EAST DON TRAIL - Toronto. Welcome 2. Housekeeping and Updates a) Housekeeping b) CLC Meetings c) Updates 3. Geomorph and Geotechnical Existing Conditions 4. Alternative Methods a)

EAST DON TRAIL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Community Liaison CommitteeMeeting #3July 15, 20136:30 to 8:30 pmFlemingdon Park Library

1. Welcome 2. Housekeeping and Updates

a) Housekeepingb) CLC Meetingsc) Updates

3. Geomorph and Geotechnical Existing Conditions4. Alternative Methods

a) Problem/Opportunity Statement and Project Objectivesb) Alternative Methods

5. Draft Evaluation Criteria6. Closing

Agenda

East Don Trail Environment Assessment

Housekeeping


1. Finalize Meeting Notes – Meeting #1 – Meeting #2

2. Access to CLC Materials– Provided in Dropbox Folder

Update: CLC Meetings


Meeting Content Date StatusCLC #1 Introduction, issues and

challengesApril 22 Complete

CLC #2 Alternatives to and evaluation

June Complete

CLC #3 Alternative trail alignments, draft criteria

July 15 Today

CLC #4 Evaluate alternative trail alignments

Aug 12 or 14

To be scheduled

CLC #5 Preferred alternative Oct 2013

• Stage 1 Archeological Assessment complete.• Fluvial geomorphic studies complete.• Environmental Baseline Report Draft being completed

for project team and Technical Advisory Committee review and will include:– Physical Environment– Natural/Biological Environment– Cultural Environment– Social-Economic Environment– Technical

Update: Existing Conditions


• Alternatives to were presented at CLC Meeting #2 on June 4th .

• CLC was provided an opportunity to provide comments during and after CLC Meeting.

• Revisions included:– Functional Value: Capturing multimodal transportation as a benefit– Additions to Social and Cultural Environment evaluation points, and

addition of Impact to Public Health

• Preferred alternative to: Provide Multi Use Trail Connection• Copy of final alternatives to to will be provided to CLC

Members for their reference via Dropbox.

Update: Alternatives To


Geomorph and Geotechnical Existing Conditions


• Reaches 3, 4, and 5• Located within Local

Study Area

Stream Systems Understanding – Reach 3


Key Features:

•Significant valley wall contacts throughout reach along outside bend of

swooping meanders.

•Channel primarily natural condition with floodplain access into mature valleyland

• Minimal channel alteration, only local areas of bank / rip rap protection.

•Sanitary sewer within valley system.

•One location where trail may extend along top of valley.



Key Features:

•Wide valley setting with meander contacts along both slopes;

•Average W:D – 35m:1.5m –slightly wider than R3;

•Localized areas of erosion / slope protection;

•Active channel migration and bend extension where unmitigated;

•Overtopping / floodplain access under moderate flow conditions.

Key Features:

•Confined valley setting with low amplitude meanders;

•Average W:D – 30m:2m – slightly narrower and deeper than R3;

•Recent channel and slope engineering to facilitate maint.

route;

•Channel generally stable condition;

•Overtopping / floodplain access under moderate flow conditions.



78

Questions?

Geomorph and Geotechnical Existing Conditions


Alternative Methods


• Problem/Opportunity Statement• Project Objectives

Introduction and Identify Problem/opportunity

• Alternatives To• Provide Multi Use Trail Connection

Existing ConditionsAlternatives To and Evaluation

• Alternative Trail AlignmentsAlternatives Methods

• Draft Evaluation CriteriaEvaluate Alternatives Methods/Trail Alignments

Preferred Alternative

Refine Preferred Alternative

Environmental Study Report

Nov. 2012 - May 2013

May - Sept. 2013

Oct. 2013 - Jan. 2014

Feb. – June 2014

Today

Recap: Process to this point:

Problem/ Opportunity Statement


A significant gap in the multi-use trail network exists within the East Don Corridor between Existing East Don Trail (East of Wynford Heights Crescent), Gatineau Corridor Trail (at approximately Bermondsey Rd), and the Don Trail System. The East Don Trail will fill this existing gap in the trail network thus creating a continuous connected trail network.

Project Objectives


Connections• To provide a key connection route linking local and inter-regional trail

systems.

Public Safety• To provide a safe way for a broad spectrum of users to access the valley

system.• To provide safe off road options (where possible) for cycling and recreational

use.• To investigate options to accommodate emergency response, City and utility

maintenance vehicles/activities.

Natural Environment• To assist in the management of informal trails by providing a single focused

multi-use trail within the East Don Corridor.• To be respectful of the natural environment through the alignment, design,

and construction of the trail by aiming to avoid, prevent, or minimize negative impacts.

• To increase access for a range of users to discover and appreciate natural areas within the City.

