Abstract Manager

The Town of Innisfil, located on the west shore of Lake Simcoe, is growing rapidly. This growth puts pressure on the Town’s transportation infrastructure, resulting in a need for more active transportation infrastructure. The 25th Side Road is a vital north-south transportation corridor and community link within the Town of Innisfil that has been reimagined using an active transportation-first approach. The preliminary design includes all-ages-and-abilities supportive cycling and walking infrastructure along the entirety of the project area. It also integrates traffic calming elements into the design to reduce the potential for speeding and improve safety. Bioswales, a Low Impact Development feature, will filter and store stormwater runoff. The roadway improvements, such as urbanization, will also meet the long-term needs of motorized traffic.

The project team developed three separate roadway contexts along the 7 km project length: low density residential, green and rural, and downtown commercial. The design varies between contexts but still provides a consistent look and feel and seamless transitions between the different land uses. In the development areas of Sandy Cove and Innis Village, more attention is provided to urban design, pedestrian space, and vehicle loading and access. The cross section is anticipated to support street-oriented retail uses including patios. Wider sidewalks are provided on both sides along with a treed buffer zone to provide shade and improve the pedestrian realm. One-way cycle tracks are provided on each side of the road to provide comfortable and convenient facilities for cyclists and micromobility users.

The engagement activities conducted throughout the project provided valuable insight into existing conditions and in redesigning a key mobility corridor to be more accommodating for active transportation modes. Several key themes emerged from these activities and were used to guide the development of the preliminary design and will continue to shape its development as it progresses to the detailed design phase.

The study area includes a significant number of three-way intersections where 25th Side Road intersects a local street. At some of these intersections, a unique design was included to provide pedestrian and cyclist crossing opportunities, traffic calming, and improved safety. Other innovative features along the corridor include protected intersections, continuous sidewalks/cycle tracks across minor streets and driveways, and a mini roundabout.

The Town’s vision for 25^th Side Road supports its goals for environmental sustainability, community health and well-being, transportation equity and economic growth.