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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKCTAC Minutes- 2018-09-11 CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER Cycling Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:10 p.m. Present: Councillor Y. Fernandes, Ms. M. Oveido, Messrs. D. Brotherston, E. Bliefert M. Drasdo, D. Hoshowsky, B. Jenner. Staff: Mr. D. Pimentel, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager Mr. D. Kropf, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager Ms. L. Christensen, Multi-use Pathways & Trails Project Manager Mr. M. Parris, Landscape Architect Mr. J. Barton, Associate Landscape Architect 1. NEW STAFFING INTRODUCTIONS Mr. L. Christensen was introduced as the new Multi-use Pathways & Trails Project Manager with the City of Kitchener in the Design and Development group. She was previously a Construction Project Manager with the Engineering group and is very excited to be building more trails in Kitchener. 2. CYCLE WR PRESENTATION - Emily Slofstra Emily Sloftstra is the chair of CycleWR who are a group of people advocating for cycling in Waterloo Region to be a safe, respected, convenient, and everyday mode of transportation for people of all ages and abilities. CycleWR was founded in January 2018. Emily’s talking points included:  identifying that they are different than an advisory committee as they can advocate in different ways which  some projects currently being worked on include a pledge for municipal candidates to sign; the pledge includes support of a minimum grid as well as funding allocations for improved cycling infrastructure  currently hosting rides with municipal candidates; CycleWR go to each ward with volunteers who then take a candidate on a ride of the area. Have completed 20 rides to date with more to come  starting a campaign similar to a New York campaign, “Humans who Cycle WR”. show moms/kids, averge Joe who have a bike and ride it but not considered a “cyclist”  developing a bike rack campaign; will allow the public to indicate where they feel additional bike parking should be located  creating a guide for bike parking that would be for private developments  City of Waterloo planning a glow ride for Uptown; CycleWR will be doing something bigger after the glow ride CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER  Ms. E. Sloftstra handed out small flyers/postcards with additional information for committee members  noted that the group and programs are all volunteer run and take time complete tasks - indicated that volunteers are always need to help with events and campaigns  contact hello@cyclewr.ca for additional information Ms. Y. Fernandes asked what they see happening in the future; 2- 5 years out? Ms. E. Sloftstra identified support for increased funding will allow for a minimum grid to be implemented within 4 years. Protected infrastructure is the main objective. Ms. Y. Fernandes asked if trails are part of the minimum grid or connecting to trails? Ms. E. Slofstra indicated that as long as the grid includes separated facilities and is not on road, it would be sufficient; crossings at roadways need to be enhanced to encourage riding, not walking, through them. Essentially not requesting painted bike lanes; need a higher standard than painted bike lanes, especially in high speed roads. Ms. Y. Fernandes asked if Blair Rd design is acceptable? Ms. E. Slofstra noted that ideally something is better than nothing and protection is the preferred method. Mr. E. Bliefert asked how does the cycling and trails committee work with their group? Ms. E. Slofstra suggested that both groups are working towards the same goals but that the committee typically hears about things before the public does. Sharing information with eachother, supporting each group by assisting with programs are a couple of ways to work together. Mr. M. Drasdo thanked Ms. E. Slofstra for coming in and sharing some information about the group as well as some campaigns they are working on. Mr. M. Drasdo asked if the pledge for a minimum grid takes into account the City’s Cycling and Trails Master Plan process, and if people are signing the pledge just because of the elections or are those signing actually supporting the idea? Ms. E. Slofstra indicated that the group is shooting for the starts in requesting protected grid but this question needs to be asked and understand what can and cannot be achievable. Ms. E. Slofstra also mentioned that a lot of candidates are not signing the pledge but they are indicating what they support; most do not support the funding request. Additionally it was noted that is also goes the other way in terms of people signing who may not actually support all areas. CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER 3. ONTARIO MUNICIPAL COMMUTER CYCLING (OMCC) PROGRAM Mr. D. Kropf provided an update to projects within the program that are currently being worked on. Mr. D. Kropf noted that the OMCC program has officially been eliminated; the allocated money for 2018 can still be used to complete projects and the money can be utilized until the original deadline of December 2020. Mr.D. Kropf provided a map and overview of the Bedford/Sydney project, which is intended to connect the Iron Horse Trail to the Trans Canada Trail. The map shown provided some context as to what amenities are in the area and how this connection would complete a missing gap in the current network. Mr. D. Kropf provided two options for Sydney Street: Option A - remove the existing sidewalk between Nyberg Street to Bedford Road and replace it with a multi-use trail. Due to some physical constraints, the multi- use trail would be as narrow as 2.4 meters in some places but otherwise would be 3.0 meters wide. The addition of the multi-use trail would result in the loss of two (2) trees, have some potential impacts to ramping at driveways, while having no impact to the roadway itself. Option B - add sharrows to Sydney Street and do not remove the existing sidewalk. This option would have no impact to the roadway or streetscape of Sydney Street. It was noted that even with the removal of on-street parking in this section, on-road bike lanes are not an option as the roadway is too narrow along with the conflicts the bike lanes would have with the existing traffic calming on Sydney Street. Mr. D. Brotherston asked if staff considered a one-sided two-way bike lane in the area of on-street parking. Mr. D. Kropf suggested that staff did not consider this option as it does not fit standard guidelines outlined within OTM Book 18. Mr. D. Brotherston suggested that staff look at implementing roll curbs along the entire stretch rather than curb cuts for driveways. Ms. Y. Fernandes recently biked along these roadways and noted that she is unsure which side the one-sided two-way bike lane would be preferred as getting in and out of them would be challenging. Ms. Y. Fernandes suggested that other than tree impacts, residents may not have too many concerns with a multi-use trail. It was asked if placing the multi-use trail on the other side would have less impacts to the trees? Mr. D. Kropf suggested that no it would not be better as it could result in 10-12 trees being lost, even though there are no hydro poles on that side. Ms. Y. Fernandes further commented that there is not a lot of traffic and it seems like a quiet street. CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. B. Jenner asked what the price difference is between each option and if this money is not spent on this project can it go elsewhere?. Mr. D. Kropf noted that it is a significant price difference. A new multi-use trail would be between $50,000 - $80,000 while sharrows and signs would cost approximately $1,000. Additionally money can be spent on another approved project, if this project does not go ahead. Mr. D. Brotherston commented on the placement of sharrows - middle of the lane or curb-side. Concerns were raised around placing sharrows curb-side and forcing cyclists to swerve around any parked vehicles. Mr. E. Bliefert asked if the multi-use trail would be in asphalt or concrete and would a divider be installed? Mr. D. Kropf said the multi-use trail would be in asphalt and would probably not have a yellow line painted in the middle due to the narrow width in some areas. Mr. E. Bliefert noted that with this trail connecting to the Iron Horse, it should be designed and completed the same way to maintain consistency. The notion of a consistent trail was shared among other committee members Mr. B. Jenner commented that successful multi-use trails are not sidewalks and typically do not have many driveways. Multi-use trails like this have the same problems and concerns as riding on sidewalks, as well as a two-way one sided bike lane. Mr. D. Brotherston noted that on a recent trip to Quebec, he noticed they have trails running along residential streets. Mr. M. Drasdo questioned if this location is the best spot to introduce a one-sided two-way bike lane, as it has never been done elsewhere in the City. Additional discussion occurred around the impact and benefits have to encouraging more cycling. It was noted that sharrows do not make a difference and that signage is much preferred over sharrows. Mr. D. Kropf presented 3 options to the committee for Bedford Road. All options included delineating a 3.0 meter multi-use trail from Sydney Street to Courtland Avenue, along with providing some type of separation (i.e. flex posts, planters) between trail users and vehicles. Each option provides the same multi-use trail with different choices for how the roadway is allocated between