Improvements to Rymal Road - City of Hamilton

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class Environmental Assessment Environmental Study Report

Prepared by: AECOM 45 Goderich Road, Suite 201 Hamilton, ON, Canada L8E 4W8 www.aecom.com

Project Number: 60119733

Date: November 2011

905 390 20022 tel 905 578 4129 fax

AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

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Report Prepared By: Karin Wall, MCIP, RPP Manager, Environmental Planning

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Table of Contents Statement of Qualifications and Limitations Distribution List page

1. 

Introduction .....................................................................................................................................1  1.1  Background .......................................................................................................................................... 1  1.2  Purpose of the Study ........................................................................................................................... 1  1.3  Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process......................................................................... 1  1.4  Study Team Organization .................................................................................................................... 6  1.5  Study Schedule.................................................................................................................................... 6 

2. 

Summary of Transportation Master Plan (Phase 1 & 2) ..............................................................7  2.1  Purpose of the Transportation Master Plan ......................................................................................... 7  2.2  Problem Identification (Phase 1) ......................................................................................................... 7  2.2.1  Problem/Opportunity Statement ............................................................................................. 7  2.2.1.1  Transportation Master Plan .................................................................................. 7  2.2.1.2  Hamilton Cycling Master Plan – Shifting Gears ................................................... 7  2.2.1.3  Rymal Road Planning Area Master Plan .............................................................. 8  2.2.1.4  Rymal Road Planning Area Class Environmental Assessment ........................... 8  2.2.1.5  Trinity Church Arterial Corridor Class Environmental Assessment...................... 8  2.2.1.6  North Glanbrook Industrial Park Transportation Master Plan .............................. 8  2.2.1.7  Refined Problem Statement ................................................................................. 8 

3. 

Public and Agency Consultation .................................................................................................10  3.1  Consultation Plan............................................................................................................................... 10  3.2  Summary of Phase 1 and 2 Consultation .......................................................................................... 10  3.3  Phase 3 Consultation......................................................................................................................... 11  3.3.1  Regulatory Agency Involvement ........................................................................................... 11  3.3.1.1  Agency Mailing List ............................................................................................ 11  3.3.1.2  Study Notification Letter ..................................................................................... 12  3.3.2  Public Involvement................................................................................................................ 17  3.3.2.1  Public Information Centre ................................................................................... 17  3.3.3  First Nations Consultation .................................................................................................... 21  3.4  Phase 4 Consultation......................................................................................................................... 21 

4. 

Description of the Existing Environment ...................................................................................22  4.1  Data Collection and Review .............................................................................................................. 22  4.2  Transportation Characteristics ........................................................................................................... 23  4.2.1  Existing Road Network ......................................................................................................... 23  4.2.2  Access .................................................................................................................................. 23  4.2.2.1  Signalized Intersections ..................................................................................... 23  4.2.2.2  Property Entrances ............................................................................................. 25  4.2.3  Transit Service ...................................................................................................................... 25  4.2.4  Pedestrian and Cycling Facilities.......................................................................................... 26  4.2.5  Road Safety Considerations ................................................................................................. 26  4.3  Engineering Environment .................................................................................................................. 27  4.3.1  Storm Drainage..................................................................................................................... 27  4.4  Physical Environment ........................................................................................................................ 27 

AECOM

City of Hamilton

4.5 

4.6 

4.7 

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

4.4.1  Physiography, Geology and Topography ............................................................................. 27  4.4.2  Surface Water Resources .................................................................................................... 28  4.4.3  Groundwater Resources ....................................................................................................... 29  4.4.4  Soils and Agricultural Capability ........................................................................................... 30  Natural Environment .......................................................................................................................... 33  4.5.1  Designated Natural Areas .................................................................................................... 33  4.5.2  Terrestrial Habitat ................................................................................................................. 34  4.5.2.1  Vegetation .......................................................................................................... 34  4.5.2.2  Wildlife ................................................................................................................ 36  4.5.2.3  Species at Risk ................................................................................................... 37  4.5.3  Aquatic Habitat ..................................................................................................................... 38  Socio-Economic Environment ........................................................................................................... 40  4.6.1  Political Jurisdiction .............................................................................................................. 40  4.6.2  Provincial Planning Context .................................................................................................. 40  4.6.2.1  Provincial Policy Statement ................................................................................ 40  4.6.2.2  Growth Plan ........................................................................................................ 41  4.6.2.3  Greenbelt Plan.................................................................................................... 41  4.6.2.4  Niagara Escarpment Plan .................................................................................. 42  4.6.3  Municipal Planning Context .................................................................................................. 42  4.6.3.1  Building a Strong Foundation ............................................................................. 43  4.6.3.2  VISION 2020 ...................................................................................................... 43  4.6.3.3  Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy ............................................ 43  4.6.4  Designated Land Uses ......................................................................................................... 43  4.6.4.1  Region of Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan ...................................................... 43  4.6.4.2  City of Hamilton Official Plan .............................................................................. 44  4.6.4.3  Urban Hamilton Official Plan .............................................................................. 45  4.6.5  Transportation....................................................................................................................... 47  4.6.6  Existing Land Uses ............................................................................................................... 47  4.6.7  First Nation Interests............................................................................................................. 48  4.6.8  Emergency Service Providers .............................................................................................. 48  4.6.9  School Busing ....................................................................................................................... 48  4.6.10  Noise ..................................................................................................................................... 48  4.6.11  Utilities .................................................................................................................................. 49  4.6.12  Sources of Potential Contamination ..................................................................................... 49  Cultural Environment ......................................................................................................................... 49  4.7.1  Archaeological Resources .................................................................................................... 49  4.7.2  Built Heritage and Cultural Landscapes ............................................................................... 49 

5. 

Transportation Alternatives .........................................................................................................50  5.1  Alternative Solutions Overview (EA Phase 2) ................................................................................... 50  5.2  Alternative Design Concepts (EA Phase 3) ....................................................................................... 51  5.2.1  Generation of Design Alternatives ........................................................................................ 51  5.2.2  Evaluation Criteria ................................................................................................................ 51  5.2.3  Assessment and Evaluation of the Design Alternatives ....................................................... 52  5.2.4  Preliminary Preferred Design Alternative ............................................................................. 54 

6. 

Project Description .......................................................................................................................60  6.1  Horizontal Alignment.......................................................................................................................... 60  6.2  Vertical Alignment .............................................................................................................................. 61  6.3  Intersections ...................................................................................................................................... 61  6.3.1  Dartnall Road Intersection .................................................................................................... 62 

AECOM

City of Hamilton

6.4  6.5  6.6  6.7  6.8  6.9  6.10  6.11 

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

6.3.2  Glover Road Intersection ...................................................................................................... 64  6.3.3  Pritchard Road Intersection .................................................................................................. 65  6.3.4  New Trinity Church Corridor ................................................................................................. 65  Cross-Section .................................................................................................................................... 66  Pedestrians and Cyclists ................................................................................................................... 66  Transit ................................................................................................................................................ 67  Drainage/Stormwater Management................................................................................................... 67  Illumination ......................................................................................................................................... 67  Utilities ............................................................................................................................................... 67  Construction Staging ......................................................................................................................... 68  Property Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 68 

7. 

Environmental Effects, Mitigation Measures and Monitoring ..................................................69  7.1  Physical Environment ........................................................................................................................ 69  7.1.1  Surface Water Resources .................................................................................................... 69  7.1.2  Groundwater Resources ....................................................................................................... 70  7.2  Natural Environment .......................................................................................................................... 70  7.2.1  Designated Natural Areas .................................................................................................... 70  7.2.2  Terrestrial Habitat ................................................................................................................. 70  7.2.2.1  Vegetation .......................................................................................................... 70  7.2.2.2  Wildlife ................................................................................................................ 71  7.2.2.3  Breeding Birds .................................................................................................... 71  7.2.2.4  Species at Risk ................................................................................................... 72  7.2.3  Aquatic Habitat ..................................................................................................................... 72  7.3  Socio-Economic Environment ........................................................................................................... 73  7.3.1  Property ................................................................................................................................ 73  7.3.2  Access .................................................................................................................................. 73  7.3.3  Open Space .......................................................................................................................... 73  7.3.4  Noise and Air Quality ............................................................................................................ 73  7.3.5  Property Waste and Contamination...................................................................................... 74  7.4  Cultural Environment ......................................................................................................................... 74  7.5  Utilities ............................................................................................................................................... 74  7.6  Construction Staging ......................................................................................................................... 74  7.7  Summary of Environmental Impacts, Mitigation and Commitments to Future Work ......................... 74  7.8  Monitoring .......................................................................................................................................... 79 

8. 

References.....................................................................................................................................80 

AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

List of Figures Figure 1.  Figure 2.  Figure 3.  Figure 4.  Figure 5. 

Study Area.................................................................................................................................................. 2  Municipal Class EA Planning and Design Process .................................................................................... 5  Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................................... 24  Glover Road Concrete Box Culvert Crossing .......................................................................................... 29  Soil Capabilities within the Rymal Road Study Area................................................................................ 31 

List of Tables Table 1.  Table 2.  Table 3.  Table 4.  Table 5.  Table 6.  Table 7.  Table 8.  Table 9.  Table 10.  Table 11.  Table 12.  Table 13.  Table 14.  Table 15.  Table 16.  Table 17.  Table 18.  Table 19. 

Members of the Study Team ...................................................................................................................... 6  Summary of Consultation Activities (Phase 3 and 4) ............................................................................... 10  Agency Contact List ................................................................................................................................. 11  Summary of Comments and Responses Pre-Notice of PIC .................................................................... 13  Summary of Comments and Responses Post-Notice of PIC .................................................................. 18  Secondary Sources .................................................................................................................................. 22  Observed Number of Collisions at Intersections along Rymal Road (2004-2009) .................................. 27  Observed Number of Collisions on Mid-Block Road Sections along Rymal Road (2004-2009 .............. 27  Field Surveys Conducted by Dougan & Associates (2010) ..................................................................... 33  Aquatic Habitat Stream Characteristics ................................................................................................... 38  Link Capacity Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 51  Summary Evaluation of the Design Alternatives for Rymal Road............................................................ 53  Horizontal Alignment of the Proposed Rymal Road Improvements......................................................... 60  Vertical Alignment of the Proposed Rymal Road Improvements ............................................................. 61  Summary Evaluation of the Rymal/Dartnall Road Intersection ................................................................ 63  Synchro Analysis for the Dartnall Road Intersection................................................................................ 64  Future (2021) Traffic Operation Conditions in AM and PM peak Hours at Glover Road ......................... 65  Cross-Section for the Proposed Rymal Road Improvements .................................................................. 66  Anticipated Impacts, Proposed Mitigation Measures and Commitments to Future Work........................ 75 

Appendices Appendix A.

Appendix B. Appendix C. Appendix D. Appendix E.

Public and Agency Consultation Appendix A1. Notification Material Appendix A2. Agency Correspondence Appendix A3. PIC Materials Terrestrial Environment Report Fish Habitat Assessment Report List of Rare Species Evaluation of Alternative Road Design Concepts

AECOM

City of Hamilton

1.

Introduction

1.1

Background

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

In 2007, the City of Hamilton (City) completed the Hamilton Transportation Master Plan. The purpose of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) was to develop policies and strategies for the city-wide transportation network for the next 30 years. The City’s TMP was prepared following the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Municipal Class EA) document (October 2000 as amended in 2007). Specifically, the TMP was prepared following Section A.2.7 for Master Plans and has been accepted by the City as documentation of Phase 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class EA process for all projects proposed within. Among the proposed road improvements, the TMP recommended road widening on Rymal Road with provision for a bicycle lane and possible use of the corridor for bus rapid transit (BRT) between Ryckmans Road and Trinity Church Corridor. This study focuses on road improvements between Dartnall Road and the proposed new Trinity Church Corridor. The TMP report classifies the proposed improvements to this section of Rymal Road as a Schedule C project. Schedule C projects are subject to the full planning and design process outlined in the Municipal Class EA document. AECOM was subsequently retained by the City to undertake Phase 3 and 4 of the Municipal Class EA process for the proposed improvements to Rymal Road from Dartnall Road to the proposed new Trinity Church Corridor.

1.2

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this Class EA study is to identify and evaluate alternative design concepts for the proposed improvements to Rymal Road. The Subject Area (or Study Area), as shown in Figure 1, extends from Dartnall Road to the proposed new Trinity Church Corridor for a distance of approximately 1 km. The study process includes assessing the impacts of alternatives on the natural and socio-economic environments, and considering input from the public and regulatory agencies. The objective of this study is to recommend a design concept that will implement the proposed road improvements effectively and efficiently, while having regard for the surrounding environment.

1.3

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process

Prior to the selection of a preferred design, the City must comply with the requirements of the MEA Municipal Class EA document (October 2000 as amended in 2007). Approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, the Municipal Class EA process incorporates the following key principles of EA planning:

• • • • •

Consultation with affected parties early in and throughout the planning process; Consideration of a reasonable range of alternatives, both the functionally different ‘alternatives to’ and the ‘alternative methods’ of implementing the solution; Identification and consideration of the effects of each alternative on all aspects of the environment; Systematic evaluation of alternatives in terms of their advantages and disadvantages, to determine their net environmental effects; and Provision of clear and complete documentation of the planning process followed, to allow ‘traceability’ of decision-making with respect to the project.

1

AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Figure 1. Study Area

2

AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

As illustrated in Figure 2, the Municipal Class EA document outlines a five-phase planning and design process. Each phase is summarized below:

Phase 1

Identify the problem and/or opportunity to be addressed.

Phase 2

Identify alternative solutions to address the problem or opportunity by taking into consideration the existing environment, and determine the preferred solution taking into account public and regulatory agency input.

Phase 3

Examine alternative methods of implementing the preferred solution taking into account the existing environment, public and regulatory agency input, anticipated environmental impacts, and methods of minimizing negative impacts and maximizing positive impacts.

Phase 4

Document, in an Environmental Study Report (ESR), a summary of the rationale and the planning, design and consultation process undertaken through Phases 1 to 3. The ESR is made available for public and agency review and comment.

Phase 5

Complete contract drawings and documents and proceed to construction and operation. Monitor construction and operation where necessary for adherence to environmental provisions and mitigation. Phase 5 is not part of this study. This phase will be undertaken in advance of construction.

In addition, the Municipal Class EA document classifies transportation improvements as either Schedule A, A+, B or C projects based on the anticipated levels of impact. Each schedule is described as follows: Schedule A

Projects are limited in scale, have minimal adverse environmental impacts, and require no public notification or documentation.

Schedule A+ Projects are limited in scale, have minimal adverse environmental impacts, and require no documentation. However, the public is to be advised of the project prior to implementation. Schedule B

Projects have the potential for some adverse environmental impacts. The proponent is required to undertake a screening process, involving mandatory contact with the directly affected public and regulatory agencies, to ensure that they are aware of the project and that their concerns are addressed. Schedule B projects require that a Project File be prepared and made available for public review.

Schedule C

Projects have the potential for significant environmental impacts and must proceed under the full planning and documentation procedures of the Municipal Class EA document. Schedule C projects require that an ESR be prepared and filed on the public record for review by the public and regulatory agencies.

This study is classified as a Schedule C project which involves completion of Phases 1 through 4 of the planning and design process (Phases 1 and 2 were completed as part of the TMP and Phase 5 will be completed prior to construction). The planning and design process for Schedule C projects are documented in an ESR. The ESR is prepared for a minimum 30-day public review period. During this review period, any person or party with an outstanding issue may bring the issue forward to the City for resolution. If the issue cannot be resolved, the person or party with the concern may request the Minister of the Environment to order the City to comply with ‘Part II’ of the Environmental Assessment Act. ‘Part II’ of the Environmental Assessment Act requires the completion of an individual EA study with formal government review and approval. This request is called a ‘Part II Order Request’

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

(formerly ‘Bump-up Request’) and must be submitted to the Minister in writing within the minimum 30-day review period. If no requests for a ‘Part II Order’ are received during the public review period, the project may then proceed to Phase 5 (Design and Construction).

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Figure 2. Municipal Class EA Planning and Design Process

PHASE PHASE 11 -- Identify Identify and and Describe Describe the the Problem(s) Problem(s)

Problem(s) Problem(s)

PHASE PHASE 22 –– Planning Planning Alternatives Alternatives •• Identify Identify reasonable reasonable Planning Planning Alternatives Alternatives to to the the problem(s) problem(s) •• Evaluate Evaluate Planning Planning Alternatives Alternatives taking taking into into consideration consideration existing existing environmental environmental and and technical technical factors factors •• Identify Identify aa Preliminary Preliminary Preferred Preferred Solution Solution to to the the problem(s) problem(s)

Select Select Preferred Preferred Solution Solution

PHASE PHASE 33 -- Alternative Alternative Design Design Concepts Concepts for for Preferred Preferred Solution Solution •• Identify Identify Alternative Alternative Designs Designs to to implement implement the the Preferred Preferred Solution Solution •• Inventory Inventory natural, natural, social, social, economic economic and and cultural cultural environment environment •• Identify Identify the the impact impact of of the the alternative alternative designs designs after after mitigation mitigation •• Evaluate Evaluate Alternative Alternative Designs Designs with with consideration consideration of of the the impacts impacts •• Identify Identify aa Preliminary Preliminary Preferred Preferred Design Design

Select Select Preferred Preferred Design Design

PHASE PHASE 44 -- Prepare/Submit Prepare/Submit Environmental Environmental Study Study Report Report (ESR) (ESR) •• Complete ESR documenting planning and decision-making Complete ESR documenting planning and decision-making processes processes undertaken undertaken through through Phases Phases 11 to to 33 •• Place ESR on public record for Place ESR on public record for aa minimum minimum 30 30 calendar calendar days days for for review review •• Notify the public and government agencies of completion of the Notify the public and government agencies of completion of the ESR ESR and and provision provision for for Part Part IIII Order Order Request Request

ESR ESR

PHASE PHASE 55 -- Implementation Implementation of of Proposed Proposed Improvements Improvements •• Proceed Proceed to to construction construction of of the the Project Project •• Monitor Monitor for for environmental environmental provisions provisions and and commitments commitments

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

1.4

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Study Team Organization

AECOM was retained by the City in 2009 to complete Phase 3 and 4 of the Class EA study for improvements to Rymal Road. This study has been carried out by a Study Team consisting of staff from the City and AECOM. Table 1 identifies members of the Study Team. Table 1. Members of the Study Team AFFILIATION

NAME

ROLE

City Project Team

Melanie Jajko Chris McCafferty

Class EA Project Manager Technical Project Manager Development Engineering Development Planning Community Planning and Design Community Planning and Design Traffic Engineering Transportation Planning Transit Planning Infrastructure and Source Water Planning Infrastructure Planning Transit (HSR)

Karin Wall Larry Sarris Jose Vernaza Khalid Khan

Class EA Project Manager Environmental Planner Technical Project Manager Transportation Engineer

Staff Technical Committee

AECOM Class EA Team Technical Team

1.5

Study Schedule

This study was initiated in June, 2009. Completion dates for each phase of the study were as follows: Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4

Completed in May 2007 as part of the TMP. Completed in May 2007 as part of the TMP. Completed in 2010. Completed in 2011.

Implementation of the proposed road improvements is tentatively scheduled to commence in 2012.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

2.

Summary of Transportation Master Plan (Phase 1 & 2)

2.1

Purpose of the Transportation Master Plan

The Hamilton Transportation Master Plan (TMP) was initiated in 2003 as part of the Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy (GRIDS). GRIDS was developed by the City as a planning process to determine where future growth will occur over the next 30 years and beyond. The intent of GRIDS is to integrate planning for land use with planning for transportation, water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. As indicated in Chapter 1, the purpose of the TMP is to develop policies and strategies for the transportation network over the next 30 years. The City’s TMP was carried out in three stages: Stage 1 – Calibration of the existing transportation model to reflect current transportation conditions Stage 2 – Development of underlying policies to the Master Plan Stage 3 – Preparation of the Master Plan itself.

2.2

Problem Identification (Phase 1)

2.2.1 Problem/Opportunity Statement As part of this study, AECOM reviewed relevant conclusions of recently completed transportation studies involving the Rymal Road Study Area. Examples of recently completed studies include the Hamilton TMP, Hamilton’s Cycling Master Plan – Shifting Gears, Rymal Road Planning Area Class EA Study Report (Phase 3 and 4), and Trinity Church Arterial Corridor Class EA Report (Phase 3 and 4). Key recommendations were summarized to support the need and justification for widening of Rymal Road within the Study Area, and to confirm the problem/opportunity statement for consideration during Phase 3 and 4 of this Class EA Study. 2.2.1.1

Transportation Master Plan

The TMP identified the following Problem Statement (as documented by IBI Group and Dillon Consulting in association with McCormick Rankin (MRC), 2007): “Between 2001 and 2031, Hamilton’s population will increase by 162,000 people (32%). During the same period, 105,000 new jobs are expected to be created. If current travel characteristics remain the same, there will be 180,000 additional auto driver trips per day that will need to be accommodated by the road network. This translates into 1.2 million additional kilometres driven by Hamilton residents each day and a consumption of 40 million litres of fuel per year. Left unchecked, significant congestion on most Escarpment crossings will result in increased delays to auto drivers, transit riders and commercial vehicles. Accordingly, key objectives of the TMP include reducing dependence on single-occupant vehicles and promoting improved options for walking, cycling and transit, while maintaining and improving the efficiency of trips related to the movement of goods and servicing of employment areas.” 2.2.1.2

Hamilton Cycling Master Plan – Shifting Gears

In June 2009, Shifting Gears, a new Cycling Master Plan for the City of Hamilton was approved by Council to guide the development and operation of its cycling infrastructure for the next twenty years. The Transportation Master Plan (2007) proposed an expanded city-wide cycling network, as well as an update to Shifting Gears 1999. This Cycling Master Plan update satisfied this goal. Cycling facilities were proposed in this study area through the Transportation Master Plan (2007); however the updated Shifting Gears (2009) did not identify cycling facilities in the Rymal Road study area.

