PART A ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK: DESIGN GUIDELINES AND FEASIBILITY STUDY TERMS OF REFERENCE

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1 PART A ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK: DESIGN GUIDELINES AND FEASIBILITY STUDY TERMS OF REFERENCE INTENT The primary purpose of this two-part study is to assess the engineering and cost feasibility of upgrading, building and maintaining approximately 30-kilometers of existing and proposed primary trails. These improvements are to serve the purpose of improving all-season off-road, destination-based active transportation corridors throughout the City of Guelph ( the City ). The study includes the development of design guidelines for upgrading existing trails and for the construction of facilities as part of new trail construction in development areas. These guidelines would serve the purpose of informing future policies, plans, and the detailed design process to implement the recommendations of this study; they are not intended to be tender documents. The study will consist of a) The background data collection, evaluation of existing and proposed facilities, and review of best practices in order to develop design guidelines for this network; b) A Natural Heritage Study of the proposed network to identify segments requiring further studies of environmental impacts; c) Design guidelines and evaluation of the construction and cost feasibility of upgrading and maintaining the selected network. The consultant will undertake a comprehensive analysis to ensure that all aspects have been addressed and to confirm the cost estimate of the project. BACKGROUND The study falls under the City s Transportation Demand Management program in order to address improved active transportation connectivity throughout the community. The TDM program includes the Bicycle- Friendly Guelph Initiative, which was launched in 2008 as part of the. A priority for the past few years has been to develop and implement the Cycling Master Plan, adopted in 2012, that includes recommendations for: network planning, design and construction; education and training; encouragement and incentives; enforcement and evaluation. The cycling network in Guelph at this time is primarily on-road and comprised of the following types of cycling facilities: 1. Bike lanes: As defined by the Ontario Traffic Manual, these are between 1.2m and 1.8m in width, adjacent to the curb. A large majority of on-road cycling facilities are bike lanes. 2. Cycle tracks: Approximately 1 kilometre of cycle track is located along Stone Road from Gordon Street to Edinburgh. The cycle track is 1.8m wide and slightly raised bike lane with a rollover curb. It is located in the roadway, between the curb and the travel lane. 3. Shared use paths in the boulevard: Also called multi-use boulevard trails, these are 2.0 to 3.0 meters wide asphalt paths located behind the curb but within the road right-of-way. They may be one-way paths on each side of the road or where this is not feasible, a two-way path on one side of the road. The City of Guelph has more than doubled the length of on-road bicycle lanes since 2008, but recognizes that a complementary network of improved off-road routes is needed to meet the needs of cyclists and to boost cycling further. Along with the Cycling Master Plan, Council approved recommendation resolution for 1

2 staff to undertake this feasibility and design study as part of a suite of approaches to increase cycling mode share and make cycling more attractive, safe and convenient in Guelph. Off-road cycling facilities are provided by the existing trail network, which is classified by the Guelph Trail Master Plan as primary, secondary or tertiary trails. City trails are intended to be multi-use wherever possible. Primary and secondary trails are accessible to cyclists. They are typically designed as 1.5 to 3.5 meters wide paths with granular, or in some instances, paved surfaces. There are presently about 112 linear kilometres of off-road trails in Guelph. The current off-road trail network includes some segments that may not fully meet the needs for destinationbased active transportation trips: the surface treatment, path width or grading /drainage is problematic in places. The network is also discontinuous with barriers such as major road crossings or topographical barriers making a direct and efficient link challenging. The City of Guelph wishes to attract those in the interested but concerned category 1 to cycle more often by providing a network of paved off-road trails. These trails will also serve other forms of active transportation, such as walking/jogging, in-line skating, and skateboarding. Reference Documents There are a number of reports and studies that are related to the proposed trails upgrade. The bidder shall verify that these Contract documents are complete and assume responsibility to view/download/print the drawings, specifications and any related information not sent with this document. You are required to go to the City s website where under the under the description of this contract you will find links to the drawings, specifications and any related information not sent with this document. Shortages shall be reported to the City immediately. It will be your responsibility to make sure that when you print any drawings/sketches/etc., that they are printed to scale. As a minimum, the following documents are to be reviewed during the project: Cycling Master Plan: The Bicycle-Friendly Guelph Initiative was launched in The vision of the Bicycle-Friendly Guelph Initiative is to triple the number of daily trips by bicycle from 1% to 3% in 10 years; to create a safer and more connected network; to promote a strong culture of cycling; and to continuously measure improvements. The Cycling Master Plan document provides the strategy for achieving this vision over a 10-year period. Bicycle Policy: Passed by Council Resolution in 2009, the Bicycle Policy requires that Council approve a policy to provide demarcated bike lanes instead of bike routes as part of reconstruction of arterial roadways that are not identified in the Official Plan as having either bike lanes or bike routes; and that Council authorize staff to undertake retrofit construction to include bike lanes in sections of roadways that are designated to include bike lanes but are not scheduled for full reconstruction in the near term. This policy has contributed to the City s rapid growth of on-road cycling infrastructure Cycling Survey: Informing the Cycling Master Plan, Environics conducted a telephone survey in 2009 of 400 households who reported cycling at least once a year. The survey revealed that among respondents 1 Dill, Jennifer, Ph.D., McNeil, Nathan, OTREC Four Types of Cyclists? Testing a Typology to Better Understand Bicycling Behavior and Potential in Hennepin County Bicycle Transportation Plan: Safety and Comfort for All Ages and Abilities. 2

