STUDY AREA
In 2001, the former Town of Dundas was amalgamated with the City of Hamilton. Dundas is situated at the west end of Lake Ontario with the downtown forming the main commercial area of the Town. The Study Area is bounded by Spencer Creek to the south, King Street West to the north, and beyond York Street to the east, and Matilda Street to the west. Improvements to the downtown Dudas area will likely have further positive effects on streets extending outside the study area, such as Governor’s Rd, specifically at the Pirie Drive and Ridgewood Boulevard intersections (see Figure 1: Map of Study Area). The City of Hamilton retained Dillon Consulting Limited to complete a Transportation Master Plan for downtown Dundas following Phase 1 and 2 of the Class Environmental Assessment process.
The predominant land uses within the study area include commercial, office, downtown mixed use, and residential. It is the intention of the City that downtown Dundas will continue to serve as the primary commercial shopping area for the Town, with special attention focused on the maintenance and enhancement of its economic vitality, its attractive heritage character, and its strong pedestrian orientation. A wide range of high quality goods and services, new employment opportunities, and multiple family residential development will be encouraged to develop in appropriate areas.
Figure 1 – Study Area
(Click for larger image)
STUDY PURPOSE
In 2005, the City completed an Urban Design Study for Hatt Street in Dundas to identify revitalization and strategic implementation strategies to guide future development of the Hatt Street area within downtown Dundas. The study identified a focus on strengthening pedestrian connections/accessibility with catalytic/incremental implementation emphasized. Following the completion of the study and adoption by Council, the City identified the need to complete a Master Transportation Plan for the Downtown Dundas area, following the completion of the City-wide Transportation Master Plan process.
The City recently completed the City-wide comprehensive Hamilton Transportation Master Plan (HTMP) (2007) to establish principles and strategies for targeted improvements to the transportation network (including roads, transit, cycling and walking facilities, public parking, and the City’s connections to marine, rail, and aviation facilities) to 2031. The HTMP is a high-level policy document that is intended to move the City toward the achievement of the objectives of Vision 2020 and are reflective of the 9 Strategic Directions to guide development decisions that were identified as part of the Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy (GRIDS), including Direction No. 6—expand transportation options that encourage travel by foot, bike, and transit and enhance efficient inter-regional transportation connections.
The City of Hamilton initiated the Downtown Dundas Transportation Master Plan (DDTMP) to further develop the recommendations made in the HTMP and the Hatt Street Urban Design Study. The study will outline short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations for Dundas encompassing improvements to the transportation network as well as a review of the impact of proposed developments in Downtown area. Neighbourhood traffic and transportation concerns will be identified and addressed through the master planning process to provide the City with a “roadmap” for required improvements in the area.
The master plan will provide the City with the strategies and policy directions to manage transportation needs safely, effectively, and cost efficiently while providing Dundas residents with a range of transportation choices to meet their needs. Ultimately, the Dundas Transportation Master Plan will result in a more liveable community that supports the mobility needs of its residents, businesses, and visitors.
ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS
There are a range of issues and constraints that will be addressed through the public process for this study. Specific key issues and constraints that have already been identified within the context of the study include:
- Heritage Resources – There are several buildings deemed to be of historic significance along King Street and Hatt Street within the study area. The alternatives will consider and assess the degree of impact to the heritage resources.
- Integration With Previously Identified Roadway Improvements – The City of Hamilton Road Network Strategy identified roadway improvements between 2012 and 2021 that are anticipated to include: two-way left turn lanes along Grovernor’s Road between Creighton Drive and Bridlewood Drive and widening Grovernor’s Road from Creighton Drive to Osler Drive. It will be important to ensure that the planned improvements are considered in light of the Master Plan.
- Improved Pedestrian/Cycling Connections – The Hatt Street Urban Design Study identified a focus on strengthening pedestrian connections and accessibility along the Hatt Street corridor. The alternatives identified will include opportunities for improving pedestrian access and accessibility throughout the study area. The availability and connectivity of cycling facilities and routes will also be reviewed as part of the master plan strategies and policies.
- Safety – There have been a number of vehicular intersection and mid-block collisions within the downtown area. The alternatives will address safety concerns to ensure that the alternatives put forward will improve and enhance safety.
- Integration of Travel Modes – It is evident, based on current available transit services, that there is a need to improve available transit services to/from the downtown area. A better choice of integrated travel modes, emphasizing active transportation and public transit should be supported.
