TRAIL GAP ANALYSIS REPORT Southeast Regional Service District DRAFT Project No. 150201 December, 2015 Prepared for Prepared by UPLAND and Viridis
Table of Contents 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Project Overview 1 1.2 What are Trail Gaps? 1 1.3 Why Close Trail Gaps? 1 2 Gap Analysis 2 2.1 Challenges and Opportunities 3 2.2 Trail Gaps 3 Petitcodiac to Elgin Elgin to Riverside-Albert Elgin to Alma Petitcodiac to Salisbury Salisbury to Riverview Salisbury to Moncton Shediac to Cape Tormentine Sackville to Dorchester Memramcook to Sackville Memramcook to Dieppe Riverview to Hillsborough Hillsborough to Riverside Albert Riverside-Albert to Alma Sackville to Nova Scotia Border Tri-City Communities Schools 3 Conclusions 14 3.1 Moving Forward 24 Table of Contents Page iii
1 Introduction Introduction Page iv
1.1 Project Overview This was prepared as a component study of the Recreational Assets and Connectivity Project. The goal of this project is to map and catalogue all recreation assets in south-east New Brunswick such as trails, arenas, sports fields, pools, parks and beaches, playgrounds, golf courses, tennis courts, curling clubs, skateboard parks, ski hills, and bowling alleys. The (SERSC) has initiated this study in an effort to develop a long-term regional recreation plan that encompasses the fifteen municipalities and surrounding rural areas that comprise the Southeast Regional Service District. Funded by Tourism, Heritage and Cul- ture, the plan will enhance recreational opportunities in the south-east by improving recreational connections and trail linkages between communities and by identifying and prioritizing the recreational needs of the District s residents. The builds on the previously completed trail inventory and identifies connectivity gaps in the District that could be filled. The information contained in this report is intended to inform the subsequent recreation master plan for the District, which will set development priorities and will define the costs and timing associated with completing the trail network. This report is not intended to represent a feasibility study. Providing quality open space, trails and recreation facilities is generally recognized as one of the main factors in improving the health of our communities and in attracting new residents and development. (Tracey Wade, SERSC Project Manager) 1.2 What are Trail Gaps? For the purpose of this study, trail gaps were defined as missing links between existing trails or missing links to important destinations. Destinations that require connections include schools, recreational facilities, parks, centers of employment, community focal points and walkable town centers. 1.3 Why Close Trail Gaps? There are a number of compelling reasons for closing the gaps in the District s trail system. The motivation to complete the trails is based on a number of tangible benefits including: transportation; improved recreational and shoreline access; increased participation in active environmental restoration and education; community health; access to and preservation of open space; and economic vitality. Introduction Page 1
2 Gap Analysis Page 2
2.1 Challenges and Opportunities The Southeast Region of New Brunswick features an abundance of recreational treasures. It is home to diverse landscapes including rivers, marshes, streams, cliffs, forests, beaches, and world famous tides. In addition to the natural beauty of our region, residents use and enjoy the many public places for leisure such as trails, arenas, sports fields, pools, parks, playgrounds, golf courses, tennis courts, curling clubs, skateboard parks, ski hills, and bowling alleys. Many of these assets can currently only be accessed by car or through off-road motorized vehicles. A number of municipalities have extensive trail networks. However, in many instances these trails end at municipal boundaries or are restricted to established park spaces. There following challenges will need to be addressed to facilitate closing trail gaps: enable shared routes between motorized and non-motorized whenever possible (outside the tri-community area); facilitate property easement agreements; consider property acquisition; manage a large number of property owners; plan around topography, marsh, protected areas, wetlands, ravines, etc.; assess condition of existing dykes; collaborate with various user groups and stakeholders; and align projects between municipalities. Opportunities associated with closing trail gaps are: utilize the abundance of existing ATV and snowmobile routes ; establish a series of loops and options with trail variety; and create public access to existing natural features, historical and cultural sites. 2.2 Trail Gaps There are fourteen main trail gaps highlighted in this report that, if closed, would link the municipalities and recreational assets in the Southeast Region. Specifically highlighted are also trail gaps in the tri-communities of Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview. The fourteen identified trail gaps are: 1. Petitcodiac to Elgin 2. Elgin to Riverside-Albert 3. Elgin to Alma 4. Petitcodiac to Salisbury 5. Salisbury to Riverview 6. Salisbury to Moncton 7. Shediac to Cape Tormentine 8. Sackville to Dorchester 9. Memramcook to Sackville 10. Memramcook to Dieppe 11. Riverview to Hillsborough 12. Hillsborough to Riverside Albert 13. Riverside-Albert to Alma 14. Sackville to Nova Scotia Border Page 3
Shediac Cape Tormentine Salisbury Moncton 1 2 Riverview 3 Dieppe Memramcook Petitcodiac Dorchester Sackville Elgin Riverside-Albert Alma OVERVIEW Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL PLANNED TRAIL TRAIL GAP Page 4
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Petitcodiac Elgin PETITCODIAC - ELGIN Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS TOTAL User LENGTH: Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE 20 km PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 6