on-street parking and vehicle travel. Parking studies conducted indicate a low parking usage (even on Labour Day) and parking space requirements differ between each side of the street. Ms. Y. Fernandes commented that this is the perfect connection to Courtland Avenue and likes the options presented, but raised concerns over drivers opening their door into the bike lanes. A question was asked about if these would be in place all year or just in the summer; concerns of vehicles encroaching into CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER the multi-use trail. Mr. D. Kropf indicated that any physical separation would be removed in the winter to accommodate a regular snow plow to clear the roadway. Otherwise, would need a special piece of equipment to plow the multi-use trail. Mr. E. Bliefert asked if a survey has been completed with the people to see what they prefer? Mr. D. Kropf noted that a public meeting was held in July and approximately 40 people attended; half who lived in the area and half who regularly walk and/or bike in the area. There has been some opposition from people who live in the area and they are concerned about traffic impacts, parking and aesthetics with flex posts. In addition to the public meeting, there is an online survey which closes today, and has seen almost 200 people complete it. There will be a second public meeting on October 4 where staff will propose one option that will be presented to council. Mr. D. Kropf added that wayfinding will be improved in the area and will include The Great Trail markers and directional arrows to points of interest. Mr. D. Brotherston indicated that sharrows are not infrastructure but serve as a wayfinding piece. He also asked if other things have been looked at besides flex posts, such as planters as they may be more aesthetically pleasing. Mr. D. Kropf mentioned that planters and small rubber curbs are being considered. Mr. M. Drasdo inquired about the need and viable option of removing the floex posts each winter. Mr. D. Kropf indicated that the flex posts have a base that gets drilled or lagged into the asphalt and is never removed. In the winter when the flex post is removed, a cover is placed over top the hole and is flush with the pavement. These posts would be similar to the design currently being used as part of the seasonal traffic calming program. It was commented that those traffic claming ones have not seen a winter yet and would be interesting to see how they hold up after winter. Ms. Y. Fernandes asked why we can’t just paint the bike symbol on the road and show bikes where they should be. This does not affect traffic or parking and may be all we need versus sharrows. In addition, bike route signs and share the road signs could be added along the roadway. Mr. E. Bleifert reiterated that the trail should be user friendly and consistent with the rest of the Iron Horse Trail and not add another new element to the trail. Mr. E. Bleifert would rather see the money spent here to allow a consistency and complete a connection in the network. CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER On a motion by Mr. D. Brotherston – It was resolved and carried: “That the committee supports any option on Bedford Road that maintains a 3.0 m trail with buffer/flex posts, allowing residents to choose the lane and parking configurations that work best for them.” On a motion by Mr. E. Bleifert – It was resolved and not carried: “That the committee supports the multi-use trail option along Sydney Street” Mr. D. Kropf provided an update on the River Road stairs project; adding a bicycle ramp (trough) to a pedestrian bridge with stairs at the end of River Road past Victoria Street. Mr. D. Brotherston asked if a traction strip could be placed on it, similar to what they put on the edge of concrete. This would add some traction to the channel when it’s wet. Mr. D. Kropf said it will be something to look into Mr. B. Jenner asked about the height of the rail and if bike handlebars will pose a problem, as well as if the trough will accommodate trailers? Mr. D. Kropf indicated that the trough will have to be set back slightly from the stairs to avoid conflicting with bike handlebars. The trough will more than likely not accommodate trailers as it wont be wide enough and with varying trailer specifications, hard to make then all fit. Mr. D. Kropf displayed some construction pictures of the multi-use trail on Strasburg Road between Bleams Road and Huron Road. Multi-use trail will be placed on both sides - one side will be replacing existing sidewalk and the other side is brand new asphalt. Ms. Y. Fernandes asked if there will be a connection from Huron Road to Strasburg Road. Mr. D. Kropf indicated there would and it is existing at the roundabout. Mr. D. Kropf provided an update to the bike lanes on Stirling Avenue between Mausser Avenue and Highland Road. They will be implemented through construction in 2019. Mr. B. Jenner asked if they would be painted but not separated? Mr. D. Brotherston asked if they will fit through Pleasant Avenue? Mr. D. Kropf replied yes to both questions. 