HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-08-10 COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
AUGUST 10, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 3:01 p.m.
Present: Councillor B. loannidis-Chair
Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, K.
Gal loway-Sealock, J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki, S. Marsh and P. Singh.
Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer
D. Tyagi, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services
S. Turner,Acting, Deputy CAO, Community Services
A. Pinard, Director, Planning
K. Carmichael, Manager, Transportation Planning
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
1. CSD-15-065 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST-423 LAWRENCE AVENUE
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-065, dated July
27, 2015 recommending approval of a noise exemption for an event being held at 423
Lawrence Avenue on August 29, 2015.
On motion by Mayor B.Vrbanovic-
it was resolved:
"That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be
granted to Sherry Landry, for a special event to be held at 423 Lawrence Avenue,
between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., on August 29, 2015, as outlined in
Community Services Department report CSD-15-065."
2. CSD-15-066 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST-OKTOBERFEST EVENTS
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-066, dated July
27, 2015 recommending approval of a noise exemption for Oktoberfest events being held at
various clubs from October 2 to October 17, 2015.
On motion by Mayor B.Vrbanovic-
it was resolved:
"That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be
granted to Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Inc., for a series of events being held at
various clubs, for the period from October 2, 2015 to October 17, 2015, as outlined in
the letter from K-W Oktoberfest Inc., dated May 15, 2015, as attached to Community
Services Department report CSD-15-066."
3. CSD-15-067 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST- KITCHENER PORTUGUESE CLUB
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-067, dated July
27, 2015 recommending approval of a noise exemption for an event being held at the
Kitchener Portuguese Club on September 5 and September 6, 2015.
On motion by Mayor B.Vrbanovic-
it was resolved:
"That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be
granted to the Kitchener Portuguese Club, for their annual Lady of Fatima Festival to be
held at 1548 Fischer Hallman Road, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., on
Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 2015, as outlined in Community
Services Department report CSD-15-067."
4. INS-15-059 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS -WOODFIELD COURT
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-059, dated July
15, 2015 recommending approval of several stopping prohibitions on Woodfield Court.
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
AUGUST 10. 2015 -34- CITY OF KITCHENER
4. INS-15-059 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS -WOODFIELD COURT(CONT'D)
On motion by Mayor B.Vrbanovic-
it was resolved:
"That stopping be prohibited at any time on both sides of Woodfield Court from
Woodfield Street to a point 15 metres west thereof; and,
That stopping be prohibited 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday
to Friday, September 1 to June 30 on the south side Woodfield Court from a point 15
metres west of Woodfield Street to a point 105 metres west thereof; and,
That stopping be prohibited on the traffic island on Woodfield Court; and,
That stopping be prohibited on Woodfield Street from Woodfield Court to a point 15
metres west thereof; and,
That stopping be prohibited on Woodfield Street from Woodfield Court to a point 15
metres east thereof; and further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly, as outlined in Infrastructure
Services Department report INS-15-059."
5. INS-15-060 - ADULT CROSSING GUARD FACILITY CHANGES FOR THE 2015-2016
SCHOOL YEAR
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-060, dated July
8, 2015 recommending changes to an adult crossing guard facility for the 2015/16 school year.
In response to questions, Mr. K. Carmichael agreed to follow-up on the possibility of adding
crossing guards to the intersection of Doon Village Road and Doon South Drive.
On motion by Mayor B.Vrbanovic-
it was resolved:
"That the second Adult Crossing Guard located at the Crossing Guard Facility on
Fairway Road at Pebblecreek Drive be relocated to the School Crossing on Huron
Road at Featherstone Street/Cranshaw Street, as outlined in Infrastructure Services
Department report INS-15-060."
6. INS-15-063 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS -DUNBAR ROAD
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-063, dated June
22, 2015 recommending approval of a stopping prohibition from Monday to Friday, September
1st to June 30th on the north side of Dunbar Road.
On motion by Mayor B.Vrbanovic-
it was resolved:
"That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibit stopping from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30
a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, September 1 to June 30 on the
north (even-numbered) side of Dunbar Road from Claremont Avenue to Glasgow
Street, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-063."
7. INS-15-064 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS
- HIGHVIEW DRIVE AND YELLOW BIRCH DRIVE
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-064, dated June
23, 2015 recommending approval of several parking prohibitions on Highview Drive and Yellow
Birch Drive.
