Category Archives: Biking and walking

The Sidewalk Needs Assessment (SNA) study supports improved connectivity for pedestrians throughout the City. City staff worked with Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. to: Review the current guidelines for sidewalk construction and explore municipal best practices; Develop ranking criteria for prioritizing which gaps need to be filled in; and Propose an implementation strategy and cost estimate for completing the sidewalk network. Where we are at The original study report was completed in December 2016. Council approved the Sidewalk Needs Assessment report (page 11) at their March 27, 2017 meeting. Since 2017, the 1,145 meters of new sidewalk have been built: Eastview Road from Summit Ridge to Watson Parkway (multi-use path) Elmira Road near Tovell Rd Exhibition Street from Powell to near Division St Goldie Ave near Memorial Cr Grange Road near Auden… Continue reading Sidewalk Needs Assessment study update, December 2018

Starting today, residents can have their say on the refined vision for the Ward to Downtown Bridge project until November 28, 2018. Continue reading Have your say on the refined vision for the Ward to Downtown Bridge

Give back to your community and keep kids safe Do you want to give back to your community? Do you want to keep children and pedestrians safe? Do you enjoy working outside? Become a school crossing guard! Crossing guards are provided only when schools are open (September to June). Time off when school is out, including weekends, PD days, and all holidays. Daily shifts are scheduled between 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. and 2:45 to 4:00 p.m. Responsibilities Ensure the safe crossing of pedestrians and children as they travel to and from school. We are accepting applications for crossing guards and spare crossing guards for various locations. Self-motivated, and personable and able to communicate effectively, you will ensure elementary school children cross safely at designated school… Continue reading Apply to become a crossing guard today!

Guelph, Ont., August 31, 2018 — A new pedestrian signal located on Scottsdale Drive just north of Janefield Avenue became operational today. With this installation, the City of Guelph now operates and maintains 195 traffic control signals. To learn more about how Guelph operates and coordinates traffic signals, visit guelph.ca/traffic. For more information Shaymaa Al-Ani Traffic Engineering, Engineering and Transportation Services 519-822-1260 extension 2041 shaymaa.al-ani@guelph.ca

People exploring downtown Guelph by bike this summer will be able to use a functional piece art in St. George’s Square to park their ride. Continue reading Unique bicycle rack now in downtown Guelph

New pedestrian crossings are coming to these Guelph locations in August: Grange Road at Auden Road/Schroder Crescent Grange Road at Kearney Street Waterloo Avenue west of Beechwood Avenue Ironwood Road east of Reid Court, at the Royal Recreation Trail Crossing Woodlawn Road East at Atto Drive These new crossings are different from typical crosswalks. Whether you drive, bike or walk, you’ll need to learn the rules for driving through or using crossovers.

Guelph, Ont., August 1, 2018 — A new pedestrian traffic signal located on Watson Parkway North at Fleming Road began operation on July 31. With this installation, the City of Guelph now operates and maintains 194 traffic control signals. To learn more about how Guelph operates and coordinates traffic signals, visit guelph.ca/traffic. For more information Imre Tot Traffic Engineering, Transportation Services Engineering and Transportation Services 519-822-1260 extension 2039 imre.tot@guelph.ca

Silvercreek Parkway to Imperial Road The City of Guelph is hosting an open house to present construction plans for the multi-use path on Woodlawn Road West from Silvercreek Parkway to Imperial Road. The multi-use path will be built on Woodlawn Road’s north and south sides between the existing curb and property line. The multi-use path will be three metres wide for use by pedestrians, cyclists and other users to get around. The multi-use path is funded by the Province under its Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program to build safer, more connected cycling routes for Ontarians and to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. The City of Guelph is contributing at least 20 per cent toward the total eligible project cost. Construction will include the… Continue reading Open house notice: Join us to discuss phase two of the Woodlawn Road multi-use path on August 2

