Georgian Trail Realignment at Grey Road 2 and Highway 26

Staff Report CSOPS.24.071 was presented to Committee of the Whole on October 8, 2024. The report requested Council approval for an increase to the project budget to cover increases in engineering and construction costs. More details and updates on this report can be found in the Staff Reports section on this page.

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The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has retained Egis to undertake the Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment Study for intersection improvements at multiple locations along Highway 26 within the Town of The Blue Mountains, including the intersection of Highway 26 and Grey Road 2.

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The 2024 Town Budget was approved by Council on April 2, 2024. This included $700,000 for contract services related to the Georgian Trail Realignment project.

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Staff Report FAF.23.064 was presented to Council on April 24, 2023. The report requested Council approval for the Mayor and Clerk to execute the funding agreement for the grant received by the Town. More details and updates on this report can be found in the Staff Reports section on this page.

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Staff Report CSOPS.24.071 was presented to Committee of the Whole on October 8, 2024. The report requested Council approve a budget increase of $300,000, to a total of $1,000,000 for the Town’s portion of the project work, along with a revision to the funding structure and authorization for the Mayor and Clerk to execute any necessary agreements with the MTO and HICC. The budget increase has been prompted by an increase in engineering and construction costs for the project. Council voted to approve the staff-recommended motions. The Committee minutes are scheduled to be considered by Council at their meeting on Monday, October 21.

Presentation of the report begins at the 1:12:00 mark of the meeting recording.

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Staff Report FAF.23.064 was presented to Council on April 24, 2023. The report requested Council approval for the Mayor and Clerk to execute the funding agreement that would award the Town $420,000 to be used for the realignment of the Georgian Trail. Council voted unanimously to approve the staff-recommended motions. 

Presentation of the report begins at the 1:53:30 mark of the meeting recording.

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Four options were considered through the Environmental Assessment process. These options included: 

• Do nothing 
• Signalization 
• Four-leg roundabout 
• Five-leg roundabout 

Each option was evaluated based on several criteria including environmental factors, wildlife, heritage impacts, traffic calming, the potential for a gateway feature for Thornbury, as well as capital and operating costs, and property acquisition expenses. These options were thoroughly assessed considering the natural environment, socio-cultural environment, financial and technical factors. 

In addition to signalization of the Highway 26 / Grey Road 2 / Lake Shore Road intersection, the following work was recommended as part of the preferred alternative: 

• Addition of left turn lanes on the west, north and south approaches. 
• Realignment of Lakeshore Road to the Highway 26 / Grey Road 2 intersection and closure of east Lakeshore Road access at Highway 26 with retention of an emergency access at this location. 
• Realignment of Georgian Trail to cross at the Highway 26 / Grey Road 2 signalized intersection. 
• Realignment of Clark Street to the south with stop control at the new intersection with Grey Road 2. 

Through the EA, it was identified that there are sight distance deficiencies identified at the east intersection of Highway 26 and Lake Shore Road. These deficiencies create significant safety concerns, especially for both vehicles and pedestrians crossing or turning at this location. The preferred solution identified through the EA will see this intersection closed with the retention of an emergency access route.