming up to Bur Oak Avenue or Cornell Center Blvd. This makes commuters very inconvenient specially women returning from work late evenings.
29 8/3/2016 Email The Residents of our Retirement Home are very interested in the scope of this assessment. Thank you for your feedback regarding the 16th Ave EA Study. We understand that it particularly addresses the improvement of transportation along this Information regarding upcoming open houses and other community events will be published on corridor. york.ca/ea and on York Region’s Facebook and Twitter channels. Your contact information have been We have requested several times to have traffic calmed along 16th Avenue past our added to the 16th Avenue EA Study contact list. residence (as well as the Montessori school right beside us). We are located just west of Markham Rd./Main St. on the north side. Although the speed limit is 60 km/h, cars often seem to be speeding along a lot faster. Problematic is also the fact that 16th Avenue going west curves just before our driveway (which is hidden from view for cars travelling along 16th westward) which makes exiting very difficult for residents as well as staff. We would appreciate it very much if this could be taken into consideration while this study is being undertaken. Thank you for your attention and please feel free to contact me at any time.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 30 8/7/2016 Email I am a resident in Richmond Hill and use 16th Avenue to travel to and from work each day. Thank you for your feedback regarding the Environmental Assessment Study of 16th Avenue. The Although Highway 7 would be a more direct route, the recent additions of bus and bicycle study is just beginning and your comments will be incorporated into the study finding. lanes has almost doubled my commute time along that route as a motorist in both directions. Your contact details have been added to our mailing list and you will receive information about If there were additions of bus or bicycle lanes or an increase in bus traffic, it would only upcoming open houses and community events. Additional information regarding the study will be further contest 16th Avenue to motorists as it has done to Highway 7. published on york.ca/ea.
31 7/26/2016 Email I am a resident of the [...] area. I received a Notice of Study Commencements for the 16th Thank you for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment Studies and your feedback Avenue and was invited to provide some feedback and comments. regarding the rail crossing. I apologize for the delay in responding. The studies will review possible I have recently moved into the area and noticed that there is a high demand for a safe improvements to 16th Avenue to address the current and future transportation needs of pedestrian crossing of the railroad on the corner of Yonge st and 16th Avenue. Many pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users and motorists along this corridor. children, families and working people are forced to cross the rail road unsafely when they need to access Yonge st for school, pubic transit and shopping. As the EA studies progress we will be able to share more information. Your e-mail address was added While you conduct your study, please put this as one of the priorities when adding to our contact list so you will continue to receive updates about the project, including invitations to improvements to the 16th Avenue. future open houses where you will be able to meet with the project team to discuss the study findings/recommendations and any concerns you may have.
32 8/10/2016 Comment Form Comment form noting the following and asking to continue to receive project updates: Comments noted. Added to e-mail contact list. - try to achieve transit priority without full road widening - use queue jump lanes - enforcement of HOV (if constructed) - multi-use path on south side of 16th connecting to Rouge Valley trail
12/6/2016 Email to roads.ea Cathy.....I have been following these two EAs closely. I am very interested in York Region’s comments noted and discussed through follow-up correspondence and meeting transportation challenges. I am also the chair of Unionville Residents Association transportation subcommittee.
It seems that the preferred alternative in these two cases, and likely in other arterial road EAs upcoming, will be to widen the road to construct a HOV/Transit lane. As you know, road widenings have many negative implications. If this is indeed the preferred solution, I would like to be assured that they will work as advertised and deliver the benefits promised.
I am aware of the traffic modeling work showing travel time savings for transit and HOV cars versus single-occupant cars. But I would like to know what our real life experience has been. We currently have HOV lanes on Yonge (Clark to Steeles) and on Dufferin (407 to Steeles). They have been in place for several years. Perhaps we also have them elsewhere in York Region. I have several questions.
1. What are the hours where HOV 2+ is in operation on these streets? 2. Do you have traffic counts or visual evidence that the HOV lane is noticeably less crowded than the general purpose lanes during these periods? 3. What are the actual transit travel time savings during these periods, versus transit travel in the general purpose lanes? 4. What are the actual high occupancy car travel time savings during these periods, versus car travel in the general purpose lanes? 5. How much cheating is there (cars with one occupant only driving in the HOV lane)? 6. How much enforcement does YRP do on these HOV lanes?
Looking forward to your reply. Thank you.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 2/28/2017 Email Reena...... I already commented on this EA and the one for Bayview Ave as a private citizen Comments noted and discussed through follow-up correspondence and meeting. back in December. My comments did not relate to Active Transportation, but to what our real-life experience is with HOV lanes. Do they work as advertised? FYI – my comments are pasted below in italics. I never did get a response, but it is an important question. Can you please ensure that we get a response?
Thank you Regional Councillor Armstrong. In thinking this through in more detail, I have a Thank you for the opportunity to help answer […]’s follow-up question. followup question. At the present time, the widening of 16th from Woodbine to York Durham Line is not in the 10 year Regional Capital Budget. Therefore construction of this The Region is conducting the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) studies for the sections portion would not occur until beyond 2026. My understanding is that EA studies are only from Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue and from Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line valid for 10 years. Therefore isn`t there a risk that the study would have to be repeated at simultaneously. This approach is more cost-effective than if undertaken separately at different times that time, and the present study is wasted? Perhaps this is the genesis of the rumour that and allows the Region to do comprehensive planning for the entire 16th Avenue corridor. the study was to be cancelled. When the EA studies are complete, the study documentation referred to as the Environmental Study Report (ESR) will be available for the public to review. Following the review, the Region may proceed with design and construction of the improvements. If the Region begins construction more than 10 years after the end of the public review of the ESR, the Region would be required to revisit the recommendations and the impacts identified in the completed EA study, along with changes in the study area at the time of construction. Our objective would be to confirm that the project and mitigation measures proposed in the completed EA study are still valid given the lapse in time. The review would be documented in the form of an Addendum to the ESR and the public would have another opportunity to provide input.
The section of 16th Avenue from Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line is not identified in the Region’s 2017 10-year Roads and Transit Capital Construction Program; however, the Region does review the construction priorities annually. In the event this section is determined to be of higher priority in the future, a completed EA study for this section of 16th Avenue provides the Region with the flexibility to advance construction. The completed EA study also allows the Region to protect lands for the identified improvements, coordinate with other future transportation improvements and inform the planning of adjacent developments/lands prior to construction.
If you have any more questions, please contact me directly.
33 8/12/2016 Email We would like to be a part of the EA study of 16th Ave. We represent clients who have Thank you for your email regarding the 16th Avenue EA Study, your contact information has been properties along 16th ave between Warden and Kennedy and would like to be part of Study added to the mailing list. Information regarding upcoming open houses and community events will B. Please put us on the mailing list so that we may communicate our feedback and be posted in local newspapers, on york.ca/ea and on York Region’s Facebook and Twitter social suggestions throughout the study period. - our email mailing address is below. media channels.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 34 8/28/2016 Email I reside in Richmond Hill [...], I hope that you remember our conversation few weeks ago Thank you for identifying your concerns and providing possible solutions, the Project Team about the above subject and here are my feedback and concerns to this matter. appreciates your feedback. All your comments will be reviewed by the Project Team and 1- As it stands now 16th Avenue is very congested with traffic and pollution level is very high. incorporated into the study's findings. We are in the beginning stages of planning the first open 2- Allowing commercial vehicles and heavy duty trucks on 16th Avenue will only causes more house, which is tentatively scheduled for late November, early December. Information about the traffic jam, pollution and extreme high noise level. open house will be publishing in the local newspapers, on york.ca/ea and on Facebook and Twitter 3- Number of accident are on the high count especially at traffic lights and intersections social media channels. when drivers are attempting to make left hand turns not paying attention to speeding Should you have additional questions, please let me know. vehicles coming through trying to beat Yellow/Red traffic light, I am surprised that there is no serious fatality till now. October 2015 I had the opportunity to speak with York Region Traffic Safety Authority to express my concern I was told that they will do a study into this matter and put reccommendations. 4- Noise level on 16th Avenue is very high during the day, evening and early morning with commercial vehicles allowed to use this corridor. 5- Widening 16th Avenue will only cause more traffic jam, accidents, pollution and bad image to the City of Richmond Hill.
these are some of my concerns and here are some suggestions to take into consideration: 1- Limit traffic to passenger vehicles only and commercial vehicles to a Max of 3,900 kg GVW. 2- Increase traffic signs and safety tools to control speed and make intersections more visible when making left hand turns. 3- Install Red light camera. 4- Make 16th Avenue narrower rather than wider to eleminate lots of problems. 5- Reduce the speed limit to 50 kms, same as carville and Rutherford, not sure why the speed goes up on 16th Avenue. to make our City more beautiful, cleaner and pleasant to live in we need to control traffic. Cathy, These are some of my concern and suggestions and I would like to thank you for your time on the phone explaining this and thank you in advance for considering this e-mail and i will be more than happy to discuss or answer any questions. Thank you Cathy and I am sure we will be taking again in the future.
35 8/29/2016 Comment Form Comment form noting the following and asking to continue to receive project updates: Comments noted. Already on master mailing list. - Study B from Woodbine to 9th Line. Beautiful country lane, quite remarkable these days in Markham and should remain as is.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 36 8/11/2016 Email I am the Green Chair and member of the Board of Directors for the York Downs Golf & Thank you for reaching out to verify the work being proposed by HDR. Country Club in Markham, Ontario. We have received a letter from HDR Inc. requesting a HDR are the consultants that York Region retained to provide engineering and environmental signed permission to enter our property for activities related to two York Region Municipal assessment services for the 16th Avenue studies to plan for future transportation improvements to Class Environmental Assessment Studies. We would appreciated receiving verification that the corridor between Yonge Street and York/Durham Line. The letters that you received from HDR do this company is working on York Region’s behalf and more details about these studies and pertain to the studies. They are requesting to enter your property to assess the stream crossings and what activities this company would be performing on your behalf. so that they can carry out land surveys. As 16th Avenue crosses several watercourses along its length, there is a need to review each watercourse crossing (the structure and watercourse itself) to assess and evaluate any impacts any proposed improvements may have. The Permission to Enter agreement will allow the project team to undertake non-invasive visual stream assessments (known as fluvial geomorphology) on your property along the crossings of the Rouge River (Berczy Creek) and Bruce Creek as part of this work. The work would involve taking photographs and measurements at various locations along these two watercourses. No constructed feature will be disturbed from these field work activities. The land surveyor will be on your property approximately five metres from the property line to determine the coordinates and elevations of ground features (such as trees etc. within five metres of the your property from the road). Please let me know if this clarifies your concerns or if you have any further questions.
37 9/12/2016 Comment Form Transportation: Public Transit is lagging way behind the growth in population. Congestion Thank you for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment studies and for returning due to increase in over building of condos and the future residential subdivision of new the attached form. Your comments have been noted by the project team and will be considered as homes on York Downs Golf Course / Buttonville Airport. the studies move forward. Your e-mail address was added to our contact list so you will continue to receive updates about the project, including invitations to future open houses where you will be able to meet with the project team to discuss the study findings/recommendations and any concerns you may have. 38 9/7/2016 Letter Red Banner Developments Limited is the owner of the Markham Heritage Centre, located Comment Noted [...]. We understand that the Region of York is proceeding with two Class EAs relating to 16th Avenue. We are requesting written notice of any public open houses and/or meetings held to discuss the findings and recommendations advanced through the Class EA process relating to 16th Avenue. 39 10/4/2016 Email There is a very sharp turn at the north end of Red Maple Road which should be taken into Comment noted. consideration to debottleneck the Red Maple Road Section, particularly for school buses, public transportation, and trucks. There are pedestrians that trespass over CNR tracks or club up to reach the bridge on a regular basis, which is a safety concern. We urge you to consider safety measures and to install lifts at both ends of the bridge, allowing pedestrians to cross the CNR tracks and safely pass to South Hill Business Centre, Yonge Street, Hillcrest Mall, or the Welcome Center. Currently quite a number of people cross over the unsafe CNR tracks.
40 10/8/2016 Email Please advise if the study is complete for B area? I live at [...] and the AM traffic is simply Thank you for your email. The EA Study for 16th Avenue is ongoing and your comments regarding unbearable. Something has to be done soon. traffic congestion in the Study B section will be noted by the project team. Your email has been added to the contact and you will receive updates about the study including open house invitations and community events. 41 10/11/2016 Email If there is a Notification List being kept for the above EA, I would appreciate being added Thank you for your interested in the 16th Avenue EA Study. Your contact information has been added (whether e-mail or regular mail). to the mailing list. 42 11/11/2016 Email Thanks Veronica, the email says anytime between 6:30 and 8:30. Is there an actual There is no formal presentation – it will be an open house format so you can come anytime to review presentation being given? If so at what time please? Or is it just charts on boards around the the material and talk to the project team one-on-one. room? 43 11/11/2016 Email Unfortunately I am out of town during these dates. Is there any other way for me to Thank you for your email. The material from the open houses will also be published on the study participate and address my concerns? website at www.york.ca/16thavenue at the end of November, so you could review the material online. You can send any questions or comments to [email protected].
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 44 12/11/2016 Email I own a residence close to 16th Avenue and also a business close to 16th Avenue in the study Thank you for your email and suggestions regarding 16th Avenue. Your feedback has been included in area. It would be challenging for me to attend any of the public open houses because I own the study finding. Additional information from the open house and about the study will be published my own business and it demands a lot of my time. Thus, I’m hoping that it would be ok for on york.ca/16thavenue. me to submit a comment by email. I have lived in Markham for 25 years and over this time period 16th Avenue has gone from a quiet road on the edge of town to a parking lot during rush hour. Along with this have come noise and air pollution. As a result, I no longer like living in Markham and am contemplating selling my business and home and moving to a place where there is less traffic. With more development planned the situation is only going to get worse. My input is that the plans need to emphasize public transit and bicycle lanes in favour of making it more convenient for people to drive. If it becomes more convenient and faster to get to where you want by public transit and more frustrating to get there by car then you will start to see people leaving their cars at home. When I lived in Toronto I sold my car because it was more convenient to get around by transit and bike. As for bike lanes, for safety and health reasons I would not commute to work by bike on the road. However, the new off road bike path system makes this option more of a possibility. If you are going to add bike lanes on 16th Avenue then please put them up on the sidewalk, not on the road with paint being the only thing separating the biker from the cars. Better yet, expand the off road bike system. Is there a way to continue the bike path from Milne Park to 16th Avenue or Major Mac with an off road path? Could it go further east from Milne Park perhaps to the Rouge Park?
45 12/21/2016 Email Thank you for including me on the email list for the proposed improvements to 16th Avenue Comment noted. between Yonge Street and York Durham Line. The only issue that I have had with driving on 16th Avenue is a few places where there is a gas station and people exiting the gas station trying to go the opposite direction blocking traffic. One example of this is the gas station on the south west corner of Markham Road & 16th Avenue. People coming out of the north exit often try to go west which can block the east bound traffic.
I do love to cycle but I avoid cycling on the road next to traffic. My neighbour was almost killed by a driver who didn’t notice her and my husband has had a few close calls. I prefer to cycle on the off-road paths, though I wish they were more extensive (e.g. continued east from Milne Park). If you were going to add a lane for cyclists on 16th Avenue I would strongly recommend you put the bike path up on the sidewalk or if on the road that there be a physical barrier between the cars and bikes.
Thanks for the opportunity to provide input,
11/11/2016 Email Kindly remove me from your mailing list and contact the clerks department of City of Comment Noted Markham to identify who, if any person at all, is the registered and official contact person representing the Angus Glen Ratepayers Association for 2016 to 2017.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 46 10/11/2016 Email do u really know why 16th Ave is getting more busy? Thank you for your comments and your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) one of the major reasons is motorist like me previously love driving through highway 7 is fed Studies. Your comments have been noted by the project team and will be considered as the studies up with the slow and delayed traffic lights motion of highway 7. progress. Instead i use highway 16th more often now. The EA studies will review possible improvements to 16th Avenue to address the current and future transportation needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users and motorists. As part of this work a transportation analysis is undertaken to determine existing and future transportation needs along 16th Avenue. The transportation analysis considers transportation trends along 16th Avenue, as well as in a broader study area to Highway 7 to the south and to Major Mackenzie Drive to the north.
The first open house for this project is being held this week and next week. The project team will be available at the open house to answer any questions you may have regarding the EA studies. Please see the attached notice for more details. The information presented at the open house will also be published on the study website at york.ca/16thavenue.
Your e-mail address is included on our contact list so you will receive updates about the project, including invitations to future open houses. Please contact us with any additional comments or questions.