Project Objectives


Recreation• To create trail and outdoor recreational opportunities for a variety of users.• To provide trail and outdoor recreational opportunities for neighboring

communities.

Transportation• To function as a safe travel route to everyday places and amenities.

Supports Other Initiatives• To coordinate with other planning initiatives in the area allowing for future

integration of the multi-use trail. (e.g. Eglinton Cross-town LRT).

Alternatives To• These are alternatives to the undertaking and are

functionally different ways of approaching and dealing with the problem or opportunity.

• Preferred alternative to: Provide Multi Use Trail Connection

Alternative Methods• These are alternative methods of carrying out the

undertaking and are different ways of doing the same activity.

• For the purpose of this project termed: Alternative Trail Alignments.

Alternatives


• Different trail alignment options.• High level

– details will be addressed as part of the refinement of the preferred alignment.

– For example, will determine if we need to cross the river but will not assess bridge length or load capacity.

• Will undergo evaluation to determine the preferred alignment (next CLC meeting).

• Broken down into 3 Areas, these areas have been determined based on infrastructure and property challenges and river reach processes.

Alternative Trail Alignments


Areas



Area 12 trail alignment options:• Forest Trail A• Forest Trail B

• Road Link A• Road Link B• Road Link C

• River Walk A• River Walk B• River Walk C

• Rail Trail A• Rail Trail B• Rail Trail C

Area 33 trail alignment options:• Access Route A• Access Route B• Access Route C

Area 29 trail alignment options:

Area 1


Alternatives: Forest Trail AForest Trail B

• Northern extent of study area

• Connects with existing East Don Trail

• Potential ESA• Adjacent Wynford

Concord, Victoria Village



Bridge CrossingPotential Slope Stability Issues

Existing Trail

Area 1: Issues and Challenges



1. Potential River Crossing Location

2. Crossing Under Rail Line

12




3

4

3. Large Erosion Scar

4. Potential rail line tunnel location




5

6


6. Potential Eglinton Crossing

Area 1: Forest Trail A



Key Points• 6 bridges• Erosion remediation works

not required • Allows connections to be

made into Victoria Village• ~1.6km

Area 1: Forest Trail B



Key Points• 4 bridges• Erosion remediation works

would be required• Does not allow for

connections to be made into Victoria Village Community

• ~1.6km

Area 1Alternative Trail Alignments

• Do you agree with the trail alignments as presented?

• Are any trail alignments options missing?

Forest Trail A

Forest Trail B

Common to Both

Bridge Crossing

Potential Slope Stability Issues

Existing Trail


Rail Line Crossing

Area 2



Alternatives: Road Link A, B & CRiver Walk A, B & CRail Trail A, B & C

• Middle of study area• Includes Golf Course

property and Hydro One Corridor

• Connection to Gatineau Corridor Trail

• Adjacent employment industrial area and Flemingdon Park

• 9 Alternative Trail Alignments

up



Existing Trail


Area 2: Details on Descriptions Alternative Trail Alignments

up

Spine (in blue)

Gatineau(in orange) • Area 2 contains 9


• This is a combination of:– 3 different “Spine” options

identified in blue; and – 3 different “Gatineau”

options identified in orange.

• Each of the alternatives are unique and will all be evaluated individually

up




7

8

7. St. Dennis Dr

8. Steep Access into Valley




9. Rail line right of way

10. Golf Course and Hydro Corridor

up

9

10




11. Mass Slumps of Active Slope

12. Pinch Point Rail and Active Slope

up

11

12

Gatineau Access Trail: Issues and Challenges



up

17

18 17. Hydro Tower and Access Route

18. Potential At Grade Rail Line Crossing


up


19

20

19. Potential Rail Line Tunnel

21. Access Route20. Forested

21

Gatineau Access Trail: Issues and Challenges


up

Road Link A

Road Link B

Common to All

Bridge Crossing


Existing Trail


Area 2: Alternatives Road Link A, B & C Alternative Trail Alignments

3 Alternative Trail Alignments

Rail Line Crossing

Road Link C


Area 2: Alternatives Road Link AAlternative Trail Alignments

Key Points• ~2.9kmSpine• 2 bridges • Requires travel on road ROW, potential

relocation of infrastructure (light standards)

• Safety concerns and steep access• Does not require acquisition of privately

owned golf courseGatineau • Crosses rail line once: would not be an

at grade• 1 bridge and 1 potential bridge • Steep areas with varying topography• Travels between two City of Toronto

Works properties (BermondseyTransfer Station & Bermondsey Yard)

