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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-12-069 - The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex ParkingREPORT TO:Community and Infrastructure Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: May 28, 2012 SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services, 741-2325 PREPARED BY: Kim Kugler, Director of Enterprise, 741-2544 WARD(S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT: May 22, 2012 REPORT NO.: CSD-12-069 SUBJECT: THE AUD PARKING REVIEW RECOMMENDATION: That staff be granted the approval to proceed with the parking and transportation approaches presented by the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club on March 5, 2012 and as outlined in this report CSD-12-069. BACKGROUND: On March 5, 2012 Steve Bienkowski, the Chief Operating Officer for the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (KRHC), made a presentation to Council to provide an overview of a multiple step approach to assist with improving the current and future parking at the Aud for Kitchener Rangers games and other special events. The presentation outlined multiple initiatives that could be implemented for the upcoming season. The initiatives included an education program for the event attendees on where to park and how to park, and additional transportation methods for travelling to the Aud such as using Grand River Transit (GRT), or shuttles from local businesses in the community, or by carpooling. A number of these initiatives require the approval and support of the City before the initiatives can be executed. REPORT: By developing and implementing a multiple step approach to handle travel to the Aud and parking at the Aud, there is a greater chance for overall success for improving the experiences for the neighbouring residents, the participants and the spectators during events. Partnering with KRHC to implement multiple programs or initiatives will provide assistance towards making parking improvements at the Aud. The presentation identified nine approaches to deal with travelling to or parking at the Aud. Each of these approaches requires some level of support from the City to identify and or implement the logistics to the approach or support sharing and communicating the alternatives available to people. Some of the approaches require City approval to change some of the current operating principles. ïð ó ï The approaches are listed below with the level of support and approvals staff are recommending for each. 1. Bus “To – From US” Service Staff recommend providing support to this initiative through City and Aud websites and publications and providing staff support in reviewing, developing and implementing the logistics. This approach will reduce the number of vehicles to the site. 2. Commuter Lot Staff recommend designating lot B (see diagram 1) as the commuter lot. Converting this lot to a commuter lot will encourage spectators to increase the number of passengers in their vehicle and maximize the number of spots available for parking. 3. Car Pooling Staff recommend providing support to this initiative through City and Aud websites and publications and providing staff support in reviewing, developing and implementing the logistics. This approach will reduce the number of vehicles to the site. 4. Grand River Transit Staff recommend providing support to this initiative through City and Aud websites and publications and providing staff support in reviewing, developing and implementing the logistics. Currently work is underway with Waterloo Region staff and KRHC to educate, reward and improve transit ridership to the Aud which will reduce the number of vehicles coming to the Aud. 5. Paid Lot Staff recommend designating lot A (see diagram 1) as the paid lot and that revenues generated from this lot become one of the potential funding sources for some of the initiatives that will require funding. 6. Limited Expansion of On-site Parking Staff recommend investigating the feasibility and costs associated with a limited expansion of on-site parking. 7. Staff Shuttles Staff recommend investigating the feasibility and costs associated with a staff shuttle and report back on the findings. If staff park off site then more spots will be available to the public. 8. Enforcement of Current Parking Regulations Staff recommend providing support to this initiative through City and Aud websites and publications and providing staff support in reviewing, developing and implementing the logistics. 9. Education Staff recommend providing support to this initiative in developing maps and information flyers, opportunities for contests and information sessions. The approaches identified by the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club are achievable but they do require the support and approvals of the City to be implemented and successful. ïð ó î ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: This report aligns with Leadership and Community Engagement where residents are engaged and active in providing feedback on parking concerns at the Aud during a neighbourhood meeting presented by the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club. By optimizing the use of the parking lot and encouraging pooled parking, this report aligns with the Environment and Quality of Life. Finance Management and Asset Management are also relevant. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: At this time the financial costs for each of the programs and the funding sources have not been defined. Funding sources could come from Ranger sponsorships opportunities and from revenues secured through the paid parking lot. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: A neighbourhood meeting on the proposed parking options was presented by the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club on February 9, 2012. Feedback and comments from the neighbours and community were also provided from those present and online via the City’s website with the assistance of our Communications Department. A presentation by Steve Bienkowski was presented to Council on March 5, 2012 and additional feedback was presented by a delegate. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services Department ïð ó í Diagram 1 ïð ó ì