47 11/25/2016 Email I live in Markham, and attended the 16th Ave EA open house at PET on Nov 23. I have a few Thank you for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) Studies and your comments: attendance at last Wednesday’s Open House. The study team will review possible improvements to At the open house, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the region was interested to collect 16th Avenue to address the current and future transportation needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public comments and feedback from those attending. One such method included putting green transit users and motorists along this corridor. Potential improvements are evaluated based on a stickers on the boards to show support for options under consideration. Each attendee was number of criteria, including feasibility, effectiveness, benefits and impacts to the natural, cultural, provided with a strip of about 5 green stickers, and attendees could put as many stickers as and socio-economic environments and effects on adjacent properties and features. desired on any one or more boards. So, I trust the region understands the limited accuracy of the resulting "votes". The EA studies are being conducted in accordance with Schedule ‘C’ of the Municipal Class EA While this is not the main point of my note, the above did prompt a few questions in my document (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015). Through the EA process, a broad mind. The public notice indicates "The two EA Studies will identify possible improvements" range of reasonable alternatives are considered. The “Do Nothing” option does not address the and invites participation on the question: "How would you improve 16th Ave?" I problems or opportunities as noted in your email, but it provides a baseline against which the other interpreted the question to be one of trying to determine which of several improvement options are compared. A decision to “Do Nothing” would typically be made when the impacts of all options might be invoked, not one that was at all entertaining the option of "Do Nothing". I other alternatives, both financial and environmental, significantly outweigh the benefits. In the case was shocked to see that option being formally tabled for consideration and a vote. of the 16th Avenue EA studies, the “Do Nothing” option was screened out through the evaluation The facts and projections posted at the event clearly point to the need to do something. process. It is not being recommended by the study team. As noted in the open house materials, the Anyone who sits in traffic on 16th (or other major arteries) in Markham during rush hour preferred alternative solution involves widening 16th Avenue from Yonge Street to Markham Road to would clearly expect that something needs to be done; its only a question of what. In my accommodate transit and high occupancy vehicles, providing cycling facilities and improving mind, the only way "Do Nothing" would be a viable option is if Markham or the region were sidewalks. From Markham Road to Donald Cousins Parkway the recommendations include retaining to do something else somewhere else (ie, expand other roads). If that were to be an option, the existing four lanes, improving sidewalks and providing cycling facilities. From Donald Cousins then the EA study area in the announcement would properly be framed as something bigger Parkway to York/Durham Line, the recommendations include retaining the existing two lanes and than just the narrow strip along 16th. paving the shoulders. The next steps in the studies involve developing the recommendations to a To a layperson such as myself, I expected that the onset of an EA study was recognition that greater level of detail to understand and minimize specific impacts. something needed to be done; it was about determining exactly what and how and which improvements would be most viable. I understand that the process may determine that The study team provided the green dots at the Open House to engage attendees and encourage improvements may not be viable. I also understand that objections could result in a project them to provide their input beyond completing a comment form, by indicating their support of (or not moving forward. However, I would no more expect that someone could vote for "Do concerns about) the recommendations. The green dots were not intended to be a scientific vote, and Nothing" on an EA any more than I would expect to see a federal election ballot with the will not be counted as such. option of "None of the Above". I am aware that around 2008 there was prior consideration to widening of 16th in Markham, We appreciate your comments and feedback, and these were noted by the project team. Your e-mail and the region (and/or Markham) bowed to public pressure at the time. I anticipate that address was added to our contact list so you will receive updates about the project, including most of these objections originated with property owners backing onto 16th That certainly invitations to future open houses. The next open house will present the recommended design for appears to have been the case for the petition that was received. 16th Avenue, based on the proposed improvements that were on display last Wednesday. It will be http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/1432769-markham-residents-show-up-to-fight-16th-an opportunity for you to meet with the study team again to discuss the findings and any additional avenue-widening/ concerns you may have. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any comments or It is understandable that those who perceive potential negative impacts are likely to questions. organize and speak out. I can understand and appreciate that the Region would listen to these concerns. However, it is less clear to what degree this EA process expects or needs visibility to broad public support for a "Do Something" option, for this to have a chance to prevail. And if that is required, I submit that Markham and/or the Region should make that fact clear and devise a reasonable method to collect these votes in a statistically valid hdrinc.com method from all interested parties. Page 16/49 Further, I anticipate that many of those sitting in slow moving rush hour traffic may have interpreted the EA public announcement in the same fashion that I did. If the "Do Nothing" option is seriously under consideration, I submit to you that your next public meeting announcement should make clear all the options under consideration, and book a bigger hall for the next event. thx [...] Markham. PS: I request to be added to your email list on this topic. PS2: I do not consent to collection, use, or publication of my personal information in this matter, other than collection of my email, which I provide for the sole purpose of keeping me informed on this project. 47 11/25/2016 Email I live in Markham, and attended the 16th Ave EA open house at PET on Nov 23. I have a few Thank you for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) Studies and your comments: attendance at last Wednesday’s Open House. The study team will review possible improvements to At the open house, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the region was interested to collect 16th Avenue to address the current and future transportation needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public comments and feedback from those attending. One such method included putting green transit users and motorists along this corridor. Potential improvements are evaluated based on a stickers on the boards to show support for options under consideration. Each attendee was number of criteria, including feasibility, effectiveness, benefits and impacts to the natural, cultural, provided with a strip of about 5 green stickers, and attendees could put as many stickers as and socio-economic environments and effects on adjacent properties and features. desired on any one or more boards. So, I trust the region understands the limited accuracy of the resulting "votes". The EA studies are being conducted in accordance with Schedule ‘C’ of the Municipal Class EA While this is not the main point of my note, the above did prompt a few questions in my document (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015). Through the EA process, a broad mind. The public notice indicates "The two EA Studies will identify possible improvements" range of reasonable alternatives are considered. The “Do Nothing” option does not address the and invites participation on the question: "How would you improve 16th Ave?" I problems or opportunities as noted in your email, but it provides a baseline against which the other interpreted the question to be one of trying to determine which of several improvement options are compared. A decision to “Do Nothing” would typically be made when the impacts of all options might be invoked, not one that was at all entertaining the option of "Do Nothing". I other alternatives, both financial and environmental, significantly outweigh the benefits. In the case was shocked to see that option being formally tabled for consideration and a vote. of the 16th Avenue EA studies, the “Do Nothing” option was screened out through the evaluation 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker The facts and projections posted at the event clearly point to the need to do something. process. It is not being recommended by the study team. As noted in the open house materials, the Anyone who sits in traffic on 16th (or other major arteries) in Markham during rush hour preferred alternative solution involves widening 16th Avenue from Yonge Street to Markham Road to would clearly expect that something needs to be done; its only a question of what. In my accommodate transit and high occupancy vehicles, providing cycling facilities and improving mind, the only way "Do Nothing" would be a viable option is if Markham or the region were sidewalks. From Markham Road to Donald Cousins Parkway the recommendations include retaining ID Comment Date Comment Format to do something else somewhere elseComment (ie, expand / Request other roads). If that were to be an option, the existing four lanes, improving sidewalksResponse and providing / Action cycling facilities. From Donald Cousins then the EA study area in the announcement would properly be framed as something bigger Parkway to York/Durham Line, the recommendations include retaining the existing two lanes and than just the narrow strip along 16th. paving the shoulders. The next steps in the studies involve developing the recommendations to a To a layperson such as myself, I expected that the onset of an EA study was recognition that greater level of detail to understand and minimize specific impacts. something needed to be done; it was about determining exactly what and how and which improvements would be most viable. I understand that the process may determine that The study team provided the green dots at the Open House to engage attendees and encourage improvements may not be viable. I also understand that objections could result in a project them to provide their input beyond completing a comment form, by indicating their support of (or not moving forward. However, I would no more expect that someone could vote for "Do concerns about) the recommendations. The green dots were not intended to be a scientific vote, and Nothing" on an EA any more than I would expect to see a federal election ballot with the will not be counted as such. option of "None of the Above". I am aware that around 2008 there was prior consideration to widening of 16th in Markham, We appreciate your comments and feedback, and these were noted by the project team. Your e-mail and the region (and/or Markham) bowed to public pressure at the time. I anticipate that address was added to our contact list so you will receive updates about the project, including most of these objections originated with property owners backing onto 16th That certainly invitations to future open houses. The next open house will present the recommended design for appears to have been the case for the petition that was received. 16th Avenue, based on the proposed improvements that were on display last Wednesday. It will be http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/1432769-markham-residents-show-up-to-fight-16th-an opportunity for you to meet with the study team again to discuss the findings and any additional avenue-widening/ concerns you may have. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any comments or It is understandable that those who perceive potential negative impacts are likely to questions. organize and speak out. I can understand and appreciate that the Region would listen to these concerns. However, it is less clear to what degree this EA process expects or needs visibility to broad public support for a "Do Something" option, for this to have a chance to prevail. And if that is required, I submit that Markham and/or the Region should make that fact clear and devise a reasonable method to collect these votes in a statistically valid method from all interested parties. Further, I anticipate that many of those sitting in slow moving rush hour traffic may have interpreted the EA public announcement in the same fashion that I did. If the "Do Nothing" option is seriously under consideration, I submit to you that your next public meeting announcement should make clear all the options under consideration, and book a bigger hall for the next event. thx [...] Markham. PS: I request to be added to your email list on this topic. PS2: I do not consent to collection, use, or publication of my personal information in this matter, other than collection of my email, which I provide for the sole purpose of keeping me informed on this project.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 48 11/28/2016 Email I have two major concerns regarding the 16th Avenue and Red Maple Road area (Ward 6 in It was a pleasure to meet and talk with you at last week’s open house. Thank you for your comments Richmond Hill) on pedestrian conditions and vehicular operations along Red Maple Road. The photos that you shared illustrated your concerns well. 1. Pedestrian The purpose of the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment Studies is to identify improvements to I live at 330 Red Maple Road in one of three condominium buildings. There are at least 1000 16th Avenue to accommodate the current and future needs of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and residents here. We are situated with the double track/main railway line immediately to our motorists. The studies are part of the process to carry out the Region’s Transportation Master Plan west and 16th Ave. to the north. There will soon be even more multiple unit buildings on or and 10-year Roads Construction Program that identify long term road improvements. The near Red Maple Road. I am one of many people who walk on a daily basis to the 16th anticipated timing for construction of improvements for the section of 16th Avenue from Yonge to Ave/Yonge area (Hillcrest Mall/No Frills etc.). It is a harrowing walk. Many people cross the Bayview Avenue is anticipated to be 2023, based on the 2016 10-year Roads Construction Program. tracks. This is risky, a fatality waiting to happen. These tracks are busy and the GO trains are The Construction Program is reviewed and approved by York Region Council annually. swift and on windy days, almost silent. The safer alternative is to walk up a steep and muddy path (often slippery), walk under 16th on a cement ridge, up another steep path, Since receiving your email, the study team reached-out to York Region’s operations and maintenance climb over the rail and walk on the sidewalk on the north side of 16th Ave. This is what I do staff, as well as staff at the Town of Richmond Hill and staff at CN to share your concerns about and I am 73. It is unconscionable that there is not a better route for walkers. The sidewalk pedestrian access between 16th Avenue and Red Maple Road. We are seeking their input on what route to the stoplight (a longer walk) is narrow/pitted/dangerous. Very few people take this options are available to address existing issues and what long term improvements can be made. route. Red Maple Road is maintained and operated by the Town of Richmond Hill and so we invited their I have noted that there has been considerable sidewalk improvement on Observatory Lane, staff to help with this email to you. Staff at the Town provided that there is a process for requesting where there are fewer walkers and no tracks! One suggestion for our area is to erect a traffic calming, such as speed bumps. To initiate the process, a petition needs to be signed by at walkway over the tracks at the end of Revelstoke Cr. The sidewalk situation and the access least 75% of the registered property owners of Red Maple Road, stating that they are in favour of to Yonge and 16th for the many pedestrians on Red Maple Road and this part of Ward Six traffic calming. A report would then be prepared for Town Council outlining the traffic issues and the must become a priority. recommendations. In the meantime, staff at the Town will review the traffic data on Red Maple Road and evaluate the need for temporary traffic calming measures. For more information, please 2. Vehicular contact Samson Wat ([email protected]). Red Maple Road is a very busy north/south route(High Tech to 16th), often used as an alternative to Yonge. Speeding is common. People also 'run the red light' and/or 'roll' We are encouraged that you are choosing to walk. We hope that you will choose a path that through the stop signs. The police do an admirable job trying to monitor this area and includes the sidewalks on either side of Red Maple Drive and use the signalized intersection at Red impose fines, but it is an impossible task. I have noticed that there are many speed bumps Maple Drive and 16th Avenue to get to your destination. While this route may be longer, the installed in the area east of Bayview. Speed bumps are needed in our area which has a sidewalks are more suited for pedestrian use than accessing 16th Avenue at the rail bridge. The next much higher density, especially on Red Maple Road. open house will present the recommended design for 16th Avenue, including those identified for the Red Maple Road area. We anticipate hosting the event in the Spring or Summer of 2017. Until then, I am attaching a small series of photos to show you my route to Hillcrest. Come and walk please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions. with me!
49 12/8/2016 Email Thank you for your letter. It was a pleasure speaking with you at the 'open house' the other Comment Noted night. I was impressed with the maps, diagrams and plans for this area of rapid growth and change. I feel that the opinions and ideas of the residents in the area are being given thoughtful consideration! It was disappointing that my local politician (ward 6 - Godwin Chan) was not in attendance. He certainly should have been there. He is the one who could possibly effect change on Red Maple Road...'traffic calming'. There is a considerable budget in Richmond Hill, but little of it has been directed to this sorry corner of the Ward. Between my path up and under 16th, there is only a narrow asphalt strip to get to the traffic light. This path is often snowed under, which means there is NO access. On the south side of the road on this part (around the bend) there is only a small bit of sidewalk where town houses were built. Walking on that side puts the pedestrian right in the traffic lane. I recognize that this is not your issue, but it was great to talk with you and see the options (and to vote with the green stickers!) for a much improved 16th Ave. Colin, I feel confident that you will make plans that are of benefit to walkers, bikers and yes, cars too. You certainly have planning challenges, but if anyone can do a excellent job creating for the future, it is you.
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16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker
ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 11/30/2016 Email Reuqest for PIC Boards It was a pleasure talking with you last Thursday evening at the 16th Avenue open house at the Markham Museum. As requested, please find attached a copy of the displays. I reduced the size of the file so that I can send it to you by email. If some of the images are not clear enough for your purposes, please let me know and I can send you the larger size file another way. The larger size file will also be available on our website within the next two to three days. The link is provided below.
www.york.ca/16thavenue
Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.
50 12/1/2016 Email I had the opportunity to attend the third public open house for the 16th Avenue Thank you very much for your kind words. And thank you for your interest in the project and your Environmental Assessment at Bayview Hill Community Centre last night. I didn't have a participation in last evening’s open house. chance to speak to you in person at the event, but I just wanted to send a short note of congratulations. We look forward to your continued participation and input on the study.
Your team did a very fine job of communicating the details of a complex project to a public audience. I also had some good conversations with some of the HDR folks who were able to walk me through the finer points of the proposed solutions. Particularly, I remember one name (Merlin Yuen), who was very helpful and engaged; also another young lady who is the 16th Ave Project Coordinator.
I've recently investigated HDR's website due to my own interest, and was pleasantly surprised to see that you are the consultants responsible for a major transportation improvement right in my own backyard.
I'll be following this project with great interest and hope to even get more involved over the coming phases.
Many thanks and kudos again on the good work.
51 12/1/2016 Email Request for PIC boards It was a pleasure talking with you at last night’s Open House. As requested, I am attaching the evaluation displays that pertain to the 16th Avenue and Bayview Avenue area. The full set of displays can be downloaded from our project website www.york.ca/16thavenue
Please let me know if there is anything else we can do for you 52 11/30/2016 Email I would like to subscribe to future notice and information of the above subject item. I am in Thank you for your email and feedback regarding the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment Study. favor of widening 16th Ave to 3 lanes in both directions to alleviate current condition and to Your comments have been included in the studies finding. Information regarding the study is support future needs. available at york.ca/16thavenue
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 53 12/13/2016 Email Online survey has been completed. However, pursuant to York Region's invitation, I am Thank you for completing the survey and providing your feedback regarding road improvements. The writing to give my views and suggestions for consideration regarding the proposed feedback you provided will be reviewed and incorporated into the study findings. Information and expansion of 16th Avenue. updates regarding the study will available at york.ca/16thavenue.
We have been residents at [...] since 1985 and our home backs onto 16th Avenue. We moved to Markham from Scarborough because we were attracted to the quiet lifestyle and unpolluted environment.
Over the past decade and a half we have witnessed a great deal of progress within the town of Markham such that we are now known as a City. And over those years, we have also seen a huge widening of 16th Avenue from a country road with 2 lanes to wider 4 lanes. We did not protest any of this expansion because we chalked it up to "progress". However, as we did approximately 7 or 8 years ago when further expansion to 16th Avenue was proposed, we are again saying NO and even more vehemently with the subsequent installation of the subdivisions on the North side of 16th Avenue.
NOISE is a major factor. The new subdivisions across the street have now created a corridor of 16th Avenue behind our home, such that the noise from traffic going through that corridor is just unbearable. For the past couple of years, it has made it virtually impossible to sit out in our backyard in the summer and carry on a normal conversation. Moreover, the noise even permeates our home to the extent that we replaced our back windows with more expensive ones that are supposed to cut down outside noise by 40%, but still the noise wakes us when the heavy traffic starts early in the morning. What is being done about this situation as it currently stands?
POLLUTION is another big issue year-round from vehicles, as well as dust and salt in the winter created by the high speed traffic. This is playing havoc on our property. How will this be addressed?
QUESTION: Why does every major road in Markham have to be expanded to become a "major thoroughfare for moving traffic through our neighbourhoods"? This area of Markham is highly residential.
We already have Hwy 407 and Hwy 7 which has been expanded to accommodate the business section of Markham. I have no issue with expanding the business section of 16th Avenue between Woodbine and Leslie Street to accommodate the smooth maneuvering of commuter traffic through to Hwy 404. But certainly the residential sections should not be expanded any further. If you must, expand Major MacKenzie to create a major thoroughfare - this road still has the land for this type of growth.
A SUGGESTION FOR CONSIDERATION REGARDING RESIDENTIAL AREA OF 16TH AVENUE
Instead of widening and increasing the environmental problems the residents are already experiencing, utilize the existing number of lanes in residential areas on 16th Avenue, in both directions, as follows:
During Peak Hours 1 Bus/HOV lane 1 Regular vehicle lane - Add cycling facilities and improve sidewalks and streetscaping
During Off-Peak Hours 2 Regular vehicle lanes - Add cycling facilities and improve sidewalks and streetscaping
I believe the above suggestion would be a good solution to:
1. Cut down on the extremely fast moving, heavy traffic which is causing extreme noise and hdrinc.com Page 20/49 pollution down the corridor of 16th Avenue 2. Redirect fast-moving, heavy traffic to the newly widened and more business-oriented Hwy 7 as well as Hwy 407. 3. Conserve and promote the urban beauty and feel of the residential areas in old Markham/Unionville.
Finally, it has been said "Build it and they will come". Thus, widening 16th Avenue to accommodate more vehicles only encourages current users of the highways to prostitute our neighbourhoods and make them unsafe for our families. It is, after all is said and done, our tax dollars that have helped grow Markham to the booming metropolis it is today.
Thank you for your time and consideration of the above suggestion.
We look forward to hearing from you. 53 12/13/2016 Email Online survey has been completed. However, pursuant to York Region's invitation, I am Thank you for completing the survey and providing your feedback regarding road improvements. The writing to give my views and suggestions for consideration regarding the proposed feedback you provided will be reviewed and incorporated into the study findings. Information and expansion of 16th Avenue. updates regarding the study will available at york.ca/16thavenue.
We have been residents at [...] since 1985 and our home backs onto 16th Avenue. We moved to Markham from Scarborough because we were attracted to the quiet lifestyle and unpolluted environment.
Over the past decade and a half we have witnessed a great deal of progress within the town of Markham such that we are now known as a City. And over those years, we have also seen a huge widening of 16th Avenue from a country road with 2 lanes to wider 4 lanes. We did not protest any of this expansion because we chalked it up to "progress". However, as we did approximately 7 or 8 years ago when further expansion to 16th Avenue was proposed, we are again saying NO and even more vehemently with the subsequent installation of the subdivisions on the North side of 16th Avenue.
NOISE is a major factor. The new subdivisions across the street have now created a corridor of 16th Avenue behind our home, such that the noise from traffic going through that corridor is just unbearable. For the past couple of years, it has made it virtually impossible to sit out in our backyard in the summer and carry on a normal conversation. Moreover, the noise even permeates our home to the extent that we replaced our back windows with more expensive ones that are supposed to cut down outside noise by 40%, but still the noise wakes us when the heavy traffic starts early in the morning. What is being done about this situation as it currently stands?
POLLUTION is another big issue year-round from vehicles, as well as dust and salt in the winter created by the high speed traffic. This is playing havoc on our property. How will this be addressed?
QUESTION: Why does every major road in Markham have to be expanded to become a "major thoroughfare for moving traffic through our neighbourhoods"? This area of Markham is highly residential.
