HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-18COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
JUNE 18, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 2:02 pm.
Present: Councillor K. Galloway - Chair
Councillors S. Davey, Y. Fernandes, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, B. Vrbanovic, P. Singh
and D. Glenn-Graham.
Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer
D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services
M. Seiling, Interim Deputy CAO, Community Services Department
M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs and Services
J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
S. Turner, Director of By-law Enforcement
A. Pinard, Director of Planning
J. Witmer, Director of Operations
S. Ross, Assistant City Solicitor
J. Sheryer, Assistant City Solicitor
D. Campbell, Manager, Community Resource Centres
D. Ross, Manager, Development Review
K. Woodcock, Manager, Service Coordination & Improvement
B. Wagner, Supervisor, Salary Administration
B. Bateman, Senior Planner
B. Soye, Senior Employee Relations Specialist
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
CSD-12-086 - ONLINE NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION
1.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-086, dated May
17, 2012 regarding the implementation of the online neighbourhood association program
registration project.
Ms. D. Campbell advised that traditionally, neighbourhood association program registration
has been managed through in person manual systems, with payment options limited to either
cash or cheque. She stated that in 2010, a pilot project was implemented with the Forest
Heights Neighbourhood Association, Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance, Kingsdale
Neighbourhood Association and Williamsburg Community Association to utilize the City’s
CLASS system to provide online program registration and varied payment options. She
added that feedback on the pilot project was gathered from more than 200 program
participants, which consistently indicated satisfaction with the convenience of online
registration and enhanced payment options. Accordingly, it is recommended that, subject to
budget deliberations, the pilot project transition into ongoing status and online program
registrations be implemented for other neighbourhood associations starting in 2014.
Ms. Amy Riddell, Co-Chair, Online Registration Project Working Group, Ms. Janet Lilley,
Kingsdale Neighbourhood Association, Ms. Patricia Archambault, Forest Heights Community
Association, Ms. Donna Kuehl, Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance, and Ms. Lesley Rice,
Williamsburg Community Association were in attendance in support of the staff
recommendation. Ms. Riddell advised that the use of the CLASS system for neighbourhood
association programs has streamlined registration, enhanced financial reporting, expanded
marketing opportunities and increased accessibility of registration to the public. She added
that offering program registration online significantly reduced the lengthy lineups for in person
registrations as well as the risks associated with handling cash and cheques. She noted that
payment options now include cash, cheque, credit card and debit, adding program
information is now available on the City website through Webreg, in Leisure magazine and
neighbourhood association newsletters. She commented that they have received very
positive responses to the pilot project and encouraged the Committee to support moving
forward with this initiative.
In response to questions, Ms. Riddell advised that the cost for the pilot project was split
between the City and participating neighbourhood associations. She stated that the
neighbourhood associations either increased program fees or accepted a reduction in overall
program revenues to cover the additional costs. She pointed out that previously Forest
Heights Community Association might cancel 12 to 15 classes due to lower than anticipated
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
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CSD-12-086 - ONLINE NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION
1.
(CONT’D)
registration. However, the online program allows neighbourhood associations to develop a
waiting list as well as track registration and open up more sessions if there is a high level of
interest. She noted that only three classes have been cancelled since the pilot project was
implemented. She responded further that Forest Heights Community Association, observed
a noticeable increase in program participants through the online registration project. Ms.
Lilley added that the Kingsdale Neighbourhood Association experienced an increase in
participants, but it is unclear as to what portion can be attributed to having a new community
centre. Ms. Kuehl indicated that the Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance also had an
increase for programs geared toward younger age groups, but there was limited change for
other programming. Ms. Rice advised that the Williamsburg Community Association has
experienced a 13% increase in program registration. She commented that the additional
costs related to the pilot project are off-set by the convenience in being able to register
online. Ms. Riddell added that online registration allows parents with young children, who in
the past might not have been able to wait in line for hours, to have an opportunity to register
for a program; thereby resulting in a more equitable registration process. She commented
that online registration has also improved customer service by informing people automatically
when a program is full, as opposed to someone reaching the front of a line only to find out
that the program they had been waiting to register for is no longer available.
