Overview
The Town is working to make Lake Drive safer for all, promote active transportation and maintain good traffic flow. A planning study, including extensive public consultation, was completed in 2023 and resulted in direction from Council to begin the first phase of improvements to Lake Drive.
Phase One of the Lake Drive Improvements project focuses on implementing a seasonal multi-use path and one-way vehicle traffic on Lake Drive East between Civic Centre Road and South Drive. This will incorporate transition zones at the east and west ends of the one-way lane and include directional signage, pavement markings and lane separators. The bi-directional multi-use path will be in the north lane, separated from vehicle traffic. Vehicle traffic in the one-way zone will be west-to-east along the southern portion of the road. The multi-use pathway and one-way vehicle lane will be in place during the high-traffic summer months and Lake Drive will be returned to a two-lane, two-way road for the remainder of the year. Additional traffic calming measures such as stop signs, speed humps, signage, line painting and pedestrian crossings will be permanently implemented on Lake Drive between Varney Road and Dalton Road.
Background
- The Lake Drive Functional Assessment study was completed in 2023. This planning study included extensive public consultation, provided high-level analysis of design alternatives and made recommendations for the implementation. The planning study was the precursor to the current Lake Drive Improvements – Phase One project.
- The objectives of the Phase One project include:
- Seasonal (i.e. summer months) implementation of:
- A multi-use pathway connecting North Gwillimbury Park to Dalton Road
- Separated single lane, one-way vehicular traffic moving from west to east in the section from Metro Road/Varney Road to Dalton Road
- Measures required to maintain timely access for emergency response vehicles
- Transition zones at each end of the Phase One segment
- Lane separators, signage and pavement markings to ensure clear directions for use of the road
- Continued smooth traffic movement and access for operation and service vehicles
- Traffic calming features as may be warranted
- Conversion to two-lane, two-way vehicular traffic for the remainder of the year
- Seasonal (i.e. summer months) implementation of:
- In early summer 2024, Chisholm Fleming and Associates was awarded the engineering assignment for the project.
- The main tasks included in the design phase of the engineering assignment include field investigations, preliminary design, stakeholder communications, detailed design and tendering.
- As part of the preliminary design task, a communications plan will be developed and implemented to guide communications with key stakeholders.
Project update
April 2025
The engineering design of Lake Drive Improvements Phase One project is now complete. Construction will begin in May 2025.
Completed work
- Detailed design including the tender-ready package
- Provided an update report to the Council, which included more details about the project, established rough timelines on implementation and passed administrative bylaws (March 5 Council report)
- Obtain all required permits (Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and York Region) for construction
- Select a contractor to undertake construction in a public and competitive procurement process
Next steps
- Award the construction contract to the successful contractor
- Conduct public education campaign through various measures and channels, including but not limited to the following:
- Up-to-date webpage
- Georgina Matters newsletter
- Letters to residents in project area
- Social media posts
- On-street signage
- Media release once multi-use pathway is fully implemented
- Begin construction and fully implement improvements features prior to June 27, 2025
February 2025
The engineering design of phase one of the Lake Drive Improvements began in summer 2024 and is now nearing completion.
Completed work
- Preliminary design
- Targeted stakeholder group workshops and discussions (presentation slides)
- Consultation with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA)
Next steps
- Complete detailed design including the tender-ready package
- Provide an update report to the Council in Q1 2025
- Select a contractor to undertake construction
- Conduct public education campaign through various measures and channels (e.g., webpage updates, letter to residents, social media posts, signage etc.)
- Complete construction and fully implement improvements features for summer 2025
November 2024
The engineering design stage of phase one of the Lake Drive Improvements began in summer 2024.
The following briefly describes key aspects of the project:
Current status
- The project kick-off meeting occurred in June 2024
- Work has been completed on:
- Background information collection and review
- Site investigations
- Communications Plan
- Draft Preliminary Design
- November 20, 2024 Council report providing an update on status
- The following tasks are nearing completion:
- Final Preliminary Design
- Targeted stakeholder group discussions
Next steps
- Roll out of the communications plan including:
- Letters to residents, on-street signage, social media posts, etc.
- Complete the detailed design design
Photos and videos
Conceptual rendering of multi-use pathway
Timeline
Timeline
2024
- Project launched
- Engineering preliminary design
- Engineering detailed design
2025
- Tendering and public notification
- Implementation (spring 2025)
Public engagement
The project will include the following public engagement activities:
- Creation and posting of project-related information and regular updates to the Town-hosted project webpage and social media
- Focused discussions with stakeholder groups
- Distribution of letters/notices to local residents and businesses
Town contact
Owen Sanders, Senior Project Manager
osanders@georgina.ca
905-806-7470
Consultant
Paul LaPalme
Project Manager
paul.lapalme@chisholmfleming.com
Important Links
Lake Drive Functional Assessment
The Lake Drive Functional Assessment planning study was completed in 2023 an included extensive public consultation, high-level analysis of alternatives and recommendations for phasing and preferred concepts to be carried forward for design and implementation.