We already have Hwy 407 and Hwy 7 which has been expanded to accommodate the business section of Markham. I have no issue with expanding the business section of 16th Avenue between Woodbine and Leslie Street to accommodate the smooth maneuvering of commuter traffic through to Hwy 404. But certainly the residential sections should not be expanded any further. If you must, expand Major MacKenzie to create a major thoroughfare - this road still has the land for this type of growth. 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker A SUGGESTION FOR CONSIDERATION REGARDING RESIDENTIAL AREA OF 16TH AVENUE
Instead of widening and increasing the environmental problems the residents are already ID Comment Date Comment Format experiencing, utilize the existing numberComment of lanes / Request in residential areas on 16th Avenue, in Response / Action both directions, as follows:
During Peak Hours 1 Bus/HOV lane 1 Regular vehicle lane - Add cycling facilities and improve sidewalks and streetscaping
During Off-Peak Hours 2 Regular vehicle lanes - Add cycling facilities and improve sidewalks and streetscaping
I believe the above suggestion would be a good solution to:
1. Cut down on the extremely fast moving, heavy traffic which is causing extreme noise and pollution down the corridor of 16th Avenue 2. Redirect fast-moving, heavy traffic to the newly widened and more business-oriented Hwy 7 as well as Hwy 407. 3. Conserve and promote the urban beauty and feel of the residential areas in old Markham/Unionville.
Finally, it has been said "Build it and they will come". Thus, widening 16th Avenue to accommodate more vehicles only encourages current users of the highways to prostitute our neighbourhoods and make them unsafe for our families. It is, after all is said and done, our tax dollars that have helped grow Markham to the booming metropolis it is today.
Thank you for your time and consideration of the above suggestion.
We look forward to hearing from you.
54 11/30/2016 Comment at Open Request for Regional noise by-law and examples of noise barriers within York Region Thank you for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment Studies, and for attending House the open house on November 30. We understand you are interested in information regarding the Region’s noise policy and noise barriers. Attached please find a brochure that includes information on how noise is measured, the triggers for noise mitigation, noise barrier characteristics, and frequently asked questions related to noise in York Region. Two examples of existing noise barriers in York Region are illustrated below (these examples are based on the Google Maps links provided with each example). A noise assessment study will be undertaken as part of the 16th Avenue EA Study work to review the impacts of the project with respect to noise along 16th Avenue and identify potential mitigation measures at specific locations, based on York Region’s Noise Policy and York Region’s Standard Operating Procedures.
As the EA studies progress we will be able to share more information. Your e-mail address is included on our contact list so you will continue to receive updates about the project, including invitations to future open houses where you will be able to meet with the project team to discuss the study findings/recommendations and any concerns you may have. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 12/5/2016 Phone Call Inquiry about noise walls and fences. You may like to know if you are not already aware, York Region is currently conducting an Environmental Assessment study for 16th Avenue that includes the vicinity of your home. I suspect that potential noise mitigation (e.g. noise fencing) will be one of the items looked at during the course of the study. This project is currently being overseen by the Capital Planning & Delivery branch who will be able to provide more specific information, if/when available, as it may relate to adjacent properties. For inquiries about the 16th Avenue Transportation Environmental Assessment, please contact:
Cathy Parmer Communications and Community Engagement Specialist The Regional Municipality of York Phone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75560 Email: [email protected]
Or
Colin Wong Project Manager 1-877-464-9675 ext. 76119 Email: [email protected]
Should you have more general questions about noise attenuation fences, please feel free to contact myself at your convenience. The Region does have another cost-share program for small communities to participate in the construction of a noise fence. However, it is intended for older areas where no regional road improvements is being planned.
55 12/26/2016 Email I was unable to attend the open house regarding the widening of 16th Avenue because I was Comments noted and discussed through follow-up discussion during Open House 2 on October 17th. away on vacation. I would like you to know my concern regarding the region taking more land from the residents on the south side of 16th Avenue.
My house is [...]. The street is already very close to my garage and front hall because I have the turning lane. 14.4 meters is the current set back minus 7 meters leaves the street 7.4 meters from my front door!!!!
My grave concern is that one of my young children is hit by a car or that a car looses control and hits our house. I know of two instances that children have been hit on 16th avenue and I know of one child traffic fatality on 16th avenue.
If you visit our section of the street you will see that the majority of the cars do not obey the 50km/hr speed limit. The actual speed of cars on this stretch is 60 - 65km/hr. A car traveling at that speed would pose a serious threat to human life should it loose control for any reason such as distracted, impaired driving or inclement weather.
I respectfully ask that the region widen 16th avenue from the north side of the street and leave the south side in it's current set backs.
I would be happy to elaborate on any of the points I have mentioned. I can be reached at the phone number on this email.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 56 1/19/2017 Email Inquiry about property requirements. Since the Environmental Assessment (EA) study for 16th Avenue is still on-going, property requirements have not been identified yet. I understand that this, and property acquisitions by the Region, usually happens closer to the end of the study process.
The best course of action is to stay informed with the 16th Avenue EA. Your contact information will be passed onto the Project Manager, Colin Wong. Please feel free to contact Colin if you have any further questions. His extension is 76119 and he is copied on this email.
Your contact information, as you provided to me is: [...]
As a side note: the Region’s current 2017 10-Year Roads Capital Plan shows 16th Avenue improvements to start in 2023. This gives you a ballpark estimate of the timing of improvements.
Please let me know if I can provide additional help, or contact Colin Wong with more specific questions about 16th Avenue.
57 11/24/2016 Email Resident forwarded heritage status of a property adjacent to the study limits. Comment noted. 58 11/24/2016 Comment form from Requesst to meet written on comment form. Thanks again for your interest in the 16th Avenue EA studies and your attendance at the November Open House 24, 2016 open house at the Markham Museum. Per our discussions at the open house, and our phone conversation today, we understand you are concerned about the potential loss of parking as a result of the 16th Avenue improvements. At this time, the extent of impacts to your property are unknown, as design concepts have not yet been developed. Once the study team develops alternative design concepts, we will be able to discuss any potential impacts with you. We will contact you at that time to arrange a meeting per your request. Since you are on the project mailing list, you will also continue to receive updates about the studies including an invitation to the next open house.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. 10/23/2018 Emal n/a Hi […],
It was nice talking to you today. As I mentioned, the recommendations from the 16th Avenue Study A (Yonge to Woodbine) Environmental Assessment are being documented in an Environmental Study Report (ESR) that is expected to be available for review in December 2018. At that time you will receive a notice with information about the ESR, including where it is available for review and how/when you can provide comments.
In the meantime, the study team would be happy to set up a meeting with you to review the design adjacent to your property and any concerns you may have, in particular related to loss of parking. Please let me know your availability over the next couple of weeks so we can schedule this meeting.
Regarding construction timelines, as I mentioned they will follow the Region’s 10-year capital plan which is updated annually. Per the 2018 plan, construction of the 16th Avenue segment between Leslie Street and Woodbine Avenue is scheduled to start in 2021, and all other segments (including Yonge Street to Bayview Avenue which is the segment you are most interested in) are not included in the current plan, meaning that construction for those segments is not scheduled to start in the next 10 years.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
[Note: there were several attempts to set up a meeting with this property owner; the project team is waiting for confirmation of a date and time that works for him]
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 59 2/11/2017 Email The preferred solution to widen 16th Ave to 6 lanes, may be practical between Bayview and Thank you for your interest in the 16th Avenue EA studies. Your comments will be reviewed and Hwy 404, however it will cause serious safety issues if the widening continues beyond incorporated into the study findings. Information and updates regarding the studies will be available Bayview to Yonge street. That section of the road has permanent homes which were already at york.ca/16thavenue. In addition, your email address has been added to the project mailing list so impacted 1x when the road was originally widened from 2 to 4 lanes, but that was you will continue to receive project updates. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any additional successfully done when the bridge over the railway tracks was build and contains 4 lanes. comments or questions. However , unless the plan includes also widening (i.e. rebuilding ) the bridge the road would need to narrow from 6 to 4 lanes just in front of a 16th Ave. elementary school and Elvis Stojko skating arena. This area of the road already presents safety issues because of the school and this would be more seriously impacted if this portion of the road would need to also deal with traffic merging from 6 to 4 lanes.
Please take this into consideration when you are assessing the 16th Ave expansion impact, as safety of our children should be a priority.
60 2/28/2017 Email In response to […] I am York Region’s project manager of the ongoing 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment Studies (EAs). Thank you for sharing the email thread below. There appears to be some misunderstanding Apparently its coming before the Committee of the Whole at York Region Council on March regarding the status of the EAs. They were not cancelled or changed, and our objective is to complete 9th at 9 am. My information was that it is being scrapped entirely. I'll try to do some further the studies before the spring of 2018. Before then, we are planning more Open Houses in the fall of checking. 2017 to present the recommended designs. Presently, we are studying alternative design concepts based on the findings presented at the Regionals: Have you heard anything about the 16th Avenue EA being scrapped? Discussed at previous Open Houses that were hosted by the Region in November 2016, which include: the March 9th meeting of the C of the Whole, York REgion? Please advise and thanks. • From Yonge Street to Highway 48 - Widen to six lanes to provide one Transit/HOV lane in each direction, provide cycling facilities on both sides, and improve sidewalks and streetscaping; • From Highway 48 to Donald Cousens Parkway - Retain the existing four lanes, provide cycling facilities on both sides, and improve sidewalks and streetscaping; • From Donald Cousens Parkway to York Durham Line - Retain the existing two lanes, provide paved shoulders on both sides, and replace drainage ditches with mountable curbs. We are preparing to meet with local municipal staff, agencies, the public and landowners to get their input on the alternative design concepts over the spring and summer months. In the meantime, should you require further information on the project please contact me directly or visit york.ca/16thAvenue. The website includes links to the previous Open House materials and a survey, where anyone can provide their input on the findings.
61 4/7/2017 Phone Call Inquiry on current status of EA. • Phases 1 and 2 were completed in the fall 2016. The recommendations, including six-laning from Yonge to Hwy 48 to support transit/HOV, were presented at the November 2016 Open House. • The study is in Phase 3, which involves developing alternative design concepts. The assessment of alternative design concepts will be presented at the next Open House, anticipated to be in Fall 2017. • Daryl also inquired about the potential for a future extension Renfrew Drive to 16th Avenue because CityPlan have an office there. I encouraged him to research the secondary plan for the area.
62 10/11/2017 Voicemail Disagreement with bike lanes on 16th Avenue. It is not safe to have bicyclists on the road Comment noted. since it is too busy. Recommend to consider bike lanes on side streets instead such as Bur Oak Avenue.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 63 10/5/2017 Phone Call I received a called from[…] whose mother owns[…]. She is interested in knowing if her […] spoke to Michelle over the phone. […] said she will either attend the open house or contact mother’s property will be impacted and if so how much property will be taken. I let her Michelle directly if she has any more inquiries know that we will have the design plans out at the open house and we can speak to her then to go over any potential impacts. She said she can likely make the Open House on October 17th and not the others.
I also let her know if for any reason she was unable to attend the open house then she can contact me directly and we can set up a time to speak to her. She called me from the number […]. 11/23/2018 Phone Call n/a- The project team called to follow up with this individual in order to provide an update V. Restrepo spoke to […] over the phone and walked her through the EA process, the proposed on the study. designs, and explained how to view the open house material on the website including the draft designs at 667 16th Ave. They also discussed construction timelines (this segment is not in the current 10-year capital plan). Her main concerns are driveway impacts (although we are not taking property, her mother’s driveway will be shorter), safety specifically regarding left turns into and out of this property, and impacts during construction.
We have added her email address to our mailing list so she receives the notice of completion.
64 10/5/2017 Phone call Can you please make note of a call I had with […] for our consultation record? We discussed Questions addressed over the phone call with Colin the following: • […] received the notice of Open House. She and […] intend to attend on October 17. • I briefly explained that the segment of 16th Avenue in the area of their property will be widened from four to six lanes. No property would be required from their property. • […] inquired about a 16th avenue entrance to connect to their property. I explained that it would not be feasible, given proximity to the existing driveway to the gas station and to the Bayview Avenue intersection. • I offered to meet with them separately. They declined and felt that attending the Open House would suffice.
65 10/6/2017 Email Requested JPED of OH2 Notice email Veronica provided JPEG of notice of OH2 66 10/12/2017 Phone Call I received a call from […]. She is a resident of Berczy Village and lives at […], although I Questions addressed over the phone call with Colin looked the address up on Google and couldn’t find it. Perhaps I misheard her.
She did not receive a notice and did not see any of the ads. She was disappointed about no knowing about the Open House and only found out from neighbours and her kids who had activities at Pierre Trudeau High School. She wanted to provide her support for the project, that the improvements would help traffic. “Parking lot” was the term she used to describe 16th Avenue.
I briefly summarized the recommendations and she felt the widening of 16th Avenue would be beneficial. I mentioned that there is another open house next week and she’s welcome to attend. Also, there is the website where all of the open house materials can be downloaded, including the comment form.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 67 10/13/2017 Email I live at […] which directly faces 16th ave and which my home and family will be directly Hello […]. impacted by the increase of 16th ave to 6 lanes. I reviewed the on line update and what I don’t see is how the increase noise and air pollution that we will be subjected to will be Thank you for your comments and your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) mitigated? Will a sound barrier be installed along that side of 16th ave? Studies. Your comments were noted by the project team and will be considered as we move forward What is the plan to guard against not have to move or remove the 30 large column oak trees with the EAs. which are well over 30 years old? These trees at present provide a great barrier from the The studies review possible improvements to 16th Avenue to accommodate the current and future vehicle traffic along 16th ave. transportation needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users and motorists along this corridor. No one has taken the time to talk to or review the mitigation plan with residence who Potential improvements are being evaluated based on a number of criteria, including feasibility, directly face 16th and will be most impacted. effectiveness, benefits and impacts to the natural, cultural, and socio-economic environments and effects on adjacent properties and features. A noise assessment is being undertaken as part of the EA Study to review the impacts of the project with respect to noise along 16th Avenue and identify potential mitigation measures at specific locations, based on York Region’s Noise Policy and York Region’s Standard Operating Procedures. Where warranted and feasible, noise mitigation measures such as noise barriers will be included in the final recommendations of the EA Studies. These recommendations will be documented in the Environmental Study Report (ESR) and made available for public review. As you are included on the project email list, you will receive notice when the ESR is available for public review. Prior to circulation of the ESR, if you are interested, we can share the findings of the finalized noise study with you. Without the improvements traffic congestion will increase. Increased idling and longer delays will increase emissions. The project recommendations as a whole work to reduce these negative impacts to the environment and climate change. This is achieved through offering alternate travel modes to the single-occupant vehicle to move more people through the corridor sustainably. The Transit/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, recommended from Yonge Street to McCowan Road, will support increased transit service and efficiencies planned along 16th Avenue through the Frequent Transit Network and promote carpooling. The continuous multi-use path and sidewalk will accommodate travel by pedestrians and cyclists, where currently no designated cycling facilities west of Ninth Line and discontinuous sidewalks. The proposed improvements will aim to address the needs of the corridor while minimizing impacts to features such as the trees you mentioned in your email. A tree inventory will be completed to document the existing vegetation characteristics as well as the potential impacts as a result of the proposed improvements. Our objective will be to avoid or minimize impacts, and where impacts are unavoidable, a mitigation plan will be developed with input from the regulatory agencies and local municipalities. The project team recently held open house meetings on October 10, 11 and 17, 2017. Members of the public and anyone interested in the study were invited to review the project recommendations to date, evaluations and identified impacts. The project team was present to discuss any questions or concerns about the project. The materials from the open house are posted on the project website at York.ca/16thavenue. In addition the project team is meeting with directly impacted land owners to discuss the impacts of the project with them. If you were unable to attend one of the open houses and would like to meet with the project team to review the recommendations and discuss your questions and concerns, please let us know and we can arrange to meet with you. As the EA studies progress we will be able to share more information. Your e-mail address is included on our contact list so you will continue to receive updates about the project. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions. Sincerely, Colin Wong
hdrinc.com Page 26/49 67 10/13/2017 Email I live at […] which directly faces 16th ave and which my home and family will be directly impacted by the increase of 16th ave to 6 lanes. I reviewed the on line update and what I don’t see is how the increase noise and air pollution that we will be subjected to will be mitigated? Will a sound barrier be installed along that side of 16th ave? What is the plan to guard against not have to move or remove the 30 large column oak trees which are well over 30 years old? These trees at present provide a great barrier from the vehicle traffic along 16th ave. No one has taken the time to talk to or review the mitigation plan with residence who directly face 16th and will be most impacted.
16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker
ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action Hello.
I am the York Region project manager of the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessments Studies from Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue and from Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line. Councillor Ho, Regional Councillor Armstrong, Deputy Mayor Heath and the Region study team received comments about the study from Dennis Cuzzolino who is a resident of the area.
[…]’s original email and my response to him are provided below.
Sincerely,
Colin
10/24/2017 Email Colin Meeting with […] at HDR office.
Thank you for the in-depth response.
I understand the reason for this project . I hope you appreciate that I need to advocate for my family and neighbours as my ward councillor has shown he will not help us. The region is looking to get this process completed saying they have checked all the boxes.
I would be very interested in reviewing all assessments prior to them being circulated.
In reviewing the draft design plan I can see that the traffic on the north side of 16th will be that much closer to my front door which is concerning.
I am also concerned that the maples and oaks on the 16 ave Boulevard in front of my house which are over 25 years old which act a visual barrier will be taken down and replaced with small trees.
What is the criteria for noise barriers and when will that study be done?
I am open to meet anytime with you and your team to discuss/review and any items relating to this project.
Please keep me updated
Thank you
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 11/3/2017 Email Colin (See response to subsequent e-mail) Thank you to yourself and the team to meet with me on Wednesday November 1st to discuss the concerns with the widening of 16th Ave.
After our meeting I am still very concerned about the removal of the existing trees and shrubs along sutcliffe. I am also suggesting that the region installs sound barriers along 16th.
I have attached a few pictures to show the team what our street currently looks like now and will show how the current tree line adds a great natural visual barrier.
Please add into your plans and capital budget the additional sound barrier cost and the required tree and shrubs protection.
Thank you
11/8/2017 Email Hello (See response to subsequent e-mail)
In our meeting last week you mentioned that Major Mac is also considered in the 2041 plan. Why is there no EA study being done for this?
Thank you 11/12/2017 Email Hello Dear […]:
Is there any update on my request below? The Transportation Master Plan identifies the need for widening Major Mackenzie Drive to six lanes and implementing rapid transit along Major Mackenzie Drive through the City of Vaughan, Town of Thank you Richmond Hill and City of Markham in the 2041 plan.
The sections of Major Mackenzie Drive between Highway 400 and Highway 50 (boundary with Peel Region) are either currently under construction or in detailed design and will be phased into construction in the short term.
East of Hwy 400 the following studies are underway:
Major Mackenzie Drive from Highway 400 to Jane Street Environmental Assessment studying capacity improvements. Construction start currently programmed for 2021.
Major Mackenzie Drive from McNaughton Road/Avro Road to Keele Street Environmental Assessment studying short term operational improvements. Construction not currently programmed.
Within the City of Markham, the 2017 10-Year Roads and Transit Capital Construction Program (approved by York Region Council in December 2016 and subject to annual review) includes major road improvements along Major Mackenzie drive in the section from Leslie Street to Woodbine Avenue. Construction is currently programmed for 2025. An EA will be completed prior to construction.
Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Colin
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action (C. Wong forwarded response to […] to Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, and Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong)
Hello.
