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2. PRINCESS AVENUE
RECONSTRUCTION ADJACENT TO RIDEAU HALL (LISGAR ROAD TO ROCKCLIFFE PARKWAY) RÉFECTION DE LA PARTIE DE
L'AVENUE PRINCESS CONTIGUË À RIDEAU HALL (DU CHEMIN LISGAR À LA PROMENADE
ROCKCLIFFE) |
Committee recommendationS as amended
That Council approve, as part of the Princess Avenue and Lisgar Road
reconstruction, that:
i) A stone dust path
with a curb be constructed on Princess Avenue to connect the Rockcliffe Parkway
recreational pathway network to the northern end of the existing sidewalk on
Lisgar Road (470m), as follows:
a)
That
the curb on the fence side (pathway side) be a mountable curb without a cobbled
strip;
b)
That
there be NO curb on the Lisgar Road side of the Princess Triangle (better water
supply for the trees); and
c)
That
Princess Avenue between Sussex/Rockcliffe Parkway to Lisgar Road be 6.5 m wide.
ii) A 150m section of
redundant roadway section of Princess Avenue on the west side of the Lisgar /
Princess traffic triangle be removed and replaced with a stone dust path
and enhanced landscaping features.
iii)
New streetlighting on Princess Avenue be
installed, as follows:
a)
That the streetlighting standards that are to
be followed be those that are appropriate for the Heritage Conservation
District (approx. 80 m intervals);
b)
That the final determination of the type of pole that will be utilized
(wooden poles or NCC-type of composite poles) be determined through further
discussions involving City staff, the NCC and the RPRA, as allowed by
Committee; and
c)
That the brackets be of the design in current
use and that the luminaries be the Cooper Urbanite acorn-shaped fixtures
with 50-watt metal halide bulbs of 3200K.
recommandations modifiées du comité
Que le Conseil approuve dans le cadre de
la réfection de l'avenue Princess et du chemin Lisgar :
i)
la
construction sur l'avenue Princess d'un sentier de poussière de pierre avec bordure relié au réseau de sentiers
récréatifs de la promenade Rockcliffe à l'extrémité nord de l'actuel trottoir
du chemin Lisgar (470 mètres) de la façon suivante :
a) que la
bordure située du côté de la clôture (du côté du sentier) soit une bordure
franchissable sans bande de pierre;
b) qu’il
n’y ait PAS de bordure sur le côté du « triangle » Princess formé par le chemin
Lisgar (meilleur approvisionnement en eau pour les arbres); et
c) que
l’avenue Princess, entre la promenade Sussex/Rockcliffe et le chemin Lisgar,
ait 6,5 mètres de large.
ii) l'enlèvement, sur une longueur de 150
m, d'une section redondante de l'avenue Princess du côté ouest du triangle
formé par l'intersection du chemin Lisgar et de l'avenue Princess et son
remplacement par un sentier de poussière de pierre et des aménagements
paysagers améliorés;
iii) l'installation sur l'avenue Princess de
dispositifs d'éclairage de rue de la façon suivante :
a)
que
les normes en matière d’éclairage des rues qui seront appliquées soient celles
qui sont appropriées pour le district de conservation du patrimoine
(intervalles d’environ 80 mètres);
b)
que
le choix final du type de poteaux dont l’utilisation avait été autorisée par le
Comité (poteaux en bois ou poteaux composites du même type que ceux de la CCN)
soit déterminé lors de discussions plus approfondies entre le personnel de la
Ville, la CCN et l’Association des résidents du parc Rockcliffe; et
c)
que
les crosses soient du modèle actuellement utilisé et que les lampadaires soient
de type « Copper Urbanite », de forme conique, et dotés d’ampoules en
halogénure métallisé de 50 watts et 3 200 K.
Documentation
1.
Deputy City Manager, Public Works and Services
report dated 3 March
2008 (ACS2008-PWS-INF-0005).
2.
Extract of
Draft Minutes, 19 March 2008 to be issued prior to Council.