3 who cycle at least once a week (N=224), more than half (56%) report using a combination of an on-road and off-road route. A net total of 89 percent of the total responses are for recreational purposes. A net total of 45 percent of the total responses are for utilitarian purposes (more than one trip purpose could be recorded). The survey s origin-destination data indicated that the top overall destination for cycling was Downtown, followed by the University of Guelph, Stone Road Mall commercial zone and Bullfrog Pond Mall (Schedule 1). The survey will be reissued in Spring 2015, and updated results will be available for the selected consultant s use by mid-summer. Guelph Trail Master Plan: The GTMP proposed trail network has been refined for inclusion in the Official Plan as Schedule 7 of OPA 48, available at guelph.ca/plans-and-strategies/. Many of the Schedule 7 off-road trails are open to cyclists; however some prohibit cycling in order to preserve sensitive environmental habitats. City Of Guelph Official Plan: The Open Space policies within the Official Plan provide direction on the City s trail system and the need to develop a trail system suitable for bicycles and pedestrians and connecting this system into the City s bicycle network and trail system. Official Plan Amendment 48 (OPA 48) This amendment is the final phase of the provincially mandated five-year review, and adds the secondary plan for the Guelph Innovation District lands to be developed, as well as an update reflecting the Natural Heritage Strategy and enhanced active transportation policies. The consultants shall have regard for the relevant policies in this OPA 48; however, they should note that it is currently under appeal in its entirety to the Ontario Municipal Board. OPA 48 was approved by Council with modifications by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on December 11, The Decision has been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board. Updates to the status of the OPA can be found on the Ontario Municipal Board website. Guelph-Wellington Transportation Strategy: Facility Accessibility Design Manual (2013): This manual provides standards that must apply to all new construction and/or renovation of facilities owned, leased or operated by the City of Guelph. The standards are mandatory, as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Sections of interest include 1, 2, 3, and 4.5.2, as well as Appendix C. Wellington County Active Transportation Plan: compressed.pdf The study objectives of the WCATP are similar to the objectives of this study and should be reviewed as a reference. Community Engagement Framework There are a series of guiding principles and responsibilities for each party listed on the Community Engagement website at Other studies to be accessed and reviewed during the project: 3