4. URBAN DEISGN MANUAL (UDM) UPDATE Staff apologized to the committee for not providing members with enough time to review information related to the UDM update. Staff forgot to include this item on the agenda. CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER Ms. D. Edwards and Mr. A. Clark, Planning, City of Kitchener did a presentation on the first draft of the Urban Design Manual update and how it relates to cycling and trails:  This manual is typically used in the development review process and reflects the City’s vision and how we plan to grow.  The manual is s set of expectations when reviewing planning documents and it hasn’t been updated in almost 20 years; although some parts were updated in 2010.  Used for planning capital projects.  Sets a standard to how it should be done in regards to urban design.  Broken into 3 parts and the plan is to maintain the same formatting for this update.  Draft part A being considered now, future parts will follow.  Streamline approach to the new manual to ease the use of it with staff and developers.  Enhance the visual aspects of a new document. Part A has 13 sections - tall building guideline approved so far.  Broken into specific areas of city - i.e. City wide, transit hubs etc.  Coordinating this document with a complete streets document as well as with the Cycling and Trails Master Plan update and align them and the vision.  September 2018 consulting with stakeholders including another round of engagement Doors Open Waterloo on September 15th.  October 2018 - turning 1st draft to into final draft and include talking to industry. with an anticipated approval date of Fall 2019.  Full draft is available online and open to receiving comments from the committee.  Please provide comments by the end of the year. Ms. Y. Fernandes asked if significant changes are being made, are there a lot of new items in this version. Ms. D. Edwards indicated that the development industry has reviewed the first draft and know what changes are proposed and do not have any concerns with the changes. Opinions will differ between staff and the industry regarding guideline terminology but overall the vision is shared and seen as important. Ms. M. Oviedo asked if cycling facility standards are included for developers. Ms. D. Edwards identified that bicycle parking dimensions would be included along with strategies around where and when things need to go in place; not just what to include in each proposal. Mr. D. Kropf added that the Cycling and Trails CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER Master Plan will inform what facilities go where. Additionally, the Complete Streets Guidelines (under development) would also enhance the UDM. Complete Streets will be presented to the committee in an upcoming meeting. Mr. B. Jenner commented on building standards related to new roads/sidewalks; often times after construction there is a lip from the roadway to the trail/sidewalk, a temporary piece of asphalt should be added to ease that transition. Mr. D. Brotherston asked where this document fits in relation to road standards, radii and lane widths as well as if other agencies (i.e. Reep) have been contacted. Ms. D. Edwards indicated that Engineering’s Development Manual speaks to specific road design and the UDM will look at ways of connecting the site to the main roadway. Specific design details will not be looked within this section of the UDM. Some agencies have been contacted and other will be notified as the project continues. Mr. M. Drasdo noted that there is a lot of consultation occurring around this but at the end of the day developers choose what they want to do, regardless of guidelines. Can anything be done to add some teeth to this document that will require developers to implement? Mr. A. Clark indicated that this question has been raised by many people and groups and it is up to staff to implement and Council to support this document. Negotiations from staff is key to having these guidelines implemented; staff need to get more specific and ask why things were not evaluated and why they decided not to implement a specific element. Mr. M. Drasdo followed up with asking what happens if a developer does not want to do this, who decided what the payoff is? Can that money taken in be used to improve cycling? Ms. D. Edwards noted that as staff worked through the Comprehensive Review of the Zoning By-Law (CROZBY) and the Official Plan, items such as density bonusing were included for developers. Staff currently doing density