Transportation Committee Comité des transports MINUTES 6 / PROCÈS-VERBAL 6 Wednesday, 6 April 2011, 9:40 a.m. le mercredi 6 avril 2011, 9 h 40 Andrew S. Haydon Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West Salle Andrew S. Haydon, 110, avenue Laurier ouest Present / Présent : Councillors / Conseillers M. Wilkinson (Chair / Présidente), B. Monette (Vice-Chair / Vice-président), R. Bloess, D. Chernushenko, P. Clark, D. Deans, M. Fleury, S. Moffatt, D. Thompson, T. Tierney DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST DÉCLARATIONS D’INTÉRÊT No declarations of interest were filed. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES / RATIFICATION DES PROCÈS-VERBAUX Minutes 4 and 5 of 2 February and 2 March 2011 and Joint Minutes 1 of 3 March 2011 were confirmed. INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES D’INFRASTRUCTURE ET VIABILITÉ DES COLLECTIVITÉS PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT URBANISME ET GESTION DE LA CROISSANCE 1. REVIEW OF THE CITY OF OTTAWA’S ENCROACHMENT BY-LAW 2003-446 AS IT RELATES TO OUTDOOR PATIOS RÉVISION DU RÈGLEMENT 2003-446 DE LA VILLE D’OTTAWA SUR LES EMPIÈTEMENTS POUR CE QUI CONCERNE LES TERRASSES EXTÉRIEURES ACS2011-ICS-PGM-0055 CITY-WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE Correspondence received for this item was circulated and copies of all submissions are held on file. Joe Cotroneo, Pub Italia & Co-Chair, Preston Street BIA stated that the lower rate for businesses will encourage more patios to open and the net result would not be a loss in revenue for the City. Patios encourage people to be out and about, thereby creating a nicer, pedestrian friendly environment, as well as creating employment for students working at these patios. His written submission was distributed and a copy is held on file. Councillor Holmes inquired about deferral of this matter and Ermis Durofil, Program Manager, Bylaws, Permits and Inspections advised that they would take whatever direction is given by the Committee, but noted that patio season opens in a week. Charles Akben-Marchand, Centretown Citizens Community Association wanted to ensure there are proper monitoring conditions since staff have to enforce the encroachment to ensure it is not impeding pedestrian traffic. He reminded Committee that the encroachment applies to things on the City’s right-of-way and he also wondered if any consideration was being given to providing additional parking for these encroachments. Lori Mellor, Executive Director, Preston BIA was concerned that staff did not consult with stakeholders when they were preparing this policy. She urged Committee to send staff back to consult with those who are affected by this policy. Jasna Jennings, ByWard Market BIA supported deferral because of the lack of consultation. She was concerned about the separation distance noting that none of the patios in the ByWard Market are 30 metres from residences. She suggested the City should be careful about mixed uses and the definition between residents and residential zones. One size does not fit all. She wanted the City to promote exciting streetscapes and patios. Chair Wilkinson read out a Motion forwarded on behalf of Councillor Holmes, the operative portion being that Document 2 be amended to include: Any encroachment permits issued for patios within 30 meters of properties zoned for residential use include the provision that they be required to close each night by 11 p.m., and that no patrons be permitted in the area after this time. Councillor Holmes explained that she has been opposed to patios within 30 metres of residential properties and she hoped the Committee would agree to defer the item and take it to the businesses for comment. Councillor Deans indicated she would move deferral. Councillor Bloess inquired about the closing provisions for patios and Mr. Durofil confirmed it has always been 11:00 p.m. and what this policy essentially does is formalize that which is already in existence. The councillor wanted to know if the fees are the right rate or if they were too high. He wondered what latitude is available. Mr. Durofil stated that the report is not introducing a new fee. It is a standard fee introduced pre-amalgamation and there will be some grandfathering at the lower rate to some businesses. He further confirmed that the higher fee had not been an issue in the past, with the exception of one BIA. The fee would be applied to new patios. Councillor Wilkinson noted that the policy would only apply to patios on City property and Mr. Durofil confirmed that any existing patio would fall under the existing rule and closure at 11 p.m. He confirmed that this policy strengthens what is currently being done and the patio is not to be used after 11 p.m. when they are within 30 metres of a residential zone. Councillor Deans indicated she would move deferral to the next meeting for consultation because there might be some finessing of the entire item. She agreed the amendment being proposed by Councillor Holmes could also be deferred. Some Committee members noted that for the most part, consultation would be required as it relates to the proposed fee structure and therefore the bulk of the report could be considered and only the fee portion (Recommendation 1) be deferred, pending consultation with businesses. The Committee agreed with this direction and the following Motions were then considered: Moved by R. Bloess That deferral only apply to Recommendation 1 of the staff report. CARRIED YEAS (7): R. Bloess, T. Tierney, M. Fleury, P. Clark, D. Thompson, S. Moffatt, M. Wilkinson NAYS (3): D. Deans, D. Chernushenko, B. Monette Moved by D. Deans That