Towards Great Regional Streets - Streetscape Elements
In support of the Regional Streetscape Policy, Towards Great Regional Streets (TGRS) provides alternatives for more effective use of the Regional right-of-way in order to achieve an optimal balance of accommodating all streets in creating attractive streets in York Region.
The TGRS recommends a cross-section that includes exclusive bike lanes and 4-6 metre wide raised medians. Streetscape design elements are detailed below.
To view the TGRS, click here.
Promoting Pedestrians
Under TGRS, roads must have continuous sidewalks on both sides of the street and include adequate lighting for safe, pedestrian-friendly spaces. Building entrances are encouraged to face sidewalks in order to create opportunities for street-level stores and increased pedestrian use.
Making Space for Transit & Cyclists
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York Region is committed to making roads more enjoyable for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users. TGRS requires all new six-lane roads to include space for a dedicated bicycle lane. The policy also recommends that outside (curb) lanes are used as HOV lanes during rush hour. |
Dividing the Roadway
TGRS creates safer streets and reduces the possibility of head-on collisions by creating a visual and physical barrier between on-coming traffic. The removal of Continuous Left Turn Lanes (CLTL) reduces the amount of paved surface across the roadway and it is replaced by a planted median, which helps to reduce surface water run-off and demand on storm sewer systems. The planted median presents an attractive and civic urban design.
Embracing Character
TGRS supports a community’s uniqueness while producing a basic model for streetscaping within York Region. Various elements within the model may be enhanced to reflect the community’s unique identity.
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