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AECOM

2.2.1.3

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Rymal Road Planning Area Master Plan

In 2006, the City completed a Master Plan to address infrastructure and service needs for the Rymal Road Secondary Plan Area and Special Policy Area ‘C’. The Rymal Road Secondary Plan Area is situated south of Rymal Road and north of the hydro corridor, from Trinity Church Road to Upper Centennial Parkway. Special Policy Area ‘C’ is located north of Stone Church Road and east of Winterberry Drive. The Rymal Road Planning Area Master Plan fulfills Phase 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class EA process and recommends widening of Rymal Road from Trinity Church Road to Upper Centennial Parkway/Regional Road 56. In addition, the Master Plan recommends a north-south link from the Red Hill Valley Parkway to south of Rymal Road. This link is referred to as the Trinity Church Arterial Corridor. 2.2.1.4

Rymal Road Planning Area Class Environmental Assessment

In 2007, the City completed Phase 3 and 4 of the Class EA for the proposed widening of Rymal Road between Regional Road 56 and the Trinity Church Arterial Corridor. Based on the assessment of alternative designs, the recommended design includes five (5) lanes (two (2) through lanes in each direction and a centre-turning lane where needed) with provision for a roundabout at the intersection with the Trinity Church Arterial Corridor. 2.2.1.5

Trinity Church Arterial Corridor Class Environmental Assessment

In 2007, the City completed Phase 3 and 4 of the Class EA for the proposed Trinity Church Arterial Corridor. The study recommends a new four (4) lane (two (2) lanes in each direction) arterial corridor from the Red Hill Valley Parkway and Stone Church Road intersection to south of Rymal Road, with provision of a roundabout at the intersection with Rymal Road. 2.2.1.6

North Glanbrook Industrial Park Transportation Master Plan

In 2006, the City completed a TMP for the proposed North Glanbrook Industrial Business Park following Phase 1 and 2 of the Class EA process. The Study Area is generally bounded by Dickenson Road to the south, beyond Nebo Road to the west, Trinity Church Road to the east, and the hydro corridor to the north. The Study Area also includes connections to the Red Hill Valley Parkway/Lincoln Alexander Parkway to the north and the airport to the west. The TMP identified the need for additional north-south capacity within the North Glanbrook Industrial Business Park between Rymal Road and Dickenson Road. The need for additional expansions was identified to meet traffic demand in the long term, including north-south capacity from the Lincoln Alexander Parkway to Dickenson Road, and protection of additional north-south capacity south of Rymal Road. 2.2.1.7

Refined Problem Statement

Based on a review of recently completed transportation studies involving Rymal Road within and beyond the Study Area, the problem statement was confirmed as follows: “The need for improvements to Rymal Road within the Study Area is documented in the Hamilton Transportation Master Plan (2007). Furthermore, significant development is anticipated as part of the North Glanbrook Industrial Business Park and Rymal Road Planning Area to the south of Rymal Road. As development occurs, traffic will increase on roadways within and adjacent to this Business Park and Rymal Road Planning Area. The widening of Rymal Road between Dartnall Road and the Trinity Church Arterial Corridor is expected to improve east-west

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

capacity, traffic operations, safety, and accessibility to existing and future developments. It also presents the opportunity to improve alternative modes of travel (i.e., walking and transit) throughout the corridor.”

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

3.

Public and Agency Consultation

3.1

Consultation Plan

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Recognizing that public and regulatory agency consultation is an integral part of the Municipal Class EA process, a Consultation Plan was developed at the outset of the study and implemented throughout Phase 3 and 4. The objectives of the Consultation Plan were:

• • • •

To identify potentially affected stakeholders; To provide information to stakeholders on all components of the study; To obtain input from stakeholders during each phase of the study; and, To integrate information received from stakeholders into the planning and design process.

In keeping with the intent of the Municipal Class EA, a number of methods were used to achieve the above-stated objectives, including:

• • • • • •

Contacting key agencies for data collection and identification of issues/concerns early in the study process; Convening a Public Information Centre (PIC) during Phase 3 of the study; Placement of a combined Notice of Study Commencement and PIC in the Hamilton Spectator and Mountain News; Mailing project information (e.g., notification letters regarding Study Commencement, PIC, and Study Completion) to regulatory agencies and/or the public during various stages of the study process; Receiving and responding to written submissions; and Participating in discussions with regulatory agencies and the public by telephone and electronic mail.

Table 2 summarizes the consultation activities undertaken as part of this study. Details pertaining to the Consultation Plan are provided in the following sections, including a brief overview of consultation activities undertaken as part of the Hamilton TMP. In addition, reference is made to feedback received throughout the ESR, where appropriate. Table 2. Summary of Consultation Activities (Phase 3 and 4) PHASE 3 – ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONCEPTS DATE

3.2

ACTIVITY

TARGET STAKEHOLDERS

August 24, 2009

Study Notification Letter mailed

Regulatory Agencies, First Nations

Week of October 18, 2010

Notice of PIC Letter mailed

Public, Regulatory Agencies, First Nations

October 29, 2010 and November 5, 2010

Notice of PIC posted in local newspapers (Proposed Improvements & Environmental Assessments for Dartnall Road & Rymal Road)

Public

November 10, 2010

Public Information Centre

Public, Regulatory Agencies, First Nations

Summary of Phase 1 and 2 Consultation

Stage 2 of the TMP (Development of underlying policies to the Master Plan) involved a series of events to solicit stakeholder input, including Staff/Council workshops, two (2) Public Open Houses, a Charrette with Stakeholders,

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

and Council adoption of Policy Papers. Stage 3 of the TMP (Preparation of the Master Plan itself) involved a series of Public Information Centres to solicit stakeholder input on the initial stages of the study, alternatives, and the proposed preliminary plan. In addition, a number of agencies and organizations were contacted for their input, such as the Cycling Committee, Transit User Group, Accessibility Committee, Transit Master Plan and Gas Tax Committee, Chamber of Commerce, Transportation Club, and the Niagara Escarpment Commission. The TMP report was placed on the public record for a 60-day review period. Feedback received in response to the above consultation efforts support alternative transportation choices, particularly BRT and incline rail. The overall theme of many comments acknowledged the link between transportation and land use.

3.3

Phase 3 Consultation

3.3.1 Regulatory Agency Involvement 3.3.1.1

Agency Mailing List

A list of regulatory agencies thought to be possibly affected or interested in the project was compiled by the City in August 2009, including First Nations, provincial ministries, federal departments, the local conservation authority, and various utility companies. A list of agencies contacted at the start of this study is provided in Table 3. This list was updated throughout the study to ensure that it remained current. Table 3. Agency Contact List PROVINCIAL AGENCIES • • • • • • •

Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministry of Attorney General Ministry of Culture Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Ministry of Community and Social Services Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

• • • • • • •

Canada Post Commercial Service Centre Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Canadian Centre for Inland Waters Canadian Geographical Names Database (NATURAL Resources Canada) Environment Canada Fisheries and Oceans Canada

• • • • • • •

City Manager’s Office Community Services Corporate Services Hamilton Emergency Services Hamilton Police Services Hamilton Public Library Mayor’s Office

• • • • •

Assembly of First Nations Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians Council of Ontario Chiefs Cultural Explorers De dwa da dehs nyes Aboriginal Health Centre

• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Ministry of Natural Resources • Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of tourism and Culture • Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities • Ministry of Transportation • Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure • Ontario Provincial Police FEDERAL AGENCIES • • • • •

Human Resources Development Canada Hamilton Port Authority Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Industry Canada Transport Canada

MUNICIPAL CONTACTS (CITY OF HAMILTON) • • • •

Planning and Economic Development Public Health Services Public Works Ward 6, 9 and 11 Councillors

ABORIGINAL GROUPS AND COMMUNITIES • • • • •

Huron Wendat First Nation Métis Nation of Ontario Métis Women’s Circle Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Nipissing First Nation (Union of Ontario Indians)

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City of Hamilton

• • • •

Hamilton Executive Directors Aboriginal Coalition Hamilton Regional Indian Centre Haudenosaunee Resource Centre HEDAC

• • • • • • • •

Atria Networks Bell Canada Cogeco Cable Inc. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. Imperial Oil Hamilton Utilities Corporation Horizon Utilities (formerly Hamilton Hydro) Hydro One

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

• •

Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Six Nations of the Grand River

UTILITIES • • • • • • •

Mountain Cablevision Ontario Power Generation South Mount Cable Ltd. Sun-Canadian Pipeline TransCanada Pipelines Limited Trans-Northern Pipelines Inc. Union Gas

OTHER KEY STAKEHOLDERS • Canadian National Railway • Canadian Pacific Railway • Centre, French Public School Board. • Greater Toronto Transit Authority Hamilton Central Ambulance Communication Centre Hamilton Conservation Authority • Hamilton Cycling Committee • Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board •

3.3.1.2

• • • • • • •

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board McMaster University Mohawk College Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Niagara Escarpment Commission Planning and Engineering Initiatives Ltd. Southern Ontario Railway

Study Notification Letter

Regulatory agencies were contacted by the City through a study notification letter dated August 24, 2009. The purpose of the letter was to inform agencies of the study and invite their participation in the study process. A summary of comments received and how they have been addressed is provided in Table 4. A copy of all correspondence sent and received is included in Appendix A.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Table 4. Summary of Comments and Responses Pre-Notice of PIC COMMENTING AGENCY Hydro One Networks

COMMENTS RECEIVED

•

•

•

• •

•

Enbridge Pipelines Inc. Hamilton Conservation Authority

• • • • •

In our initial review, we have confirmed that Hydro One Transmission facilities are located within immediate vicinity of the proposed site in your Study Area. Please also allow appropriate lead-time in your project schedule in the event that proposed development impacts Hydro One infrastructure which requires relocation or modifications, or needs an outage, that may not be readily available. In planning, please note that developments should not reduce line clearances and limit access to our facilities at any time in the Study Area of your Proposal. Any construction activities must maintain the electrical clearance from the transmission line conductors as specified in the Ontario Health and Safety Act for the respective line voltage. The integrity of the structure foundations must be maintained at all times, with no disturbance of the earth around the poles, guy wires and tower footings. There must not be any grading, excavating, filling or other civil work close to the structures. Note that existing rights-of-ways may have provisions for future lines or already contain secondary land uses (i.e. pipelines, water mains, parking, etc). Please take this into consideration in your planning. Once details are known and it is established that your development will affect Hydro One facilities including the rights-of-way, please submit plans that detail your development and the affected Hydro One facilities to Kent Taylor, 185 Clegg Road, Markham L6G 1B7. Please note that the proponent will be responsible for costs associated with modification or relocation of Hydro One facilities, as well as any added costs that may be incurred due to increase efforts to maintain our facilities. Please remove from study mailing list for this project. Enbridge Pipelines does not have any facilities in the area of proposed work. The Hannon Creek Master Drainage Plan has identified at least one (1) karst feature in the Project Area.

RESPONSE

•

Comments noted and will be further investigated during Phase 3.

•

The Hydro One Transmission facilities that traverse Rymal Road on the east side of Pritchard Road will not be impacted by the proposed road widening. The proposed improvements will not impact the transmission tower located at approximately Station No. 10+900 (north side of Rymal Road). Section 6.9 details the project description pertaining to utilities.

•

Revised study mailing list.

•

Natural features within the Project Area are summarized in Chapter 4: Description of Existing Environment.

At least three (3) tributaries of Hannon Creek traverse Rymal Road in the Project Area, one (1) of which has been identified as a ‘high constraint’ fisheries stream. The Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) borders Rymal Road on the north and south sides between Dartnall Road and Glover Road.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

COMMENTING AGENCY

COMMENTS RECEIVED

•

•

Impacts to the ESA are discussed in Section 7.2.1 and prescribed mitigative measures are documented in Table 15.

•

Impacts and the need for permits and approvals were assessed during Phase 3 of the Class EA process under Section 7.1 and in Table 15.

•

Maintained on study mailing list.

•

Comment noted and report finalized.

• •

Revised study mailing list. Comment noted.

•

Contact Specific Claims Branch at (819) 953-1940 or 994-2323, Comprehensive Claims Branch at (819) 997-3499 or 994-7521, and Litigation Management and Resolution Branch at (819) 997-3582.

•

Contacts consulted.

•

INAC Environmental Unit will not be providing a review of the proposed project but has provided a list of resources to facilitate with identifying First Nations and other Aboriginal Groups within the vicinity of the area.

•

Resources were reviewed for potentially affected First Nations and other Aboriginal Groups.

•

•

Revised study mailing list.

•

All unsolicited correspondence concerning environmental assessment requests and notifications that are taking place within the Province of Ontario should be directed to the Environmental Unit. Please remove from study mailing list for this project.

•

Revised study mailing list.

• •

Interested in providing input regarding the study and would like to be kept informed. Interested in archaeological resources and impacts on recreation.

• •

Maintained on study mailing list. Will be provided with copy of ESR

• •

Metrolinx/GO Transit Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration/ Tourism and

RESPONSE

A large portion of the ESA on the north side of Rymal Road falls within the Mount Albion Conservation Area, which is owned by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. If the proposed road improvements involve widening the road onto or in close proximity to conservation authority lands, then it is requested that the authority’s Land Management Director be consulted and kept informed of project details The watercourses and their associated natural hazard lands are regulated by the Hamilton Conservation Authority pursuant to their Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation 161/06 under Ontario Regulation 97/04. Any new development, including construction and grading activities within the regulated area will require a permit from the conservation authority and may be subject to timing constraints (i.e., fisheries timing windows for in-water works and breeding birds in accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act). Request that future reports and correspondence related to the project be circulated to the Hamilton Conservation Authority for review. Satisfied with the revisions made to the Fisheries Report based on comments provided. Please remove from study mailing list for this project. No active litigation in vicinity of property.

•

Imperial Oil Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

• •

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AECOM

COMMENTING AGENCY Culture/ Health Promotion Ministry of the Environment

City of Hamilton

COMMENTS RECEIVED

• • •

•

Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC)

• • •

Trans-Northern Pipelines Ltd.

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

•

RESPONSE

An ESR is to be prepared when the preferred design has been selected and design work has progressed to the point where the details of any environmental protection measures to be incorporated in the construction package have been finalized. Once the ESR is finalized, a Notice of Completion is required to be issued, allowing the public at least a 30 calendar day period during which documentation may be reviewed and comments and input submitted to the municipality. The concerned party must be advised that if discussions during the review period are unsuccessful at resolving concerns, they can submit a Part II Order if they have not already done so to the Minister within a further seven (7) calendar days following the end of discussion. Proponents are advised to contact the following agencies to determine potentially affected Aboriginal communities in the project area at http//www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/ea/English/General_info/GRTList.htm. Once identified, proponents are advised to provide notification directly to the Aboriginal communities who may be affected by the project and provide them with an opportunity to participate in any planned public consultation sessions and comment on the project. The Commission is interested in providing input regarding the study. South end of Mount Albion Conservation Area abuts the Subject Area. It is also a Niagara Escarpment Plan Open Space System (NEPOSS).

•

An ESR was prepared at the conclusion of the study.

•

A Notice of Completion will be issued at the conclusion of the study.

•

Provision for a Part II Order will be included in the Notice of Completion.

•

Resources will be reviewed for potentially affected First Nations and other Aboriginal Groups.

• •

NEC is interested in reviewing information regarding the proposed road improvements. Interested in providing input regarding this study. Interests include Rymal Road crossing of pipeline. The proposed works will encounter Trans-Northern’s petroleum products transmission pipeline at its crossing of Rymal Road, just west of the Trinity Church corridor. This pipeline forms part of an interprovincial pipeline system subject to regulations by the National Energy Board. Facilities crossing must be designed to meet Trans-Northern’s technical requirements, and must be specifically authorized in accordance with the Pipeline Crossing Regulations. Works within 30 m of the pipeline ROW must be carried out in conformity with Section 112 of the National Energy Board Act. It does not appear this crossing is presently cased, but there is a cathodic protection ground bed nearby. Should pipeline modification or protection be required, this would normally be arranged by Trans-Northern at the proponent’s expense.

•

Maintained on study mailing list. Mount Albion Conservation Area and NEPOSS are summarized in Chapter 4: Description of Existing Environment. Maintained on study mailing list.

•

A Trans-Northern pipeline crosses the project west of the Trinity Church corridor. No conflict is anticipated with the available information. However further investigation and permits are required during the detail design phase. Section 6.9 details the project description pertaining to utilities.

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City of Hamilton

COMMENTING AGENCY

COMMENTS RECEIVED

•

•

•

Transport Canada

Union Gas Ltd.

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Trans-Northern's Nanticoke Lateral pipeline is a 406.4 mm O.D. steel-walled pipeline which carries refined petroleum products from the Nanticoke refinery to delivery points in the Greater Toronto Area. First constructed in 1975, it operates at high internal pressures. The right-of-way for Trans-Northern's pipeline occupies the Hydro One corridor. Attachments were provided to give the approximate plan and profile of the pipeline, but these should not be relied upon for design purposes. A line locate may be arranged by contacting Trans-Northern's Field Services office. Interested in providing input regarding the study.

•

Responsible for the administration of the Navigable Waters Protection Act, which prohibits the construction or placement of any “works” in navigable waters without first obtaining approvals.

•

If a project affects a potentially navigable waterway, the proponent is required to prepare and submit an application.

•

Please forward the design drawings (preliminary and final, including cross-sections) for Rymal Road as soon as possible. Also provide estimated construction timing.

RESPONSE

• •

•

Comment noted. The Project Team will maintain discussions with Trans-Northern Pipelines Ltd. Comment noted. Navigability within the affected watercourses (i.e., Hannon Creek tributaries) will be confirmed in advance of detail design.

AECOM attached initial preliminary design that was presented to a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). Section 6.9 details the project description pertaining to utilities. The

construction schedule has not been determined at this time. Consultant on behalf of Property Owner Property Owner

•

Interested in providing input regarding this study.

•

Maintained on study mailing list.

•

Not interested in providing input regarding the study but would like to be kept informed.

•

Maintained on study mailing list.

Business Owner

•

Not interested in providing input regarding this study but would like to be kept informed. Interested in the intersection of Rymal Road and Dartnall Road.

•

Maintained on study mailing list.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

3.3.2 Public Involvement Public consultation is an important and mandatory part of the Class EA process. As part of Phase 3, the City’s objective was to consult with and receive input from the public regarding the alternative design concepts for the preferred solution and incorporate those comments received into Phase 4 of the EA process. Ongoing public consultation during Phase 3 was encouraged and the Project Team maintained a study mailing list for interested members of the public and responded to comments as necessary. Following the identification of alternative designs, preparation of detailed environmental inventories, identification of potential impacts and evaluation of alternative designs, the Project Team held a Public Information Centre (PIC) to present these findings and seek input from the public. 3.3.2.1

Public Information Centre

A Public Information Centre (PIC) was held on Wednesday November 10, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre at 1555 Upper Ottawa Street in Hamilton. This was a joint PIC for both this project and the Dartnall Road Class EA Study. A Notice of the PIC for Proposed Improvements & Environmental Assessments for Dartnall Road & Rymal Road was published in the Hamilton Spectator, Mountain News and Stoney Creek News on October 29 and November 5, 2010. In addition, property owners along both corridors, residents in adjacent neighbourhoods and those on the study mailing list were notified directly by letter of the upcoming PIC. The purpose of the PIC was to present the findings from the Class EA study and receive feedback from the public on the Preferred Plan. The findings presented by the Project Team included the current status of Rymal Road, proposed improvements to Rymal Road and an evaluation of the alternative improvements. Information was presented on display boards, which consisted of the following (see Appendix A3):

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Welcome Project Study Areas Study Background The Project Ontario’s Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process Study Process Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process Diagram Existing Natural Conditions – Dartnall Road Existing Natural Conditions – Rymal Road Generating and Evaluating Design Alternatives Dartnall Road Evaluation of Design Alternatives (two (2) boards) Rymal Road Evaluation of Design Alternatives (two (2) boards) Evaluation of Intersection Design Alternatives (two (2) boards) Preferred Plans for Dartnall and Rymal Road Improvements (including plan, profile and cross-section) Long-term Intersection/Roundabout design Project Timeline Thank You for Attending!

A total of 34 people attended the PIC including residents, business owners and agency representatives. Attendees were given the opportunity to provide feedback by filling out Comment Sheets and returning them to the Project Team (see Appendix A3). Comment sheets, emails and letters from various agencies and the public regarding the Class EA findings. This input is summarized in Table 5 and a copy of all correspondence sent and received is included in Appendix A.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Table 5. Summary of Comments and Responses Post-Notice of PIC COMMENTING AGENCY Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

COMMENTS RECEIVED

•

•

• • Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC)

•

Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration/ Tourism and Culture/ Health Promotion, Sports and Recreation Branch

•

•

•

Inventory includes active litigation in the vicinity of this property. It is Six Nations of the Grand River Band of Indians v. Attorney General for Canada and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Ontario, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, files in Brantford, court reference number 406/95. I am unable to comment with respect to the possible effect of this claim as the case has not yet been adjudicated and any statement regarding the outcome of the litigation would be speculative at this point. It is recommended that you consult legal counsel as to the effect this action could have on the lands you are concerned with. If you are interested in further details about this claim, copies of the pleadings can be obtained from the Court for a fee. Please contact the appropriate Court Registry Office and make reference to the court file number listed above. We cannot make any comments regarding claims filed under other departmental policies. Requested information regarding study findings.

Staff reviewed the information presented at the October 2010 PIC regarding proposed improvements to Rymal Road and Dartnall Road. NEC understands that the preferred options are to widen the roads within the existing road rights of way. On that basis, the NEC has no objection to the preferred road improvement option. The area is outside of the Development Control Area of the Niagara Escarpment Plan and therefore no Development Permit is required for the proposed road improvements. As part of the Class EA process, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MTC) has an interest in the conservation of cultural heritage resources including archaeological resources, built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscapes. The 2005 Provincial Policy Statement, issued under the authority of the Planning Act, defines “conserved” as “the identification, protection, use and/or management of cultural heritage and archaeological resources in such a way that their heritage values, attributes and integrity are retained. This may be addressed through a conservation plan or heritage impact assessment.” MTC’s Checklist for Determining Archaeological Potential identifies characteristics of the property that indicate whether archaeological resources might be present and/or impacted. Please complete the checklist to determine whether an archaeological assessment by an archaeologist licensed under the Ontario Heritage Act is required for this project prior to any ground disturbance and/or site alterations.

RESPONSE

•

Noted. The Project Team will continue to apprise applicable First Nations of the study.

•

Provided NEC with key plan and existing condition plans as well as PIC panels. The preferred plans are to widen Rymal Road within the ROW. Comment noted.

•

•

The Project Team recognizes that there are cultural heritage features, and potential archaeological resources within the Study Area. Existing conditions and constraints are important considerations towards the selection of the preferred alternatives.

