Appendix A Report PW18053 FEASIBILITY MASTER PLAN 2018 1 Appendix A MOUNTAIN BROW TRAIL FEASIBILITY MASTER PLAN Report PW18053 Acknowledgments & Notes We would like to acknowledge and City of Hamilton Staff Notes: express gratitude to the following IBI Group Except where noted, all images were agencies, organizations, staff and supplied by IBI Group and the City of residents who contributed to the Hamilton Ward 6 Councillor Hamilton has been given permission for development of the Mountain Brow Trail Hamilton Ward 7 Councillor their use. Feasibility Study: Hamilton Ward 8 Councillor Ward boundaries shown on all maps Hamilton Ward 9 Councillor in this report are based on 2018 ward boundary lines. Ward boundary lines will Niagara Escarpment Commission be changing in 2019. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Infrastructure Ontario Hamilton Conservation Authority Bruce Trail Conservancy - Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club Hamilton-Burlington Trails Council Hamilton Naturalist Club Hillfield Strathallan College St. Joseph’s Hospital Hamilton Health Services SoBi Hamilton Hamilton Residents ii Appendix A Report PW18053 Table of Contents 1.0 Executive Summary 1 5.1 Overview of Public & 9.0 Summary of Stakeholder Engagement 40 2.0 Introduction 3 Recommendations & Next 301 Process 2.1 Study Overview 3 Steps 5.2 Summary of Public Input 44 9.1 Project Summary 302 2.2 Vision Statement & 4 Mandate 6.0 Implementation Strategy 53 9.2 Overall Budget and 6.1 Recommended Mountain Implementation 304 2.3 Goals and Objectives 6 54 Brow Trail Route Timeline 2.4 Process 7 6.2 Facility Types 56 9.3 Next Steps 305 3.0 Context 11 6.3 Considerations for Trail 10.0 References 307 3.1 Planning Context 11 58 Prioritization 11.0 Appendices 309 3.1.1 Policy Framework 6.4 12 Project Sheets 64 A PIC #1 Notices & Relevant Plans 7.0 Design Considerations & 3.1.2 Contextual 275 B PIC #1 Boards 14 Branding Integration C PIC #1 Surveys (PIC#1 & 7.1 Trail Branding & 3.2 Stakeholders & 276 Online) 20 Wayfinding Partnerships D PIC #1 Summary Report 7.2 Regulatory Signage 282 3.3 Benefits of Trail E 26 PIC #2 Boards Development 7.3 Trail Amenities 284 F High-Level Review of 3.4 Opportunities & 7.3.1 Seating and Rest 28 284 Cycling Facility Selection Constraints Areas G Trail Link Priority 4.0 Existing Infrastructure 31 7.3.2 Public Art 286 Analysis 7.3.3 Bicycle Parking, 4.1 Field Methodology 32 286 H Trail Potential Demand SoBi Integration 4.2 Summary of Findings 34 I Blue Sky Ideas 8.0 High Level Costing 291 5.0 Public & Stakeholder 39 8.1 Engagement Projected Costs 292 8.2 Funding Opportunities 298 iii Appendix A MOUNTAIN BROW TRAIL FEASIBILITY MASTER PLAN Report PW18053 List of Exhibits Exhibit 1 Existing Mountain 5 Exhibit 11 Respondents’ top 45 Exhibit 18 Feedback on alternate 47 Brow Trail three (3) trail activities routes - Mountain Brow Boulevard vs Exhibit 2 Study Process 7 Exhibit 12 Respondent feedback 45 Upper Ottawa Street- on trail use Edgewood Avenue- Oakcrest Drive Exhibit 3 Map showing Project 25 Exhibit 13 Respondents 46 Stakeholders feedback on level of Exhibit 19 Feedback on alternate 47 comfort using various routes - First Road Exhibit 4 Sam Lawrence Park 26 facility types for the East-Dofasco Trail Mountain Brow Trail vs Upper Centennial Parkway-Ridge Road Exhibit 5 Canadian Pacific 33 Exhibit 14 Respondents’ 46 Exhibit 20 Feedback on alternate 47 Railway at Devil’s investment preference routes - Mountain Punch Bowl Exhibit 15 Respondent 46 Brow Boulevard Exhibit 6 Views of the lower city 36 “Wish List” of trail vs Ottawa Street- from the Brow improvements Edgewood Avenue- Oakcrest Drive Exhibit 7 PIC #1 Schedule 40 Exhibit 16 Feedback on alternate 47 routes - Sanatorium Exhibit 21 PIC#2 Schedule 49 Road vs Scenic Drive Exhibit 8 City of Hamilton 41 tweet advertising the Exhibit 17 Feedback on alternate 47 Exhibit 22 Summary of 50 Mountain Brow Trail routes - Denlow Stakeholder Feedback Survey Avenue-Garth Street Exhibit 23 Preferred Route Map 54 Exhibit 9 Distribution of 44 vs Scenic Drive- respondents Fennell Avenue Exhibit 24 Context Plan 55 Exhibit 10 Demographics of 44 respondents iv Appendix A Report PW18053 List of Exhibits Exhibit 25 Summary of Facility 56 Exhibit 35 Interpretive signage 279 Exhibit 43 Amenities 285 Types along Hamilton Beach Trail Exhibit 26 Trail Impact Score 61 Exhibit 44 SoBi Station 286 Exhibit 36 Wayfinding sharrows 280 Exhibit 27 Recommended 62 Exhibit 45 Map showing 288 Exhibit 37 Wayfinding sharrows 280 Project Phasing recommended location of amenities Exhibit 28 Recommended 63 Exhibit 38 City of Toronto 281 Exhibit 46 Summary of unit costs 293 Project Grouping Map Waterfront Trail Exhibit 29 Project Section 67 incorporating blue Exhibit 47 Projected cost 294 Reference Map and green centreline, pavement marking breakdown by Project Exhibit 30 Project Sheet Key 68 decorations and blue Section and white stop bars Exhibit 48 Mountain Brow Trail 303 Exhibit 39 Sample branded 281 Exhibit 31 Mountain Brow 276 Context Plan pavement marking Branding applications Exhibit 49 Project Phasing Map 304 Exhibit 32 Existing Trailhead at 277 Exhibit 