Date: July 19 and 21, 2018 Location: Boathouse/Royal City Park area Purpose:  to conduct counts and survey local trail users to gain insight on how people are crossing Gordon Street in the area Notification The City of Guelph will be conducting counts and surveying local trail users this month to gain insight on how people are crossing Gordon Street in the vicinity of the Boathouse/Royal City Park. This responds to recommendations in the Active Transportation Network Study approved by Council in July 2017. Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited, a consultant of the City, is conducting both the counts and the surveys. Counts are being collected using a video device called Scout by Miovision which films a section of trail but does not permit individuals to be identifiable. Filming will… Continue reading Notice of collection and filming: Boathouse/Royal City Park

East of Reid Court About the project The City is working with TM3 Inc. to install a new mid-block pedestrian crossover at Ironwood Road, just east of Reid Court. The new pedestrian crossover will include: Ladder style crossover pavement markings Shark’s teeth yield lines “Stop for pedestrians” signs New crossover to be installed August 3 Installation of the new crossover is expected to start around August 3 and will continue for approximately three weeks, weather permitting. Lane reductions and detours Traffic will be maintained in both directions, however, there will be lane reductions and delays should be expected. Pedestrian access Pedestrian sidewalk access will be maintained throughout the working area at all times. Map of construction area The City appreciates your patience, understanding and co-operation… Continue reading Construction notice: New pedestrian crossover to be installed on Ironwood Road starting August 3

Guelph, Ont., June 19, 2018 – The community has selected the final design for the Ward to Downtown Bridge. Option one, featuring a bench, wide deck for river viewing, and a lookout area was voted as the favourite design option. “We’re very excited to see this project come to life,” says Luke Jefferson, manager of Open Space Planning with the City of Guelph. “Our community has waited a long time for a safe and vibrant bridge that connects one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods with the downtown.” Three designs were presented at a community open house on April 12, 2018 and 37 residents filled out a survey in person and online to select their favourite option. Option one was the most popular, with over 60… Continue reading Final design selected for the Ward to Downtown Bridge

Between Janefield Avenue and Wilsonview Avenue About the project The City is working with TM3 Inc. to install a new pedestrian signal on Scottsdale Drive between Janefield Avenue and Wilsonview Avenue, behind the Stone Road Mall. Installation to occur June 21 Installation is expected to start on or about Monday, June 21 and will continue for approximately three weeks, weather permitting. The contractor expected to activate the new signal no later than Friday, August 31. Lane reductions and detours Traffic will be maintained in both directions; however, there will be lane reductions and delays should be expected. Pedestrian access Pedestrian sidewalk access will be maintained throughout the working area at all times. City services There will be no interruption to any City services during construction.… Continue reading Traffic notice: New pedestrian signal at Scottsdale Drive

At Fleming Road About the project The City is undertaking The City is working with TM3 Inc. to install a new intersection pedestrian signal on the north leg of the intersection of Watson Parkway North at Fleming Road. Installation to occur on June 18 Installation is expected to start on or about Monday, June 18, and will continue for approximately three weeks, weather permitting. The contractor is expected to activate the new signal no later than Friday, August 31. Lane reductions and detours Traffic will be maintained in both directions; however, there will be lane reductions and delays should be expected. Pedestrian access Pedestrian sidewalk access will be maintained throughout the working area at all times. City services There will be no interruption to any… Continue reading Traffic notice: New pedestrian signal on Watson Parkway North

The City of Guelph is hosting its first Bike to Work Day event on Monday, May 28 as a kick off to Bike Month in June. Continue reading Guelph, get ready to ride

Guelph, Ont., April 26, 2018—The City of Guelph is ending midday adult school crossing guard coverage at six underused locations at the end of the current school year. Morning and afternoon crossing guard service will continue at all 33 locations currently served by the City. Current midday crossing guard coverage will not resume at these locations in September: Paisley Road at Alma Street Imperial Road at Stephanie Drive Scottsdale Drive at Ironwood Road Paisley Road at Silvercreek Parkway Willow Road at Westwood Road Victoria Road N at St. Patrick’s Catholic Elementary School Data from the affected locations indicates that any grade six and under student crossing at these locations are accompanied by a guardian. These six locations are the only ones with current midday crossing… Continue reading Changes coming to school crossings near you

