Description
Design standards can ensure active transportation is the priority when making transportation impact assessments of new and existing developments. These standards can also address site design issues such as secure bicycle parking, pedestrian access, and vehicle parking. These standards should ensure new developments are built for people of all ages and abilities.
This action will be led by Area Municipalities, with support from the Region of Waterloo. Please see below for the most publicly available updates.
THE REGION OF WATERLOO
WR Community Energy is currently leading a study on region-wide High-Performance Development Standards (HPDS) for new building construction. HPDS are a critical policy tool for municipalities to ensure new buildings and communities are climate resilient and meet community needs as related to natural infrastructure, energy efficiency and sustainable transportation. The first phase of engagement occurred in the spring of 2024. A discussion draft is now available on EngageWR. To learn more visit High-Performance Development Standards
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Design standards for on-and off-road multi-use trails are included in various Master Plans (e.g. Trails Master Plan, Cycling Master Plan, and Transportation Master Plan) and the Engineering Development Standards Manual and are regularly updated. For the foreseeable future, roads will continue to be dedicated to vehicle traffic as the primary mode of travel with more options and choices for travel being introduced within the right-of-way. The Cycling Master Plan focuses on creating a city-wide network of bicycle facilities that are physically separated from traffic and on streets with low traffic volumes. This is an All Ages and Abilities (AAA) approach meaning the facilities are safe, comfortable, and equitable for several user groups such as older adults and children. This includes focusing on bicycle facilities that are physically separated from traffic and on streets with low traffic volumes.
CITY OF KITCHENER
The City of Kitchener's Development Manual (used to guide the design and construction of new neighbourhoods) was updated to apply Complete Streets principles and designs to new development, such as wider sidewalks, All Ages and Abilities cycling infrastructure and traffic calming measures
CITY OF WATERLOO
Items to support this action have been included in the City of Waterloo Urban Design Manual:
- Design park spaces and all open spaces linkages including trails to be part of the larger network of Open Space linked by trails, connecting new and old neighbourhoods.
- Design sites and buildings to connect to the surrounding open space system including parks, trails, public streets, and transit routes. Consider opportunities to provide multiple pedestrian or open space linkages and open space connections.
- Design sites to connect to, or re-establish the street network system.
- Encourage mid-block pedestrian connections through large block developments.
- Pedestrian-friendly design is a guideline objective with several planning actions underneath.
TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH
The Township of Woolwich identifies implementing design standards for new developments to build for walking, cycling, and rolling as a focus of planning practices, the Active Transportation Master Plan and Official Plan updates.
TOWNSHIP OF WELLESLEY
The Township of Wellesley identifies standards for new developments to build for walking, cycling and rolling in our Zoning By-Law, Official Plan and in Development Standards.