New sidewalk on Scotchpine Crescent
Project update - April 2024
Through our engagement with residents on Scotchpine Crescent, we heard support for the sidewalk and many concerns about the sidewalk and the process which led to its inclusion in the 2024 New Sidewalk Program.
In January 2023, City Council approved the Whitehills Neighbourhood Connectivity Plan (NCP), which included a sidewalk on Scotchpine Crescent. Significant effort was made to ensure consultation for the NCP was conducted transparently and thoroughly; however, we heard concerns that residents either did not know about this process or did not feel their concerns were adequately addressed.
Additionally, in the NCP recommendations, the sidewalk on Scotchpine Crescent was estimated to be constructed in 5-10 years, in conjunction with a future road renewal project or advanced independently through the New Sidewalk Program. The New Sidewalk Program was able to accommodate the sidewalk on Scotchpine Crescent in 2024 in alignment with its own priority rating system. We heard from residents that this change from 5-10 years to 1 year was surprising and they did not understand or agree with the rationale behind the change.
The City has made the decision to postpone the installation of the sidewalk until it coincides with the future road renewal project. The feedback we received through this consultation process will help inform the design and location of the sidewalk at that time. There will also be an opportunity to provide more feedback on the sidewalk location and design when the future road renewal project is being planned.
About this project
The City of London is committed to providing safe, convenient, and accessible mobility choices for all residents. As part of this commitment, new sidewalks are added each year on streets that currently lack them, to bolster connectivity and provide more mobility options.
In February 2023, City Council approved a Neighbourhood Connectivity Plan for the Whitehills neighbourhood that includes adding a sidewalk on one side of Scotchpine Crescent between the Chapple Hill Walkway and Homestead Crescent.
In December 2023, the City sent a notice to residents that land surveyors would be collecting information in the area for a future sidewalk construction project on Scotchpine Crescent. After reviewing the land survey, City staff have completed an assessment of the different design options possible. The assessment looked at a range of factors, including walking connectivity, pedestrian comfort, street lighting, grading, and potential impacts to trees, utilities, and driveways.
Above: A map of the project area limits of Scotchpine Crescent between the Chapple Hill Walkway and Homestead Crescent. A sidewalk is being planned for either the north or south side of the street. Blue indicates existing sidewalks. Orange shows potential new sidewalk options.
Design options
The standard location for sidewalks is behind the curb with 2 metres of grass boulevard between the curb and sidewalk. This location was quickly ruled out by the City due to the significant impacts to trees and driveway lengths and the potential for other solutions.
Another typical location for sidewalks is behind the curb, immediately adjacent to the curb. This has less impact to driveway lengths but could still involve the removal of most of the trees and the relocation of streetlights. This was also ruled out by the City because of the potential for another solution.
The third option assessed is to narrow the roadway for vehicles and build the sidewalk in a location that would be in front of the existing curb. By locating the sidewalk here, there is no impact to driveway length and most trees can be carefully preserved during construction.
The examples pictured below show the three different options of sidewalks assessed by the City.
| Example #1 - the sidewalk is behind the curb with 2 metres of grass boulevard between the curb and sidewalk. | Example #2 - the sidewalk is behind the curb and immediately adjacent to the curb. | Example #3 - narrow the roadway for vehicles and build the sidewalk in a location that would be in front of the existing curb. |
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North side or south side option
Both sides of Scotchpine Crescent are feasible for a sidewalk with the road narrowing approach; however, there are a few differences that should be considered:
- The existing on-street parking is on the north side, and a north side sidewalk would allow for a platform for passengers to step out on to.
- The existing streetlights are on the north side.
- There are seven (7) driveways on the south side compared with thirteen (13) driveways on the north side. Although driveway length would not be affected, sections of driveways may need to be removed and restored to achieve sufficient slope to the road.
- A sidewalk on the south side of Scotchpine Crecent would require a pedestrian crossing at Limberlost Road, which could be a potential conflict zone between pedestrians and vehicles.
- The construction of a south side sidewalk would require the drainage catch basin to be relocated, and would impact two (2) mature trees on the southeast corner of Scotchpine Crescent and Limberlost Road.
- The construction of a north side sidewalk is expected to impact zero (0) trees.
- The south side has steeper sloped driveways making restoration more challenging.
Complete this feedback form to share comments about which side you prefer.
On-street and indoor meeting
An on-street meeting was planned to help answer questions and receive further feedback from residents. City staff were available to discuss the sidewalk design options with residents of Scotchpine Crescent on Tuesday, February 20th, between 5:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Staff met residents at the Limberlost Road and Scotchpine Crescent intersection.
Given the cold weather, an indoor meeting location was also planned for after the on-street meeting. City staff then met with residents at Sherwood Forest Public Library, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20th.