A new pedestrian signal located on York Road at Elizabeth Street began operation today. Continue reading New traffic signal on York Road at Elizabeth Street

Gordon Street at Water Street The City is working to repair a pedestrian signal at the intersection of Gordon Street and Water Street that was damaged over the weekend in a traffic accident. Repairs will start April 3 Work is expected to be complete on April 4, depending on the level of damage. Pedestrian access is limited Pedestrian access to the west side of the road is limited at the intersection. Pedestrians are advised to use the crosswalk at Gordon Street and Wellington Street while repairs are underway. The City appreciates your patience, understanding and co-operation during this important repair. Any updates will be posted on guelph.ca/construction. For more information Steve Anderson, Supervisor Traffic Engineering Engineering and Transportation Services City of Guelph 519-822-1260 extension 2037… Continue reading Repairs to pedestrian signal on Gordon Street at Water Street start April 3

Northbound lane reduction also starts on Norfolk at Gordon The City is building a new parking facility at the site of the Wilson Street parking lot. The new parkade will provide over 400 new parking spaces. Parkade construction is expected to be complete in 2019. Wilson Street closure and Gordon/Norfolk northbound lane reduction Starting on February 5, Wilson Street will be closed between Gordon Street and Northumberland Street for the duration of the construction, about 18 months. There will also be a lane reduction on Norfolk Street between Gordon Street and Macdonell Street and traffic will change as follows: The left most northbound lane on Gordon Street will become a left-turn lane only (onto Waterloo Avenue) The centre lane will be the through lane on… Continue reading Construction notice: Wilson Street, Norfolk footbridge closing for parkade construction starting February 5

Eastview Road has reopened to through traffic after four months of construction. The completed construction between Starwood Road and Watson Parkway North offers a number of new amenities for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and even wildlife, including some changes which cannot be seen. Continue reading Eastview Road features multi-use path and wildlife crossings

Ptarmigan Drive to City limits The City of Guelph is hosting an open house to present plans for construction on Niska Road between Ptarmigan Drive and the City limits west of the Niska Road Bridge. Work includes the reconstruction of Niska Road from Ptarmigan Drive to the City limits at the Speed River as per the approved Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA), filed on December 3, 2015. The EA was approved on March 21, 2017 by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC). Tuesday, December 12, 2017 5:30—8:30 p.m. Kortright Hills Public School, Library 23 Ptarmigan Drive, Guelph Why come to the open house? This is your opportunity to view project information, including map and schedules, and ask questions about traffic impacts… Continue reading Open house: Community feedback needed for Niska Road reconstruction

Guelph, Ont., October 13, 2017 – The City of Guelph is gathering community input as part of the Guelph Trail Master Plan (GTMP) Update project. The Guelph Trail Master Plan provides strategic direction and specific guidelines for work related to City trails, including trail planning, land securement, funding, design, implementation, operation, promotion and maintenance. “Updating the existing master plan is an opportunity for us to incorporate additional items such as new trail design guidelines, a trail promotion strategy, revised trail routes, and new types of trail facilities,” says Helen White, a park planner with the City. Trail user groups are invited to attend an information session, including presentation, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17 at Guelph City Hall. A drop-in session for land owners… Continue reading City seeks community input on Guelph Trail Master Plan

The City of Guelph is hosting three information sessions as part of the Guelph Trail Master Plan (GTMP) Update project. Specifically, the City would like to hear from residents on the master plan goal, guiding principles, promotion strategy, trail route planning, land securement, funding, design, implementation, maintenance and operation. Thursday, October 19 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (drop in) Guelph Public Library 100 Norfolk Street Thursday, October 19 7–9 p.m. (presentation at 7:30 p.m.) Evergreen Seniors Community Centre 683 Woolwich Street Saturday, October 21 7 a.m.–noon (drop in) Guelph Farmer’s Market 2 Gordon Street Have your say Can’t make it to an information session? An online survey will be available October 19 at guelph.ca/haveyoursay. Deadline for input is November 10, 2017. About the project The GTMP provides… Continue reading Notice: Guelph Trail Master Plan Update information sessions