I am the York Region project manager of the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessments Studies from Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue and from Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line. Regional Councillor Armstrong, Deputy Mayor Heath and the Region study team received comments about the study from Dennis Cuzzolino who is a resident of the area.
[…]’ original email and my response to him are provided below.
Sincerely,
Colin
12/19/2017 E-mail Hi Colin Hello […]
Do you have any updates on the 16th Ave project since the last time we had our meeting? Thank you again for your interest in the study and meeting with the project team in November 2017. We appreciate the feedback you provided during our meeting and in emails. In finalizing the Have any of my concerns been considered? Environmental Assessment (EA) recommendations, we are considering your concerns, including noise, potential impacts to trees and vegetation, and overall property impacts related to the Thank you proposed improvements for 16th Avenue.
A noise study is being conducted as part of the EA. The findings from this assessment will allow the project team to make recommendations on where noise mitigation is warranted, feasible, and effective in reducing noise impacts associated with the transportation improvements, based on York Region's Noise Policy and York Region's Standard Operating Procedures. As requested during our meeting, we will share the noise study with you once it is complete.
We understand that maintaining the trees along Sutcliffe Crescent adjacent to 16th Avenue is a priority for you, particularly the oaks. The preliminary recommendations, as shown at the second Open House and at our meeting , were developed to minimize potential impacts to trees as much as possible, while also accommodating the road widening and active transportation facilities as identified in the council-endorsed 2016 York Region Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update. The project team will document a commitment in the final Environmental Study Report (ESR) to review grading at this location during the next phase, detailed design, which typically occurs closer to the start of construction. Construction of the 16th Avenue improvements from Woodbine Avenue to Warden Avenue is not included in the 2018 10-year Roads and Transit Capital Construction Program, but it should be noted that the program is updated and approved by council annually. During detailed design, the mult-iuse path (MUP) or grading slope could be reviewed for opportunities to further reduce impacts to vegetation, while still meeting design and AODA standards.
As discussed during our meeting, the proposed MUP adjacent to your property is 2.4 metres in width, which is the absolute minimum by York Region's standards for MUP width. The preferred MUP width along the corridor is 3.0 metres. To maintain continuity for cyclists and pedestrians, the proposed 2.4- metre MUP will not be removed or eliminated in favour of a sidewalk at this location.
During our meeting, you also inquired about whether or not the intersection at Nufield Gate will be signalized. Based on the traffic analysis, this intersection operates at an acceptable level-of-service, and signalization is not proposed at this time. The preliminary design plans will be updated to include crosswalks only where existing or proposed signalized intersections are located – thank you for bringing this to our attention.
As the EA studies progress we will be able to share more information. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions.
Sincerely, hdrinc.com Colin Page 29/49 *response forwarded to Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Regional Councillors 67
12/19/2017 E-mail Hi Colin Hello […]
Do you have any updates on the 16th Ave project since the last time we had our meeting? Thank you again for your interest in the study and meeting with the project team in November 2017. We appreciate the feedback you provided during our meeting and in emails. In finalizing the Have any of my concerns been considered? Environmental Assessment (EA) recommendations, we are considering your concerns, including noise, potential impacts to trees and vegetation, and overall property impacts related to the Thank you proposed improvements for 16th Avenue.
A noise study is being conducted as part of the EA. The findings from this assessment will allow the project team to make recommendations on where noise mitigation is warranted, feasible, and effective in reducing noise impacts associated with the transportation improvements, based on York Region's Noise Policy and York Region's Standard Operating Procedures. As requested during our meeting, we will share the noise study with you once it is complete.
We understand that maintaining the trees along Sutcliffe Crescent adjacent to 16th Avenue is a priority for you, particularly the oaks. The preliminary recommendations, as shown at the second Open House and at our meeting , were developed to minimize potential impacts to trees as much as 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker possible, while also accommodating the road widening and active transportation facilities as identified in the council-endorsed 2016 York Region Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update. The project team will document a commitment in the final Environmental Study Report (ESR) to review grading at this location during the next phase, detailed design, which typically occurs closer to the ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request start of construction. Construction of the Response16th Avenue / Action improvements from Woodbine Avenue to Warden Avenue is not included in the 2018 10-year Roads and Transit Capital Construction Program, but it should be noted that the program is updated and approved by council annually. During detailed design, the mult-iuse path (MUP) or grading slope could be reviewed for opportunities to further reduce impacts to vegetation, while still meeting design and AODA standards.
As discussed during our meeting, the proposed MUP adjacent to your property is 2.4 metres in width, which is the absolute minimum by York Region's standards for MUP width. The preferred MUP width along the corridor is 3.0 metres. To maintain continuity for cyclists and pedestrians, the proposed 2.4- metre MUP will not be removed or eliminated in favour of a sidewalk at this location.
During our meeting, you also inquired about whether or not the intersection at Nufield Gate will be signalized. Based on the traffic analysis, this intersection operates at an acceptable level-of-service, and signalization is not proposed at this time. The preliminary design plans will be updated to include crosswalks only where existing or proposed signalized intersections are located – thank you for bringing this to our attention.
As the EA studies progress we will be able to share more information. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions.
Sincerely,
Colin *response forwarded to Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Regional Councillors
4/2/2018 Email Hi Colin Hello […],
Do you have any updates to share regarding the 16th Avenue project? Thank you once again for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) studies. Since our meeting in November (the notes from the meeting are attached for your record), we have Thank you entered phase four of the Municipal Class EA Studies. This phase consists of design refinements to address comments and concerns, finalizing the preliminary design drawings, completion of the remaining technical studies, and documentation of the project in the form of the Environmental Study Report (ESR). Once the ESR is complete, a notice of completion will be circulated to agencies and the public and the ESR will be placed on public record for review.
The project team has also continued to meet with stakeholders and property owners to receive feedback on the 16th Avenue EA recommendations to date. While many of the technical studies such as the noise assessment are still in progress, our team is revisiting the draft recommended plans to optimize the design as feasible. As discussed in our ongoing correspondence, we will share a copy of the noise study with you once it is complete. Please note that we are investigating additional items within the study area, and as such have pushed out the schedule for Study Corridor B (Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line). We anticipate that the work for this segment will be completed towards the end of 2018 or early 2019.
In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions.
Regards,
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action - Email - Hi […],
It was nice talking to you today. Per our phone conversation, the 16th Avenue Study A (Yonge to Woodbine) and Study B (Woodbine to York/Durham Line) Environmental Assessments, which were being undertaken together, will be completed separately.
Study A (Yonge to Woodbine) is being completed first to allow coordination with the ongoing work from MTO along Highway 404. Coordination between the York Region and MTO work will allow more efficient construction around the 16th Ave/Hwy 404 interchange, resulting in shorter construction timelines, reduced construction disruption, and lower overall cost compared to completing each project separately and independent from each other. The 16th Ave Study A Environmental Study Report (ESR) is anticipated to be filed and available for review/comment in December 2018. At that time you will receive a notice with information about the ESR, including where it is available for review and how/when you can provide comments.
Study B (Woodbine to York/Durham Line) will be completed next year, with ESR filing anticipated in the second quarter of 2019. As part of the Study B work, the noise assessment is still ongoing and is anticipated to be completed in December 2018.
Regarding construction timelines, as I mentioned they will follow the Region’s 10-year capital plan which is updated annually. Per the 2018 plan, construction of the 16th Avenue segment between Leslie Street and Woodbine Avenue is scheduled to start in 2021, and all other segments (including Woodbine Avenue to Warden Avenue where your property is located) are not included in the current plan, meaning that construction for those segments is not scheduled to start in the next 10 years.
Our team would be happy to meet with you to discuss the two projects and in particular the Study B corridor prior to its ESR filing in 2019. Given the timelines for the noise assessment, we could set up a meeting for mid-January at the HDR office in Richmond Hill – let me know if you are interested and your availability. In the meantime, if you have any questions related to Study A or Study B, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thanks,
68 10/13/2017 Email I'm wondering why this email was sent so late. The dates for two of the presentations have Hi […], already passed? Your request to join the mailing list was submitted through the Open House 1 survey link. Our intent was to close the first survey link in February. Unfortunately anyone who submitted a request to join the study mailing list using the first open house survey between February to now was not added until recently and did not receive an email notification for Open House 2 until late this past week. We apologize for the oversight and we have since incorporated your feedback on the first open house materials into the consultation record.
The materials presented at each of the three Open House 2 venues include the same content. If you are unable to attend the open house on Tuesday, October 17 and would like to meet with the project team to review the materials in person, please let us know and we can arrange a meeting with you at your convenience. Alternatively, all the materials presented at Open House 2 are posted on the project website (www.york.ca/16thavenue) including the display boards, design plans and comment forms.
Please let us know if you would like to meet to review the materials. Thanks,Veronica
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 69 10/13/2017 Email Sorry I missed your open house. Just wanted to suggest that the sidewalk on the south side Good afternoon […], be classified for dual purpose then both bicyclists and pedestrians can share it. I already bicycle on this sidewalk because it's much safer than actually riding on the roads with the Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback regarding the 16th Avenue cars. I've seen this a lot in Europe where the sidewalks have been paved and widened just a Environmental Assessment Study. We appreciate you sharing your experiences as a cyclist travelling bit then designated as dual purpose. There are other sidewalks where this could be done in the area. Receiving your input is an important part of this study and it has been shared with our and makes more sense as it is a safer option such as on Bullock in Markham and McCowan project team and documented for the record. Rd south of 16 th. If there is concern for the safety of the pedestrian ...although... seldom are there walkers when I ride my bike on the 16th Ave sidewalk.... the city could und also Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any question or require more information. paint a blue line through the middle of the walkway to separate for biking and walking. Thank you Regards,
Christine Morrison
70 10/14/2017 Email I am not able to attend the Open Houses but I would like to submit some comments by Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback regarding the 16th Avenue email: Environmental Assessment Study. We appreciate you sharing your perspective on the proposed enhancements as well as your comments regarding emissions. Receiving your input is an important part of this study and it has been shared with our project team and documented for the record. increase the number of cars on the road since we need to decrease, not increase, our emissions to address the issue of global warming Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any question or require more information.
Thank you path Michelle
the road. To do this one lane would be for public transit ONLY, one would be an HOV lane, and the third lane would be for single occupant vehicles. This would encourage people to car pool or take public transit, which would reduce emissions
if this is possible
71 10/15/2017 Email I am unable to attend any of the scheduled open houses Good afternoon […], I have read the materials online. I am hoping you could answer the following questions: Thank you for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment Study. I have shared your 1. Has there been a sustainability study? I could find information online that indicates that questions with the project team and will get back to you with a response when one is available. practice of widening 16th and increased traffic flow with all the effects as listed online is sustainable. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any additional questions or require more 2. How were item’s prioritized so far with regards to page 5 “What we have heard so far” . information. Specifically you note that there are concerns about the impact on air quality. We know there Regards, is good evidence from Canadian studies that those who live along high traffic areas have Christine Morrison increased morbidity and mortality associated with air quality. 3. Does the impact of air quality take priority over the “Congestion is an issue”? 4. What plans are made to mitigate drivers who abuse HOV lanes? It is well known that HOV lanes such as designed in the drawings are used by single passenger vehicles to pass one vehicles. 5. Is the widening a “done deal” or did the Region look at other alternatives? Specifically what was the problem identified in Phase 1 of the EA? Was the problem identified as; traffic congestion, lack of acceptable public transportation or other?
Thank you for your response
hdrinc.com Page 32/49 71 Email I am unable to attend any of the scheduled open houses I have read the materials online. I am hoping you could answer the following questions: 1. Has there been a sustainability study? I could find information online that indicates that practice of widening 16th and increased traffic flow with all the effects as listed online is sustainable. 2. How were item’s prioritized so far with regards to page 5 “What we have heard so far” . Specifically you note that there are concerns about the impact on air quality. We know there is good evidence from Canadian studies that those who live along high traffic areas have increased morbidity and mortality associated with air quality. 3. Does the impact of air quality take priority over the “Congestion is an issue”? 4. What plans are made to mitigate drivers who abuse HOV lanes? It is well known that HOV lanes such as designed in the drawings are used by single passenger vehicles to pass one vehicles. 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker 5. Is the widening a “done deal” or did the Region look at other alternatives? Specifically what was the problem identified in Phase 1 of the EA? Was the problem identified as; traffic congestion, lack of acceptable public transportation or other?
Thank you for your response ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action - Apologies for the delay in providing a response. Thank you for your input and interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) studies. The EA studies identify improvements to 16th Avenue to accommodate the current and future transportation needs of residents, pedestrians, cyclist, public transit users and motorists along this corridor. As identified in York Region’s Transportation Master Plan, traffic congestion is a growing issue for York Region residents and 16th Avenue is a key road in York Region’s transportation network. The 16th Avenue EA studies consider infrastructure improvements to accommodate all road users, while protecting communities, the natural environment and supporting local businesses.
As per your question regarding our “What We’ve Heard So Far” slide, the feedback received has been generally grouped based on the reoccurring themes we have heard throughout our consultation process via several modes of communication. There is also more feedback we have received which was not included on this slide that we have taken into consideration during the studies. As per your concern regarding the prioritization of air quality and reducing congestion, air quality is one of the criteria considered in the evaluation of alternatives, and the proposed improvements reflect the study findings where congestion actually promotes pollution and results in negative impacts to air quality due to the idling of cars. Existing high traffic volumes as well as future projected traffic volumes are anticipated to lead to more vehicles idling on the road due to increased congestion. An Air Quality study was undertaken as part of the EA studies and will be included in the Environmental Study Report (ESR) documentation.
With regards to mitigating drivers who abuse HOV lanes, although signage indicating that these lanes are dedicated for transit/HOV would be provided as part of the proposed improvement construction, enforcement is outside of the scope of our current studies.
The proposed improvements, including road widening for transit/HOV lanes between Yonge Street and McCowan Road, and implementation of cycling and pedestrian facilities between Yonge Street and Donald Cousens Parkway, were selected based on an evaluation of alternatives. Material related to the needs assessment, identified problems and opportunities, and generation/evaluation of alternative solutions was presented at our first set of Open Houses in November 2016, and the material presented at that time is available on the study website (york.ca/16thAvenue). Additional documentation related to this will be included in the ESR for each study.
Your e-mail address has been added to our contact list so you will be notified once the ESR is ready for public review. Study A (Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue) will be filed later this week, and Study B (Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line) is anticipated to be completed in 2019. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions regarding Study A or Study B.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 72 10/23/2017 Email Hi there, Good morning […],
I live in the Angus Glen community and I’m really happy to see that the traffic issues are Thank you for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment study. We appreciate you being addressed. I was out of the country when the open houses were held so I thought I’d taking the time to share your support for the implementation of multi-use paths. Your input is an just write. I think it’s a great idea to have the bikers off the roads and I fully support the important part of this study and it has been shared with the project team and documented for the implementation of MUPs. Overall, the recommended solutions look like they will ease the record. I would also like to invite you share any additional comments you may have, using our online current traffic situation; however, are they sufficient enough to handle the increased traffic comment form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/16thAveOH2. that the new York Downs subdivision will bring? With 4000 new units coming into play, are four lanes and two HOV lanes enough? As a comparison, although HWY 7 was widened and I will follow up with the project team regarding your query and will get back to you with a response transit lanes were added, traffic has continued to be quite bad and in some cases is even when one becomes available. worse than before throughout Markham and Richmond Hill… Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or require more information. Looking forward to hearing from you. Regards, Christine Morrison
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. Thank you for your comments and your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) Studies. Your comments were noted by the project team and have been considered during the progression of the EAs.
The studies review possible improvements to 16th Avenue to accommodate the current and future transportation needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users and motorists along this corridor. Potential improvements have been evaluated based on a number of criteria, including feasibility, effectiveness, benefits and impacts to the natural, cultural, and socio-economic environments and effects on adjacent properties and features.
With regards to your concerns about the proposed improvements being sufficient to accommodate future traffic levels, we have based these recommendations on our traffic projections for the year 2041, which takes growth in the Region into consideration. However, since the York Downs development has not yet been approved, specific details related to that proposed development have not been included in the EA assessment. The additional Transit/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, recommended from Yonge Street to McCowan Road, will support increased transit service and efficiencies planned along 16th Avenue through the Frequent Transit Network and promote carpooling. Cyclists and pedestrians will be accommodated through multi-use paths and sidewalks. For more information regarding the traffic assessment that was used to inform the proposed designs, you may take a look at the display boards from Open House 1 at york.ca/16thavenue. Additional information will be included in the Environmental Study Report (ESR) for each of the two studies. Your e-mail address has been added to our contact list so you will be notified once the ESRs are ready for public review. Study A (Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue) will be filed later this week, and Study B (Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line), which will address your specific concerns, is anticipated to be completed in 2019. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions regarding Study A or Study B.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 73 10/22/2017 Email Hello Veronica / Colin, Comments noted and documented in meeting minutes.
Thank you for meeting with me and my wife the other day and for the information you provided us with, in addition to my previous e-mail addressing my concerns about widening 16th Avenue here are few points to address:
1- Widening 16th avenue will get traffic moving and more traffic coming through which will end up causing more noise and pollution. 2- By digging close to my fence the following issues are of concern: A- affecting the integrity of the fence. B- cutting into the roots of the large Blue Spruce trees on my property will weaken them causing them to die or fall on my house. C- lowering the land next to my property to put the sidewalk will cause my land to slide away affecting the fence and the trees. 3- I will hold York Region responsible for any damage to my property resulted by the construction and widening 16th Avenue. 4- Accidents do happen on the intersection of 16th avenue and Valleymede Drive, drivers trying to beat the red light and others making left or right hand turn only to get into an accident, two cars smashed into my fence within a span of two weeks as a result of this, photos are attached for your review. 5- Where and how close bus stops are going to be in conduction to my house. 6- HOV lanes will be anther lane inviting single drivers to use and speed on. 7- Speed limit should be reduced to 50 km instead of staying at 60 km.
These are some of my concerns pertaining to the project and i hope that you will take it into consideration and somehow find a way in your project planning to give me as much space as possible between my property and the sidewalk in order to avoid any issues down the road, it will be very much appreciated.
I look forward to receiving the notice of completion of study in 2018.
Best (photos attached in email)
74 10/23/2017 Email Hi Jeff, Hello […],
Thanks a ton for the followup to my request. It is the Region’s practice to only install ‘Do Not Block Intersection’ signs at signalized intersections which are enforceable. In regards to your questions about the 16th Avenue Environmental I guess pavement markings aren't possible, but it would be very helpful to have that Assessment Study, I am forwarding you to the project team for clarification on these matters. reminder in the form of a sign. Sincerely, Even if it isn't enforceable, I have noticed that the reminder is reasonably effective and would serve this new growth area very well until the construction project is complete. Jeff Van Ginkel
Please advise when signs can be installed here.
Lastly, I mentioned this to my ward councillor, but I would really like to see roundabouts planned for this corridor, especially on the section between Kennedy and Warden where the new York Downs Development is slated.
I understand they require a bit more space, but they make a lot more sense than having signalled intersections every few hundred metres.
In addition, I noticed that the planned WB HOV lane between McCowan and Kennedy isn't marked on the WB Kennedy to Warden section, but then it continues again on the WB Warden to Woodbine section.
