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This is a chronological overview of the issues discussed to date in regard to the Pedestrian / Cyclist Bridge connecting Orchard Heights Park in Mississauga and the Etobicoke Creek Trail in Etobicoke. For additional background information, see Appendix below.
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Updated May 25, 2022 - Latest updates in RED text
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SWOT AnalysisOH Park BridgeOH Community
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PURPOSE
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To compile the PROS, CONS and potential REMEDIES pertaining to the OH Park Bridge
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SSTRENGTHS - PROSWWEAKNESSES - CONSWWEAKNESSES - Remedies?REF
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1Safe, convenient pedestrian/cyclist, etc.access to the 50 km Etobicoke Valley Trail from Lake Ontario to Caledon1Built on a flood plain1As in similar bridges across Etobicoke Creek (e.g. Marie Curtis Park), appropriate Design and Engineering protocols presumably apply.R.7
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2Safe, convenient pedestrian/cyclist, etc.access to Etobicoke, Long Branch, Lakeview & Port Credit Shopping, Business and Medical services2Will destroy the living in a Gated Community "feel" of Orchard Heights residents2As elsewhere in the City of Mississauga, Ontario and Canada, without permitted, expensive security fences, road barriers, surveillance cameras and access controls, a Gated Community "feel" is not guaranteed to OH residents.R.15
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3Safe, convenient pedestrian/cyclist, etc.access to Etobicoke and Toronto Commuter Bike Routes3Why build a bridge when there are sidewalks and bike lanes on Dixie Road?3Bridges in general afford the most direct and convenient access to the other side.

A Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge connecting to a car-free trail system winding through a natural environment affords a safer, healthier and more enjoyable option for people of all ages, abilities and walks of life, compared to sharing a busy roadway, like Dixie Road, next to fast-moving cars and trucks.		R.1, R.2, R.3, R.4, R.5, R.6, R.7, R.8, R.18
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Looking ahead, a looming issue is the inevitable increase in traffic volume on Dixie Road <> QEW Interchange resulting from the high density residences about to be constructed at the east and west corners of Dixie and Lakeshore (construction hoarding is already in place) together with the Plan Dixie and Lakeview Village (construction is in progress) high density residential/business developments. The inevitable bumper-to-bumper traffic, especially during rush hours, likely will require Dixie Road to be reverted back into a 4-lane automobile corridor by eliminating the recently marked N/S bike lanes.
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Irrespective of painted bike lanes, without the Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge, residents of Orchard Heights will be left with essentially three exits -- Rometown, Londonderry and Larchview Trail -- ALL onto busy Dixie Road. The heightened potential for serious injury or death of cyclists or pedestrians from Orchard Heights (including children and seniors) relegated to using busy Dixie Road to access the Etobicoke Creek Trail, Marie Curtis Beach & Park, the Waterfront Trail, Long Branch Go Train Station, TTC Transit, Browns Line, Sherway, etc. should give pause to all future-thinking OH residents before opting out of the approved Final Mississauga Cycling Plan which includes a Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge connecting Orchard Heights Park to the Etobicoke Creek Trail to provide safe, connected, convenient and comfortable access for residents of all ages, walks of life and ability.
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4Safe, convenient pedestrian/cyclist, etc.access to Public Transit stations (GO & Streetcar)4What about the parking lot?
Will it be closed?		4To encourage CAR-LESS “recreation, fitness and daily transportation enhancing our overall health and quality of life” by walking and cycling to – and through – Orchard Heights Park, as envisioned in Mississauga’s Master Cycling Plan, the OH Community could petition Mississauga Parks to convert the Parking Lot into, for example, more Green Space; an outdoor Basketball Court; a Skateboard Park; a Lawn Bowling green; another Tennis Court; another Natural Ice Pad, Calisthenics Workout Station, etc.R.1
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5Safe, convenient pedestrian/cyclist, etc.access to Etobicoke and Toronto Sports Parks & Playgrounds5We have too many cars speeding on Rometown. I would rather see speed bumps .5The current car access and Parking Lot in OH Park promotes and enables increased motorized traffic in and through OH with or without the Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge.

