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The Osgoode Link Multi-use Pathway (Osgoode Pathway) is a 21-kilometre pathway running on an abandoned rail corridor from Leitrim Road to Buckles Street through the Village of Osgoode. The entire length of the pathway is being rehabilitated through the Economic Stimulus Fund. When completed, it will be a 3.5-metre wide, compacted stone-dust path, with access gates.
At the north end, the Osgoode Pathway connects with the Leitrim Road Park and Ride facility, linking it to the Transit System. This makes it possible to eventually link it with a planned National Capital Commission pathway and other City urban pathways to the north.
Historically,
the Osgoode Pathway has been used for several modes of transportation,
including walking and cycling, as well as snowmobiling in the winter for
members of the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, under a specific agreement between
the City and the club. This agreement lapsed on April 30, 2010.
On May 12, 2010, Council provided the following direction to staff during discussion on the future usage of the Osgoode Pathway as it related to “the issue of motorized vehicles:”
That staff be directed to review the issue of
motorized vehicles’ use of multi-use pathways and, in consultation with the
Chair of Transportation Committee, determine how best to bring this issue
forward to Transportation Committee and Council for consideration.
After reviewing this matter with the Chair of the Transportation Committee, I can provide the following update on this project.
Staff has reviewed applicable policy and past practices surrounding the use of multi-use pathways in the City. It is clear that motorized vehicles are not permitted on pathways in the urban area. However, the use of such motorized vehicles on multi-use pathways in largely rural areas, similar to the Osgoode Pathway, has been allowed after public consultation.
The closest example to the Osgoode Pathway is the Ottawa-Carleton Trailway, part of the Trans Canada Trail, which runs from Bells Corners to Carleton Place. After public consultation on usage of the Trailway, the former Region of Ottawa-Carleton decided the following:
- Walking, cycling, and cross-country skiing are permitted on the full length of the Trailway;
- Equestrian riding is permitted on the rural section of the Trailway west of West Ridge Road;
- Under a signed agreement, snowmobiles with Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs licences are permitted on the rural section of the Trailway;
- Cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs are not permitted on the Trailway; and
- Temporary Access permits are granted for special circumstances such as farm equipment travelling to and from adjacent lands.
In order to best determine the usage of the Osgoode Pathway, staff intends to hold two public consultation sessions, one in the rural area and one in the suburban area of the pathway in November 2010. Following this process, staff will bring a report on results of the public consultation and a recommended usage policy to the appropriate Standing Committee and Council in January 2011.
Until a Council decision is made, historical use patterns, including snowmobile use on this path as per terms of the lapsed agreement with the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, will continue and a temporary agreement will be entered into with the club to this effect. Consistent with established practice, any such agreement will allow the City to terminate a pathway use without reason or compensation upon the City providing notice. Similarly, the City as owner of the property has a legal right to change the rules of use of City pathways. That being said, all users of the Osgoode Pathway, including motorized vehicle operators, must recognize that Council’s vision for the future includes the ability to implement rapid transit on a portion of this particular corridor.
Following Council’s decision on future usage of the Osgoode Pathway, staff will implement its usage policy as per Council direction.
If you have any questions, please contact Vivi Chi, Manager Transportation Planning, at ext. 21877.
Nancy Schepers
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Kent Kirkpatrick, City Manager Steve Kanellakos, Deputy City Manager Operations Vivi Chi, Manager Transportation Planning |