• Utilizes a portion of existing Toronto Water access route

Gatineau

Spine


Area 2: Alternatives Road Link B Alternative Trail Alignments




owned golf courseGatineau • Crosses rail line once: potentially an at

grade crossing• 1 bridge• Passes two Hydro towers, one with

limited space, may require anti climbing devices

• Requires Hydro One Licensed agreement

• Utilizes existing access route

Gatineau

Spine


Area 2: Alternatives Road Link C Alternative Trail Alignments




owned golf courseGatineau • 1 bridge • Passes between large erosion scar and

rail line (limited to no space)• Passes two Hydro towers, one with



• Travels over former landfill • No rail line crossing necessary• Utilizes existing access route

Gatineau

Spine


River Walk A

River Walk B

Common to All

Bridge Crossing


Existing Trail


Area 2: Alternatives River Walk A, B & C Alternative Trail Alignments


Rail Line Crossing

River Walk C


Area 2: Alternatives River Walk AAlternative Trail Alignments

Key Points• ~2.7kmSpine• 4 bridges• Requires acquisition of privately owned

golf course property• Generally flat and even terrain• Does not require steep access to

connect with remainder of spine trailGatineau• Crosses rail line once: would not be an

at grade crossing• 1 bridge and 1 potential bridge • Steep areas with varying topography• Travels between two City of Toronto



Gatineau

Spine


Area 2: Alternatives River Walk B Alternative Trail Alignments



connect with remainder of spine trailGatineau • Crosses rail line once: potentially an at

grade crossing• Passes two Hydro towers, one with




Gatineau

Spine


Area 2: Alternatives River Walk C Alternative Trail Alignments



connect with remainder of spine trailGatineau Access• 1 bridge • Passes between large erosion scar and




• Travels over former landfill • No rail line crossing necessary• Utilizes existing access route

Spine

Gatineau


Rail Trail A

Rail Trail B

Common to All

Bridge Crossing


Existing Trail


Area 3: Alternatives Rail Trail A, B & C Alternative Trail Alignments


Rail Line Crossing

Rail Trail C


Area 2: Alternatives Rail Trail AAlternative Trail Alignments

Key Points• ~2.1kmSpine• 4 bridges• Requires travel along rail line right of

way• Fencing of route necessary• Safety and noise level concerns• Does not require steep access to

connect with remainder of spine trail Gatineau • Crosses rail line once: would not be an

at grade crossing• 1 potential bridge • Steep areas with varying topography• Travels between two City of Toronto



Spine

Gatineau


Area 2: Alternatives Rail Trail B Alternative Trail Alignments

Key Points• ~2.2kmSpine• 4 bridges• Requires travel along rail line right of

way• Fencing of route necessary• Safety and noise level concerns• Does not require steep access to

connect with remainder of spine trail Gatineau• Crosses rail line once: potentially an at

grade crossing• Passes two Hydro towers, one with




GatineauSpine


Area 2: Alternatives Rail Trail 3 Alternative Trail Alignments

Key Points• ~2.9kmSpine• 4 bridges• Requires travel along rail line right of way• Fencing of route necessary• Safety and noise level concerns• Does not require steep access to connect

with remainder of spine trail Gatineau • 1 bridge • Passes between large erosion scar and



• Requires Hydro One Licensed agreement• Travels over former landfill • No rail line crossing necessary• Utilizes existing access route

SpineGatineau


Area 2: Alternatives Road LinkAlternative Trail Alignments

Road Link Alternative A Road Link Alternative B Road Link Alternative C

River Walk Alternative B River Walk Alternative C


Area 2: Alternatives River WalkAlternative Trail Alignments

River Walk Alternative A

Rail Trail Alternative B Rail Trail Alternative C


Area 2: Alternatives Rail TrailAlternative Trail Alignments

Rail Trail Alternative A




River Walk (A,B,C)

Rail Trail (A,B,C)

Common to All (Gatineau)

Bridge Crossing


Existing Trail


Rail Line Crossing

up

Road Link (A,B,C)

Area 3



Alternatives:Access Route AAccess Route BAccess Route C

• South end of study area • Will connect to Don Trail

networks• Toronto Water access

route• Adjacent Parkview Hills,

O’Conner Parkview, and Flemingdon Park



Existing Trail




13

14


14. Toronto Water Access Route




15. Crossing Under the DVP

16. Connection to Lower Don Trail

15

16

Area 3: Alternative Access Route A



Key Points• ~1.7 km• 2 bridges• Travels under DVP once

(under bridge)• Access to Lower Don trail

and ET Seton Park is direct

• Potential safety concerns

Area 3: Alternative Access Route B



Key Points• ~1.7km• 2 bridges• Travels under DVP once

(under bridge)• Access to Lower Don trail

and ET Seton Park is direct

• Potential safety concerns

Area 3: Alternative Access Route B



Key Points• ~2.2 km• 1 bridge and 1 potential

bridge replacement• Travels under DVP twice

(under bridges)• Access area is very steep

and narrow, and travels through a mature forested area

• Access to Lower Don trail is not direct

• Access to Taylor Creek Park Trail is direct




Access Route B

Access Route C

Common

Bridge Crossing


Existing Trail


Rail Line Crossing

Access Route A

• To determine the impact of each alternative trail alignment in order to select a preferred trail alignment