the item * be deferred to allow for the consultation. CARRIED YEAS (7): R. Bloess, D. Deans, T. Tierney, M. Fleury, D. Chernushenko, D. Thompson, S. Moffatt NAYS (3): P. Clark, B. Monette, M. Wilkinson * referred only to Recommendation 1 of the staff report Moved by D. Deans WHEREAS one of the purposes of the regulations pertaining to outdoor patios within the Encroachment By-law is to “ensure that the locations of patios fit in with the neighbourhood and do not create any unnecessary disruptions”; AND WHEREAS a common condition of patios within 30m of residential areas is that they close at 11:00 p.m.; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Document 2 be amended to include: Any encroachment permits issued for patios within 30 meters of properties zoned for residential use include the provision that they be required to close each night by 11 p.m., and that no patrons be permitted in the area after this time. CARRIED That the Transportation Committee recommend Council approve: 1. Changes to the provisions of the Encroachment By-law 2003-446 regarding the restructuring of fees for temporary outdoor patio encroachments as detailed in Document 1; DEFERRED TO MAY 4 2. Amendments to the separation distance approvals procedure, as detailed in Document 2, and as amended to include: Any encroachment permits issued for patios within 30 meters of properties zoned for residential use include the provision that they be required to close each night by 11 p.m., and that no patrons be permitted in the area after this time. 3. Housekeeping amendments to the by-law, as discussed in the report. CARRIED, as amended 2. REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY OUTDOOR PATIO ENCROACHMENT - 283 ELGIN STREET DEMANDE D’EMPIÈTEMENT TEMPORAIRE POUR UNE TERRASSE EXTÉRIEURE – 283, RUE ELGIN ACS2011-ICS-PGM-0078 SOMERSET (14) Correspondence received for this item was circulated and copies of all submissions are held on file. Joseph Eyamie, owner, Fox and Feather, 283 Elgin Street urged the Committee to support the staff recommendation. He confirmed they were willing to comply with the restrictions with respect to closing at 11 p.m. and no outside music on this patio after that time. Chris Tucker, Somerset Street resident spoke strongly against the application. As a homeowner in the area since 1982, he explained how Elgin Street has changed over the years from a neighbourhood that once hosted movie theatres, grocery stores and restaurants and bars to a dismal area. In the evening hours they have to put up with loud noise, drunken patrons exiting the bars and making their way through the community. In the morning the sidewalk and street is littered with garbage. While he was in favour of a healthy and vibrant area, he posited that such areas should not encroach on residential areas and there are not enough by-law and police officers to enforce the by-laws to have the patios closed at 11 p.m. He reminded members that this is a mixed use neighbourhood with thousands of residents in the restricted zone that will be affected if this patio is approved. Charles Akben-Marchand, Centretown Citizens Community Association presented his comments using a PowerPoint presentation. A copy of the presentation is held on file. The more salient points noted were as follows: * Was concerned about the lack of consultation they received; only 5 days in advance of the meeting * He felt the patio would result in a more narrow pedestrian area to walk by * Residents in the area were aware that they moved into an area with bars and restaurants, but patios were not allowed within 30 m of the residential zone. He urged the Committee to reject the application as has been done by staff twice in the past. David Gladstone stated that the request is essentially a lease of City property and therefore to put an obstacle (the patio) on the City right-of-way should be seriously examined. He maintained there would be a safety issue for pedestrians because of the sight lines. On behalf of Councillor Holmes, Councillor Deans put forward the following Motion: WHEREAS one of the purposes of the regulations pertaining to outdoor patios within the Encroachment By-law is to “ensure that the locations of patios fit in with the neighbourhood and do not create any unnecessary disruptions”; AND WHEREAS one of the conditions of this patio is that it close at 11:00 p.m.; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the condition be amended to read: 1/         The patio, when in operation, would be required to close each night by 11 p.m., and that no patrons be permitted in the area after this time. Councillor Holmes indicated that she is opposed to the patio for the reason that it is going to be too noisy for residents on MacLaren Street. She recognized that many residents were discouraged from coming and speaking today because they had opposed another patio at 150 MacLaren and their voices were not heard then. She reiterated many of the issues these residents face with the addition of another patio. Councillor Chernushenko suggested that the question is how much is enough. We want to encourage balance of a vibrant business sector but also recognize that people have to live there. He acknowledged that parts of the downtown are residential and now there is a gradual encroachment of businesses on the residents and the City has to be prepared to draw a line. He noted that this establishment already has a roof-top patio and suggested they did not need another one outside. Moved by D. Deans WHEREAS one of the purposes of the regulations pertaining to outdoor patios within the Encroachment By-law is to “ensure that the locations of patios fit in