Restricting car access into Orchard Heights Park and eliminating the Parking Lot would effectively reduce car traffic in and through OH as well as eliminate problem “tailgate” parties, car lunch stops, car rendezvous, garbage dumping, etc. along with the attendant litter that is often left strewn about in and around the Parking Lot.		R.13, R.14, R.18
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6Safe, convenient pedestrian/cyclist, etc.access to Lake Ontario & The Waterfront Trail6Why not build a trail from OH Park to Sherway Drive Bridge to access the Etobicoke Valley Trail?6This option is not part of the Final Mississauga Master Cycling Plan, likely in part, because of the unnecessary cost of duplicating the existing Etobicoke Creek Trail.

For OH Residents, it also runs counter to a key objective of the FMMCP, namely, to provide a cycling network that makes it possible for people of all ages, abilities and walks of life to get to where they want to go (Connected) without significant detours (Convenient) and without exposing cyclists to conditions that are beyond their tolerance for traffic stress (Comfortable).		R.1, R.2, R.3, R.4, R.5, R.6, R.18
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7Part of approved and funded City of Mississauga Master Cycling Plan for safe, convenient, interconnected pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure77
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8ORCHARD HEIGHTS PARK BRIDGE -- Survey conducted by OHHA Board: https://orchardheights.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Orchard-Heights-Park-Bridge-Survey-Report.pdfInformation, Context and Sampling Bias1) INFORMATION & CONTEXT
a) While an “…‘Introduction’ was provided in order to ensure clarity/understanding of the Survey…”, the absence of comprehensive background information in the Introduction to the Survey to contextualize any issues of concern by means of links to existing information, resources and references (e.g. The City of Mississauga Master Cycling Plan, related OHHA and Parents/Residents Facebook Group posts, # tagged discussion threads, posted SWOT Analysis, etc.), there are no parameters available in the Survey Report’s Questions & Answers with which to gauge and weight the degree to which respondents are, or are not, INFORMED of the planned OHP Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridge. The absence of contextual references may constitute an Information Bias which potentially diminishes the quality and validity of the Results published in the Survey Report.		R.20
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b) This absence of any reference to background and context in the Introduction is exacerbated by the fact that no thorough overview of the OHP Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridge in the context of the overarching City of Mississauga Master Cycling Plan appears to have been carried out prior to the Survey being conducted (e.g. OH Community Meeting(s) with Ward 1 Councillor and City of Mississauga Cycling Committee Staff, Consultants, etc. to answer OH residents’ questions and address concerns.)R.20
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c) Assuming in the Survey’s simple Yes/No question that every respondent to the Survey is 100% “aware” of the project is not the same as respondents being INFORMED on the issues (e.g. Fully aware; Somewhat aware; Not at all aware; Need more information, etc). The absence of nuance in this Question may constitute a Response Bias which potentially diminishes the quality and validity of the Results published in the Survey Report.R.20
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d) Similarly, the Question relating to CONCERNS about INCREASED Traffic, Crime, Street Parking, and Pedestrian/Cyclist Activity is without any contextual background information in the form of valid supporting data and statistics. This omission may constitute a Response Bias because it is based on anecdotal, unsubstantiated FEARS and RUMOURS circulating in Orchard Heights, which potentially diminishes the quality and validity of the Results published in the Survey Report.R.20
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2) SAMPLING & DEMOGRAPHICS
a) By limiting responses to ONE per household, a single occupant who may, or may not, have any personal interest in, need for, or use for, the planned OHP Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge is accorded an equal voice and the same WEIGHT as a multi-generational household with multiple occupants of varying needs, interests and concerns. This over-simplification may constitute a Sampling Bias which potentially diminishes the quality and validity of the respective Results published in the Survey Report.		R.20
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b) Households without access to, or familiarity with, internet tools may have been deprived of full access to past and up-to-date information required to make informed responses if they did not receive printed materials of existing information, resources and references beforehand (e.g. The City of Mississauga Master Cycling Plan, related OHHA and Parents/Residents Facebook Group posts, # tagged discussion threads, posted SWOT Analysis, etc.). Such omission may constitute a Sampling Bias which potentially diminishes the quality and validity of the respective Results published in the Survey Report.R.20
