Active Transportation and Transportation Master Plan

The Township of Scugog, with funding provided by the Province through the Climate Action Plan funding, has developed a long-term strategy to strengthen and support the transportation network within the municipality, with a focus on fostering the use of more active travel modes such as walking and cycling. The Active Transportation and Transportation Master Plan (AT and TMP) recommends facility improvements and supporting policies and programs to meet future transportation needs.

What is an Active Transportation and Transportation Master Plan?

An Active Transportation and Transportation Master Plan is a strategic policy document that guides how a municipality’s transportation system will grow and develop over time. The plan works together with the Official Plan, which directs land use and development patterns, as well as other master plans such as those concerning municipal servicing, parks and recreation, and economic development. Generally, ATPs and TMPs assess existing and future travel patterns, and identify policies, programs and infrastructure improvements to establish and maintain the transportation network needed to serve these demands consistent with the municipality’s long-term vision and goals.

Why does Scugog need an AT and TMP?

Outside the broad policies of the Official Plan, the Township did not have an overarching strategy to guide the future development of its transportation system, particularly for the use and encouragement of more active forms of travel including walking, rolling and cycling. Active transportation can help reduce automobile dependence, increase physical activity levels, improve public health, reduce infrastructure demands, and create more livable and vibrant communities.

The Township of Scugog Official Plan encourages cycling and walking as sustainable, energy efficient, affordable and accessible forms of travel and includes policies aimed at creating an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently accommodates these modes. With its highly desirable location within the Oak Ridges Moraine adjacent to the Trent Severn Waterway and small town feel and idyllic lifestyle, the Township believes the opportunity exists to support and foster greater use of active transportation in and around the community. The integration of the ATP into a broader TMP will allow the Township to address future mobility needs in a coordinated, comprehensive fashion.

What did the study involve?

The Township of Scugog Active Transportation and Transportation Master Plan will assess the existing transportation network to identify potential improvements to meet current and future needs. Ultimately, the integrated plan will provide a policy framework to support sustainable transportation practices and livable communities as Scugog grows over time. In delivering this policy framework, the plan includes:

• Creating an equitable transportation system, including an interconnected network of active transportation facilities that optimize existing infrastructure;
• Identifying ways to mitigate current and future road needs;
• Supporting policies on matters related to the design and operation of the transportation network, including matters such as safety, traffic management and pedestrian crossings; and
• Itemizing infrastructure requirements for building and maintaining the Township’s transportation network in the short, medium and long-term.

How was input collected?

Public and stakeholder participation was an essential component of the Township of Scugog Active Transportation and Transportation Master Plan study. The public engagement program for the study was designed to encourage meaningful, two-way communication so that the final plan could be based on a “Made in Scugog” approach to transportation that aligns with the Township’s vision and unique community features. This included opportunities to converse with the consultant team and Township staff and provide input on ideas and recommendations through a series of “pop-up” sessions, open houses, and commenting periods.

A copy of the Engagement Summary Report can be found in the documents section on the right-hand side of this page.

How can I be involved?

A Public Information Centre was held on November 21, 2019 for attendees to learn more about the plan recommendations and provide their feedback.

The Proposed Active Transportation and Transportation Master Plan was presented to council on April 12, 2021. The proposed plan was available for review and the comment the commenting period is now closed.

Where can I get further information?

Please contact the individuals listed in the "Who's Listening?" section of this page.