THE PLANNING & DESIGN CENTRE NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 005 | JUNE 2011
While not something that most people consider on a daily basis, the ways that we move around our city have a tremendous influence on quality of life. Transportation is part of a larger public infrastructure that makes places livable. It also includes roads, parks, open spaces, the natural environment, services and amenities. A great city embodies the synergy between all of these components, and as such can be a hub of energy, activity and innovation. Public infrastructure represents the backbone and strength of living within an urban/ suburban city. It provides common ground that contributes to the quality of life that is shared by all residents. The collective benefits associated with quality public infrastructure not only make sense economically, but also improve health, the environment and quality of life. Our competitiveness depends on the ability to attract and retain new residents and businesses throughout HRM. Patterns of growth, land use and access to natural spaces all influence how vibrant and successful a city can be. Transportation is a major component of this broader picture of public infrastructure. This shared infrastructure determines how we can and should move around, where people live, where houses are built and where businesses locate. The city’s buses, sidewalks, paths, bike lanes, roads and bridges are all critical and must be seen as part of an interconnected whole. Many different plans, projects, priorities and decisions about transportation are being made by various municipal and provincial staff and politicians. Each line item in a budget represents a value decision about the future of our city. In this spirit, there is a need for more public awareness, debate and involvement in thinking collectively and comprehensively about the investments that could create the kind of place we want to live in the long-term. As our community embarks on the five-year review of the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy this year, the importance of thinking holistically about land use, public infrastructure and transportation is magnified. SEEK is the newsletter for the Planning & Design Centre. This fifth issue is dedicated to transportation projects at various scales and locations throughout HRM, being developed by many different departments, to raise awareness of the potential for public infrastructure. These projects highlight some of the many initiatives underway related to roads, bicycles, buses and people. The PDC is dedicated to the idea that planning and design need to be more visible, and that we all should have a hand in shaping the future of our region. We hope that even this partial view of current transportation projects will form the basis for more discussion, and inform choices we need to make as a community about what we value. The Planning & Design Centre is dedicated to three simple principles: 1. Access to information is of primary importance. To increase awareness and improve the quality of design, information about projects and plans needs to be current, in one place and highly visible. 2. An ongoing forum for public discussion and exhibitions is key to raising expectations, overcoming established polarized views, establishing a design culture and shaping our own future. 3. Developing high quality, sustainable infrastructure requires leadership, innovation and an advocate.
BIKEWAYS PLAN
DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGES The traffic patterns in downtown Halifax are occasionally confusing for residents, and completely baffling for visitors. Is Argyle oneway? Why is traffic backed up all the way down Lower WaterTRANSIT in one direction, but nonMETRO existent inTERMINAL the other direction? A proposal has EXPANSIONS been put forth to change the traffic pattern in downtown Halifax so that many two-way streets will be changed to one-way streets. This idea was a component of HRM by Design, which acknowledged that the downtown street grid is narrow and complicated, with WASHMILL LAKE COURT many confusing transitions between one-way UNDERPASS DEVELOPMENT and two-way streets.
Cities & Environment Unit
BEFORE
Duke
Spring Garden
Barrington
Hollis
Sackville Lower Water
AFTER
Brunswick
Duke
w
gh
hi
EVENTS - JUNE/JULY 2011
Brunswick
Barrington
Hollis
Sackville
PLANNING & DESIGN CENTRE UPDATE
With Active Transportation Plan fast approaching, the Crosstown Connector represents one of the most significant and tangible outcomes of the first five years working to implement the plan.
PLANNING & DESIGN CENTRE UPDATE
Spring Garden
2
10
ay
.
BAYERS RD/HWY 102/HWY 107 the TRANSPORTATION end of phase one ofSTUDY HRM’s 2006
The project has now been divided into two phases. Traffic pattern changes to streets HALI-FACTS between Brunswick and Barrington will occur in July 2011. The second phase, which includes changes to streets between Lower Water and Barrington, will occur in October 2011 and will include bike lane infrastructure. m
TRANSIT HRM hasMETRO assembled an internal team to study theTERMINAL proposal. EXPANSIONS Staff have conducted field work reviewing a number of potential routes, including Windsor, Almon, Agricola, Ahern, Trollope, and South Park. Field work involves “bicycle and traffic counts, space consideration for placement of lanes, parking options toWASHMILL mitigate potential LAKEon-street COURT parking loss, andUNDERPASS cost estimates to implement DEVELOPMENT the lanes.” HRM’s Active Transportation Coordinator expects public consultation on the Crosstown Connector will occur in late summer 2011. This would allow staff to report back to Council with their recommendations in fall 2011.
