The County of Peterborough and the Township of Cavan Monaghan have partnered to undertake a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) for County Road 10, from County Road 21 to approximately 500m south of Larmer Line in Millbrook.
Building upon the recommendations of the County’s 2022 Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update, this study examines the transportation infrastructure needs and deficiencies, identifies the roadway and intersection improvements required to improve traffic flow and active transportation conditions along County Road 10,and support development planning within Millbrook.
The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process is an approved, structured framework for evaluating the environmental impacts of municipal infrastructure projects, while adhering to the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. As part of the process, alternative solutions are identified and assessed based on their effects on the Technical, Socio-Economic, Cultural and Natural Environments. The decision-making process is documented for public review.
The study area is County Rd 10 from 200m south of Larmer Line to County Rd21. North of Fallis Line there are two traffic lanes, a gravel shoulder and drainage ditches. South of Fallis Line there is a sidewalk on the west side up to the CMCC, with curb and gutters on both sides of the road from just south of Brookside to County Rd 21. The study was looking to identify a design that addresses traffic capacity and operational deficiencies along this section of the road.
The 2022 Transportation Master Plan identified capacity and operational deficiencies on County Rd. 10 which would arise at this location due to commercial and residential development in the area approaching the intersection with Fallis Line. The county Official Plan (OP) anticipates increased traffic from population and employment growth in Millbrook, and the current municipal OP also indicates growth and intensification north of downtown Millbrook. The study identified future challenges including high traffic volumes leading to congestion at key intersections, limited pedestrian and cycling facilities, restricted sightlines at this intersection and speed limits suited to rural rather than urban conditions.
According to the reports, there are new development proposals for almost 2,800 new residential units, industrial development applications on the north and south sides of the Hwy 115/Hwy 7A, a new school, and two commercial developments. County Rd 10and Fallis Line are expected to experience the largest traffic increases due to their access to Hwy 115.
The study began with a Public Information Centre at the municipal office in late August, with a second one taking place on December 2ndat the CMCC. At this second meeting, residents could review the alternative solutions under consideration and take the opportunity to weigh in.
While the study’s primary focus is traffic flow, secondary issues such as urbanization, accommodating pedestrian and cycling traffic and road safety are also in the spotlight. A variety of alternative design concepts were outlined at the meeting. There are environmentally sensitive features in the neighbourhood to consider, including wetlands, Baxter Creek and its tributaries, and significant woodlands north of Brookside. There are also two cemeteries along this corridor to further complicate the road redevelopment project.
By 2051, the study projects that the road will require 4 traffic lanes between Fallis Line and Hwy 115, and traffic signals will be needed at the inter-section of County Rd. 21 and Distillery Lane; at Fallis Line; at Highlands Blvd north of the Fire Station; at Larmer Line; and at both Hwy 115 ramps. South of Fallis Line the report recommends the creation of additional turning lanes on County Rd.10 at a later date to reduce travel delays and collision risk along that section.
The study began with five options that were evaluated based on their ability to address transportation issues such as traffic volumes and safety concerns; to protect the natural environment; to mitigate the impact on archaeological and cultural resources; their relative capital and maintenance costs; and their impact on private property, businesses and future growth. Two were eliminated at the first meeting in August, and the recommended alternatives among the remaining three options were identified at the December meeting.
The preferred treatment to CR 10 north of Fallis Line was to maintain two traffic lanes with a centre turn lane with traffic signals at Fallis and Highlands Blvd. This alter-native was viewed as avoiding significant impact on key natural features north of Fallis Line while improving vehicular and pedestrian safety in the area, and supporting access to future commercial businesses scheduled for this area. The study recommended that the County protect property along this corridor to allow for future widening of this section of the road in the future.
The preferred option for road improvements south of Fallis Line is to continue the two-lane model with a centre turn lane for the remaining section of County Rd 10 to King St. Additional safety features include the introduction of a traffic light at County Rd 21and a designated pedestrian crossing at the school. This work will be mostly accommodated within an existing right of way, but may require the installation of retaining walls at a few locations to protect existing forest and wetland. This alternative also delivers a minimal impact on existing hydro poles in the area. In this area the study recommended a 2metre sidewalk on the east, three traffic lanes, a one metre buffer, and a four metre multi use path on the west side of the road.
In early 2026, Council will consider a final report outlining the preferred design, followed by a 30 day review period. Work will likely begin in the fall.