Questions were raised regarding the overall participation for the online program registration
pilot project. Ms. Campbell advised that in 2011/2012 for the programs offered by the four
participating neighbourhood associations, 37% of registrations took place online. She added
that 61% of all payments were made using credit cards. She noted that the use of debit and
credit payments resulted in a substantial decrease in NSF cheques and subsequent efforts
by neighbourhood association volunteers to recover those funds.
Ms. Wanda Kampijan and Ms. Terri Niklaus, Country Hills Recreation Association (CHRA)
addressed the Committee to request that the online program registration project be
implemented for the Country Hills Recreation Association in 2013. Ms. Kampijan expressed
concerns that not having an online registration system could act as a barrier to attracting
volunteers, given the labour intensive process for manual record keeping as well as asking a
volunteer to be responsible for significant sums of money. She commented that the CHRA
continually receives requests from program participants for the ability to register online,
adding that this would alleviate concerns related to recording each financial transaction
manually. She stated that while this timing would be in advance of what is recommended by
City staff, she is confident that the CHRA has the capacity to participate in 2013.
Questions were raised regarding the barriers to implementing the online program registration
system for other neighbourhood associations, such as the CHRA, in 2013. Ms. Campbell
advised that a cost sharing formula was developed based on registration and financial data
collected over the past two years, which takes into account: recovery of credit card fees;
CLASS system maintenance fee equivalent to that for direct City programs; and, additional
operating cost associated with increased staff wages. To accommodate this, the Working
Group determined that 14% of the revenues generated by neighbourhood associations’
programming would be retained by the City to be applied towards the identified expenditures.
She estimated the total costs for those items at $16,000. per community centre where
participating neighbourhood association programing is offered. She added that the
neighbourhood association would be responsible for approximately $8,000., with the City
covering the remaining costs. She stated that the recommended delayed until 2014 was
made to avoid further expenses in 2013, which is anticipated to be a challenging budget
year.
Mr. D. Chapman further clarified that the costs to roll-out this project to all neighbourhood
associations has been estimated at approximately $176,000. He clarified that Kitchener
would not generate any additional revenue through this initiative; rather, the City retains 14%
of the revenue generated by the neighbourhood association’s program as a means of
recovering the project costs that are to be funded by the neighbourhood association. He
noted that the City would still be responsible for accommodating the remaining $88,000.
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CSD-12-086 - ONLINE NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION
1.
(CONT’D)
Concerns were raised regarding the proposed staff wage increase in order to implement the
online program registration project. Ms. Campbell advised that the increase is required to
cover the difference in wages associated with changing staff positions from a Community
Centre Attendant to a Community Resource Centre Clerk.
Ms. B. Wagner clarified that Community Centre Attendants fall under the 9000 Series work
group. She stated that these employees typically work at the Centres during evenings and
on weekends, providing customer service and overseeing the facilities; however, the job
description is limited to manual assistance and does not allow for the use of a computer.
She noted that using a computer changes the position to that of a Community Resource
Centre Clerk, which falls under a different bargaining unit at a higher rate of pay.
On motion, Councillor P. Singh brought the recommendation contained in Report CSD-12-
086 forward for consideration, save and except Paragraph 3, which was replaced with a new
clause directing staff to enable two to three neighbourhood associations, including the
CHRA, to participate in the online program registration project in 2013 without increasing
staff resourcing costs.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic brought forward an amendment to Councillor Singh’s motion, which
was accepted as friendly, removing the set number of neighbourhood associations
participating in 2013 and to further direct staff to report back in September / October 2012
with options to potentially accelerate the timeframe for other interested neighbourhood
associations as well as minimizing implementation costs.
Councillor Vrbanovic requested that additional information be provided regarding the 9000
Series job descriptions not permitting the use of a computer. He noted that this information
may need to be provided at an in-camera meeting of Council, as it deals with a labour
relations matter.
Carried Unanimously
The following motion was on a recorded vote by all members present.
Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor F. Etherington were not in attendance this date.