with the neighbourhood and do not create any unnecessary disruptions”; AND WHEREAS one of the conditions of this patio is that it close at 11:00 p.m.; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the condition be amended to read: 1/         The patio, when in operation, would be required to close each night by 11 p.m., and that no patrons be permitted in the area after this time. CARRIED That the Transportation Committee recommend Council approve waiver of the residential encroachment provisions of By-law-446 to allow for an outdoor patio at 283 Elgin Street as outlined in this report, and that Condition 1 in the report be amended to read: 1/ The patio, when in operation, would be required to close each night by 11 p.m., and that no patrons be permitted in the area after this time. CARRIED, as amended YEAS (9): R. Bloess, D. Deans, T. Tierney, M. Fleury, P. Clark, D. Thompson, S. Moffatt, B. Monette, M. Wilkinson NAYS (1): D. Chernushenko 3. DOWNTOWN OTTAWA MOBILITY OVERLAY – STATEMENT OF WORK ÉTUDE SUR UN VOLET SOUS-JACENT DE MOBILITÉ AU CENTRE-VILLE D’OTTAWA – ÉNONCÉ DES TRAVAUX ACS2011-ICS-PGM-0011 RIDEAU-VANIER (12); SOMERSET (14) Correspondence received for this item was circulated and copies of all submissions are held on file. Nelson Edwards, Planner III, spoke briefly to a PowerPoint presentation, a copy of which is held on file. Councillor Fleury proposed a Motion directing staff to explore the feasibility of installing pedestrian scramble signals if the appropriate conditions are met. He was also interested in the impact weather would have on this and the ease for pedestrian movement through the downtown during the winter. With regards to the Motion, John Manconi, General Manager of Public Works indicated that staff could look at the feasibility of implementing these signals, but explained they are struggling to find an appropriate location. He recognized that winter liveability is a critical element and his staff would work on that effort also. Moved by M. Fleury Whereas many downtown intersections have significant pedestrian and vehicular traffic; And whereas pedestrian scramble signals, when applied in the proper conditions, can improve pedestrian safety and intersection operation; Therefore be it resolved that staff be directed to explore the feasibility of installing pedestrian scramble signals if the appropriate conditions are met. CARRIED That Transportation Committee approve the Statement of Work for the Downtown Ottawa Mobility Overlay as detailed in Document 1 and that staff be directed to explore the feasibility of installing pedestrian scramble signals if the appropriate conditions are met. CARRIED, as amended 4. TRANS AGREEMENT ENTENTE TRANS ACS2011-ICS-PGM-0076 CITY-WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE That Transportation Committee recommend Council approve the TRANS Agreement, as shown in Document 1, to formalize the inter-agency TRANS Committee that has been in place for more than 30 years. CARRIED COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES SERVICES DE VIABILITÉ DES COLLECTIVITÉS 5. KING EDWARD AVENUE LANE REDUCTION STUDY – PHASE 2 RESULTS ÉTUDE SUR LA RÉDUCTION DU NOMBRE DE VOIES SUR L’AVENUE KING EDWARD – RÉSULTATS DE LA PHASE 2 ACS2011-ICS-CSS-0002 RIDEAU-VANIER (12) Correspondence received for this item was circulated and copies of all submissions are held on file. Michael Murr, Manager, Sustainability Planning and Development provided a detailed overview of the item. Accompanying Mr. Murr were Rory Baksh and Shawn Doyle from Dillon Consulting. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is held on file. Marc Aubin, Chair, King Edward Avenue Task Force referred to the printed material previously distributed detailing their position on the matter. He indicated that the report before Committee simply reflects what the City’s position has been for years: that King Edward Avenue could be reduced to four lanes, once the interprovincial bridge was built. The Task Force finds the handling of this whole matter completely unacceptable. While the Task Force would prefer to see four lanes implemented right away, they are realistic and propose that it be recognized as such in the long-term. Further, they have asked for 24-hour parking to pilot four lanes long-term and for a detailed design phase. A copy of his submission, which provides additional details and includes letters of support from other community members, is held on file. In response to these comments and those in the printed material distributed by the delegation, Mr. Murr assured the Committee there has been no collusion in terms of a staff position. He explained that there are a variety of perspectives that should be considered in terms of this important corridor and there have been discussions throughout the project in terms of balancing these competing priorities. At the end of the day, given the significance of this corridor to Ottawa/Gatineau as an important economic artery, and until such time as the City has clarity with respect to an inter-provincial crossing, this was the recommendation that was put forward. When asked by Councillor Chernushenko what the earliest date of a new inter-provincial route might be, Vivi Chi, Manager of Transportation Planning advised that the EA study will not be completed for another year or two and she believed the earliest a crossing could be in place would be approximately 10 years from now. Liz Mackenzie spoke about the investment in lower town the Centretown Affordable Housing and Development Co-operation has made, by building family housing on the corner of Clarence and King Edward Avenue. While such development has been