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PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
OCTOBER 20, 1997
CITY OF KITCHENER
The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor
John Smola, with all members present. Councillors Jake Smola, M. Wagner, B. Vrbanovic and J. Ziegler
were in attendance for part of the meeting.
Others Present:
Ms. P. Houston, Ms. L. Pasternak and Messrs. E. Kovacs, J. Bayley, S. Gyorffy,
J. Cicuttin, D. Snow, J. McBride, B. Gulliver, R. Schirm, J. Shivas, T. Clancy and
L.F. Parkhouse.
This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:35 a.m.
1. DELEGATION - MR. DAVID GOWLAND
Mr. David Gowland appeared before the Committee to thank City Council for the work which has
been done on various streets in the Centre Ward during 1997. This work has vastly improved the
appearance of the area.
Mr. Gowland also referred to the improvements which have been created by the work on King Street
East between Cedar Street and Madison Avenue. Mr. Gowland noted that the contractors hired by
the City have handled all problems as they arose in a very professional manner.
Several members of the Committee thanked Mr. Gowland for his comments and acknowledged staff
for the role which they have played in these infrastructure improvements. It was noted that the
commitment by City Council and staff to an improved infrastructure has, and will, have a positive
impact on the future of the Downtown area.
2. DOPWR 97-45 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - ST. JOHN'S SEPARATE SCHOOL
The Committee considered a report which recommends that Adult Crossing Guards not be located
at the intersections of Lawrence Avenue and Victoria Street North and Belmont Avenue and Gage
Avenue.
Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that a petition has been received from a number of residents
supporting the establishment of Adult Crossing Guards at the intersections of Lawrence Avenue
and Victoria Street North and Belmont Avenue at Gage Avenue. Several other intersections have
also been identified as locations where Adult Crossing Guards should be established. Mr. Snow
advised the Committee that the other suggested intersections will be reviewed by staff, however,
they stand by the recommendation contained in the report which indicates that Adult Crossing
Guards are not required at the intersections of Lawrence Avenue at Victoria Street North and
Belmont Avenue at Gage Avenue. Mr. Snow expressed the opinion that the requests for Adult
Crossing Guards have arisen as the result of the elimination of busing rather than because of safety
concerns.
When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Snow advised that the other locations contained in
the petition also cover approach routes to St. John's Separate School.
Mr. R. Schirm advised the Committee that busing was eliminated for approximately 187 students,
however, pedestrian counts do not indicate this number are walking to school. It is assumed that
some are using other forms of vehicular transportation.
Councillors Jake Smola and M. Wagner entered the meeting at this time.
Mr. Schirm advised the Committee that students attending public schools in the area have been
crossing at the intersections of Lawrence Avenue at Victoria Street North and Belmont Avenue at
Gage Avenue for a number of years without the benefit of a Crossing Guard and no problems have
been encountered.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time.
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
OCTOBER 20, 1997 - 56 - CITY OF KITCHENER
2. DOPWR 97-45 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - ST. JOHN'S SEPARATE SCHOOL
(CONT'D)
Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison -
it was resolved:
"That no Adult Crossing Guard assistance is warranted at the intersection of Lawrence
Avenue and Victoria Street North, and the intersection of Belmont Avenue and Gage Avenue."
DOPWR 97-46 - 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT - DOWNTOWN PARKING ENFORCEMENT
The Committee considered a report which recommends that the existing 2 hour parking limit be
retained for the Downtown area, however, re-parking at any location within the Downtown area
within 5 hours of the initial parking activity would be prohibited.
Mr. J. McBride appeared before the Committee and advised that City staff have been challenged to
properly, and uniformly, enforce the posted 2 hour parking limit in the Downtown area. There are
many abuses of the existing free parking program created by people removing chalk marks or
moving their vehicles to avoid receiving a ticket. The Committee was also advised that when
violations have been taken to court charges have been dismissed because the person receiving the
ticket claimed that their car had been moved within the 2 hour period even if it was only moved one
space. To overcome the existing problem, it is being recommended that the 2 free hours of parking
continue to be provided within any 5 hour time period. It was noted that appropriate signage would
be erected.