•

A Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment was conducted to support the Hannon Creek Subwatershed Study, in which the Rymal Road EA Study Area is included. The Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment field review

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City of Hamilton

COMMENTING AGENCY

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

COMMENTS RECEIVED

RESPONSE determined that although a portion of the Study Area has been previously disturbed by residential and industrial development, there are several areas that remain undisturbed and contain archaeological potential. Stage 2

•

•

Hamilton Conservation Authority

•

Business Owner

•

Consultant

•

In order to determine the extent of all existing cultural conditions, known and potential built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscapes should be identified. MTC has recently revised the standard checklist for identifying potentially heritage resources within the Study Area to provide more clarity and guidance on how to identify known and potential cultural heritage resources. Please complete the checklist so that MTC can provide direction on what further cultural heritage work may be required. The MTC is interested in reviewing the ESRs for these projects, once it is complete. Please keep the MTC on the circulation list for this project.

Archaeological completed. No were recovered that no further required.

Assessment has been archaeological resources and it is recommended archaeological work is

•

There are no built heritage features within the Rymal Road Study Area.

•

Noted. The Project Team will continue to keep the MTC apprised of study completion.

Western Chorus Frog – the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population is federally designated as Threatened. It seems that since this is a federal issue and not provincial, that it is important that the respective consultants working on these projects get in touch with Environment Canada to see how we should proceed with the management of Western Chorus Frog in the City of Hamilton since it is possible that we have both the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence and Carolinian populations within its boundaries. Concerned that intersection improvements will interfere with business entrances off Rymal Road and Dartnall Road.

•

Comment noted. Terrestrial specialist will contact Environment Canada to confirm status of federally designated or threatened species in Study Area.

•

There is potential for karst features on Rymal Road. Were any karst investigations undertaken?

•

The short/medium term intersection improvements will not directly interfere with the business as there are no property impacts. However, the driveway entrances off of Dartnall/Rymal Road into the business will be shortened as some property is required within the City of Hamilton’s road right-of-way for the road widening. This is due to the road widening, the boulevard and sidewalk. This driveway loss is entirely within the City of Hamilton’s right-of-way. Karsts were not investigated on this study. They are east of the Study Area and are not expected to be impacted.

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AECOM

COMMENTING AGENCY

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

COMMENTS RECEIVED

•

Flooding of Rymal Road in the area of 10+250 (east of Dartnall Road) – reference to Hannon Creek Subwatershed Study. Was this taken into account in establishing the road profile?

RESPONSE

•

The profile was designed to stay as close as possible to the existing one.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

3.3.3 First Nations Consultation In addition to study notification letter dated August 24, 2009, the First Nations and associated organizations noted in Table 3 were notified of the PIC. To date, no comments have been received from First Nations. Ongoing consultation will continue through Phase 3 and 4 of the Class EA.

3.4

Phase 4 Consultation

Phase 4 involves the completion and submission of the ESR, which documents the planning and decision-making processes during Phases 1 to 3, including all consultation undertaken during that time. The ESR will be placed on the public record for a formal 30-day public and agency review period, including the opportunity to request a Part II Order (formerly Bump-up Request) from the Minister of Environment. The public and agencies will be notified of the ESR completion. Following the 30-day review period, the project will either proceed to implementation, including detail design and construction, or follow the procedure for a Part II Order Request, as applicable.

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City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

4.

Description of the Existing Environment

4.1

Data Collection and Review

This chapter provides a description of the existing transportation, engineering, physical, natural, socio-economic and cultural setting for the Study Area. For the purpose of this inventory, the Study Area includes 120 m on either side of Rymal Road and beyond the study limits. In preparing the baseline description of the Study Area, available background information was assembled and reviewed. A number of secondary source information (e.g., maps, reports) was used to characterize the Study Area and record significant natural, socio-economic and cultural features. Much of the data collected was obtained from provincial agencies, the City of Hamilton, and the Hamilton Conservation Authority. Table 6 lists the secondary sources reviewed as part of this study. Table 6. Secondary Sources DATA SOURCE Maps

REFERENCE

• • •

• • • • Database Inventories • • • • Transportation Reports/Studies • • • • • Environmental Reports/Studies • • • • • • Planning Documents

• • • • • •

1:50,000 scale National Topographic Series - Map Sheet 30/M4 1:10,000 scale Ontario Base Maps 1:50,000 scale Palaeozoic Geology of Southern Ontario provided by the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Aerial photographs provided by the City of Hamilton City of Hamilton Bikeways, Trails and Parks Map City of Hamilton Transit Service Map Fisheries and Oceans Canada Distribution of Species at Risk Hamilton Natural Heritage Database (HAMI-69) Natural Heritage Information Centre Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Species at Risk in Ontario Shifting Gears 2009 – Hamilton’s Cycling Master Plan (2010) Hamilton TMP (2007) South Mountain Area TMP Review (2006) North Glanbrook Industrial Business Park TMP (2006) South Mountain Area TMP (2000) Dartnall/Rymal Road Class EA Terrestrial Environment (2010) Assessment of Fish Habitat along Dartnall/Rymal Road (2010) Hannon Creek Subwatershed – North Glanbrook Industrial Business Park Master Drainage Plan Draft Final (2008) Trinity Church Arterial Corridor Class EA (2007) Rymal Road Planning Area (Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA) 9) Master Plan Class EA (2006) Mountain Brow Boulevard Crossing and Central Mountain Stormwater Class EA (2003) Urban Hamilton Official Plan (2009) City of Hamilton Official Plan (2006) Places to Grow Growth Plan (2006) Niagara Escarpment Plan (2005) Greenbelt Plan (2005) Region of Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan (2005)

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City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

In addition, roadside reconnaissance activities were carried out to confirm and/or augment the secondary information collected and reviewed. The scope of the data collection exercise was to provide the City with sufficient information to identify, evaluate, and compare alternative design concepts. The following description of the Study Area identifies the constraints and opportunities that form the basis for selecting alternative design concepts to implement the proposed improvements. Furthermore, it serves as the baseline for identifying and assessing potential impacts associated with the proposed undertaking. Key features of the Study Area are illustrated in Figure 3.

4.2

Transportation Characteristics

4.2.1 Existing Road Network The Rymal Road Study Area extends for a distance of approximately one (1) km from Dartnall Road to just west of the future Trinity Church Road arterial corridor (located approximately 150 m west of the existing Trinity Church Road). Within the Study Area, Rymal Road is characterized as an arterial road with a 36 m right-of-way (ROW) (iTRANS Consulting Inc., 2006; City of Hamilton, 2006). Within the Study Area, Rymal Road is a two (2) lane paved rural cross-section with a posted speed limit of 70 km/h. At the west limits of the Study Area, Rymal Road intersects with Dartnall Road, which also has a 36 m ROW and is characterized by a two (2) lane roadway with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h. In addition, Rymal Road intersects Glover Road in the form of a T-intersection on the south side of Rymal Road at approximately mid-corridor as well as with Pritchard Road also in the form of a T-intersection on the north side of Rymal Road east of Glover Road. Both roadways have a posted speed limit of 50 km/h (iTRANS Consulting Inc., 2006). The existing Trinity Church Road is located approximately 150 m east of the future arterial corridor and is constructed as a two-lane north-south arterial with a rural cross-section, no shoulders and a posted speed limit of 50 km/h. The corridor forms a T-intersection on the south side of Rymal Road.

4.2.2 Access 4.2.2.1

Signalized Intersections

The Rymal Road Study Area currently includes one (1) signalized intersection at Dartnall Road and includes tapered left turning lanes on all approaches.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Figure 3. Existing Conditions

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AECOM

4.2.2.2

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Property Entrances

As illustrated in Figure 3, a number of property entrances have direct access to Rymal Road within the Study Area. Several commercial/industrial property entrances are situated at the western limits of the Study Area at Dartnall Road. There are an additional three (3) businesses that use Rymal Road for access throughout the remainder of the Study Area. Moreover, there are approximately seven (7) residential establishments that use Rymal Road for property access. There is one (1) establishment that has a dual entranceway to the property located at # 1549 Rymal Road.

4.2.3 Transit Service The Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) provides municipal transit (bus) service throughout the City. Site reconnaissance activities have confirmed that there are HSR bus services within the Study Area. Review of the City of Hamilton website for HSR schedules identifies six (6) bus stops on Route 44 – Rymal Road, which only provides rush hour services (i.e., no weekend or holiday service). The bus stop locations are identified in Figure 3 and are situated as follows: Eastbound from Glancaster Loop • • •

Rymal Road at Dartnall Road # 1546 Rymal Road at Glover Road # 1548 Pritchard Road at Rymal Road # 1550

Westbound from Anchor/Bigwin • • •

Pritchard Road at Rymal Road # 1549 Rymal Road opposite Glover Road # 1547 Rymal Road at Dartnall Road # 1545

The HSR Route 44 service runs from west of Upper Paradise Road in an easterly direction along Rymal Road to Pritchard Road within the Study Area. The service then travels north along Pritchard Road to Stone Church Road East, where it travels west to Anchor Road and then to Harlowe Road before travelling south on Pritchard Road. There are no transit services along the other traversing roadways within the Rymal Road Study Area (City of Hamilton Website, 2009). Exhibit 7.1 – Proposed Higher Order Transit Network in the Hamilton TMP identifies Rymal Road from Upper James Street in the west to within and beyond the Study Area at Upper Centennial Parkway in the east as a ‘Proposed Transit Priority Corridor/Future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Route’ (IBI Group and Dillon Consulting in association with MRC, 2007). The City recognizes that a key element of an efficient higher order transit strategy is to develop a BRT network. In this regard, BRT alignments will be developed and refined through subsequent phases of the TMP’s EA process, including consultation with regulatory agencies and stakeholders (IBI Group and Dillon Consulting in association with MRC, 2007). Exhibit 7.1 of the TMP further identifies that the Study Area is situated within a ‘Transit Service Expansion Area’. According to the TMP, transit services will need to expand in this area in order to serve the anticipated growth in population and employment. This area also incorporates a potential urban boundary expansion. In addition to the above, Appendix B – Major Transportation Facilities and Routes from the Urban Hamilton Official Plan designates Rymal Road within the Study Area as a ‘Potential Rapid Transit Line (B.L.A.S.T.)’.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

4.2.4 Pedestrian and Cycling Facilities Currently, there are no sidewalks along Rymal Road within the Study Area; however, some of the entrances within the southeast quadrant of the Rymal Road/Dartnall Road intersection are connected by asphalt. The remainder of the Study Area is characterized by gravel shoulders. During field reconnaissance activities, it was noted that pedestrian use of the roadway is low however some pedestrians were observed walking along Rymal Road. Review of Exhibit 4.11 – Existing Bicycle Network within the Hamilton TMP identifies Rymal Road from Pritchard Road to Trinity Church Road as an “On-Street Bike Route” as well as a “Cautionary On-Street Bike Route”. In addition, the 2008 Hamilton Cycling Routes Map (urban) confirms that Rymal Road from Pritchard Road to Trinity Church Road is designated as “Cautionary Un-Signed Bike Routes” (on streets with low to moderate traffic volume) and is mapped with “High Volume and/or Narrow Lanes”. Further review of the TMP, Exhibit 7.10 – Preferred Cycling Network Strategy, illustrates Rymal Road from Dartnall Road to Pritchard Road as part of a proposed cycling infrastructure designated as “Bike Lane/Paved Shoulder/Shared Lane” (IBI Group and Dillon Consulting in association with MRC, 2007) In 1999, the former Region of Hamilton-Wentworth updated its Cycling Plan with ‘Shifting Gears – A New Cycling Plan for Hamilton-Wentworth’. As the existing Cycling Plan is 10 years old, the City of Hamilton initiated an update to the plan, which commenced in the fall of 2008. The updated Cycling Master Plan called “Shifting Gears 2009” was presented to the Public Works Committee on June 15, 2009 under the recommendation that the City of Hamilton Cycling Master Plan be endorsed. The report was finalized in 2010. As per the consultation process to the updated Master Plan, cycling routes within the City of Hamilton are categorized as “primary network” priorities and “secondary network” opportunities. Routes identified in the primary network are given priority in implementation to ensure comprehensive connectivity throughout the City. Routes identified in the secondary network introduce opportunities for a larger network of cycling facilities (e.g., implementing cycling facilities in conjunction with road improvements) (City of Hamilton Website, 2009). As illustrated within Map 4.2.3.1-1 – Preferred Cycling Network in the Shifting Gears 2009 document, Rymal Road from Dartnall Road to Pritchard Road is not mapped as part of the primary network. However, Rymal Road from Pritchard Road to Trinity Church Road forms part of the priority corridor network and is designated as a “Proposed Bike Lane” (Ecoplans Limited, 2010).

4.2.5 Road Safety Considerations A safety review of Rymal Road between Dartnall Road and the New Trinity Church Corridor was undertaken to review the collision history at the intersections and mid-block road sections within the Study Area. The intent was to identify locations that have poor safety performance and that require more detailed safety investigations on this portion of Rymal Road. The collision data were also examined to determine if any particular collision characteristics were over represented compared to Region-wide collision characteristics distribution. The City of Hamilton provided the AECOM team with six (6) years of reportable collision data (2004 to 2009) detailing collisions that occurred at all intersections and along all the mid-blocks in the Study Area. Table 7 and Table 8 summarize the number of collisions for each location.

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Table 7. Observed Number of Collisions at Intersections along Rymal Road (2004-2009) INTERSECTION

Trinity Church Road Pritchard Road Glover Road Dartnall Road Total

FATAL

INJURY

PROPERTY DAMAGE ONLY

TOTAL

0 0 0 0 0

3 1 4 1 9

3 2 2 2 9

6 3 6 3 18

Table 8. Observed Number of Collisions on Mid-Block Road Sections along Rymal Road (2004-2009 INTERSECTION

FATAL

INJURY

PROPERTY DAMAGE ONLY

TOTAL

0

1

2

3

0 0 0

2 0 3

2 4 8

4 4 11

Trinity Church Road and Pritchard Road Pritchard Road and Glover Road Glover Road and Dartnall Road Total

From the collision analysis, it was found that the predominant collision impact type along this portion of Rymal Road were single-motor-vehicle (SMV) collisions followed by rear end collisions. Aside from that, no general trend was observed within the Study Area as a whole in terms of season, month, or time of day of collision occurrences as the majority of the collisions occurred under ideal driving conditions. It was also found that the intersection of Rymal Road and Glover Road has the highest potential for safety improvements.

4.3

Engineering Environment

4.3.1 Storm Drainage The Rymal Road Study Area is situated within the Glanbrook/Central Mountain (Hannon Creek) Subwatershed (Phillips Engineering, 2003). The Hannon Creek Subwatershed has a total drainage area of 1,308 ha, which ultimately drains into the Hamilton Harbour via Red Hill Creek and represents approximately 20% of the Red Hill Creek Watershed (TSH et. al., 2008). Within the Study Area, storm runoff is conveyed via sideroad ditches, possibly draining to the pond within the abandoned quarry site immediately north of Rymal Road, which is slated and was turned into a stormwater management facility to facilitate with the Summit Park development within the southeast corner of Rymal Road and Trinity Church Road. During site reconnaissance activities conducted by AECOM, several areas of ditching/ponding were noted adjacent to Rymal Road.

4.4

Physical Environment

4.4.1 Physiography, Geology and Topography The Study Area is situated within the Haldimand Clay Plain Physiographic Region (Chapman and Putnam, 1984). Situated between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Erie, this Region has an overall area of approximately 3,500 km² and was originally described as a flat to undulating Plain. Due to the heavy clay soils found within the Region, which result in poor drainage, much of the land is weedy. Land within and adjacent to meadows and roadside vegetation are typically comprised of wild carrots, chicory and daisy (Chapman and Putnam, 1984).

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Physiographic mapping (1:253,440) of the Study Area identifies two physiographic formations. The entire Study Area is situated within Clay Plains with the exception of Dartnall Road, immediately south of Rymal Road, which is situated within Till Moraines (Chapman and Putman, 1984). Review of 1:50,000 Paleozoic geology mapping for Southern Ontario indicates that the Study Area is situated within the Lockport Formation and has an Eramosa original lithology. This formation is primarily comprised of dolostone, limestone, and argillaceous dolostone. Site reconnaissance activities have confirmed that the Rymal Road Study Area is described as a flat to gently undulating corridor. Review of the Ontario Base Mapping (OBM) contour and spot height data confirms that the Rymal Road/Dartnall Road intersection is approximately 198 metres above sea level (masl). Travelling east along Rymal Road, the roadway is gently rolling with an approximately 201 masl spot height at the Rymal Road/Pritchard Road intersection. The topography continues to slightly increase by approximately 3 masl just west of Trinity Church Road. The topography adjacent to the road ROW is generally flat with the exception of the abandoned stone quarry located on the north side of Rymal Road, approximately 300 m east of Dartnall Road. The topography of this feature drops to approximately 190 masl approximately 10 m north of the Rymal Road ROW limits.

4.4.2 Surface Water Resources The Rymal Road Study Area is situated within the Glanbrook/Central Mountain (Hannon Creek) Subwatershed (Phillips Engineering, 2003). As shown in Figure 3, there are two (2) culvert crossings along Rymal Road within the Study Area and one (1) sideroad culvert crossing immediately south of Rymal Road at Glover Road. During AECOM’s field reconnaissance in August 2009, shallow water was observed at the concrete box culvert crossing situated on the west side of the abandoned stone quarry (see Figure 3). No water was observed on either side of Rymal Road at the corrugated steel pipe (CSP) culvert crossing that traverses Rymal Road immediately east of the abandoned stone quarry. Furthermore, very little water was observed at the second concrete box culvert crossing on the north side of Rymal Road, while no water was observed on the south side of the same crossing. Although no water was observed on the west side of the concrete box culvert traversing Glover Road, a large amount of standing water was observed on the east side, adjacent to the proposed church and community centre development, as illustrated in Figure 4. Hannon Creek is characterized by a relatively steep gradient with several knick-points and exposed bedrock within the vicinity of the Study Area. In 2006, Totten Sims Hubicki (TSH) identified the channel bankfull width varying from 1.5 m to 3.25 m and the channel bankfull depth ranging between 0.3 m and 0.6 m. In addition, this channel appeared to have undergone a continued phase of stream degradation and channel erosion. Degradation is a result of increased urbanization and impervious surfaces adjacent to the creek, which has increased channel flow to the surrounding area (TSH et. al., 2008). Figure 3.1.1-1 in the North Glanbrook Industrial Business Park TMP identifies the Hannon Creek tributary crossing located on the west side of the abandoned stone quarry as ‘High Constraint’ watercourse and the tributary that traverses Glover Road as a ‘Medium Constraint’ watercourse (MRC and Ecoplans, 2006). As noted therein, the form and function of ‘High Constraint’ streams and the function of ‘Medium Constraint’ streams are to be preserved. Further review of the figure illustrates flood line limits that are mapped on either side of Rymal Road, adjacent to the tributaries. The flood line limits in the Study Area appear to be generally confined to the paths of the tributaries (MRC and Ecoplans, 2006). Review of the Hannon Creek Subwatershed Study identifies the watercourse on the west side of the abandoned stone quarry as HC3. As noted therein, HC3 exhibited large amounts of erosion, deposition, and incision to the

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parent-bed material. Moreover, the average channel bankfull width of HC3 was approximately seven (7) m with an average bankfull depth of approximately 0.3 m and a meander belt width of 50 m. Reaches HC2 and HC2-A were assigned to the Hannon Creek tributary that traverses Rymal Road and Glover Road via two (2) concrete box culverts. The banks of reach HC2 was composed of silt, clay and sands with an average channel bankfull width of approximately five (5) m, an average bankfull depth of approximately 0.30 m and a meander belt width of 40 m (TSH et. al., 2008). Figure 4.

Glover Road Concrete Box Culvert Crossing

4.4.3 Groundwater Resources Water servicing the Study Area is obtained from Lake Ontario. Water is pumped to the Woodward Avenue Water Treatment Facility where it is filtered, cleaned, treated and distributed to supply Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Dundas, Ancaster, Waterdown, parts of Flamborough and Glanbrook. The Woodward Avenue Water Treatment Facility has a rated capacity of 909,000 m³ per day (200 million gallons) and operates between one third and one-half of its capacity (City of Hamilton Website, 2008). Several karst features (such as sinkholes) have been identified within the Hannon Creek Subwatershed (TSH et. al., 2008; MRC and Ecoplans, 2006). These features provide ‘fissures’ in the ground to facilitate drainage to the groundwater system (MRC and Ecoplans, 2006). Review of Figure 3.1.1-1 – Hannon Creek Subwatershed Features and Stream Characteristics identifies at least three (3) observed karst features within the vicinity of the Study Area. One (1) karst feature is situated at the Hannon Creek tributary watercourse crossing located immediately west of the abandoned stone quarry, while the other two (2) are situated within the abandoned stone quarry on the north side of Rymal Road (MRC and Ecoplans, 2006). Further to Figure 2.4.1 – Karst Locations within the Hannon Creek Subwatershed – north Glanbrook Industrial Business Park Master Drainage Plan (MDP), karst features were identified at the same locations listed above. Underground fissures are generally difficult to predict as flow in different directions is probable (TSH et. al., 2008). From a hydrology perspective, groundwater within the Study Area Corridor flows in a northerly direction towards Lake Ontario. Within the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley, it is noted that groundwater recharge is likely occurring in the areas of shallow soils and along the moraine above the escarpment. Groundwater discharge from the high quality Lockport aquifer occurs as seeps along the escarpment face, and is also contributing to the baseflow of Red Hill Creek and its tributaries. Within Figure 2.2.3 of the Hannon Creek Subwatershed MDP, all watercourse reaches that traverse the Rymal Road Study Area Corridor (i.e., HC3-A, HC2 and HC2-A) are characterized as having no

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groundwater discharge present. However, reach HC3, which is located on the west side of the abandoned stone quarry north of Rymal Road within the Niagara Escarpment is classified as having groundwater discharge present as this is the location of a previously observed karst feature. Given the presence of the Niagara Escarpment, it has largely contributed to the hydrogeology characteristics of the area. Above the Escarpment, fracturing of the clay soils during dry periods allows groundwater to penetrate to the bedrock at high rates. This groundwater moves through the fractured upper layers of the bedrock and discharges to the watercourses above the Escarpment, or as seeps along the Escarpment slopes. Some groundwater moves deeper into the bedrock into a more regional groundwater system which ultimately discharges into Lake Ontario, as noted above. There is relatively little groundwater infiltration or discharge below the Escarpment as a consequence of the underlying Queenston shale that has a low permeability (TSH et. al, 2007).

