Active Transportation and Trails Plan 

Township of Laurentian Valley's Active Transportation and Trails Plan 2024
Click here to view the Active Transportation and Trails Plan (PDF Document 8.8 mb)

On November 19, 2024, Council authorized the adoption of the Township's first Active Transportation and Trails Plan (ATTP) as prepared by Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited.

The ATTP provides the Township with a strategic and forward-looking plan to enhance active transportation infrastructure and services that current and future residents want. There are many excellent active transportation facilities in the Township today, from recreational trails in nature areas such as the Forest Lea Trails or the LV Four Seasons Trail – to the Algonquin Trail. But there are also many opportunities to add new facilities or simply better connect the existing facilities that exist. The ATTP provides a vision for active transportation in Laurentian Valley that:

  • Promotes the development of a well-connected and safe active transportation network; and
  • Supports active transportation as an affordable and convenient transportation mode for different trip purposes and users of various abilities and ages. 

What is Active Transportation?

Active transportation is typically defined as human-powered form of travelling using muscle power. Examples include:

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Cycling
  • Rollerblading
  • Skateboarding
  • Cross-country skiing

The Trails portion of the plan will also consider other modes of recreational transportation including:

  • Equestrian
  • Snowmobiles
  • Off-Road vehicles including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

Background

The Township was able to complete it's first ATTP as a result of a successful grant application for the Permanent Public Transit Program – Active Transportation Fund through the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.  In February of 2023 an agreement was signed with the federal government awarding the Township $50,000 to assist in completing the plan. A request for proposal for consulting services was solicited by the Township on March 23, 2023 with a deadline to submit a proposal by April 19, 2023 at 2pm. The Township received four proposals including WSP Canada Inc., BT Engineering Inc., Sierra Planning and Management and Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd.   With Council’s approval the Township retained Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. to complete the study. 

What was involved in the Study?
The process of developing the ATTP was completed in three phases:
Phase 1: Foundation Building 

A review of background conditions to lay the foundation for the ATTP. Information was gathered and data was collected with the help of Township Staff. The public was initially consulted by public survey and a stakeholder meeting was held to understand key issues and report on the existing baseline conditions.

  • A public survey was available to complete online or in person at the Township Office from September 25 – October 31, 2023
  • A stakeholder meeting was held on October 4, 2023 from 6-8pm at the Township Office
Phase 2: Plan Formulation

Tools were developed to undertake technical analysis, assess of the opportunities and constraints for active transportation in Laurentian Valley, develop the network, establish the supporting policy framework and create the implementation plan.
Phase 3: Final Engagement and Documentation

The final phase included public and stakeholder outreach to present the draft plan and gather feedback, Township staff consultation, finalizing the report and presenting to Township Council.

  • 2nd stakeholder meeting  was held on April 29, 2024 from 6-8pm at the Township Office
  • Public open house was held on June 19, 2024 from 4-7:30pm at Alice & Fraser Rec Centre
  • The draft plan was also made available to the public online from June 19 – July 12, 2024 for the public to review and a final opportunity provide comments
  • Presentation to Council delivered by Kevin Jones, Senior Consultant of Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited that detailed the undertaking of the study and provided an executive summary of the ATTP's recommendations at the Council in Committee of October 8, 2024 with an opportunity for Council to provide comment. 
  • No comments were received by Council as result the plan was finalized and approved at the Regular Council meeting of November 19th, 2024 for adoption by By-law #2024-11-054.