• Criteria are draft• Evaluation of criteria will be discussed at next CLC

meeting• Please provide comments by July 29

Draft Evaluation Criteria


CLC review of draft Evaluation Criteria: July 15 to July 29 (two week review)

Functional ValueDraft Evaluation Criteria

Criteria IndicatorsMeets project high level goal #1: Trail is located within the valley lands

Located within zoned Parks and Natural Areas.

Meets project high level goal #2: Trail supports multi users Accessibility, access grades, topography.

Meets access and use for infrastructure maintenance and emergency services

Access grades, topography, bridge crossings, distance to infrastructure, turn radius.

Does not eliminate future opportunities to create connections

Location of current and anticipated future opportunities.

Meets objectives for additional initiatives (not related to EA objectives)

Potential to meet or eliminate objectives for additional initiatives.

Ease of use/ Usability Continuity, disruptions, frequency of stops, length of trail.


Natural and Physical EnvironmentDraft Evaluation Criteria


Criteria IndicatorsPotential impact to terrestrial vegetation

Quality and quantity of vegetation removed, including L rankings, invasive and non natives.

Potential impact to wildlife habitat and connectivity

Location of trail through mature forest and key wildlife habitats assessing for size, shape, function, and connections.

Potential impact to aquatic habitat

Quality and quantity of vegetation removed, including L rankings, invasive and non natives, number of bridges, distance of trail to river.

Potential impact to wetlandsDistance of trail to wetlands, wetland community L ranking, circumvent natural surface drainage.

Natural and Physical EnvironmentDraft Evaluation Criteria


Criteria IndicatorsPotential impact on erosion processes

Number of bridge crossings together with the proximity of the trail to the edge of the river banks or unstable slopes.

Potential impacts on surface drainage and groundwater

Potential impact on natural surface drainage paths together with potential alterations to groundwater regime.

Potential impacts to East Don River processes

Potential impact on flood levels within the valley system, alteration of channel hydraulics, control on natural morphological processes, and water quality.

Social and Cultural EnvironmentDraft Evaluation Criteria


Criteria IndicatorsImpact to public safety objectives Proximity to river, rail lines, road ways, and

hydro towers, sight lines and amount of turns.

Disruption to local study area business and infrastructure operations and maintenance

Acquisition, easement or license agreements, potential to impede current operations and use.

Disruption to existing valley land actives/uses

Potential negative impacts on existing valley uses.

Social and Cultural EnvironmentDraft Evaluation Criteria


Criteria IndicatorsRecreational Value Access to river, ability to provide additional

opportunities and experiences in the future, follow current informal trail (known use of area).

Aesthetics Sight barriers, varying natural surroundings, vistas, and views.

Noise Level Proximity to works yards, rail line, road, industrial/commercial areas.

Potential to impact known or potential archaeological sites, built heritage sites, and cultural heritage landscapes

Potential sites, known sites, trail utilizes already disturbed areas.

CostDraft Evaluation Criteria


Criteria IndicatorsCapital Cost Number of bridge structures, tunnels under

the railway, acquisition of private property, channel restoration and slope stabilization, and total length of trail through valley.

Operational and Maintenance Cost Relative cost of maintaining the trail based on future risks due to flooding and erosion, proximity of trail to frequent flood levels, number of bridge or tunnel structures associated with each alternative with an expected 25 year lifespan.

Cost Benefit Obtaining access to valley for sanitary sewer maintenance, slope stabilization to protect private property and overall benefit to public safety.

TechnicalDraft Evaluation Criteria


Criteria IndicatorsTechnical Feasibility Private property disruptions, acquisitions,

constraints (ie. interaction with private golf course, ability to open cut rail crossings, use of at-grade rail crossings, trail adjacent to hydro one infrastructure) & slope or erosion stabilization measures .

Ease of Implementation Approvals, both community and landowner acceptance, length of time to implement, required closure of rail lines at tunnel locations.

• Evaluate alternative trail alignments • Select preferred alternative• CLC meeting #4 will take place August 12

or 14 – date to be determined

Next Steps


Questions?


Documents

EAST DON TRAIL - Toronto. Welcome 2. Housekeeping and Updates a) Housekeeping b) CLC Meetings c) Updates 3. Geomorph and Geotechnical Existing Conditions 4. Alternative Methods a)