Sustainable Transportation and Urban Design Partnership Program

Throughout York Region’s nine municipalities, there are a variety of landscape contexts including urban centres, suburban communities and rural landscapes. This diversity requires a context-sensitive approach when designing our streets. 

The following highlights York Region’s streetscape and active transportation design objectives:

• Prioritizing universal accessibility and focusing on pedestrian comfort and safety to encourage walking, cycling, and alternative means of transportation
• Designing for optimum street tree health to improve air quality and reduce energy use
• Applying stormwater management strategies and low-maintenance planting to create sustainable landscapes
• Creating a sense of place by integrating architectural features, public art, street furniture, enhanced paving, and generous planting design

York Region policies and guidelines define how and where streetscape improvements occur. They provide local municipalities and private developers with standards to create a coordinated and functional public realm, supporting the implementation of streetscape projects that improve our communities one street at a time. These guidelines can range from determining priority areas for improvements, to which elements should be present on six-lane streets, to suitable tree species.

• Designing Great Streets Guidelines
• Municipal Streetscape Partnership Program Policy - November 2019

Streetscape Design Review Manual

• Streetscape Design Review Manual Executive Summary
• Appendix A: Sight Triangle Manual
• Appendix B: Visual Guide to Streetscape Design
• Appendix C: Streetscape Site Plan Checklist
• Appendix D: Site Plans Examples
• Appendix E: Streetscape Policies and Guidelines Map
• Enhanced Zebra Pavement Marking Detail at Signalized Intersections
• YRT Coordinated Site Furniture Design Guidelines

Please refer to the Street Tree and Horticultural Design Guidelines and Standards section for Natural Heritage and Forestry resources.

Background

The purpose of the program is to achieve higher quality streetscapes  and encourage walking and cycling by accelerating the implementation of streetscape or pedestrian and cycling infrastructure throughout York Region. Walking and cycling for work, school and errands reduces the number of trips made by motor vehicles and contributes to the reduction of traffic and greenhouse gas emissions; ultimately improving quality of life for York Region residents. The program offers eligible applicants cost-sharing with the Region for the construction of pedestrian, cycling, and streetscape facilities that are part of a Regional-scale active transportation network or locally initiated projects within the Region. These facilities and streetscape elements must support the Region’s objectives to establish a balanced and sustainable transportation system and enhance its urban structure by:

• Providing alternate transportation options that reduce dependence on private vehicles, improve public health, and enhance air quality
• Improving accessibility and mobility through a system that encourages and engages pedestrians and cyclists
• Connecting major transit and transportation infrastructure with local communities through accessible, pedestrian-friendly, and aesthetically appealing design
• Promoting active transportation by creating safe and attractive public spaces within the Region, contributing to city-building, intensification, and developing compact and complete communities

Funding

This capital cost-sharing program is administered in the York Region Public Works annual budget approved by Council. The Region will contribute towards qualifying applications that align with capital project priorities or demonstrate significant community benefit from an active transportation and streetscape perspective. Funding allocation is subject to the number of projects received in the application cycle and criteria as deemed appropriate by the Commissioner of Public Works. York Region will contribute up to 50% of eligible costs to qualifying applications. The program budget is $2,000,000 per year and is allocated based on approved submissions for a particular budget year. The amount of project funding will be based on the policy adopted by Regional Council. Approval will not be granted for work already done; the intent of the program is to expand municipal pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and provide enhanced streetscaping within Regional corridors. If a third-party, including another agency, is contributing to a project, that contribution must be deducted from the project’s total eligible cost and the program share calculated on the balance. 

Projects approved under the program must adhere to the design and/or route submitted to receive funding. Changes proposed after a contribution agreement is signed must be approved by York Region prior to construction, although approval is not guaranteed. 

Approved funding must be spent within three years from the date of award. After this date, incomplete projects will require the applicant to resubmit for funding consideration to York Region. The Region will not provide additional funding amounts beyond the approved final cost estimate. York Region reserves the right to retain any unused portion of allotted approved funding.

Eligible Projects 

York Region will only provide cost sharing for infrastructure which forms part of a network plan prepared and adopted by a municipality and/or agency such as conservation authorities and trail associations, or for streetscape enhancements which follows a regional policy or direction/vision and has significant impact to the public realm of a regional corridor.

Plans that have been adopted by a local government or which will be incorporated into the next update of the official community plan, will be accepted as a network plan. This may be submitted in the Preliminary Phase (Phase 1A) to determine the eligibility of the project.

In order for a project to be eligible, public consultation must be completed prior to an application. Phase 2 of the application cycle requires the project to be tender ready for construction. A tender ready construction package should at least include the following:

• Construction plans
• Typical cross-section drawings
• Proposed construction commencement/phasing
• Maintenance details
• Detailed construction cost

To be considered for partnership funding, the proposed project must meet all of the following criteria:

• Support a Regional-scale walking and cycling network that connects to other municipalities, provides seamless travel across York Region, and connects cyclists and pedestrians to communities or Regional destinations (e.g. shopping, recreation and government facilities)
• Support York Region’s objectives and policies  as detailed in the Vision, Regional Plans and Transportation Master Plan
• Meet Regional planning and design guidelines
• Be supported by a resolution of local council and/or authority of an agency
• Include a functional design study or other local council document that supports the vision for the local community, such as an active transportation master plan or trail plan
• Have a commitment from the local municipality and/or agency for:
  • 50% or more of the capital cost of construction
  • A signed Maintenance Agreement  

Eligible Costs

The program will assist local municipalities and key stakeholder groups in enhancing the streetscape and expanding their network by funding 50% of eligible capital work. The program share is calculated from the total construction cost of the project less all third-party contributions.