TRAIL GAP 01 PETITCODIAC - ELGIN Description Challenges Recommendations along part of the Pollet River former CN rail line uses existing motorized trails could require amendments to existing land-use agreements and/or special permission to allow non-motorized usage of shared trails. initiate discussions with ATV/Snowmobile groups develop shared-use agreements between motorized and non-motorized users Page 7
Elgin Riverside-Albert ELGIN - RIVERSIDE-ALBERT Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS TOTAL User LENGTH: Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE 35 km PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 8
TRAIL GAP 02 ELGIN - RIVERSIDE-ALBERT A trail connection between Elgin and Riverside-Albert would establish new trail loops and the option to connect to Alma. Description Challenges Recommendations uses existing motorized trails passes by the Kent Hills Wind Farm runs along the base of the Caledonia Mountain could require amendments to existing land-use agreements and/or special permission to allow non-motorized usage of shared trails. initiate discussions with ATV/Snowmobile groups develop shared-use agreements between motorized and non-motorized users Page 9
Elgin Alma ELGIN - ALMA Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS TOTAL User LENGTH: Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE 18 km PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 10
TRAIL GAP 03 ELGIN - ALMA Alma is a primary destination within the Southeast Region. Description Challenges Recommendations connects into the Dobson Trail just North of Fundy National Park provides for a more direct route with interesting terrain could require amendments to existing land-use agreements and/or special permission to allow non-motorized usage of shared trails. initiate discussions with ATV/Snowmobile groups develop shared-use agreements between motorized and non-motorized users Page 11
Salisbury Petitcodiac PETITCODIAC - SALISBURY Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS TOTAL User LENGTH: Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE 14 km PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 12
TRAIL GAP 04 PETITCODIAC - SALISBURY This trail connection would see Petitcodiac and Salisbury connected by using the old highway. Description Challenges Recommendations there are several options for trail connections between Petiticodiac and Salisbury recommended route takes advantage of an existing road right-of-way and is proposed to: - follow along former TransCan ada highway (less traffic) - optional route R.O.W of new highway caution at highway inter-changes high speed traffic limited access at bridge crossings possible widening of shoulder signage pavement markings Page 13
1 2 Riverview 3 Salisbury SALISBURY - RIVERVIEW Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, TOTAL Ordnance LENGTH: Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS 23 km TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 14
TRAIL GAP 05 SALISBURY - RIVERVIEW A connection between Salisbury and Riverview is very desirable and has the potential to follow along the Petitcodiac River. Description Challenges Recommendations utilizes existing dykes where possible along South side of Petitcodiac River optional route to utilize existing motorized trails to connect to Dobson trail new trail, ie. property negotiations river/creek crossings road crossings require environmental permissions connect to routes in Riverview s Active Transportation Plan further investigate existing dykes Page 15
Moncton 1 2 3 Salisbury SALISBURY - MONCTON Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, TOTAL Ordnance LENGTH: Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS 36 km TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 16
TRAIL GAP 06 SALISBURY - MONCTON Providing a connection between Salisbury to Moncton will allow for a link to Magnetic Hill and into the Tankville end of the Irishtown Nature Park. Description Challenges Recommendations follow along former TransCanada highway (less traffic) optional R.O.W of new highway caution at highway inter-changes high speed traffic road crossings widened shoulder signage pavement markings completion of trail within Irishtown Nature Park Page 17
Shediac Cape Tormentine 1 2 SHEDIAC - CAPE TORMENTINE Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, TOTAL Ordnance LENGTH: Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS 70 km TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 18
TRAIL GAP 07 SHEDIAC - CAPE TORMENTINE A trail linking Shediac to Cape Tormentine has the potential to connect a number of coastal parks. Description Challenges Recommendations coastal route (less traffic) views of the Northumberland Straight connects L Aboiteau Provincial Park, Cap-Pele and Murray Beach Provincial Park limited access at bridge crossings widened shoulder signage pavement marking Page 19
Dorchester Sackville SACKVILLE - DORCHESTER Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, TOTAL Ordnance LENGTH: Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS 12 km TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 20
TRAIL GAP 08 SACKVILLE - DORCHESTER Description Challenges Recommendations shortcut route follow along Route 106 limited access at bridge crossings route crosses many residential driveways hydro pole locations could impact shoulder widening widened shoulder signage pavement markings Page 21
Memramcook Middle Sackville MEMRAMCOOK - MIDDLE SACKVILLE Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, TOTAL Ordnance LENGTH: Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS 8 km TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 22