Is this an oversight, or will there be gaps in the HOV lane?
Thanks again! hdrinc.com Page 35/49 74 10/23/2017 Email Hi Jeff,
Thanks a ton for the followup to my request.
I guess pavement markings aren't possible, but it would be very helpful to have that 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker reminder in the form of a sign.
Even if it isn't enforceable, I have noticed that the reminder is reasonably effective and would serve this new growth area very well until the construction project is complete. ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action Please advise when signs can be installed here. Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. Thank you for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment Studies. We appreciate you taking the time to share your input. Per your Lastly, I mentioned this to my ward councillor, but I would really like to see roundabouts inquiry regarding the proposed Transit/HOV lanes between Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road, the planned for this corridor, especially on the section between Kennedy and Warden where the curb lanes are in fact dedicated for Transit/HOV use for this entire segment. The symbols were new York Downs Development is slated. missed for this segment on the Open House plans, but they will be added for the final design drawings – thank you for catching this oversight! To clarify, the recommendation to widen to 6 lanes I understand they require a bit more space, but they make a lot more sense than having for Transit/HOV in the curb lanes is continuous from Yonge Street to McCowan Road. signalled intersections every few hundred metres. Your suggestion to incorporate roundabouts throughout the 16th Avenue corridor, particularly In addition, I noticed that the planned WB HOV lane between McCowan and Kennedy isn't between the Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road segment, has been noted. As stated in your marked on the WB Kennedy to Warden section, but then it continues again on the WB comment, roundabouts require more space to implement due to their large footprint, and result in Warden to Woodbine section. greater impacts to adjacent properties, cultural heritage and natural environment features, etc. To best achieve the goals of our study, we aim to provide transportation operation benefits while also Is this an oversight, or will there be gaps in the HOV lane? considering impacts of the project, such as to properties abutting the corridor. In order to minimize potential impacts, we aim to keep proposed improvements within or as close to the existing right-of- Thanks again! way as feasible. For this reason, roundabouts are generally not preferred over signalized intersections, however a roundabout is currently being considered at the 16th Avenue and York/Durham Line intersection. More details will be included in the Environmental Study Report (ESR).
Your e-mail address has been added to our contact list so you will be notified once the ESR is ready for public review. Study A (Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue) will be filed later this week, and Study B (Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line), which will address your specific concerns, is anticipated to be completed in 2019. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions regarding Study A or Study B.
75 11/1/2017 Email Where do I find the details of the plan and how do I provide comments? Good afternoon,
Thank you for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment study. The information about the study can be found on the 16th Avenue EA Project webpage: http://www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkhome/transportation/yr/roads/roadconstructionschedule/16th avenue/
The project webpage includes draft recommended design plans for different segments of 16th Avenue between Yonge Street, in the Town of Richmond Hill, and York/Durham Line, in the City of Markham.
Comments can be submitted online using the link, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/16thAveOH2, or via email to [email protected]
Receiving community feedback is an important part of this study.
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or for more information.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 76 10/17/2017 In person […] attended the Open House and expressed concerns about the pavement condition at 16th Colin followed up with a phone call to […]: Avenue and Fern Avenue (Town of Richmond Hill). He notes that there was a bump in the westbound through lanes through the intersection. Hi Veronica and Tyrone.
I had a pleasant call with Mr. Kehrli this morning and we talked about the following: - Fern intersection to be shaved and paved next summer - Maintenance holes are not level with the pavement - The 16th pavement at the 404 interchange is in poor condition - The expansion joints at the rail bridge continues to cause a rough driving experience; westbound is worse than eastbound
I provided my contact information
Cheers,
Colin 77 12/15/2017 Email Hi Collins Hello, Thank you for meeting with us to discuss the impact of the expansion of 16th Avenue on the Country Estates properties. Your revised drawings are a welcome suggestion to your original Thank you once again for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) studies. proposal, however we still have some concerns that we would like to address. At this point We appreciate your feedback during and following our meeting on December 6, 2017. We we are not able to get the exact bearings of how the new proposal will affect the trees and understand that maintaining the existing trees along 16th Avenue in the vicinity of Country Estates our backyard at 1 Country Estates Drive from the picture of the new drawing we have. Drive and minimizing impacts to the adjacent properties is a priority for yourself and your neighbours. Implementing the proposed improvements to accommodate all transportation modes Upon checking the site after our meeting we noticed that the drip line (or the root while minimizing impacts to existing trees, properties, and other features, is one of the goals of the protection zone) for the first set of trees is approximately 6 meters from the current curb. 16th Avenue EA studies. Your concerns have been taken into consideration by our project team. We The grading from the existing curb to the berm is almost flat for the first 6 meters, therefore have noted your suggestion to consider implementing a sidewalk on the north side adjacent to in order to ensure that we don't effect the trees, if the road is moved (left turn lane) just up Country Estates Drive instead of a multi-use-path (MUP); however, that is not a feasible solution as it to a meter south of the centre line of construction (black line to the south). This will allow us does not provide a connection for cyclists along that segment of the study corridor. to save most of our and our neighbor's trees. Alternatively we can save the trees if you were to allocate a sidewalk on the north side of the road instead of a MUP, west of Country The current EA recommendations, including the implementation of the MUP, conform with York Estates Drive. Region's Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update, which was endorsed by Council and identifies the Our thoughts in making these suggestions are based on the following reasons: need for and provides the justification for continuous and dedicated cycling facilities within the 1) There will be more room for the city to adjust the location of the roads and the lanes. All Rutherford Road/Carrville Road/16th Avenue corridor (approximately 30 km in length). Integrating the properties affected by the current proposal are on the west side of Country Estates active transportation in urban areas is one of the TMP’s formative objectives, aiming to provide Drive, except for 2 Country Estates Drive, which is located on the east side. Based on the sustainable transportation alternatives. The TMP integrates key elements of the Region’s Pedestrian meeting you indicated you may adjust MUP to 2.4 m from the 3 meters on the east side of and Cycling Master Plan (PCMP) in support of this objective. The Region recognizes many benefits of country estate (north and the south). If the MUP is converted into a sidewalk on the west providing a variety of transportation options, including improved health to residents, improved air side of Country Estates, the homeowners west of Country Estates Drive will gain another 0.9 quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, a more connected and efficient transportation meters and there will be a total of 1.5 meters for the city to work with in adjusting the network, reduced traffic congestion and reduced dependence on the automobile. In addition to location of road and the lanes. these benefits, the project team recognizes the need to provide dedicated and safe facilities for all 2) The recently upgraded municipal services will not be affected. As it stands the proposal road users, not limited to autos. The promotion of alternative travel modes such as walking, cycling, will involve relocating most of the existing municipal services just south of our property line, transit and carpooling will help the Region reach its sustainable transportation objectives to reduce which were installed and upgraded recently. For example the new water mains that were single-occupant vehicle trips. installed from Warden Avenue, the water meter chamber and the breather. These are approx. 3 meters from the current curb line. Since the width of the proposed road lane is 3 The project team understands your interest to preserve the established Country Estates Drive meters plus, these existing structures will be situated on the road. In order to have them community; however, York Region’s population growth will continue to increase rapidly into 2041. To before the new curb line and not have a major reallocation of water pipes, it may make accommodate this significant growth, the capacity of the current transportation infrastructure must sense that if there is room to the south of 16th that the center line be adjusted to the south. be increased to safeguard the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. As stated 3) There will be matching sidewalks on both sides of Warden. Our suggestion to move down previously, the project team aims to minimize potential impacts to properties while recommending to a sidewalk west of Country Estates Driver is based on not only on the fact that the trails an approach that will address the needs and opportunities for all users within the study corridor. and parks are located east of Country Estates Drive but also on the fact that at Warden During the EA process, the project team has consulted with property owners in efforts to optimize Avenue sidewalks are proposed in the new plan. Therefore extending the sidewalk to west of the proposed draft design, and in some cases—where compatible with the surrounding Country Estates Drive makes sense. This will really save all the aggravation of majority of the characteristics, feasible, and effective—the draft design has been revised to reflect property owners. recommendations and requests made by the public. This includes the significant changes made to the 4) As you know there are mostly residential properties on 16th avenue and these sidewalks draft design for 16th Avenue adjacent to Country Estates Drive, which was shared at the December and MUP will be used mostly by recreational bicycles users who would be using them on 6th meeting with yourself and your neighbours. In the vicinity of your property, the study team weekends. Usage will be limited during weekdays and during rainy or cold weather, which in minimized the cycling facilities’ footprint and its associated impacts, and made significant Markham spans for a duration of over 6 months. Markham is not set-up to be a commuter compromises to the design, including removing the MUP from one side of the street (so that cyclists city, with a large amount of sub-urban sprawl. I believe an insignificant amount of of the only have access to a cycling facility on one side of the street instead of on both sides of 16th hdrinc.com population will use this MUP on for use as mode for transportation to work. (personally I Avenue), and reducing the width of the MUP to 2.4m, which is the absolute minimum that is allowedPage 37/49 have never observed anyone use of bicycle lanes that have been introduced 3 to 4 years ago per the current design standards. The typical desirable MUP width along the corridor is 3.0m. on Highway 7). Furthermore, even for recreational bicycle users, major roadways are not the most pleasant to use (due to the noise, smoke, and flying debris from passing vehicles) , this In order to maintain continuity for cyclists and pedestrians, the proposed 2.4m MUP adjacent to is another reason why many may not use these lanes Country Estates Drive on the north side of 16th Avenue will not be replaced with a sidewalk. 5) The population residing on Country estates drive needs to be taken into consideration. Providing continuous facilities for all users contributes to connectivity within the Region for all Country Estates community is located in a cul de-sac established almost 40 years. There is transportation modes. Providing continuous cycling and pedestrian facilities will ensure that limited traffic in and out . The majority of the property owners are elderly, long time owners residents have safe and accessible routes to transit stops, stations and destinations, thereby and have paid a fair share of their property taxes long before any development came to promoting transit use along the corridor as well. The recommendations for the 16th Avenue study Markham. An MUP is not appropriate between warden and country estates when corridor include implementing a continuous MUP on the north side between Yonge Street and considering the population of the area, very few to no owners are will actually use this lane. Donald Cousens Parkway (approximately 18km in length). Your suggestion to replace the MUP on the We believe the above adjustments will not cause you or the department much burden. north side with a sidewalk adjacent to Country Estates Drive is not compatible with the EA Similar adjustments have been made in in your proposal for other areas of 16th Avenue.We recommendations or with the Council-endorsed TMP. Changing the MUP to a sidewalk at this believe, a MUP may not be necessary requirement west of Country Estate Drive because of location would only result in a circuitous, discontinuous network, potentially discouraging active above reasons. Two side walks on the north and south as recommended in the other areas transportation users. With regard to your point about the matching sidewalks on both sides of should suffice in our neighborhood west of Country Estates drive. Warden Avenue, there is an existing MUP on the east side of Warden Avenue, from 16th Avenue to The above recommendations have been made based on estimates made using pictures we the north. Additionally, the Proposed 2041 Cycling Network in the Region’s TMP identifies separated took of the proposal during our meeting. For us to better understand the proposal we do facilities along Warden Avenue south of 16th Avenue. Separated facilities may include cycle tracks, require more detailed drawings with dimensions. When will it be possible for us to pick up raised bike lanes, or MUP. Implementing MUP on the north side of 16th Avenue further promotes hard copies of drawings from your consultants HDR's office? If we can also have the minutes connectivity with both the existing and proposed cycling facilities along Warden Avenue, and of the meeting we will appreciate it. contributes to the Regional active transportation network. Regards I trust this addresses your concerns. The project team will share the revised draft design as well as the meeting minutes from the December 6th meeting with yourself and your neighbours once available. In the meantime, please feel free to contact the study team with any additional comments or questions.
Thank you, 77 12/15/2017 Email Hi Collins Hello, Thank you for meeting with us to discuss the impact of the expansion of 16th Avenue on the Country Estates properties. Your revised drawings are a welcome suggestion to your original Thank you once again for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) studies. proposal, however we still have some concerns that we would like to address. At this point We appreciate your feedback during and following our meeting on December 6, 2017. We we are not able to get the exact bearings of how the new proposal will affect the trees and understand that maintaining the existing trees along 16th Avenue in the vicinity of Country Estates our backyard at 1 Country Estates Drive from the picture of the new drawing we have. Drive and minimizing impacts to the adjacent properties is a priority for yourself and your neighbours. Implementing the proposed improvements to accommodate all transportation modes Upon checking the site after our meeting we noticed that the drip line (or the root while minimizing impacts to existing trees, properties, and other features, is one of the goals of the protection zone) for the first set of trees is approximately 6 meters from the current curb. 16th Avenue EA studies. Your concerns have been taken into consideration by our project team. We The grading from the existing curb to the berm is almost flat for the first 6 meters, therefore have noted your suggestion to consider implementing a sidewalk on the north side adjacent to in order to ensure that we don't effect the trees, if the road is moved (left turn lane) just up Country Estates Drive instead of a multi-use-path (MUP); however, that is not a feasible solution as it to a meter south of the centre line of construction (black line to the south). This will allow us does not provide a connection for cyclists along that segment of the study corridor. to save most of our and our neighbor's trees. Alternatively we can save the trees if you were to allocate a sidewalk on the north side of the road instead of a MUP, west of Country The current EA recommendations, including the implementation of the MUP, conform with York Estates Drive. Region's Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update, which was endorsed by Council and identifies the Our thoughts in making these suggestions are based on the following reasons: need for and provides the justification for continuous and dedicated cycling facilities within the 1) There will be more room for the city to adjust the location of the roads and the lanes. All Rutherford Road/Carrville Road/16th Avenue corridor (approximately 30 km in length). Integrating 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker the properties affected by the current proposal are on the west side of Country Estates active transportation in urban areas is one of the TMP’s formative objectives, aiming to provide Drive, except for 2 Country Estates Drive, which is located on the east side. Based on the sustainable transportation alternatives. The TMP integrates key elements of the Region’s Pedestrian meeting you indicated you may adjust MUP to 2.4 m from the 3 meters on the east side of and Cycling Master Plan (PCMP) in support of this objective. The Region recognizes many benefits of country estate (north and the south). If the MUP is converted into a sidewalk on the west providing a variety of transportation options, including improved health to residents, improved air ID Comment Date Comment Format side of Country Estates, the homeownersComment west /of Request Country Estates Drive will gain another 0.9 quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions,Response a more / Action connected and efficient transportation meters and there will be a total of 1.5 meters for the city to work with in adjusting the network, reduced traffic congestion and reduced dependence on the automobile. In addition to location of road and the lanes. these benefits, the project team recognizes the need to provide dedicated and safe facilities for all 2) The recently upgraded municipal services will not be affected. As it stands the proposal road users, not limited to autos. The promotion of alternative travel modes such as walking, cycling, will involve relocating most of the existing municipal services just south of our property line, transit and carpooling will help the Region reach its sustainable transportation objectives to reduce which were installed and upgraded recently. For example the new water mains that were single-occupant vehicle trips. installed from Warden Avenue, the water meter chamber and the breather. These are approx. 3 meters from the current curb line. Since the width of the proposed road lane is 3 The project team understands your interest to preserve the established Country Estates Drive meters plus, these existing structures will be situated on the road. In order to have them community; however, York Region’s population growth will continue to increase rapidly into 2041. To before the new curb line and not have a major reallocation of water pipes, it may make accommodate this significant growth, the capacity of the current transportation infrastructure must sense that if there is room to the south of 16th that the center line be adjusted to the south. be increased to safeguard the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. As stated 3) There will be matching sidewalks on both sides of Warden. Our suggestion to move down previously, the project team aims to minimize potential impacts to properties while recommending to a sidewalk west of Country Estates Driver is based on not only on the fact that the trails an approach that will address the needs and opportunities for all users within the study corridor. and parks are located east of Country Estates Drive but also on the fact that at Warden During the EA process, the project team has consulted with property owners in efforts to optimize Avenue sidewalks are proposed in the new plan. Therefore extending the sidewalk to west of the proposed draft design, and in some cases—where compatible with the surrounding Country Estates Drive makes sense. This will really save all the aggravation of majority of the characteristics, feasible, and effective—the draft design has been revised to reflect property owners. recommendations and requests made by the public. This includes the significant changes made to the 4) As you know there are mostly residential properties on 16th avenue and these sidewalks draft design for 16th Avenue adjacent to Country Estates Drive, which was shared at the December and MUP will be used mostly by recreational bicycles users who would be using them on 6th meeting with yourself and your neighbours. In the vicinity of your property, the study team weekends. Usage will be limited during weekdays and during rainy or cold weather, which in minimized the cycling facilities’ footprint and its associated impacts, and made significant Markham spans for a duration of over 6 months. Markham is not set-up to be a commuter compromises to the design, including removing the MUP from one side of the street (so that cyclists city, with a large amount of sub-urban sprawl. I believe an insignificant amount of of the only have access to a cycling facility on one side of the street instead of on both sides of 16th population will use this MUP on for use as mode for transportation to work. (personally I Avenue), and reducing the width of the MUP to 2.4m, which is the absolute minimum that is allowed have never observed anyone use of bicycle lanes that have been introduced 3 to 4 years ago per the current design standards. The typical desirable MUP width along the corridor is 3.0m. on Highway 7). Furthermore, even for recreational bicycle users, major roadways are not the most pleasant to use (due to the noise, smoke, and flying debris from passing vehicles) , this In order to maintain continuity for cyclists and pedestrians, the proposed 2.4m MUP adjacent to is another reason why many may not use these lanes Country Estates Drive on the north side of 16th Avenue will not be replaced with a sidewalk. 5) The population residing on Country estates drive needs to be taken into consideration. Providing continuous facilities for all users contributes to connectivity within the Region for all Country Estates community is located in a cul de-sac established almost 40 years. There is transportation modes. Providing continuous cycling and pedestrian facilities will ensure that limited traffic in and out . The majority of the property owners are elderly, long time owners residents have safe and accessible routes to transit stops, stations and destinations, thereby and have paid a fair share of their property taxes long before any development came to promoting transit use along the corridor as well. The recommendations for the 16th Avenue study Markham. An MUP is not appropriate between warden and country estates when corridor include implementing a continuous MUP on the north side between Yonge Street and considering the population of the area, very few to no owners are will actually use this lane. Donald Cousens Parkway (approximately 18km in length). Your suggestion to replace the MUP on the We believe the above adjustments will not cause you or the department much burden. north side with a sidewalk adjacent to Country Estates Drive is not compatible with the EA Similar adjustments have been made in in your proposal for other areas of 16th Avenue.We recommendations or with the Council-endorsed TMP. Changing the MUP to a sidewalk at this believe, a MUP may not be necessary requirement west of Country Estate Drive because of location would only result in a circuitous, discontinuous network, potentially discouraging active above reasons. Two side walks on the north and south as recommended in the other areas transportation users. With regard to your point about the matching sidewalks on both sides of should suffice in our neighborhood west of Country Estates drive. Warden Avenue, there is an existing MUP on the east side of Warden Avenue, from 16th Avenue to The above recommendations have been made based on estimates made using pictures we the north. Additionally, the Proposed 2041 Cycling Network in the Region’s TMP identifies separated took of the proposal during our meeting. For us to better understand the proposal we do facilities along Warden Avenue south of 16th Avenue. Separated facilities may include cycle tracks, require more detailed drawings with dimensions. When will it be possible for us to pick up raised bike lanes, or MUP. Implementing MUP on the north side of 16th Avenue further promotes hard copies of drawings from your consultants HDR's office? If we can also have the minutes connectivity with both the existing and proposed cycling facilities along Warden Avenue, and of the meeting we will appreciate it. contributes to the Regional active transportation network. Regards I trust this addresses your concerns. The project team will share the revised draft design as well as the meeting minutes from the December 6th meeting with yourself and your neighbours once available. In the meantime, please feel free to contact the study team with any additional comments or questions.