Report
to / Rapport au :
Comité des transports
And Council / et au
Conseil municipal
3 March 2008 / le 3 March 2008
Submitted by / Soumis par: R.G. Hewitt, Deputy City Manager/Directeur
municipal adjoint,
Public Works and Services / Services
et Travaux publics
Contact Person / Personne ressource
:
Wayne
Newell, Infrastructure Services / Services d'infrastructure
Infrastructure
Services / Services d’infrastructure
(613)
580-2424 x 16002, Wayne.Newell@Ottawa.ca
REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
That Transportation Committee support the
staff design plans by recommending that Council approve, as part of the
Princess Avenue and Lisgar Road reconstruction, that:
i) a concrete sidewalk with a curb be
constructed on Princess Avenue to connect the Rockcliffe Parkway recreational
pathway network to the northern end of the existing sidewalk on Lisgar Road
(470m),
ii) a 150m section of redundant roadway
section of Princess Avenue on the west side of the Lisgar/Princess traffic
triangle be removed and replaced with a sidewalk and enhanced landscaping
features,
iii) new streetlighting on Princess Avenue be installed as per technical standards detailed in the City of Ottawa Right-of-Way Lighting Policy approved by City Council 10 October 2007.
RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT
Que le Comité des
transports appuie les plans de conception du personnel en recommandant au
Conseil d'approuver dans le cadre de la réfection de l'avenue Princess et du
chemin Lisgar :
i)
la construction sur l'avenue Princess d'un trottoir en béton avec bordure relié
au réseau de sentiers récréatifs de la promenade Rockcliffe à l'extrémité nord
de l'actuel trottoir du chemin Lisgar (470 mètres);
ii) l'enlèvement, sur une longueur de 150 m, d'une section redondante de
l'avenue Princess du côté ouest du triangle formé par l'intersection du chemin
Lisgar et de l'avenue Princess et son remplacement par un trottoir et des
aménagements paysagers améliorés;
iii) l'installation sur l'avenue Princess de dispositifs d'éclairage de
rue répondant aux normes techniques énoncées dans la politique de la Ville
d'Ottawa sur l'éclairage de la voie publique, approuvée par le Conseil
municipal le 10 octobre 2007.
BACKGROUND
The reconstruction of Lisgar Road, Maple Lane, and Princess Avenue, to address sewer needs on Lisgar and Maple and road reconstruction on Princess, was approved as part of the 2004 Capital Budget. Originally, priority for project phasing was determined to address flooding problems in 2005 (Lisgar and Maple) and road reconstruction (Princess) in 2006. The design work has been completed after a long and interactive process to create an aesthetically pleasing design while addressing the many design constraints such as an extremely narrow right-of-way (11-13m), the heritage conservation district, Federal Government National Interest Land Mass and proximity to Rideau Hall.
Princess Avenue, from the Rockcliffe Parkway to the Princess Gate (entrance to Rideau Hall), is a very distinct roadway. The stone and iron heritage fence that surrounds Rideau Hall is at the southerly edge of the right-of-way. Adjacent to the north side of the road, the NCC property, that includes mature trees and vegetation, has been designated National Interest Land Mass. At the west end of the project, the road intersects with the new roundabout at the Rockcliffe Parkway. Princess Avenue services many users, in particular all Rideau Hall employees, service vehicles and many of the thousands of visitors that are received each year at the Governor General's residence. Other vehicles on the road are destined for the neighbourhood of Rockcliffe or points beyond, including drop-offs to the many schools in the area. The Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) for Princess Avenue is 803 vehicles.
Princess Avenue provides the transition from the Parkway to the neighbourhood of Rockcliffe, adjacent to Rideau Hall. The reconstruction will improve the current road condition and ensure a high level of service for many years, while respecting the character of the area.