On motion by Councillor P. Singh -
it was resolved:
“That subject to Council’s 2013 Operating budget deliberations, the online
neighbourhood association program registration project be approved and its status
amended from pilot to on-going, as outlined in Community Services Department report
CSD-12-086; and,
That the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Community Services be
authorized to develop a memorandum of understanding with participating
neighbourhood associations, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; and,
That staff be directed to expand the number of neighbourhood associations
participating in the online program registration project in 2013, inclusive of, but not
limited to the Country Hills Recreation Association, while not incurring additional staff
resourcing costs and report back in September / October 2012 with options to
potentially accelerate the timeframe for other interested neighbourhood associations
as well as minimizing implementation costs; and further,
That in subsequent years, the Deputy CAO of Community Services be authorized to
execute amendments to the memorandum of understanding, including additions to
participating neighbourhood associations, pending operating budget approval and
subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.”
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
JUNE 18, 2012 - 62 - CITY OF KITCHENER
CSD-12-083 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC12/13/K/ATP
2.
- 504 KRUG STREET
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-083, dated May
28, 2012 recommending approval of Demolition Control Application DC12/13/K/ATP for the
property municipally known as 504 Krug Street, subject to conditions.
In response to questions, Ms. D. Ross confirmed that the proposed demolition and
redevelopment is required in order to remediate an existing soil contamination issue. She
noted that the existing dwelling needs to be removed to facilitate the site clean-up.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis -
it was resolved:
“That Demolition Control Application DC12/13/K/ATP requesting permission to
demolish one (1) single detached dwelling located at 504 Krug St, owned by Ana
DaSilva, be approved with the following condition:
That the Chief Building Official may authorize and issue a demolition permit under
Section 33(6) of the Planning Act subject to the following condition:
In the event that construction of the new dwelling unit is not substantially complete
within two years from the day demolition of the existing residential property is
commenced, the Clerk may enter on the collector’s roll, to be collected in like
manner as municipal taxes, $20,000. for each dwelling unit contained in the
residential properties in respect of which the demolition permit is issued and such
sum shall, until the payment thereof, be a lien or charge upon the land in respect of
which the permit to demolish the residential property is issued.”
INS-12-050 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - MOUNT HOPE STREET
3.
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-050, dated
June 6, 2012 recommending the removal of the existing January 1 - March 31 parking
prohibition on Mount Hope Street.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis -
it was resolved:
“That the Uniform Traffic By-law, be amended to remove the existing January 1 -
March 31 parking prohibition on Mount Hope Street between York Street and Eden
Avenue, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-050.”
INS-12-051 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - THE COUNTRY WAY
4.
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-051, dated
June 6, 2012 recommending a parking prohibition for a portion of The Country Way.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis -
it was resolved:
“That the Uniform Traffic By-law, be amended to prohibit parking at any time on the
inner curve (odd house number side) of The Country Way from a point 125 metres
west of Old Country Drive to a point 41 metres west thereof, as outlined in
Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-051.”
INS-12-048 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - FALLOWFIELD DRIVE
5.
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-048, dated
June 5, 2012 recommending a parking prohibition for the north side of Fallowfield Drive.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis -
it was resolved:
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
JUNE 18, 2012 - 63 - CITY OF KITCHENER
INS-12-048 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - FALLOWFIELD DRIVE (CONT’D)
5.
“That the Uniform Traffic By-law, be amended to prohibit parking at any time on the
north side of Fallowfield Drive from Block Line Road to a point sixty (60) metres west
of Britton Place, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-048.”
CSD-12-102 - NOISE EXEMPTION - 552 HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD
6.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-102, dated June
12, 2012 recommending a noise exemption for an event being held on August 11, 2012 at
552 Hidden Valley Road.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis -
it was resolved:
“That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be
granted to Michael Saunders for a fundraising event to be held at 552 Hidden Valley
Road on Saturday August 11, 2012, between the hours of 2:00 PM and 10:00 PM.”
INS-12-052 - HEAVY TRUCK DETOURING DURING COURTLAND AVENUE
7.
RECONSTRUCTION
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-052, dated
June 6, 2012 recommending a temporary heavy truck detouring route due to the
reconstruction of Courtland Avenue.