a very positive part of the community, she was extremely concerned about the situation on King Edward, noting that residents living there are faced with the question of how to make life safe and healthy. She commented that pollution and noise are above safe levels and pedestrian crossings are wide and unsafe (there have been many injuries and some fatalities over the years). She emphasized that their community deserves the living standards that are taken for granted in other neighbourhoods and she was prepared to fight for it. A copy of her e-mail dated 5 April is held on file. Kelly Ledingham, Marketing and Programs Coordinator, Downtown Rideau BIA spoke in support of the lane reductions on King Edward Avenue as a goal to be achieved when trucks are finally removed from this corridor. She commented that their business district is one of the most affected areas of the City respecting the lack of design, purpose built transportation of goods truck route. She spoke at length to the inter-provincial truck route’s detrimental effect on businesses and the quality of life of residents as well as the NCCs process in the interprovincial river crossing study. A copy of their letter dated 6 April 2011 is held on file. Jasna Jennings, Executive Director, ByWard Market BIA indicated that the BIA does not support any lane reductions on King Edward Avenue with the current traffic situation in place and until such time as a new inter-provincial bridge is built. She explained that the ByWard Market has already experienced very negative effects as a result of the current lane reductions on King Edward, in particular Dalhousie Street which became the alternate route for traffic once construction commenced on King Edward Avenue. The result has been regular and consistent traffic congestion on Dalhousie, which also spilled into the core of the Market congesting intersecting streets. Access to and from adjacent residential streets was also arduous. Additional comments are reflected in her letter dated 5 April, a copy of which is held on file. Councillor Monette asked staff if King Edward Avenue will cease to become a truck route once the interprovincial bridge is built and Ms. Chi indicated that there was an OMB decision that once a new crossing is built the truck route designation for King Edward would be removed. Councillor Fleury inquired about the negative impacts of the reduction, commenting that the consultant’s report was not entirely clear in that regard. Mr. Doyle stated that in terms of perceived negative impact motorists travelling through the King Edward corridor in an alternative scenario where there are four lanes might experience an additional delay of up to a minute and a half. In terms of STO operations, it would take buses an additional 30 seconds travelling down King Edward towards Rideau to begin their routes. If motorists choose to maintain the status quo of their behaviour and not make alternative travel arrangements, approximately 300-350 vehicles may try alternative routes and may contribute to extended queues. He further added that they saw major problems in the network, including blocked pedestrian crossings, as well as major delays to OC Transpo and STO travelling across Rideau Street. John Manconi, General Manager of Public Works confirmed the congestion situation as described by the ByWard Market BIA representative, which is the spill-over effect from traffic avoiding King Edward Avenue. Councillor Fleury read from a prepared statement which summarized his comments on the matter before the Committee. He posited that reducing capacity on King Edward Avenue would not accelerate the construction of a new interprovincial crossing and the City must decide if it is willing to sacrifice the well-being of residents by implementing lane reductions that will undoubtedly congest the downtown between now and the time the bridge is built. As the ward councillor, he considers the needs of the community while paying close attention to the City’s objectives and, while a lane reduction would increase the liveability of the corridor for pedestrians and cyclists, it would be done at the expense of the surrounding communities and of all pedestrians, cyclists and transit infrastructure. This is something he could not impose on the community. He invited the King Edward Avenue Task Force to continue to work with him and the Chair’s and Mayor’s office to find implementable solutions to resolve the issue and not to push it elsewhere. That the Transportation Committee recommend Council approve the four-lane cross section as the end state configuration for King Edward Avenue to be implemented as outlined in this report. CARRIED YEAS (5): D. Deans, M. Fleury, D. Chernushenko, D. Thompson, M. Wilkinson NAYS (4): R. Bloess, T. Tierney, S. Moffatt, B. Monette 6. BIKE SHARE SYSTEM – UPDATE SYSTÈME DE VÉLO-PARTAGE - MISE À JOUR ACS2011-ICS-PGM-0046 CITY-WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE That Transportation Committee recommend that Council: 1. Defer the City’s participation in the Bike Share System until enhanced cycling infrastructure is in place in the downtown; and 2. Reallocate the $500,000 for the Bike Share System approved in the 2010 Budget to the Somerset Tunnel portion of the cycling infrastructure program as outlined in the report. CARRIED INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES SERVICES D’INFRASTRUCTURE 7. WEST TRANSITWAY EXTENSION FROM BAYSHORE STATION TO WEST OF MOODIE DRIVE : NOISE BARRIER FUNDING AND PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE PROLONGEMENT DU TRANSITWAY DU SECTEUR OUEST DE LA STATION BAYSHORE JUSQU’À L’OUEST DE LA PROMENADE MOODIE: FINANCEMENT DE L’ÉCRAN ANTIBRUIT ET CALENDRIER PROPOSÉ DE MISE EN ŒUVRE ACS2011-ICS-INF-0004 BAY (7) Ziad Ghadban, Manager, Design and Construction provided a PowerPoint presentation on the item, a copy of which is held on file. A copy of a memo dated 24 March 2011 from the Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee was distributed and a copy is held on file. Ward Councillor Mark Taylor spoke in favour of the south side extension as originally proposed during the development of the TMP, and addressed his concerns with the proposed extension on the north side, which included, among others: * environmental and community impacts on the lands and creeks * lack of funding support from the federal and provincial governments for noise barriers * cost risks of moving forward without the approval of Phase II from the NCC * lack of service to the current DND campus and the lack of maintenance for NCC paths during the winter He added that it would require the construction of a new bridge over the Queensway and demolition of the south side Park-and-Ride to build a new one on the north side. Citing community concerns, he asked that the Committee direct staff to reconsider the placement of the Corkstown station. Bill Fenton, resident expressed concern with traffic delays for Kanata/Stittsville commuters and the subsequent increased operating cost. He suggested that it would be more efficient to stay on the recently widened Queensway and that the new Moodie Drive station and Bayshore Station would essentially result in two stations side by side. The commuters at the DND campus should remain on the Queensway and transfer at Bayshore instead of at Moodie. Further, he pointed out that the recent widening of the Queensway renders bad timing for the proposed extension which runs parallel to the proposed transitway extension. Mr. Fenton suggested it would make more operational and financial sense to build Phase II at the same time as Phase IV. He did not believe the proposal met the requirements of the Transportation Master Plan and the Official Plan because it decreases service reliability, increases wait and travel times, would reduce ridership and would increase costs. Paul Williams, resident, Crystal Beach Area expressed concern with shuttle buses that travel between Moodie Drive station and the DND campus. He asked that the City release the cost of the link and stated that no traffic study has yet been done for peak hour traffic at Corkstown Road. He stated that Delcan had previously done an EA on the Nortel Campus, which indicated that at Corkstown and Moodie there is total congestion in the evening peak period, which would mean that buses would be sitting idly. He further asked that an EA be repeated to include buses, and that staff look at the Delcan recommendations that have not been implemented. Ruth Tremblay, President, Crystal Beach/Lakeview Community Association gave a detailed presentation on the merits of extending the transitway on the south side, citing traffic congestion, ease of transfer and movement to employment areas and travel time. Ms. Tremblay also pointed out the environmental concerns of extending the transitway on the north side, stating that the NCC and Trans Canada Trail are on that side and the station located east of Moodie Drive would threaten rare trees, species at risk and other varieties of wildlife, as well as Stillwater Creek. In closing she stated that the southern route would cause less environmental damage, would protect the urban forest, Stillwater Creek and the watershed. A copy of her submission dated 6 April is held on file. Peggy McGillivray informed the committee that last June, 200 residents made their voice heard that noise was a huge problem and that they did not want the transitway to be built on the north side in the absence of implemented noise attenuation measures. She stated that the staff report does not mention noise levels during rush hour, nor does it detail the noise levels achieved by bus acceleration. For these reasons, therefore, noise attenuation would need to be addressed before the north route is put into effect, reminding members that the figures in the report are representative of 2010 and do not take into consideration the new DND campus. Ms. McGillivray stated that MTO affirmed in a 2008 study that putting up sound barriers would reduce noise up to 6.7 dB. If the City is building the transitway on the north side, it should include all the money necessary to put in sound attenuation measures that are so necessary for the community. A copy of her submission dated 6 April is held on file. Guy Potvin, resident of Creeks Inn supported the comments of the previous delegations, adding that although Council had approved development of the north side of the Queensway, the community has voiced fundamental concerns with this and therefore, he suggested that the proposal be re-evaluated before spending $77M on a project which is not as efficient as it should be. Further, staff should reconsider building the extension on the south side of the Queensway within the same price range as the north side extension. He made note of the fact that this option would serve the Queensway Carleton Hospital, Bell High School and Bell’s Corners, and it would satisfy the NCC, the MTO and the residents of both Crystal Beach Lake View and of Qualicum, while continuing to provide Kanata with the same level of service. He asked that the Committee delay the proposal and that staff re-evaluate the extension from Bayshore to Eagleson. A copy of his e-mail dated 6 April is held on file. Chair Wilkinson reminded Committee members that approval has already been given to go