A public information session was held in November 2010. As of December 2010 the target “switch-over” date was set for EVENTS - JUNE/JULY 2011in the June 2011. However, it was noted project plan released in November 2010 that implementation of the project may depend on funding from the Atlantic Gateway project.
sh
HALI-FACTS
The Crosstown Connector is a proposed north-south bicycle lane traversing the peninsula from Young Street in the South End to the beginning of the Bedford DOWNTOWN TRAFFICHighway in the North. The Halifax Cycling Coalition’s PATTERN CHANGES proposed route for the Crosstown Connector was presented to Council in the fall of 2010. In November 2010, Council voted to have staff review the proposal, investigate alternatives, and gather public feedback.
The shift from two- to one-way streets would allow space for street parking and bicycle lanes on streets that currently only have room for two lanes of traffic. The proposal would proved upBAYERS to 80 new street parking spaces107 as RD/HWY 102/HWY STUDY a result ofTRANSPORTATION the change. Bicycle lanes would be added to Hollis and Lower Water Streets. The project budget is set at $500,000.
wa
EVENTS - JUNE/JULY 2011
CROSSTOWN CONNECTOR
cr
UNDERPASS DEVELOPMENT
Three public engagement sessions were held in February and March 2011, leading to the development of a draft Bikeways Plan. The key finding of these sessions was that a successful plan would require “the development of continuous, direct, and BAYERS RD/HWY 102/HWY 107 low-stressTRANSPORTATION bike routes, including physically STUDY separated bike lanes and bike paths along higher traffic volume streets.” As the partner institutions review the draft Bikeways Plan, potential Halifax cyclists eagerly await what could be a new era in year-round commuting options.
Matthew Blackett flickr.com/photos/spacing
ke
Establishing major cycling corridors from north METRO TRANSIT to south and east to west on the peninsula TERMINAL EXPANSIONS could have a transformative effect on the cycling culture in the Institutional District. The Bikeways Plan is a starting point for a far more extensive cycling network that will benefit HRM as a whole and serve as an example for other cities that want to promote more active, WASHMILL LAKE COURT sustainable modes of transportation.
BIKEWAYS PLAN
la
A primaryDOWNTOWN guiding principleTRAFFIC of this project is the PATTERN idea that a first classCHANGES cycling environment has the ability to attract new riders. More cyclists would, in turn, legitimize cycling infrastructure as a necessary component of transportation infrastructure budgets.
ill
Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, Capital Health and the IWK Health Centre have recognized that establishing cycling as a priority in the Urban HalifaxCONNECTOR Institutional District CROSSTOWN is integral to their sustainability goals. Cities & Environment Unit was engaged to investigate options for increasing the number of bicycle commuters to and from the Institutional District.
Lower Water
HRM Traffic and Right-of-Way Services
Two-wayStreet One-wayStreet
CROSSTOWN CONNECTOR
DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGES
HRM Metro Transit
METRO TRANSIT TERMINAL EXPANSIONS Public transit requires physical infrastructure like bus terminals to create hubs in the bus network, facilitate transfers, and provide users with a comfortable place to wait for a bus. The Dartmouth Bridge LAKE and Clayton WASHMILL COURTPark bus terminals UNDERPASS are over capacity, lacking amenities, DEVELOPMENT and have been slated for redevelopment. The Dartmouth Bridge Terminal has an approved design. Regional Council has voted for an option that includes a bridge connecting the terminal to the Dartmouth RD/HWY 102/HWY 107 CommonBAYERS while screening noise and exhaust TRANSPORTATION STUDY from buses. This option comes with a higher price tag, but addresses numerous concerns related to the terminal expansion raised by surrounding stakeholders. To compensate for the increased costs, HRM may have to postpone other capital projects. Currently, HRM is considering their options, including EVENTS - JUNE/JULY 2011 possibly delaying projects like a Metro X link to the Airport, a new ferry to augment Woodside Ferry service, and/or the Lacewood Drive Transit Terminal redevelopment. A new terminal in Clayton Park on Lacewood HALI-FACTS Drive is getting close to choosing a site. Three HRM owned sites near the existing terminal on Lacewood Drive have been identified as candidates. An 8 acre site on Willet Street has emerged as the front-runner, with endorsements from a consultants report PLANNING & DESIGN CENTRE and, at UPDATE least in principle, from Chebucto Community Council. The development process is underway. Planning amendments have been initiated, HRM staff are preparing a detailed site study, and a consultant has been contracted to conduct a technical noise and vibration report.
