HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-14-030 - Kennedy / Palmer Streets Reconstruction - Intro of Sidewalk Staff Rep►�►r
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REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: February 24, 2014
SUBMITTED BY: Steve Allen, P. Eng., Manager Engineering Design and
Approvals
PREPARED BY: Barry Cronkite, Transportation Planning Project Manager
Steve Allen, P. Eng., Manager Engineering Design and
Approvals
WARD(S) INVOLVED: 9
DATE OF REPORT: February 12, 2014
REPORT NO.: INS 14-030
SUBJECT: Kennedy/ Palmer Streets Reconstruction — Introduction of
Sidewalk
RECOMMENDATION:
Information Only
BACKGROUND:
The reconstruction of Kennedy and Palmer Avenues has been a project in the capital forecast
for several years and has been approved by Council through approval of the capital budget.
The project includes the full reconstruction of both streets which generally involves the
replacement of all underground infrastructure (watermains, sanitary sewers and storm sewers),
rebuilding of the road base and pavement structure, and installing new curb and gutter and
sidewalk. The construction is planned for the 2014 construction season.
As part of the project, staff have identified incomplete areas of sidewalk on both Kennedy and
Palmer. Staff have identified that installation of sidewalk in these areas are feasible and
consistent with Council approved plans as well as site specific rationale.
It is anticipated that the tender for construction will be advertised mid April.
REPORT:
As a part of the upcoming reconstruction of Palmer Avenue and Kennedy Avenue, staff have
identified that installation of sidewalk in these areas are feasible and consistent with Council
approved plans as well as site specific rationale. Figure 1 identifies the location of missing
sidewalk.
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Figure 1: Areas of Proposed Sidewalk Infill — Kennedy/Palmer Aves.
Both Kennedy Avenue and Palmer Avenue are classified as Local streets.
The safety of pedestrians has been an identified concern within the City of Kitchener following a
number of decisions over the past decade to move away from an automobile-oriented
transportation network towards a more inclusive "complete streets" design. This approach allows
the City to move towards a more inclusive design that better accommodates all road users
including pedestrians.
The reconstruction of any roadway is an ideal opportunity to make physical changes deemed
necessary to the cross section to enhance safety and sustainability. By adapting change through
reconstruction, disruptions to the neighbourhood can be minimized and financial savings can be
realized. It should be noted that roadways only require a full reconstruction once every 80-100
years, and as a result, opportunities to invoke change in this manner are limited. With this in
mind, the installation of sidewalk on Palmer and Kennedy would best be included within the
overall scope of the reconstruction.
The neighbourhood of Kennedy/Palmer is within 800m of two proposed ION station stops
(Borden/Charles and Mill/Ottawa). Courtland Avenue Public School and Cameron Heights
School are within 800m of the neighbourhood. The new sidewalks will provide pedestrian
linkage with Courtland Avenue and with Kent Avenue as well as to the Iron Horse Trail network
which crosses Palmer Avenue.
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The neighbourhood is directly adjacent to the former Schneiders plant which represents
significant redevelopment potential which has the potential to increase population in the area.
Figures 2 through 4 show the satellite view of the roadway including the areas of new proposed
sidewalk.
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Figure 2: Satellite View— Kennedy Avenue
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Figure 3 Smelt View— Palmer Avenue—South End
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Figure 4: Satellite View— Palmer Avenue—North End
The proposed sidewalk on Palmer and Kennedy is designed to minimize impacts to private
features in the road allowance and impacts to existing trees. The impacts to existing trees on
the project are minor. The City places high value on existing trees and has a long term outlook
for a healthy and abundant tree canopy in urban areas such as the Kennedy/Palmer
neighbourhood.
Five trees on Kennedy are proposed to be removed as a result of the new sidewalk. These
trees are Ohio Buckeye species and the largest of which is approximately 150mm (6 inches) in
diameter. According to City forestry staff the trees which are being removed are
underdeveloped and will not grow to the full height for these species. Replacement of these
trees gives the City the opportunity to plant a species better suited for this environment. No
private trees are being removed as a result of the reconstruction project. After the installation of
the new sidewalk, at least five new trees will be planted in this area.