In response to questions, Mr. J. McBride advised that all of the streets proposed for the
detour currently permit heavy truck traffic from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. He stated to
adequately service local businesses and accommodate through traffic, 24 hour heavy truck
access is required for this area. He agreed to circulate to the Committee copies of any
complaints received from area residents pertaining to the heavy truck detour.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis -
it was resolved:
“That the following roadways be designated on a temporary basis as twenty-four (24)
hour heavy truck routes from July 3 through to August 10, 2012:
Homer Watson Boulevard from Ottawa Street to Hoffman Street;
Hoffman Street from Homer Watson Boulevard to Highland Road;
Highland Road from Hoffman Street to Stirling Avenue; and,
Stirling Avenue from Highland Road to Courtland Avenue.”
CSD-12-087 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC12/12/C/MV
8.
- 122 AND 126 COURTLAND AVENUE EAST
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-087, dated May
28, 2012 recommending approval of Demolition Control Application DC12/12/C/MV for the
properties municipally known as 122 and 126 Courtland Avenue East, subject to conditions.
Ms. Sally Gunz and Mr. John Bergen were in attendance with respect to the proposed
demolition control application. Ms. Gunz expressed concern that while she received notice
from the City with respect to this matter, her neighbour, Mr. Bergen did not; even though he
lives closer to the subject properties. She spoke to the previous difficulties this
neighbourhood has had with intensification, noting the subject properties are proposed to be
redeveloped with 27 new residential units. She commented that this area is bookended by
two Heritage Conservation Districts and has an interconnected network of laneways. She
encouraged the City to ensure the redevelopment is designed in such a manner that is
sympathetic to the surrounding neighbourhood.
In response to questions, Ms. D. Ross advised that notices are circulated to everyone who
lives within 60 meters of the subject property and generally sent two weeks prior to the
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
JUNE 18, 2012 - 64 - CITY OF KITCHENER
CSD-12-087 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC12/12/C/MV
8.
- 122 AND 126 COURTLAND AVENUE EAST (CONT’D)
meeting date. She confirmed that Mr. Bergen was on the circulation lists, noting that she
was unsure as to why he did not receive a notice. She indicated that the proposed
redevelopment would need to meet the standards outlined in the City’s Urban Design
Guidelines and agreed to provide information prior to the June 25, 2012 Council meeting
regarding the considerations that are being given to possible heritage components as well as
laneway connectivity.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis -
it was resolved:
“That Demolition Control Application DC12/12/C/MV requesting permission to
demolish a duplex and single detached dwelling located at 122 and 126 Courtland
Avenue East owned by C. Andronikou, be approved with the following condition:
That the Chief Building Official may authorize and issue a demolition permit
under Section 33(6) of the Planning Act subject to the following condition:
In the event that construction of the new dwelling unit is not substantially
complete within 2-years from the day demolition of the existing residential
property is commenced, the Clerk may enter on the collector’s roll, to be
collected in like manner as municipal taxes, $20,000. for each dwelling unit
contained in the residential properties in respect of which the demolition permit
is issued and such sum shall, until the payment thereof, be a lien or charge
upon the land in respect of which the permit to demolish the residential property
is issued.”
CSD-12-085 - KITCHENER-WATERLOO HUMANE SOCIETY CONTRACT
9.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-085, dated June
11, 2012 recommending an agreement with the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society for the
provision of various animal control related services.
Mr. S. Turner reviewed the report, advising that both parties are recommending an initial two
year term for the draft contract. He stated that the goal is for subsequent contracts to have
four year terms. He indicated that a 2% inflationary increase for 2012 and 2.75% in 2013 are
proposed for the new contract.
In response to questions, Mr. Turner advised that the purpose of the proposed contract terms
is to offset the expiry date of future contracts, so as not to coincide with the term of Council.
He stated that this change would mean that a newly elected Council would not be required to
consider such an extensive contract early in their term.
Questions were raised regarding the increases proposed for the new contract. Ms. J.
Sheryer confirmed that once the contract is finalized those increases would become non-
negotiable and estimated that the contract could be finalized over the next couple of weeks.