During the agency, stakeholder and public consultation process, additional concerns and issues may arise which will be addressed within the context of the study.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Ontario Environmental Assessment Act
The Environmental Assessment (EA) process is a planning tool used to identify the possible adverse effects of proposed municipal infrastructure projects on the environment. The Ontario Environmental Assessment Act requires Ontario municipalities to complete an EA when undertaking capital works projects. Municipalities in Ontario have the benefit of using the Municipal Engineers Association's Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) process for certain municipal road, water, and wastewater projects.
By eliminating or reducing effects on the environment, the municipality can avoid expensive, and sometimes controversial, remedial action once the project has been completed. Over the long-term, an environmental assessment provides decision makers with the kind of information they need to approve projects that are suitable with a healthy, sustainable environment for both present and future generations.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Specific goals and objectives of the Downtown Dundas Transportation Master Plan are to:
- Identify mobility needs for people and goods that are consistent with Dundas’ needs and values;
- Identify opportunities and realistic targets for transportation mode choices, including public transit, cycling, and pedestrian facilities;
- Derive methods to increase transit use;
- Explore opportunities to reduce dependency on the automobile through Travel Demand Management measures; and
- Identify required infrastructure improvements.
The study will be coordinated with various initiatives, including the Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy (GRIDS), City of Hamilton Official Plan Review, Development Charges Bylaw Review, and Capital Budget process to promote consistency with planning strategies and coordination of long-term infrastructure planning solutions.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Consultation early in and throughout the process is a key component of environmental assessment planning. An important part of the study will be consultation with interested stakeholders including the public, interest groups, and regulatory agencies. The consultation program has been developed to ensure that all of those with a potential interest in the study have the opportunity to participate and provide input during the process.
Two Public Information Centres (PICs) will be held during the study to provide an opportunity for public input on existing traffic concerns, the problem/opportunities identified, and the proposed recommendations. The PICs will be planned for a weekday evening and will be a drop-in/open house format, with staff from the City and Dillon available to answer questions and record comments. Public/stakeholder ideas and comments will be conveyed to the Project Team for review and consideration.
Two Invitational Stakeholder Meetings will be held to provide a forum for in-depth discussions related to existing traffic concerns in the area and to receive input on the proposed recommendations. The Stakeholders may include members of the Dundas Community Council, cycling and pedestrian groups, businesses, and other community stakeholders identified by the Study Team.
An information memorandum will be circulated at the May 2008 Dundas Community Council meeting, advising persons of the study initiation and informing them about an upcoming stakeholder meeting (scheduled for May 26th) and the first Public Information Centre (scheduled for June 5th). A formal presentation will be made in September 2008 to the Dundas Community Council to advise them of the results of the study, which will be presented at the second PIC, anticipated in the fall of this year.
Additionally, those interested in this study will be able to access information about this project through the project website. The website provides access to the EA process for members of the public unable to attend the PICs.
Comments can be forwarded anytime by mail, e-mail, or in person at the PICs to the Project Team.
STUDY ORGANIZATION
As outlined, this study will follow the Class Environmental Assessment planning and design process with the City of Hamilton acting as the proponent. The overall study is comprised of two distinct components, a technical and a public consultation component. These two components will be conducted simultaneously throughout the study. The findings of the technical segment will be communicated to various agencies and the public at several points throughout the study. The public consultation portion has been designed to allow for continuous public and agency input into the study during the planning and design process.
The Study Team, with members from the City of Hamilton and Dillon Consulting Limited, is responsible for the overall study. Hamilton City Council will review and approve the Master Plan recommendations. Opportunities for external study input will be extended to Technical Agencies and Stakeholder Groups through Stakeholder meetings. Additional public feedback will be received via two Public Information Centres during the process.
PROPOSED STUDY SCHEDULE
The proposed work program reflects the study scope, the requirements of the Master Planning Process under the Municipal Class EA and the City’s Terms of Reference for the study.
The following milestones and completion dates have been identified:
STAKEHOLDER MEETING No. 1
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE No. 1
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE No. 2
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE No. 3
FINAL REPORT
Appendicies
PUBLIC COMMENTS INVITED
There is opportunity at any time during this process for interested persons to review outstanding issues and bring concerns to the attention of the Project Manager. If you require additional information related to the study or wish to be added to the study mailing list, please contact:
Lorissa Skrypniak, MCIP, RPP
Senior Project Manager
Transportation Planning
Public Works Department
City of Hamilton
Tel: 905-546-2424 Ext. 2732
Fax: 905-546-4435
E-Mail: tplanning@hamilton.ca
Bill Allison
Consultant Project Manager
Dillon Consulting Limited
5 Cherry Blossom Road
Cambridge, Ontario, N3H 4R7
Tel.: 519-650-9833
Fax: 519-650-7424
E-mail: wallison@dillon.ca
The project website: www.hamilton.ca/DowntownDundasTMP