On motion by Mayor B.Vrbanovic-
it was resolved:
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
AUGUST 10. 2015 -35- CITY OF KITCHENER
7. INS-15-064 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS
- HIGHVIEW DRIVE AND YELLOW BIRCH DRIVE (CONT'D)
"That parking be prohibited at any time on the north side of Highview Drive from a point
184 metres west of Driftwood Drive to a point 34 metres west thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited at any time on the south side of Highview Drive from the
east leg of Hickory Hollow Crescent to a point 54 metres east thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited at any time on the north side of Highview Drive from
Havenwood Court to a point 32 metres west thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited at any time on the south side of Highview Drive from Golden
Meadow Drive to a point 39 metres west thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited at any time on the north side of Yellow Birch Drive from
Cedar Crest Street to a point 131 metres east thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited at any time on the south side of Yellow Birch Drive from a
point 148 metres west of Driftwood Drive to a point 36 metres west thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited at any time on the north side of Yellow Birch Drive from 38
metres east of Golden Meadow Drive to a point 11 metres east of the west leg of
Hoddle Crescent; and,
That parking be prohibited at any time on the south side of Yellow Birch Drive from a
point 87 metres west of the west leg of Fran Ellen Crescent to Hoddle Crescent; and
further,
That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly, as outlined in Infrastructure
Services Department report INS-15-064."
8. CSD-15-060 -LIMITING DISTANCE AGREEMENT-917 OLD COTTAGE COURT
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-060, dated July
16, 2015 recommending the execution of a limiting distance agreement with the owner of 917
Old Cottage Court to permit the construction of a single detached dwelling.
On motion by Mayor B.Vrbanovic-
it was resolved:
"That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a limiting distance agreement,
subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with the registered owner(s) of Lot 6,
Registered Plan 58M-513, municipally addressed as 917 Old Cottage Court, pursuant
to Section 9.10.15.2.(4) of the Building Code; said agreement to permit a single
detached dwelling with the limiting distance for the construction of the exposing building
face being measured to a point beyond the property line on the adjacent property,
Block 11 Registered Plan 58M-513, as outlined in Community Services Department
report CSD-15-060."
Councillors S. Marsh and K. Galloway-Sealock entered the meeting at this time.
9. CSD-15-071 - INITIATE REVIEW AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
- REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE KEEPING OF CHICKENS
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-071, dated July
27, 2015 recommending the initiation of a review of the regulations related to the keeping or
harbouring of fowl in non-agricultural areas of the City.
Councillor F. Etherington entered the meeting at this time.
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
AUGUST 10. 2015 -36- CITY OF KITCHENER
9. CSD-15-071 - INITIATE REVIEW AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
- REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE KEEPING OF CHICKENS (CONT'D)
Mr. Greg Michalenko, Waterloo Region Food System Round Table, addressed the Committee
in support of reviewing the City's regulations regarding the keeping of chickens. He suggested
the review should be expanded to incorporate the keeping of both bees and rabbits.
In response to questions, Mr. S. Turner estimated that between his office and the Kitchener-
Waterloo Humane Society, who also respond to animal control complaints, there are currently
five open files related to the keeping of chickens. He confirmed that enforcement activity
related to the keeping of chickens has been suspended related to any existing complaints. He
noted subject to Council's direction, this is proposed to remain in place until the review has
been completed.
Several members made suggestions regarding matters they would like to see incorporated as
part of the proposed review, being:
• Having the responsible pet owner strategy brought forward for consideration prior
to the subject review;
• Clear direction regarding the ethical and responsible treatment of the subject
animals;
• Proposed solution should ideally be revenue neutral;
• Inclusion of punitive fines for anyone found to be in contravention of the
proposed regulations;
• Information outlining how the City previously dealt with the keeping of pigeons.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic brought the recommendation contained in Report CSD-15-071 forward for
consideration, with an additional clause to authorize the continued suspension of the active
enforcement of the relevant sections of Municipal Code Chapter 408 (Animals - Regulations)
until the subject review has been completed and any recommendations are considered by
Council.
On motion by Mayor B.Vrbanovic-
it was resolved:
"That staff be directed to review the regulations pertaining to the keeping or harbouring
of fowl in non-agricultural areas of the City, as outlined in Community Services
Department report CSD-15-071; and further,
That staff be authorized to continue to suspend the active enforcement of the relevant
sections of Municipal Code Chapter 480 (Animals - Regulations) until the subject
review and any recommendations are considered by Council."
10. INS-15-061 - WESTHEIGHTS DRIVE -TRAFFIC CALMING REVIEW
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-15-061, dated July
30, 2015 recommending the installation of various traffic calming measures on Westheights
Drive. Mr. K. Carmichael reviewed the report and responded to questions from the Committee.