At the request of Councillor J. Gazzola, Mr. Turner agreed to provide a summary comparing
the 2010 and 2011 revenues and expenses under the previous contract.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
it was resolved:
“That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute agreements, subject to the
satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with the Kitchener-Waterloo and North Waterloo
Humane Society and the Corporation of the City of Waterloo, for the provision of
animal control, pound, dog licensing, and animal by-law enforcement services, as well
as the animal spay-neuter program.”
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
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CSD-12-061 - PROPOSED ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 12/03/COK/BB
10.
- CITY-INITIATED CHANGES TO MINIMUM DISTANCE SEPARATION
REGULATIONS FOR GROUP HOMES AND DEFINITIONS
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-061, dated June
18, 2012 regarding proposed changes to the City’s Zoning By-law with respect to minimum
distance separation regulations and definitions for group homes.
Mr. B. Bateman reviewed the report, advising that the proposed changes are being brought
forward as a result of a human rights applications filed by The Dream Team against the
municipalities of Toronto, Kitchener, Sarnia, and Smiths Falls over zoning regulations
pertaining to group homes. He stated that through mediation with the Ontario Human Rights
Commission, a compromise solution was reached, whereby the City agreed to initiate the
process to amend its Zoning By-law. He added that as part of that agreement, any changes
to the City’s Zoning By-law needs to involve public consultation. Accordingly, staff are
seeking approval to proceed with the proposed changes, which are anticipated to be brought
forward to the September 24, 2012 statutory public meeting.
In response to questions, Mr. S. Ross advised that the City’s Zoning By-law did not
differentiate between the different types of group homes and contained one blanket minimum
distance separation policy. He stated that the intent of the proposed changes is to recognize
the difference between non-correctional and correctional group homes. He indicated that as
part of the mediated agreement, it was established that the 400 metre minimum distance
separation would only apply to correctional group homes. Mr. J. Willmer clarified that no
separation distance would be applied to non-correctional group homes.
Councillor Y. Fernandes expressed concerns that public notification was not required when a
group home was proposed to be located in a residential neighbourhood. She stated that
while she supports inclusiveness, she has previously experienced on-street parking issues
related to group home support staff and questioned how such issues could be addressed.
Ms. D. Ross suggested that where those issues have been identified, changes could be
made to the City’s on-street parking regulations, or through increased enforcement of the
existing Parking By-law.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis -
it was resolved:
“That Community Services Department report CSD-12-061, regarding a City-initiated
Zone Change with respect to the minimum distance separation regulations and
definitions for Group Homes, be received for information; and,
That staff be directed to commence drafting a proposed by-law to amend Group Home
regulations and definitions in accordance with a general agreement of understanding
between the Dream Team, the Human Rights Legal Support Centre and the City of
Kitchener; and further,
That the Statutory Public Meeting to discuss the proposed Zoning By-law
amendments for Group Homes be scheduled for September 24, 2012.”
INS-12-016 - DRAFT TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
11.
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-016, dated
June 7, 2012 recommending the release of the draft Transportation Master Plan (TMP) for
public review. Mr. J. McBride reviewed the report and introduced Mr. Don Drackley, IBI
Group, whose company prepared the draft TMP.
Mr. Drackley presented the draft TMP, advising that Kitchener has adopted a number of
transportation-related master plans. He stated that the purpose of the TMP is to integrate
those transportation policies dealing with parking, traffic calming, cycling, multi-use pathways
and trails, transportation demand management (TDM), strategic street improvements and
urban design to create one single transportation plan. He indicated that the TMP defines and
prioritizes a transportation network that is supportive of all modes of travel, including walking,
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
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INS-12-016 - DRAFT TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN (CONT’D)
11.
cycling and public transit. He added that it also directs how the City should continue to
maintain and improve its street network, while reducing dependence on single occupant
vehicles. He noted that the TMP is intended to work in conjunction with Region of Waterloo
initiatives that support this balance of transportation modes. He pointed out that Kitchener’s
network of local streets is almost able to serve travel needs over the next 20 years, with only
the following major gaps, being:
River Road extension linking River Road at King Street with Bleams Road at Manitou
Drive;
Extension of Strasburg Road south to New Dundee Road; and,
Completion of the Block Line Road extension.
