Open House #2 - Oct. 16, 2024

On Oct. 16, 2024 a public second information centre was held at Rideau Heights Community Centre for the City of Kingston's new pedestrian bridge crossing at John Counter Boulevard and CN rail line as part of a Schedule "B" Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. The content from the display boards at that event is below.

Image of John Counter Boulevard.

Welcome to Public Information Centre #2

The purpose of Public Information Centre is to present information about the Environmental Assessment, provide the public with an opportunity to review and comment on the study process, existing conditions, and recommended preferred alternative solution. Representatives from the City of Kingston and their consultant, Egis Canada Ltd. (formerly McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers Ltd.), are available to discuss the project and answer any questions

We want to hear from you as your involvement is key to the success of the New Pedestrian Bridge Crossing at John Counter Boulevard and CN Rail Line Environmental Assessment. Please sign in before leaving! More details about the project are available on the project website: getinvolved.cityofkingston.

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

The Kingston Pedestrian Bride Environmental Assessment will be completed in accordance with a Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) and will complete Phases 1 to 2.
The MCEA is a process by which municipal infrastructure projects (municipal roads, bridges, water and wastewater) are planned in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Act.
The MCEA gives due regard to protect the environment, impacts, and includes the involvement of affected stakeholders in the decision-making process.
More information on the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process is on the Municipal Engineers website.

A flow chart of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. The City is currently on Phase 2: Alternative Solutions, consulting review agencies and public engagement for alternative solutions.

Project Study Area

The City of Kingston is initiating a study to identify alternative solution for potentially a new pedestrian and cycling crossing anticipated to cross over John Counter Boulevard and the CN Rail line to provide a north-south connection for the existing Kingston and Pembroke Trail (K & P Trail), between Division Street and Elliot Avenue. The existing K&P Trail (Purple Line) within the study area runs from Division Street at Weller Avenue, along Division Street to John Counter Boulevard, and then to Elliot Avenue

Existing conditions of John Counter Boulevard and Elliot Avenue intersection.

Map of Kingston with study area outlined along John Counter Boulevard from Division Street to Elliot Avenue.

Project understanding

The City of Kingston’s 2018 Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) – branded as Walk ‘n’ Roll Kingston – was designed and developed specifically for Kingston.
In efforts to implement the City’s ATMP, the City of Kingston prepared a Five-Year Active Transportation Implementation Plan (ATIP) which identified infrastructure, programming, and operational investments to foster a culture of active transportation in Kingston.
The plan prioritizes improvements to create an integrated city-wide active transportation network, identifies opportunities to develop neighbourhood-level connections, and outlines plans for programming and policy initiatives
The need for a new pedestrian and cycling crossing over John Counter Boulevard and the CN Rail line between Division Street and Elliot Avenue, was identified in the City’s ATMP and the initiation of this study was committed in the City’s ATIP.
A new pedestrian crossing over John Counter Blvd. and CN Rail Line, will enhance the north/south connectivity along the K&P Trail, as well as provide connectivity to City wide Active Transportation Cycling Routes, including existing on-road cycling facilities on John Counter Boulevard. This will help enhance numerous modes of transportation and public spaces by providing safe facilities for a variety of street users along John Counter Boulevard.
Learn more about the Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) & Five-Year Active Transportation Implementation Plan (ATIP).

Problem and opportunity statement

The existing conditions of the CN railway. The proposed bridge would provide a pathway over the rail line.The City of Kingston is committed to shifting its dominant mode of transportation from automobiles to active transportation. A new pedestrian crossing over John Counter Boulevard and the CN Rail Line will enhance north-south connectivity along the Kingston and Pembroke Trail (K&P Trail) and provide connectivity to city-wide Active Transportation Cycling Routes, including existing on-road facilities on John Counter Boulevard. Therefore, the City of Kingston has the opportunity to identify and evaluate alternative solutions to determine the best location and design for the pedestrian bridge crossing, in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process.