Guelph, Ont., September 1, 2017—More roads around schools will now have reduced speed limits in place for the beginning of the new school year. The City is adding 16 reduced speed school zones across the City, including along roads with direct school activity, such as roads behind or beside schools. The new reduced speed school zones were approved by Guelph City Council in May and will all be in place for the start of the new school year next week. “We’re almost finished installing all the signs for the new reduced speed school zones, and they’ll all be in place by Tuesday morning,” said Steve Anderson, Supervisor of Traffic Engineering for the City. “The reduced speed limits take effect as soon as the signs are… Continue reading Sixteen new reduced speed school zones in effect for start of school year

Guelph City Council approved staff’s four recommendations from the Active Transportation Network study on July 24, 2017. The approved recommendations are as follows: That the Guelph Active Transportation Network Design Guidelines and Feasibility Study dated June 2017, prepared by WSP and Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited, be approved; That funding for year-round maintenance of the Active Transportation Network per the recommendations of the Guelph Active Transportation Network Design Guidelines and Feasibility Study be included in the proposed 2018 Operating Budget; That funds to implement the Guelph Active Transportation Network Design Guidelines and Feasibility Study over the next ten years, estimated to be $12,268,000, be included in the proposed 2018-2027 Capital Budget; That the operating budget to provide year-round maintenance of the proposed active transportation network be… Continue reading Project update: Council approves all recommendations of Active Transportation Network study

Pilot aims to improve safety for all travelers Update, July 12, 2017—Bike lane painting along the southbound lanes of Gordon Street is complete. Painting of the bike box has been delayed and will likely be completed overnight Thursday, July 13, weather permitting. Guelph, Ont., July 11, 2017—The City of Guelph is testing and evaluating changes to bike lanes on Gordon Street to reduce the number of collisions between people driving, walking and biking in this area. Changes, which include painting only, will be made overnight tonight. “We developed this pilot project to help address the high number of reported collisions involving people driving, walking and biking on Gordon Street between Waterloo Avenue and Wellington Street,” said Jennifer Juste, the City’s Transportation Demand Management Program Manager.… Continue reading Green bike lanes and bike box coming to Gordon Street

The City has completed the Guelph Active Transportation Network (ATN) study. The study recommends 54 km of trail improvements and new connections to provide direct, quiet routes across the city for people travelling by bike or on foot. The proposed routes avoid busy roads and intersections, and will appeal to people who would bike more often if a quiet or off-road route existed. Guelph’s vision is to provide a safe, attractive and practical cycling environment, and become one of Canada’s top bicycle-friendly communities. The ATN study helps address the first two elements of the Bicycle-Friendly Guelph vision: To get more people cycling; and To create a safer and more connected network. Active transportation supports healthy lifestyles, cleaner air and attracts business and visitors. Consultants working… Continue reading Active Transportation network study update, June 2017

The City of Guelph is hosting an open house to review and discuss a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study for a proposed pedestrian bridge connecting Emma Street to Earl Street over the Speed River. The site location and approximate extents of the study area are shown on the map. Wednesday, June 7, 2017 6–8 p.m. Evergreen Seniors Community Centre 683 Woolwich St, Guelph, ON, N1H 3Z1 Why come to the open house? This is your opportunity to view project information, and review the project team’s evaluation of the alternatives and their recommended preferred alternative. We encourage you to ask questions about plans for the existing bridge and to provide comments and feedback to City staff and consultants at the open house. About the project A bridge… Continue reading Notice of open house: Emma Street to Earl Street bridge over the Speed River

The Sidewalk Needs Assessment (SNA) study supports improved connectivity for pedestrians throughout the City of Guelph. The City is worked with Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. to: Review the current guidelines for sidewalk construction and exploring municipal best practices; Develop ranking criteria for prioritizing which gaps need to be filled in; Propose an implementation strategy and cost estimate for completing the sidewalk network. Where we’re at Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. completed their study report in December 2016. Council approved the Sidewalk Needs Assessment report (page 11) at the March 27, 2017 meeting.   Next steps The study is now complete. Sidewalk needs will be incorporated into future budgets by priority as funds allow. For more information Jennifer Juste, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator Transportation Services 519-822-1260 extension 2791 tdm@guelph.ca