Mr. Drackley advised that travel forecasts for Kitchener show that any continuation of the
current local travel behaviour would have significant impacts on the ability to move about the
City in the future, and would require up to a doubling of infrastructure investment to maintain
the present level of transportation service. He stated that continued auto dependence over
the next 20 years is not sustainable from either a community or financial perspective.
Accordingly, the TMP sets out goals to reduce this auto dependence by 2031.
Questions were raised as to whether the TMP represented a duplication of efforts given the
number of plans the City already has in place concerning transportation. Mr. McBride
advised that the TMP provides the basis for development of the transportation section in the
new Official Plan (OP) to reflect the shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable choice of
travel modes for the public. Mr. Drackley added that the TMP does not overlap with the
City’s TDM, Cycling or Trails Master Plans; rather, it serves to integrate those policies into
one plan, which can serve as a quick reference guide.
At the request of Councillor Y. Fernandes, Mr. McBride agreed to provide further information
on the costs associated with conducting the TDM, Cycling and Trails Master Plans.
In response to further questions, Mr. Drackley advised that the traffic model used for the
City’s TMP was based on the model created by the Region to identify future demand. He
stated that with respect to public transit, it is all predicated on use. He commented that if
additional resources were applied toward transit instead of addressing the identified network
gaps, this could possibly serve to delay the need for more roads. He noted that all three of
the aforementioned road network gap projects are already recommended in the Regional
TMP. He stated that a network gap was identified in Southwest Kitchener due to the
increased traffic demand associated with planned growth in that part of the City. He added
that regardless of alignment, the extension of Strasburg Road south to New Dundee Road is
needed to address those forecasted deficiencies.
Clarification was requested regarding the public consultation planned for the TMP. Mr.
McBride advised that the draft TMP is intended to be released for public input, which will
include circulation to the City’s various advisory committees. He added that a second Public
Information Session is scheduled to be held in September 2012, with the results being
incorporated into the final report; which is anticipated to be brought forward for the
Committee’s consideration in the fall of 2012.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic inquired as to the inclusion of the policies regarding the clearing of
snow from City sidewalks. Mr. Drackley advised that those were based upon the best
practices implemented by other municipalities to identify, prevent and remove barriers to
accessibility. He commented that if people are not able to walk to a bus stop due to the snow
accumulated on the sidewalk, then this discourages the use of public transportation. He
agreed to provide a list of those municipalities that have sidewalk snow removal programs.
Councillor Fernandes expressed concern with including references to the River Road
extension as well as the Strasburg Road extension prior to a final determination being made
on those two matters. She suggested that it might be preferable to delay consideration of the
finalized TMP to the winter of 2013 to allow time for those issues to be resolved.
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
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INS-12-016 - DRAFT TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN (CONT’D)
11.
Mr. McBride commented that the TMP identified a need for a corridor between Huron Road
and New Dundee Road. He stated that even if the Strasburg Road extension was not build,
this would not eliminate the need for a north/south link on that side of the City. He advised
that the reason for the proposed timing was to allow for the incorporation of the TMP policies
into the new OP. Mr. A. Pinard confirmed that the second draft of the City’s new OP is
anticipated to be brought forward in the fall of 2012, with the final version to come forward in
the winter of 2013. He acknowledged that while the final version of the new OP could be
adjusted to incorporate the TMP’s transportation policies, that draft was not intended to
receive the same degree of public consultation as compared to the earlier versions. He
noted that the first opportunity the community would have to review the incorporated
transportation policies, would be when staff were intending to seek final approval of the new
OP.
On motion, Councillor Y. Fernandes brought the recommendation contained in Report INS-
12-016 forward for consideration, with an amendment to the second paragraph directing staff
to report back with the findings of the public consultation and seek final approval of the TMP
in the winter of 2013.
Carried
The following motion was voted on and on a recorded vote, with Councillors D.
Glenn-Graham, Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway, S. Davey, J. Gazzola, B. Vrbanovic
and P. Singh voting in favour; and, Councillor B. Ioannidis voting in opposition. Mayor C.
Zehr and Councillor F. Etherington were not in attendance this date.