His Worship Mayor R. Christy supported the recommendation as presented as long as it was clearly
understood that it would only apply to existing on-street parking. Mayor Christy noted that initially
the free parking was provided on the basis that it would be an advantage to the business customers
and abuse by business owners and their staff must be eliminated.
Councillor J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this time.
Mr. J. McBride acknowledged that the program being recommended would apply only to on-street
parking. In regard to enforcement, Mr. McBride advised the Committee that license numbers would
be entered into hand held computers and this information could then be used to determine whether
or not violations had taken place.
When questioned by Councillor Jake Smola, Mr. McBride advised that the Downtown Business
Association has been very active in attempting to alleviate the existing problem. They hired
students to monitor on-street parking, they sent out various newsletters and memos, but in the final
analysis any actions they have taken have not been successful. Councillor Jake Smola suggested
that staff of Downtown businesses be given some form of identification to place on their vehicles
and an incentive to park in the Downtown garages or surface lots. In this regard, Ms. L. Pasternak
pointed out that the wording of the existing by-law has loop holes and this has created the problem
in court. The by-law must be changed so that it will only affect those people who are trying to take
advantage of the existing circumstances.
When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. McBride advised that it would cost between $5.00
and $7.00 daily to park in the Downtown area, while one parking ticket has a fine of $20.00.
Following further discussion and on motion by His Worship Mayor R. Christy -
it was resolved:
"That a 2 Hour Street Parking Time Limit, with no re-parking within 5 hours of initial parking,
Enforcement Program be established within the Downtown area, and further,
That signs illustrating the Downtown area where the program will be in effect and the
restriction be posted as required (ie. under existing parking regulation signs), and further,
3. DOPWR 97-46 - 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT - DOWNTOWN PARKING ENFORCEMENT (CONT'D)
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
OCTOBER 20, 1997
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CITY OF KITCHENER
That the Uniform Traffic and Parking By-law be amended accordingly, and further,
That this program be reviewed in one years time to evaluate its effectiveness in overcoming
the abuses to the existing parking system."
DOPWR 97-47 - CENTRE IN THE SQUARE - SHUTTLE SERVICE
The Committee received a report which recommends that a bus shuttle service be implemented
between the Centre In The Square and the City Hall and Duke/Ontario Parking Garages. This
shuttle service would be implemented during weekday matinee performances and on those
occasions when there are back to back evening performances.
It was noted that there is sufficient parking in the area to cover normal performances at the Centre
In The Square, however, there are problems associated with matinee performances when existing
facilities are not available for patron parking or are filled to a high degree of capacity. There are
also problems with back to back evening performances because there is not enough time between
the performances to allow the parking areas to properly clear.
The Committee was advised that this program has been discussed with the Board of Directors of
the Centre In The Square and it has been agreed that the Centre In The Square will pay the
associated advertising and promotional costs. The Committee was advised that all of the details
have not been finalized for this service, however, it is proposed that pick and delivery would take
place on the Ellen Street side of the Centre In The Square. Initially the costs involved would be
charged against the parking budget.
Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That a shuttle service be operated between the Centre In The Square and the City Hall and
Duke/Ontario Parking Garages during weekday matinee performances and when back to back
evening performances occur, during the second performance, and further,
That an evaluation of this shuttle service be carried out at the end of the current theatre
season."
EMISSION TESTING ANALYSER
The Committee considered a report which recommends that $100,000.00 be included in the 1999
Capital Budget to purchase an emission testing analyser. This equipment will be required as the
result of a new program introduced by the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
There were several questions regarding the advisability of carrying out this work in house versus
contracting it out and the exact Provincial requirements. It was noted that more details will be
available when this matter is actually considered as part of the 1999 Capital Budget.
On motion by Councillor M. Wagner -
it was resolved:
"That capital funds in the amount of $100,000.00 be approved for purchase of an emission
analyser in the 1999 Capital Budget."
