Northern Light
Superstar
Thanks for the insights @Northern Light!
You're welcome.
I was thinking along these lines, where the western terminus uses the existing trail (STC Trail you said?) and further west it's routed along the residential streets backing up onto the rail.
Possible, but you likely don't have room for a full blown cycle track or multi-use path on most of those streets, so it would just be a signed route, or at most a painted bike lane. There's also the matter of getting across major roads, its likely new traffic lights would be required. I haven't checked to see what is/isn't feasible in that regard.
I'm sure the NIMBYism is strong in these neighbourhoods and including with rail line owners themselves.
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The sections from Markham to Guildwood I would prioritize, there's nothing technically challenging w/that bit, its just a political decision to do it.
West of Markham, going to Beachell is fairly easy, but your last bit would be very tight, and even if feasible, might make people feel trapped between the rail embankment base and the backyard fences. That's why I didn't include a segment west of Markham as high priority, because it would end in a sorta nowhere spot.
As noted, east of Guildwood, your line has 2 problematic sections, the homes on Portia and Dow Chemical.
I'm not saying those couldn't be addressed, but its more messy and there maybe expropriation and/or purchase of land/easements required.