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c) The Survey did not include questions relating to LIFESTYLE demographics of the Respondents (e.g. ACTIVE-INACTIVE, AUTO-BIKE-FOOT, COMMUTING-RECREATION, etc.) Ascribing equal voice and the same WEIGHT to an Inactive-Auto-Commuter and to an Active-Bike-Commuter may constitute a Sampling Bias which potentially diminishes the quality and validity of the respective Results published in the Survey Report.R.20
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d) The Survey did not include questions relating to ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS & RESPONSIBILITIES of the Respondents in regard to the role of urban transportation infrastructure in reducing our individual and collective carbon footprints. In this Anthropocene Age with its looming challenges to survival of life on Earth, ascribing equal voice and the same WEIGHT to a CONCERNED and an UNCONCERNED Response may constitute a Sampling Bias which potentially diminishes the quality and validity of the respective Results published in the Survey Report.R.20
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3) COMMUNICATIONS
a) Prior to the Survey and to date, there appears to be no published record of the OHHA or Ward 1 Councillor’s Office inviting any authors, officials or advocates of the City of Mississauga’s Master Cycling Plan (initiated in 2010 and finally approved in 2018) to: present up-to-date information to OH residents in regard to the background, rationale, aims and objectives of the OHP Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge; identify and explain the extensive city-wide research and surveys conducted by the City of Mississauga Cycling Committee since 2010; address OH Community concerns; and provide potential remedies. This omission may constitute an Information Bias which potentially diminishes the quality and validity of the respective Results published in the Survey Report.		R.20
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4) NON-ARM'S LENGTH SURVEY DESIGN, ANALYSIS AND REPORTING
The Survey and Report were conceived, designed and analyzed in-house by a sitting OHHA Board Member. The inherent potential for conflict of interest may compromise the validity of the Report in case of any pre-conceived bias on the part of the Board or any of its Members. It is common knowledge that surveys can be designed and administered to achieve virtually any desired outcome. A more transparent, thorough, consistent and meaningful template was/is in fact available in the form of the Survey conducted by the City of Mississauga for its 2010-2018 Official Cycling Master Plan.		R.20
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5) Conclusion
In light of the above considerations, it may be premature to ascribe any definitive significance to the 9% “majority” NO vote reported in the Survey Results. In fact, given that 11% of respondents were “NOT SURE”, likely because of their lack of complete and up-to-date information alluded to above, the bias implicit in the Survey Results is so great as to render the reported Survey Results INCONCLUSIVE at best.		R.20
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OOPPORTUNITIES - PROSTTHREATS - CONSTTHREATS - Remedies?
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1Encourages people of all ages, abilities and walks of life to walk, jog, run, cycle and roll1Increased pedestrian/cycist traffic coming across from Alderwood and Etobicoke1A presumed*, but unlikely, threat given that OH currently offers few, if any, comparably advantageous attractions or amenities in OH to entice Etobicoke pedestrians/cyclists, etc. to cross the bridge, except, perhaps, to access the Lakeview Golf Course.
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2Promotes an active, healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, abilities and walks of life2Increased car traffic and noise from Plan Dixie2A presumed* threat, not solely attributable to the bridge, since any Plan Dixie car traffic and noise will increase with or without the Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge when (10,000+?)* Plan Dixie Residents drive to Ron Searle Park, Mollie's Playground, Tennis Courts, Natural Ice Pad and Orchard Heights Park.R.9, R.10, R.11, R.12, R.13
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3Connects people of all ages, abilities and walks of life to the natural environment, flora and fauna in the Etobicoke Valley3Increased pedestrian/cyclist, etc. traffic and noise from Plan Dixie3A presumed* threat, not solely attributable to the bridge, since any Plan Dixie pedestrian/cyclist traffic and noise will increase with or without the Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge when (10,000+?)* Plan Dixie Residents walk or bike to Ron Searle Park, Mollie's Playground, Tennis Courts, Natural Ice Pad and Orchard Heights Park.