TRAIL GAP 09 MEMRAMCOOK - MIDDLE SACKVILLE Description Challenges Recommendations ties into existing trail system uses existing motorized trails could require amendments to existing land-use agreements and/or special permission to allow non-motorized usage of shared trails. initiate discussions with ATV/Snowmobile groups develop shared-use agreements between motorized and non-motorized users Page 23
2 Dieppe Memramcook MEMRAMCOOK - DIEPPE Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, TOTAL Ordnance LENGTH: Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS 12 km TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 24
TRAIL GAP 10 MEMRAMCOOK - DIEPPE There are two recommended routes to provide connections between Memramcook and Dieppe. Recent trail development along the Petitcodiac have begun to close this gap but additional trail implementation is required to make the link. Description Challenges Recommendations recommended #1 Link - follow along Route 925 from Memramcook to Pre-d en Haut. recommended #2 - follow along Route 106 from Memramcook to Dover Roadmultiuse trail separated by boulevard connect to City of Dieppe active transportation plan route crosses many residential driveways shared route with passenger vehicles widened shoulder wignage pavement markings Page 25
1 2 3 Riverview Hillsborough RIVERVIEW - HILLSBOROUGH Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, TOTAL Ordnance LENGTH: Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS 32 km TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 26
TRAIL GAP 11 RIVERVIEW - HILLSBOROUGH Description Challenges Recommendations uses existing motorized trails travels through Dawson Settlement could require amendments to existing land-use agreements and/or special permission to allow non-motorized usage of shared trails. number of potential river crossings and wetlands could be restrictive to trail locations on some sections of the trail initiate discussions with ATV/Snowmobile groups develop shared-use agreements between motorized and non-motorized users Page 27
Hillsborough Riverside Albert HILLSBOROUGH - RIVERSIDE ALBERT Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, TOTAL Ordnance LENGTH: Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS 18 km TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 28
TRAIL GAP 12 HILLSBOROUGH - RIVERSIDE ALBERT Description Challenges Recommendations coastal trail along Route 114 passes through Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park connects to existing trail system in Riverside-Albert high traffic limited access at bridge crossings crosses many residential driveways widened shoulder signage pavement markings Page 29
Riverside Albert Alma RIVERSIDE-ALBERT - ALMA Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, TOTAL Ordnance LENGTH: Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS 45 km TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 30
TRAIL GAP 13 RIVERSIDE-ALBERT - ALMA A trail linking Riverside-Albert to Alma and Fundy National Park, has the potential to take in a number of scenic views over the Bay of Fundy. This recommended trail would connect to significant natural features of Cape Enrage and a number of smaller beaches. Description Challenges Recommendations coastal trail along Route 915 connects to Cape Enrage features multiple views of the Bay of Fundy limited access at bridge crossings narrow route shared with passenger vehicles widened shoulder signage pavement markings Page 31
Sackville Nova Scotia Border SACKVILLE - NOVA SCOTIA BORDER Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, TOTAL Ordnance LENGTH: Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS 10 km TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 32
TRAIL GAP 14 SACKVILLE - NOVA SCOTIA BORDER Description Challenges Recommendations follows Trans-Canada Highway #2 crosses Tantramar Marshes requires environmental permissions sections adjacent to major 4 lane highway requries coordination with Province of Nova Scotia limited access at bridge crossings locate trail to avoid highway interchanges link to Nova Scotia Visitor Information Centre Page 33
Moncton Dieppe 1 2 Riverview 3 TRI-COMMUNITY TRAIL GAPS Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community ACTIVE TRAIL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PLANNED TRAIL ATV TRAILS TRAIL GAP SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Page 34
TRAIL GAP 15 TRI-COMMUNITY TRAIL GAPS Description Challenges Recommendations close loops between existing trails and active transportation routes needs coordination between all three communities build on existing activet tranportation plans build on recreation master plans and updates implement trails into the frameworks for new subdivisions and developments Page 35
n n n n n n n n n n n n nn nnn nn n nn 1 2 3 nnn nn n n n n n n nn n SCHOOL LOCATIONS Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Page 36
TRAIL GAP 16 SCHOOL LOCATIONS Description Perhaps the biggest opportunity for leaving a long-lasting impact in influencing attitudes towards active transportation, lays in the provision of safe cycling and walking routes around schools. School locations should be integrated into adjacent active transportation networks or should be provided with their own local school catchment area trail facilities. Page 37
3 Conclusion Page 38
3.1 Moving Forward In addition to this Gap Analysis Report, another important aspect of this project has been the meticulous cataloging of each existing and planned trail and each trail gap into a geographic information system (GIS) and an integrated geodatabase. This invaluable tool will allow SERSC staff to continuously update important information relating to changes in the status of particular gaps from incomplete to complete, from unfunded to funded, etc. Having this information readily available will assist the Southeast Regional Service Commission as it plans and coordinates trail enhancements in the District. Page 39