Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-12 KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th May 12, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:08 p.m. Present: Ms. M. Generoux, Ms. G. Mitchell, Ms. H. Wahib, Ms. V. Van Cappellen, Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. D. Chapman, Messrs. M. Boos (Vice- Chair), T. Boutilier, L. Chandler, P. Dedes (Chair), D. Hoshowsky, G. Keyworth, and D. Kropf. Staff: Mr. D. Pimentel, Mr. M. Parris, and Mr. D. Feng. Regrets: Mr. J. Sanderson, Ms. S. Taka 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF APRIL 14, 2015 th That the minutes of the April 14, 2015 meeting be approved. Motion by: Mr. D. Kropf. It was corrected and carried Rothsay Ave, and Kolb Greenway trail construction and storm water management mi 2. WALKWAY PROPOSAL HANAN WAHIB Ms. H. Wahib presented the Alpine Walkway: connecting the East and West areas of Homer-Watson Blvd. between Block Line and Ottawa St. via formal walkway construction Pedestrian connectionn Alpine Rd. and Homer- Watson Blvd. addresses ATMP recommendations Faces concerns of residential property owners: property acquisition, potential impact on business at 30 Alpine Crt. Mr. Boos asked if it is designed as a pedestrian or multi-use pathway. Ms. Wahib answered that it is a concrete sidewalk, but other uses are not forbidden. Mr. Kropf had concerns about the steep grade posing a challenge to cyclists. Ms. Wahib replied that the engineering feasibility study for the trail addresses the grade issue by lengthening the incline to facilitate bikes and wheelchairs Mr. Dedes ask about the lighting considerations for the walkway. Ms. Wahib answered that there will be pedestrian lights for which features may be found on the preliminary design. Councillor Fernandes asked if it can be marked for multi-use and maneuverability. Ms. Wahib answered that there is very limited space which would allow only a 1.8m width. Councillor Fernandes asked about the timeline. Ms. Wahib replied that the project needs money, and is still in the process of acquiring approval from Council. A minimum of two years is expected. Mr. Hoshowsky asked if it would be maintained in the winter, and if there were a connection with Homer-Watson. Ms. Wahib answered that the City would be responsible for path maintenance, and Homer-Watson would have no connection Mr. Boutilier asked if adjacent property owners were generally in support. Ms. Wahib answered that in general, they do have concerns for littering and KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th May 12, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER trespassing, but a plan will be developed to address concerns, and public consultation will be done Mr. Boos asked about the feedback from the family centre and whether this project satisfies their needs. Ms.Wahib replied that they want a bus stop near their location, but are supportive of the walkway alternative Ms. Chapman asked what is meant by having no formal pedestrian access. Mr. Keyworth described the informal connections people use, such as cutting through a chainlink fence to shorten walking distance. On a motion by Ms. Mitchell It was resolved and carried To support a multi-use pathway between Alpine and Homer-Watson as well as 3. BIKEFEST UPATE Mr. Pimentel discussed BikeFest event logistics, including the 16 vendors and 5 food trucks: Berlin 95, Schmuck Truck, Seoul Ms. Mitchell suggested a friend may help with the bike safety checks Councillor Fernandes sought suggestions for her two bike ride routes Mr. Pimentel will be meeting with the subcommittee to make the layout, and discussed coordination with volunteers Ms. Generoux called for people to volunteer at BikeFest from committee. Ms. Chandler asked when an appropriate time to show up would be. Ms. Generoux allowed flexibility; that a reasonable time would be good Mr. Dedes asked about the creator of event promotional materials. Mr. Pimentel answered it was contracted to Bearface by the City of Kitchener Mr. Dedes suggested there was too much text with the facebook banners: ideally, less than 20% of the banner should be text. Mr. Pimentel will pass it on to Bearface and update it accordingly. Ms. Mitchell suggested creating a schedule for the day of BikeFest Ms. Generoux brought up the two bike rides, clinics where people will be taught safety, maintenance, and flat repair for bikes Mr. Dedes asked if the final schedule may be sent out for promotion. Ms. Generoux replied it is indeed possible. 