4 Design Principles for Storm Water Management Facilities: includes guidance for City of Guelph Storm Water Management facilities where trails run through them. Available at EIS and EIR for various environmentally sensitive areas affected by this project. The successful proponent should anticipate and cost for the number of meetings as indicated under each task. These meetings may be required to complete the task or be required as a regular progress update. The City will ONLY set up each meeting as required; the consultant will be responsible but not limited to, for recording all minutes of meetings and circulating copies to attendees and any and all other items required for the meetings indicated. All meetings (except the Council meeting which would be held after regular business hours) would be conducted during regular City business hours between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., with in person meetings held at a City facility. The City reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of meetings for any Task. SCOPE OF WORK Task 1: Reconnaissance and Best Practices Review a. Review of relevant background documents, reports, and plans. b. Technical review of the City s proposed network of existing trails (Schedule 2) to meet the objectives of: Maximizing connectivity to major destinations, including employment, shopping and schools and major transit corridors; Minimizing the number of physical barriers (e.g. major road crossings) Minimizing detrimental impacts on the surrounding natural environment and meeting all Natural Heritage System requirements (More in Task 3). c. Coordination with City of Guelph Parks Planning and Maintenance staff to obtain input regarding current trail construction and operational practices. d. Coordination with City of Guelph Transportation Planning, Engineering, Traffic and Accessibility staff to obtain input regarding integration with other transportation networks and projects such as major road reconstruction and transit service improvements. e. Coordination with City of Guelph Planning Policy and Urban Design staff to obtain input on the alignment and integration of proposed trails with other long-range community planning initiatives (i.e. Guelph Innovation District and South Guelph Secondary Plans). f. Coordination with City of Guelph Community Engagement staff to complete an engagement plan. Summary of project background and context in light of existing plans and reports, to include in final report; Completed City of Guelph Community Engagement plan; and Launch meeting with staff team and up to four (4) meetings with specific city staff and stakeholders. Task 2: Data Collection The data recommended to be collected will be used to inform the design guidelines and criteria for prioritizing implementation of the proposed network. 4

5 a. Network Data: Survey the proposed network to establish existing surface treatment, slope, approximate grading and sight lines; to locate existing lighting and utilities; and to inform if geotechnical or material testing is required during construction; Verify property limits, ownership; Identify physical barriers; Identify road, rail, river and major trail crossings; Collection of necessary information for completing a Natural Heritage Study to identify any further environmental studies. See Part Two Task 3; Finalization of the proposed Active Transportation network of approximately 30 km; b. User Data: Review of updated cycling survey results (estimated to be available in May-June 2015) Bicycle and pedestrian data collection along segments of the proposed ATN route in order to provide existing usage. Counts should indicate the mode of the user and should be representative of different times of day and different days of the week. Suggested locations to be discussed with staff. Public consultations as per the Community Engagement Plan developed in Task 1. c. ATN Best Practices: Review of current trail design and construction guidelines used by Parks Planning staff, the Wellington County Active Transportation Plan Review of leading practices in North America, including cost estimates per linear meter where feasible. Summary of current maintenance standards and practices in Guelph for off-road and in-boulevard multi-use trails. Include frequency, route prioritization process and equipment used for sweeping, snow/ice removal and surface maintenance. Base engineering drawings of (Civil 3D format) Summary of data collection methodology and analysis of data collection; Summary of the City s current practice and selected North American best practices in ATN design and maintenance standards, to be included in final report Minimum of two (2) public consultation meetings, with summary of results included in the final reports. Formats for engagement exercises will be determined in consultation with Community Engagement staff; locations will be determined by City staff, but facilitation will be the responsibility of the consultant team. Minimum of 2 meetings with staff. Task 3: Complete a Natural Heritage Study The City s Official Plan generally permits passive recreational uses within the Natural Heritage System (NHS) subject to the completion of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS). This would include trails developed/improved as part of the City s Active Transportation Network. The scope of an EIS is determined based on the location of the trail relative to the NHS as well as the sensitivity of the NHS in that location. A copy of the NHS is found in Schedule 3. The analysis must consider potential short term and long 5