Thank you,
hdrinc.com Page 38/49 77 12/15/2017 Email Hi Collins Hello, Thank you for meeting with us to discuss the impact of the expansion of 16th Avenue on the Country Estates properties. Your revised drawings are a welcome suggestion to your original Thank you once again for your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) studies. proposal, however we still have some concerns that we would like to address. At this point We appreciate your feedback during and following our meeting on December 6, 2017. We we are not able to get the exact bearings of how the new proposal will affect the trees and understand that maintaining the existing trees along 16th Avenue in the vicinity of Country Estates our backyard at 1 Country Estates Drive from the picture of the new drawing we have. Drive and minimizing impacts to the adjacent properties is a priority for yourself and your neighbours. Implementing the proposed improvements to accommodate all transportation modes Upon checking the site after our meeting we noticed that the drip line (or the root while minimizing impacts to existing trees, properties, and other features, is one of the goals of the protection zone) for the first set of trees is approximately 6 meters from the current curb. 16th Avenue EA studies. Your concerns have been taken into consideration by our project team. We The grading from the existing curb to the berm is almost flat for the first 6 meters, therefore have noted your suggestion to consider implementing a sidewalk on the north side adjacent to in order to ensure that we don't effect the trees, if the road is moved (left turn lane) just up Country Estates Drive instead of a multi-use-path (MUP); however, that is not a feasible solution as it to a meter south of the centre line of construction (black line to the south). This will allow us does not provide a connection for cyclists along that segment of the study corridor. to save most of our and our neighbor's trees. Alternatively we can save the trees if you were to allocate a sidewalk on the north side of the road instead of a MUP, west of Country The current EA recommendations, including the implementation of the MUP, conform with York Estates Drive. Region's Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update, which was endorsed by Council and identifies the Our thoughts in making these suggestions are based on the following reasons: need for and provides the justification for continuous and dedicated cycling facilities within the 1) There will be more room for the city to adjust the location of the roads and the lanes. All Rutherford Road/Carrville Road/16th Avenue corridor (approximately 30 km in length). Integrating the properties affected by the current proposal are on the west side of Country Estates active transportation in urban areas is one of the TMP’s formative objectives, aiming to provide Drive, except for 2 Country Estates Drive, which is located on the east side. Based on the sustainable transportation alternatives. The TMP integrates key elements of the Region’s Pedestrian meeting you indicated you may adjust MUP to 2.4 m from the 3 meters on the east side of and Cycling Master Plan (PCMP) in support of this objective. The Region recognizes many benefits of country estate (north and the south). If the MUP is converted into a sidewalk on the west providing a variety of transportation options, including improved health to residents, improved air side of Country Estates, the homeowners west of Country Estates Drive will gain another 0.9 quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, a more connected and efficient transportation meters and there will be a total of 1.5 meters for the city to work with in adjusting the network, reduced traffic congestion and reduced dependence on the automobile. In addition to location of road and the lanes. these benefits, the project team recognizes the need to provide dedicated and safe facilities for all 2) The recently upgraded municipal services will not be affected. As it stands the proposal road users, not limited to autos. The promotion of alternative travel modes such as walking, cycling, will involve relocating most of the existing municipal services just south of our property line, transit and carpooling will help the Region reach its sustainable transportation objectives to reduce which were installed and upgraded recently. For example the new water mains that were single-occupant vehicle trips. installed from Warden Avenue, the water meter chamber and the breather. These are approx. 3 meters from the current curb line. Since the width of the proposed road lane is 3 The project team understands your interest to preserve the established Country Estates Drive meters plus, these existing structures will be situated on the road. In order to have them community; however, York Region’s population growth will continue to increase rapidly into 2041. To before the new curb line and not have a major reallocation of water pipes, it may make accommodate this significant growth, the capacity of the current transportation infrastructure must sense that if there is room to the south of 16th that the center line be adjusted to the south. be increased to safeguard the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. As stated 3) There will be matching sidewalks on both sides of Warden. Our suggestion to move down previously, the project team aims to minimize potential impacts to properties while recommending to a sidewalk west of Country Estates Driver is based on not only on the fact that the trails an approach that will address the needs and opportunities for all users within the study corridor. and parks are located east of Country Estates Drive but also on the fact that at Warden During the EA process, the project team has consulted with property owners in efforts to optimize Avenue sidewalks are proposed in the new plan. Therefore extending the sidewalk to west of the proposed draft design, and in some cases—where compatible with the surrounding Country Estates Drive makes sense. This will really save all the aggravation of majority of the characteristics, feasible, and effective—the draft design has been revised to reflect property owners. recommendations and requests made by the public. This includes the significant changes made to the 4) As you know there are mostly residential properties on 16th avenue and these sidewalks draft design for 16th Avenue adjacent to Country Estates Drive, which was shared at the December and MUP will be used mostly by recreational bicycles users who would be using them on 6th meeting with yourself and your neighbours. In the vicinity of your property, the study team weekends. Usage will be limited during weekdays and during rainy or cold weather, which in minimized the cycling facilities’ footprint and its associated impacts, and made significant Markham spans for a duration of over 6 months. Markham is not set-up to be a commuter compromises to the design, including removing the MUP from one side of the street (so that cyclists city, with a large amount of sub-urban sprawl. I believe an insignificant amount of of the only have access to a cycling facility on one side of the street instead of on both sides of 16th population will use this MUP on for use as mode for transportation to work. (personally I Avenue), and reducing the width of the MUP to 2.4m, which is the absolute minimum that is allowed have never observed anyone use of bicycle lanes that have been introduced 3 to 4 years ago per the current design standards. The typical desirable MUP width along the corridor is 3.0m. on Highway 7). Furthermore, even for recreational bicycle users, major roadways are not the most pleasant to use (due to the noise, smoke, and flying debris from passing vehicles) , this In order to maintain continuity for cyclists and pedestrians, the proposed 2.4m MUP adjacent to is another reason why many may not use these lanes Country Estates Drive on the north side of 16th Avenue will not be replaced with a sidewalk. 5) The population residing on Country estates drive needs to be taken into consideration. Providing continuous facilities for all users contributes to connectivity within the Region for all Country Estates community is located in a cul de-sac established almost 40 years. There is transportation modes. Providing continuous cycling and pedestrian facilities will ensure that limited traffic in and out . The majority of the property owners are elderly, long time owners residents have safe and accessible routes to transit stops, stations and destinations, thereby and have paid a fair share of their property taxes long before any development came to promoting transit use along the corridor as well. The recommendations for the 16th Avenue study Markham. An MUP is not appropriate between warden and country estates when corridor include implementing a continuous MUP on the north side between Yonge Street and considering the population of the area, very few to no owners are will actually use this lane. Donald Cousens Parkway (approximately 18km in length). Your suggestion to replace the MUP on the We believe the above adjustments will not cause you or the department much burden. north side with a sidewalk adjacent to Country Estates Drive is not compatible with the EA Similar adjustments have been made in in your proposal for other areas of 16th Avenue.We recommendations or with the Council-endorsed TMP. Changing the MUP to a sidewalk at this believe, a MUP may not be necessary requirement west of Country Estate Drive because of location would only result in a circuitous, discontinuous network, potentially discouraging active above reasons. Two side walks on the north and south as recommended in the other areas transportation users. With regard to your point about the matching sidewalks on both sides of should suffice in our neighborhood west of Country Estates drive. Warden Avenue, there is an existing MUP on the east side of Warden Avenue, from 16th Avenue to The above recommendations have been made based on estimates made using pictures we the north. Additionally, the Proposed 2041 Cycling Network in the Region’s TMP identifies separated took of the proposal during our meeting. For us to better understand the proposal we do facilities along Warden Avenue south of 16th Avenue. Separated facilities may include cycle tracks, require more detailed drawings with dimensions. When will it be possible for us to pick up raised bike lanes, or MUP. Implementing MUP on the north side of 16th Avenue further promotes 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker hard copies of drawings from your consultants HDR's office? If we can also have the minutes connectivity with both the existing and proposed cycling facilities along Warden Avenue, and of the meeting we will appreciate it. contributes to the Regional active transportation network. Regards I trust this addresses your concerns. The project team will share the revised draft design as well as ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request the meeting minutes from the December Response6th meeting / Action with yourself and your neighbours once available. In the meantime, please feel free to contact the study team with any additional comments or questions.
Thank you,
2/12/2018 Email Hi Colin It’s nice to hear from you and thanks for the reminder. The project team is meeting tomorrow and Quite a winter as days are going by fast. we will review the materials that I am aiming to get to you this week. We just want to remind you we have not heard from you with regard to our email of Cheers, December 15th 2017 and what have you proposed at our properties Colin One thing comes in mind with regard to west of Country estate that we had talked about at our Residential meeting was the grading west of Country Estate that was steep as you go towards Warden Avenue which further helps the case to have sidewalk west of country estate instead of 2.4 m multi-lane (MUP) that would gain 0 .9 m and alleviate all the residential and our concerns with properties backing sixteen avenue.. We have not seen what you proposed and as requested before we start our landscaping in spring we do require more detailed drawings with dimensions and our requests of minutes. thanks
2/21/2018 Email Hi Veronica: Hello […], Thank you for your response. I understand and appreciate the need to connect the existing MUP north on Warden to the proposed MUP on 16th to complete the network in My apologies for the delay in responding to you. Thank you once again for your interest in the 16th accordance to current EA recommendations, including the implementation of the MUP, in Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) studies. We appreciate the input you’ve provided in your order to conform with York Region's Transportation Master Plan (TMP). email and during our ongoing correspondence. Since our October Open Houses, the draft recommended design has been revised to reduce the 2.4 metre multi-use path (MUP) on the south Unfortunately when we re-inspected the site based on the revised information you provided, side to a 1.5 metre sidewalk. Additionally, the distance between the edge of the sidewalk to the we saw that the first row of trees would have to be taken down on our property. This will existing property line on the south side has been reduced by approximately 1.3 metres, leaving only still have a huge impact on us and the environment as this encroachment will result in the approximately 0.5 - 0.7 metres between the edge of grading and the south property line to loss of many 40 year old trees and will partially remove the berm that provides us privacy accommodate construction equipment. This, in addition to the proposed roadway centerline being and protection from the noise pollution on 16th Avenue. shifted further to the south, has reduced the impact of the proposed improvements adjacent to your property by up to approximately 3.7 metres in total. A 43 metre right-of-way is identified for 16th As you are aware 21.4 meters from the centre line of construction is the requirement for Avenue in York Region’s Official Plan, which is meant to accommodate six lanes, the necessary new developers who intend to rezone and construct new developments. This requirement boulevard space, and sidewalks/MUPs. As described, through the EA process and based on resident does not apply to us as our property was constructed 40 years ago in accordance with the input (including input from residents of Country Estates Drive), we have reduced the footprint requirements set out at the time. As we checked the site of all the properties to the south, requirement and associated impacts as much as possible. the maximum road allowance from the centre line of construction in the revised drawings is approximately 16 to 18 meters. This was the norm that York Region asked of the developers While the project team aims to reduce potential property impacts at each location as much as at the time. We too would like the same privilege as our property has existed for 40 years – possible and optimize the recommended design where feasible and effective, we must also maintain the same number of years as the other properties to the south. a favourable alignment that meets roadway geometry standards, optimize the alignment to maximize the use of the available lands as part of the proposed York Downs development, and We believe the trees could be saved at an 18 meter encroachment (more so at 16 meters develop a recommended alignment that results in impacts to as few properties as possible. from the centerline of construction) and all the facilities and MUP lane could be installed Unfortunately, at this stage of the EA process there are no additional opportunities to reduce accordingly and the berm could be saved once we do the fencing and grade it so that it is flat impacts at your property while maintaining roadway geometry standards and avoiding significant to the current curb line. impacts to the properties on the south side of 16th Avenue both east and west of Country Estates Drive. However, to ensure all opportunities to reduce impacts adjacent to your property beyond the In order to remedy this, adjusting the intersection and shifting it to the south side, if EA are explored, we will add a note to the Environmental Study Report as discussed, stating that possible, will lessen the impact on the corner and side of the property. This will potentially grading impacts and potential easements should be further reviewed during detailed design, once allow for the existing sight line to remain as is (or closer to what it is now) when turning right more accurate grading impacts can be confirmed and the design can be optimized as feasible. Please from Country Estates Drive and this will surely lessen impact to our property and save most note that while a grading easement will be open for discussion at the detailed design stage, there if not all the trees on the side of our property, along the North West side of Country Estates. may still be impacts to the existing trees where grading is required. Furthermore, having a temporary easement on any of our lands above 18 meters is a fair hdrinc.com resolution so that the York Region is able to install the MUP and have the six lane road in the In terms of the overall schedule, please note that we are investigating additional items within the Page 39/49 future. study area, and as such have pushed out the schedule for Study Corridor B (Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line). We anticipate that the work for this segment will be completed towards the end Please also note even after adjusting and reviewing your new drawings we still see that of 2018 or early 2019. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments there is a meter of road allowance to the south that is owned by York Region and a lot of or questions. undeveloped lands to the west of Normandale Road on the south side of 16th to Country Regards, Estates that can make the intersection / road shift possible. Again I am not trying to be fussy, but these roads can be adjusted accordingly and the planning phase is the ideal time to make these changes. If you are to also adjust the intersections there is a definite possibility to save the trees. We really appreciate the exercise you guys went through to revise the proposed drawings and have enjoyed working together with you and the York Region on this project.
We will want to talk to York Region especially before they come with their decision in April or May this year with our traffic Engineer and legal consultants.
regards, 77
2/21/2018 Email Hi Veronica: Hello […], Thank you for your response. I understand and appreciate the need to connect the existing MUP north on Warden to the proposed MUP on 16th to complete the network in My apologies for the delay in responding to you. Thank you once again for your interest in the 16th accordance to current EA recommendations, including the implementation of the MUP, in Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) studies. We appreciate the input you’ve provided in your order to conform with York Region's Transportation Master Plan (TMP). email and during our ongoing correspondence. Since our October Open Houses, the draft recommended design has been revised to reduce the 2.4 metre multi-use path (MUP) on the south Unfortunately when we re-inspected the site based on the revised information you provided, side to a 1.5 metre sidewalk. Additionally, the distance between the edge of the sidewalk to the we saw that the first row of trees would have to be taken down on our property. This will existing property line on the south side has been reduced by approximately 1.3 metres, leaving only still have a huge impact on us and the environment as this encroachment will result in the approximately 0.5 - 0.7 metres between the edge of grading and the south property line to loss of many 40 year old trees and will partially remove the berm that provides us privacy accommodate construction equipment. This, in addition to the proposed roadway centerline being and protection from the noise pollution on 16th Avenue. shifted further to the south, has reduced the impact of the proposed improvements adjacent to your property by up to approximately 3.7 metres in total. A 43 metre right-of-way is identified for 16th As you are aware 21.4 meters from the centre line of construction is the requirement for Avenue in York Region’s Official Plan, which is meant to accommodate six lanes, the necessary new developers who intend to rezone and construct new developments. This requirement boulevard space, and sidewalks/MUPs. As described, through the EA process and based on resident does not apply to us as our property was constructed 40 years ago in accordance with the input (including input from residents of Country Estates Drive), we have reduced the footprint requirements set out at the time. As we checked the site of all the properties to the south, requirement and associated impacts as much as possible. the maximum road allowance from the centre line of construction in the revised drawings is 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker approximately 16 to 18 meters. This was the norm that York Region asked of the developers While the project team aims to reduce potential property impacts at each location as much as at the time. We too would like the same privilege as our property has existed for 40 years – possible and optimize the recommended design where feasible and effective, we must also maintain the same number of years as the other properties to the south. a favourable alignment that meets roadway geometry standards, optimize the alignment to maximize the use of the available lands as part of the proposed York Downs development, and ID Comment Date Comment Format We believe the trees could be saved Commentat an 18 meter / Request encroachment (more so at 16 meters develop a recommended alignment that resultsResponse in impacts / Action to as few properties as possible. from the centerline of construction) and all the facilities and MUP lane could be installed Unfortunately, at this stage of the EA process there are no additional opportunities to reduce accordingly and the berm could be saved once we do the fencing and grade it so that it is flat impacts at your property while maintaining roadway geometry standards and avoiding significant to the current curb line. impacts to the properties on the south side of 16th Avenue both east and west of Country Estates Drive. However, to ensure all opportunities to reduce impacts adjacent to your property beyond the In order to remedy this, adjusting the intersection and shifting it to the south side, if EA are explored, we will add a note to the Environmental Study Report as discussed, stating that possible, will lessen the impact on the corner and side of the property. This will potentially grading impacts and potential easements should be further reviewed during detailed design, once allow for the existing sight line to remain as is (or closer to what it is now) when turning right more accurate grading impacts can be confirmed and the design can be optimized as feasible. Please from Country Estates Drive and this will surely lessen impact to our property and save most note that while a grading easement will be open for discussion at the detailed design stage, there if not all the trees on the side of our property, along the North West side of Country Estates. may still be impacts to the existing trees where grading is required. Furthermore, having a temporary easement on any of our lands above 18 meters is a fair resolution so that the York Region is able to install the MUP and have the six lane road in the In terms of the overall schedule, please note that we are investigating additional items within the future. study area, and as such have pushed out the schedule for Study Corridor B (Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line). We anticipate that the work for this segment will be completed towards the end Please also note even after adjusting and reviewing your new drawings we still see that of 2018 or early 2019. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments there is a meter of road allowance to the south that is owned by York Region and a lot of or questions. undeveloped lands to the west of Normandale Road on the south side of 16th to Country Regards, Estates that can make the intersection / road shift possible. Again I am not trying to be fussy, but these roads can be adjusted accordingly and the planning phase is the ideal time to make these changes. If you are to also adjust the intersections there is a definite possibility to save the trees. We really appreciate the exercise you guys went through to revise the proposed drawings and have enjoyed working together with you and the York Region on this project.