WASHMILL LAKE COURT UNDERPASS DEVELOPMENT The Washmill Lake Court Underpass will extend Washmill Lake Court, in the Bayers Lake Business Park, under Highway 102. The new connector will link up with Regency Park Drive eastBAYERS of the Highway. The102/HWY underpass107 will RD/HWY provide aTRANSPORTATION third entrance/exit to the Bayers STUDY Lake Business Park from the residential developments in Clayton Park. This third access point was deemed necessary in order to allow for further development in the business park without increased traffic EVENTS JUNE/JULY congestion. HRM -identifies the 2011 underpass as a key deliverable in the Business Parks Development Functional Plan. The new connection also makes it possible to develop future housing on the east side of the highway adjacent to existing housing in Clayton Park
HALI-FACTS
The cost of the three-phase project as approved in 2009 was $10 million, with twothirds of the budget coming from federal infrastructure stimulus funding. Phases 1 and 2 exceeded the total budget by $1 million due to additional and steel PLANNING & excavation DESIGN CENTRE reinforcement costs. In April 2011, Regional UPDATE Council approved a $4.5 million budget increase for the underpass so Phase 3 could proceed. This puts the total cost at $15.5 million, which is $5.5 million over the original budget for the project. Washmill Lake Court Underpass completion was originally scheduled for the federal stimulus funding deadline of March 2011. HRM applied for and was granted an extension to this deadline, since the project was delayed by winter weather and the budget shortcoming. It is now anticipated that the underpass will be completed by the new federal stimulus deadline of October 2011.
METRO TRANSIT TERMINAL EXPANSIONS
WASHMILL LAKE COURT UNDERPASS DEVELOPMENT Stantec Inc.
BAYERS RD/HWY 102/HWY 107 TRANSPORTATION STUDY The Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and the HRM have contracted Stantec Consulting to conduct a road and highway study concerning Bayers Road, Highway 102- and Highway 107. EVENTS JUNE/JULY 2011 The purpose of the study is to model traffic generation based on growth projections and determine how much road capacity is needed to handle that traffic. The study’s primary objective is to explore best uses of HALI-FACTS the Bayers Road / Highway 102 Corridor from Windsor Street in Halifax to Fall River. The study includes traffic projections and functional designs that could be implemented in stages over a 30-year period. Functional designs include road widening and existing PLANNING & DESIGN CENTRE road maintenance, as well as potential High UPDATE Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and the creation of lanes dedicated to transit vehicles. The location of the proposed Highway 107 extension will connect Akerley Boulevard in Burnside near Dartmouth Crossing to Highway 102 near Duke Street. Traffic planners say Bayers Road must be widened to accommodate projected growth in vehicle use over the next 30 years. However, the project has not been met without criticism from councilors and advocacy groups opposing road widening and fearing it will only bring about greater traffic congestion problems in the future. The Corridor Study is complete, and will be presented to HRM’s Transportation Standing Committee this month.
CBC Mainstreet Nova Scotia cbc.ca/mainstreetns
off map
COMMUTER RAIL FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
Objective: Analyze the feasibility of commuter rail service between Halifax and Truro. Status: Presented to HRM Council in February 2011
off map
BEDFORD/HALIFAX CORRIDOR TRANSIT ALTERNATIVES STUDY
Objective: Compare bus rapid transit (BRT), ferry and commuter rail options between Bedford and Halifax. Status: Study completed in November 2010
9
1 CLAYTON PARK TERMINAL EXPANSION Objective: Expand and potentially relocate the Lacewood terminal. Relocation costs: $2.7 million Status: On hold
2 WASHMILL LAKE UNDERPASS Objective: Connect Clayton Park to Bayers Lake Business Park. Budget: $10.5 million Cost to date: $15.5 million Status: Under construction
1 3 BAYERS RD, HWY 102 & 107 TRANSPORTATION STUDY Objective: Determine how much road capacity is required for future traffic increases on Bayers Road and Highway 102 and 107. Status: Study ongoing
3
2 4 HALIFAX URBAN GREENWAY Objective: Replace rail corridor with an urban greenway trail network. Budget: $636,231 (Phase One) Status: Phase One complete (from South St. to Marlborough Woods)
off map
8 4
CHAIN OF LAKES TRAIL NETWORK
Objective: Build a trail from Joseph Howe Drive to Beechville. Status: Grand opening scheduled for June 18, 2011.