Environment existing conditions

Natural Environment

Gray Ratsnakes and Small-Footed Myotis bats (Species-at-Risk (SAR)) are likely present within the study area due to the limestone bedrock and the maternity roosting trees they use for their habitats.
Red-headed Woodpeckers have historically been in the area and may still be present, despite their declining population.
There are no SAR turtles within the study area, as there are no watercourses or ditch lines connecting the study area to the Greater Cataraqui Marsh Complex located east of it.
The surrounding landscape consists of forested areas along the CN Rail Line, open spaces, manicured grass, and landscaped areas, featuring a mix of native and non-native species.
No rare species or vegetation communities were found within the study area, and no fish or fish habitat were observed within or adjacent to it.

Land Use

The study area and lands directly adjacent are identified on the City of Kingston’s Official Plan as Regional Commercial, Arterial Commercial, Residential, and General Industrial.
The City of Kingston owns the John Counter Boulevard Right-of-Way (ROW).
There is an existing CN Rail Line corridor that runs adjacent to John Counter Boulevard for the entire length of the study area.
Approximately 1 km of the K&P Trail fall within the study area.

The existing conditions of the CN railway.

The existing cyclist gate at the Elliot Avenue connection to the K&P trail.

A map showing the modern K&P trail.

Proposed alternative solutions

Alternative solutions	Description of proposed alternative solution
1	Cantilever/attach a new pedestrian bridge to the existing Division Street Bridge and maintain/update active transportation facilities on John Counter Boulevard.
2a	Rehabilitate Division Street Bridge to provide passage across the bridge for pedestrian/ cyclists and maintain/upgrade active transportation facilities on John Counter Boulevard including Division Street and John Counter Boulevard intersection.
2b (new)	Replacement of Division Street Bridge with new MUP/K&P Trail across the bridge for pedestrian/ cyclists and maintain/upgrade active transportation facilities on John Counter Boulevard including Division Street and John Counter Boulevard intersection.
3	Align a new standalone pedestrian bridge adjacent to the existing Division Street Bridge and maintain/update active transportation facilities on John Counter Boulevard.
4	Align with the City owned property north-south orientation adjacent to Day Street and north of CN Rail Line near Worthington Way.
5	Align a new standalone pedestrian bridge from the north ROW extension of Day Street diagonally across John Counter Boulevard and CN Rail line to City Owned property.
6	Align a new standalone pedestrian bridge along the City owned property in the north-south orientation east of Day Street connecting to Elliott Avenue.
7	Align a new standalone pedestrian bridge along the City owned property diagonally over the CN Rail Line but not over John Counter Boulevard.
8	Align a new standalone pedestrian bridge from the ROW at the intersection of John Counter Boulevard and Elliott Avenue perpendicular across John Counter Boulevard and CN Rail line to CN Rail property.
9	Do-Nothing - A ‘Do Nothing’ scenario will be evaluated as a baseline comparison to other alternatives developed in this study.

An overhead view map of the study area showing the locations of 10 alternatives in relationship to John Counter Boulevard and the K&P Trail.

Evaluation criteria

Transportation / Technical

Criteria to evaluate whether the proposed alternative solutions addresses the Active transportation problems and opportunities identified for this study; as well as evaluate the technical suitability and engineering characteristics of the design concept.

Active Transportation
Connectivity
Accessibility
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
Transportation / Infrastructure Plans and Policies
Constructability
Durability/Service Life
Structural Engineering Risks

Utilities

Natural Environment

Criteria to evaluate the alternative solutions’ effects on the natural heritage systems, natural environment and habitats, air and water quality.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Wildlife Habitats (Terrestrial)
Species at Risk
Existing Watercourses
Air Quality/Climate Change

Social and Cultural Environment

Criteria to evaluate the alternative solutions effects on businesses, community and social features, properties, First Nations and archaeological, built and cultural heritage features within the study area.

Land Use / Socio-Economic Conditions
Planning Policy
Aesthetics
Archaeological, Built Heritage and Cultural Heritage Features
Construction/Maintenance Impacts
Public Input / Stakeholder Consultation

Implementation

Criteria to evaluate the financial implications and implementation opportunities of the alternative solutions.

