What is Active Transportation?
Active transportation (AT) refers to any human-powered mode of travel, such as walking/running, cycling, using an assistive mobility device, skateboarding, and scootering. This also includes micromobility devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric mobility devices, which typically share active transportation infrastructure.
Why is the Township developing an Active Transportation and Mobility Plan?
The Township of Centre Wellington is developing an Active Transportation and Mobility Plan (ATMP) that will help shape the future of the Township’s on and off-road active transportation and mobility network to 2051. This Plan will guide the planning, budgeting, and growth of physical and social infrastructure to support walking, cycling, and rolling within Centre Wellington. This plan will help our community reach the strategic goals of the Township and the County in building healthy, sustainable, and complete communities.
Building on the existing AT and Trail infrastructure and the 2019 Transportation Master Plan, the ATMP will establish a network of active transportation “spines” through the community that link residential, institutional, commercial, and employment hubs. These connections will support the growth of the Township’s network going forward and support making walking, cycling and rolling a safer and more reliable transportation option in Centre Wellington for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities (commonly referred to as “AAA”).
The ATMP will be developed through public and stakeholder consultation, technical analysis and consideration of best practices to ensure the plan is community-focused and serves the diverse needs of the Township.
High-level goals of the ATMP are to:
- Create complete and sustainable communities through active transportation and supporting a variety of transportation and mobility options.
- Create inclusive and vibrant communities through well maintained and accessible active transportation options for people of all ages and abilities.
- Improve upon the existing on- and off-road active transportation network through safe and connected active transportation connections to destinations within and between communities in Centre Wellington
- Increase the amount of people using active transportation for both recreation and for their daily needs throughout Centre Wellington.
- Collaborate with the existing Township Advisory Committees as well as local municipal stakeholders, residents and Wellington County staff to ensure the community’s interests are addressed in the plan.
ATMP Development Approach
Centre Wellington’s Active Transportation and Mobility Plan is being developed by way of a seven-step process, and is set to be completed in 2025. Some aspects of the phases will be underway concurrently.
Phase 1: Background Review – Assess existing conditions, including current active transportation infrastructure assets, existing policy and planning documents.
Phase 2: Stakeholder & Public Engagement Plan – Develop and initiate a comprehensive plan to meaningfully engage stakeholders and the public on priorities for active transportation and to inform the candidate active transportation network.
Phase 3: Establish Modal Split and Levels of Service – Benchmark current levels of service for active transportation and mobility in the Township and develop target levels of service that take factors such as accessibility, safety, and winter maintenance into consideration.
Phase 4: Network Alternatives and Evaluation Criteria – Develop and assess active transportation network alternatives with key evaluation criteria to select a shortlist of solutions to be carried forward.
Phase 5: Preferred Alternative and Capital Implementation Plan – Refine and recommend a preliminary preferred network alternative based on a detailed evaluation including costs and operations. Prepare a Capital Implementation Plan for the preferred network.
Phase 6: Capital Infrastructure Funding and Risk Analysis – Develop a 30-year forecast of expected funding requirements and capital needs associated with expected growth and intensification activities.
Phase 7: Assemble and Finalize Active Transportation and Mobility Plan Report
Throughout the project, our team will prepare and post Discussion Papers corresponding to each project phase. These papers will inform the final ATMP document.
How can you participate?
Consultation with the public, Indigenous Communities, regulator agencies, and stakeholder groups is a critical part of developing the Active Transportation and Mobility Plan. It helps build a common understanding of the issues and empowers residents and stakeholders to have their say in the future of the Township. WSP and the Township have developed an extensive community engagement and consultation program to listen to better understand the community’s needs and provide everyone with opportunities to have their say. This includes:
- Online surveys with interactive maps
- Public Information Sessions (x3)
- Interactive in-school workshop
- Community pop-ups at events
- Stakeholder meetings
- Meetings with Councillors
For more information on this project, please contact:
Township of Centre Wellington Project Manager
Adam Gilmore, MSc., Manager of Engineering
agilmore@centrewellington.ca
WSP Canada Inc. Project Team Lead
Dave McLaughlin, BA, MES, MCIP, RPP
Principal, Manager - National Active Transportation Practice, WSP Canada Inc.
Dave.McLaughlin@wsp.com