4.4.4 Soils and Agricultural Capability Soils within the Study Area are documented in the Soils of Wentworth County - Report No. 32 of the Ontario Soil Survey (Presant, Wicklund and Matthews, 1965). Additional information regarding soils within the Study Area is available from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA, 2007). Five (5) types of soil characterize the Study Area, namely Farmington Loam, Oneida Silt Loam, Stream Course, Chinguacousy Silt Loam, and Smithville Silt Loam. The location of these soil types within the Study Area is mapped in Figure 5. Further details regarding these soil types are provided below, along with their respective agricultural capabilities. Although the Study Area is presently an urbanized environment, site reconnaissance activities have confirmed the presence of agricultural activities. To this end, capabilities in agriculture are provided to fully characterize the quality of soils within the Study Area. The Farmington Loam soils are mapped south of Rymal Road as well as on the west side of Dartnall Road. Farmington soils are well drained with a depth of soil over bedrock that does not exceed 12 inches. However, these soils are moisture deficient and pose a cultivation hazard due to the stoniness and outcroppings of bedrock (Presant, Wicklund and Matthews, 1965). In addition, these soils are typically found on variable sloping topography resulting from the erosions of the underlying Lockport formation. Due to their loam textures and inclusions of silt, sand and gravel, Farmington soils were mainly used for pasture (Presant, Wicklund and Matthews, 1965). Within the Study Area, these soils are used for old field scrubland within the southwest quadrant of the Rymal/Dartnall Road intersection. Farmington soils also inhabit the lands on the east side of Dartnall Road, south of Rymal Road, but have been developed for commercial/industrial related uses. As further illustrated in Figure 5, Oneida Silt Loam soils are mapped throughout most of the Study Area. These soils are typically well-drained and contain stone fragments composed mainly of brown shale and sandstone with a

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City of Hamilton

Figure 5.

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Soil Capabilities within the Rymal Road Study Area

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parent material of blocky, gray brown, or brown clay loam till. From an agricultural perspective, these soils support forage, spring grain, and winter wheat as well as some fruit trees including apples, pears and plums (Presant, Wicklund and Matthews, 1965). The Oneida Silt Loam soils are associated with urban development within the northeast quadrant of the Rymal/Dartnall Road intersection. However, an active agricultural field was noted on the south side of Rymal Road parallel to the abandoned stone quarry, which contains a soybean crop (see Figure 5). Oneida Silt Loam soils are also mapped on the east side of Glover Road but have recently been disturbed since construction commencement of the proposed St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church & Pope Kyrollos Community Centre. Stream courses are defined as boulder beds or bedrock over streams that are actively flowing for most of the year. Stream erosion has removed most of the fine soil materials and has left behind characteristics that do not provide suitable crop growing traits (Presant, Wicklund and Matthews, 1965). The tributaries to Hannon Creek are examples of stream courses within the Study Area. Chinguacousy Silt Loam soils are mapped as an isolated pocket traversing Pritchard Road. These soils are imperfectly drained clay loams and are situated on very gently sloping and level area in association with Oneida soils. These soils are predominately used for forage and grain crops including winter wheat, alfalfa, and tree fruits (Presant, Wicklund and Matthews, 1965). These soils are situated within a hydro field and grassland and thus do not support agriculturally related uses. Smithville Silt Loam soils are situated north of Rymal Road at the eastern limits of the Study Area and are characterized by moderately well-drained grayish clay till soils. Such soils are predominately used for the growing of forage crops, spring grain, fall wheat, grain, silage corn, canning crops, as well as tree fruits. Residential establishments with manicured grasslands are the predominant land uses within these soils. Beyond the establishments are fields of deciduous trees and scrubland. No evidence of agriculture was observed during the August 14, 2009 site visit. As part of the soils description, a review of Canada Land Inventory (CLI1) Soil Capability for Agriculture mapping (provided by OMAFRA) was carried out for the Study Area. Farmington soils are categorized in the CLI as Class 6 soils, which typically support forage crops as soil limitations are severe. Oneida soils are categorized as Class 5 soils and are restricted to forage crops as these soils are not capable of use for sustained production or annual field crops. Stream Courses are categorized as Class 7 soils with no capability for arable culture or permanent pasture primarily because stream erosion has removed fine soil materials. Chinguacousy soils are categorized as Class 1 soils, which have no significant limitations given that the soils are deep, hold moisture well, and are well supplied with plant nutrients. Such soils are productive for a wide range of crops and can be managed well without much difficulty. Smithville soils are categorized as Class 3 soils and as a result have moderately severe limitations, which restrict the range of crops, or require special conservation practices. There are no areas of agricultural tile drainage within the Study Area.

1

The CLI categorizes soils into seven (7) classes which reflect the soil’s capability to produce field and forage crops (Department of the Environment, 1972). Lands classified as Class 1 are considered to have the highest capability or potential, while those classified as Class 7 are considered to have the lowest potential. The classification system reflects limitations such as slope, topography, soil depth, climate, drainage, and stoniness.

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Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Natural Environment

Supplemental background information as noted in Table 6 above coupled with AECOM site reconnaissance activities conducted in August 2009 were used to characterize the natural heritage features and functions within the Rymal Road Study Area Corridor. In April 2010, Dougan & Associates was contracted by the City of Hamilton to undertake a natural heritage assessment of the terrestrial resources within the Rymal Road Study Area Corridor from Dartnall Road to the new Trinity Church Corridor. The inventory work conducted in 2010 included Ecological Land Classification (ELC), spring, summer and fall botanical surveys, breeding bird surveys, amphibian surveys, and surveys focused on detecting American Badger (Taxidea taxus), and Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum), two ‘Species at Risk’ documented from near the Study Area. The assessment also recorded and considered incidental observations of other wildlife groups such as, mammals, reptiles, lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and odonata (damselflies and dragonflies). Table 9 below lists the survey dates and times.

Table 9. Field Surveys Conducted by Dougan & Associates (2010) DATE (2010) April 24 April 29

TIME 20:30 – 22:30 09:00 – 14:00

WEATHER CONDITIONS Cloudy, light northwest winds, 10°C Sunny, light west winds, 15°C

May 17

09:00 – 14:30

Sunny, light north winds, 15°C

May 19 May 20 May 24

21:00 – 23:00 13:00 – 15:30 06:00 – 09:00

June 2

10:00 – 16:15

June 3

10:15 – 15:45

June 10

06:00 – 09:00

Partly cloudy, light north winds, 20°C Not noted Sunny, calm, 16°C Sunny to overcast, periods of rain, moderate to strong winds, 25°C Partly cloudy, hot and humid, light winds Partly cloudy, light west winds, 18°C

June 15

8:45 – 16:15

June 23

9:15 – 14:15

June 25

21:00 – 23:00

July 14

8:45 – 13:30

September 21

11:45 – 17:00

Partly cloudy, warm, light winds Overcast, warm, calm to light winds Partly cloudy, light west winds, 20°C Partly cloudy, hot and humid Partially cloudy, warm, moderate to strong winds

TASK Amphibian Survey American Badger Survey #1 American Badger Survey #2, hibernacula check, determination of cover board locations Amphibian Survey Cover board placement Breeding Bird Survey Cover board check #1, ELC, spring botanical survey ELC, spring botanical survey Breeding Bird Survey Cover board check #2, ELC, summer botanical survey Cover board check #3, ELC, summer botanical survey Amphibian Survey Cover board check #4 Fall botanical survey

(Dougan & Associates, 2010)

4.5.1 Designated Natural Areas Review of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) database2 did not reveal the presence of significant natural areas within the Rymal Road Study Area. However, part of the Study Area

2

The NHIC compiles, maintains and provides information on rare, threatened and endangered species and spaces in Ontario. This information is stored in a central repository containing a computerized database, map files and an information library, which are

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is situated within the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley (Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) # 52). The ESA is a significant earth science natural area that is approximately 594 ha in size and within lies within lands designated by the Niagara Escarpment Plan. It crosses Rymal Road at approximately mid-corridor within the Study Area. The ESA is considered significant for the following earth science/ecological functions:

• • • • • •

Encompasses locally significant features Contains interior forest habitat (100-200m from forest edge) Contains a high diversity of native plant species Contains rare biotic communities Serves as a link between natural areas Provides habitat for significant species (Hamilton Conservation Authority, 2009).

In addition to the above, a portion of the Study Area, particularly within the Mount Albion Conservation Area, forms part of the Niagara Escarpment Protection Area. The Niagara Escarpment is a largely forested topographical feature extending for approximately 725 km through southern Ontario from Queenston through Hamilton to Tobermory. Details regarding these features and related policies are included in Section 4.6.

4.5.2 Terrestrial Habitat 4.5.2.1

Vegetation

The Rymal Road Study Area is located within the Lake Erie Lowland Eco-Region. The native vascular plant flora within the Hannon Creek Subwatershed, which includes the Rymal Road Study Area, is representative of the “Carolinian life zone”. As a result of intensive urbanization, the subwatershed, and hence the Study Area, does not support a rich diversity of vascular plant species or vegetative community types (MRC and Ecoplans, 2006). As noted in Figure 3, the Study Area is situated within a portion of the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley (ESA # 52), which is an approximately 594 ha significant earth science natural area within lands designated in the Niagara Escarpment Plan on either side of Rymal Road at approximately mid-corridor. Review of Map 63 – Red Hill Escarpment Valley (HAMI-69) ELC mapping identifies that the predominant vegetation type within ESA # 52 is DryMoist Old Field Meadow Type (CUM1-1). It is noted that these adjacent old field meadows dominate large tableland areas within this ESA (Hamilton Conservation Site Summary, 2009). The area immediately north of Rymal Road, adjacent to the watercourse crossing on the west side of the open aquatic standing water, is mapped as Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple – Hardwood Deciduous Forest Type (FOD6-5). Norway maple (Acer platanoides) dominates the narrow stand of trees within the open aquatic area and the creek valley. In addition, Open Carbonate Cliff Rim Type (CLO1-5) vegetation community is mapped on the north side of Rymal Road surrounding the open aquatic area, which contains exposed bedrock and limestone. The ESA on the south side of Rymal Road, within the Hannon South Open Space is comprised of additional vegetative species. As noted therein, additional areas of Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple – Hardwood Deciduous Forest Type (FOD6-5) is situated immediately adjacent to the watercourse feature as well as an isolated pocket of Cultural Woodland (CUW). However, it is noted that the predominant vegetative type is Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow Type (CUM1-1), which is found throughout most of the ESA south of Rymal Road (Hamilton Conservation Site Summary, 2009).

accessible for conservation applications, land use planning, park management, etc. The NHIC website makes this information available through the internet.

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Review of the Hannon Creek Subwatershed Study identifies four (4) vegetative communities for the Rymal Road Study Area, namely, Cultural Meadows (CUM), Open Aquatic (OAO), Cultural Thicket (CUT), and Dry-Fresh OakHardwood Deciduous Forest Types (FOD2-4) (TSH et. al., 2008). As per Figure 2.2.2 in the Subwatershed Study, areas of CUM were mapped on the south side of Rymal Road, immediately east of the Hannon South Open Space area. This ecosite includes a variety of grasses, asters and goldenrods with sporadic willows noted throughout. The OAO is situated immediately north of Rymal Road, within the abandoned stone quarry. A portion of CUT is mapped on the north side of Rymal Road, immediately west of Glover Road within and adjacent to the Hannon Creek tributary. These thickets, found throughout the Hannon Creek Subwatershed, include grey dogwood (Cornus foemina), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), apple trees (Malus sylvestris), willow species (Salix sp.), black walnut (Juglans nigra), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), reed-canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), buckthorn (Ramnus cathartica), and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). The wooded area situated on the east side of the Hannon South Open Space on the south side of Rymal Road as well as on the north side of Rymal Road, east of the abandoned stone quarry, is mapped as a FOD2-4 woodlot. This ecosite includes a variety of deciduous species including red oak (Quercus rubra), shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), white ash (Fraxinus americana), basswood (Tilia americana), ironwood (Ostrya virginiana), and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa). Shrub species observed in this ecosite included grey dogwood (Cornus foemina), red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), scarlet hawthorn (Crataegus coccinea), tartarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), and grapevine (Vitis riparia) (TSH et. al., 2008). Several ELC and vegetation surveys were conducted by Dougan & Associates in order to characterize the existing vegetation and vegetation communities within a linear swath of land approximately 50 m on either side of Rymal Road from Dartnall Road to the new Trinity Church Corridor. ELC of the vegetation communities was conducted based on the protocol of the ELC System for Southern Ontario, first approximation (Lee et. al., 1998). Spring and summer vascular plant surveys were carried out simultaneously with ELC vegetation community classification. A fall vascular plant survey was carried out independently from the other tasks due to the necessary timing of the surveys. As illustrated in Figure 3 above, there are nine (9) ELCs within the Rymal Road Study Area Corridor including Fresh-Moist Bur Oak Deciduous Forest (FOD9-3), Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow (CUM1-1), Dry-Fresh Sugar MapleBasswood Deciduous Forest (FOD5-6), Submerged Shallow Aquatic (SAS1), Grey Dogwood Cultural Thicket (CUT1-4), Meadow Marsh (MAM), Mineral Cultural Thicket (CUT1), Hedgerow (HR), and Shallow Marsh (MAS). Due to the urban location and limited extent of the Study Area, all vegetation communities observed were relatively small, disturbed, and fragmented. It is noted that the vegetation community type FOD9-3 (on the south side of Rymal Road traversing the Rymal Road West Tributary (HC3-A) is considered to have higher ecological significance as it appears to contain karst topography. As karst topography is considered an earth science area of natural and scientific interest east of the Study Area (i.e., Eramosa Karst Conservation Area), this feature may have geological significance which could be determined by opinion of a karst specialist (Dougan & Associates, 2010). Vegetation surveys conducted as part of this study includes spring, summer, and fall identification of vascular plant species. The findings of the vegetation surveys reveal that the Study Area contains a relatively high proportion of non-native species. No regionally significant, provincially significant or federally significant species were noted during the surveys. A detailed list of vascular plant species found within and adjacent to the Study Area is included in Appendix B.

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Wildlife

Wildlife habitat within the Study Area consisted of roadside ditches, agricultural fields, open space, deciduous forests, and watercourse crossings. Given the amount of disturbance as a result of human activity, the Study Area does not pose a highly sensitive natural environment. However, the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley ESA provides adequate coverage for butterflies, herpetofauna, breeding birds and mammals (Hamilton Conservation Site Summary, 2009). During AECOM’s field reconnaissance activities conducted in August, 2009, a total of 18 bird species were opportunistically observed from the Rymal Road ROW. These species include American robin (Turdus migratorius), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina), red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), killdeer (Charadrius vociferous), brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolour), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), grey catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), and cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). The above mentioned bird species were recognized either through song calling, or were seen perching and/or in flight. The cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) was the most observed bird species. As detailed in Table 9 above, two (2) breeding bird surveys were conducted on May 24th and June 10th, following the protocols of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, which stipulates that surveys be conducted between sunrise and 10:00 am between May 24th and July 12th. Walking the Escarpment Rail Trail in between Stone Church Road and Rymal Road, the Billy Monkley Bird Sanctuary on the east side of Dartnall Road, as well as along Rymal Road from Dartnall Road to the new Trinity Church Corridor (see Figure 3), a total of 30 species of birds were detected. Of these 30 species, 29 were considered as possibly breeding or on territory. The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) was the only noted species that was not considered to be breeding in the area. An additional four (4) species of birds were documented during other wildlife surveys including American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) on May 17th, Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) on May 17th, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) also on May 17th, and White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) on April 29th. The American Woodcock sighting included an adult and a recently fledged young, indicating that breeding had taken place locally. For the other three species, given the dates observed and the habitat present within the Study Area, all would best be considered spring migrants. Further discussion pertaining to the breeding bird survey is documented in Appendix C of the Terrestrial Report contained in Appendix B. Of the species identified, it is noted that none are designated as ‘Species at Risk’ in Canada or Ontario (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) 2010; COSEWIC 2009; MNR 2009), and all are considered either common or abundant, and widespread, within the City of Hamilton. During specific American Badger surveys described below in Section 4.5.2.3, the following mammals were detected within the vicinity of the Study Area: White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (tracks), Coyote (Canis latrans) (scat), Raccoon (Procyon lotor) (one (1) observed on May 24th), Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) (one (1) observed on May 19th), Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) (numerous observations) and Woodchuck (Marmota monax) (dens). All of these mammals are considered common and widespread within the City of Hamilton. Nocturnal amphibian call surveys (i.e., calling frogs and toads) were conducted on April 24th, May 19th, and June 25th 2010, following the protocols outlined by the Marsh Monitoring Program. During these investigations two (2) Western Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris triseriata) were heard calling around 11:00 p.m. on April 24th from the small cattail marsh on the south side of Rymal Road opposite Pritchard Road. Two (2) Gray Treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) were heard calling from the woods on the east side of the Rymal Road quarry on June 25th. Additional daytime surveys confirmed the presence of a Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) within the ditch at the intersection of

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Pritchard Road and Rymal Road on May 17th. These species are considered locally common within the City of Hamilton (Dougan & Associates, 2010). Snake surveys were conducted within and adjacent to the Study Area Corridor. A total of nine (9) cover boards were spread evenly across the Rymal Road Study Area (see Figure 3), with an additional 11 cover boards along Dartnall Road from Stone Church Road to Rymal Road. Overall, six (6) snakes were observed during the site visits. One Eastern Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) was observed beside cover board #1 (east side of Dartnall Road, south of Stone Church Road) on July 14th and two (2) DeKay’s Brownsnakes (Storeria dekayi) were observed under cover board #9 (east side of Dartnall Road, north of the Dartnall Road South Tributary crossing) on June 15th. Along Rymal Road, an Eastern Gartersnake was observed in a gravel parking lot area (north of Rymal Road, east of Pritchard Road) on June 23rd and two (2) additional Eastern Gartersnakes were observed within ESA #52 on the north side of Rymal road adjacent to the quarry on June 15th (Dougan & Associates, 2010). A detailed discussion on the terrestrial environmental investigations conducted within and adjacent to the Rymal Road Study Area Corridor is provided in Appendix D of the Terrestrial Report contained in Appendix B. 4.5.2.3

Species at Risk

A review of applicable background information sources was conducted to determine the potential presence of Species at Risk in and near the Rymal Road Study Area. These entailed accessing and reviewing the following website registries:

• • •

MNR’s NHIC database for rare, threatened and endangered species; COSEWIC database3; and Environment Canada’s registry for species protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

There are 69 rare species listed in the MNR NHIC database for National Topographic Series (NTS) Map Sheet 30/M04, which geographically covers the Study Area. The list of species is included in Appendix D. However, further review (electronic geographic query) of the NHIC database indicates that only one (1) of the 69 species listed for NTS Map Sheet 30 M/04 has a 1 km mapped range that overlaps with the Study Area. The species is known as the Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum). A potential sighting of American Badger (Taxidea taxus jacksoni) within the Hannon Creek Subwatershed was recorded during field reconnaissance for the North Glanbrook Industrial Business Park MDP. Communications with the MNR at the time of the field reconnaissance confirmed the possibility of locating the American Badger within the area. The likelihood of locating this species was attributed to the area’s habitat, which primarily consists of open landscapes with friable soils (TSH et. al., 2008). It was also noted that the Milksnake is attracted to similar habitat. According to the Hamilton Natural Heritage Database for the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley ESA (HAMI-69) provided from Hamilton Conservation, the last sighting of a Milksnake was documented in 2000. The Conservation Ontario 2010 Aquatic Species at Risk website identifies aquatic Species at Risk by each conservation authority within Ontario. Interactive maps were downloaded and viewed to determine the potential presence of aquatic Species at Risk within the Study Area Corridor. As illustrated within the Hamilton Conservation Map – Distribution of Fish Species at Risk, none of the traversing watercourses were mapped by Fisheries and Oceans Canada as supporting aquatic Species at Risk (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2010).

3

COSEWIC is mandated to assess and designate wildlife species that are considered to be in danger of becoming extinct in Canada.

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As part of the field investigations undertaken by Dougan & Associates in 2010, specific Milksnake as well as American Badger surveys were undertaken within and adjacent to the Study Area Corridor. As noted above, despite specific snake surveys conducted, which involved placing 20 cover boards along Dartnall/Rymal Road, no Milksnakes were observed during the 2010 studies. American Badger surveys were conducted on April 29th and May 17th in conjunction with specific methodology developed by the Recovery Strategy for the American Badger in Ontario. In addition, the MNR was contacted for additional feedback on how to conduct American Badger surveys. Despite these specific searches, no American Badgers were sighted, nor was any evidence obtained that they exist at present within the Study Area. Protocols for species at risk were developed with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Although the Western Chorus Frog is considered a common species in the City of Hamilton, it is noted that the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population of the Western Chorus Frog has been designated as “Threatened” in Canada by COSEWIC (COSEWIC 2009); it has been assessed as not at risk provincially (MNR 2009). The Carolinian population is considered not at risk both provincially and federally. However, it is possible that both the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence and Carolinian populations occur in the Hamilton area. It is not possible to determine to which population the individuals heard belong without catching the frogs and taking a small tissue sample for genetic analysis. The City shall liaise with the Ministry of Natural Resources Species at Risk Biologist at the commencement of the detail design process to acquire up to date information and to confirm the need for any special management plans and/or compliance with environmental statutes.