Capital Costs
Operation Costs
Permitting/Approval
Property Impacts
Utility

Preliminary evaluation of alternative solutions

Alternative Solutions	Description	Advantage	Disadvantage	Carry forward or not
1	Cantilever/attach a new pedestrian bridge to the existing Division Street Bridge and maintain/update active transportation facilities on John Counter Boulevard.	Maintains existing infrastructure to support new pedestrian crossing. Should Division Street bridge be scheduled to undergo rehabilitation work within the next 5 years providing opportunities for economies of scale to perform the work. Reduced disruption and construction nuisance if planned with the scheduled bridge rehabilitation. Does not require property acquisition.	Upgrades are needed for pedestrian and cyclist facilities at the intersection of John Counter Blvd. and Division Street, as well as along John Counter Blvd., to ensure safety and continuity in the network. The K&P Trail's continuity is disrupted, as it is mainly an off-road trail. Structural reconstruction is necessary to support the cantilevered pedestrian bridge.	Carry forward
2a	Rehabilitate Division Street Bridge to provide passage across the bridge for pedestrian/ cyclists and maintain/upgrade active transportation facilities on John Counter Boulevard including Division Street and John Counter Boulevard intersection.	Preserves the existing infrastructure and has the lowest capital cost compared to other alternatives. Minimizes environmental impact, including less vegetation removal and fewer effects on sensitive species like birds, bats, and trees. Keeps the current K&P Trail alignment while improving safety for the Division Street bridge over CN Rail. Does not require property acquisition.	The existing width of the Division Street structure is limited, so adding a wider AT Pathway would necessitate narrowing the adjacent travel lanes. On-road facilities and potential conflict points at the busy intersection of John Counter Boulevard and Division Street could pose safety risks. Disrupts the continuity of the K&P Trail, which is primarily an off-road route.	Not carry forward
2b	Replacement of Division Street Bridge with new MUP/K&P Trail across the bridge for pedestrian/ cyclists and maintain/upgrade active transportation facilities on John Counter Boulevard including Division Street and John Counter Boulevard intersection.	The bridge replacement offers a chance to enhance active transportation facilities and ensure compliance with AODA standards. Environmental impacts are minimized (e.g., less vegetation removal and fewer effects on sensitive species such as birds, bats, and trees) by constructing the bridge within the existing Division Street Corridor. Direct access for the Rideau Heights and Kingscourt communities to schools, local businesses, and commercial areas. Preserves the current K & P Trail alignment while improving safety for the Division Street bridge over CN Rail. Construction stays within the existing CN Rail easement, which will help facilitate approval from CN Rail.	Does not include a separate pedestrian bridge and necessitates on-road facilities, creating potential safety conflicts at the busy intersection of John Counter Boulevard and Division Street. Disrupts the continuity of the K & P Trail, which is primarily an off-road route. May require the acquisition of property.	Carry forward
3	Align a new standalone pedestrian bridge adjacent to the existing Division Street Bridge and maintain/update active transportation facilities on John Counter Boulevard.	Minimal vegetation removal anticipated for this based on existing conditions. Shorter span structure to cross CN Rail Line only. Provides connection to Weller Pl. and stairs that access Division Street. Does not require property acquisition.	Potential conflicts with existing utility lines and hydro towers that run adjacent to Division Street. Potential conflicts with existing watermain, gas main and sanitary sewer that are along the same corridor. Not as accessible as other alternatives due to steep grades required to connect existing K&P network to new structure and stairs. Requires on-road facilities and dangerous conflict points at the busy intersection of John Counter Boulevard and Division Street.	Not carry forward
4	Align a new standalone pedestrian bridge from the north ROW extension of Day Street perpendicular across John Counter Boulevard and CN Rail line to CN Rail property.	Shorter span structure that crosses both John Counter Blvd. and CN Rail line as crossing is perpendicular. Utilizes existing City owned ROW at the north extension of Day Street. On-Road portions of the proposed route do not have as much traffic volume as Division Street and John Counter Boulevard. Allows for connection directly from John Counter Boulevard. Allows for connection to Powley Garden Drive.	Residences on Day Street may be opposed to the structure being placed near their residence and reducing privacy as well as the increases in foot traffic along Day Street. Additional infrastructure improvements may be required along Elliott Avenue and Day Street to accommodate pedestrian/cycling traffic. There are currently no sidewalks along Day Street. Requires property acquisition from CN Rail for sub-structure/ramps etc. Not the most direct route to connect K&P at Division Street to K&P at Elliott Avenue.	Not carry forward