ahead with development and that the recommendation before them is simply to move faster on getting the transitway to pass Moodie Drive. For the benefit of the newer members of the Committee, the Chair asked staff to explain the rationale for building on the north side of the Queensway. Mr. Ghadban stated that they are currently undergoing the EA process in the preliminary, pre-consultation phase. The earliest review of the northern alignment occurred in 1994 and two EAs had been carried out then. There had been a missing link at Moodie Drive, however, and this development proposal will close that loop. He confirmed that the current EA is in fact looking at how and where to locate transit stations, and there would be public consultation throughout that process where the public could provide input. In response to a question posed by the ward councillor, he offered that should another location be suggested that would better serve the DND campus on the west side of Moodie Drive, the most favoured alternatives would be weighed by cost, social impacts, and environmental impacts. The Chair advised that the legal comment in the staff report was incomplete and that the Committee would have to approve a Motion to amend the report accordingly. Moved by S. Moffatt That the Legal / Risk Management comment be amended to read as follows: “Since the interim connection to Moodie Drive is not being constructed in Phase 1, the Transitway cannot be put into service until the completion of Phase 2. The construction of Phase 2 requires approximately 1.2 hectares of NCC Greenbelt land. The NCC is currently undertaking their Greenbelt Master Plan Review and will not be in a position to approve the sale of the requested property until after the review is completed, which is expected sometime in 2012. Phase 2 cannot be constructed until the property is transferred. In the event that the land transfer did not take place, Phase 1 could not be utilized. Thus, the risk to the City is that it would be proceeding with the commencement of construction of Phase 1 before the ability to proceed with Phase 2 is a certainty.” CARRIED On behalf of Councillor Taylor, Councillor Bloess agreed to put forward the following Motion: Moved by R. Bloess That following the Environmental Assessment process, the station location of the proposed Corkstown/Moodie area station be brought back to the Transportation Committee and Council for consideration. CARRIED That the Transportation Committee recommend that Council: 1. Receive this report for information; and, 2. Direct staff to advance the timing of the proposed implementation schedule of the recommended plan as a result of the Federal Government’s purchase of the Nortel Moodie campus. 3. That the Legal / Risk Management comment be amended to read as follows: “Since the interim connection to Moodie Drive is not being constructed in Phase 1, the Transitway cannot be put into service until the completion of Phase 2. The construction of Phase 2 requires approximately 1.2 hectares of NCC Greenbelt land. The NCC is currently undertaking their Greenbelt Master Plan Review and will not be in a position to approve the sale of the requested property until after the review is completed, which is expected sometime in 2012. Phase 2 cannot be constructed until the property is transferred. In the event that the land transfer did not take place, Phase 1 could not be utilized. Thus, the risk to the City is that it would be proceeding with the commencement of construction of Phase 1 before the ability to proceed with Phase 2 is a certainty.” 4. That following the Environmental Assessment process, the station location of the proposed Corkstown/Moodie area station be brought back to the Transportation Committee and Council for consideration. CARRIED, as amended 8. BANK STREET RECONSTRUCTION – QUEENSWAY TO RIDEAU CANAL RÉFECTION DE LA RUE BANK – DU QUEENSWAY AU CANAL RIDEAU ACS2011-ICS-INF-0009 CAPITAL (17) That the Transportation Committee recommend Council approve the acceleration of the reconstruction of Bank Street between Holmwood and the Queensway commencing in 2011, as outlined in the report. CARRIED CITY OPERATIONS OPÉRATIONS MUNICIPALES ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE SERVICE DU DÉVELOPPEMENT ET DU RENDEMENT ORGANISATIONNELS 9. QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT TO COUNCIL, Q4: OCTOBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 2010 RAPPORT TRIMESTRIEL SUR LE RENDEMENT PRÉSENTÉ AU CONSEIL POUR LE 4E TRIMESTRE, DU 1ER OCTOBRE AU 31 DÉCEMBRE 2010 ACS2011-COS-ODP-0006 ACS2011-CMR-TRC-0007 CITY-WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE That the Transportation Committee receive this report for further review and discussion of the service areas’ performance results, as outlined in Document 1. RECEIVED CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE BUREAU DU DIRECTEUR MUNICIPAL CITY CLERK’S BRANCH DIRECTION DU GREFFIER MUNICIPAL 10. STATUS UPDATE – TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE INQUIRIES AND MOTIONS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 25 MARCH 2011 RAPPORT DE SITUATION - DEMANDES DE RENSEIGNEMENTS ET MOTIONS DU COMITE DES TRANSPORTS POUR LA PÉRIODE SE TERMINANT EN 25 MARS 2011 ACS2011-CMR-CCB-0033 CITY WIDE / A L’ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE That the Transportation Committee receive this report for information. RECEIVED ADDITIONAL ITEMS POINTS SUPPLÉMENTAIRE 11. RIDEAU STREET RENEWAL DEFECTION DE LA RUE RIDEAU ACS2011-CMR-TRC-0010 RIDEAU-VANIER (12) Moved by M. Fleury That the Transportation Committee approve the addition of the following item for consideration by the