Staff presented an overview of the history of discussions regarding Boiler Beach Road Reconstruction. Although parking is technically permitted on the entire length of the roadway, this is causing encroachments on the traveled lane in many areas.
Staff presented two additional slides not included with the agenda. These contained feedback regarding concerns noted for Boiler Beach Road during engagement. The most highly noted concerns were safety of pedestrians and cyclists and speed of vehicles. Similar concerns were expressed by residents as non-residents.
Staff noted constraints to developing a multi use path which include limited space, requirement to move hydro poles, requirement for reinforcement of shoreline in areas, and the need to merge with vehicular traffic in multiple places along the trail.
Committee of the Whole discussed the options in the report, including the proposal of a one-way street.
Committee inquired about future watermain placement. Staff responded that there are numerous utilities that will be affected by road widening, and suggested that the proposed watermain would be placed deeply to avoid issues if the road was widened in the future.
Committee inquired about how parking spots would be defined on the west side. Staff suggested that areas would be paved and lined and no parking would be permitted in other areas. Other traffic calming measures may be required to limit speeding.
Committee noted that there was opportunities to explore more ways to address pedestrian and cyclist safety and address parks and recreation and strategic plan commitments. Committee noted that the trail from Kincardine stops at this section of roadway.
Concern was expressed that other capital projects may be limited if a multi use path moved forward. Staff noted that that changes to Boiler Beach Road is not yet included in the budget, and the discussions are intended to provide guidance to Staff on how to move forward, so that it can be included within the capital budget.
Staff did not have the data to respond to the Committee inquiry as to whether parking was predominantly being used by ratepayers of the Township or visitors.
Committee inquired about a multi-use path along Lake Range Blvd. Staff noted that space was available, and Lake Range may be a better candidate for a multi use path. Committee inquired about the constraints, and Staff noted that water levels could dramatically impact a multi use path. Staff noted that the tree line provides natural erosion protection to the shoreline.
Committee noted that Township's minimum standard in road reconstruction was for a sidewalk on one side, and inquired about whether this could be done on the East side. 1.5 m (five feet) New traffic standards for bike lanes is 1.2 m and the ideal width is 1.5m. Staff noted that land would need to be acquired to facilitate this.
The Committee discussed the type of engagement that would be available to residents on the project going forward. Staff are planning to use the Township's engagement platform HaveYourSayHK, and host a future open house if the project requires it.
Committee inquired about grant opportunities which may be available to facilitate a multi-use pathway.