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The following policies/procedures/guidelines outline the guiding direction and rationale as it relates
to sidewalk infrastructure:
POLICIES/PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES
Development Manual
The City of Kitchener Development Manual, which was approved by Council in 2010, requires
that roadways have sidewalks on both sides of the street, recognizing that dedicated facilities
are required on higher volume roadways for these active modes of transportation, to promote
both safety and sustainability. This Manual also recommends to provide continuous sidewalks
on both sides of roadways to support transit usage and walkable communities.
More specifically, sidewalk infrastructure is a key component of urban design that supports
walking and sustainable communities. Sidewalks are a critical component to safe and walkable
communities, as they separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic and contribute significantly to
creating a pedestrian friendly environment.
Sidewalks are essential for persons with a disability and those with strollers, as well as the
elderly, most of whom would otherwise feel uncomfortable and unsafe walking along the edge of
a roadway, integrated with vehicular traffic.
Pedestrian Charter
The City of Kitchener adopted a Pedestrian Charter in 2005, which encourages and facilitates
walking, supports community health, vitality and safety. The Pedestrian Charter recognizes that
walking increases the use of public transit; decreases car dependence; leads to cleaner air and
supports green tourism, thereby creating an environment that provides opportunities for the
informal social interaction (one of the main attributes of a vibrant, liveable urban community).
While the Pedestrian Charter does not speak to the location of sidewalks specifically, the values
and goals of the charter are intended to make the City of Kitchener as walkable and pedestrian
friendly as possible. The lack of sidewalks on both side of Kennedy and Palmer Avenues
should be considered a barrier to walkability and pedestrian safety.
Kitchener's Transportation Master Plan
The City's Transportation Master Plan, approved by Council in June 2013, is a key tool in
continuing to build a healthy, vibrant and sustainable city, helping to provide direction for the
development of better pedestrian, cycling, transit and roadway infrastructure. Some of the key
objectives of the plan include providing transportation planning direction for enhanced
alternative modes of transportation (walking, cycling, and transit) and developing a city that is
less reliant on cars. The master plan emphasizes the importance of Complete Streets, which
means that streets are designed to accommodate all modes, including walking and cycling.
Eliminating gaps in the sidewalk network and focusing on the creation of new sidewalks and
walkways will create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
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Kitchener's Transportation Demand Management Plan
In an effort to minimize traffic congestion, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, reduce parking demand, and improve public health in the long-term, the City has
developed a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategy, adopted by Council in
February 2011. Transportation demand management is a system used by cities to control traffic
congestion and capacity while maintaining or increasing sustainable mobility. The installation of
new sidewalk is considered a TDM tool that can reduce the proportion of single-occupant trips
thereby enhancing overall mobility and ultimately improving air quality.
It is important to note that TDM programs involve a long-term shift in attitudes towards travel
choices.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act(AODA)
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act was enacted by the provincial government in
2005 and, in part, was created as recognition of the history of discrimination against persons
with disabilities in Ontario. The purpose and guiding principles of the Act is to benefit all
Ontarians by developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards in order to achieve
accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities,
accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises on or before January 1, 2025.
While the AODA does not specifically state that sidewalks are required on both sides of
municipal roadways, it does speak to physical barriers. "Barriers" are defined in the act as
anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society
because of his or her disability.
Choosing to not install sidewalks on both sides of the roadway is in contravention of the intent of
the AODA. The absence of sidewalks on in front of any properties will make the adjacent
homes less accessible and therefore less desirable for persons with mobility issues (parents
with strollers, wheelchairs, elderly, etc.).
The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) is a local Council supported
community group that acts on behalf of persons with disabilities. Accordingly, the mandate of
GRAAC is to:
"Fulfill the purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act for participating municipal Councils in
our community by providing vision and direction towards the removal of barriers.