40 Examples of 282 the Red Hill Valley regulatory signs Trail Exhibit 41 Examples of signage 282 Exhibit 33 Mountain Brow 278 for on-road cycling Signage facilities Exhibit 34 Conceptual Mountain 278 Exhibit 42 Regulatory and Trail 283 Brow Route Sign Etiquette Signage Assemblies v Appendix A MOUNTAIN BROW TRAIL FEASIBILITY MASTER PLAN Report PW18053 Sam Lawrence Park vi Appendix A 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Report PW18053 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY he primary purpose of this study is to Over the course of the study, a route was to destinations and major intersection developed and refined based on an iterative crossings. However, the 51 segments have Tdevelop a concept plan for a continuous process consisting of field visits, public been further grouped into twenty-six (26) multi-use path traversing from Scenic Drive consultation, feasibility assessment and project groups for implementation purposes. to Ridge Road to be known as the Mountain stakeholder input. Following the mandate, Each of the 26 project groupings has Brow Trail. This study provides a framework the majority of the route follows the Niagara been assigned a project phase that clearly for the reconstruction and renovation of the Escarpment edge, except where challenging identifies the anticipated project timeline. The existing trail segments, the extension of the site conditions and spatial constraints phasing provides for the construction of the limit implementation opportunities. The length of the trail over a twenty-year period, trail into undeveloped areas, and possible recommended route was also informed by prioritized based on potential trail impact, integration with existing and proposed the Recreational Trails Master Plan, the safety, feasibility and project costs, among pedestrian and cycling infrastructure along Cycling Master Plan, the Transportation other factors. the route. The recommended trail route Master Plan and the Mountain Brow Vista was developed through a combination of Study and Management Plan, to maximize In addition to defining the route, this study identifies Mountain Brow Trail-specific field investigations, public and stakeholder connections and take advantage of existing and planned viewsheds. branding and wayfinding elements to help consultations and research. create a cohesive trail identity, and identifies This study focuses on the identification and Although the primary facility type along most amenities to be considered along the length development of the Mountain Brow Trail, a of the proposed route is multi-use path or of the route. These elements will help to continuous route that meets the following trail, other facility types were also identified define the Mountain Brow Trail as a unique vision: to address site-specific challenges, roadway trail destination. context and ensure connectivity. Overall, the The Mountain Brow Trail will be route will consist of a combination of multi- Once complete, the Mountain Brow Trail will developed as a recreational trail that use paths and trails; sidewalks and signed be a continuous and connected multi-use follows the escarpment edge as closely cycling routes along quiet streets; sidewalks route that will provide significant recreational opportunities for the city’s residents. The as possible to take advantage of views and bicycle lanes along urban roads where route connects multiple wards, provides and provide connectivity between wards. necessary; and, paved shoulders in rural areas. access to many community destinations The trail shall include a mixture of and facilities, and will provide a unique facility types with a preference towards The recommended trail route has been experience that showcases the role of accessible off-road, multi-use trails that divided into fifty-one (51) segments, based the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton’s are wide enough for pedestrians and on existing conditions, roadway context geography. cyclists. (i.e. speed limit, volume, etc.), access 1 Appendix A MOUNTAIN BROW TRAIL FEASIBILITY MASTER PLAN Report PW18053 2 Appendix A 2.0 INTRODUCTION Report PW18053 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Overview he Mountain Brow Feasibility Study began in the fall of 2017 as a Tcollaborative effort between the City of Hamilton and IBI Group to assess the feasibility of a continuous and integrated recreational trail along the upper edge of the escarpment from the west terminus at Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area in Ward 8, to the east terminus of Devil’s Punch bowl in Ward 9. The recommended trail route spans four wards and has the potential to be a city wide tourist destination, offering connections to natural vistas, recreational amenities and heritage destinations across the area that is locally known as the Mountain Brow. In determining the recommended trail route, the study involved conducting a comprehensive review of the area context; existing site conditions; relevant documents, policies, legislation, master plans and studies; best practices in trail design; public safety; and a public engagement process.