Committee at today’s meeting, pursuant to Section 84(3) of the Procedure By-law (being By-law No. 2006-462): “Rideau Street Renewal” CARRIED Moved by M. Fleury WHEREAS the Rideau Street renewal project is currently expected to begin construction in the summer of 2012, and; WHEREAS the scope of the project is defined as Rideau Street from Dalhousie Street to the Rideau River, and does not include the western portion of Rideau Street from Sussex Drive to Dalhousie Street, and; WHEREAS funding to undertake the design of Rideau Street from Dalhousie Street to the Rideau River, including streetscape design, was approved in the 2009 Capital Budget, and; WHEREAS the intersection of Sussex Drive and Rideau Street is anticipated to be reconstructed by the National Capital Commission, and; WHEREAS the intersection of Sussex Drive and Rideau Street will be an entrance for the Ottawa Light Rail Rideau Station, and; WHEREAS Rideau Street is designated in the Official Plan as a traditional main street, a transportation artery, and a heritage area and is a major tourist area for the City of Ottawa, and; WHEREAS the streetscape of Rideau will not be consistent without the inclusion of the western portion of Rideau Street into the scope of the project; THEREFORE be it resolved that the functional design of the streetscape for the Rideau Street Renewal project be extended and hereafter be defined as Rideau Street from Sussex Drive to the Rideau River; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT funding for the implementation of the Rideau Street renewal project, and the extended streetscaping between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street, be considered as part of the 2012 Draft Capital Budget; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this item rise to Council on 13 April 2011. CARRIED 12. OTTAWA ROAD 174 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ÉVALUATION ENVIRONNEMENTALE DE LA ROUTE 174 D’OTTAWA ACS2011-CMR-TRC-0011 CUMBERLAND (19) Moved by B. Monette That the Transportation Committee approve the addition of this item for consideration by the Committee at today’s meeting, pursuant to Section 84(3) of the Procedures By-law (being By-law No. 2006-462): Ottawa Road 174 Environmental Assessment. CARRIED Councillor Monette advised that he would be putting forward a Motion on behalf of Councillor Blais. In speaking to the Motion, Councillor Blais stated that this is a very important project for the future of Cumberland and Orleans and communities further east. Given the growth in the east and despite the fact that 60% of commuters use the bus to get to work, this highway needs to be widened desperately to improve the economic viability of the city. This is a very dangerous stretch of road and there have been nearly 400 accidents, some fatal, along this two-lane highway in the last five years. Responding to these accidents takes precious resources from police, fire and paramedics and traffic has to be diverted through Cumberland village, which has a detrimental impact on the community. He recognized that the widening of this road is a priority for the province and that both the federal and provincial governments have offered $40M each, to build the road, from Trim Road to Rockland. He felt this EA would provide the opportunity to understand all the facts that are required to widen the road, how much land is required, what the environmental impacts are, what the traffic impact is. He hoped the Committee would support this Motion. Councillor Monette indicated his support for the Motion, although he had not supported similar Motions in the past. Recognizing the dangerous conditions of the road and given the fact the province has offered the funding he agreed that the City should move forward. The Chair noted that the Motion refers to the fact that the Official Plan and the Transportation Master Plan do not currently identify the need to widen OR 174 east of Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard and she asked why this need has not been identified, especially given the safety concerns expressed by the ward councillor. Vivi Chi, Manager, Transportation Planning confirmed that the TMP only shows a widening of OR 174 from the split to Jeanne d’Arc, but it does not identify any further widening. Near the city limits the road is downgraded to an arterial because there are a number of homes that have direct access onto the road. She confirmed that Public Works staff have conducted a safety audit, which had been presented to the Committee and Council about 18 to 24 months ago and there is an action plan with respect to how to improve the safety situation on that road, but not the capacity. Ms. Chi went on to state that there would be pressure and congestion until all infrastructure identified to 2031 in the TMP has been implemented. She reminded Committee that there are two transit facilities to the east and there are also a number of roads being widened in that area, so there are a number of alternatives in the network serving the east end. She agreed staff would be willing to have a look a the study that is called for in the Motion, and that more information is better and could result in not having to widen OR 174 based on future conditions with other infrastructure in place or it could result in requiring an update to the TMP. She confirmed the money referred to in the Motion would be enough to conduct the necessary study. Councillor Bloess recognized that the additional capacity provided by the widening would bring more traffic from the outlying areas such as Rockland and other counties and this would have an impact on the City’s infrastructure. He