6 term impacts of the proposal. The ATN Study should include a Natural Heritage Study to inform future capital project study requirements and costs. a. As part of the project, the ATN Feasibility Study Team should include a natural heritage consultant who would complete a review of the following: City of Guelph Official Plan including the Natural Heritage System policies and schedules Natural Heritage Strategy Phase 1 and Phase 2 reports Review of other relevant environmental background resources as they may related to the various parts of the Network including: o Sub-watershed Studies o Grand River Conservation Authority data (i.e. regulatory areas and floodplain) o Natural Heritage Information Centre Records o Completed EIS reports; and o Any other relevant sources. b. The Natural Heritage Study shall include a set of recommendations including: Highlight areas along the proposed ATN route where detailed studies (i.e., EIS) would be required to support trail improvements or a new trail; Provide input for conceptual alternative routes in areas where there are environmental sensitivities to be examined as part of detailed design studies; Provide a summary of constraints and opportunities, preferably by proposed/potential trail section Provide a summary of key information to be considered when undertaking future studies (i.e., known sensitive species and/or functions), preferably by proposed/potential trail section; c. Using the results from the Natural Heritage Study, the consultant shall develop a Terms of Reference for each segment of the Active Transportation Network that has been identified in b) as requiring an EIS. Each Terms of Reference should establish at a minimum: Required field studies including: scope, level of searcher effort and study method to be followed and identify any permits and authorizations necessary to complete field studies; o Field studies must include consideration for: Significant Natural Areas and Natural Areas, including Significant Wildlife Habitat, Habitat for Significant Species, Ecological Linkages; o Field studies must also be scoped to address the Endangered Species Act based on a Species At Risk screening; Analysis to ensure compliance with Official Plan policies and all other legislative/regulatory requirements; Provide for an Evaluation of Alternatives (for alignment and design), Impact Assessment, Mitigation Measures, Monitoring; Cost Estimate(s) to complete proposed scope of work; Provide any other recommendations that should be considered through the EIS; and That the City s Environmental Advisory Committee be given the opportunity to review/provide comments on the EIS. These Terms of References will be shared with Environmental Planning during the preparation of the Active Transportation Network Feasibility Study for review and input. Natural Heritage Study, to be appended to the final report Terms of References for future EIS s for each segment Map of final proposed AT network with any changes resulting from Tasks 2 and 3. Minimum of 1 meeting with staff. 6

7 Task 4: Recommended Design and Construction Guidelines The specifications should account for safety, grading, drainage, sightlines, Natural Heritage System protection and user comfort. Three to four alternative designs should be created, including but not limited to: Sensitive locations within the Natural Heritage Systems, possibly including a wetland/ woodland (boardwalk) context; A typical terrestrial off-road trail segment; A trail that is within the road Right-of-Way (i.e. a multi-use boulevard path) The tasks to be completed by the consultant shall include, but are not limited to the following: a. Define the number of alternative design standards and the proposed locations to apply them, as noted above. Design guidelines should consider environmental context and sensitivities identified in the Natural Heritage Study, as well as anticipated users, accessibility and maintenance requirements. Where standards differ from the current City Trails design guidelines, the consultant should include recommended changes in a technical memo that can be used in future as an addendum to the GTMP for the specified segments of trails. b. Define appropriate widths, grading, surface materials, granular base specifications for each alternative. Specifications should ensure proper drainage to minimize water and ice accumulation on the trails. Considerations should include whether trail alignment needs to be changed and any findings from a Natural Heritage Study of the trail. c. Provide geometric and operational design guidelines for road, driveway and mid-block crossings d. Recommend optimal environmentally safe and cost-effective paving treatment, as determined by the best practices review. e. Construction costs should include all aspects of project implementation including land acquisition, due diligence, required studies, detailed design, permits, agency consultation, construction documents, etc. f. The guidelines should also include operational requirements for summer and winter conditions. Operational costs should include regular routine maintenance, occasional maintenance and lifecycle replacement, and a comparison to current trail maintenance practice costs. A summary of input used to develop design criteria; Series of drawings (CAD Civil 3D) illustrating 15-m cross-sections and construction details for each type of design. Drawings should indicate grading, drainage requirements, recommended materials, specifications, landscaping and indicate where applicable how the design guidelines differ from existing approved guidelines; Alternate design concepts for standard, wetland and Right-of-Way trails are a minimum requirement Typical details for crossings and structures (road, rail, river, stream) and any specialized AT trail features including lighting, if required; Accurate cost estimates per linear meter (construction and maintenance); Task 5: Feasibility Analysis a. Analysis of the feasibility of the proposed AT network according to the following non-exhaustive list of factors or criteria: Need and purpose (serves multiple destinations or trip generators) Existing safety conditions Accesses and barriers (e.g. major roads, rivers, steep slopes) 7

