The vendor is required to provide consulting firm to complete a comprehensive active transportation (AT) strategy intended to improve, optimize and prioritize AT options across the region.
- The project will modernize the municipality’s existing AT strategy by developing a phased, inclusive, and evidence-based framework for future active transportation investments.
• Produce a strategic plan which establishes an AT network for the municipality THAT identifies appropriate types of AT infrastructure as well as priority routes and connectivity which will guide staff and council in establishing long- and short-term planning goals. 
• Compile and assess existing active transportation infrastructure to identify gaps and barriers in terms of network connections and condition. 
• Explore alternative design standards and recommend tactical approaches to AT infrastructure that are appropriate to different needs and contexts while addressing inflationary pressures or escalation of AT project costs. 
• Engage the community to ensure diverse perspectives shape the strategy. 
• Develop an evaluation tool to prioritize AT projects on a 5-year capital budget cycle and guide the assessment of future projects. 
• Align AT planning with the municipality’s broader sustainability and infrastructure goals. 
• Provide recommendations on integrating AT infrastructure into new developments and subdivisions. 
• Identify accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusionary considerations as these relate to AT infrastructure design and construction.
- Existing AT infrastructure & network assessment
• Create a digital inventory and asset assessment of existing AT infrastructure within the study area with a view to identify gaps and deficits in both AT infrastructure and its stewardship. 
• Further background research on population distribution and composition, current travel behavior, and existing polices and plans will offer the consultant a context of the municipality together with constraints and opportunities that will frame future AT directions and decisions. 
• This should also include a digital inventory of AT in neighboring communities of Truro, Stewiacke and Millbrook.
- Community and stakeholder engagement program
• The project must ensure public and stakeholder involvement is a central component to identify network gaps, prioritize accessibility, safety, connectivity needs, and involve equity-deserving groups, council, businesses, and schools. 
• There will be targeted stakeholder engagement through the formation of a project advisory group, alongside public engagement through surveys, walk & roll audits, and pop-up events. 
• A second round of community and stakeholder engagement is anticipated following the completion of a draft AT network and strategic plan to ensure issues and community needs have been reconciled. 
• A report on community and stakeholder engagement will be prepared and form part of the planning exercise.
- Development of an AT network and strategic plan
• The consultant will integrate the results of all background research, community & stakeholder engagement, provincial blue route and core AT network plans, and best practices into establishing an AT network for the municipality and villages. 
• The network will prioritize connectivity between community assets, transit routes, and activity hubs, identifying short- to long-term priorities. 
• The strategic plan will suggest design alternatives and tactical infrastructure solutions. 
• This will allow for informed investments in AT infrastructure while remaining flexible to evolving community needs.
- Development of AT project evaluation tool
• The project will produce an evaluation tool that will assist municipal staff and council in defining AT priorities by assessing the accessibility, equity, connectivity, and public safety of future AT projects and ensuring they meet the community’s changing needs over time. 
• Consideration must be given to public safety while accounting for connecting communities, hubs of activities and amenities and logical expansions to existing AT networks among other factors yet to be identified.
- Budget: $125,000.
- Contract Period/Term: 3 years