SIR FLEM
TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS MAP
ISSUE 005 | JUNE 2011
5 BRIDGE TERMINAL EXPANSION Objective: Expand transit terminal to include more space and amenities for transit users. Budget: $12 million Status: Approved by Council
6 METRO X ROUTE TO STANFIELD INT. AIRPORT Objective: Establish a transit route to connect Halifax and Dartmouth to Stanfield International Airport. Estimated costs: $1.27 m (annually) Status: On hold
6
7 WOODSIDE FERRY SERVICE EXPANSION Objective: Expand ferry service between Halifax and the Woodside terminal. Status: On hold
5 DARTMOUTH COMMON
8 PENINSULA TRANSIT CORRIDOR STUDY Objective: Optimize transit trips between park & ride lot at Hwy 102 / North West Arm Dr. and Scotia Square. Study costs: $160,000 Status: Study ongoing
9
11 9 BRIDGE MAINTENANCE & TOLL INCREASES
8
7
Objective: Perform maintenance on MacKay Bridge and raise all bridge toll fees from 75¢ to $1. Status: Complete
HALIFAX COMMON
10 HALIFAX CITADEL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
10 DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC CIRCULATION CHANGES Objective: Improve traffic circulation in Downtown and add more parking and bike lanes. Status: Begins in July 2011
PUBLIC GARDENS
12 11 CROSSTOWN CONNECTOR Objective: Provide a north to south bicycle corridor with lanes and additional infrastructure. Status: Study ongoing
R SANFORD MING PARK
POINT PLEASANT PARK
12 BIKEWAYS PLAN Objective: Improve bike infrastructure in the Institutional District. Estimated costs: $4-6 million Status: Study ongoing
250m
1km
BAYERS RD/HWY 102/HWY 107 TRANSPORTATION STUDY
EVENTS - JUNE/JULY 2011
HALI-FACTS
EVENTS - JUNE/JULY 2011
HALI-FACTS
PLANNING & DESIGN CENTRE UPDATE
Bike Again: Bike Repair Workshop Free bike repair instruction 5:30 – 9 pm, Mondays and Wednesdays; 6 – 8 pm, Tuesdays (women and HALI-FACTS transgendered night) Bloomfield Centre, 2786 Agricola
Relative Infrastructure Costs $/1 km Highway $3 million Urban Road $1.8 million Bike Lane $500,000 PLANNING & DESIGN CENTRE Bike Path $1.6 million UPDATE Sidewalk $135,000
Have ideas on how to make Halifax a better place? We are always looking for new volunteers to help with initiatives. Check out the events below and join the PDC’s Sustainable Transportation Task Force and our Switch working group.
Bike Maintenance Clinics for Women Learn how to care for and fix your bike at the Halifax Cycle Gallery 6 – 8 pm,PLANNING Wednesdays& DESIGN CENTRE UPDATE Halifax Cycle Gallery, 6299 Quinpool Rd
Total Surface Length in HRM Roadways Sidewalks Bike Lanes
The PDC will be hosting its Annual General Meeting on July 14th, 2011!
Bike Polo Bring your bike 12 pm Sundays and 7 pm Tuesdays Gorsebrook Park Active Transportation Rally Cycle, jog or walk on Hammonds Plains Rd 1:30 pm, June 26 ghpca.ca Meet at Cornerstone Wesleyan Church and Tantallon Library parking lot Canada Day July 1 hrmcanadaday.ca
kms 1,700 800 80
HRM population commuting to work by car 78% Population living within 500m of a transit stop in HRM (urban and suburban areas only) 90%
Ralph Medjuck Architecture and Planning Building Auditorium. 5410 Spring Garden Road 5:30-7:00 pm
Average household spending on transportation (2004)
Join the PDC and Fusion for three upcoming public forums as part of It’s more than buses: Transit is about access, mobility, and a better city!
12.4% Average annual car ownership costs (based on 18,000 km of driving per year) $8,000
Average commute times (round trip for Commons North Neighbourhood Clean-up both private and public transit) minutes Cleaning up local sidewalks, bus shelters, Calgary 66 and other public spaces Halifax 65 9 am, last Saturday of every month Montreal 76 Meet at Java Blend, 6027 North St Ottawa 65 Toronto 80 Critical Mass Bike Ride Vancouver 67 Take back the streets with a large group of cyclists Net Budget Expenditure (Proposed 2011) 6 pm, last Friday of every month – HRM Transportation and Public Works Meet at Victoria Park $108,952,045 Ecology Action Centre – HRM Metro Transit net cost per capita Transportation Issues Committee $82.53 Promoting sustainable transportation options 2008 2014 (projected) $98.93 for Nova Scotia 5:30 pm, first Monday of every month 2705 Fern Lane
We have been working to collaborate with several key organizations in Halifax to organize events and new initiatives. Come out and learn more about us and hear about what we’ve been up to this past year!
Sources: GPI Atlantic, 2008; CAA Car Ownership Report, 2010; Statistics Canada, 2010
World Trade and Convention Centre Explore: 6-8 pm, June 28th Design: 6-8 pm, July 19th Mobilize!: 6-8 pm, September 7th Switch: Open Street Sundays is a proposed weekly event that encourages people to enjoy their city by walking, biking, skating, dancing, and moving around their city safely and comfortably. For more information, check us out at SWITCHHFX on twitter, or Facebook. The Switch working group meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month. GET IN TOUCH: t. 902.494.3678 e. info@pdcentre.ca 5257 Morris Street Halifax, NS, B3J 1B6 seek is printed on FSC-certified paper.