8 Environmental concerns that may impact trail alignment or route choice Drainage and grading considerations b. Summary of cost estimates, including Estimates for further studies (e.g. EIS) Design & construction and maintenance cost estimates Current trail maintenance cost for comparison c. Proposed phasing, including Estimated horizon for full implementation Phasing plan Alternative funding mechanisms Development of an evaluation criteria to prioritize and assess feasibility of the ATN Summaries of the methodology and findings of the feasibility analysis, including comparison of current construction and operational costs to the costs if the recommendations of the report are implemented, for each report. Task 6: Final Report and Presentation to Council Committee a. A final report shall document all tasks identified above including: Executive Summary Background information describing purpose and context for study Results of data collection and analysis, including projections of trail use Design guidelines, including criteria and rationale, constraints Feasibility assessment, including phasing, costs for construction and maintenance, and implementation strategy Appendices with design and construction drawings b. Present report to the Infrastructure, Design and Enterprise Services (IDES) Council committee Minimum of 1 staff meeting prior to finalization of the reports Final report containing all the above chapters, drawings, and necessary appendices Slide deck for presentation to Council TENTATIVE PROJECT TIMING Item: Week Of: Project Launch Meeting with Staff...April 20 Mid-Project Status Update July 27 Final Report.October 12 Presentation to Council Committee.. December 8 8

9 Schedule 1 Cycling Destinations by Trip Purpose (2009) 9

10 Schedule 2 Active Transportation Network: Draft Proposed Routes 10

11 Schedule 3 Natural Heritage System 11

12 Part B SIDEWALK NEEDS ASSESSMENT UPDATE TERMS OF REFERENCE INTENT This study will provide an update of the City s 2001 Sidewalk Needs Assessment (SNA) Study. The study will assess existing gaps in the sidewalk network and prioritize the gaps according to set criteria of factors. The final report will include an inventory of existing gaps, a ranking of the gaps, and a summary of the criteria used. There will be a community engagement component to this study. BACKGROUND The study falls under the City s Transportation Demand Management program in order to address improved active transportation connectivity throughout the community. The update of the City s 2001 Sidewalk Needs Assessment Study is required to review the City s existing sidewalk network. The original study was conducted to determine where the City s network does not match the current street design cross sections, to prioritize the locations and to provide preliminary cost estimates to implement the priority locations. The 2001 study identified 109 streets totalling approximately 88 kilometres of sidewalk that did not meet the road design criteria. This study is complementary to work being undertaken to implement the Cycling Master Plan and to the Active Transportation Network feasibility and design study being undertaken concurrently. The latter is focused on upgrading select primary trails throughout the City of Guelph. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS There are a number of reports and studies that are related to the proposed trails upgrade. The bidder shall assume responsibility to view/download/print the drawings, specifications and any related information not sent with this document. You are required to go to the City s website where under the under the description of this contract you will find links to the drawings, specifications and any related information not sent with this document. Shortages shall be reported to the City immediately. It will be your responsibility to make sure that when you print any drawings/sketches/etc., that they are printed to scale. As a minimum, the following documents are to be reviewed during the project: Sidewalk Needs Assessment Study: This 2001 Committee report and accompanying inventory and map provides the base information for this additional provisional study element. City Of Guelph Official Plan: Pedestrian connectivity is a key component of the policies under the Growth Management Strategy policies of the Official Plan. Emphasis is placed on pedestrian-oriented development and urban form, access to major transit stations and mixed use nodes, and connectivity within the transportation network. Official Plan Amendment 48 (OPA 48) The consultants shall have regard for the relevant policies in this OPA 48; however, they should note that it is currently under appeal in its entirety to the Ontario Municipal Board. OPA 48 was approved by Council with modifications by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on December 11, The Decision has 1

