Columbia Way EA

The Town of Caledon has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for Columbia Way between Highway 50 and Caledon King Townline to improve traffic conditions and enhance the safety of all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, and to identify road drainage and stormwater management improvements.

In developing a recommended design, the study will consider improvements to the road for various users (motorists, pedestrians and cyclists), intersection configurations, and drainage options. Within the study limits, Columbia Way will retain the two general-purpose lanes, however the road will be reconfigured to better accommodate all users depending on the findings of the study. The study is being completed as a Schedule “B” project in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, amended in 2007, 2011 & 2015).

Notice of Public Meeting

A Public Meeting was held to share updates and receive input from the public on the study to date, including the problem / opportunity, existing conditions, alternative solutions, and the preliminary preferred solution.

Public Meeting Materials

Materials presented at the public meeting
Public meeting recording

Background

Potential Project Benefits

The potential benefits may include:

  • Improving vehicular traffic
  • Calming traffic and reducing speed
  • Enhancing the safety of cyclists and pedestrians
  • Enhancing livability and promoting healthy living in the community
  • Creating attractive and vibrant public spaces
  • Supporting economic vitality
  • Increasing resilience to climate change by improving environmental sustainability and stormwater management
Key Considerations 

During the study, the following will be considered:

  • Preserving the number of lanes and ensuring sufficient capacity for vehicular traffic
  • Possible implementation of designated left-turn lanes and/or roundabouts to reduce traffic ques at intersections
  • Implementation of traffic calming features to reduce speeding along the corridor
  • Improvements to, and possible expansion, of existing sidewalks
  • Implementation of off-road bicycle lanes, infrastructure and facilities
  • Possible implementation of additional pedestrian crossings across Columbia Way, improving the safety and access of pedestrians to St. Michael Secondary School
  • Implementation of techniques to improve stormwater management
  • Slope stability improvements where required
Project Steps 

There are a number of steps that the Town is taking to ensure that all aspects of the project are being considered:

  • Analysis of existing conditions and constraints
  • Consultation with the public and key technical agencies
  • Identification of alternative improvements and analysis of expected impacts
  • Selection of the recommended measures to implement
Notice of Study Commencement 

The Study                                                                              

The Town of Caledon has identified a need for improvements to Columbia Way between Highway 50 and Caledon King Townline. Subsequently, the Town has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for improvements to the road for various users (motorists, pedestrians and cyclists), intersection alternatives, and drainage for the reconstruction of Columbia Way. Within the study limits, Columbia Way will retain the two general-purpose lanes, however various options will be evaluated to enhance safety, improve traffic operations and to better accommodate all users.

 Map of Columbia Way study Location

The Process

The purpose of the study is to identify a recommended design for Columbia Way that enhances road safety, improve traffic operations and connectivity for all users. In identifying the road improvements, the study will consider technical, aesthetic, and structural requirements; as well as socio-economic; cultural heritage, and natural environment factors.

The project is being completed as a Schedule “B” project in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, amended in 2007, 2011 & 2015).