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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 1999-11-22PWTC\1999-11-22 PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor John Smola, commencing at 8:30 a.m., with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Haalboom, K. Taylor-Harrison, C. Weylie and Jake Smola. Councillor G. Lorentz was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Councillors M. Yantzi and T. Galloway, Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, D. Snow, J. McBride, B. Stanley, J. Shivas and K. Mayer. 1. DOWNTOWN KITCHENER WEST SIDE CONNECTION STUDY The Committee was in receipt of an information report dated November 18, 1999 from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic and Parking, outlining the preferred alternative recommended as a result of a study undertaken by Stantec Consulting Limited with respect to access to Downtown Kitchener from the south and west sides. Mr. McBride advised that this is a Regional Study which has been in process for approximately one year and the consultants, Stantec Consulting Limited, will be proceeding to the next Regional Engineering Committee meeting on December 1, 1999 with a preferred alternative. Mr. McBride introduced Mr. D. Drackley of Stantec Consulting Limited, who was in attendance to make further presentation with respect to the study. It was further noted that Mr. D. Banks, Manager of Transportation Engineering, Region of Waterloo, was also in attendance. Mr. D. Drackley advised that the Downtown Kitchener West Side Connection Study also serves as Phase 1 and 2 of the required environmental assessment (ESPA) dealing with roadways. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Drackley pointed out that a number of years ago the Queen/Benton diversion was established as a means to facilitate more traffic through the downtown core and, in fact, the Region had purchased approximately 16 homes along the route to accommodate the necessary widening. Since that time, he stated that it had become apparent that needs and values have changed and, accordingly, the objective of this study has been to investigate the need for the Queen/Benton diversion and/or better, more sensitive, alternatives. Mr. Drackley pointed out that a Steering Committee, together with a Citizens Focus Group, was established for the purpose of facilitating this study. Mr. Drackley advised that traffic findings within the subject area, generally bounded by King Street, Victoria Street, Westmount Road and Greenbrook Drive, indicates a substantial increase in traffic flows over the next 15 years and, in fact, the traffic volumes on Victoria Street had already exceeded the original design concept. High volumes of traffic also exist on Highland Road. He stated that the study shows only 1\3 of the traffic flow is actually utilizing internal streets to access the downtown on business and/or their homes with the remaining 2/3's being through traffic. He stated that the main roads are deficient and a number of intersection improvements are also being suggested in the areas of Victoria/Charles/Park Streets; Queen/Charles/Mill/Schneider Streets; and Charles/Ottawa Streets. Mr. Drackley then referred to the Citizens Focus Group and advised that a small group of 14 individuals had been selected to participate in an attempt to narrow down the issues. He pointed out that this group preferred to focus on a long term solution that would see improvements to the worst intersections and the re-routing of through traffic on to main roads. Following the consultation process, Mr. Drackley advised that 6 alternatives were evaluated utilizing various criteria relative to today's social/culture, natural and economic values, resulting in the preferred alternative as outlined below: · widen Victoria Street South to 4 lanes between Charles Street and Lawrence Avenue · mark a 2-way centre left turn lane along Queen Street South from Highland Road to Charles Street; and, · undertake intersection improvements at: · Queen Street South at Mill Street/Schneider Avenue · Queen Street South at Highland Road PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 1999 - 94 - CITY OF KITCHENER DOWNTOWN KITCHENER WEST SIDE CONNECTION STUDY (CONT'D) · Ottawa Street South and Courtland Avenue · Ottawa Street South and Charles Street · Stirling Avenue at Charles Street · Stirling Avenue at Courtland Avenue. In addition, he advised that the study also recommends that the Queen/Benton diversion be cancelled and the properties previously acquired be disposed of. He further pointed out that the proposed preferred alternative will not require property acquisition to implement. Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Drackley stated that the study concluded that Victoria Street must be widened; that no widening would occur on Queen Street and Highland Road; and, that cycling lanes may not be appropriate on Victoria Street given the traffic volume and property acquisition that will be necessary should they be included. In conclusion, Mr. Drackley advised that following approval of the preferred alternative, the next steps will be to amend the Regional Official Policies Plan and the City's Municipal Plan to eliminate the Queen/Benton diversion and completion of phase 3 of the environmental study, which includes design details. Mayor C. Zehr referred to the Citizens Focus Group and questioned if during the final stage a broader public consultation would be undertaken. In this regard, Mr. Drackley pointed out that a public meeting was held 2 weeks ago and had been well advertised; however, concerns had been expressed with respect to the notification process. In order to address these concerns he advised that a newsletter had been prepared and circulated by mail to approximately 200 interested parties. In addition, he pointed out that many of the area residents were initially concerned with the possibility of Queen Street and Highland Road being widened and, as this is no longer being considered as an alternative, many have ceased to participate in public meetings. Mayor C. Zehr further questioned if the preferred alternative would also improve access from east/south to north/west of the City which has been experiencing traffic congestion due to the ring road system not being completed. Mr. Drackley stated that