DISCUSSION
After extensive public consultation and the redesigning of the road alignment required to address some public concerns, there are still three issues which remain unresolved with the Rockcliffe Park Community Association. (RPRA). Staff has agreed to a request from Councillor Legendre and the RPRA to submit this report seeking Committee confirmation on the three following design issues:
i) Sidewalks
A sidewalk and curb are proposed along the south side of Princess Avenue, which will connect the existing sidewalk on Lisgar Road to the existing Rockcliffe Parkway recreational paths and the sidewalk in front of Rideau Hall. The inclusion of the sidewalk is in conformance with the general planning principles of the City of Ottawa; namely, support of walking as a mode of transportation, which aids in the encouragement of public transit usage, reduction in energy use, environmental protection and enhancement of public health. In addition, the sidewalk provides a safe area year-round facility for pedestrians to use to cross the link between the communities to the south and the Rockcliffe Parkway area. Finally, the sidewalk and curb provide protection to the heritage fence surrounding the Governor General's residence from damage caused by winter snowploughing operations. This feature is strongly supported by staff from the NCC.
Dark grey coloured concrete is proposed for the sidewalk to respect the aesthetics of the heritage conservation district, to highlight the heritage fence and to provide a durable and low maintenance service life.
The plan has been endorsed by the New Edinburgh Community Alliance, Traffic and Parking Operations, and the National Capital Commission.
The following is the position of the RPRA:
The RPRA's first preference is for no sidewalk and no cobbles on Princess Avenue between Lisgar Road and the new Roundabout on Sussex Drive. There are some 140 metres to the west of the Princess Gate where the proposed sidewalk would be very close to the Rideau Hall heritage fence. In the winter, there is presently very little room for roadway snow to be cast onto the south verge adjacent to the heritage fence. Any sidewalk that might be proposed for those 140m of the south verge of Princess would be totally impassable in winter as a result of snow clearance (photos will be shown at Committee). Observations by residents and users of Princess Avenue are that very few walkers and joggers use the road or the grassy verge adjacent to the fence in any season and most certainly not in winter. Grass remains the preferred medium both in terms of comfort for the few who use it now and grass increases the rural aspect and enhances the heritage aspect of the Rideau Hall fence. There is no public transit in the area.
If a pathway must be built, the RPRA's alternative position is that it be narrow and made of stone dust. If there must be barrier curbs on both sides of the road, they should be "mountable" and, in order to maximize the amount of greenspace, there should be no cobbles between the curb and the sidewalk.
ii) Western Leg of the Princess Avenue/Lisgar Road Triangle
The reconstruction of the redundant western leg of this triangular intersection in its current location would not be in conformance with proper safe engineering roadway design principles. To respect the heritage nature of the Rockcliffe area (in that a roadway has been present on this western leg for a considerable time), it is proposed that a concrete sidewalk with decorative cobble edging, be installed in place of the roadway.
This design solution is preferred for four reasons:
- eliminates unsafe vehicle and pedestrian conflicts
- provides enlarged green space for pedestrians and the community
- reduces construction cost when compared to road replacement
- reduces road maintenance in perpetuity
The removal of vehicles from this leg also serves as an effective traffic calming measure by eliminating the southbound direct movement and thereby requiring vehicles to slow to make a right angle turn to proceed southbound from Princess Avenue to Lisgar Road.
The following is the position of the RPRA:
The RPRA's position is that the road should be retained on that segment between the Princess Gate and Lisgar Road, intersecting at an acute (not 90°) angle at the western end. There is no need for a sidewalk in that location; this would create a welcome increase in the amount of greenspace in the Princess Triangle. A stone dust path is an alternative. This area is generally not used by walkers or joggers and is not a route that leads to public transit.
In order to maximize water infiltration to the trees and shrubs, there should be no curb on the east side of the Triangle bordering Lisgar Road; should a barrier be absolutely necessary, it could be a 2-cobble-wide strip. The same is true of the other two sides of the Triangle (north and west) - no curb with a cobble-strip being an acceptable alternative. The trees, shrubs and flowers were planted by the former Village of Rockcliffe Park and are currently tended by volunteers, not the NCC; there has not been a great deal of damage to the grass from winter plowing operations.
iii) Right-of-Way Lighting
The project falls within a "Heritage Conservation District (HCD)", as referenced in the recently approved Right-of-Way Lighting Policy, and as such, is subject to the conditions laid out for HCDs. It is recommended that the two sections of the project be constructed as detailed below:
Lisgar Road (5 existing lights - 1 concrete pole, 4 hydro poles) -
The requirement under this policy for a heritage conservation district is such that the choice of equipment (poles and fixtures) and lighting levels must be determined and then applied to the entire district once the choices are made. In view of this, it is recommended that the existing lighting along Lisgar Road within the project limits be left as is until such time as the formal district wide lighting decision is implemented.
