Keddy Access Trail a ‘signature’ project
Work expected to begin in July on Claremont Access multi-use path
By the end of this year, cyclists should be able ride up and down the Mountain on a twoway path protected from cars by a concrete barrier.
Council has supported the plan to build the roughly 2.7kilometre multi-use trail alongside the upbound lanes of the Claremont Access starting this summer.
City politicians bill the roughly $4-million Keddy Access Trail as a “signature” project that will provide much-needed safe travels between the lower city and Mountain.
“This is probably on of the most significant legacy pieces that we can enjoy and celebrate as it comes online,” Coun. Terry Whitehead said during Wednesday’s council meeting. Whitehead — whom other councillors credited for “championing” the project — paid tribute to the late Jay Keddy, a teacher who was struck and killed while cycling up the Claremont Access in 2015.
“It hit hard,” the west Mountain councillor said. “He was just a stellar, stellar individual.” Coun. John-Paul Danko called the multi-use trail a “showpiece” for all road users and pedestrians.
The route must be completed by the end of 2020 to ensure up to 80 per cent of the costs are covered by the provincial Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program (OMCC) funds. Staff say that means construction must start by July 1.
The bidirectional path will have several access points along the way, including sidewalks, bike lanes, stairs and trails, including at West Avenue, St. Joseph’s Drive, Arkeldun Avenue/ Jolley Cut and Southam Park at the top of the route.
The Keddy Access Trail will be built in tandem with resurfacing the upbound lanes on the Claremont Access, making for a total project cost of about $6 million. The trail will be closed after big snowfalls until crews can clear it out, said Brian Hollingworth, the city’s transportation planning director.
Elise Desjardins, a McMaster graduate student researching cycling, said there’s demand for a protected Mountain-climbing plan given that other unprotected options like the Jolley Cut are considered unsafe.
Moreover, the city’s Mountain Climber program — which allows cyclists to put bikes on the front of HSR buses and ride for free — is popular, she added.
“I would see that as a sign that there is demand for ways to connect the lower city and the Mountain and remove that escarpment barrier.”
Five cycling projects throughout the city that were identified for OMCC funding were delayed to boost dollars for the
Keddy Access Trail work.
Council’s support has been the subject of debate in recent years, with cycling advocates arguing the city’s progress has been sluggish.
On Wednesday, Coun. Lloyd Ferguson called the Keddy Access Trail a “significant investment” that speaks to council’s commitment. “Please stop the alligator tears all the time.”
In 2019, the city spent roughly $1.9 million on cycling initiatives and expects to invest $6.5 million in 2020. Those amounts include funding from senior levels of government.