4.5.3 Aquatic Habitat Review of the Mountain Brow Boulevard and Central Mountain Stormwater Management Class EA (2003) characterizes Hannon Creek between Stone Church Road and Rymal Road as having good instream vegetative cover. Electrofishing of the area was conducted and fish were observed in many places however only one (1) species of brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans) was recorded (Phillips Engineering Ltd., 2003). In 1997, C. Portt and Associates attempted to collect fish species south of Rymal Road near Twenty Road; however, no species were present at the time of survey due to several barriers to fish migration. According to the Hannon Creek Subwatershed Study, the two (2) warm water watercourse crossings within the Study Area Corridor are characterized by three (3) types of aquatic habitat. Reach HC3, which is located on the west side of the abandoned stone quarry, north of Rymal Road is characterized by critical aquatic habitat. Reach HC3-A on the south side of Rymal Road is characterized by important aquatic habitat. Reach HC2 on the east side of the abandoned stone quarry, north of Rymal Road is also designated as important aquatic habitat while reach HC2-A, south of Rymal Road traversing Glover Road is classified as a marginal aquatic habitat watercourse (see Figure 3). A brief description of each stream reach is included in Table 10 below. Table 10. Aquatic Habitat Stream Characteristics Sensitivity to Development

Function of Habitat in Sustaining Fisheries

Level of Habitat Degradation

Cool vs. Warmwater Status

Habitat is rare in reach area

Highly sensitive

Habitat plays important role in sustainability

Stream has not been modified/degraded

Known to support coldwater species

Habitat is common in reach area

Moderately sensitive

Habitat plays important role in sustainability

Stream somewhat modified/degraded

Not known to support coldwater species

Reach

Rarity of Habitat

HC3 HC3-A

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Sensitivity to Development

Function of Habitat in Sustaining Fisheries

Level of Habitat Degradation

Cool vs. Warmwater Status

Habitat is common in reach area

Moderately sensitive

Habitat plays important role in sustainability

Stream somewhat modified/degraded

Not known to support coldwater species

Habitat is very common in reach area

Low sensitivity

Habitat does not contribute to fisheries

Stream highly modified/degraded

Not known to support coldwater species

Reach

Rarity of Habitat

HC2 HC2-A

Source: (TSH et. al., 2008) As part of the proposed Rymal Road improvements, the City of Hamilton retained the services of C. Portt and Associates to confirm the aquatic habitat characteristics within the Study Area Corridor. Further to an initial site visit on March 18, 2010 to investigate the spring flow conditions, electrofishing was subsequently completed on May 21, 2010 with further field investigations carried out by C. Portt and Associates staff on August 28 and September 10, 2010 (C. Portt and Associates, 2010). The three (3) tributaries of Hannon Creek known to cross the Rymal Road Study Area Corridor (i.e., HC3/HC3-A, HC2/HC2-A, and a centre tributary between the aforementioned reaches, which traverses Rymal Road via a CSP crossing) are considered intermittent in nature. Details regarding each watercourse crossing along Rymal Road are discussed below. Rymal Road Tributary (HC3/HC3-A) As part of previously completed fisheries assessments conducted by C. Portt and Associates, this tributary was investigated on August 29, 2002, April 18, 2005, electrofished on May 21, 2010 and investigated on August 28, 2010. During these reconnaissance activities, no fish were observed or captured. Several barriers to upstream fish movement located downstream of the road crossing exist as well as the short duration of flow, and the absence of persistent pools. Based on these observations, the likelihood of fish crossing the Rymal Road culvert is low. Only during the site visit on March 18, 2010, was there enough flow downstream of Rymal Road to marginally connect with downstream habitats, though there was no flow in the watercourse immediately upstream of the Rymal Road culvert. During all of the other field visits, the amount of standing water ranged from a single small, shallow pool at the downstream end of the Rymal Road culvert (August 28, 2010) to several isolated pools occurring for approximately 120 m downstream (C. Portt and Associates, 2010). Rymal Road Centre Tributary (CSP crossing) The Rymal Road Centre Tributary was investigated on March 18, 2010, and on August 28, 2010. On the south side of Rymal Road is a short drainage feature in an agricultural field that predominately drains into a karst sinkhole. A very small drainage area was observed through the CSP culvert crossing traversing Rymal Road. On the north side of Rymal Road, the flow percolates through the shallow overburden and cracks in the bedrock to drain to the old quarry slated to be turned into a stormwater management facility. Although this tributary is not considered fish habitat, it will contribute some flow to Hannon Creek on a seasonal basis. Regardless of the season, it is unlikely that work on this tributary crossing would negatively affect fish habitat, provided that mitigation is appropriately prescribed. Rymal Road East Tributary (HC2/HC2-A) This tributary was investigated on April 15 and 18, 2005, August 28, 2010, and electrofished on May 21, 2010. Similar to the aforementioned watercourse reaches, no fish were observed or captured during the site reconnaissance activities. The absence of fish habitat is in part due to potential barriers to upstream fish movement located downstream from Rymal Road as well as the short duration of instream flow and lack of persistent pools.

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During the April 18, 2005 and May 21, 2010 site visits, some standing water was observed for a short distance downstream of the Rymal Road culvert, as well as within the culvert traversing Rymal Road and the upstream culvert of Glover Road. However, the watercourse was dry further downstream of Rymal Road. On August 28, 2010, the watercourse upstream and downstream of Rymal Road, as well as the Rymal Road culvert, was completely dry, but there was water in a pond upstream of Glover Road that has been constructed since April 15, 2005. No flow was observed on any of these occasions (C. Portt and Associates, 2010). The watercourse approaches the intersection of Rymal Road/Glover Road from the southeast in a shallow soil vegetated channel, and enters the constructed on-line pond located on the southeast side of the intersection. Water then flows a few metres into the Glover Road roadside ditch, and then flows towards Rymal Road. There, it joins with the Rymal Road ditch which flows west beneath Glover Road, and continues another 30 m in a roadside ditch to the Rymal Road concrete box culvert that appears to be an open footing design, with silt, rock and bedrock substrate within. This concrete box culvert does not present a barrier to upstream fish movement. On the north side of Rymal Road, the watercourse initially has some shattered rock as substrate, and then, for approximately 100 m, the substrate is mostly bedrock and scattered patches of cobble. At this point the slope of the watercourse becomes steeper, and the channel is mostly cobble from the shattered bedrock upon which the watercourse rests (C. Portt and Associates, 2010).

4.6

Socio-Economic Environment

4.6.1 Political Jurisdiction The City of Hamilton is comprised of six (6) communities, namely Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook and Stoney Creek. These former area municipalities were amalgamated with the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth in 2001 to form a single administration called the new City of Hamilton. At present, the amalgamated City of Hamilton is the 10th largest city in Canada with a population of more than 500,000 and a geographic area of 112,314 ha. The Hamilton area extends from above the Niagara Escarpment to the southwestern shore of Lake Ontario (City of Hamilton Website, 2009).

4.6.2 Provincial Planning Context The Planning Act (2006) describes the ground rules for land use planning in Ontario and how land uses may be controlled and who may control them. Pursuant to the Planning Act, the Province of Ontario is the primary planning authority in Ontario. The Planning Act enables the Province to delegate some of its planning authority to upper-tier municipalities (e.g., regional municipalities) while retaining control through the approval process (Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) Website, 2007). Municipalities must conform to the approved policies of the provincial government and its agencies. Details regarding provincial policies most relevant to the proposed transportation improvements on Rymal Road are summarized below (MMAH Website, 2007). 4.6.2.1

Provincial Policy Statement

The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) is the complimentary policy document to the Planning Act. Issued under the authority of Section 3 of the Planning Act, the PPS provides direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development, and promotes the provincial ‘policy-led’ planning system that recognizes and addresses the complex inter-relationship among environmental, economic and social factors in land use planning (MMAH, 2005; MMAH Website, 2007).

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The new PPS took effect on March 1, 2005 and provides for enhanced protection of the environment by identifying the significance of the natural heritage system and water resources, including natural hazards and water quality, air quality and energy use. The new policies also provide for intensification and brownfields development to ensure the maximum use of sewer, water and energy systems, roads and transit. The new PPS also provides for more transitfriendly land-use patterns using intensification and more compact, higher density development, as a means of bringing more people closer to the transit routes (MMAH, 2005; MMAH Website, 2007). 4.6.2.2

Growth Plan

In recognition of the Greater Golden Horseshoe’s (GGH)4 distinction as one of the fastest growing regions in North America, Bill 136, the Places to Grow Act, received Royal Assent on June 13, 2005 (Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (MPIR), 2006). The Act provides the legal framework necessary to implement the Government of Ontario’s vision for building stronger, prosperous communities by better managing growth in the GGH to the year 2031. The Act enables the government to plan for population growth, economic expansion and the protection of the environment, agricultural lands and other valuable resources in a coordinated and strategic way (MPIR, 2006). On June 16, 2006, the Province of Ontario released its Growth Plan for the GGH (MPIR, 2006). The purpose of the Plan is to “lay the course for future economic prosperity in the Greater Golden Horseshoe” (MPIR website). By 2031, the GGH’s population will grow by 3.7 million people, which represents an approximately 47.5% increase from the area’s 2001 population of 7,790,000 (MPIR, 2006). During this same period, the GGH employment will continue to grow from 3,810,000 to 5,560,000, representing an approximately 46% increase (MPIR, 2006). The Growth Plan envisages increasing intensification of the existing built-up area, with a focus on “urban growth centres, intensification corridors, major transit station areas, brownfield sites, and greyfields” (MPIR, 2006). The Growth Plan sets the stage for the City of Hamilton to absorb a portion of the growth projected for the western half of the Greater Toronto Area-Hamilton (GTAH). An estimated 660,000 people are expected to reside in the City by the year 2031 (MPIR, 2006), which represents an increase of 155,441 when compared to the City’s 2006 population of 504,559 (Statistics Canada, 2006). Employment projections for the City are expected to increase from 246,340 in 2006 (Statistics Canada, 2006), to 300,000 by 2031 (MPIR, 2006). To accommodate the anticipated increase in population and employment, the Growth Plan sets a minimum gross density target of 200 residents and jobs combined per hectare, within downtown Hamilton, by 2031 (MPIR, 2006). 4.6.2.3

Greenbelt Plan

In February 2004, the Province passed legislation under the Greenbelt Protection Act (Bill 135) which established a Greenbelt Plan for the Greater Toronto Area and Golden Horseshoe. The Greenbelt Plan incorporates the Oak Ridges Moraine and Niagara Escarpment Plan areas (described below), plus an additional 1.8 million acres as a permanent area of countryside, which will be protected from urban sprawl and development. The intended outcome of the Greenbelt Plan is to encourage compact urban planning with the Golden Horseshoe. The Greenbelt Plan acts to protect against the loss and fragmentation of the agricultural land base and supports agriculture as the predominant land use. The Plan provides protection to the natural heritage and water resource systems that sustain ecological and human health and that form the environmental framework around which major urbanization in south-central Ontario will be organized. In addition, the Plan provides a wide range of economic and social activities associated with rural communities, agriculture, tourism, recreation and resource uses (MMAH, 2005b). 4

The GGH includes the cities of Toronto, Hamilton and Kawartha Lakes, the regional municipalities of Halton, Peel, York, Durham, Waterloo and Niagara and the counties of Haldimand, Brant, Wellington, Dufferin, Simcoe, Northumberland and Peterborough (MPIR, 2006).

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As noted within the 10 km by 10 km grids – detailed mapping of the Greenbelt Plan Area, a portion of the Mount Albion Conservation Area, which includes those lands occupied by the abandoned stone quarry, is situated within the ‘Niagara Escarpment Plan Area’ (MMAH, 2005b). The requirements of the Niagara Escarpment Plan, established under the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, apply to the Greenbelt Plan. In turn, the Parkland, Open Space and Trail policies of the Greenbelt Plan will apply to lands within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area (MMAH, 2005b). In general, these policies encourage development of a system of publicly accessible parkland, open space and trails with a variety of passive and active uses (MMAH, 2005b). 4.6.2.4

Niagara Escarpment Plan

The Niagara Escarpment is a prominent, largely forested topographical feature extending for approximately 725 km through southern Ontario from Queenston (near Niagara Falls) to Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. The Escarpment passes through eight (8) regions and 23 municipalities, including the City of Hamilton (Niagara Escarpment Commission Website, 2009). The Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, which was approved by the Ontario Legislature in 1973, established a planning process to ensure that the Escarpment area would be protected. As a result, the Niagara Escarpment Plan was developed to serve “as a framework of objectives and policies to strike a balance between development, preservation and the enjoyment of this important resource” (Niagara Escarpment Commission Website, 2008). Map 2 – City of Hamilton of the Niagara Escarpment Plan denotes a portion of the Rymal Road Study Area, within the Mount Albion Conservation Area, as part of the ‘Escarpment Protection Area’. This area is further designated as ‘Public Land (in Parks and Open Space System)’ (Province of Ontario, 2005). As per Section 1.4 of the Plan, the objectives for the Escarpment Protection Area are to maintain and enhance the open landscape character of Escarpment features, provide a buffer to prominent Escarpment features, maintain natural areas of regional significance and cultural heritage features; and, promote agriculture, forestry and recreation (Province of Ontario, 2005). Permitted uses within the Escarpment Protection Area are subject to Part 2 – Development Criteria of the Niagara Escarpment Plan. Land uses permitted include, but are not limited to, agricultural operations, existing land uses, single dwellings, small scale commercial uses, forest, wildlife and fisheries management, and transportation and utility facilities. Section 2.15 – Transportation and Utilities of the Plan states that the design of new and expanded transportation and utility facilities should minimize impacts to the environment and the natural and cultural landscape. The site guidelines provided in this section of the Plan promote the use of vegetation screens, site rehabilitation, the use of native vegetation species, and minimal tree removal, as well as avoidance of the Escarpment Natural Area (Province of Ontario, 2005). Permitted uses within the Public Land (in Parks and Open Space System) designation are outlined in Part 3 – The Niagara Escarpment Parks and Open Space System, which sets out policies pertaining to the framework for the establishment and coordination of publicly owned lands. As noted therein, there are in excess of 130 existing and proposed parks and open space areas within the system, including the Mount Albion Conservation Area (Province of Ontario, 2005).

4.6.3 Municipal Planning Context In 2003, Hamilton City Council authorized the development of a new Official Plan for the recently Amalgamated City of Hamilton. This plan replaces seven (7) former Official Plans, which includes the Region of Hamilton Wentworth Official Plan and six (6) official plans representing former municipalities in the former Region. At the time of writing

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this report, the Urban Hamilton Official Plan has been adopted by Council on July 9, 2009. The Urban Hamilton Official Plan has received Ministerial approval on March 16, 2011, however it has been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board and is not currently in effect. 4.6.3.1

Building a Strong Foundation

Several city-wide projects are integrated with the development of the new Official Plan, including VISION 2020 and the GRIDS. Planning processes for these projects, along with the development of a new Official Plan, have been co-ordinated through an initiative called Building a Strong Foundation. The objective of linking these projects under the name of ‘Building a Strong Foundation’ is to ensure that sustainable thinking continues to support Hamilton’s vision for a sustainable future (City of Hamilton Website, 2009). 4.6.3.2

VISION 2020

VISION 2020 is a collection of goals, strategies, and actions to achieve a sustainable community by 2020. A sustainable Hamilton is envisioned as a place where decisions are made with due regard for economic, environmental, and social issues. The VISION was adopted by Regional Council in 1992 and was reaffirmed by the new City Council in 2001 as part if it’s ‘Mission, Vision, Values and Goals’ strategic plan. The VISION is renewed every five (5) years. With respect to transportation, VISION 2020 enlists the following goals:

• •

Develop a sustainable transportation system for people, goods and services which is environmentally friendly, affordable, efficient, convenient, safe and accessible; and, Encourage a shift in personal lifestyle and behaviour towards transportation choices that increase personal health and fitness, save money and have the lowest environmental cost.

4.6.3.3

Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy

The GRIDS is a planning process used by the City to determine where and how future growth will take place over the next 30 years and beyond. The intent is to integrate land use planning with infrastructure planning (i.e., transportation, water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure). Through GRIDS, the City is able to identify optimal locations for growth and the appropriate type of growth based on environmental priorities, social issues, economic opportunities, and population studies. GRIDS is used to identify strategies to fund the servicing of these growth areas.

4.6.4 Designated Land Uses 4.6.4.1

Region of Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan

The Region of Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan (2005) is a policy document pertaining to the former Regional responsibilities and functions. The purpose of the Official Plan is to provide guidance for decisions regarding change and growth management within the former Hamilton-Wentworth region to the year 2020. One of the objectives of the Official Plan is to ‘provide for an integrated Regional transportation system which stresses easy pedestrian, transit, bicycle and vehicular access to all basic needs’. Map No. 1 – Regional Development Pattern in the Official Plan denotes the Rymal Road Study Area predominately as ‘Business Parks’ with a designated ‘Urban’ area mapped at approximately mid-corridor. Business Parks accommodate a full range of construction, manufacturing, wholesale establishments, truck terminals, office development, research and development, and service type uses, such as hotels, recreational facilities, and grocery stores. Urban land uses accommodate mixed use areas of residential, retail, business and personal services, institutional, and public administration (Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth, 2005).

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Review of Map No. 4 – Environmentally Significant Areas in the Official Plan identifies the area north of Rymal Road within the abandoned stone quarry as an ESA known as # 52 - Red Hill Valley. Furthermore, Map No. 3a – Niagara Escarpment Plan Areas (Hamilton, Stoney Creek) indicates that a portion of the Study Area is situated within the ‘Niagara Escarpment Protection Area’ (Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth, 2005). As noted therein, essential transportation and utility facilities are permitted within the Niagara Escarpment Natural Area. As noted within Part C – Land Use Strategy of the Regional Official Plan, the ESA land use designation warrants protection from development. In addition to identifying/designating such ESAs as illustrated in Map No. 4 of the Official Plan, the Region will:

•

• •

• • • • • •

Implement policies in assessing the merits of proposed changes with respect to ESAs by ensuring development: will not adversely affect, degrade or destroy any of the qualities which are the basis for the area’s designation, will not cause any significant impacts upon water quality and quantity, and will not adversely affect the implementation of any resource protection policies or plans; The proposed changes will be referred to the ESA Impact Evaluation Group for review, which may lead to the submission of additional plans/studies, including, but not limited to buffer requirements, cumulative impact assessment, and other documentation; Land use changes will not be permitted within MNR designated Provincially Significant Wetland Areas including 120 m beyond the wetland areas with exception to existing agricultural activities unless it can be demonstrated through reports/studies in accordance with Provincial guidelines that the development will not result in a loss of the wetland features, as well as other adjacent potential land use conflicts listed in the Official Plan; Where there is overlap between a Provincially Significant Wetland designation and another ESA designation, the most restrictive policies will apply; Draft EAs within an ESA may be referred to the ESA Impact Evaluation Group; ESAs may be added/removed by amendment to the Official Plan; Boundaries of ESAs in Official Plan are general in nature and more precise boundaries may be defined by Environmental Impact Statements (without an amendment); Specific to ESA #48 - Environmental Impact Statements will not be required where comparable EAs have been carried out; and Any EA carried out under a Federal/Provincial process shall be considered as fulfilling the Environmental Impact Statement requirements of this Plan.

In addition to the above, proposed ESA land use changes that require an amendment to existing land use planning documents (i.e., Official and Secondary Plans), including Committee of Adjustments and severance applications, shall be evaluated by the ESA Impact Evaluation Group. 4.6.4.2

City of Hamilton Official Plan

The Official Plan for the former City of Hamilton was adopted by City Council and approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on June 1, 1982. In November, 1985, the Minister’s approval authority for local official plans and amendments was delegated to the Council of the former Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth. Since January 1, 2001 (with the amalgamation of the former municipalities of Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, Hamilton and Stoney Creek), City Council has been the approval authority for local official plans and amendments (City of Hamilton, 2006). As stated in the Official Plan, Council will endeavour to ensure that any increase in traffic may be accommodated by the road network without causing unacceptable congestion, accident hazards, or nuisance to adjacent residential areas. Council will also co-operate to designate, maintain, monitor and improve truck routes to accommodate the

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City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

safe and efficient movement of truck traffic, while prohibiting the penetration of non-essential trucking into residential areas (City of Hamilton, 2006). Schedule A – Land Use Concept in the Official Plan identifies four (4) land use designations for the Study Area, namely ‘Commercial’, ‘Open Space’, ‘Industrial’, and ‘Utilities’. ‘Commercial’ areas are designated in all four (4) quadrants of the Dartnall Road/Rymal Road intersection as well along Rymal Road, west of Trinity Church Road. As per Subsection A.2.2 of the Official Plan, permitted land uses include the buying or selling of goods and services such as business offices, hotels, and convention and entertainment facilities. Some residential uses may be permitted, subject to several provisions outlined in the Plan (City of Hamilton, 2006). ‘Open Space’ areas are mapped on both the north and south sides of Rymal Road and follow a similar pattern to the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley ESA. This land use designation promotes a function of recreational activities, conservation management, and other open space uses. Specifically, uses such as, but not limited to, parks for active and passive recreational activities, recreation/community centres, pedestrian pathways, trails, bikeways and walkways, seasonal campgrounds, marinas, woodlots, fishing reserves, forestry and wildlife management areas, hazard lands, and cemeteries are permitted (City of Hamilton, 2006). ‘Industrial’ land uses are mapped to the east of the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley within and beyond the Study Area. As per Subsection A.2.3 of the Official Plan, Hamilton’s position as a major industrial centre is to be maintained and enhanced through the maintenance of existing facilities as well as facilitating new industrial growth (City of Hamilton, 2006). The Official Plan identifies general industrial uses such as manufacturing, processing, warehousing, repair and servicing establishments. In addition, land uses including retail and whole enterprises that subside to the industrial establishment, as well as business enterprises including banks, restaurants, garages, material supplies and day nurseries, which are intended to service industry personnel, are permitted. Other permitted uses include research and development facilities, residences for maintenance staff, transportation terminals, road related services (service stations) and other uses that similarly function as industries (City of Hamilton, 2006). Review of Schedule B-3 identifies those lands to the north of Rymal Road as being within ‘Special Policy Area 1(b) – Escarpment Protection Area’. The area encompasses Escarpment features that have been significantly modified by land use activities. The permitted uses within this area are limited to existing uses, as well as transportation and utility facilities. Any development on lands within the Niagara Escarpment Plan area must be in accordance with the permitted uses and development criteria outlined in the Niagara Escarpment Plan (City of Hamilton, 2006). As noted in Schedule C of the Official Plan, Hazard Lands are situated within the Study Area within and beyond the two (2) watercourse crossings. Such lands, if developed, may become environmentally hazardous through flood susceptibility, erosion susceptibility, and instability. These hazards may result in a severe risk to those in the vicinity of the area. Consequently, no buildings, structures or fill will be permitted in these areas with the exception of flood or erosion control measures, or required utilities with the approval of Council and the Conservation Authority. Moreover, new development proposed on a site will be subject to the provisions of Subsection D.5 – Municipal Land Acquisition (City of Hamilton, 2006). 4.6.4.3

Urban Hamilton Official Plan

The July, 2009 Urban Hamilton Official Plan is the first Plan for the amalgamated communities of Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, Hamilton, and Stoney Creek. The Urban Hamilton Official Plan has been adopted by Council on July 9, 2009 and received Ministerial approval in March 2011. The urban Hamilton Officail Plan is currently under appeal. However, the Rymal Road Study Area falls within the Urban Hamilton area and would therefore be subject to the policies contained in this Plan (2009).

