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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-09-13 KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES ‾ ‾ th September 13, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:17 p.m. Councillor Y. Fernandes, Present: Ms. K. Fox, Ms. P. Rodriguez, Messrs. C. Branton, M. Boos (Chair), D. Kropf, and D. Hoshowsky. Staff: Mr. D. Pimentel, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager Mr. M. Parris, Landscape Architect Ms. M. Lanoue, Active Transportation Student th 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF JULY 12, 2016 Councillor Fernandes - On a motion by It was resolved and carried: th meeting minutes of the July 12, 2016 2. TRAYNOR/FAIRWAY LRT & PEDESTRIAN CONCERNS Mr. Pimentel provided the committee with a visual of the LRT corridor near Traynor and Fairway. Referencing the map, Mr. Parris noted that the hydro corridor is now an LRT route and will be fenced off from the surrounding commercial and residential areas. The existing informal pedestrian accesses will not be formalized during the construction and the fencing will prevent future pedestrian crossings once the train is in operation. Implementing a formal at grade crossing is not feasible due to pedestrian safety concerns and train operations. Mr. Parris asked the committee for their questions and comments on the area of concern. Mr. Hoshowsky asked if the chain link fence will extend along the entire LRT corridor. Mr. Parris answered that it would be in place where pedestrian conflicts exist. Mr. Boos raised concerns about access to food since the fencing would prevent residents from having a direct pedestrian route to the grocery store and would force them to take a much longer route which may not be feasible on foot. Councillor Fernandes added that such a disconnect raises concerns for the many residents with low socioeconomic status who may be cut off from necessary services and amenities. Mr. Parris noted that there are concerns that residents will continue to cross the corridor by jumping or cutting the fence in order to maintain access. Since an at grade crossing is not feasible, the only way to maintain access would be to build an above or below grade crossing and a pedestrian study would need to be conducted to warrant the construction. Mr. Kropf raised concerns that if a study were to be conducted right now, the results may not be accurate since construction has already affected the area. Mr. Hoshowsky noted that in this case the LRT would encourage auto use by preventing pedestrian access and forcing residents to travel further to reach the commercial area. KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES ‾ ‾ th September 13, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Fernandes suggested that the committee motion to encourage council to consider creating a formal crossing. On a motion by Mr. Kropf - It was resolved and carried: That City and Regional staff collaborate to address informal crossings through the LRT corridor between Traynor Avenue and Fairway Road in order to develop solutions that would maintain pedestrian access between the adjacent residential 3. TRAILS UPDATES Mr. Parris informed the committee that the contractor for the Iron Horse Trail improvement project between Victoria St. and Queen St. will be coming to the next committee meeting to present and receive feedback on signage and conceptual design for the corridor. The Trans Canada Trail conceptual designs will be presented to the next committee in January. Mr. Hoshowsky asked how to report trail issues when he comes across them. Mr. Parris answered that he could contact the call centre and Mr. Pimentel added that he could also email cycling@kitchener.ca. Mr. Kropf noted that at the beginning of the year Mr. Parris had listed trails that would be improved and asked if there were any updates. Mr. Parris noted that the list will be addressed at the November committee meeting. 4. MAYOR & COUNCIL RIDE Mr. Boos noted that the previously agreed upon date for the Mayor and Council ride th was September 28, 2016 and asked the committee if they would be willing to proceed with such short notice. Upon receiving the committees consent to proceed with the date, Mr. Boos asked for suggestions on a location and important talking points. The committee discussed possible locations. Ms. Rodrigues and Councillor Fernandes agreed to work on a route that would cover wards 1 and 2 and generally follow the suggestions below: Start: Lyle Hallman Pool - Heritage - Lorraine - River Dom Cardillo Trail Lackner Finish: Lyle Hallman Pool. Mr. Pimentel said he would contact members of council to gauge the number of th participants if the date were to be on September 28. The deadline for Councillors to rd respond would be Friday September 23, 2016. Councillor Fernandes asked what the minimum response rate would need to be for the ride to proceed. Mr. Kropf voiced that as long as the Councillors KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES ‾ ‾ th September 13, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER from the wards being showcased were present then that should be enough for the ride to continue. 5. BIKEFEST Mr. Pimentel provided the committee with an extensive list of things to do for BikeFest and noted who would be responsible for each item if the committee were to organize the event. Ms. Rodrigues suggested that working groups be formed to tackle each of the items on the list. Ms. Fox asked what items would need to be completed by January 2017. Mr. Pimentel suggested that the committee brainstorm activities and rides for the day. th The committee decided on May 28 as a tentative date for the event and encouraged a continued partnership with Cycle for Angels. On a motion by Ms. Rodrigues - It was resolved and carried: as a 6. NEW TERM INFORMATION Mr. Pimentel asked the committee to brainstorm ideas to keep members engaged and reduce turnover. Mr. Parris noted that little interest has been shown in sub- committees this term and suggested that next term sub-committees be abolished and replaced with working groups that would allow members to work on projects that interest them. Mr. Branton expressed his interest in the working groups Councillor Fernandes suggested having working group meetings built into the monthly schedule to encourage attendance and engagement. Ms. Fox noted that she would like to see an increased focus on trails and walkability since the committee is not meant to be focused solely on cycling. Mr. Kropf shared that he had joined the committee because of his interest in the technical aspects of infrastructure and would like to see the committee review more technical drawings and do site visits for infrastructure projects. He also suggested that the committee be given an overview of the transportation infrastructure to help members familiarize themselves with the City and provide more valuable feedback. KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES ‾ ‾ th September 13, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER Ms. Rodrigues suggested hosting a group bike ride at the start of the term to provide new members with project ideas and context for infrastructure that is discussed at meetings. Mr. Parris agreed that staff could do a better job of explaining key points during member orientation instead of simply handing out documents. Mr. Pimentel suggested a survey might be more helpful for members to communicate how they would like to see the committee improve. The survey will be circulated to members to be completed by the next committee meeting. 7. RAY OF HOPE Mr. Drasdo was not present to speak to this item. 8. QUESTIONS & OTHER ITEMS There were no questions or other items at this time. 9. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Councillor Fernandes - It was resolved and carried: 6:04 p.m That the meeting be adjourned at