We will want to talk to York Region especially before they come with their decision in April or May this year with our traffic Engineer and legal consultants.
regards,
10/24/2018 Email Hi Veronica, Comments noted and being considered as part of Study B. I am following up with the information requested in the meeting minutes. Please find attached CAD drawing of 4484 and 4486 16th Avenue as well as the landscape designs for 1 Country Estates Drive. 4484 and 4486 16th Avenue We are currently going through the site plan application process for 4484 16th avenue. At the meeting with Colin and the other consults, they informed us that the improvements to Kennedy and 16th would not effect our future construction on this property. We understand that the intersection of Kennedy and 16th as well as the intersection of Warden and 16th will be the initial intersections to be improved. Please find attached CAD drawing of our site plan. If you need further information or any survey of our property please let us know. 1 Country Estates Drive We believe the 6 lanes with MUP can be accommodated without taking much of our property and not cutting down the trees on our property. This can be accomplished by taking 18 meters from the center line of construction (similar to properties to the south of the intersection) and having an easement to install the MUP. Their is enough space owned by York Region on the south side of 16th to accommodate what we are proposing. It is very important for us to save the trees which are over 40 years old which also provide privacy and a noise barrier to our lot. This is very important considering the increase of traffic the expansion will facilitate. Please find the PDF drawing of our property and landscaping for your review. Regards,
hdrinc.com Page 40/49 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker
ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 78 12/13/2017 Email Letter requesting additional information regarding the EA studies. Thank you for your letter dated December 10, 2017 and your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) Studies. The purpose of these studies is to review possible improvements to 16th Avenue to address the current and future transportation needs of residents, pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users, and motorists along the 16th Avenue corridor between Yonge Street in the Town of Richmond Hill and York/Durham Line in the City of Markham. Study A is from Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue and Study B is from Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line. As identified in York Region’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), traffic congestion is a growing issue for York Region residents and 16th Avenue is a key road in York Region’s transportation network. The Region is projected to grow from approximately 1.16 million residents and 578,000 jobs in 2015 to 1.79 million residents and 900,000 jobs by 2041. As such, the Region is addressing growth through improvements to the road, transit, and active transportation networks throughout the Region. These plans are described in the Region’s TMP documentation, which can be viewed at www.york.ca/tmp. Based on the TMP recommendations, individual studies such as the 16th Avenue EA will look at infrastructure improvements for specific corridors, and provide recommendations to accommodate all road users while protecting communities, the natural environment, and supporting local businesses.
The improvements recommended through the 16th Avenue EA studies are consistent with the objectives of the Region’s TMP, and have been evaluated based on a number of criteria, including feasibility, effectiveness, benefits and impacts to the natural, cultural, and socio-economic environments, and effects on adjacent properties and features. The study team has noted your concern regarding the proposed York Downs Development; however, it is important to note that the 16th Avenue EA considers all approved development applications and approved growth per York Region’s Official Plan, and their associated projected traffic up to the year 2041, in order to assess the corridor needs and develop a multi-modal design recommendation. The 16th Avenue EA study is not “linked” to any specific development application, but rather uses information related to approved future growth to inform the planning, modelling, and assessment process. The transportation needs for the 16th Avenue corridor exist regardless of whether the proposed York Downs development moves forward or not.
Information related to your specific questions is included below. Additional information related to the study is available at the 16th Avenue EA website, www.york.ca/16thavenue, where you will be able to find the display boards from both Open House #1 and Open House #2, as well as the draft recommended design plans presented at Open House #2.
The 16th Avenue EA studies present an opportunity to improve 16th Avenue between Yonge Street and York/Durham Line for all users and travel modes. The transportation assessment undertaken at the beginning of this study identified the need for capacity improvements between Yonge Street and McCowan Road, as illustrated in the figures below. These figures show the existing traffic volumes (red lines) and projected (year 2041) traffic volumes (grey lines) in both the eastbound and westbound directions during the morning and afternoon peak periods, and illustrate that the current road capacity (green line) is not sufficient to accommodate these volumes.
The needs assessment also identified opportunities to provide continuous cycling and pedestrian facilities and improved transit operations along the 16th Avenue corridor to support the Region’s TMP’s vision for 16th Avenue as part of the frequent transit network (with transit service every 15 minutes).
The project team has developed a design recommendation, which was presented at Open House #2 and posted on the study website, and consists of the following: • Yonge Street to McCowan Road: Widen from four to six lanes where the curb lanes are for Transit/High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) and provide Active Transportation (cycling and pedestrian) improvements. In general, active transportation improvements consist of multi-use path (MUP) on the north side of 16th Avenue and sidewalk on the south side of 16th Avenue, with the exception of the segment from Warden Avenue to Kennedy Road where MUP is proposed on both sides of 16th Avenue to accommodate trail connections along this segment. • McCowan Road to Donald Cousens Parkway: Maintain existing four lanes of traffic (no additional traffic lanes required) and provide active transportation improvements. Active transportation improvements consist of MUP on the north side of 16th Avenue and sidewalk on the south side of 16th Avenue. hdrinc.com Page 41/49 • Donald Cousens Parkway to York/Durham Line: Maintain existing two lanes of traffic (no additional traffic lanes required) and rural cross-section, and provide paved shoulders on both sides of 16th Avenue.
The draft design for each segment of the corridor can be viewed as a PDF at the study website (www.york.ca/16thavenue, under “Draft Recommended Design Plans” and under “Open House 2 Materials”). The design for the segment of the corridor applicable to your specific property (3 Ritter Crescent located in the Warden Avenue to Kennedy Road segment) can be downloaded from the following direct link: http://www.york.ca/wps/wcm/connect/yorkpublic/b52746b4-fd2b-4a46-828d- e01eec6b5d54/Design+Plans+Warden-Kennedy_AODA_reduced.pdf?MOD=AJPERES. Immediately adjacent to your property, the proposed design is contained within the existing right-of-way limit on the south side of 16th Avenue, and therefore no direct property impacts are anticipated at this location at this time.
While 16th Avenue was originally designed as a two lane road, the Region has grown considerably since the road was first built and therefore road widening has been necessary in order to accommodate the road capacity to accommodate that growth. While the standard road width for a 6 lane road varies depending on other cross-section elements such as active transportation facilities, landscaping, and utilities, York Region’s Official Plan designates 16th Avenue as having a right-of-way width of 43 metres between Yonge Street and Ninth Line, and 36 metres east of Ninth Line.
Safety for all road users is a priority in the proposed 16th Avenue improvements, and as such this has been considered at all stages of the design process. With respect to collision data, York Region provided collision records for the 16th Avenue study corridor for the five-year period between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015. Based on this data, a collision analysis was undertaken and potential safety improvements were identified at specific segments and intersections along the study corridor. The draft design recommendations for the corridor include safety considerations including but not limited to: areas for utilities and streetscaping, as feasible, generally 2 metres in width or greater, separating the roadway and off-road active transportation facilities; raised medians to separate both directions of travel, except at intersections, entrances, driveways, etc. where access is required; recommendations for signalized intersections at some locations.
As for noise mitigation, a noise assessment is currently underway as part of the EA study to identify locations along the study corridor where noise mitigation is warranted, feasible, and effective in reducing noise impacts associated with the transportation improvements, based on York Region's Noise Policy and York Region's Standard Operating Procedures.
Your e-mail address has been added to our contact list so you will be notified once the Environmental Study Report (ESR) is ready for public review. Study A (Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue) will be filed later this week, and Study B (Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line), which will address your specific concerns, is anticipated to be completed in 2019. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions regarding Study A or Study B. 78 12/13/2017 Email Letter requesting additional information regarding the EA studies. Thank you for your letter dated December 10, 2017 and your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) Studies. The purpose of these studies is to review possible improvements to 16th Avenue to address the current and future transportation needs of residents, pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users, and motorists along the 16th Avenue corridor between Yonge Street in the Town of Richmond Hill and York/Durham Line in the City of Markham. Study A is from Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue and Study B is from Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line. As identified in York Region’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), traffic congestion is a growing issue for York Region residents and 16th Avenue is a key road in York Region’s transportation network. The Region is projected to grow from approximately 1.16 million residents and 578,000 jobs in 2015 to 1.79 million residents and 900,000 jobs by 2041. As such, the Region is addressing growth through improvements to the road, transit, and active transportation networks throughout the Region. These plans are described in the Region’s TMP documentation, which can be viewed at www.york.ca/tmp. Based on the TMP recommendations, individual studies such as the 16th Avenue EA will look at infrastructure improvements for specific corridors, and provide recommendations to accommodate all road users while protecting communities, the natural environment, and supporting local businesses.
The improvements recommended through the 16th Avenue EA studies are consistent with the objectives of the Region’s TMP, and have been evaluated based on a number of criteria, including feasibility, effectiveness, benefits and impacts to the natural, cultural, and socio-economic environments, and effects on adjacent properties and features. The study team has noted your concern regarding the proposed York Downs Development; however, it is important to note that the 16th Avenue EA considers all approved development applications and approved growth per York Region’s Official Plan, and their associated projected traffic up to the year 2041, in order to assess the corridor needs and develop a multi-modal design recommendation. The 16th Avenue EA study is not “linked” to any specific development application, but rather uses information related to approved future growth to inform the planning, modelling, and assessment process. The transportation needs for the 16th Avenue corridor exist regardless of whether the proposed York Downs development moves forward or not.
Information related to your specific questions is included below. Additional information related to the study is available at the 16th Avenue EA website, www.york.ca/16thavenue, where you will be able to find the display boards from both Open House #1 and Open House #2, as well as the draft recommended design plans presented at Open House #2.
The 16th Avenue EA studies present an opportunity to improve 16th Avenue between Yonge Street and York/Durham Line for all users and travel modes. The transportation assessment undertaken at the beginning of this study identified the need for capacity improvements between Yonge Street and McCowan Road, as illustrated in the figures below. These figures show the existing traffic volumes (red lines) and projected (year 2041) traffic volumes (grey lines) in both the eastbound and 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker westbound directions during the morning and afternoon peak periods, and illustrate that the current road capacity (green line) is not sufficient to accommodate these volumes.
The needs assessment also identified opportunities to provide continuous cycling and pedestrian facilities and improved transit operations along the 16th Avenue corridor to support the Region’s ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action TMP’s vision for 16th Avenue as part of the frequent transit network (with transit service every 15 minutes).
The project team has developed a design recommendation, which was presented at Open House #2 and posted on the study website, and consists of the following: • Yonge Street to McCowan Road: Widen from four to six lanes where the curb lanes are for Transit/High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) and provide Active Transportation (cycling and pedestrian) improvements. In general, active transportation improvements consist of multi-use path (MUP) on the north side of 16th Avenue and sidewalk on the south side of 16th Avenue, with the exception of the segment from Warden Avenue to Kennedy Road where MUP is proposed on both sides of 16th Avenue to accommodate trail connections along this segment. • McCowan Road to Donald Cousens Parkway: Maintain existing four lanes of traffic (no additional traffic lanes required) and provide active transportation improvements. Active transportation improvements consist of MUP on the north side of 16th Avenue and sidewalk on the south side of 16th Avenue. • Donald Cousens Parkway to York/Durham Line: Maintain existing two lanes of traffic (no additional traffic lanes required) and rural cross-section, and provide paved shoulders on both sides of 16th Avenue.
The draft design for each segment of the corridor can be viewed as a PDF at the study website (www.york.ca/16thavenue, under “Draft Recommended Design Plans” and under “Open House 2 Materials”). The design for the segment of the corridor applicable to your specific property (3 Ritter Crescent located in the Warden Avenue to Kennedy Road segment) can be downloaded from the following direct link: http://www.york.ca/wps/wcm/connect/yorkpublic/b52746b4-fd2b-4a46-828d- e01eec6b5d54/Design+Plans+Warden-Kennedy_AODA_reduced.pdf?MOD=AJPERES. Immediately adjacent to your property, the proposed design is contained within the existing right-of-way limit on the south side of 16th Avenue, and therefore no direct property impacts are anticipated at this location at this time.
While 16th Avenue was originally designed as a two lane road, the Region has grown considerably since the road was first built and therefore road widening has been necessary in order to accommodate the road capacity to accommodate that growth. While the standard road width for a 6 lane road varies depending on other cross-section elements such as active transportation facilities, landscaping, and utilities, York Region’s Official Plan designates 16th Avenue as having a right-of-way width of 43 metres between Yonge Street and Ninth Line, and 36 metres east of Ninth Line.
Safety for all road users is a priority in the proposed 16th Avenue improvements, and as such this has been considered at all stages of the design process. With respect to collision data, York Region provided collision records for the 16th Avenue study corridor for the five-year period between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015. Based on this data, a collision analysis was undertaken and potential safety improvements were identified at specific segments and intersections along the study corridor. The draft design recommendations for the corridor include safety considerations including but not limited to: areas for utilities and streetscaping, as feasible, generally 2 metres in width or greater, separating the roadway and off-road active transportation facilities; raised medians to separate both directions of travel, except at intersections, entrances, driveways, etc. where access is required; recommendations for signalized intersections at some locations.
As for noise mitigation, a noise assessment is currently underway as part of the EA study to identify locations along the study corridor where noise mitigation is warranted, feasible, and effective in reducing noise impacts associated with the transportation improvements, based on York Region's Noise Policy and York Region's Standard Operating Procedures.
Your e-mail address has been added to our contact list so you will be notified once the Environmental Study Report (ESR) is ready for public review. Study A (Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue) will be filed later this week, and Study B (Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line), which will address your specific concerns, is anticipated to be completed in 2019. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions regarding Study A or Study B.
hdrinc.com Page 42/49 78 12/13/2017 Email Letter requesting additional information regarding the EA studies. Thank you for your letter dated December 10, 2017 and your interest in the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA) Studies. The purpose of these studies is to review possible improvements to 16th Avenue to address the current and future transportation needs of residents, pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users, and motorists along the 16th Avenue corridor between Yonge Street in the Town of Richmond Hill and York/Durham Line in the City of Markham. Study A is from Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue and Study B is from Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line. As identified in York Region’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), traffic congestion is a growing issue for York Region residents and 16th Avenue is a key road in York Region’s transportation network. The Region is projected to grow from approximately 1.16 million residents and 578,000 jobs in 2015 to 1.79 million residents and 900,000 jobs by 2041. As such, the Region is addressing growth through improvements to the road, transit, and active transportation networks throughout the Region. These plans are described in the Region’s TMP documentation, which can be viewed at www.york.ca/tmp. Based on the TMP recommendations, individual studies such as the 16th Avenue EA will look at infrastructure improvements for specific corridors, and provide recommendations to accommodate all road users while protecting communities, the natural environment, and supporting local businesses.
The improvements recommended through the 16th Avenue EA studies are consistent with the objectives of the Region’s TMP, and have been evaluated based on a number of criteria, including feasibility, effectiveness, benefits and impacts to the natural, cultural, and socio-economic environments, and effects on adjacent properties and features. The study team has noted your concern regarding the proposed York Downs Development; however, it is important to note that the 16th Avenue EA considers all approved development applications and approved growth per York Region’s Official Plan, and their associated projected traffic up to the year 2041, in order to assess the corridor needs and develop a multi-modal design recommendation. The 16th Avenue EA study is not “linked” to any specific development application, but rather uses information related to approved future growth to inform the planning, modelling, and assessment process. The transportation needs for the 16th Avenue corridor exist regardless of whether the proposed York Downs development moves forward or not.
Information related to your specific questions is included below. Additional information related to the study is available at the 16th Avenue EA website, www.york.ca/16thavenue, where you will be able to find the display boards from both Open House #1 and Open House #2, as well as the draft recommended design plans presented at Open House #2.
The 16th Avenue EA studies present an opportunity to improve 16th Avenue between Yonge Street and York/Durham Line for all users and travel modes. The transportation assessment undertaken at the beginning of this study identified the need for capacity improvements between Yonge Street and McCowan Road, as illustrated in the figures below. These figures show the existing traffic volumes (red lines) and projected (year 2041) traffic volumes (grey lines) in both the eastbound and westbound directions during the morning and afternoon peak periods, and illustrate that the current road capacity (green line) is not sufficient to accommodate these volumes.
The needs assessment also identified opportunities to provide continuous cycling and pedestrian facilities and improved transit operations along the 16th Avenue corridor to support the Region’s TMP’s vision for 16th Avenue as part of the frequent transit network (with transit service every 15 minutes).
The project team has developed a design recommendation, which was presented at Open House #2 and posted on the study website, and consists of the following: • Yonge Street to McCowan Road: Widen from four to six lanes where the curb lanes are for Transit/High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) and provide Active Transportation (cycling and pedestrian) improvements. In general, active transportation improvements consist of multi-use path (MUP) on the north side of 16th Avenue and sidewalk on the south side of 16th Avenue, with the exception of the segment from Warden Avenue to Kennedy Road where MUP is proposed on both sides of 16th Avenue to accommodate trail connections along this segment. • McCowan Road to Donald Cousens Parkway: Maintain existing four lanes of traffic (no additional traffic lanes required) and provide active transportation improvements. Active transportation improvements consist of MUP on the north side of 16th Avenue and sidewalk on the south side of 16th Avenue. • Donald Cousens Parkway to York/Durham Line: Maintain existing two lanes of traffic (no additional traffic lanes required) and rural cross-section, and provide paved shoulders on both sides of 16th Avenue.
The draft design for each segment of the corridor can be viewed as a PDF at the study website (www.york.ca/16thavenue, under “Draft Recommended Design Plans” and under “Open House 2 Materials”). The design for the segment of the corridor applicable to your specific property (3 Ritter Crescent located in the Warden Avenue to Kennedy Road segment) can be downloaded from the following direct link: http://www.york.ca/wps/wcm/connect/yorkpublic/b52746b4-fd2b-4a46-828d- e01eec6b5d54/Design+Plans+Warden-Kennedy_AODA_reduced.pdf?MOD=AJPERES. Immediately adjacent to your property, the proposed design is contained within the existing right-of-way limit on the south side of 16th Avenue, and therefore no direct property impacts are anticipated at this location at this time.
While 16th Avenue was originally designed as a two lane road, the Region has grown considerably since the road was first built and therefore road widening has been necessary in order to accommodate the road capacity to accommodate that growth. While the standard road width for a 6 lane road varies depending on other cross-section elements such as active transportation facilities, landscaping, and utilities, York Region’s Official Plan designates 16th Avenue as having a right-of-way width of 43 metres between Yonge Street and Ninth Line, and 36 metres east of Ninth Line.
Safety for all road users is a priority in the proposed 16th Avenue improvements, and as such this has been considered at all stages of the design process. With respect to collision data, York Region provided collision records for the 16th Avenue study corridor for the five-year period between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015. Based on this data, a collision analysis was undertaken and potential safety improvements were identified at specific segments and intersections along the study 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker corridor. The draft design recommendations for the corridor include safety considerations including but not limited to: areas for utilities and streetscaping, as feasible, generally 2 metres in width or greater, separating the roadway and off-road active transportation facilities; raised medians to separate both directions of travel, except at intersections, entrances, driveways, etc. where access is ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request required; recommendations for signalizedResponse intersections / Action at some locations.
As for noise mitigation, a noise assessment is currently underway as part of the EA study to identify locations along the study corridor where noise mitigation is warranted, feasible, and effective in reducing noise impacts associated with the transportation improvements, based on York Region's Noise Policy and York Region's Standard Operating Procedures.
Your e-mail address has been added to our contact list so you will be notified once the Environmental Study Report (ESR) is ready for public review. Study A (Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue) will be filed later this week, and Study B (Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line), which will address your specific concerns, is anticipated to be completed in 2019. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any additional comments or questions regarding Study A or Study B.
