The addition of a sidewalk along the west side of Smith Street and Victoria Crescent completes the link between David Street and Victoria Crescent, where the sidewalk previously ended mid-block. The sidewalk has been extended down Moir Street, completing that connection to the existing sidewalk and completing the sidewalk network in the area.

The sidewalk along the west side of Smith Street and connecting into Victoria Crescent was an identified route through our Active Transportation Master Plan. We have made adjustments in the north portion of Smith Street to minimize or eliminate conflicts with the existing conditions. This now connects a previously dead-end sidewalk.

The roadway in this section has been reduced from 8.0m to 6.0m, and there will be no on-street parking within this section. Along the west side of Smith Street, the backside of the proposed sidewalk will now be roughly where the edge of the existing pavement is. Driveway length will be unaffected, and existing stone retaining walls will not be within the construction area.

Following the reconstruction of Smith Street, there will be on-street parking permitted only along the east side of the street.

Through the design process, it was determined that in order to accommodate all services and minimize disruptions to utilities and street trees, Victoria Crescent would be reconstructed as a one-way street with a direction of travel from south to north.

With the conversion of Victoria Crescent into a one-way street and to reduce the ability to speed in the area, a T intersection with a stop sign control is the preferred alternative. During the recent iteration of design, we chose an alignment for Victoria Crescent that shifts the intersection to the north between 201 Smith Street and 209 Smith Street. This aligns Victoria Street at a 90-degree angle to Smith Street. The current alignment of Victoria Street is less than 90 degrees, which currently aims headlights into a residence.

During the design process, the Township’s Urban Forestry Coordinator completes a tree assessment in areas that are to be reconstructed. This assessment provides a current assessment of the trees health and provides insight into how a tree may react should construction activities be within close proximity. The American Beech Tree within the island received a “fair” condition, siting there is significant decay in the main stem. From a reconstruction standpoint, the tree would be within the new sidewalk that is being installed to create links to David Street and Moir Street. This tree would also be a sight line issue for motorists coming from Victoria Crescent and turning onto Smith Street. We have attempted to adjust the alignment of Victoria Crescent, but given all the noted factors, this tree is to be removed as part of the reconstruction works. The Township continues our policy of replanting two trees for every tree removed as a result of construction. Each tree removed in the reconstruction of Smith Street and Victoria Crescent will have two trees replanted with a species from our approved planting list in a location determined by our Urban Forestry Coordinator.

Similar to the response regarding the Beech Tree, the Township makes all attempts to minimize impact to trees when completing reconstructions. Options were reviewed regarding alignments and best uses to achieve all the goals of the area. Unfortunately, the trees within the island are required to be removed, but as stated above will be replaced at a 2:1 ratio with trees from the approved species list.

This initial decision would be with CW Hydro, as they are the primary owner of the overhead utility poles. Any existing utility tenants on the existing utility poles (ie Bell, Cogeco, Rogers, etc) would follow the lead of the primary pole owner. Typically, Township reconstructions do not include the burying of utilities. Utility conversions from overhead to underground are typically borne 100% by the utility companies involved.

The reconstruction of Smith Street and Victoria Crescent is categorized as a “Schedule A” or “Exempt” under the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks environmental assessment. Schedule A projects include various municipal maintenance, operation, rehabilitation and other small projects that are limited in scale and have minimal adverse environmental effects. With this project being a reconstruction, a Heritage Impact Assessment is not required.