If anything, the bridge likely will serve as an overflow valve to reduce the pressure on Ron Searle Park, Mollie's Playground, Tennis Courts, Natural Ice Pad and Orchard Heights Park.		R.9, R.10, R.11, R.12, R.13
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4Reduces today's near total reliance on automobiles4Increased car parking in OH Park from Plan Dixie4A presumed* threat based on the assumption* that (10,000+?)* Plan Dixie residents will opt to drive the ~1 km distance to Orchard Heights Park in order to walk/cycle the Etobicoke Trail.

By converting the OH Park Parking Lot into a recreational surface (e.g. Green Space, Tennis Court, Skate Park, Natural Ice Pad, a Calisthenics Workout Station, etc.) and installing a barrier gate at the street entrance which allows only pedestrian/cyclist and Parks Service vehicle access, like in most Mississauga parks, this threat would be neutralized.		R.9, R.10, R.11, R.12, R.13, R.18
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5Reduces use of automobiles and helps reduce our carbon footprint5Increased car parking on adjoining streets from Plan Dixie5This threat appears based on the assumption* that (10,000+?)* Plan Dixie residents will opt to drive the ~1 km distance to Orchard Heights Park in order to walk/cycle the Etobicoke Trail.

Installation of appropriately restricted parking signage and corresponding By-Law enforcement would reduce or eliminate excessive parking on streets adjoing OH Park, like in other areas of Mississauga (e.g. the No Parking signs posted on both sides of the residential streets (Aviation, Goodwin & Beech) adjoining the Baseball Diamonds and Lakefront Promenade Park in Port Credit.		R.9, R.10, R.11, R.12, R.13
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6Reducing our carbon footprint helps reduce global warming6Increased crime (break-ins, car theft, assaults, vandalism, vagrancy, etc.)6A presumed* threat, not solely attributable to the bridge, since it applies with or without the Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge and generally accompanies increased population density.

As elsewhere in the City of Mississauga, the wider GTA, Ontario and Canada, Neighbourhood Watch, appropriate policing and law enforcement are used to address and mitigate this threat.		R.14
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7Opportunity to to convert the Parking Lot into, for example, more Green Space; an outdoor Basketball Court; a Skateboard Park; a Lawn Bowling green; another Tennis Court; another Natural Ice Pad, a Calisthenics Workout Station, etc.7The Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge will result in increased noise and disturb the quietness of our OH Pocket.7A presumed* threat, not solely attributable to the bridge, since it applies with or without the pedestrian/cyclist bridge whenever individuals chatting on their cell phones, audiophiles listening to music, dog walkers with barking dogs, or groups of friends, families and kids pass by on foot or riding their bikes through OH or enroute to Ron Searle Park, Mollie's Playground, Tennis Courts and Orchard Heights Park.R.16, R.17, R.18
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8Improves quality of life for people of all ages, abilities and walks of life8The Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge will result in increased noise in our OH pocket.8A presumed* threat, not solely attributable to the bridge, since it applies with or without the Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge whenever cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc. drive through our OH pocket.

Also, "increased noise" frequently occurs year-round in OH from lawn mowers, weed whackers, snow blowers, leaf blowers, chain saws, roofing and construction operations, etc.

