$216K contract would prepare County-wide transportation master plan

Council is moving forward to award a $216,000 contract to WSP Canada Group to prepare a ‘County Wide Transportation Master Plan’.

Master plans address need, justification and alternative solutions. It is expected to take about a year to complete.

The professional engineering service would be funded through the Development Charges Reserve Fund ($164,600) and the Reserve for Planning Purposes ($85,400).

“The County of Prince Edward has never developed a Transportation Master Plan (TMP), but is at a point where the tools provided in such a plan are needed to ensure that the needs, goals, objectives and vision for a multi-modal transportation system will meet travel demands for a 20 year horizon in a manner that is sustainable and compatible with future growth plans for both the County and the Province,” said Peter Moyer, Director of Development Services, in a report to council’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Thursday.

The TMP is to define the County’s vision of transportation priorities, programs and networks consistent with the Corporate Strategic Plan, the new Official Plan and address current and future multi-modal traffic needs.

Two rounds of formal public consultation will include meetings in Picton, Wellington, Rossmore and Cherry Valley, and possibly others; two workshops and six sessions with community stakeholder groups; a public survey and two council presentations.

The scope of services being provided includes a review of the existing transportation system (rural roads, streets, trails, transit nodes, sidewalks, crosswalks, cross overs) and assess deficiencies, opportunities and current policies.

The TMP would also forecast travel demand based on anticipated growth demographics for five, 10 and 20-year horizons for daytime and evening hours and considering peak tourist conditions. Specific portions of County Roads 12, 11 and 18 leading to the Sandbanks will be included as areas subject to volume.

Also noted, are reviewing a need for a Picton bypass adjacent to the Millennium Trail; traffic challenges in downtown Picton and Wellington; a review of key intersections and reviewing existing reduced load period policies and practices and identify trends or areas and conditions where restrictions could be reduced or removed.

Increased use of roundabouts is among notes in the development and assessment of alternative solutions portion of the plan.

The bylaw will come up for approval at the Sept. 24 meeting of council.

Click here for the full report on the proposal award