bonusing on a case by case basis with each developer. Staff will have to consider where that money is placed in the future. Mr. M. Drasdo noted that it would be great with future developments coming into the downtown core, we consider how to take some of that density bonusing money and apply it to improving cycling infrastructure. Ms. Y. Fernandes mentioned that parkland dedication is required with each development and asked if something could be developed similar to that. Ms. D. Edwards indicated that parkland dedication is different due to the planning act and that it will be up to staff to make sure bonusing connects to cycling infrastructure. CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER 5. COURTLAND AVENUE MULTI-USE TRAIL Mr. M. Parris, Landscape Architect, City of Kitchener, presented a map overview of the plan for the implementation of a new paved trail along Courtland Avenue from Carwood Avenue to Hayward Avenue, as well as the proposed signage included for the project. Mr. M. Parris provided an update as there has been a major change to the design of the trail due to bridge constraints and cost. As details evolved, the cost to build a 3.0 meter trail as a boardwalk under the expressway bridge, far exceeded what was anticipated. This boardwalk under the bridge would have cost upwards of 1.5 million. As a result, staff will implementing a 1.7 - 1.9 meter paved trail between the existing guiderail and bridge columns. While this is not preferred and/or ideal, it is an improvement to what currently exists and is feasible within the existing budget. The ultimate design for this trail has been completed and is available should future funding or grant opportunities become available. The proposed design will be going to th September 24 committee meeting, with construction to start in October and last approximately 6 weeks. Mr. M Drasdo asked what the funding is for and when will signs go up? Mr. M. Parris indicated that the funding of $450,000 is for the whole project including signage and signs will be installed shortly after construction. Mr. B. Jenner noted that graffiti on trails might not be best for on road paint and can be costly to maintain. Mr. B. Jenner asked if the trail is straight through this section, which staff indicated as yes it will be. Ms. Y. Fernandes asked what is currently in place there now, is the trail beside the road and if there is a connection to Hayward Avenue including directional signage? Mr. M. Parris indicated that the current path is simply a worn down footpath and while some areas of the trail are curb side, the trail under the bridge will be between the guiderails (cannot be removed) and bridge columns. It was noted that there is a paved trail on Hayward Avenue but ends before Peter Hallman Ballyard and signage presented will be used to direct users to specific points of interest. Mr. D. Brotherston supports this compromise and is happy with the long term plan. It was asked if winter maintenance has been considered for this trail? Mr. M. Parris indicated that snow clearing will be considered and added to a route. Mr. D. Brotherston added that the signage presented seems to present the information trail users need and asked how much better can it get? Additionally, uniformity is not essential as signs are different everywhere, including road signs. Mr. M. Parris indicated that signs will be up and staff are seeking feedback from users on the signs, so improvements can be made to future signage. The signage for this project will be the same colour as the Great Trail branding. CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. E. Bleifert suggested that reflectors could be added to the coloumns to make them more visible to trail users as well as asked of signage indicating who can use the path will be present? Mr. M. Parris noted that shared pathway signs will be installed along the trail. 6. WESTMOUNT ROAD UNDERPASS Due to time constraints, this item was deferred to next committee meeting. 7. WORKSHOPS ON WHEELS / CYCLING AND TRAIL MASTER PLAN UPDATE Due to time constraints, this item was deferred to next committee meeting. 8. 2018 BIKE MAP Mr. D. Kropf handed out the 2018-19 version of the bike map and asked for committee members to consider any suggestions they would like to see included in an online version and share those with staff. 9. ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS 2019-2020 Staff reminded the committee that the application period is open and that if committee members want to serve another term, they are required to re-apply. 10. SIGNAGE UPDATE On a motion by Mr. D. Brotherston – It was resolved and carried: “That staff implement wayfinding signage immediately in the City, similar to what was presented today, at a budget of approximately $50,000” Meeting Adjourned at 6:04 pm.