4. STAFF UPDATE Mr. Parris asked council to fill out survey from Josh Joseph about the Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy Mr. Pimentel discussed the proceedings of the East Avenue public meeting, and general feedback from the owner of the Aud. Mr. Pimentel noted the resignation of Mr. Kevin Young from the Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee Mr. Pimentel discussed the Westheights Drive proposal and public opinions gathered from door-to-door. Mr. Dedes suggested the circulation of the proposal KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th May 12, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER for the next council meeting and to have a delegate announce it to the council on our behalf Councillor Fernandes suggested the proposal be held until the council meeting in September because of the higher likelihood of success. Mr. Pimentel will discuss the timeline with Mr. Justin Readman Mr. Pimentel discussed the Union reconstruction proposal and the negative responses from residents in opposition to sidewalks and bike lanes. Intent is currently to go door to door alike Westheights. Scheduled to go to committee on August 10 Mr. Dedes asked about the details of Balzer Creek Trail initiatives. Mr. Parris replied the public was very receptive of changes Mr. Kropf asked if there are any protocols around Public Information Sessions and how to better communicate with the public. Mr. Pimentel explained current ideas to set up and consider the perceptions of a focus group to revise the material and means of public presentations Councillor Fernandes inquired about having a constant, consistent way of presenting public information sessions, commenting that public information dialogue is generally well done by the Transportation Department of the City of Kitchener. Mr. Pimentel discussed concerns with grand-standing, noting the anger shown by the public and the comparably more shy supporters of projects. Mr. Pimentel noted that Mr. Readman is currently attempting to steer feedback sessions towards drop-in meetings Mr. Boos commented sessions may best be facilitated by third party mediators, whose professional experience may aid in generation valuable discussion. Mr. Boos recognized the fiscal restrictions on such a venture. Mr. Boos asked if the downtown sharrow network will be completed by the date of BikeFest (May 31). Mr. Pimentel replied that it was unlikely. 5. SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES The Planning, Evaluation, and Governance Sub-Committee Mr. Chandler commented on the trail prioritization network, researching and breaking down scores for routes and trail projects to prioritize completion. Mr. Chandler proposed the opportunity for KCTAC member presence at any cycling and trails conferences, offering greater experience for delegates, but concerned for fees associated with attendance. Mr. Pimentel noted his discussion with Mr. Readman about funding for the Demand Management budget cannot be used for this, and clerks say there is no budget to allocate for committees. Mr. Chandler questioned if there was room for KCTAC to track implementation of projects, recommendations occurring. Mr. Chandler imagines having a volunteer position within the committee with the responsibility of keeping up with depth and KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES th May 12, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER awareness of the Master Plan. Councillor Fernandes notes that it is a good suggestion. Mr. Dedes thinks it is a good way to self-audit, and that it may be a good task for the Planning Evaluation and Governance Sub-Committee. Concerns were raised that it is already the task of the whole committee to track project implementation. The Infrastructure and Technical Sub-Committee Mr. Kropf presented a map of significant cycling routes and discussed the apparent convergence of all routes around the Block Line area despite the area itself lacking any cycling infrastructure. It may be a good hub for connecting the routes and time should be spent looking into it. Mr. Kropf was satisfied with the naming of trails, but noted that naming after persons should be avoided for new trails. Mr. Kropf noted that the hydro corridor and access to the downtown from the east side were limited; there is a need for wayfinding improvements. Mr. Kropf mentioned the need to discuss any unfunded projects that may be proposed, such as the TransCanada Trail that has regional connections, via Ion Mr. Boos announced new legislation that will enhance the TransCanada Trail, and that there may be funding opportunities for committee consideration 9. KITCHENER VOLUNTEER SATISFACTION SURVEY KCTAC filled out the Kitchener Volunteer Satisfaction Survey 10. QUESTIONS AND OTHER ITEMS Mr. Dedes described the plan to remove 22 parking spaces from King St. in Waterloo, replacing them with rolled-curb cycling lanes and pedestrian facilities. Mr. Boutilier raised concerns with Kitchener endorsing Waterloo projects. Councillor Fernandes proposed the stance of KCTAC remain in general support of the sister city, Waterloo, and that KCTAC is happy to see a continuous cycling No motion was carried. Mr. Dedes commented on the Janes Walks and Janes Rides where over 40 people were in attendance. Noted that BikeFest should consider having more people to coordinate bike rides due to likelihood of high attendance. Mr. Pimentel noted progress of the joint bike map in the region, led by the City of Kitchener. The project is looking for stakeholders to seek input. Mr. Dedes, Mr. Boutilier, and Mr. Chandler would like to be kept updated on map progress. Mr. Kropf suggested the project adopt sponsorship opportunities as with businesses. 11. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Councillor Fernandes It was resolved and carried he meeting be adjourned at 5:37