Work in collaboration with participating scheduled organizations, as part of the promotion and
facilitation of a seamless approach to effective barrier removal across our community."
The provision of sidewalks on both sides Kennedy and Palmer support this mandate.
Other Related Sidewalk Policies/impacts
Transportation Services is currently reviewing all policies related to sidewalks and the infill of
sidewalks within the City of Kitchener as recommended by the Transportation Master Plan.
Ultimately, all of the documents and legislation referenced within this report would suggest that
the primary recommendation of any new policies related to sidewalks in the future should
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recommend that sidewalks be required on both sides of all roadways within the City of Kitchener
where possible.
FUTURE SIDEWALK INFILL CANDIDATES DUE TO RECONSTRUCTION
Many locations of sidewalk infill have been completed in conjunction with road reconstruction
projects. The following is a list of road reconstructions in the capital forecast, scheduled for
construction in the next 3 years, where sections of potential sidewalk infill have been identified.
The need for sidewalk in these areas has not been evaluated. This list is to provide context to
the magnitude of potential infill. The feasibility of each installation will be evaluated during the
detailed design of each location.
Simeon Street Samuel Street Stirling Avenue North
Palmer Avenue Peltz Avenue Maple Avenue
Rosedale Street Union Street Breithaupt Street
Pleasant Avenue Glen Road Duchess Avenue
Cherry Street Dane Street Pandora Avenue
Marina Road Glendale Road Vista Crescent
Guelph Street Brunswick Avenue
Woodland Avenue Russell Street
Staff is concerned that Council's decisions regarding this sidewalk infill will impact the City's
ability to complete sidewalk infill in other areas of the City.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
This initiative falls under the Community Priority of Quality of Life. "Work with partners, including
all orders of government, to create a culture of safety in our community."
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The estimated cost of the sidewalk installation on Kennedy and Palmer (for areas not currently
serviced by sidewalk), is $36,500.00.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
The proposed reconstruction of Kennedy and Palmer has undergone public involvement by way
of public information centres and ongoing communication through mail. Through this
correspondence and meetings, the proposed new sidewalk has been communicated
consistently.
Letter to residents — February, 2013
Letter to residents — November 7, 2013
Public Information Session — November 27, 2013
There are approximately 39 homes within the project limits. The Public Information Session
(PIC) received approximately 10 residents representing 8 homes within and around the
construction limits. Of these 8 homes, 5 are directly adjacent to where new sidewalk is
proposed.
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Comments received from the meeting were consistently negative with respect to the proposed
new sidewalk on Palmer and Kennedy. Reasons cited against the installation of new sidewalk
included, historical lack of sidewalk, safe walking environment, low traffic, existing safe
crossings, and potential loss of driveway space.
CONCLUSION:
The installation of sidewalk on Kennedy and Palmer Avenues where none currently exist is
consistent with several Council endorsed policies and plans, as well as consistent with the spirit
of Provincial legislation and Regional goals. It is also a requirement within the Council approved
Development Manual which stipulates that sidewalks are required on both sides of all roads.
Sidewalks are a benefit to the larger neighbourhood and should not be viewed as an amenity for
the properties directly adjacent to the areas of infill.
The neighbourhood of Kennedy/Palmer is within 800m of two proposed ION station stops
(Borden/Charles, Mill/Ottawa). Courtland Avenue Public School and Cameron Heights School
are within 800m of the neighbourhood. The new sidewalks will provide pedestrian linkage with
Courtland Avenue and with Kent Avenue as well as to the Iron Horse Trail network which
crosses Palmer Avenue.
The installation of this sidewalk is straight forward from a technical perspective, and can be
completed at reasonable cost. The entire length of proposed sidewalk can be installed on City
owned lands and there is no property acquisition required. The proposed location of new
sidewalk will result in minimal impact to private features located within the road allowance.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Pauline Houston, Deputy CAO
Infrastructure Services Department
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Appendix A
Areas of no Sidewalk on Kennedy and Palmer Avenues
Selected Locations
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