The City of Toronto is undertaking a Feasibility Study for the Warden Corridor, which consists of the Warden Hydro Corridor and Warden Avenue between the Gatineau Hydro Corridor Trail to the south and the Finch Hydro Corridor Trail to the north.
The study consists of technical feasibility analysis and development of potential bikeway design options, inclusive of recommendations to improve safety for all vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and seniors along the Warden Corridor.
Study Area
This study is reviewing the Warden Hydro Corridor and Warden Avenue between the Gatineau Hydro Corridor Trail and Finch Hydro Corridor Trail.
Study Objectives
- Document existing conditions
- Understand safety and mobility challenges and opportunities along the study corridor
- Analyze challenging crossings of railways, arterial roadways, Highway 401, etc.
- Engage key agencies and landowners (such as Hydro One, CP Rail, Enbridge Gas)
- Develop conceptual bikeway design options informed by technical feasibility and key agency/landowner input
- Prepare for next phases of work including public consultation, preliminary and detailed design, City Council approval and implementation
Project Background
- In 2012, Toronto City Council adopted the Bikeway Trails Implementation Plan, which identified the Warden Hydro Corridor Trail as one of 26 proposed bikeway trail projects. In July 2019, City Council endorsed the Cycling Network Plan Update, which identified Warden Avenue / Warden Hydro Corridor as a Major City-Wide Cycling Route.
- The Warden Avenue / Warden Hydro Corridor (Gatineau Hydro Corridor to Finch Hydro Corridor) was identified as a Near-Term Study for 2021 in the Cycling Network Near Term Plan (2019-2021).
- The Gatineau Hydro Corridor, the southern limit of the project area, has an existing multi-use trail that will become part of the Meadoway Trail Project led by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
- A new multi-use trail in the Finch Hydro Corridor between Birchmount Road and Pharmacy Avenue is expected to be complete by the end of 2022. A feasibility study has been initiated to continue the Finch Hydro Corridor west to close the gap between Pharmacy Avenue and Pineway Boulevard.
- In 2019, Council adopted the Vision Zero 2.0 – Road Safety Plan Update which identifies geometric safety improvements to be the most effective ways of achieving intended target speed for the context and improving road user behaviour, and thus achieving the overall Vision Zero objective of eliminating serious injury and fatalities on Toronto’s roads.
Timeline
Stage 1 – 2021/2022: This stage is the feasibility study and is focused on the technical elements and understanding what cycling facilities may be possible both on- and off-road, including analysis of challenging crossings (of railways, arterial roadways, and the 401 highway). This stage includes initial engagement with key agencies and landowners. Several design options are being developed in preparation for Stage 2.
Stage 2 – 2023+: This stage will be informed by Stage 1, and will include enhanced stakeholder engagement and public consultation (phases to be determined). Public consultation and technical analysis will confirm the preferred bikeway design options, which will then advance to detailed design. Implementation of the design is subject to City Council approval, construction capacity and resources, and capital infrastructure coordination.
The scope of the Warden Corridor Feasibility Study covers Stage 1.
When Stage 2 (including public consultation) begins, this page will be updated with materials and ways to get involved.