On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes -
it was resolved:
“That the Draft Transportation Master Plan prepared by IBI Group, dated May 2012,
be received and released to the public for review and to provide comments and input
to the City; and further,
That staff be directed to report back to a future Community and Infrastructure Services
Committee meeting in the winter of 2013 on the results of the public consultation and
to seek final approval of the Transportation Master Plan.”
INS-12-042 - BLOCK LINE ROAD TRAFFIC OPERATIONS ANALYSIS
12.
- HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD TO WESTMOUNT ROAD
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-042, dated
June 6, 2012 recommending approval of the Block Line Road Traffic Operations Analysis.
Mr. J. McBride reviewed the report and introduced Mr. Stephen Keen, HRD, whose company
prepared the Traffic Operations Analysis.
Mr. Keen presented the Traffic Operations Analysis for Block Line Road, advising that the
primary objective was to identify infrastructure needs, given the anticipated growth related to
the extension of Block Line Road to Courtland Avenue as well as increased development
within the southwest area of the City. He indicated that Block Line Road is identified as a
core cycling facility within the Cycling Master Plan and the inclusion of cycling facilities were
required to maintain the integrity of the City’s cycling infrastructure. He then reviewed the
measures that will be implemented to address the identified deficiencies in the existing road
corridor.
In response to questions, Mr. Keen provided an overview of the various locations where
traffic lights and new cycling facilities are proposed to be installed along Block Line Road.
He advised that traffic volumes were provided by the Region of Waterloo and indicated that
Block Line Road has a total daily volume of 11,000 vehicles. It was estimated that once the
Block Line Road extension from Lennox Lewis Way to Courtland Avenue was completed, the
total daily volume would grow to 15,000 vehicles. He noted projections have shown that the
additional volume decreases significantly as of Strasburg Road, which is why it is being
recommended that the four lanes do not need to continue beyond that point.
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
JUNE 18, 2012 - 68 - CITY OF KITCHENER
INS-12-042 - BLOCK LINE ROAD TRAFFIC OPERATIONS ANALYSIS
12.
- HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD TO WESTMOUNT ROAD (CONT’D)
Mr. D. Chapman confirmed that the Development Charge (DC) Reserve Fund ended the year
better than was projected during the 2012 budget process; and, accordingly a portion of this
project is intended to be funded through DCs. He noted that funding the improvements to
Block Line Road would not impact any other previously approved projects that are also
funded through DCs. Mr. J. Willmer added that the general principle is that if eligible a
project should be funded through DCs, rather than impacting the tax base.
On motion by Councillor P. Singh -
it was resolved:
“That the Block Line Road Traffic Operations Analysis (Homer Watson Boulevard to
Westmount Road) prepared by HDR Corporation, dated May, 2012, be approved; and
further,
That the necessary funding to implement the reconstruction be allocated from the
Road Resurfacing program, the Cycling Master Plan program and the Development
Charge Fund as outlined in the Financial Implications section of Infrastructure
Services Department report INS-12-042.”
CSD-12-097 - LEISURE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN (LMFP) UPDATE
13.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-097, dated June
7, 2012 regarding the status of the remaining recommendations in the Leisure Facilities
Master Plan (LMFP).
Councillor Y. Fernandes suggested that the frequency with which the LMFP is updated
should be increased to at least once per term of Council.
Councillor K. Galloway commented that while the City has master plans in place, such as the
LFMP, it is not able to implement a number of the recommended actions. She expressed
concerns that growing areas of the City are under serviced in terms of recreational and
leisure facilities. She commended staff on the work that has been completed over the past
seven years to implement the LFMP.
INS-12-049 - HOWARD ROBERTSON SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD SERVICES
14.
The Committee was in receipt of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-12-049,
dated May 30, 2012 regarding a review of the adult crossing guard location for Howard
Robertson Public School and the relocation of the crossing guard to the signalized
intersection of Morgan Avenue at Fairway Road.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic expressed concerns as to whether all traffic safety issues were taken
into consideration with respect to the crossing guard location servicing Howard Robertson
Public School.
ADJOURNMENT
15.
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
C. Goodeve
Committee Administrator