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City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

As noted in Chapter C – City Wide Systems and Designations within the Plan, the following goals apply to the integrated transportation network in Hamilton:

• • • • • • •

Providing a balanced and integrated transportation network, which includes all modes of transportation. Recognizing the relationship of transportation with land use planning in connecting communities, land uses, and activities; Facilitating the safe and efficient movement of goods and services within and between Hamilton; Planning urban areas so that travel by automobile is an option and not a necessity; Working with other levels of government and government agencies to develop inter-regional travel plans, including expansion of GO Transit and proposals for rapid transit; Providing a frequent, fast, convenient and affordable public transportation service that features adequate carrying capacity and serves all residents and businesses; and Facilitating an increase in active transportation in the City and contributing to Transportation Demand Management activities.

Schedule E – Urban Structure within the Official Plan designates the Rymal Road Study Area within three (3) urban structure elements, namely ‘Employment Areas’, ‘Neighbourhoods’, and ‘Major Open Space’. ‘Employment Areas’ are situated throughout the Study Area and are designated for diverse areas of employment. Such areas can include the historic, heavy industrial and port employment areas to planned business parks (City of Hamilton, 2009). A small designated portion of ‘Neighbourhoods’ is mapped within Schedule E on the south side of Rymal Road parallel to the abandoned stone quarry. These areas generally contain a mix of low, medium, and high rise residential areas; various types of roads, parks, open spaces, and commercial areas; and institutions such as schools and places of worship. Land within the Mount Albion Conservation Area is designated as ‘Major Open Space’, which is comprised of the Niagara Escarpment and associated environmentally significant areas. Review of Schedule E1 – Urban Land Use Designations identifies three (3) designations within the Rymal Road Study Area. Lands surrounding the Rymal Road/Dartnall Road intersection are designated as ‘Arterial Commercial’. This land use is intended for services catering to the traveling or drive-by consumer and/or retail that require outdoor space which cannot be accommodated within other designations. Such land uses may include banquet halls, restaurants, garden centres, furniture stores, automotive related uses, and retail primarily for the sale of building supplies. The ‘Open Space’ designation is also mapped on either side of Rymal Road and includes the lands of the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley ESA. Lands designated as ‘Open Space’ permit uses such as active and passive parks, publicly owned/operated community centres or historic sites, pedestrian pathways and bikeways, wildlife management areas, and cemeteries. The remaining designated lands within the Study Area are of an employment area designation, namely ‘Business Park’. Permitted land uses for this area include manufacturing/warehousing, uses that support industry such as convention centres and commercial motor vehicle/equipment sales, and uses that support Business Park employees such as hotels and commercial parking facilities (City of Hamilton, 2009). Schedule B – Natural Heritage System identifies the lands within the Mount Albion Conservation Area on the north side of Rymal Road as ‘Core Areas’ and ‘Linkages’. ‘Core Areas’ include local natural areas and are the most important components in terms of biodiversity, productivity, and ecological and hydrological functions. These areas are often associated with ‘Linkages’ as they are landscape areas that connect natural areas. These linkages support the movement of animals in response to environmental changes and life cycle requirements.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

4.6.5 Transportation The entire Rymal Road Study Area Corridor is situated within the southern limits of the Urban Boundary within the City of Hamilton. From a transportation perspective, Rymal Road between Dartnall Road and the proposed new Trinity Church Corridor is illustrated as a ‘Secondary Corridor’ as per Schedule E – Urban Structure within the Urban Hamilton Official Plan. Secondary Corridors link nodes and employment areas, or Primary Corridors (City of Hamilton, 2009). Review of Schedule C – Functional Road Classification within the Urban Hamilton Official Plan denotes Rymal Road within the City urban boundary as a ‘Major Arterial’ roadway. As such, Rymal Road is subject to the following policies:

• • • • • • •

The primary function of a major arterial road shall be to carry relatively high volumes of intra-municipal and interregional traffic through the City in association with other types of roads; Although land accesses are permitted, they shall generally be controlled/restricted; The basic maximum right-of-way widths for major arterial roads shall be 45.720 metres unless otherwise specifically described in Schedule C-2 – Future Road Widenings; The right-of-way widths of major arterial roads shall include sufficient width for left turn lanes and right turn lanes at major intersections; Major arterial roads should generally be organized in a grid pattern with collectors, other major and minor arterials, parkways and provincial highways; Bicycle lanes may be in place to accommodate cyclists and sidewalks shall generally be provided on both sides of the street for pedestrians; and, On street parking and loading may be prohibited or at minimum be restricted in the peak hours (City of Hamilton, 2009).

4.6.6 Existing Land Uses Existing land uses within the Rymal Road Study Area include industrial/commercial, residential, institutional, recreational, and natural areas. Figure 3 illustrates the existing land use features throughout the Study Area. Lands situated within the western limits of the Study Area at Dartnall Road are primarily used for industrial/commercial establishments. As detailed in Figure 3, there are 10 businesses at the western study limits, which cater to a variety of services, including but not limited to, a pool shop, storage place, tools and machinery, and roofing. There are an additional three (3) businesses along Rymal Road within the Study Area. Site reconnaissance activities conducted by AECOM in August, 2009 have confirmed the presence of approximately 10 single family residential units within the Study Area. In addition, there are two (2) cemeteries and one (1) church within the general vicinity of the Study Area. The St. George’s Anglican Cemetery, located west of Dartnall Road on the north side of Rymal Road, is classified as a small sized Anglican cemetery with approximately 250 monuments and has been in operation since 1835. The Trinity United Church Cemetery, located on Trinity Church Road, is classified a medium sized cemetery with approximately 400 monuments and has been in operation since 1819. An Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) (Odd Fellows Rebekahs) World Wide sign was noted within the City of Hamilton’s ROW on the north side of Rymal Road, approximately 30 m east of Pritchard Road. The IOOF is a fraternal organization that pursues the interest or welfare of others, including the general public.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Recreational facilities within the Study Area include the Hannon South Open Space Park, which is located on the south side of Rymal Road (labelled O2 within Figure 3). In addition, the pathway north of Rymal Road leading into the Mount Albion Conservation Area appears to be used as a recreational facility. There are some natural areas within the Rymal Road Study Area, which include conservation lands and open fields. The most prominent feature is the Mount Albion Conservation Area, which is a 41 ha area of conservation land owned by the Hamilton Conservation Authority and is used for recreational purposes, such as hiking and crosscountry skiing, and as a scenic lookout (Niagara Escarpment Plan, 2005). A utility corridor is situated within the Study Area and traverses Rymal Road approximately 40 m east of Pritchard Road.

4.6.7 First Nation Interests Notification materials were sent to First Nation communities separately for the improvements Rymal Road Class EA as well as the improvements to Dartnall Road from Rymal Road to Stone Church Road Class EA. Thus, comments received specific to one of the aforementioned Class EAs were reviewed in light of both projects given the adjacency of the proposed road improvements. In response to the Study Commencement notice for Dartnall Road, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and the Assembly of First Nations confirmed three (3) First Nation communities/groups that may have an interest in the area, namely the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, and Métis Nation of Ontario.

4.6.8 Emergency Service Providers Emergency services within the Study Area include police, fire and ambulance coverage. Police services are provided by Hamilton police, which provides service to approximately 528,000 City residents. Police services are divided into three (3) divisions and division three (3) geographically covers the Study Area. Fire services within the Study Area are provided by Hamilton Fire, which provides fire services throughout the City. The nearest Station to the Study Area is Station # 22 located on 1227 Stone Church Road East. Emergency Medical Services are provided by Hamilton Emergency Services and include over 20 Ambulances and Paramedic Response Units. It is noted that Hamilton Fire and Emergency Services share administration tasks (City of Hamilton Website, 2008)

4.6.9 School Busing There are two (2) school boards within Hamilton-Wentworth, which include the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. There are no schools within the Study Area. There is a proposed construction site for a separate high school south of Rymal Road East and west of Dakota Boulevard, the proposed school is estimated for 2013 occupancy.

4.6.10 Noise In accordance with the Ministry of the Environment (MOE)/Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Noise Protocol, land uses such as residential developments, hospitals, nursing/retirement homes, schools, and day-care centres are designated as noise sensitive. Land uses such as commercial and light industrial are not considered to be noise sensitive. As noted above, the Study Area is predominately commercial/industrial with some residential land uses.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

4.6.11 Utilities AECOM’s site reconnaissance confirmed the presence of overhead utility poles as well as underground utility lines within and beyond the City of Hamilton’s ROW. In addition, municipal services and/or facilities within the ROW include approximately nine (9) fire hydrants on the north side of Rymal Road, one (1) fire hydrant on Glover Road, and one (1) fire hydrant on Pritchard Road within the Study Area. As noted above, Rymal Road traverses a utility corridor as well as additional fenced utilities on Pritchard Road. Correspondence received from Trans-Northern Pipelines Ltd. (2009) confirms the presence of a petroleum products transmission pipeline crossing Rymal Road, west of the new Trinity Church corridor. The pipeline forms part of an interprovincial pipeline system and the ROW for the pipeline occupies the Hydro One corridor. Bell conduit utilities are also noted within the Project Limits. Correspondence received for this study is included in Appendix A.

4.6.12 Sources of Potential Contamination The presence of potential sources of contamination within the Study Area was assessed based on site reconnaissance activities and aerial photography interpretation undertaken by the AECOM Consultant Team. No obvious sources of contamination were identified (e.g., above-ground storage tanks). However, sources of contamination may be present within the existing commercial/industrial establishments located on either side of Rymal Road.

4.7

Cultural Environment

4.7.1 Archaeological Resources The Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture identifies that any undisturbed lands within 300 m of a primary water source, and undisturbed lands within 200 m of a secondary water source are considered to demonstrate archaeological potential. A Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment was conducted by Archaeological Services Inc. for the Rymal Road Planning Area Master Plan Class EA Study. As noted therein, the extent of study included the entire Rymal Road Study Area. It was concluded through a field review that the potential to encounter archaeological remains exists over almost all of the Study Area. Subsequently, a Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment was been completed. No archaeological resources were recovered and it is recommended that no further archaeological work is required.

4.7.2 Built Heritage and Cultural Landscapes Exhibit 3.2 – Cultural Environment in the South Mountain Area TMP indicates that the Dartnall Road and Rymal Road intersection falls within a ‘Cultural Landscape Unit’, which is identified as a settlement of Hannon (City of Hamilton, 2000). Review of Exhibit 2-2 – Existing Built Heritage and Cultural Features within the Master Plan EA for the Rymal Road Planning Area identifies one (1) built heritage feature on the south side of Rymal Road, west of Trinity Church Road. This feature is classified as a mid 20th Century, one (1) storey vernacular brick residence possibly associated with Trinity Church. In addition, the Trinity Church and cemetery is characterized as a cultural heritage landscape and is listed on Hamilton’s Heritage Volume 2: Inventory of Buildings of Architectural and/or Historical Interest (iTRANS Consulting Inc., 2006). Review of the Urban Hamilton Official Plan Appendix F – Cultural Heritage Resources does not identify culturally significant heritage resources within the Rymal Road Study Area.

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City of Hamilton

5.

Transportation Alternatives

5.1

Alternative Solutions Overview (EA Phase 2)

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

As described in Chapter 2, this Class EA study is building on the recommendations of the Hamilton TMP (May, 2007). As documented within the Master Plan, several alternatives were examined with regards to their potential to address the City’s transportation needs in consideration of the GRIDS and VISION 2020 principles discussed in Chapter 4. These included:

• • • • • • •

Do Nothing – No major changes to the road, transit or active transportation networks Implement Committed Projects Only – Projects already underway or identified in the 10 year capital plan Modest Transit Expansion – Increases in existing bus services, expansion of bus routes to new areas, increased GO Transit Service Aggressive Transit Expansion – Implementation of Bus Rapid Transit System in key corridors, policies to encourage more compact, mixed use development in transit corridors, transit to major employment areas, new GO Rail lines Travel Demand Management (TDM) – Aggressive programs to encourage walking cycling, ride-sharing, telecommuting, etc. Roadway Capacity Optimization – Localized intersection improvements, access control along major corridors (i.e., improved signal coordination, turn restrictions) Roadway Capacity Expansion – Selected road widening, where justified, based on demand, new arterial or collector roads to serve new developments, potential freeway expansion.

Through a detailed evaluation of the strategic alternatives, it was noted that the preferred overall strategy is based on transit and TDM, in combination with road capacity optimization. The development of a 2031 road network strategy for the Hamilton TMP underwent a transportation demand modelling exercise to determine 2031 network deficiencies and possible improvements. Following this, a preferred road network strategy was developed and includes the widening of Rymal Road within and beyond the Study Area from Dartnall Road to the Trinity Church Arterial Corridor. In addition to the recommendations of the Hamilton TMP, the additional previously completed Master Plans/Class EA studies described in Chapter 2 further reinforce the need to widen Rymal Road between Dartnall Road and the Trinity Church Arterial Corridor as it is expected to improve east-west capacity, traffic operations, safety, and accessibility to existing and future development. It also presents the opportunity to improve alternative modes of travel (i.e., walking and transit) throughout the corridor. Based on the undertaking of a link capacity analysis, the section of the Rymal Road between Dartnall Road and Trinity Church Road is nearing capacity under existing traffic conditions (in 2009) and the projected growth within the Study Area will lead to further deterioration of traffic operations in the future. The results of the analysis for 2021 indicate that additional travel lane per direction is needed as early as 2011. The only exception is the eastbound direction of Rymal Road between Dartnall Road and Glover Road as even in the existing conditions (2009), its traffic volume exceeds lane capacity by 1000 vehicle per hour. Table 11 illustrates the results of the link capacity analysis for this section of Rymal Road. It is noted that in conducting this capacity analysis for 2021, the following preferred/recommended solutions to address existing and future issues were assumed to be in place:

• • •

New Trinity Church alignment crossing Rymal Road between Existing Trinity Church Road and Pritchard Road; Further extension of Glover Road northerly to connect to Anchor Road; and Closure of Pritchard Road connection to Rymal Road.

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City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Table 11. Link Capacity Analysis Link Volume Capacity (veh./lane/hr.)

2009

2021

West of Dartnall Road

1000

726

1155

2017

Dartnall Road to Glover Road

1000

1009

1462

2009

Glover Road to Pritchard Road

1000

886

1481

2011

Pritchard Road to Trinity Church Road

1000

895

1516

2011

East of Dartnall Road

1000

676

1092

2018

Dartnall Road to Glover Road

1000

874

1320

2012

Glover Road to Pritchard Road

1000

726

1413

2014

Pritchard Road to Trinity Church Road

1000

825

1573

2012

Location

Required Widening

Eastbound Lanes

Westbound Lanes

5.2

Alternative Design Concepts (EA Phase 3)

5.2.1 Generation of Design Alternatives The proposed improvements to Rymal Road were intentionally designed to fit within the existing road right-of-way (ROW). As only one design alternative would achieve this goal, other alternatives for the mainline widening were not developed. However, as a benchmark for comparison, the design alternative was compared to the “Do Nothing” approach, whereby no major changes would be made to Rymal Road within the Study Area Corridor. To this end, the following alternatives were considered as part of this study: Do Nothing – No major roadway changes. Rymal Road within the Study Area will continue to function as a two (2) lane paved rural cross-section with a posted speed limit of 70 km/h. Option 1: Widen Rymal Road between Dartnall Road and the New Trinity Church Corridor to a five lane crosssection (two lanes in each direction with a continuous centre left-turn lane).

5.2.2 Evaluation Criteria As the overall objective of this EA Study is to identify a Preferred Design Alternative while minimizing negative impacts to the surrounding environment, an evaluation criteria (or Factors) was established based on the experience of the AECOM Consulting Team as well as input received from the City of Hamilton’s Technical Committee. With no order of preference or importance implied, the following criteria were used confirm the preferred plan and assess how well it addressed the identified deficiencies: Natural Environment • Terrestrial Impacts (i.e., Effects on Ground Cover, Impacts on ELC Vegetation Types) • Fisheries Impacts (i.e., Effects on Fish and Fish Habitat) • Surface Water Impacts

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Socio-Economic Environment • Compatibility with Planning Policies (i.e., Keeping with VISION 2010, GRIPS, TMP, Official Plan, Zoning Bylaw) • Effects on Existing Land Uses (Including Business Operations) • Property Impacts (i.e., Area of Private Property Required, Number of Property Entrances to be Modified) • Local Economy (i.e., Impact on Good Movement/Truck Routes) • Construction (i.e., Increased Noise, Traffic, Dust) Cultural Environment Effects on Built Heritage Resources Effects on Archaeological Resources

• •

Cost Implications Construction Costs Utility Relocation Costs Property Acquisition Costs Maintenance Costs

• • • •

Engineering Factors Road Network (i.e., Continuity and Connectivity, Capacity, Traffic Operations and Safety) Alternative Modes of Transportation (i.e., Ability to Accommodate Cyclists, Ability to Accommodate Transit and Pedestrians) • Utility Impacts • Construction Staging (i.e., Traffic Lane Closures/Detours, Access/Storage Space for Construction Equipment)

• •

5.2.3 Assessment and Evaluation of the Design Alternatives As detailed in Section 5.2.1 above, a roadway design alternatives has been assessed and evaluated in consideration of the above mentioned evaluation criteria as well as the Do Nothing approach. The evaluation of alternatives was based on an assessment of potential impacts in relation to the above noted evaluation criteria and consideration of input received from secondary source information as well as regulatory agencies during Phase 3 of the study process. In addition, field investigations for the terrestrial and fisheries environment were conducted to determine potential impacts as a result of the proposed improvements. A summary of the evaluation is provided in Table 12 below. In order to quantitatively assess the potential impacts to widening Rymal Road within the ROW, several data files including, but not limited to, ELC data collected on site during environmental field investigations, watercourse features, and Policy Areas (i.e., ESAs, Niagara Escarpment Plan) were superimposed onto the Option 1 design and measured using ESRI ArcGIS. Additional base information such as aerial photography, property and existing pavement limits were provided by the City of Hamilton. This quantitative analysis allowed the Project Team to better understand the extent of impacts of the alternatives. A detailed evaluation of the design alternatives with reference to the aforementioned evaluation criteria is located in Appendix E.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Table 12. Summary Evaluation of the Design Alternatives for Rymal Road

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

5.2.4 Preliminary Preferred Design Alternative For the reasons stated in Table 12, the Preferred Plan includes widening Rymal Road to a five-lane cross-section, with two lanes in each direction and a continuous left-turn lane and sidewalks, within the existing road Right-of-Way. The Preferred Plan includes a Right-of-Way (ROW) width between 30.5 to 36.6 m. The Preferred Plan is illustrated in Plates 1-5 below and described in greater detail in subsequent sections.

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3.50 MULTI-USE PATH

AECOM

6.

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Project Description

Rymal Road is an east-west roadway that is classified by the City of Hamilton as a Major Arterial Roadway (UAD 90). At present, it has a two-lane rural cross-section on a 30.5 m to 36.6 m right of way corridor. It has a design speed of 90 km/h and a posted speed of 70 km/h.

6.1

Horizontal Alignment

The proposed Rymal Road improvements will not change the main horizontal geometric components. The roadway will be widened symmetrically to the existing centre line keeping the existing horizontal curves, tangent lengths and intersection radius since they meet the current standards for the design speed. The intersection approaches and lane tapers will be adjusted to meet the storage lengths determined by the Traffic study (see Plates 1-5). Table 13 below summarizes the horizontal alignment of the proposed Rymal Road improvements. Table 13. Horizontal Alignment of the Proposed Rymal Road Improvements DESCRIPTION

REFERENCE

PROPOSED STANDARDS

City of Hamilton

Major Arterial Roadway (UAD 90)

COMMENTS

Classification Road Classification Right-of-Way Width (Urban and Semi Urban) Design Speed (DS) Posted Speed (PS) Horizontal Alignment Minimum Centerline Radius Maximum Intersection Angles Median at intersection Minimum Curb Radius Minimum Tangent Lengths Between Reverse Curves Right Lane Taper without Auxiliary Lanes Right Lane Taper with Auxiliary Lanes Left Lane Taper (approach and departure) Single Left Lane Taper (bay taper)

TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 1.3.4.2 City of Hamilton City of Hamilton City of Hamilton

30.5-36.6 m

90 km/hr 70 km/hr

TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.1.2.4 City of Hamilton ROPA 9 City of Hamilton

90+/-5 Degree 1.5 m 15 m

City of Hamilton

150 m

TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.3.5.1 TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.3.5.2 TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.3.8.1 TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.3.8.2

Tangent Length for Intersection Approaches

ROPA 9

Intersection Radius

ROPA 9

2620 m 380 m

24:1 84 m 24:1 84 m 30:1 20:1 Storage Length Required + 15 m (or 30 m minimum) 15 m at arterials 12 m at collectors 9 m at locals

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AECOM

6.2

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Vertical Alignment

The vertical alignment of the proposed Rymal Road improvements will be designed with similar vertical curve and sag comfort requirements, maximum grade, maximum grade for stop roads at intersections and through roads at intersections, as well as minimum tangent length approaching intersections as the existing roadway. The minimum grade however will be slightly increased for meeting the City’s minimum requirements and improving the drainage of the road (See Plates 1-4). Table 14 below summarizes the vertical alignment of the proposed Rymal Road improvements. Table 14. Vertical Alignment of the Proposed Rymal Road Improvements DESCRIPTION

REFERENCE

PROPOSED STANDARDS

COMMENTS

Vertical Alignment TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.1.3.2 Vertical Curve

K = 36-80

City of Hamilton City of Hamilton

K = 25

TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.1.3.4

N/A Illuminated Road

Vertical Curve Requirement

City of Hamilton

1.00%

Calculated Stopping Sight Distance on Minimum Radius Curve

TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.1.2.10

170 m

Minimum Passing Sight Distance on Crest Vertical Curves

TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.1.3.3

605 m

Maximum Grade

City of Hamilton

4.50%

Minimum Grade

City of Hamilton

0.50%

Maximum Grade for Stop Roads at Intersections

City of Hamilton

1.00%

Maximum Grade for Through Roads at Intersections

City of Hamilton

2.00%

Minimum Tangent Length Approaching Intersections

City of Hamilton

30 m

6.3

The existing road profile limits the slope

Intersections

There are currently three (3) intersections within the Rymal Road Study Area Corridor from Station No. 10+000 to Station No. 11+000 including Rymal/Dartnall Road, Rymal/Glover Road, and Rymal/Pritchard Road intersections. There is an additional proposed intersection immediately beyond the eastern limits of the project known as the Rymal/New Trinity Church Corridor at Station No. 11+058, which is not part of this study. Details regarding these intersection improvements are described below.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

6.3.1 Dartnall Road Intersection As part of the proposed improvements to Dartnall Road from Stone Church Road to Rymal Road, a separate Class EA was undertaken in conjunction with the Rymal Road Class EA to assess roadway widening alternatives as well as intersection improvements. As part of the Dartnall Road EA, a detailed evaluation was established in order to ascertain the most appropriate intersection design alternatives. As summarized in Table 15 below, two (2) alternatives were considered for this intersection including a signalized intersection with auxiliary lanes and a roundabout. A detailed evaluation of the intersection alternatives with references to the aforementioned evaluation criteria is tabled in Appendix E. As the existing intersection (e.g., pavement area, etc.) is in good condition and, according to a traffic study conducted for the Dartnall Road Improvements EA Study, will continue to operate at acceptable levels of service for several years, the continued use of the signalized intersection with auxiliary lanes has been carried forward for the short/medium term. The roundabout is the preferred alternative for the long-term. As illustrated in Plate 1, the short/medium term intersection improvements at Dartnall Road will consist of two (2) 3.5 m through lanes in each direction with a 3.25 m exclusive left turn lane along Rymal Road. Westbound traffic will also have a separate 3.25 m tapered exclusive right turn lane at the intersection while eastbound traffic will have a shared 3.5 m right turn/through lane. In addition, Synchro version 7.0 was used to analyze the traffic conditions at this intersection for 2021. Table 16 shows the results of Synchro analysis.

