Newmarket is readying for resurfacing work on McCaffrey Road and the surrounding area, but residents questioned sidewalk plans and the lack of bike lanes.
The town presented to approximately 41 people Dec. 14 in a virtual session about the $2-million project. Residents raised questions on the plans, which will see work carried out throughout 2022.
One point of contention was the town not planning to install bike lanes in the road, even though it is part of the municipal active transportation plan.
“I am not sure how bike lanes can be a longer-term plan,” one resident said. “They were in the plan for the original subdivision that is now over 20 years old. The kids that started out living in this subdivision are now adults. It is repeatedly kicked down the road, and this street is not safe for cyclists.”
The project encompasses the reconstruction of McCaffrey, including the base, with a new concrete curb and gutter, addressing a road the town said is in poor condition. Work will also include portions of Eagle Street (between Yonge and Millard), Rannie Road (to Rita’s Avenue), Keith Avenue, Rhodes Circle and Doyle Court.
Newmarket’s 2018 active transportation implementation plan indicates McCaffrey is due for bike lanes, suggesting them within three to five years from the report date. But although the design is not finalized, town manager of capital projects Rob Grech said bike lanes are not currently in the works there. However, he said they would take that back to the town’s transportation group.
“We recognize bike lanes tend to be controversial at times,” Grech said.
The town has faced pushback for bike lanes on other proposed roads the past two years due to concern about the loss of on-street parking.
The presentation highlighted the scope of the work and the accompanying noise and traffic delays to come. Ainley Group will be overseeing the work and capital projects group lead Terry Hoehn said noise will be limited to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Construction is expected to begin in May and finish in November at the latest.
Another point of contention is in plans for new sidewalks compliant to accessibility requirements, spanning both sides of McCaffrey and one side of Rannie. Rannie residents expressed safety worries about adding a sidewalk there.
“Speed and visibility is already a major concern. Adding pedestrian traffic will increase risk to pedestrians and motorists,” Nick Pepin said. “Especially if this causes increased road parking due to driveway reductions.”
“The news of the sidewalk construction on the west side of Rannie is so disappointing to hear, especially that residents were not consulted,” another resident who did not provide their name said. "As this street was originally a cul-de-sac, it is quite a narrow road from Rannie to Rita, then to add a sidewalk in front of homes that have been here for 35 years, I do not see a need for this.”
Grech said they will consider the feedback and work with Rannie residents to minimize the impact.
“I believe the intent on putting that sidewalk in is to finalize the connections between all the sidewalks to the rest of Rannie,” he said.
Attendees expressed appreciation for the chance to converse and voice their questions.
“Thank you, everyone, for the excellent questions and suggestions,” Deputy Mayor Tom Vegh said. “These types of projects are always improved when residents are involved.”
The presentation is available at heynewmaret.ca/mccaffrey, where you can also provide feedback on the project.