Lake-to-lake Cycling Route and Walking Trail
The Lake Drive Improvements – Phase one project encompasses a significant portion of the planned “Lake-to-lake Route,” which is intended to link Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe.
Documents
Council reports and presentations
March 5, 2025 - Lake Drive improvements phase one update
Amending Bylaw 2024-0019 (TR-1)
November/December - Lake Drive stakeholder presentation
Nov. 20, 2024 - Lake Drive Improvements Phase one Update
Nov. 22, 2023 – Lake Drive Functional Assessment Study Update
Nov. 22, 2023 – Lake Drive Functional Assessment Final Report
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Town undertaking the Lake Drive Improvements project?
Lake Drive is a unique and popular feature of the Town of Georgina because of its beautiful, natural setting following the shoreline of Lake Simcoe. Concerns have long been expressed that the narrow and curving roadway of many portions of Lake Drive poses problems for the mix of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The Town is taking action to improve the safety and utility of Lake Drive for all users, while amplifying the value of Lake Drive as a local asset.
When will this project be implemented?
Engineering design of Phase One is now complete. Construction work will begin in May 2025 with an anticipated completion date prior to June 27, 2025. The exact timing of implementation will be publicly broadcast once schedule is confirmed with the contractor.
Will the improvements be permanent?
The planned one-way traffic and multi-use path will be implemented seasonally over the summer months with Lake Drive returned to two-way traffic during the remainder of the year.
Which way will vehicle traffic drive?
Seasonal one-way vehicle traffic will travel west-to-east, from North Gwillimbury Park towards Dalton Road.
How is this project related to the previous Lake Drive Functional Assessment Study?
The Lake Drive Functional Assessment Study occurred in 2023 and was a precursor to the current Lake Drive Improvements – Phase one project. The study provided the recommended phasing and preferred design alternatives to be implemented along Lake Drive South, Lake Drive North, Lake Drive East, and Hedge Road. The study also included extensive public consultation including:
- Letters to residents
- Webpage updates
- Two virtual workshops
- Beach pop-up sessions
- Public Information Centre
The key takeaway from these public consultations was that the majority of feedback received was to implement a one-way road along a portion of Lake Drive, with the other lane being a bi-directional multi-use pathway.
How is this project related to the Waterfront Parks Master Plan?
This project is separate from the Waterfront Parks Master Plan, which has a long-term implementation horizon extending past 2030. The project teams coordinate and work together to achieve integration of planned activities between the two projects.
What are the key features to be implemented on Lake Drive during construction?
- Multi-use pathway (north lane) and one-way west-to-east vehicle lane (south lane) between Civic Centre Road to South Drive
- Sharrows (vehicles reminded to share the road with bicycles) between Varney Road and Civic Centre Road, and South Drive to Dalton Road
- The improvements generally consist of pavement markings, signage installation, traffic calming (flex bollards, pedestrian crossing, speed humps installation), paving of asphalt shoulder and sidewalk installation
- Six pedestrian crossings including speed humps at North Gwillimbury Park, Sheppard Wharf, Willow Beach, Willow Wharf, Franklin Beach and De La Salle Beach
- Four new all-way stops at Woodbine Avenue, Civic Centre Road, Kennedy Road and South Drive
- South Drive and Hardwood Drive traffic calming such as limited turning movements, speed cushions and local traffic only signage
- Emergency-only access locations at Lagoon Drive and De La Salle Boulevard
- Sidewalk extension at Eastern Transition Zone (around South Drive)
Refer to the schematic below for details
How long will these features be implemented in 2025?
The improvements are planned to be implemented prior to June 27, 2025. This configuration is seasonal and the MUP/one-way arrangement will be removed by Oct. 3, 2025, providing an anticipated 14 weeks of active implementation in 2025.
Are there any changes to public or community services in this area?
Emergency services, waste pickup, school buses and Canada Post will adjust their routes to continue providing services.
How can one make the most of the new Lake Drive?
- Use Lake Drive as the scenic and recreational jewel that it is. It’s a great place to slow down a little.
- To save time, use Metro Road as a quicker alternative to Lake Drive.
- Share the road. Pay attention, be careful and respectful of others using Lake Drive at all times.
- Observe and obey all traffic and parking restrictions on Lake Drive and the surrounding streets. Restrictions will be enforced.
- Remember to avoid turning west at Lake Drive and Dalton Road. Travel west along Metro Road instead.
- Do not use South Drive or Hardwood Drive to access Lake Drive from Metro Road. These streets are now closed to northbound through traffic.
- Do not drive through, park at or block designated “Emergency Access Only” entrances. These restrictions will be enforced.