York Region staff will evaluate each project using Regional plans, policies, guidelines, and design and safety standards to determine the percentage of funding. A list of recommended projects would then be presented to Regional Council for approval.  

Eligible proposals include, but are not limited to, projects that:

• Support commuter walking or cycling
• Develop on-road or off-road facilities for public use under the jurisdiction of local municipalities, conservation authorities or other stakeholders that serve a Regional context
• Connect major transit and transportation infrastructure across the Region
• Help reduce traffic congestion on Regional roads
• Remove connectivity barriers and enhance overall user experience by providing a safe cycling or walking environment  
• Provide linkages to multi-modal facilities
• Connect neighbouring municipalities
• Are for public use
• Are new projects
• Are ready for construction

Non-eligible proposals include, but are not limited to, projects that:

• Emphasize localized recreational cycling and walking
• Already have full funding commitment from other sources

Typical eligible items are labour and material costs for:

• Pavement material
• Signage
• Safety barriers
• Bridge structures
• Traffic control
• Project management
• Administration/overhead (only the contracted portion of the project’s out- of-pocket expenses)

Project elements not eligible for Regional funding include:

• Property acquisition
• Design and planning
• Mobilization/demobilization costs, construction staging, soil testing, site survey
• Escalation, upfront financing, interest charges, contract change allowances, contract administration charges, insurance and bonding
• Temporary or seasonal enhancement including landscaping
• On-going maintenance during the course of operations
• Repair or replacement during the course of operations
• Localized recreational trails or facilities
• New curb and gutter (unless required by project design)
• Sidewalks within Regional rights-of-way when other multi-modal options are available  
• Lighting within the Region’s right-of-way
• Interlocking pavers
• Utility relocations
• End of trip facilities that are not part of the construction project such as bike racks, lockers, etc.

Project Selection

York Region will contribute 50% of eligible costs to qualifying applications that demonstrate a need for Regional streetscape enhancements and/or priority active transportation infrastructure. Funding allocation is subject to the number of projects received in the application cycle. Funding for projects is awarded based on the following:

• Number of Regional objectives the project complies with as detailed in, but not limited to, the Vision and Transportation Master Plan
• Cost effectiveness – funding leverage (km/Regional dollars contributed)
• Safety improvements (crossing locations, surface type, visibility and lighting, volume of motorized vehicles, one-way or two-way design)
• Potential usage – accommodates utilitarian cycling and walking, reduces auto-dependence, improves walking/cycling mode split
• Construction timing – the commencement of the project must occur within the budget year
• Connections/linkages including connections with local transit  
• Removes barriers
• Attractiveness of the project 

Application Package

The submission for each application phase under the partnership program must include the following materials:

Phase 1 (Due June 1 at 4:30 p.m. of the application year)

• Eligibility Screening
  • Rationale for the project and the long-term goals and objectives of the project
  • Network plan, facility map and the scope of proposal
• Funding and Maintenance Commitment
  • The Applicant must provide a letter of commitment of maintenance obligations by the local municipality with the acknowledgement that the applicant is required to submit a signed Maintenance Agreement at the Final Design Submission stage
• Evidence that public consultation is completed and that all issues have been fully addressed
• Letter of endorsement from local council
• Copies of all required permits, if available at this stage
• Preliminary cost estimates and listing of works to be completed
• Functional design studies/plans

Phase 2 (Due September 15 at 4:30 p.m. of the same calendar year)

• Tender Ready Project Submission
  • Regional approval, if applicable, for projects within the Regional right-of-way
  • Detailed cost breakdown of the project
  • A signed Maintenance Agreement demonstrating responsibility for the maintenance, repair and replacement of the proposed design
  • A signed Maintenance Agreement demonstrating responsibility for the maintenance, repair and replacement of the proposed design
    • Typical cross-section drawings
    • Detailed design drawings
    • Specifications
    • Proposed work commencement
  • Warrants for traffic signals
  • The following information (stamped by a P. Eng. or certified by the municipal clerk that the information is correct) must be attached for the main and cross street where each signal is proposed:
    • Traffic signal warrant sheet
    • Pedestrian signal warrant sheet
  • Map detailing the following:
    • Existing network and proposed routes
    • Existing road network
    • Location of trip generators such as town centres, recreation facilities and schools
    • Municipal boundaries and portions of neighbouring municipalities
  • Additional material may include:
    • Letter(s) of endorsement from local pedestrian and cycling groups, schools, major employers, etc.
    • Colour photographs of the project site

Submission Deadline

Local municipalities and stakeholders must submit an application for funding using the Online Application Form. 

The following timelines must be strictly observed for Regional funding consideration:

• Phase 1: June 1 before 4:30 p.m. – Application Submission
  • The submission of an application is required by 4:30 p.m. on June 1 of each year where the application will be screened for eligibility
• Phase 2: September 15 before 4:30 p.m.  – Finalized Design and Cost Estimate
  • By 4:30 p.m. on September 15 of the same year, applicants will be required to submit a complete design study for Regional review, as well as a detailed cost breakdown of the project
• Phase 3: November – Budget Submission
  • As per the submitted and agreed upon project cost estimate, budget submissions for the successful applications for each year will be forwarded to Council recommending the Region’s contribution to the projects for approval
• Phase 4: January/February  –  Budget Approved - Funds Available
  • When the Regional Roads Capital Budget is approved, program funding will then be committed for the construction works associated with the successful applications

Post Application

Once the submission has been approved for funding, each applicant is required to satisfy the following:

• Ensure that funding is spent within three years of receiving the award; otherwise, funding will be forfeited. Applicants will be asked to re-apply for funding the following year
• Once the project has been completed, submit photos of the completed project and a one-page summary using the supplied template including Regional financial contributions 

Submit the Application Form below by June 1 of the calendar year. Please review the program guidelines and eligibility information before applying.

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