13 been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board. Updates to the status of the OPA can be found on the Ontario Municipal Board website. City of Guelph 1974 Draft Development Design Guidelines and Alternative Development Standards City of Guelph Interim Report: Though the title is still draft, this is the basis of the City of Guelph s development design guidelines, and is complemented by the Alternative Design Standards report from In the latter, Table 2 outlines the recommendations for inclusion of sidewalks by different road classification. Guelph-Wellington Transportation Strategy: Facility Accessibility Design Manual (2013): Guelph Trail Master Plan: In many instances, trails follow the road network for short stretches in order to connect between two parks or open spaces or off-road trail segments. The GTMP proposed trail network has been refined for inclusion in the Official Plan as Schedule 7 of OPA 48. Community Engagement Framework There are a series of guiding principles and responsibilities for each party listed on the Community Engagement website at Other studies to be accessed and reviewed during the project: City of Peterborough Sidewalk Strategic Plan 2012 Review. Available at The successful proponent should anticipate and cost for the number of meetings as indicated under each task. These meetings may be required to complete the task or be required as a regular progress update. The City will ONLY set up each meeting as required; the consultant will be responsible but not limited to, for recording all minutes of meetings and circulating copies to attendees and any and all other items required for the meetings indicated. All meetings (except the Council meeting which would be held after regular business hours) would be conducted during regular City business hours between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., with in person meetings held at a City facility. The City reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of meetings for any Task. SCOPE OF WORK Task 1: Background Information a. Review relevant background documents, reports, and plans. b. Analyze current development design guidelines and standards as they compare to typical or best practices in Ontario including any recommended changes c. Recommend a ranking criteria to support the prioritization of filling gaps in the sidewalk network; the criteria shall reflect the City s Official Plan policies and the general principles of pedestrian-friendly community design 2

14 d. Coordination with City of Guelph Community Engagement staff to complete an engagement plan for this study. Launch meeting with staff team and up to 2 meetings with specific city staff and stakeholders. Completed City of Guelph Community Engagement plan; Recommendations (if any) to update the Alternative Development Standards and Development Design Standards with respect to sidewalks; Recommendation of ranking criteria to prioritize sidewalk network improvements; Task 2: Data Collection a. Survey the sidewalk network to ensure an accurate inventory of existing sidewalks and missing links b. Collect necessary attribute information for each segment, including but not limited to: Presence of major pedestrian attractors/trip generators within 500 m, including employment, shopping, schools, transit stops, community amenities or other Conformity with existing Development Standards (1974 and 1994 standards) c. Update the existing GIS sidewalk layer, including adding the above attribute information as separate fields. d. Public consultations as per the Community Engagement Plan developed in Task 1 to collect feedback and input on the proposed ranking criteria for prioritizing new sidewalk construction. Formats for engagement exercises will be determined in consultation with Community Engagement staff; locations will be determined by City staff, but facilitation will be the responsibility of the consultant team Updated GIS Sidewalk Inventory layer Community engagement activity/ies on the ranking criteria developed in Task 1, with summary of results to include in the final report. Final recommended ranking criteria that includes results of the community engagement process Spreadsheet of the existing sidewalk gaps with attributes including a defining boundaries of each segment, and the attributes corresponding to the final ranking criteria Minimum of 1 meeting with staff. Task 3: Prioritize sidewalk construction a. Test, revise and apply the ranking criteria to the current Guelph sidewalk network b. Estimate the construction and marginal operational (annual maintenance, repair, replacement) costs in 2015 dollars for each phase and on a per-meter basis. c. Propose a phasing strategy to complete the sidewalk network high and medium priority needs within 20 years Final ranking criteria; Cost estimates for construction and maintenance (per meter and by phase) Proposed phasing for implementing high and medium priority sidewalk construction. 3

15 Task 4: Final Report a. A final report shall document all tasks identified above including: Executive Summary Background information describing purpose and context for study Results of updated sidewalk inventory, community engagement exercises, and final ranking criteria Final prioritization/ranking of sidewalk network and proposed phasing Cost implications Minimum of 1 staff meeting prior to finalization of the reports Final report containing all the above and any necessary appendices TENTATIVE PROJECT TIMING Item: Week of: Project Launch Meeting with Staff... April 20 Final Report. July 6 Presentation to Council Committee.. August or September