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HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-14-085 - Huron Templewood IPS REPORT TO: Council DATE OF MEETING: September 15, 2014 SUBMITTED BY: Justin Readman, Director of Transportation Services, (519) 741-2200 x 7038 PREPARED BY: Barry Cronkite, Transportation Planning Project Manager (519) 741-2200 x 7738 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward (4) DATE OF REPORT: August 14, 2014 REPORT NO.: INS-14-085 SUBJECT: Intersection Pedestrian Signal (IPS) at Huron Road and Templewood Drive ___________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for the installation and operation of intersection pedestrian signals at the intersection of Huron Road and Templewood Drive; and further, That the agreement be satisfactory to the City Solicitor. BACKGROUND: Huron Heights Secondary School was constructed in 2007/08,with a catchment area that is intended to cover most of Southwest Kitchener, inclusive of lands east of Huron Road referred to as the “Boehnke” subdivision . As a condition of the development agreements for both the Boehnke subdivision and Huron Heights Secondary School, it was agreed by all parties that an intersection pedestrian signal (IPS) would be installed at the intersection of Huron Road/Templewood Drive at the time that Templewood Drive was extended. The location of this IPS directly connects the trail provided on the school property to the intersection of Huron Road and Templewood Drive and will also increase the overall general walkability of the surrounding neighbourhoods. REPORT: Through approval of report number INS-13-065 - “Huron Road/Strasburg Road Roundabout – Updated Operational Review,” Committee and Council agreed to the installation of an IPS to provide students accessing the school from the area east of Huron Heights Secondary School with a safe controlled crossing of Huron Road. 3. - 1 Because the Region of Waterloo owns, operates and maintains all signals within the City of Kitchener, City staff liaised with Regional staff to facilitate the design and installation of the IPS as approved by Council. However, because the intersection of Huron Road and Templewood Drive does not meet minimum warrant criteria for installation, the City of Kitchener must agree to pay for and enter into an agreement (attached) with the Region of Waterloo for the maintenance of the signal at the City of Kitchener’s cost. The initial capital cost was included and is accounted for as part of the overall Huron Road Widening works. The cost of installing the Intersection Pedestrian Signal on Huron Road at Templewood Drive is estimated to be approximately $60,000. The IPS warrant will be reviewed annually by City staff and once warrants are met, the Region with then reimburse the City of Kitchener, on a pro-rated basis, the initial capital cost of installation. The Region will also require an annual maintenance fee of approximately $1500. This is typical protocol for unwarranted signalized intersections that have been installed under the direction of The City of Kitchener. Once warrants are met the maintenance fees will no longer be required. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The provision of an IPS at the intersection of Huron Road and Templewood Drive, as outlined in this report, aligns with the City of Kitchener’s Strategic Plan as follows: Quality of Life: Promoting and encouraging safe pedestrian activity can reduce vehicle trips and result in improved air quality. Development: The Strategic Plan specifically mentions supporting transportation alternatives and developing communities that are safe and connected. The provision of this IPS links an entire neighbourhood with Huron Heights Secondary School, and promotes greater overall walkability and sustainability. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: It is anticipated that the cost of installing the Intersection Pedestrian Signal on Huron Road at Templewood Drive will be approximately $60,000 and will be taken from the Huron Road Widening Project. This amount will be reimbursed, on a pro-rated basis, by the Region of Waterloo upon warrant of the IPS. A non-refundable annual maintenance fee of approximately $1500 will also be charged to the City, and is incorporated into the Transportation Services annual maintenance budget. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM – This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting. CONSULT – The installation of the IPS has been agreed upon by the Waterloo Region District School Board as a safe crossing for school use. COLLABORATE – The City, the Region of Waterloo and the WRDSB have collaborated on the intersection signal design to ensure design meets appropriate requirements. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Pauline Houston, Deputy CAO of Infrastructure Services 3. - 2