Canada Drive Active Transportation & Road Safety Improvements

Canada Drive is being reconstructed with a shared-use path (SUP) along the south side of the street between Columbus Drive and Cowan Heights Elementary School.

Two street options were considered during public engagement.

• Option 1 - Bi-directional bike path on one side of the street, sidewalks on both sides of the street, parking allowed on south side only (odd numbered houses)
• Option 2 - Shared Use Path (SUP) on one side, sidewalk on the other side, parking allowed on both sides

The preferred option was a shared-use path with on-street parking on both sides of the street.

The City is prioritizing projects that help create a cycling backbone network and where work can be completed during planned rehabilitation and construction within other infrastructure projects. By piggy-backing on roads rehab to upgrade active transportation along Canada Drive, we will reduce overall cost and avoid future tear up (cost avoidance).

Work will begin for the following sections:

• 2023: Columbus Drive to Hamlyn Road
• 2025: Hamlyn Road to Cowan Avenue Elementary School

Council approved the Bike Master Plan in 2019. Its vision is to create “a safe, inclusive, and convenient cycling network that is well-connected, attractive and reflective of the City’s unique topography and climate. As part of an integrated mobility network, this is supported by policies and programs that promote a cycling friendly culture.” (Bike Master Plan, 2019)

Canada Drive, from Columbus Dr. to the Team Gushue Highway (approximately civic address 243 Canada Dr.), is part of the backbone cycling network as outlined in the Bike St. John's Master Plan. Adding a bike facility and integrating it with a pedestrian path means upgrading active transportation in this area. It will also improve road safety as driving lanes will be narrower.