The City of Guelph is hosting its second public information centre, which will include a brief presentation followed by an open house to review progress to date of the Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study for two pedestrian/cyclist bridges across the Speed River. This progress includes completed technical studies and evaluation of the bridge location alternatives. The study area is bound by Wellington Street East, the Guelph Junction Railway tracks, Arthur Street South, and Neeve Street. Tuesday, March 21 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph Why come to the public information centre? This is your opportunity to view project information and provide input on the project team’s evaluation of the alternatives. We invite you to view the presentation… Continue reading Open house notice: The Ward to Downtown bridges

The Sidewalk Needs Assessment (SNA) study supports improved connectivity for pedestrians throughout the City of Guelph. The City is working with Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd to: Review the current guidelines for sidewalk construction and exploring municipal best practices; Develop ranking criteria for prioritizing which gaps need to be filled in; Propose an implementation strategy and cost estimate for completing the sidewalk network. Where we’re at Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. is finalizing the study report for staff.   Next steps City staff plan to share the report with Council and the community in early 2017. For more information Jennifer Juste, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator Transportation Services 519-822-1260 extension 2791 tdm@guelph.ca

The Active Transportation Network Study includes the development of design guidelines and a feasibility study. Together, these pieces will inform future upgrades of the City’s network of trails to improve connectivity for active forms of transportation such as walking, running, cycling and inline skating. Design guidelines will consider what upgrades would look like in different environments such as woodlands, wetlands, city parks and road boulevards. The feasibility study will determine which trails are best suited for upgrades as well as the estimated construction and maintenance costs of changes recommended by the design guidelines. Where we’re at Staff have reviewed the draft version of final report and have provided comments back to the consultants, MMM Group Ltd. and Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. Next steps Consultants are… Continue reading Active Transportation Network study update, November 2016

The City held the first public information centre (open house) for the Emma to Earl pedestrian bridge Environmental Assessment on October 25, 2016. The open house provided an opportunity to view project information and to ask questions about plans for the new bridge. Participants were encouraged to provide comments and feedback to City staff and consultants. Information presented at the open house [PDF 4.5MB] Comment form for feedback about the open house and the information presented [PDF 115kb] Submit your comments by November 15 You are welcome to submit comments on the information and options presented at the open house. All comments must be submitted by November 15, 2016. Please review the open house information then submit your comments online or by email.

Municipal class environmental assessment The study The City of Guelph (City) has initiated a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) study for proposed improvements to address the future pedestrian and cyclist traffic demands with two new bridge crossings over the Speed River. The study area is bound by Wellington Street East, Macdonell Street, Guelph Junction Railway (GJR) tracks, Arthur Street South, and includes an area approximately 90 metres south of the existing GJR tracks. The City is proposing to construct one of the bridges immediately south of the GJR tracks to link a future active transportation trail along the GJR tracks from Macdonell to Huron Streets through St. Patrick’s Ward. A second pedestrian bridge is proposed within the study area located further south along the Speed… Continue reading Notice of study commencement: Pedestrian bridges over the Speed River linking St. Patrick’s Ward to downtown

Guelph, Ont., July 15, 2016 – Community members are invited to participate in a City-hosted public meeting for the Wilson Street reconstruction and parking project. “The focus of this public meeting is on the proposed features and design of Wilson Street from Gordon/Norfolk Street to Macdonell Street,” says Andrew Janes, project engineer supervisor with the City of Guelph. “We will present the preliminary preferred alternative for the Wilson Street reconstruction and gather public feedback.” Meeting participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the Preferred Design Alternative for Wilson Street, including street features and design, direction of traffic flow, on-street parking, sidewalk width, and pedestrian and cycling connections. The Wilson Street reconstruction project is being implemented as a Schedule B Municipal Class Environmental Assessment… Continue reading City seeks public input on Wilson Street reconstruction and design