5	Align a new standalone pedestrian bridge from the north ROW extension of Day Street diagonally across John Counter Boulevard and CN Rail line to City Owned property.	Aligns with City-owned property. Offers direct access for residential communities on the south side of John Counter Boulevard. The K&P Trail would need to be rerouted down Elliott Avenue to the new pedestrian bridge. On-road sections of the proposed route experience lower traffic volumes compared to Division Street and John Counter Boulevard. Provides a direct connection from John Counter Boulevard.	Residences on Day Street may be opposed to the structure being placed near their residence and reducing privacy as well as the increases in foot traffic along Day Street. Additional infrastructure improvements would be required along Elliott Avenue and Day Street to accommodate pedestrian/cycling traffic. There are currently no sidewalks along Day Street. Not the most direct route to connect K&P at Division Street to K&P at Elliott Avenue. Disrupts the continuity of the K&P Trail, which is mainly an off-road route. There may be potential conflicts with existing gas mains for the proposed active transportation facilities on Elliott Avenue. Requires a new CN Rail easement agreement for crossing over the railway tracks.	Not carry forward
6	Align a new standalone pedestrian bridge along the City owned property in the north-south orientation east of Day Street connecting to Elliott Avenue.	Aligns with City-owned property. Preserves the continuity of the K&P Trail, which is primarily an off-road route. On-road sections of the proposed route experience lower traffic volumes compared to Division Street and John Counter Boulevard. The length of approach ramps on the south side is significantly reduced due to the elevation of the existing rock where the proposed structure will be situated.	The existing rock outcrop may pose challenges for constructing access ramps along John Counter Boulevard due to changes in elevation, and it will be important to meet AODA requirements. May not offer direct access to the existing sidewalks and cycling facilities on John Counter Boulevard. Not direct access for the Rideau Heights and Kingscourt communities to schools, local businesses, and commercial areas. Additional infrastructure improvements would be required along Elliott Avenue to support pedestrian traffic. Significant tree clearing and possible removal of sensitive habitat may be required. Potential conflicts with gas mains for the proposed active transportation facilities on Elliott Avenue. Requires potentially new CN Rail easement agreement for the construction of new pedestrian. Current easement agreements need to be confirmed with CN Rail.	Carry forward
7	Align a new standalone pedestrian bridge along the City owned property diagonally over the CN Rail Line but not over John Counter Boulevard.	Aligns within City owned property. The City currently holds an existing easement agreement with CN Rail over the railway tracks at this location. Maintains continuity of K&P Trail being primarily an off-road trail.	Not direct access for the Rideau Heights and Kingscourt communities to schools, local businesses, and commercial areas. Requires the most space to construct the bridge and access ramps over other proposed alternative solutions. Longest spanning bridge and highest capital cost. Requires new Intersection Pedestrian Signal (IPS) at Elliott Avenue to connect to K&P Trail.	Carry forward
8	Align a new standalone pedestrian bridge from the ROW at the intersection of John Counter Boulevard and Elliott Avenue perpendicular across John Counter Boulevard and CN Rail line to CN Rail property.	Provides direct connectivity with the existing K & P Trail at Elliott Avenue and maintains K&P Trail being primarily an off-road trail. Provides safe access by eliminating the number of cross-walks and/or on road facilities required to access the new pedestrian bridge. New trail to the north of CN Rail would provide a safer and more accessible route than along the existing active transportation facilities on John Counter Boulevard. Help eliminate unsafe crossing at undesignated railway crossing at Elliot Avenue and John Counter Blvd.	Requires property acquisition from CN Rail for the construction of sub-structures and ramps, as well as the new MUP to the north of the railway tracks. In addition, a new CN Rail easement agreement for crossing over the railway tracks would be required. Not direct access for the Rideau Heights and Kingscourt communities to schools, local businesses, and commercial areas.	Not carry forward

Evaluation of alternative solutions

Alternative 9 – Do nothing

Transportation and engineering: Not Preferred

Land use planning objectives: Not Preferred

Natural Environment: Less Preferred

Social/Cultural Environment: Not Preferred

Economic Environment: Less Preferred

Summary

Not Recommended: Does not meet the objectives of the P&O Statement.