referred to the future interprovincial crossing being contemplated by the senior levels of government and asked if the study proposed in the Motion would take that crossing into account. Ms. Chi confirmed that the study would not be done in isolation and that an east end bridge on OR 174 would have to be assessed as part of that bridge crossing. Councillor Chernushenko wondered if the EA could be designed in such a way to lead to the most appropriate alternatives that might be available, i.e. that it not necessarily be a road for people to drive on. Ms. Chi confirmed that the Environmental Assessment Act requires that all alternatives be examined. The councillor further asked if approving this Motion in any way undermines the City’s investment in LRT and public transit and Ms. Chi explained that the study would examine the need first, and whether or not that need can be accommodated by all the other infrastructure that currently exists, or that the City is planning to put in based on the existing TMP. She added that the study would look at the end state rather than interim. Moved by B. Monette WHEREAS Ottawa Road 174 is a fundamental transportation link and critical to future growth in Orléans and continuing east; and WHEREAS to accommodate growth west of Trim Road along OR 174, the City of Ottawa will be completing an Environmental Assessment on the widening of OR 174 from the Highway 417/174 split to Jeanne D’Arc, as identified as a Phase 1 and Phase 2 project in the Transportation Master plan; and WHEREAS the planned Ministry of Transportation widening of Highway 417 from Nicholas Street to the 417/174 split is anticipated to be completed prior to 2016; and WHEREAS the City of Ottawa’s Official Plan and Transportation Master Plan does not currently identify the need to widen OR 174 east of Jeanne D’Arc; and WHEREAS in 2008 the Province of Ontario offered the City of Ottawa $5M to fund an Environmental Assessment for the widening of OR 174 / Prescott Russell Road 17; and WHEREAS the Provincial offer of $5M is still available; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Provincial offer of $5M to complete an Environmental Assessment of the widening of OR 174/Prescott Russell Road 17 be utilized under the following conditions: a) That the widening of Highway 417 to fix the split westerly to Nicholas Street is fully funded with a commitment to implement by 2015; b) All costs related to the City of Ottawa’s planned Environmental Assessment from 417/174 split easterly to Jeanne D’Arc be drawn from the Provincial offer of $5M; c) The remaining funds be used to complete the Environmental Assessment of OR 174 / Prescott-Russell Road 17 from Jeanne D’Arc easterly and that the study be borne by the Province or the United Counties of Prescott and Russell with the City providing input on the scope of the study prior to the call for proposals; d) That the Environmental Assessment from Jeanne D’Arc easterly look at the downstream effect on the City’s infrastructure, and that the study include a cost benefit analysis and a full exploration of all alternatives; and, e) That the Environmental Assessment from Jeanne D’Arc easterly requires final approval by City of Ottawa Council. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the results of the Environmental Study for the widening of OR 174 from Jeanne D’Arc easterly be considered and incorporated into the City’s updated Transportation Master Plan. CARRIED INQUIRIES DEMANDES DE RENSEIGNEMENTS Councillor Tierney submitted the following two inquiries : Fleet/Vehicle Procurement What is your target for procurement savings for this year? I see higher end vehicles than may be required to perform the duties intended by the City. How do we know we are getting only the standard vehicle features we need to do the job? Who sets the standard? How many vehicles are purchased by the City of Ottawa in various departments per year on average? Condition of westbound OR 174 from Blair to Split Recent work on the 174 from Blair to the split westbound lane is breaking up. This was built last fall and I wonder why this is occurring and what is the remedy? Councillor Monette also submitted a similar inquiry to the one above as follows: Could staff explain the current condition of the right hand lane on the westbound 174 between the Blair on-ramp and the 417 off-ramp? Work was completed on this lane last fall over the course of a month and the pavement has been deteriorating every day since then and currently, patches of asphalt are torn up. Are the potholes the result of faulty specifications in the contract to build this lane, or did the contractor fail to meet the specifications? Who will be responsible for paying the repairs to the pavement and how much are we estimating it will cost? ADJOURNMENT LEVÉE DE LA SÉANCE The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. Originals signed by R. Theriault Councillor M. Wilkinson _____________________________ _____________________________ Committee Coordinator Chair TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES 6 6 APRIL 2011 20 COMITÉ DES TRANSPORTS PROCÈS-VERBAL 6 LE 6 AVRIL 2011 Note: 1. Reports requiring Council consideration will normally be presented to Council on 27 April 2011 in Transportation Committee Report 5A. 2. Items 6, 8 and 11 will be presented to Council on 13 April 2011 in Transportation Committee Report 5. Nota : 1. Les rapports nécessitant l’examen du Conseil seraient normalement présentés au Conseil le 27 avril dans le rapport no 5A du Comité des transports. 2. Les points 6, 8 et 11 devra être présenté au Conseil municipal le 13 avril 2011 dans le rapport no 5 du Comité des transports.