Addressing Common Concerns from Residents

As we continue with the design phase for this project, please see the information below regarding some common areas of concern:

Drainage

The proposed road reconstruction involves drainage improvements to better capture and direct stormwater flows from the roadway to appropriate outlets. The existing stormwater management system in this area includes a mixture of catchbasins/storm sewers and open ditch drainage and much of this infrastructure has deteriorated and itself poses a risk to properties in its current state. The new storm sewer design will replace the existing ‘mixed’ system with new catchbasins and new storm sewer pipes. The depth of the new storm system is similar to the existing storm sewer. The new storm sewer system is also required to be reviewed (and permitted) by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), so the construction and discharge comply with all environmental regulations.

The construction will not impact foundations. The design and construction take into account the location of existing foundations and trees and maintain appropriate separation to avoid disturbance to existing surface features. A detailed pre-condition survey will be conducted of the exterior and interior of buildings prior to construction to document the condition of foundations before any work commences. This is a very important step to document the current state of your foundations so that we can ensure there are no impacts from the construction. Prior to construction, please allow the surveyor access to your homes to complete the review. During construction, live vibration monitoring will be installed and monitored. This is to ensure vibration levels remain within safe limits.

Safety

The Township’s standard lane width for local roads is 4.25 metres (i.e. each direction). The current design for Kettleby Road is 3.25 metres lane widths. Although the lane width today is around 3.25 metres, the installation of new curbs will cause the road to appear narrower than it appears currently. This will have an inherent traffic-calming effect as the visual constraint will reduce speeds. Further, no new parking restrictions will be added as part of this project. On-street parking will still be available for residents and visitors. This presence of curbside-parked cars will also have a traffic-calming effect. We will consider additional “SLOW” signage and seasonal bollards along the road. These will be the primary traffic calming measures implemented as a part of this project. After one year following construction, another traffic study can be done to determine the effect these changes have had on traffic patterns and speed through Kettleby. We can then determine whether additional measures are warranted, in-line with our Traffic Calming Policy (www.king.ca/trafficcalming).

Hydro Poles

HydroOne is still in the process of completing their utility relocation design and no formal submissions have been made to the Township for review at this time. Staff from the utility companies have no knowledge of the project scope. When they come to the area, they are tasked with finding several ‘options’ for pole locations. Any plans shown by these representatives are for HydroOne’s internal use only and do not indicate that they will be acceptable to the Township for design for the roadway. We apologize if the utility staff have caused confusion. Township staff will approach residents with a final relocation design, once we have reviewed the options provided by HydroOne. The location of the relocated poles has not been finalized, but the majority of the poles will be replaced in their existing location. The Township will consult directly with any property owner affected by poles that require new locations on the associated impacts. We are working toward a final design with the least amount of disturbance to your properties.

Sidewalk (See February 2024 Update above regarding sidewalk removal)

The area being used by pedestrians today is simply an extension of the shoulder with no defined separation from the road in many spots. Regarding the proposed new sidewalk, the Integrated Accessibility Standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (O.Reg. 191/11 of the AODA) states:

80.23 When constructing new or redeveloping existing exterior paths of travel that they intend to maintain, obligated organizations, other than small organizations, shall ensure that new and redeveloped exterior paths of travel meet the following requirements:

1. The exterior path must have a minimum clear width of 1,500 mm, but this clear width can be reduced to 1,200 mm to serve as a turning space where the exterior path connects with a curb ramp.

This is further reinforced by King’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan that was approved by Council in 2019. The Plan is a requirement of the AODA and serves as the Township’s framework on how we can make King more accessible. There are no exceptions to these requirements.

A minimum 1.5m sidewalk is also within King’s Municipal Design Criteria. This is the minimum width to fit our sidewalk snowplows without the blade damaging grass on front lawns and to fit between when cars are parked at the curb and at the end of driveways. The new sidewalk will allow staff to maintain the walkway (plowing and sanding), so residents have a safe area to walk in the winter.

Although the new sidewalk will be wider, it will actually be further away from the front of adjacent properties (i.e. shifted toward the road). Allowing residents slightly more front yard boulevard area and driveway space. This will be fully communicated and demonstrated when we share our final design drawings with the community later this year.