What are the objective criteria used to identify and measure acceptable/unacceptable levels of "noise" in Mississauga's residential communities?		R.16, R.17
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In fact, NOT ALL of Orchard Heights Community can be considered a noise-free pocket.

For example, the streets and residences bordering Ron Searle Park, Mollie's Playground, Tennis Courts, Natural Ice Pad and OH Park experience "increased noise" whenever these valuable OH Community assets are being used.

Residences on the west side of OH bordering Dixie Road experience "increased noise" 24/7/365 from passing trucks, cars, motorcycles and racers (many with tuned mufflers).

The QEW/427 Interchange bordering OH on the north is one of the heaviest-travelled roadways in all of Ontario and Canada. The 24/7/365 roar of speeding trucks, cars, motorcycles and racers (many with tuned mufflers) results in a constant background noise with decibels sometimes approaching levels dangerous to hearing, especially with prevailing N/W winds carrying the noise over much of Orchard Heights.

The eastern border of OH is barely 2 kms distant from two major N/S Take-off and Landing Corridors at Canada's busiest airport which handled close to 500,000 flights per annum pre-COVID. The engine roar of aircraft of all types and sizes regularly contributes very high levels of noise in our OH Pocket.
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99The Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge will disturb the quietness of our OH pocket.9A presumed* threat, not solely attributable to the bridge, since it applies with or without the Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge whenever cars, trucks and motorcycles drive through OH and its "quiet" pockets.

Also, a disturbance of "quietness" frequently occurs year-round from lawn mowers, weed whackers, snow blowers, leaf blowers, chain saws, roofing and construction operations, etc.

What are the objective criteria used to identify and measure acceptable/unacceptable levels of "quietness" in Mississauga's residential communities?		R.16, R.17
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In fact, NOT ALL of Orchard Heights Community can be considered a "quiet" pocket.

For example, the streets and residences bordering Ron Searle Park, Mollie's Playground, Tennis Courts, Natural Ice Pad and OH Park experience disturbed "quietness" whenever these valuable OH Community assets are used.

Residences on the west side of OH bordering Dixie Road experience disturbed "quietness" 24/7/365 from passing trucks, cars, motorcycles and racers (many with tuned mufflers).

The QEW/427 Interchange bordering OH on the north is one of the heaviest-travelled roadways in all of Ontario and Canada. The 24/7/365 roar of speeding trucks, cars, motorcycles and racers (many with tuned mufflers) results in a constant disturbance of "quietness", especially with prevailing N/W winds carrying the noise over much of Orchard Heights.
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Depending on the N/S wind direction, E/W trains travelling along the Dundas corridor 1-2 kms north of OH and along the Lakeshore corridor 1-2 kms south of OH regularly disturb the neighbourhood's "quietness" 24/7/365, especially when long freight trains are passing by.