the preferred alternative being recommended would create a better solution that may help this situation. Councillor M. Yantzi entered the meeting at this time. Mayor C. Zehr stated his concern with respect to cycling lanes not being included and questioned if alternatives are being considered. Mr. Drackley advised that alternatives would be considered as part of the design phase and pointed out that the City's Bicycle Master Plan does recommend cycling routes running parallel and close to Victoria Street and also in the Queen Street area along Benton Street, the Iron Horse Trail and Highland Court Park. He further pointed out that lands would have to be purchased to include cycle lanes on Victoria Street, which may not be cost effective. Mayor C. Zehr referred to disposal of the land previously acquired for the Queen/Benton diversion and questioned if the proceeds from the sale of the properties would be allocated to this project. In this regard, Mr. D. Banks responded that discussions have yet to be undertaken with respect to the disposal of the surplus land; however, it may be possible that some funding from the sale of these properties may go towards this project. Councillor C. Weylie stated that traffic problems also exist on Glasgow Street and Westmount Road because of the congestion experienced by traffic on Victoria Street and that she did not believe cycling and/or walking would occur given the length of the route. In this regard, Councillor C. Weylie questioned if the proceeds from the sale of the surplus lands could be utilized to expedite this project to an earlier completion date than the year 2005. Mr. Drackley responded that the project is slated to be completed in 3 phases with the first in 2001, the 1. DOWNTOWN KITCHENER WEST SIDE CONNECTION STUDY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 1999 - 95 - CITY OF KITCHENER second in 2004 and the final in 2005. He advised that the funding referred to was negotiable and could possibly turn out to be revenue for this project. Councillor C. Weylie questioned what other projects took precedence over this one and Mr. Banks responded that there were several, including the Park Hill Bridge. Councillor Weylie then questioned if Provincial funding could be applied for given that Victoria Street is a Provincial highway (#7). In this regard, Mr. Banks responded that the designation of Victoria Street as a Provincial highway ends at the town of Breslau and, therefore, does not include the portion of the roadway running through Kitchener. Councillor C. Weylie then referred to the fact that additional lands for the widening of Victoria Street will not have to be purchased and questioned if such things as sewer requirements had been taken into consideration. Mr. Drackley advised that these issues would be dealt with during the design phase; however, at this time he was not aware of any need for sewers. He stated that purchase of land would be required if cycling lanes were to be included on Victoria Street and that there may be some easements required to relocate utilities. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to the widening of Victoria Street being accommodated within the right-of-way and asked for clarification as to what is meant by the right-of-way. Mr. Drackley responded that the right-of-way refers to lands already owned by the Region within which the widening of the street will occur. Councillor Haalboom questioned if this includes asphalt, curbs and boulevards and Mr. Drackley responded that was correct. In this regard, Councillor Haalboom questioned if some of the boulevards would be removed to accommodate the widening and Mr. Drackley responded that it would depend on the final design concept; however, there was a possibility that some would be removed. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned if the trees that are proposed to be removed would be replaced and Mr. Drackley responded that it was intended to replace any that were removed as a result of changes to the boulevards. Councillor J. Haalboom further questioned that, given the majority of traffic flow is through traffic, why motorists choose to use this route. In this regard, Mr. Drackley pointed out that Victoria Street is the most continuous route through the core area and many feel that taking the expressway is out of their way. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he had been a member of the Steering Committee and extended his appreciation to all those involved for the excellent work that had been done. He stated that he was pleased that the Queen/Benton diversion was to be cancelled and that he believed the new preferred alternative to be a very good solution. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison also expressed her appreciation of what she considered to be an excellent alternative. With respect to the trees, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison questioned if they could be moved and Mr. Drackley responded that the intent was to remove and replace those trees affected by the project. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison further questioned if the homes previously acquired for the Queen/Benton diversion were in good condition and Mr. Banks responded that he was not sure; however, he assumed they were in a reasonable condition. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he also felt that the preferred alternative was a good compromise; however, he remained concerned that bicycle lanes may not be included as it was not in keeping with the City's policy to encourage this type of transportation as opposed to the use of a vehicle. Mr. Drackley again responded that cycling lanes would be considered as part of the design phase and their inclusion would be a matter of cost and their compatibility with existing traffic flows. Councillor M. Yantzi also suggested that any trees removed could be transplanted to private property, which would also act as a buffer for residents. In this regard, Mr. Banks responded that it was intended to create buffers and that this suggestion would be taken into consideration. Councillor Jake Smola referred to a community garden in the area and questioned what would become of this property. Mr. Banks responded that he was not involved with this particular 1. DOWNTOWN KITCHENER WEST SIDE CONNECTION STUDY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 1999 - 96 - CITY OF KITCHENER property; however, indicated that discussions could be undertaken between the Region and the City with respect to the community garden. Councillor M. Yantzi further stated that the community garden is located within the floodplain and, accordingly, development in this area should not be a factor. Councillor John Smola thanked Mr. Drackley and Mr. Banks for their presentation and reminded the Committee that the study is to be considered by the Regional Engineering Committee at its meeting to be held on December 1, 1999. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to housing along Victoria Street between Charles Street and Lawrence Avenue and questioned what the current zoning was along Victoria Street. Mr. B. Stanley responded that Victoria Street includes a mixture of residential, commercial-residential and industrial zones. Councillor J. Haalboom expressed concern that housing may deteriorate because of the impact of increased traffic flow and suggested that zoning policies be looked at in this area that would exclude further residential use. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that it is important to keep a balance in zoning and suggested that those who did not wish to live on a busy street would move. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he agreed that zoning should be reviewed, especially with regard to home business uses; however, he cautioned that this would have to be looked at carefully in terms of attracting additional traffic flow. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That the Council of the Region of Waterloo be advised that the City of Kitchener recommends to the Regional Engineering Committee that the Downtown Kitchener West Side Connection Study and preferred alternative, as prepared by Stantec Consulting Limited, be accepted; and further, That the Region be encouraged to undertake implementation of this project as part of its 2001 budget and to expedite this project through allocation of proceeds received from the sale of surplus lands previously acquired for the Queen/Benton diversion." DOPWR 99-33 - IRON HORSE TRAIL - CURBS OR RAMPS AT STREET CROSSINGS The Committee was in receipt of a report dated November 15, 1999 from Mr. D. Snow, Director of Transportation, outlining recommended improvements to various road crossings of the Iron Horse Trail. Mr. D. Snow advised that a review of the trail crossings was undertaken as the result of concerns expressed primarily with respect to cycling safety. He advised that the intent is to have cyclists stop and dismount at the crossings; however, in some instances this is not occurring. Accordingly, he advised that it was necessary to review the design of the trail crossings to address this issue. Following the study, including a review of the accident history of the trail, staff are now recommending a number of alternatives. In addition, Mr. K. Mayer pointed out that participants in the study viewed barrier curbs as more of a hazard than a benefit, which formed the premise for the recommended alternatives. Mayor C. Zehr stated that he had been concerned with curb barriers when they were first implemented as they detract from accessibility to the trail system and expressed his appreciation for the proposed alternative measures. He stated that he felt that the gate diversions were a good solution and would help to slow down cycling traffic. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to proposed street name signs to be installed at all mid-block road crossings of the trail and stated that she appreciated this being done as it would help orient cyclists and pedestrians using the trail. In addition, she expressed concern that in the area of Stirling Avenue and Courtland Avenue it was not clear whether cyclists/pedestrians were to use the mid-block access to the trail or proceed to the corner of Stirling Avenue and Courtland Avenue to cross over at the signalized intersection. Mr. D. Snow advised that in this area and also in the area of Victoria Street/Strange Street/Westmount Road the intent is to have DOPWR 99-33 - IRON HORSE TRAIL - CURBS OR RAMPS AT STREET CROSSINGS (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 1999 - 97 - CITY OF KITCHENER cyclists/pedestrians proceed to the corner and cross over at the signalized intersection. He stated that the signalized intersections are very close to the trail crossing and provide a safer means of access. He agreed that better directional signs should be in place at these particular trail crossings. Councillor T. Galloway entered the meeting at this time. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor C. Weylie - it was resolved: "That a temporary double-gate diverter be installed on the Iron Horse Trail at the Queen Street crossing for a trial period of one year; and, That existing barrier curbs be opened, street name signs be installed, and additional pavement markings (dots) be implemented; at all mid-block crossings of the Iron Horse Trail; and further, That staff monitor and report back to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on the operation of the Queen Street crossing and the effectiveness of the double-gate diverter following the one year trial period." 3. DOPWR 99-41 - ON-STREET PARKING - STANMORE AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of a report dated November 12, 1999, from Mr. J. McBride, Manager of Traffic & Parking, requesting that parking prohibitions be implemented on the west and east sides of Stanmore Avenue. On motion by Councillor Jake Smola - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited anytime on the west side of Stanmore Avenue from a point 49 metres north of Keewatin Avenue to a point 78 metres north of Keewatin Avenue, and on the east side of Stanmore Avenue from a point 72 metres south of Otterbein Road to a point 186 metres south of Otterbein Road; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. INFORMATION ITEM Councillor John Smola advised that an information report, entitled "Resurfacing Various City Streets in 2000", had been distributed to members of the Committee this date. 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the Committee adjourned at 9:30 a.m. Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator