Toronto Multi-Use Trail Design Guidelines

The Toronto Multi-Use Trail Design Guidelines are an attractive, complete resource for current trail design best-practices, suitable for Toronto’s specific needs. The guidelines lay out a new classification system for trails based on levels of use and network function, and then provide a range of configuration options and geometric requirements.  A significant portion of the book deals with situations where trails cross roads or other trails, and guidance for other special situations. The design guidelines also include guidance for construction and maintenance, and sections on wayfinding and amenities. 

Care was taken to balance transportation needs against natural environment values, to protect one of the main features of Toronto’s trails that makes them so attractive to users. The content of the guidelines exceeds minimum requirements for accessibility (AODA) and is consistent with the Ontario Traffic Manual.