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, Schedule B Environmental Study Emma Street to Earl Street Bridge over the Speed River The study The City of Guelph has initiated a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed pedestrian bridge connecting Emma Street to Earl Street over the Speed River. A bridge in this location is recommended in the Guelph Trail Master Plan (2005) to provide a connection to the Downtown Trail. The EA study will determine if a pedestrian bridge is needed at this location and if so, the style of bridge to be constructed. The site location and extent of the study area are shown on the map. The process The EA will be conducted as a Schedule ‘B’ project in accordance with the “Municipal Class Environmental Assessment” document… Continue reading Emma Street to Earl Street Bridge improvements Environment Assessment: Notice of Study Commencement

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, Schedule B Environmental Study Norwich Street Bridge improvements The study The City of Guelph has initiated a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study for proposed improvements to the deteriorating Norwich Street Bridge. It’s currently closed to vehicle traffic and  serves as a pedestrian crossing. The study will address the community’s needs through a number of possible solutions, including: (1) rehabilitation; (2) replacement; (3) removal; and (4) a “do nothing” alternative that would result in the permanent closure of the bridge. The location and approximate extent of the study area are shown on the map. The process The EA will be conducted as a Schedule ‘B’ project in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process (Municipal Engineers Association, October 2000, as amended in 2007,… Continue reading Norwich Street Bridge improvements Environmental Assessment: Notice of Study Commencement

Community to evaluate traffic calming features June 23 and 28 Guelph, Ont., June 20, 2016—The City of Guelph is hosting community workshops on June 23 and 28 to present three conceptual traffic calming design options for Downey Road. Residents are invited to comment on their preferred option and evaluate traffic calming features. “Based on public feedback and extensive traffic analysis, the City is ready to present the community with conceptual design options and preferred traffic calming measures for Downey Road,” says Allister McIlveen, the City’s manager of Transportation Services. “The design options address the traffic and safety concerns raised by local residents while meeting the needs of drivers, transit users, pedestrians and cyclists.” The Downey Road Transportation Improvement Study aims to implement the Council-approved Cycling… Continue reading City to unveil Downey Road redesign options at public workshops

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, Schedule B Environmental Study Wilson Street Improvements from Macdonell Street to Gordon Street/Norfolk Street The Project The City of Guelph (City) has initiated a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study for proposed improvements to Wilson Street from Macdonell Street to Gordon Street / Norfolk Street. The City is proposing to replace the existing roadway, storm and sanitary sewers, and water main. The City is also considering changes to the direction of traffic flow along Wilson Street, the addition of a pedestrian refuge island at Macdonell Street, and the addition of bike lanes along this section of Wilson Street. The site location and approximate extent of the study area are shown on the map. The Process The Environmental Assessment will be conducted as a Schedule ‘B’… Continue reading Wilson Street improvements Environmental Assessment: Notice of Study Commencement

Design workshop sessions on May 18 and 19 open to all Guelph residents Guelph, Ont., May 10, 2016—The City has started an in-depth study to examine traffic patterns, neighbourhood resident concerns, and active transportation options for improvements to Downey Road. The City is hosting two sessions for the project’s first design workshop on May 18 and 19. Interested residents will be able to review and comment on proposed design and traffic calming options at the sessions. Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. is conducting the Downey Road transportation improvement study on behalf of the City. The study aims to address local concerns about traffic volumes and speed, and implement the Council-approved Cycling Master Plan. The study’s recommendations will include the addition of bike lanes and traffic calming… Continue reading City consulting community on improvements to Downey Road corridor

In response to concerns from residents who believe removing on-street parking could lead to more traffic and speeding, Guelph City Council will discuss plans for Downey Road during a meeting on July 14, 2014 at 7 p.m. Continue reading Downey Road bike lanes postponed

The following communities were awarded Bicycle Friendly status: Toronto – Silver; Guelph – Bronze; Mississauga – Bronze; Oakville – Bronze; Peterborough – Bronze; Richmond Hill – Bronze; Welland – Bronze. Honorable Mentions were given to Sault Ste Marie and Whitby. Continue reading Share the Road Cycling Coalition Announces Bicycle Friendly Community Awards