Princess Avenue (9 new lights replacing 6 existing - 2 concrete poles, 4 wood poles) -
The current design for the replacement of the lighting on Princess Avenue adjacent to the Governor General's residence, between the Rockcliffe Parkway and Lisgar Road, includes coloured concrete poles and heritage "Acorn" style metal halide light fixtures as generally requested by the public and community association members. The design is in conformance with the technical design standards of the policy for reconstruction of local roadways with a low light level of 4 lux and 6:1 uniformity. It is desirable to provide adequate lighting along this section as the area is bounded by NCC forested lands to the north and the Governor General's residence to the south and receives no light from adjacent lands, which is not conducive to safe pedestrian travel. In addition, this section of roadway provides access to the business entrance of Rideau Hall used by the diplomatic corps, Rideau Hall staff and members of the public.
The following is the position of the RPRA:
Lisgar Road
There is general RPRA agreement to "leave as is" with the request to replace the existing concrete pole with a wooden pole and brackets of the design in current use for incandescent lights in the heritage district. The luminaires should also be replaced as part of this project with Cooper Urbanite acorn-shaped fixtures with 50W metal halide bulbs of 3200K set at 6.5m above ground.
Princess Avenue
The streetlighting policy for the heritage conservation district should therefore apply to this part of Princess Avenue. A spacing of lights (approximately 80m intervals) was recommended for this area by the Gabriel Lighting study for the HCD of Rockcliffe Park because "it is the policy for NCC parkland to the north and west of Rockcliffe to be unlit. Roads adjacent to this parkland do not require as much light to provide contrast against dark surroundings." The current level and style of lighting has been this way for decades with no reported or discernable problems. NCC staff indicates that high levels of lighting may actually create safety problems. And, cars come quipped with headlights for night travel.
Any light poles should be constructed of wood, use brackets of the design in current use for incandescent lights in the heritage district and the luminaires should be Cooper Urbanite acorn-shaped fixtures with 50W metal halide bulbs of 3200K set at 6.5m above ground as per the Gabriel report. As the wires will be buried, the existing poles with no lights need not be replaced.
CONSULTATION
Extensive consultation has taken place on this project over the past three years. Staff have consulted with:
- Rockcliffe Park Resident's Association (RPRA)
- New Edinburgh Community Alliance (NECA)
- National Capital Commission
- Ward Councillor
- various City Departments/Branches
Public Meetings were held on:
- 28 February 2005
- 18 May 2006
- 22 October 2007
- Staff attendance at RPRA meeting - 21 November 2007
Other meetings between staff and community groups:
- site visit - NCC, President of RPRA - 10 March 2005
- RPRA and NECA - 2 February 2005
- RPRA and NECA - 4 May 2006
- President of RPRA and Ward Councillor - 5 February 2007
- Acting CEO of the NCC, President of RPRA, Ward Councillor - 17 April 2007
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The approved project budget for sewer, water main and road works on Lisgar Road and Princess Avenue is $1,800,000. (Order No. 903042)
The following elements of the project are derived from actual tendered costs (December 2007)
i) Concrete Sidewalk installation on Princess - $110K
ii) Removal of Redundant 150m roadway section of Princess Avenue and Sidewalk Installation - $30K.
iii) Street lighting replacement on Princess - $50K
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
DISPOSITION
Staff to take appropriate action as directed by Committee and Council.
Document 1
Princess Avenue Reconstruction
Adjacent to Rideau Hall
Lisgar Road to Rockcliffe Parkway
NCC Lands Rideau Hall
