(Presented at the Working Group Meeting #2 - November 27, 2014) Factors To Consider in Trail Design From Working Group #1 meeting: - Range of users* - Safety - Choice (Alternate connections) - Retain natural setting (Natural environment) * - Cost - Surface Materials - Fencing/Retaining Walls* - Topography* - Drainage - Seasons - Hours of use - Impact of parking - Connectivity* For more information visit project web page: http://www.toronto.ca/chorleytrail

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Chorley Park Trail Connection:
Workshop 2
Parks Forestry & Recreation, Toronto & Region Conservation
Authority, Transportation, Public Consultation Unit

2. Factors To Consider in Trail Design
From Working Group #1 meeting:
•Range of users*
•Safety
•Choice (Alternate connections)
•Retain natural setting (Natural
environment) *
•Cost
•Surface Materials
•Fencing/Retaining Walls*
•Topography*
•Drainage
•Seasons
•Hours of use
•Impact of parking
•Connectivity*
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* Denotes factor where there are trade-offs to consider

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Trade Offs in Trail Design
#1 – Grade An easier slope to climb versus a shorter length to walk

4. #1 – Grade An easier slope to climb versus a shorter length to walk
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Trade Offs in Trail Design
Original proposal
6.1% average grade
440m length (not incl. south connection and sidewalk
connection)
Refinements to FOCP proposal
6.8% average grade
410m length

5. #2 – Trail width
A more comfortable width to pass versus a bit more planting area
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Trade Offs in Trail Design

6. #3 – Retaining Walls or Grading
Less retaining walls versus save some additional tree removals
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Trade Offs in Trail Design
In order to build a flat surface on a slope, we must cut away some parts and/or fill others. This can be
accomplished by re-grading the surrounding land (which impacts more area on the slope) or by installing
retaining walls.

7. #3 – Retaining Walls or Grading
Less retaining walls versus save some additional tree removals
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Trade Offs in Trail Design

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#4 – Connectivity
Add stairs/trails to formalize convenient shortcuts versus greater planting areas
Trade Offs in Trail Design
A trail can be planned and managed as a means to help protect and enhance a natural area. If planned and built
correctly, a trail will keep users on a designated path and mitigate recreational impacts on natural areas.

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Trade Offs in Trail Design
#5 – Fencing and vegetation
Fencing to protect vegetation from trampling versus open view of vegetation
Fencing is sometimes used by Urban Forestry in areas of sensitive vegetation, including newly planted trees and
shrubs, to protect the areas from recreational impacts, such as trampling and soil compaction.
Note – fencing requirements are also dictated by the Ontario Building Code in certain circumstances.

10. Regulations that Impact Trail Design
Trail construction on the Chorley Park slope must comply with:
• TRCA Fill Regulations
•Species at Risk Act
•Ravine and Natural Feature Protection Bylaw
•Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
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