CHELSEA RAILS TO TRAILS: LET’S BUILD OUR TRAIL! CHELSEARAILS2TRAILS@GMAIL.COM CHELSEAVOIEVERTE@GMAIL.COM 1
Purpose Our goal is to inform Supporters and potential Supporters with ◦ History of the initiative ◦ Details of the current proposal by the Municipality ◦ Cited advantages and benefits ◦ Highlights and Details of Studies ◦ Estimated Costing 2
Rails to Trails-History Initial Rails to Trails ‘conversation’ started in 1989 but lost momentum … H-C-W Steam train began in 1992 and operated until 2011 ◦ Interruptions, including in 2008 due to washout ◦ Ceased operation in June 2011 3
Rails to Trails-History 2005 Pilot project with Chelsea Nordiq for the creation of multi-use Winter trail in the rail corridor 4
Rails to Trails-History (2) 2014 ◦ Chelsea Trails works with GVHS historical images ◦ Lease is cancelled with Steam train and Chelsea takes back responsibility for rail corridor 2015 ◦ Chelsea Trails proposes 4-season, non- motorized trail on the corridor ◦ A Rails to Trails petition gains 4 500+ signatures 5
Rails to Trails History (3) 2015 ◦ Chelsea Council votes to Support the Vision of a Community Trail as instigated by Chelsea Trails ◦ Council identifies the need for funding in the Triennial budget for various studies related to Community Trail 2016 ◦ Quiet Support and Vocal Opposition ensues … 6
Facts and Proposal The Rail C orridor is zoned as a “Public Utility” (PU) o The Municipality owns the corridor, including rails, spikes, ties, switches and land o As the ‘Stewards’ of the PU, the Municipality is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the corridor To mitigate landslide and flooding risk, work to culverts for drainage/contamination MUST be done regardless of Community Trail acceptance Community Trail is proposed along the 7 Municipal railway corridor
Community Trail-Benefits ◦ Provides a Safe path, a north-south connector that links the 9 neighbourhood zones of Chelsea ◦ Creates an Active for Life community by giving a non-motorized option away from motor vehicles ◦ Builds the community by connecting people of all ages with nature and the environment ◦ 4-season Active Transportation and Recreation path 8
Community Trail-Other Social Benefits Supported by Community for use OF Community ◦ Promotes Community interaction ◦ Provides Neighbourhood linkages ◦ Creates Independence, Safety and well being for children and early teens, and Seniors ◦ Promotes many Health benefits ◦ Celebration of history and heritage 9
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Safety on Hwy105 11
Community Trail-Safety Installing barriers at important • municipal road crossings and stop signs at other road crossings and private roads Ensuring the safety and security of • bridges and areas with significant drop offs Creating a network of volunteers who • live along the trail for Community stewardship. 12
Community Trail- Recommendations Recommend signage on all aspects of the trail’s use includes drawing up a code of ethics for users; ◦ Non-motorized environment; Be mindful of waste, dogs and their litter; • Noise • The possibility of installing a public toilet in a suitable place The possibility of parking spaces on municipal land and application of signage The possibility of providing at least one access to the river for trail users 13
Environment Green corridor builds community connection with nature Isolating or removing contaminants eliminates leeching into areas along corridor Reduced automotive use and environmental impact of short distance trips Greater appreciation of shoreline protection and river quality 14
Economic Build Chelsea’s brand as a physically active and environmentally connected community Community Trail will increase property values and stimulate economic activity for local businesses Opportunity for additional businesses providing services for trail users 15
Feasibility Study Highlights • Identifies a Level 1 environmental study must be conducted to establish likely contamination issues and other environmental concerns o Will determine what additional environmental studies may be required, including a Level 2 Environmental and Geotechnical studies • Environmental studies results will allow more accurate costing of proposed conversion 16
Feasibility Study- Estimated Costs Zone A- Mill Rd to Morrison Quarry, 17.1km ~$1,750 M ◦ Ties left in place and covered with membrane to establish 2.44m stone dust trail Zone B- Loretta to Mill Rd, 3.4km ~$1,780 M* ◦ *Soil stability issues require $565K + $415K Zone C-Chelsea Southern limit (Mile Hill) to Loretta ◦ Major stability issues, no trail recommended. 17
$3.6M- — Who pays? Possible funding through Infrastructure programs ◦ 50% Federal ◦ 33% Provincial ◦ 17% Municipal ◦ As little as $612K over 20 years. One less Latte per year per resident Dependent upon timing and meeting funding windows of opportunity Sources of funding include Greenfunds, Foundations, AT support from Canadian Federation of Municipalities 18
As opposed to Gatineau Park users, the Typical Users of CT: Community children benefit from Safe and Active Transportation Also: Neighbourhood families with children for walking, running, bike riding, light commuting Neighbourhood runners, commuters, walkers and dog walkers 19
Bike Types Stone dust trails are conducive to: Kids bikes, 12- 24” wheels Hybrid bikes Mountain bikes Fat tire bikes-snow bikes Not road bikes, pelotons or groups of high speed riders ◦ Rate of speed too low ◦ Trail design will determine speed and safety ◦ Poor traction for narrow tires 20
Expected Amount of Usage 10 years of winter trail use has shown that there is no comparison with Gatineau Park Similar metrics expected with 4- season Community Trail 21
Security Studies indicate that converting a rail corridor reduces crime by increasing ‘ Neighbourhood Watch’ and vigiliance This is a viewpoint which is shared by the RMCP and Victoria Police Department (BC) Increases accessibility for emergency vehicles. ◦ This is based on a study of over 372 implementations 22
Property Value Studies suggest housing prices increase when in close proximity to a trail. ◦ Majority of Sellers and Realtors would list it as a selling feature ◦ Average across 700 R2T installations, Home buyers were willing to pay a $9,000 premium to be located 300 metres closer to the trail 23
In Summary Community Building within an existing Municipal property corridor Safe alternative to Hwy 105 Active Transportation facility Health benefits proven for all users 24
Quotes of Support “I'm signing because I have 2 children and would like to see a safer route for my family … I also feel that this trail would connect the community … create a sense of unity. It … would be used and enjoyed by the whole community kids, adults and seniors. Wonderful …!” DG. “Pour nous et notre famille, pour jouer dehors, et circuler en vélo de façon sécuritaire ” JML. “I live in Chelsea and know that all of the members of my family would love a multi-purpose trail for commuting and recreation” LD. 25
Quotes of Support “Ce projet sera une belle initiative pour notre environnement, un engagement de toute notre communauté car il permettra à tous de profiter de cette voie ferrée en la transformant en piste marchable et cyclable. Donnons l'exemple en appuyant ce projet pour qu'il se réalise le plus tôt possible.” HL. “This is the single largest positive impact the municipality could have on the quality of life for me in Chelsea.” GM. 26
What else can YOU do! 27
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Questions? Need Support? Email to: ChelseaRails2Trails@gmail.co m ChelseaVoieVerte@gmail.com 30
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