Ms. Kathleen Pegelo addressed the Committee in opposition to the traffic calming measures
proposed to be installed on Westheights Drive. She expressed concern regarding the public
engagement process, suggesting the community survey should have been conducted by an
impartial third party. She spoke against the removal of the on-street parking spaces to
facilitate the installation of cycling lanes. She estimated that if additional funding was
dedicated to maintaining the Sandrock Greenway path running parallel to Westheights Drive,
the proposed cycling lanes would not be necessary.
Ms. Christine Wiratunga addressed the Committee in opposition to the traffic calming
measures, suggesting that reducing Westheights Drive to two-lanes could result in more traffic
accidents. She stated that while staff undertook door-to-door canvasing, it would have been
preferential to have a final written survey circulated to residents. She indicated that during the
consultation process, she received the impression that the cycling lanes were going to be
included as a part of this project regardless of the responses received from the community.
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
AUGUST 10. 2015 -37 - CITY OF KITCHENER
10. INS-15-061 - WESTHEIGHTS DRIVE -TRAFFIC CALMING REVIEW (CONT'D)
Mr. Stuart Chandler advised that while he typically supports the installation of cycling
infrastructure throughout the City, he does not believe it is warranted on Westheights Drive. He
echoed the concerns of Ms. Wiratunga regarding the inclusion of the cycling lanes as a part of
the project as well as the consultation process. He stated as he viewed the cycling lanes as
being inevitable, he submitted written comments supporting their installation. He clarified that
he is actually opposed to the project. He estimated the proposed pedestrian refuge island may
have been useful if the road was to remain at four lanes and questioned if it was necessary
given the proposed lane reduction.
Responding to questions, Mr. Chandler expressed concerns regarding the proposed reduction
in on-street parking, adding he would have liked to see a pedestrian cross-walk installed where
the community trail crosses Westheights Drive. Additional concerns were expressed regarding
the pedestrian island proposed at Autumn Hill Crescent, suggesting that it may cause
problems for the City's snowplows.
Mr. Peter Dedes, Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee, spoke in support of the
recommendations contained in Report INS-15-061. He stated the cycling infrastructure
proposed for Westheights Drive is not just for the neighbourhood, but for the benefit of all of
the City's residents. He confirmed seeing numerous cyclists utilizing Westheights Drive.
In response to questions, Mr. Carmichael advised that Westheights Drive is part of the priority
network of the Cycling Master Plan. He spoke to the complexity of implementing traffic calming
measures while incorporating the changes prescribed for Westheights Drive in the Cycling
Master Plan. He stated that unfortunately, the recommendations contained in the Cycling
Master Plan may have given the impression that limited flexibility existed with respect to the
installation of the cycling infrastructure. He confirmed that during the public consultation both
Ms. Pegelo and Ms. Wiratunga were noted as being in objection to the proposed traffic calming
measures, while Mr. Chandler was identified as being in support as a result of his written
submission. Mr. Carmichael indicated that staff originally had the pedestrian island located at
the opposite end of Autumn Hill Crescent, but following further examination it was shortened to
the smallest distance possible and moved to its current location. He agreed to provide
additional information on the following matters prior to the August 24, 2015 Council meeting:
• Confirm when maintenance of the Sandrock Greenway path has been scheduled
by Community Services staff;
• Examine the ability of residents to egress the driveways located adjacent the
McGarry intersection;
• Collision and speed reduction statistics related to lane reductions implemented
elsewhere in the City;
• Possibility of adding a right turn lane northbound on Westheights Drive leading
onto McGarry Drive;
• Review the possibility of moving the pedestrian island at Autumn Hill Crescent.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock-
it was resolved:
"That pedestrian refuge islands be constructed and designated at:
• Westheights Drive's western intersection with Blackwell Drive;
• Westheights Drive's northern intersection with Autumn Hill Crescent; and,
That an intersection narrowing be constructed at Westheights Drive's eastern
intersection with Driftwood Drive; and,
That Westheights Drive's four-lane cross-section be reconfigured to the following:
• A 1.9 metre bike lane;
• A 0.5 metre buffer;
• Two (2)3.3 metre travel lanes;
• A 0.5 metre buffer;
• A 1.5 metre bike lane;
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
AUGUST 10. 2015 -38 - CITY OF KITCHENER
10. INS-15-061 - WESTHEIGHTS DRIVE -TRAFFIC CALMING REVIEW (CONT'D)
• A 1.0 metre buffer;
• A 2.6 metre parking lane; and,
That on-street parking areas be defined through on-road pavement markings; and
further,
That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly, as outlined in Infrastructure
Services Department report INS-15-061."
11. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 4:44 p.m.
C. Goodeve
Committee Administrator