A ‘Do Nothing’ scenario was evaluated as a baseline comparison to other alternatives developed in this study.
Does not meet the objectives of the Problem and Opportunity Statement

Alternative 1 – Cantilever to Division Street Bridge

Transportation and engineering: Less Preferred

Land use planning objectives: Less Preferred

Natural Environment: Preferred

Social/Cultural Environment: Preferred

Economic Environment: Preferred

Summary

Not Recommended: Addresses the P&O Statement and consistent with planning policy and objectives.

Direct connection for pedestrians and cyclists traveling between the Rideau Heights and Kingscourt communities.
Requires significant structural work to safely cantilever proposed pedestrian bridge off the side of Division Street Bridge.
Maintaining the Divisions Street Bridge in its current state which doesn’t comply with AODA requirements.
Lower return on investment as bridge service life will be depended on the rehabilitation of the bridge.

Alternative 2b – Replacement of Division Street Bridge

Transportation and engineering: Preferred

Land use planning objectives: Less Preferred

Natural Environment: Preferred

Social/Cultural Environment: Preferred

Economic Environment: Preferred

Summary

Recommended: Addresses the P&O Statement and consistent with planning policy and objectives.

Direct access for the Rideau Heights and Kingscourt communities to schools, local businesses, and commercial areas.
Maintains continuity with the K&P Trails.
Highest return on investment, greatest cost/benefit.
Aligns within City owned property/CN easement.
New bridge will be designed to meet AODA requirements.

Alternative 6 – Rock Outcrop Crossing

Transportation and engineering: Preferred

Land use planning objectives: Preferred

Natural Environment: Not Preferred

Social/Cultural Environment: Less Preferred

Economic Environment: Less Preferred

Summary

Not Recommended: Addresses the P&O Statement and consistent with planning policy and objectives.

New bridge will be designed to meet AODA requirements.
Maintains continuity of K&P Trail.
The K&P Trail would need to be rerouted down Elliott Avenue to reach the new pedestrian bridge.
Not direct access for the Rideau Heights and Kingscourt communities.
Potential conflicts with existing infrastructure.
Potentially requires a new approval from CN Rail for a new easement agreement over the railway tracks.

Alternative 9 – John Counter Boulevard Diagonal Crossing

Transportation and engineering: Preferred

Land use planning objectives: Preferred

Natural Environment: Less Preferred

Social/Cultural Environment: Less Preferred

Economic Environment: Not Preferred

Summary

Not Recommended: Addresses the P&O Statement and consistent with planning policy and objectives.

Aligns within City owned property.
New bridge will be designed to meet AODA requirements.
Maintains continuity of K&P Trail being primarily an off-road trail.
Requires new Intersection Pedestrian Signal (IPS) at Elliott Avenue to connect to K&P Trail.
Not direct access for the Rideau Heights and Kingscourt communities to schools, local businesses, and commercial areas.
Longest spanning bridge and highest capital cost.

Proposed Alternative Solution 2b

Proposed Alternative Solution 6

Proposed Alternative Solution 7

Project schedule and next steps

Q4 2024 - Public Information Centre #2 - Present recommended alternative solution

Q4 2024 - Advertise project file report for a 30-day public review and comment period

Q4 2024 - Project completion

Review and address public comments received and consider in the evaluation of alternative solutions;
Update evaluation matrix and confirm selection of recommended Preferred Alternative Solution based on consultation;
Identify impacts of recommended Preferred Alternative Solution on the environment and develop mitigation measures, and
Select the Preferred Alternative Solution, to address the Problem and Opportunity Statement identified in Phase 1.