Session C3 - ARPA 2009 Conference

1. Green Communities Guide
• Three Sisters
Drive Case Study
Town of Canmore
• Overview of
Pedestrian / Pathway pedestrian / cyclist
Improvements Improvements in
Town of Canmore
Kevin Van Vliet, P.Eng.
Manager, Engineering Services
Why do we care about trails and Why is an Engineer presenting
paths? this? Aren’t they EVIL?
• Alternative Transportation • Roads, sidewalks, paths and trails are
– Reduce vehicle emissions about moving people
– Reduce car numbers, impact on infrastructure
• Recreational paths can also be effective
– Improve community health and happiness
commuter paths (multi-use and multi-
• People value our paths and trails purpose).
– Top ranked ammenity contributing to our Sense of • A holistic approach has an incredible net
Community benefit.
– Primary use for a practical task (get something done)
Why is an Engineer presenting Recreational and “Commuter” use
this? Aren’t they EVIL? of Trails and Paths
• … Engineers are really good at getting • Two uses can overlap at times
and spending lots of money. Get them on • Trail / sidewalk and destination
side! connectivity
• Include Pedestrian and cyclist movements • Improve trail standard
in Transportation Master Plans – Asphalt vs. gravel?
– Width (ideally 2.5 to 3 metres)
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2. Challenges - Geographic
Challenges - Canmore (opportunities)
• Barriers – Geographic & physical
– Connectivity
– To active use
• Car oriented culture
• Budget
• Departmental Silos
Challenges - Barriers Challenges - Barriers
• Stairs and grades
• Sidewalk width and functionality
• Snow and ice
Challenges - Barriers Solutions - Connectivity
• Trails Master Plan
• Transportation Master Plan
• Bow Corridor Regional Mobility
Partnership
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3. Independent Paths
Solutions being Implemented “Cougar Commuter 2009”
• New independent path projects
• Street redesign incorporations (e.g. Three
Sisters Drive)
• Budget
Independent Paths Independent Paths
“Cougar Commuter” “Harvie Heights Trail – 2007 / 09”
Independent Paths Independent Paths
“Harvie Heights Trail” “Banff – Canmore Legacy Trail - 2010”
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4. Street Improvements
Street Improvements Three Sisters Drive
Three Sisters Drive
• Incorporate pedestrian improvements with
street (re) construction projects where
possible
– Three sisters Drive
– Elk Run Boulevard sidewalk
– 8th ave (vs. 7th ave)
– 6th ave (downtown)
Street Improvements Street Improvements
Three Sisters Drive 8th Avenue - 2006
Independent Paths Independent Paths
Three Sisters Commuter Trail - 2012
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5. How much we spend? Lessons Learned and Advice
• $150,000 per year “Bike Lane, Sidewalk • Ensure linkage, continuity between
and Pedestrian Crossing Improvements” Engineering / street movement and
• Independent larger projects Recreational movement as people will use
– 2007 – $425,000 path for commuting.
– 2008 – $530,000 • Consider paving commuter paths
– 2009 - $368,000 – Appropriate sun, clearable, etc.
• Some sidewalk improvements included in • Ensure Transportation Master Plan
street reconstruction considers pedestrian and cycling
movement
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