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Table 15. Summary Evaluation of the Rymal/Dartnall Road Intersection

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AECOM

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Table 16. Synchro Analysis for the Dartnall Road Intersection

Approach/ Movement

EB

WB

NB

SB OVERALL

AM Peak Hour (60 second Cycle Length) Queue Traffic Delay LoS V/C Length volume [s] [m] 46 8 A 0.15 10 634 + 9.4 A 0.45 48 104 44 5.3 A 0.15 m4

PM Peak Hour (90 second Cycle Length) Queue Traffic Delay LoS V/C Length volume [s] [m] 76 22.6 C 0.55 17 1006 + 25.4 C 0.77 117 73 25 22.8 C 0.28 m7

620

5.5

A

0.38

18

927

31.8

C

0.84

#118

455

2.5

A

0.34

2

227

19.2

B

0.22

11

45

18

B

0.30

11

116

27.8

C

0.43

24

109 + 10

16.2

B

0.12

9

508 + 47

50.4

D

0.90

#87

173

22.4

C

0.61

32

381

47.1

D

0.92

#114

494 + 76

20.1

C

0.62

39

400 + 49

23.2

C

0.40

49

10.7

B

0.51

32.1

C

0.82

Note: ‘m’ in queue length denotes Volume for 95th percentile queue is metered by upstream signal ‘#’ in queue length denotes 95th percentile volume exceeds capacity, queue may be longer. Queue shown is maximum after two cycles.

In both AM and PM peak hours the overall level of service for this intersection would be either ‘C’ or better in 2021.

6.3.2 Glover Road Intersection The Rymal/Glover Road intersection is currently controlled through a stop sign and operating as an un-signalized Tintersection with access from the south side of Rymal Road. As illustrated in Plate 2, the proposed improvements involve a four-leg intersection. On each direction of Rymal Road the intersection will have two (2) 3.5 m through lanes with an exclusive 3.25 m left turn lane and a shared 3.5 m right turn/through lane. Glover Road will be modified to include in each direction one (1) 3.5 m through lane and a 3.25 m left turn. By conducting a traffic signal warrant analysis (as per Guidelines provided in Ontario Traffic Manual Book 12) with future turning movement volumes for 2021, it was found that the installation of traffic signals is warranted for intersection of Rymal Road/Glover Road in 2021. The results of Synchro analysis for this intersection for year 2021 were illustrated in Table 17.

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Table 17. Future (2021) Traffic Operation Conditions in AM and PM peak Hours at Glover Road

Approach/ Movement

EB

WB

NB

SB

OVERALL

AM Peak Hour (60 second Cycle Length) Queue Traffic Delay LoS V/C Length volume [s] [m]

PM Peak Hour (90 second Cycle Length) Queue Traffic Delay LoS V/C Length volume [s] [m]

118

10.1

B

0.51

#35

131

16.4

B

0.67

m27

743 + 87

3.4

A

0.43

22

1260 + 71

5.7

A

0.58

m117

56

5.2

A

0.18

9

39

6.8

A

0.22

8

1011 + 92

6.5

A

0.55

59

1137 + 144

7.0

A

0.56

75

39

22.3

C

0.19

11

48

33.5

C

0.23

19

8

21.3

C

0.03

4

48

32.9

C

0.17

18

138

21.7

C

0.11

12

54

32.0

C

0.19

10

39

22.2

C

0.19

11

146

48.3

D

0.74

#52

44

22.0

C

0.16

12

39

32.7

C

0.14

16

164

24.1

C

0.45

25

135

33.5

C

0.24

24

8.4

A

0.53

11.3

B

0.68

Note: ‘m’ in queue length denotes Volume for 95th percentile queue is metered by upstream signal ‘#’ in queue th length denotes 95 percentile volume exceeds capacity, queue may be longer. Queue shown is maximum after two cycles.

As illustrated above, in both AM and PM peak hours, all the movements at this intersection would have level of service ‘C’ or better in 2021.

6.3.3 Pritchard Road Intersection The Rymal Road/Pritchard Road intersection is currently operating as an un-signalized T-intersection with access from the north side of Rymal Road. However, the closure of Pritchard Road was identified in the approved plan for the East Mountain Industrial Business Park. The timing of details of the closure of Pritchard Road will be coordinated with the construction of the New Trinity Church Corridor beyond the eastern limits of the study. As illustrated in Plate 3, the closure of Pritchard Road involves building a cul-de-sac eliminating access to Rymal Road. In addition, the results of the Synchro analysis indicated that with widening of Rymal Road and installation of signals, the reassigned future (2021) volumes generated as a result of the closure of Pritchard Road would have minimal impact on level of service at other adjacent intersections and mid-block road sections.

6.3.4 New Trinity Church Corridor Beyond the eastern limits of the Study Area Corridor, as illustrated in Plate 4, other studies have provisions to implement a new arterial corridor with an intersection with Rymal Road that may involve the construction of a roundabout.

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6.4

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Cross-Section

The proposed Cross-Section for the Rymal Road improvements is summarized in Table 18 below and illustrated in Plate 5. Table 18. Cross-Section for the Proposed Rymal Road Improvements REFERENCE

PROPOSED STANDARDS

COMMENTS

TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.2.2.3

3.50 m

City of Hamilton instruction. ROPA 9 is proposing 3.75m through lane

3.25 m

City of Hamilton instruction

3.25 m

City of Hamilton instruction City of Hamilton instruction. Rymal Rd is a designated Transit corridor

DESCRIPTION Cross-Sections Through Lane = 3.70 m

Left Turn Lane (adjacent to median) Left Turn Lane (not adjacent to median)

TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.2.3.2 TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.2.3.2

Two Way Left Turn Lane = 3.5 m-5.0 m

TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.2.3.2

5.0 m

Right Turn Lane =3.5 m

TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads Table 2.3.5.1

3.5 m

Sidewalk

TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads 2.2.6.1

Superelevation (m/m) Cross Slope for asphalt surface Sidewalk Slope Boulevard Slope Grading Slope Urban Section Rounding

City of Hamilton City of Hamilton Rymal Road East Corridor Cross Section Rymal Road East Corridor Cross Section MTO Geometric Design Standards page D9-12 City of Hamilton Standard Roadway Cross-Sections

1.5 m on the north side minimum 2.0 m on the south side 6% 2.0%

City of Hamilton instruction

2.0% 2.0% - 4.0% Fill Side Slope = 3:1 Cut-Back Slope = 3:1 1.0 m

Sight Triangles

Design Vehicle for Major Intersection

15 m x 15 m arterial to collector 15 m x 15 m arterial to arterial 15 m x 15 m arterial to local WB-20

Design Vehicle for Minor Intersection

I-BUS

Visibility Triangles at Intersections

6.5

Pedestrians and Cyclists

In reference to the Rymal Road typical section illustrated above, the proposed improvements include 1.5 m sidewalks on either side of the roadway within the Study Area. There are a few areas within the corridor that warrant wider sidewalks including:

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• •

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Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

2.5 m sidewalk from Dartnall Road to approximately 145 m east on the south side of Rymal Road; and 2.5 m sidewalk crossing the Rymal Road west tributary between Station No. 10+200 to Station No. 10+300 on either side of Rymal Road.

In addition to the above, a 3.5 m multi-use pathway is being proposed on the north side of Rymal Road from Pritchard Road to the eastern limits in order to give connectivity to Prichard Road’s bike lanes with the bike lanes stipulated for Rymal Road east of the Study Area. These bike lanes are consistent with the City’s TMP Preferred Cycling Network Strategy as well as the Cycling Routes Map.

6.6

Transit

Although there are no changes to transit services in the short term, the new road has been designed with a 5 m continuous left-lane width to protect for future transit service expansion. As noted in the Urban Hamilton Official Plan, Rymal Road is mapped as a Potential Rapid Transit Line (B.L.A.S.T.). Thus, the proposed improvements are consistent with the City’s long range plans for improved transit.

6.7

Drainage/Stormwater Management

There are three (3) culvert crossings within the Study Area that traverse Rymal Road to facilitate the flow of water in a northerly direction, two (2) of which are concrete box culverts and one (1) is a corrugated steel pipe (csp) culvert. The Rymal Road west tributary box culvert (3 m x 3.41 m) will remain unchanged as its current length will suffice with the proposed road widening. The Rymal Road centre tributary (450 mm csp) will require a 5 m extension on the north side of Rymal Road and a 10 m extension on the south side of Rymal Road. Moreover, the Rymal Road east tributary box culvert (1830 mm x 1220 mm) will require a 4 m extension on the north side of Rymal Road and a 7 m extension on the south side of Rymal Road. Stormwater will be dealt with through a combination of the urban curb and gutters that will convey runoff to catchbasins that will connect to storm sewers in the area. It is noted that storm sewers were installed between Trinity Church Road and Dartnall Road as part of the Summit Park Phase 5 development, which is a residential mix development situated at the southeast corner of Rymal Road and Trinity Church Road. In order to maximize the availability of development land within the Summit Park development, a storm water pond is being relocated to the abandoned stone quarry lands on the north side of Rymal Road within the Study Area. The pond in the quarry will provide both quantity and quality treatment for all runoff coming from the Rymal Road corridor. In addition, the pond will receive stormwater drainage from Summit Park and will also service part of the Red Hill Business Park drainage area.

6.8

Illumination

Rymal Road is currently (and will continue to be) illuminated. Some illumination poles will require relocation to accommodate the road widening, as described in the following section.

6.9

Utilities

According to information received from the City, the widening and improvement of Rymal Road will involve some utility relocates.

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Hydro One Networks Hydro One Networks have confirmed the presence of transmission facilities within the Study Area. The Hydro One Transmission facilities that traverse Rymal Road on the east side of Pritchard Road will not be impacted by the proposed road widening. The proposed improvements will not impact the transmission tower located at approximately Station No. 10+900 (north side of Rymal Road). Horizon Utilities (formerly Hamilton Hydro) There are approximately 20 hydro poles that will require relocation on the north side of Rymal Road. Of these, approximately seven (7) are currently being used for illumination purposes. Approximately 16 additional hydro poles will require relocation on the south side of Rymal Road, approximately 10 of which are currently being used for illumination purposes. Union Gas Ltd A 100mm gas main runs on the north of the Rymal Road. It is not expected that the gas main is impacted with the road widening. However it is expected some minor conflicts with the extension of culverts and retention structures that need to be investigated and addressed during detailed design. Trans-Northern Pipelines Ltd A Trans-Northern pipeline crosses the project west of the Trinity Church corridor. No conflict is anticipated with the available information. However further investigation and permits are required during the detail design phase. Municipal Utilities No conflict is anticipated with the existing watermains, storm and sanitary sewer. However, approximately nine (9) fire hydrants on the north side of Rymal Road that will require relocation prior to construction.

6.10

Construction Staging

Rymal road plays an important role in the City of Hamilton road network and cannot be closed or detoured during construction. As a consequence, the road construction will need to be staged to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow. It is envisioned that in a first stage the traffic lanes will be reduced and shifted to one side of the existing road to allow the construction of one additional traffic lane on the contrary side of the road. Once this additional lane is constructed, the traffic will be shifted towards the new lane. This will allow the construction of a new lane where the traffic was in the previous stage. Once the two new outer lanes are constructed, the traffic will be shifted to the sides of the road in each direction to allow the construction of the central part of the road. The final stage is to construct and grade the sidewalks, entrances and lateral roads.

6.11

Property Requirements

The majority of property required will be of temporary limited interest in order to facilitate with the grading of the road widening, which amounts to approximately 3,400 m2. However, there are two (2) properties on the north side as well as two (2) properties on the south side of Rymal Road that will require minor acquisition to facilitate with the roadway widening. The permanent minor property acquisition of the four (4) properties will include approximately 1,000 m2 of land. The extent of property requirements are illustrated in Plates 1-4.

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7.

City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Environmental Effects, Mitigation Measures and Monitoring

This section describes the environmental effects and mitigation measures for the relevant components of natural, socio-economic and cultural environments. The design and construction documents will incorporate environmental protection and mitigation measures based on current Best Management Practices and City of Hamilton policies and procedures, in an effort to avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts, protect identified environmental sensitivities and features, and optimize opportunities for restoration of any disturbed areas.

7.1

Physical Environment

7.1.1 Surface Water Resources The proposed road widening has the potential to impact the following watercourse crossings:

• • •

Rymal Road West Tributary – Approximately 7 m of this intermittent tributary (south of Rymal Road) has the potential to be impacted by grading beyond the existing ROW; Rymal Road Centre Tributary – Approximately 2 m of this ephemeral tributary has the potential to be impacted by grading beyond the existing ROW; and Rymal Road East Tributary – Approximately 37 m of the intermittent Rymal Road ditch on the south side of Rymal Road has the potential to be impacted by design within the existing ROW (see adjacent photo of the ditch). It is noted that the east tributary extends from the southeast quadrant of the Rymal Road/Glover Road intersection and follows the ditchline immediately south of Rymal Road before flowing north via a concrete box that traverses Rymal Road. Thus, a portion of this ditch south of Rymal Road will need to be modified to facilitate with the road widening. An additional approximately 11 m of the intermittent/ephemeral tributary has the potential to be impacted by grading beyond the existing ROW on the north side of Rymal Road.

In order to minimize impacts to surface water resources, the Contractor shall ensure applicable erosion and sediment control measures are in place prior to commencement of any construction activities and remain in place until all disturbed areas are fully stabilized. Erosion and sediment control reporting will be required to be submitted on a weekly basis as per the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area Conservation Authorities Erosion and Sediment Guideline for Urban Construction (2006). Inspections should also be carried out after every rainfall event, or significant snowmelt events, and on a daily basis during extended rain or snowmelt periods. The inspection and monitoring sheet for the reporting should use the template found in Appendix F of the Guideline. The three (3) Study Area watercourses and their associated natural hazard lands are regulated by the Hamilton Conservation Authority pursuant to their Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation 161/06 under Ontario Regulation 97/04. Any new development, including construction and grading activities within the regulated area will require a permit from the conservation authority and may be subject to timing constraints (i.e., fisheries timing windows for in-water works and breeding birds in accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act). Information received from Transport Canada confirms their responsibility for the administration of the Navigable Waters Protection Act, which prohibits the construction or placement of any “works” in navigable waters without first obtaining approvals. The need for approval under the Navigable Waters Protection Act will be reviewed should this project involve work within a navigable waterway. Thus, Comment noted. Navigability within the affected watercourses (i.e., Hannon Creek tributaries) will be confirmed in advance of detail design.

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Dewatering activities associated with the construction of the watercourse crossings may require a Permit To Take Water (PTTW) from the MOE. In addition, water quality should be protected by prohibiting the placement of construction debris and empty fuel or pesticide containers within 30 m of the watercourses. Storage of waste, surplus organic material and topsoil on areas adjacent to watercourses must be prohibited and adequate controls should be in place concerning equipment refuelling, maintenance and storage of fuel containers.

7.1.2 Groundwater Resources A portion of the Fresh-Moist Bur Oak Deciduous Forest on the south side of Rymal Road opposite the abandoned stone quarry is noted as potentially being significant as it appears to contain karst topography. The terrestrial environment report completed in October, 2010 by Dougan & Associates concludes that the City of Hamilton may wish to contact a karst specialist to confirm the significance of the features and any constraints posed to the proposed road widening. As further discussed below in Section 7.2.2, it is recommended that any culvert replacement or extension should use a properly sized, open footing design, to ensure that the resulting structure will not interfere with the karst functions that may occur in the vicinity.

7.2

Natural Environment

7.2.1 Designated Natural Areas It is recognized that the Rymal Road Project Limits bisects the Red Hill Creek Escarpment Environmentally Sensitive Area #52 and is also within the vicinity of the Niagara Escarpment Protection Area and Designated Public Land. As Rymal Road will be widened within the existing ROW, impacts to the adjacent designated natural areas are considered minimal. Some encroachment onto lands beyond the existing ROW may potentially be required in the form of a limited interest for grading purposes. As detailed above, prescribed erosion and sedimentation control measures will be implemented where warranted to minimize migration of sediment into receiving watercourses and designated areas. In addition, there may be opportunities during detail design to minimize the extent of grading beyond the existing ROW through the implementation of retaining walls and/or grading slope changes. In a letter received from the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) on November 15, 2010, it was advised that the NEC has no objection to the preferred road improvement option and that the area is outside of the Development Control Area of the Niagara Escarpment Plan and thus a Development Permit for the proposed improvements is not required (Appendix A).

7.2.2 Terrestrial Habitat 7.2.2.1

Vegetation

Approximately 29,900 m² of groundcover beyond the existing Rymal Road pavement edge will be impacted (including extent of grading). Groundcover consists of unpaved shoulders and manicured grassland, as well as several vegetative communities. Within the proposed Rymal Road improvements Study Area, the following ELC Codes and approximate areas have the potential to be impacted:

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• • • • • • • •

City of Hamilton

CUM1-1 (Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow) CUT 1-4 (Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket) FOD5-6 (Fresh Sugar Maple-Basswood Deciduous Forest) CUT1 (Mineral Cultural Thicket) HR (Hedgerow) MAS (Shallow Marsh) MAM (Meadow Marsh) FOD9-3 (Fresh-Moist Bur Oak Deciduous Forest)

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Approximately 3,470 m² Approximately 900 m² Approximately 80 m² Approximately 70 m² Approximately 40 m² Approximately 440 m² Approximately 1,050 m² Approximately 1,100 m²

The majority of vegetative community types found on site are relatively common within the Southern Ontario landscape. In addition, prescribed mitigation will be appropriately implemented where warranted to minimize grading impacts. The City will aim to minimize removal of groundcover, roadside vegetation, treed areas, and other vegetation. For example, one (1) coniferous tree (the Manitoba maple (Acer negundo)) may be impacted within the northwest quadrant of the Dartnall Road/Rymal Road intersection. If removal of this tree is deemed necessary by the City’s Forestry and Horticultural Section, the development and implementation of a Tree Management Plan and adherence to the City’s Tree Preservation and Protective Measures for Trees Affected by Construction Policy and Restoration Policy – Municipally Owned Lands and Public Tree Removal Policy will be implemented. Trees on private property that have the potential to be affected as a result of road widening or construction will be identified prior to, or during, detail design and may require the development of further strategies for mitigating these impacts. In addition, in an effort to compensate for trees and other vegetation removed, and to enhance the aesthetics of the works and reduce any potential visually intrusive effects, streetscaping may be provided, as appropriate, in accordance with the City of Hamilton Street Tree Planting Policy – Planning and Design. 7.2.2.2

Wildlife

The effects of habitat removal on wildlife can be mitigated through the following measures:

• • • • •

Avoid vegetation clearing during wildlife breeding seasons, primarily March 15 to July 31; Disperse, capture and relocate wildlife prior to vegetation clearing; Install a temporary tree protection barrier around trees to be protected during construction; Additional protection around the snake hibernaculum located on the north side of Rymal Road east of Station No. 10+400 shall be confirmed during detailed design; and Any wildlife encountered during construction should not be knowingly harmed.

It is noted that the most obvious and potentially effective locations to install culverts suitable for wildlife passage are at existing creek crossing locations. Thus, it is recommended that the culvert improvements are enhanced to accommodate the safe passage of local wildlife. Opportunities for additional dry culverts to facilitate with the passage of wildlife should be considered as part of the proposed roadway improvements during detail design. The terrestrial environment report suggested consideration of a dry culvert under ELC polygons 4 and 5, which is roughly in line with the hydro lines and located adjacent to the documented Western Chorus Frog. 7.2.2.3

Breeding Birds

If vegetation clearing cannot be avoided during the breeding bird season (May 1st to July 31st), then an avian biologist must be employed to conduct a nest survey in the area to be cleared. If active nests of migratory birds are found, then a mitigation plan must be developed and approved by Environment Canada prior to clearing. This may

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involve delays to allow for fledging. The proponent must also make sure that no active nests are removed/disturbed, and that all inactive nests are removed from all culverts prior to construction. Given the likelihood that the south quarry face on the north side of Rymal Road is being used by migratory birds (particularly the Northern Rough-winged Swallow) as a nesting site, it is recommended that this area be monitored by a qualified avian biologist during the breeding bird season to ensure that birds are not being negatively impacted by the proposed improvements. A qualified avian biologist will be assigned to monitor areas where construction will occur during the bird breeding season to ensure that birds are not being negatively impacted by the proposed improvements. It is further recommended that a 10 m buffer be established from the quarry lip to reduce nuisance impacts. No vegetation clearing or construction will occur during the bird breeding season (May 1 to July 31) within and immediately adjacent to the Rymal Road Quarry face (notrth side of Rymal Road between Station No. 10+200 and Station No. 10+200.

