Managing Our Legacy Together

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1 TO: FROM: Chair and Members Engineering and Public Works Committee Craig Douglas, P.Eng. Manager of Engineering Services DATE: January 22, 2014 SUBJECT: Proposed Georgian Bay Cycling Route REPORT NO: PW RECOMMENDATION THAT the Georgian Bay Cycling Route proposed by the LaCloche Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation be supported in principle. ORIGIN In November 2013, The District Municipality of Muskoka was approached regarding input into the development of a cycling route around Georgian Bay and was subsequently asked for a letter of support. ANALYSIS In 2012, the concept of a continuous cycling route around Georgian Bay was developed by the Manitoulin Cycling Advocates. A feasibility study was initiated in 2013 by the LaCloche Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation (LAMBAC) with funding received from FedNor, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and the Heart & Stroke Foundation. The feasibility study is being carried out by a consultant team (Transportation Options) reporting to LAMBAC s Steering Committee. The 900 km circular route touches on seven upper tier municipalities. The study consultants are now asking the municipalities for their support of the Georgian Bay Cycling Route prior to finalizing their report back to the Steering Committee. Appendix A contains materials created by Transportation Options and includes their Overview & Support Request and maps of the Muskoka portion of the cycling route. The Muskoka portion of the cycling route primarily uses the District of Muskoka road system. Starting in the north it follows Muskoka Road 169 south through Bala to Torrance where it turns south along Muskoka Road 13 (Southwood Drive) before heading west on Muskoka Road 49 (Canning Road) into Simcoe County. Managing Our Legacy Together Page 1

2 Two side loops are also proposed. The first is a detour into MacTier and would use Muskoka Road 11 (High Street). This loop would serve to provide access to a service centre between Parry Sound and Bala. The second loop in the Port Severn area provides riders with access to identified Township of Georgian Bay tourist destinations, such as Port Severn, Honey Harbour and the Georgian Bay Islands. This loop would use Muskoka Roads 5 (Honey Harbour Road), Muskoka Road 48 (South Bay Road), and Muskoka Road 34 (White s Falls Road). With the exception of Muskoka Road 5, the proposed cycling route follows Muskoka Roads that have not been identified on the Active Transportation network. Muskoka has limited north-south connecting roads in the west which is why the route needs to travel so far inland from Georgian Bay. The proposed route has its challenges, particularly north of Parry Sound and in the Sudbury region where, at this point, connectivity can only be provided along high-volume provincial facilities. The issues of paved shoulders and signage have not been fully studied at this preliminary stage of the study. At this point, LAMBAC s Steering Committee is only looking for support in principle. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS There are no costs associated with this report. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES This subject of this report relates directly to Muskoka s July 2012 Strategic Priority 3.2 to Encourage and support initiatives aimed at strengthening the tourism industry in Muskoka. COMMUNICATIONS Following adoption by District Council, notice of the Committee s decision regarding this matter will be provided to LAMBAC s Steering Committee and to Muskoka s Area Municipalities. Respectfully submitted, Craig Douglas, P.Eng. Manager of Engineering Services A.J. White, P. Eng Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works Page 2

3 - Appendix A Cycle Tourism Icon Active Transportation Economic Development Healthy Communities Georgian Bay Cycling Route Highlights 900km Signature Cycling Route around Georgian Bay Uses existing roads and trails where possible Will be signed throughout Start with one core route Future loops and fingers to include communities, attractions and designated bike routes Will evolve as new bike lanes and trails are developed Target cyclists: touring, experienced, recreational Route selection: safe, close as possible to Georgian Bay, Uses existing roads and trails where possible 7 Districts/Counties: Manitoulin, Sudbury, Parry Sound, Muskoka, Simcoe, Grey, Bruce Feasibility Study 2013 Funded by FedNor, OMTCS and the Heart & Stroke Foundation Oversight by Steering Committee, LAMBAC Concept Study 2012 Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (MICA) Denis Baldwin Initial routing & many letters of support Partner support wil help make this Si nature Cycling Route a reality Please send your letters of support to: Georgian Bay Cycling Route Steering Committee c/o LAMBAC 30 Meredith St Gore Bay, ON POPlHO info@lambac.ot -g --_ ~- ~ - Questions? Please contact the GBCyR Consulting Team Louisa Mursell Projects Director Transportation Options Imursell@transportationoptions.or~ / Peggy Staite-Wong & Robert Wong Partners RMCG ww w.rrncg. ca Cycle Tourism Icon Active Transportation Economic Development Healthy Communities

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