79 11/11/2017 Email Please advise who Is responsible for getting in/out of our sub division. I live in Heritage This email is in response to your request for traffic signals at the intersection of 16th Avenue & Corners, there is no traffic signal to get in, and out. It is getting more difficult to get out in Heritage Corners Lane, in the City of Markham. the morning, and very difficult to get in at the end of the day. The speed on this road can be The most recent turning movement count at 16th Avenue & Heritage Corners Lane was conducted any where between 80, and 120 k. There has been several accidents between Markham on November 30, 2017. In accordance with the Region’s Traffic Signal Policy, based on the results of Road, and Heritage Corners. We as a community have gone to our councilor Karen Rae who the traffic signal review, this intersection does not satisfy the criteria. The installation of traffic is very supportive, but is saying that this Road Authority is under the Region of YORK. signals at 16th Avenue & Heritage Corners Lane is not recommended at this time. Remember we have one way in, and one way out, for safety reasons we need straddling York Region’s policy for the installation of traffic signals is based on a series of criteria established by lights, as it is going to get more crazy when they move from a 2 lane road to a 3 lane the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) and those approved by Regional Council. The criteria highway. Please refer this concern to the correct councellors in the Region of YORK. I will considers traffic volumes on the major and minor roads, pedestrian volumes, and collision history. organize a community meeting for discussion. Thank you The data of the most recent vehicle and pedestrian count identified 20 pedestrians crossing at the intersection within the 8 busiest hours of the day, which is well below the minimum volume of 200 pedestrians required for signal justification as set out by the Ministry of Transportation. The traffic volume count that was conducted on Heritage Corners Lane accounted for only 7% of the required minimum to satisfy the policy. Further, the collision history at this intersection is quite low. Based on the 5 year collision history, there has only been 1 reportable collision at this intersection which is considered negligible when 16th Avenue respectively carries approximately 32,000 vehicles daily. As well, the Region undertakes a network-wide screening process each year to identify intersections which would benefit the most from improvements. The network-wide screening involves evaluating all intersections and road sections based on volume, collision data including cyclists and pedestrians. Based on the ranking of this intersection, it is considered a low priority in comparison to other intersections within the Region’s road network. Additionally, staff conducted a left turn (critical movement) delay study on November 30, 2017, during both the am peak (6:30 am to 9:30 am) and pm peak (3:30 pm to 6:30 pm). The study identified approximately 61 left turning vehicles making left-turns out of and into Heritage Corners Lane, a maximum of two vehicles queued, and the average delay was 30 seconds per vehicle. In comparison to signalized intersections, left turning motorists on the minor street experience approximately 65 to 85 seconds of delay. Therefore, there are currently sufficient gaps in traffic on 16th Avenue to accommodate left turning motorists with minimal delay on Heritage Corners Lane. York Region is growing by approximately 23, 000 people per year which adds strain on the transportation system, and the Region is mindful of this. York Region is currently undertaking a Class Environmental Assessment Study (EA) along 16 Avenue between Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line. This road construction project will better accommodate growth in travel demand and support all modes of travel within the Region’s right-of-way including Transit/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, cycling facilities, additional transit priority measures and walking. To learn more about this and other road construction projects within the Region, please refer to our Road Construction Schedule.
Sincerely, Jeff Van Ginkel
hdrinc.com Page 43/49 79 11/11/2017 Email Please advise who Is responsible for getting in/out of our sub division. I live in Heritage This email is in response to your request for traffic signals at the intersection of 16th Avenue & Corners, there is no traffic signal to get in, and out. It is getting more difficult to get out in Heritage Corners Lane, in the City of Markham. the morning, and very difficult to get in at the end of the day. The speed on this road can be The most recent turning movement count at 16th Avenue & Heritage Corners Lane was conducted any where between 80, and 120 k. There has been several accidents between Markham on November 30, 2017. In accordance with the Region’s Traffic Signal Policy, based on the results of Road, and Heritage Corners. We as a community have gone to our councilor Karen Rae who the traffic signal review, this intersection does not satisfy the criteria. The installation of traffic is very supportive, but is saying that this Road Authority is under the Region of YORK. signals at 16th Avenue & Heritage Corners Lane is not recommended at this time. Remember we have one way in, and one way out, for safety reasons we need straddling York Region’s policy for the installation of traffic signals is based on a series of criteria established by lights, as it is going to get more crazy when they move from a 2 lane road to a 3 lane the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) and those approved by Regional Council. The criteria highway. Please refer this concern to the correct councellors in the Region of YORK. I will considers traffic volumes on the major and minor roads, pedestrian volumes, and collision history. organize a community meeting for discussion. Thank you The data of the most recent vehicle and pedestrian count identified 20 pedestrians crossing at the intersection within the 8 busiest hours of the day, which is well below the minimum volume of 200 pedestrians required for signal justification as set out by the Ministry of Transportation. The traffic volume count that was conducted on Heritage Corners Lane accounted for only 7% of the required minimum to satisfy the policy. Further, the collision history at this intersection is quite low. Based on the 5 year collision history, there has only been 1 reportable collision at this intersection which is considered negligible when 16th Avenue respectively carries approximately 32,000 vehicles daily. As well, the Region undertakes a network-wide screening process each year to identify intersections which would benefit the most from improvements. The network-wide screening involves evaluating all intersections and road sections based on volume, collision data including cyclists and pedestrians. Based on the ranking of this intersection, it is considered a low priority in comparison to other intersections within the Region’s road network. Additionally, staff conducted a left turn (critical movement) delay study on November 30, 2017, during both the am peak (6:30 am to 9:30 am) and pm peak (3:30 pm to 6:30 pm). The study identified approximately 61 left turning vehicles making left-turns out of and into Heritage Corners Lane, a maximum of two vehicles queued, and the average delay was 30 seconds per vehicle. In comparison to signalized intersections, left turning motorists on the minor street experience approximately 65 to 85 seconds of delay. Therefore, there are currently sufficient gaps in traffic on 16th Avenue to accommodate left turning motorists with minimal delay on Heritage Corners Lane. York Region is growing by approximately 23, 000 people per year which adds strain on the 16th Avenue EA - Public Consultation Comment Tracker transportation system, and the Region is mindful of this. York Region is currently undertaking a Class Environmental Assessment Study (EA) along 16 Avenue between Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line. This road construction project will better accommodate growth in travel demand and support all modes of travel within the Region’s right-of-way including Transit/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request lanes, cycling facilities, additional transit priorityResponse measures / Action and walking. To learn more about this and other road construction projects within the Region, please refer to our Road Construction Schedule.
Sincerely, Jeff Van Ginkel
1/14/2018 Email Good morning: Discussed through phone call with C. Wong (York Region PM)
Re: Heritage Corners, 16th Regional Road
Mr Wong, you reference Peter Street, and Heritage Corners, which concerns me, as I am sure Karen Rea will agree as they are not the same. Peter Street is one block west of Markham Road, and has several accesses, Heritage Corners has one access, and is several blocks from Highway 48, and 16th turns just before the entrance to our Development ( blinds us getting, in, and out of Heritage Corners). We are concerned for the safety of our community, entering, and exiting onto a regional Road where the speed does not permit us to safely go to work, school, and come home at the end of the day. Again, I ask you what are the options available to Heritage, not the flow of TRAFFIC. Once again thank you for the support!
1/15/2018 Phone Call I had a telephone conversation with [resident] late this morning. His concerns relate to the Discussed through phone call with C. Wong (York Region PM) following at the 16th Ave/Heritage Corners Lane intersection: • Driving o Challenging for residents to make an westbound right into Heritage Corners Lane. Other drivers on 16th Ave drive aggressively, speed and follow too closely. There is a concern over being rear-ended when making the westbound right. o Challenging for residents to make southbound lefts due to insufficient gaps in traffic o Challenging for residents to make southbound rights due to insufficient gaps in traffic • Pedestrians o Challenging to cross the street to access the eastbound bus stop, due to limited gaps in traffic. The closest signalized crossing is Mingay Avenue, which is about 350 metres away. James says he uses the painted median as a refuge area when crossing.
I explained the results from our traffic section (as Jeff Van Ginkel provided in one of the emails below), that the volumes and gaps do not support traffic signals at Heritage Corners Lane.
I acknowledge that it is a unique situation in that it is a local cul-de-sac with its only access being to Region arterial road, so I am willing to explore the issue further. Is there anything else we can consider at this intersection? Would a right turn lane be warranted and how could it be justified? What about a pedestrian crossing? Is there anything that we can draw upon from our operational/safety/collision analysis? Are there any other geometric concerns?
I’d like to hear your thoughts.
Cheers,
Colin
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 80 12/19/2017 Email Hi Jeff Hello Councillor Rea. What about putting a slip road from Heritage Estates to the newer subdivision just to the west so they can enter and exit from there ? Based on the analysis completed by our Roads and Traffic Operations Branch and the traffic study Would that be a possibility . I have included David from traffic operations and Brian acting completed as part of York Region’s 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment (EA), both the Heritage commissioner. Is this area going to be covered in the EA process ? Peter street also Corners Lane and Peter Street intersections do not meet the requirements for traffic signals. We will complains about not being able to get in and out safely from their street. What happens note your and Mr. MacDougall’s comments and suggestions in our EA study report and the Region when 16th is widened ? will continue to monitor these intersections.
Thanks Without a need for traffic signals at the Heritage Corners Lane and Peter Street intersections, the scope of the EA is limited to within the 16th Avenue corridor. York Region held a series of Open House sessions in October of 2017 and details about the 16th Avenue EA recommendations were made available. In summary, the recommendations for the section of road between McCowan Road and Markham Road include retaining the existing four traffic lanes and median and providing a continuous multi-use path in the north boulevard. There is no widening of 16th Avenue proposed between McCowan Road and Markham Road. More information is available at www.york.ca/16thAvenue.
With respect to your suggestion of connecting Heritage Corners Lane to the street network of the adjacent neighbourhood to the west, such an improvement would be a considered a City matter, as the connection would need to be from a local City street to another local City street. We therefore defer to City staff, copied on this email, for further comment.
Also, given the property constraints, locating a connecting road within the 16th Avenue corridor would not be feasible.
If you have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Colin
(response forwarded to Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Regional Councillors)
1/19/2018 Email The issue is the speed of the cars. I have complaints from the residents that live on Peter St Comments noted and considered throughout the EA studies. with the same concerns. I have copied Brian Titherington on here, as he had a conversation with one of my other residents about a possible study area for photo radar. I wouldn’t have a problem putting one on 16th avenue, one on Main St Markham between 16th and the Go Station and one on Vinegar Hill. I cannot think of any other way to slow aggressive drivers down. They have them all over the roads in England and I feel it’s much safer to drive there than it is here. Aggressive driving is a huge issue and not something that can be easily solved. Every resident wants extra stop signs, speed bumps and lights to slow the traffic down – maybe getting a few hefty tickets is the answer. Regards
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 81 5/28/2018 Email Request for road to be widened to provide extra lane to ease bottleneck of traffic. Hi Tyrone and Veronica.
I received an inquiry from Mr. Kiss, who commutes regularly through the Region and along 16th Avenue. He is frustrated by the queues and delays on 16th Avenue around Woodbine. He strongly supports widening 16th Avenue for Transit (he is particularly encouraged by the Transit service on Highway 7)
I described many of the initiatives to widen Region roads for additional Transit/HOV lanes to support our future Frequent Transit Network (e.g. Rutherford, Carriville, 16th, Major Mac, Elgin, Kennedy, McCowan, etc.). I also let Mr. Kiss know that we are targeting 2021 to widen 16th Avenue from Leslie to Woodbine.
Please add this to our public comments.
Cheers, 82 9/28/2016 Email Dear Madam/Dear Sir, Comments noted and considered throughout the EA studies. We, as residents at a nearby Red Maple Road, are more than pleased to notice the commencement of the Environmental & Improvements to 16th Avenue. May we hereby wish you all success in this highly essential and timely undertaken already being started. However, as you and your technical consultants must have noted, there is a very sharp turn at the north ends of Red Maple Road which surely would be taken into consideration by your consultants in due time to debottleneck the Red Maple Road Section, particularly for bus school, public transportation and trucks. In addition, we wish to indicate and kindly remind you that there are quite a number of pedestrians who either trespass over CNR tracks or climb up (or climb down) to reach to the bridge on a regular / frequent basis which are not safe under any circumstances. We wish to kindly urge you to have all possible safe provisions made (even if not a costly one) to install lifts at both ends of the bridge allowing pedestrians to be able to cross the CNR Tracks and safely pass to South Hill Business Centres, Yonge Street or HillCrest Mall or other Business Centres nearby, including Welcome Centre to where a lots of people refer every hours, quite a number of them inevitably go over the unsafe CNR Tracks (unauthorized but an established semiofficial route).
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 83 10/23/2018 Email Hello everyone: Comments noted and considered throughout the EA studies. This will be further addressed in Study B and a follow-up meeting may be scheduled. Many thanks to [...] for including me in yesterday’s meeting and thank you to Tyrone & Colin for hosting the meeting in a transit accessible location so that our views on the 16th Avenue widening could be heard.
With the greatest respect, I am most concerned with what is being recommended because of the adverse impact it will have on pedestrians, cyclists and transit users. Proposing a bi- directional MUP does little for cyclists and could have devastating effects for pedestrians in the long term, given that the proposed infrastructure is being built for 30 years hence. Mixing cyclists and pedestrians may appear the most economical approach in the short term, but with the influx of e-bikes, electric scooters and portable segways capable of speeds up to 25 kms/hr what is being proposed is a recipe for disaster for pedestrians and potential transit users.
Transit is my main means of getting about. To support a healthy life style, I travel by transit because each transit trip I take begins and ends with a walk. But who is going to walk on a bi-directional MUP with electric devices whizzing by at up to 25 kms/hr to catch the bus service you are proposing in the HOV lanes? This is one reason why the transit portion of the argument is so seriously flawed. However, the main reason the transit being proposed has little chance of succeeding is that we live in a very affluent community where the majority think nothing of driving $60,000 motor vehicles rather than suffering the inconvenience of walking to a bus stop to catch a bus that may never show up. Believe me it happens all too frequently, and this is a deterrent to encourage people to leave their cars at home. Without disincentives to driving, the car-centric attitude we are faced with will never change because what is being proposed is directly opposite to the sales pitch being touted to justify the road widenings.
Whether one agrees or not, this whole exercise is about widening roads to accommodate more cars; unfortunately single occupancy vehicles. The proposed HOV lanes will draw vehicles with 2+ passengers from the existing general purpose lanes, leaving the general purpose lanes with capacity for more single occupancy vehicles as a result of the induced demand that is going to be created. This is what the majority of the public wants and this is what the public is going to get. So why the charade that this is all about better cycling, better facilities for pedestrians and better transit? I know why, but will leave the answer unanswered.
To Tyrone and Colin, I admit you face a tough situation. I only wish instead of a 1960s solution, a 21st century solution was being presented. You are the experts, and I don’t say this facetiously but with the greatest respect, in a rapidly changing world, experience can be a liability. Isn’t it time to think outside the box?
Thanks for hearing me out and thank you for setting up the meeting yesterday. I continue to learn something new every day.
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 84 10/27/2017 Email Thank you for taking the time earlier this week to meet with us. Hi […]
Jason and I are wondering what the next steps are from the meeting. We didn't get a Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. As discussed on the phone last week, the study team is chance to discuss outside. Colin had suggested that each family will receive copy of the working with the noise specialist to complete their assessment over the next couple of months. We design as one of the follow-ups. Will we also get a copy of your notes regarding concerns, will be able to provide more information regarding the noise mitigation recommendations at that ideas, etc? Will there be a follow up meeting to confirm/complete our feedback on the time. The study team is also working on the design refinements as discussed during our October 25 design? meeting. We can schedule a follow-up meeting at our office in a couple of weeks to review the updated design. Can you please let me know your availability the week of December 4? Please Also, can you confirm/find out when the noise study report will be available to us? We confirm if you would like your neighbours to attend this meeting, and provide a couple of dates / would like to see it as soon as possible; vs as part of the draft EA report. Speaking of, will times that work for the group. the draft EA report be available? How/when do we know if our concerns are addressed? In the meantime, I have attached the notes from the October 25 meeting for your reference. I have also attached the draft design plan of the proposed 16th Avenue improvements adjacent to your Lots of questions. Thanks in advance for your answers. property. This is the version of the draft preliminary designs presented at the Open Houses in October 2017 and reviewed at our meeting on October 25, and does not include any of the potential Thanks again for meeting at our house. It was very helpful to walk the properties together. revisions we discussed at our meeting. Please let me know if you have any questions. Cheers, Thanks,
10/16/2018 Email Hello all, Hi […],
It’s been a few months. I’m just following up on the availability of the noise assessment It was nice talking to you earlier today. Per our phone conversation, the 16th Avenue Study A (Yonge report as well as general progress on the Environmental Assessment. Is there anything you to Woodbine) and Study B (Woodbine to York/Durham Line) Environmental Assessments, which were can share? A draft report? A project schedule? Project update? being undertaken together, will be completed separately.
As usual, I can be reached at ____ if over the phone is more convenient. Study A (Yonge to Woodbine) is being completed first to allow coordination with the ongoing work from MTO along Highway 404. Coordination between the York Region and MTO work will allow more Thanks! efficient construction around the 16th Ave/Hwy 404 interchange, resulting in shorter construction timelines, reduced construction disruption, and lower overall cost compared to completing each project separately and independent from each other. The 16th Ave Study A Environmental Study Report (ESR) is anticipated to be filed and available for review/comment in December 2018.
Study B (Woodbine to York/Durham Line) will be completed next year, with ESR filing anticipated in the second quarter of 2019. As part of the Study B work, the noise assessment is still ongoing and is anticipated to be completed in December 2018.
Our team would be happy to meet with you and your neighbours to discuss the two projects and in particular the Study B corridor prior to ESR filing in 2019. Given the timelines for the noise assessment, we will set up a meeting for mid-January at the HDR office in Richmond Hill – the calendar invitation will follow shortly. In the meantime, if you have any questions related to Study A or Study B, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thanks,
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ID Comment Date Comment Format Comment / Request Response / Action 85 10/25/2018 Email Hello All, Comments noted and considered throughout the EA studies. This will be further addressed in Study B and a follow-up meeting may be scheduled. Thank you for inviting us for the 16th Avenue Update last Monday. I needed some time to take in all the information. Veronica, is it possible to send us the presentation?
It is very unfortunate, CPAC members were not invited to give input 18 months ago. And since there are no big signs on 16th Avenue like on Kennedy and McCowan, nobody would really know, what is being proposed. It will be great to make the proposal more visible to all residents.
We are really hoping, we also can get Ian Lockwood to give us another solution to our congested roads. In this link you can see one of his cartoons:
https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2018/6/25/2-reasons-why-the-american-approach-to- congestion-is-totally-wrong
Yesterday morning at 8.45 am I went south on McCowan RD and the traffic was moving very well, so it is at the most only for a couple of hours, when people are stuck in traffic. The app. Waze is a great way to find less congested routes and people can still get from A to B in a reasonable time. Is it good practice to have extensions of the 400 Highways running through our cities like Lawrence Ave, where we see an increase in pedestrian deaths? As [...] mentioned, we have many data of best 21st Century practices and cities can not ignore this anymore!
Thanks,
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