7.2.2.4

Species at Risk

While there are no endangered/threatened species identified or anticipated to occur within the Study Area and footprint of the proposed works, the potential for Milksnake and American Badger occurrences within the Study Area have been identified. Since the Milksnake is a Species of Special Concern and the American Badger is listed as Endangered, as recognized by COSEWIC and COSSARO, and the Western Chorus Frog is listed as Threatened, as recognized by COSEWIC special management plans for these species may be required if identified within the Study Area during the detail design phase. If considered warranted and feasible by the City of Hamilton, retaining walls and barrier fencing shall be considered during detail design in consultation with Hamilton Conservation Authority to funnel wildlife to the culverts to allow adequate provision for the safe passage of small wildlife, in order to maintain continuity of existing wildlife movement patterns and to lessen the risk of mortality. This is particularly important for the American Badger where previously completed studies have concluded that Badgers use culverts to cross roads.

7.2.3 Aquatic Habitat During the May 2010 and August 2010 site reconnaissance activities conducted by C. Portt and Associates, the Rymal Road West, Centre and East tributaries were predominately dry and deemed intermittent in nature. The Rymal Road Centre Tributary was not considered fish habitat and it is unlikely that fish would ever occur at the other two (2) Rymal Road culverts. No fish were captured/observed during the site visits. It is unlikely that work done on the traversing watercourse crossings would have negative impacts on fish habitat in Hannon Creek, provided that adequate sediment controls are implemented. Potential effects on aquatic habitat can be fully mitigated through standard road construction practices, erosion and sedimentation control and in-water construction timing restrictions. A summary of specific considerations for the mitigation of impacts for each watercourse is summarized below: Rymal Road West and East Tributaries • Design and implementation of a sediment control plan. • Implementation of a spring exclusion period (April 1 to June 30) for inwater work to protect the spawning runs of migratory fishes in Red Hill Creek, downstream of the Niagara Escarpment. • Any culvert replacement or extension should use a properly sized, open footing design, to ensure that the resulting structure will not interfere with the karst functions that may occur in the vicinity. • Removal of fish from the construction area is unlikely to be required, as no fish occur at this location.

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Rymal Road Centre Tributary • It is unlikely that works along this watercourse crossing would have negative impacts on fish habitat. However, as flow percolates through the shallow overburden and cracks in the bedrock, which ultimately drains to the old quarry, the design and implementation of a sediment control plan shall be implemented.

7.3

Socio-Economic Environment

7.3.1 Property As a result of the road widening, approximately 14 properties will be affected. Temporary property disturbances are anticipated as a result of grading beyond the existing ROW. Minor permanent property acquisition will be required for two (2) properties on the north side as well as two (2) properties on the south side of Rymal Road, which will amount to approximately 1,000 m2 of land. In addition, the residential/commercial properties along Pritchard Road will no longer be provided with a south access onto Rymal Road as a result of the proposed closure. The City will initiate the formal property acquisition process with the affected properties during the detail design phase. The effects of the Rymal Road widening on existing land uses include an insignificant loss of manicured grassland and parking opportunities within the City’s ROW. The road widening will facilitate access and movement in support of existing roadways as well as the Lincoln Alexander Parkway. The additional lanes will maximize access and efficiency of local corridors for goods movement/truck routes. During detail design, a traffic management plan will be developed to confirm how traffic will be accommodated during construction.

7.3.2 Access Access through the Study Area will be maintained during construction, with one lane open in each direction at all times. Emergency service (i.e., fire, ambulance etc.) access will be maintained at all times. Traffic delays can be expected during construction. Construction in the corridor will also temporarily impact access to existing commercial and residential properties– although access will be maintained to all properties during construction. Timing of construction activities can be coordinated with adjacent property owners to mitigate some of these impacts. Although school or city bus routes will not change during construction, some delays can be expected. After construction, access throughout the entire Study Area and to adjacent businesses and residences will be significantly improved with the additional lane capacity and the new continuous left-turn lane.

7.3.3 Open Space Approximately 250 m² of the Hannon South Open Space Park beyond the existing ROW on the south side of Rymal Road may be impacted by grading. Prescribed mitigation will be implemented appropriately where necessary in order to minimize grading impacts.

7.3.4 Noise and Air Quality There is minimal impact to noise sensitive receptors as the Study Area is comprised predominately of industrial/commercial land uses with few residential establishments. Construction activity will be restricted to daytime hours, and the local noise by-laws will be adhered to during construction. To minimize air quality impacts

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due to dust, standard dust control measures will be implemented, which may include the application of water and calcium chloride during construction.

7.3.5 Property Waste and Contamination No obvious sources of property waste and contamination were noted during the study. Any soils that are removed during construction should be tested for contaminants that may have been used or dumped along the corridor limits. If the soils are contaminated, the City of Hamilton Contaminated Sites Management Program for Municipal Works measures will be implemented and will follow appropriate soil management practices including testing and disposing of contaminated soils using licensed haulers and disposal facilities. All construction activities must be carried out in such a way as to avoid contamination of soils.

7.4

Cultural Environment

There are no built heritage features within the Study Area; however, the site has archaeological potential and should be further considered given its adjacency to watercourse features, and in the location of the former Hannon Post Office (1850s) in the northwest quadrant of the Dartnall Road/Rymal Road intersection. Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment has been completed. No archaeological resources were recovered and it is recommended that no further archaeological work is required. Should buried archaeological deposits be found along any section of the corridor during construction activities, work will stop in that location and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and any relevant First Nations will be immediately notified. In the event that human remains are encountered during construction activities, work will stop in that location and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Registrar or Deputy Registrar of the Cemeteries Regulation Unit for the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, the Hamilton Police Service and any relevant First Nations will be immediately notified.

7.5

Utilities

As detailed in Section 6.9 above, the proposed road widening will involve some utility relocates. Formal definition of impacts on utilities will be determined during detail design.

7.6

Construction Staging

As detailed in Section 6.10 above, there will be some inconvenience during construction/construction staging for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. It is noted that impacts will be temporary in nature and the City will attempt to mitigate impacts as much as possible during detail design and construction through construction staging plans and traffic management plans.

7.7

Summary of Environmental Impacts, Mitigation and Commitments to Future Work

A summary of the potential impacts to the natural, socio-economic and cultural environments, along with the recommended mitigation measures, are provided in Table 19.

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City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Table 19. Anticipated Impacts, Proposed Mitigation Measures and Commitments to Future Work FACTOR

ANTICIPATED IMPACT Impacts to three (3) watercourse crossings (i.e., Rymal Road east, centre, and west tributaries).

PROPOSED MITIGATION AND COMMITMENTS TO FUTURE WORK

• • •

Surface Water Resources

• •

Groundwater Resources

Designated Natural Areas

Impacts to potential karst features.

• • • • • • •

Encroachment onto designated Niagara Escarpment Lands and ESA #52.

• • •

Terrestrial Habitat

Removal of existing trees and other vegetation along

•

Contractor shall ensure applicable erosion and sediment control measures are in place prior to commencement of any construction activities and remain in place until all disturbed areas are fully stabilized. An erosion and sediment management plan will be submitted to the HCA during detail design. Erosion and sediment control reporting in accordance with the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area Conservation Authorities Erosion and Sediment Guideline for Urban Construction (2006). Watercourses and their associated natural hazard lands are regulated by the Hamilton Conservation Authority pursuant to their Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation 161/06 under Ontario Regulation 97/04. Any new development, including construction and grading activities within the regulated area will require a permit from the conservation authority and may be subject to timing constraints (i.e., fisheries timing windows for in-water works and breeding birds in accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act). The need for approval under the Navigable Waters Protection Act will be reviewed should this project involve work within a navigable waterway. Thus, navigability within the affected watercourses (i.e., Hannon Creek tributaries) will be confirmed in advance of detail design. If construction dewatering discharge is greater than 50,000 litres per day, a Permit to Take Water (PTTW) will be secured from the MOE in accordance with the PTTW Manual (2005). Work will be controlled to prevent entry of harmful materials into the watercourses. Fuels should not be stored closer than 30 m to the edge of a water body. Machines should be turned off when not in use. Any associated waste should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Water quality treatment will meet minimum Ministry of Environment requirements. The City may wish to contact a karst specialist to confirm the significance of the features and any constraints posed to the proposed road widening. Any culvert replacement or extension should use a properly sized, open footing design, to ensure that the resulting structure will not interfere with the karst functions that may occur in the vicinity. Prescribed erosion and sedimentation control measures will be implemented where warranted to minimize migration of sediment into receiving watercourses and designated areas. An erosion and sediment management plan will be submitted to the HCA during detail design. There may be opportunities during detail design to minimize the extent of grading beyond the existing ROW through the implementation of retaining walls and/or grading slope changes. NEC has no objection to the preferred road improvement option and that the area is outside of the Development Control Area of the Niagara Escarpment Plan and thus a Development Permit for the proposed improvements is not required. Tree removal, planting and protection during construction will be as per the City of Hamilton Public Tree Removal Policy, and the City’s Tree Preservation and Protective Measures for Trees Affected by Construction Policy.

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ANTICIPATED IMPACT the Rymal Road corridor.

PROPOSED MITIGATION AND COMMITMENTS TO FUTURE WORK

• • •

Impacts to wildlife.

• • • • • • • • •

Wildlife

Impacts to breeding birds.

• • • • •

Impacts to Species at Risk.

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

•

Trees on private property that may be affected as a result of the road widening or during construction will be identified prior to or during detail design and may require the development of further strategies to mitigate these impacts. In order to compensate for trees and other vegetation removed, and to enhance the aesthetics of the works and reduce any potential visually intrusive effects, streetscaping will be provided throughout the corridor, as appropriate, in accordance with the City of Hamilton Street Tree Planting Policy – Planning and Design. The work zone will be delineated using construction fencing/tree protection barriers. There will be a clear delineation of vegetation clearing zones and vegetation retention zones in both the Contract documents and in the field to minimize the risk of unnecessary vegetation effects and avoid incidental impacts as a result of temporary stockpiling, debris disposal and access. Disturbed areas will be restored with native seed mix. Native, non-invasive, complementary vegetation will be planted to compensate for vegetation removals. Within the Study Area, the Rymal Road corridor supports wildlife species that are tolerant of urban conditions and human disturbance. Impacts to wildlife associated with this undertaking are therefore considered relatively minor. Vegetation clearing will be avoided during wildlife breeding seasons, primarily March 15th to July 31st, to further minimize impacts. Wildlife will be dispersed, captured and relocated prior to vegetation clearing. Any wildlife incidentally encountered during construction will not be knowingly harmed. It is recommended that the culvert improvements are enhanced to accommodate local wildlife. Additional protection around the snake hibernaculum located on the north side of Rymal Road east of Station No. 10+400 shall be confirmed during detailed design. Opportunities for additional dry culverts to facilitate with the passage of wildlife should be considered as part of the proposed roadway improvements during detail design. Specific consideration should be afforded to those lands labelled as ELC Polygon 4 and 5 within the terrestrial environment report. If clearing cannot avoid the breeding bird season (May 1st to July 31st), then an avian biologist will be employed to conduct a nest survey in the area to be cleared. If active nests of migratory birds are located then a mitigation plan will be developed and approved by Environment Canada prior to clearing. This may involve delays to allow for fledging. Ensure that “inactive” nests (previous season nests, and nests where adult birds are not seen flying in and out) are removed at all culverts prior to construction. Ensure that no active nests will be removed/disturbed in accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act. It is recommended that the south quarry face area be monitored by a qualified avian biologist during the breeding bird season to ensure that birds are not being negatively impacted by the proposed improvements. It is further recommended that a 10 m buffer be established from the quarry lip to reduce nuisance impacts to nesting birds. While there are no endangered/threatened species identified or anticipated to occur within the Study Area and footprint of the proposed works, the potential for Milksnake and American Badger occurrences within the Study Area have been identified. Since the Milksnake is a Species of Special Concern and the American Badger is listed as Endangered, as

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ANTICIPATED IMPACT

PROPOSED MITIGATION AND COMMITMENTS TO FUTURE WORK

•

Impact on fisheries or aquatic habitat.

Fish and Aquatic Habitat

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

recognized by COSEWIC and COSSARO, and the Western Chorus Frog is listed as Threatened, as recognized by COSEWIC special management plans for these species may be required if identified within the Study Area during the detail design phase. If considered warranted and feasible by the City of Hamilton, retaining walls and barrier fencing shall be considered during detail design in consultation with Hamilton Conservation Authority to funnel wildlife to the culverts to allow adequate provision for the safe passage of small wildlife, in order to maintain continuity of existing wildlife movement patterns and to lessen the risk of mortality.

Rymal Road West and East Tributaries • Design and implementation of a sediment control plan. • Implementation of a spring exclusion period (April 1 to June 30) for inwater work to protect the spawning runs of migratory fishes in Red Hill Creek, downstream of the Niagara Escarpment. • Any culvert replacement or extension should use a properly sized, open footing design, to ensure that the resulting structure will not interfere with the karst functions that may occur in the vicinity. • Removal of fish from the construction area is unlikely to be required, as no fish occur at this location. Rymal Road Centre Tributary • Design and implementation of a sediment control plan shall be implemented.

Property. Access.

• • • • • •

SocioEconomic Environment

Safety for pedestrian, cyclists, and motorists.

• •

• • Short-term noise associated •

Minor acquisition will be required for the Rymal Road improvements. The formal acquisition process will be initiated during detail design. Maintain access to individual driveways during construction. Access to roadway to be maintained during construction, with one lane open in each direction at all times Timing of construction activities can be coordinated with adjacent property owners to mitigate some of the access impacts. More travelling lanes will improve the level of service and safety within the Rymal Road corridor. A continuous centre left turn lane throughout the corridor will improve traffic flow and allow vehicles to safely turn into adjacent properties and private driveway accesses on Rymal Road. To maintain and encourage pedestrian movements, sidewalks will be constructed on both sides of the Rymal Road. Cyclists will be accommodated with a 3.5 m multi-use path that has been proposed for the north Side of Rymal Road between Pritchard Road and the New Trinity Church Corridor.

Impact to Hannon South Open Space Park

Potential to be impacted by grading. Prescribed mitigation will be implemented where appropriate in order to minimize grading impacts.

with construction vehicles and activity.

Construction activities are to comply with the requirements of municipal noise by-law 03-020. Any initial complaint from the public will require verification that the general noise control measures agreed to are in effect, any noise concerns will be investigated, and the contractor warned of any problems.

Potential for impacts from dust during construction.

•

To minimize air quality impacts due to dust, water and calcium chloride will be applied during construction.

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City of Hamilton

ANTICIPATED IMPACT Potential for removal of contaminated soils.

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

PROPOSED MITIGATION AND COMMITMENTS TO FUTURE WORK

• • • •

Construction activities must be carried out in such a way as to avoid contamination of soils. All equipment must to be properly maintained, free of oil leaks and in good working order to minimize any spillage, noise or air emission impacts. Avoidance of adverse impacts from fuel oil or other spills will be avoided by providing a temporary granular surface over geo-textile for such equipment as compressors and generators. Spill absorbency materials will be available at designated sites for immediate use, if necessary. Any soils removed during construction must be tested for contaminants that may have been used or dumped along the corridor limits. If the soils are contaminated, the City of Hamilton Contaminated Sites Management Program for Municipal Works measures will be implemented and will follow appropriate soil management practices including testing and disposing of contaminated soils using licensed haulers and disposal facilities.

Discovery of archaeological findings/human remains.

•

Immediately contact appropriate ministries and First Nations if any deeply buried deposits are found, or in the event that human remains are encountered.

Utilities

Relocation of existing utilities.

•

Existing utilities will need to be relocated. Formal definition of impacts on utilities will be determined during detail design.

Inconvenience during construction/construction staging for pedestrians and vehicular traffic.

•

Construction Staging

Impacts will be temporary in nature. The City will attempt to mitigate impacts as much as possible during detail design and construction through construction staging plans and traffic management plans.

Archaeology

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City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

Monitoring

Proper monitoring during and post construction is an important component of the successful implementation of the proposed improvements. The following provides a general guideline to ensure that contractors are made aware of environmental considerations so that standards and commitments for both construction and operation are met. In advance of construction, monitoring activities to be carried out by the Contract Administrator should include: a) Reviewing the ESR and Contract Documents to confirm all environmental conditions and obligations. b) Ensuring all permits and approvals have been obtained prior to onset of construction. c) Ensuring obligations in the Contract Package are met, including: • Erosion and Sediment Control Plan; • Fuel/oil storage containment is located away from the watercourses and other drainage ditches that discharge into these watercourses; • Spill, contingency and emergency response plans. During construction activities, the Contract Administrator/Inspection Staff will be responsible for monitoring the mitigation measures prescribed in this ESR and included within the Contract Documents to ensure that they are implemented properly and are operating effectively. Immediate action will be taken to correct non-functioning mitigation measures and appropriate agencies will be contacted to provide further input. Furthermore, the Contract Administrator/Inspection Staff will be responsible for identifying any activities that may cause negative environmental impacts, that are different or at a greater level of intensity than anticipated, and which may be in contravention with applicable environmental regulations. In such instances, the Contract Administrator will take the necessary steps to modify the Contractor’s method(s) of operation to reduce those impacts or recommend immediate suspension of specific construction activities. After construction, a final clean up of the construction zone or working area should be carried out by the Contractor once all construction activities have been completed. The purpose of the post-construction monitoring and environmental inspection program is to ensure, to the extent possible, that lands disturbed as a result of construction activities will be restored to their original use and condition as soon as possible after construction. To ensure that restoration efforts have been carried out in a satisfactory Administrator/Inspector will be responsible for carrying out a visual inspection of: a) All disturbed lands within the study limits; and b) All lands where sodding or seeding has occurred.

manner,

the

Contract

At this time, environmental sensitivities that have been developed after construction will be identified. In the event that a problem or issue is identified, it will be addressed at on-site meetings with the Contractor.

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City of Hamilton

Improvements to Rymal Road (Dartnall Road to New Trinity Church Corridor) Class EA Environmental Study Report

References

Archaeological Services. 2006. Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment – Rymal Road Planning Area (ROPA 9 Lands) Master Plan Class Environmental Assessment Study. Prepared for the City of Hamilton. C. Portt and Associates. 2010. Dartnall Road and Rymal Road Fish Habitat Assessment. Prepared for the City of Hamilton. Chapman, L.J. and D.F. Putnam. 1984. The Physiography of Southern Ontario Third Edition: Ontario Geological Survey Special Volume 2. Ministry of Natural Resources. City of Hamilton. 2009. Cycling Master Plan (PW09068) Public Works Committee Outstanding Business List. Prepared by the City of Hamilton Public Works Department. City of Hamilton. 2000. South Mountain Area Transportation Master Plan Study. City of Hamilton. 2006. City of Hamilton Official Plan. City of Hamilton. 2006. Rural Hamilton Official Plan. City of Hamilton. 2009. Urban Hamilton Official Plan. Department of the Environment. 1972. The Canada Land Inventory, Report No. 2 – 1965 (Reprinted – 1969, 1972). Soil Capability Classification for Agriculture. Dillon Consulting Ltd. 2006. South Mountain Area Transportation Master Plan Review. Prepared by Dillon Consulting Ltd. for the City of Hamilton. Dougan & Associates. 2010. City of Hamilton: Dartnall Road & Rymal Road Class Environmental Assessment Terrestrial Environment. Prepared for the City of Hamilton. Ecoplans Limited. May 2010. Hamilton’s Cycling Master Plan – Shifting Gears 2009. Prepared for the City of Hamilton. Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2010. Distribution of Fish Species at Risk – Hamilton Conservation. Hamilton Conservation Site Summary. 2009. Red Hill Creek Escarpment Valley Site Summary. IBI Group and Dillon Consulting in association with MRC. 2007. Hamilton Transportation Master Plan. Prepared by IBI Group and Dillon Consulting in association with MRC for the City of Hamilton. IBI Group and Dillon Consulting. 2007. Road Network Strategy Working Paper. Prepared by IBI Group and Dillon Consulting for the City of Hamilton. iTRANS Consulting Inc. Consulting Inc. 2006. Rymal Road Planning Area (ROPA 9) Master Plan Class Environmental Assessment Phases 1 & 2. Prepared for the City of Hamilton. iTRANS Consulting Inc. Consulting Inc. 2007. Trinity Church Arterial Corridor Class Environmental Assessment Study Phase 3 and 4. Prepared for the City of Hamilton. Lee, H., W. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig, and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and its Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Sciences Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch, SCSS Field Guide FG-02. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). 28, February 2005b. Greenbelt Plan.

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Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). 2005. Provincial Policy Statement. Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). 1978. 1:10 000 Scale Forest Stand Map Inventory. Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (MPIR). 2006. Places to Grow Better Choices. Brighter Future. Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Prepared for the Government of Ontario. MRC and Ecoplans. 2006. North Glanbrook Industrial Business Park Transportation Master Plan. Prepared by MRC and Ecoplans for the City of Hamilton. Municipal Engineers Association. October 2000, as amended in 2007. Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. Approved by Order-in-Council no. 1923/2000. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). 2007. Soil Attribute Information by Municipality for Southern Ontario. Prepared by OMAFRA GIS Unit. Philips Engineering Ltd. 2003. Mountain Brow Boulevard Crossing and Central Mountain Stormwater Management Class Environmental Assessment. Prepared by Philips Engineering Ltd. for the City of Hamilton. Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter p. 13. Last amendment: 2006, C. 32, Sched. C, ss. 47, 48. Present, Wicklund, and Matthews. 1965. Soils of Wentworth County - Report No. 32 of the Ontario Soil Survey. Prepared jointly by the Research Branch, Canada Department of Agriculture, and the Ontario Agricultural College for the Ontario Department of Agriculture and the Canada Department of Agriculture. Province of Ontario. 2005. The Niagara Escarpment Plan. Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth. 2005. Towards a Sustainable Region Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan. TSH et. al. 2008. Hannon Creek Subwatershed – North Glanbrook Industrial Business Park Master Drainage Plan Draft Final. Prepared by TSH et. al. for the City of Hamilton. Websites http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/species.cfm http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/ http://www.escarpment.org/home/index.php http://www.geographynetwork.ca/website/obm/viewer.htm http://www.hamilton.ca/ http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/ http://www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca/default_e.cfm

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