The eastern border of OH is barely 2 kms distant from two major N/S Take-off and Landing Corridors at Canada's busiest airport which handled close to 500,000 flights per annum pre-COVID. The engine roar of aircraft of all types and sizes regularly disturbs the "quietness" of our OH Pocket.
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* No corroborating data from studies, surveys, reports or official sources currently available
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References, Resources & Additional Information
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R.1Final Mississauga Master Cycling Plan -- 2018https://www.mississauga.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/30161559/mississauga_cycling_master_plan_2018_final_report.pdfR.1
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VisionThe City of Mississauga will be a place where people choose to cycle for recreation, fitness and daily transportation needs. Cycling will become a way of life that supports vibrant, safe and connected communities and enhances our overall health and quality of life.
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Goals1. Improve safety for cycling;
2. Build a connected, convenient and comfortable bicycle network;
3. Increase the number of cycling trips in Mississauga;
4. Foster a culture of cycling.
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Connected
Convenient
Comfortable		A successful cycling network is one that makes it possible for people to get to where they want to go (Connected) without significant detours (Convenient) and without exposing cyclists to conditions that are beyond their tolerance for traffic stress (Comfortable).
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R.2Here's What's In Mississauga's Ambitious 'Master Plan' for Getting Around In The Cityhttps://www.insauga.com/heres-whats-in-mississaugas-ambitious-master-plan-for-getting-around-in-the-cityR.2
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SafetyFreedom from Harm - providing safe conditions for all travellers by advancing 'Vision Zero', a multi-national road traffic safety project that aims to achieve a highway system with no fatalities or serious injuries involving road traffic.
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IntegrationFreedom of Choice - an integrated network for moving within and beyond Mississauga.
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HealthFreedom to Flourish - support for the health of people and the planet.
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InclusionFreedom from Barriers - an accessible network for all.
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ConnectivityFreedom of Access - simple and pleasant connections between people and places.
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ResilienceFreedom to Evolve - the ability to adapt to changes in the transportation system.
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R.3City Adopts New Framework to Keep Pedestrians and Cyclists Moving Safelyhttps://www.mississauga.ca/city-of-mississauga-news/news/city-adopts-new-framework-to-keep-pedestrians-and-cyclists-moving-safely/R.3
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Goals“Our efforts continue to build cities for people and ensure our residents can continue to travel safely and comfortably around our city while respecting physical distancing,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie.
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Actions“Staff from across the organization have listened to residents and we recognize the immediate need for more options to travel safely by bike or foot, in both the long-term and the short-term,” said Helen Noehammer, Director, Infrastructure Planning and Engineering Services. “We’re reprioritizing our work plans and using relatively simple materials, available budget and existing contracts in order to accelerate this work.”
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R.4Mississauga increasing bike lanes by 30 per cent across the cityhttps://www.insauga.com/mississauga-increasing-bike-lanes-by-30-per-cent-across-the-cityR.4
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Active TransportationAs part of the Active Transportation COVID-19 Recovery Framework, the City will be adding 17.9 km of on-road bicycle lanes and separated bicycle lanes in areas throughout the city, which represents a 30 per cent increase.
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Quiet StreetsAdditionally, Quiet Streets, which will limit vehicle traffic to local vehicles only to provide more space for cyclists and pedestrians.
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R.5Mississauga Pedestrian Master Planhttps://www.insauga.com/city-working-to-make-mississauga-more-accessible-for-pedestriansR.5
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"We are working to build a livable, walkable City that is safe, pedestrian-friendly and encourages active lifestyles. We have heard that road safety is a concern for pedestrians and cyclists and is also a barrier that prevents them from using their preferred mode of travelling," Mayor Bonnie Crombie said in a news release.
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R.6Walk-Run-Bike-Enjoy the Etobicoke Creek Trailhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFMmUlwLnH8R.6
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A virtual ride -- Orchard Heights Park to Marie Curtis Park and Lake Ontario and back
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R.7Bridge LocationR.7
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R.8Etobicoke Valley Trail Connectionhttps://www.blogto.com/city/2021/01/etobicoke-creek-trail-toronto/R.8
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50 km
Lake Ontario to Caledon		https://www.mississauga.ca/projects-and-strategies/city-projects/etobicoke-creek-trail/
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http://walkandrollpeel.ca/trails/pdf/TPL-0089-v18Mississauga.pdf
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R.9Plan Dixie Drafthttps://plandixie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/PlanDixie_DraftPlanPresentation_Dec2020.pdfR.9
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VisionPlan Dixie is a new garden community. A place which cultivates sustainable, healthy and happy living. Inspired by its ‘natural’ surroundings, the design blurs the line between the built environment and landscape, providing a variety of productive green spaces. New connections both inside the site and to the region allow this vibrant mixed use neighbourhood to be a hub for its residents and the City of Mississauga.
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GoalProvide Opportunities for Active Transportation
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Plan Dixie Channels
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R.10http://www.plandixie.ca/R.10
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