TRANSIT - TAXI SERVICES
Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that it is being proposed that a taxi service be provided to
connect the Laurentian West and Highland West neighbourhoods with Route #1 (Queen South) at
Highland Hills Mall. This program would be implemented on a one year trial basis and it is
anticipated that in the interim it would be more cost effective than full transit service. The
6. TRANSIT - TAXI SERVICES (CONT'D)
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
OCTOBER 20, 1997
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CITY OF KITCHENER
Committee was advised that the objectives of this trial program is to minimize the cost of servicing
Iow ridership growth areas and to foster the use of full transit services by providing earlier access to
the transit system. It was noted that sufficient funds have been included in the current budget to
provide this service.
When questioned by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. Kovacs advised that he would be meeting with the
Executive of C.A.W. Local #4304 later on this date. Mr. Kovacs noted that it was his decision to
make a presentation to the Public Works and Transportation Committee so that direction could be
received prior to meeting with the Union Officials. Councillor Lorentz expressed the view that it
would have been more appropriate to meet with the Union Officials prior to bringing a
recommendation to the Public Works and Transportation Committee for consideration.
Councillor M. Wagner was of the opinion that any resolution considered at this time should be
general in nature so that it is very clear that discussions will take place with all interested parties so
that details can be finalized prior to the implementation of any new service.
Councillor Wagner noted that this service is not being made available to students and questioned
how any backlash would be handled. In this regard, Mr. Kovacs noted that all possible operational
problems will be completely reviewed and it is hoped that the implementation of a new system will
not have any backlash towards the transit system. Mr. Kovacs also pointed out that the
implementation of the proposal as presented will not adversely affect any existing jobs and, in fact, it
is hoped that this proposal will lead to the enhancement of the existing transit system at an earlier
date.
Several members of the Committee expressed the view that employees are an important partner in
the transit operation and, accordingly, obtaining their views at an early date is a necessity.
On motion by Councillor M. Wagner -
it was resolved:
"That, subject to input being received from C.A.W. Local #4304 and for a trial period of one
year, Council adopt a program of providing a taxi service to connect Laurentian West and
Highland West neighbourhoods with Route #1 (Queen South) at Highland Hills Mall, and
further,
That this taxi service will commence on Monday, November 3, 1997, and operate Monday to
Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and further,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, with the successful taxi
firm, which is satisfactory to the City Solicitor."
HOLIDAY TRANSIT SERVICE
The Committee received a report recommending that no action be taken to reduce the level of
transit service provided on Christmas Day and New Years Day.
It was noted that early in 1997 a brainstorming exercise was undertaken to identify initiatives which
would help Kitchener Transit reduce costs or increase revenues. One of the initiatives
recommended was to eliminate transit service on Christmas Day and reduce the hours of service on
New Years Day. The report, as presented to the Committee, indicates that these initiatives are not
supported for implementation.
Councillor G. Lorentz was of the opinion that a service cancellation and/or reduction should be
implemented for 1997 to see what reaction is forthcoming from the general public.
Councillor C. Weylie suggested that this may be another service which could be provided by local
taxi companies.
7. HOLIDAY TRANSIT SERVICE (CONT'D)
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
OCTOBER 20, 1997
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CITY OF KITCHENER
On motion by Councillor C. Weylie -
it was resolved:
"That no action be taken to reduce transit service levels on Christmas Day or New Years Day."
KITCHENER-WATERLOO COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PROJECT - UPDATE REPORT
Using the Council Chamber audial/visual equipment, Mr. Dave Smith, Chairman of the Kitchener-
Waterloo Community Transportation Committee, presented an information update regarding the
Kitchener-Waterloo Community Transportation project. It was noted that in Phase I the objectives
are as follows:
integrate Project Lift and other specialized service providers with the Iow floor bus routes
provided by Kitchener Transit;
ยท utilize alternative service providers for stable, non-emergency patient transportation;
have Kitchener Transit and the Transportation Departments of the local School Boards
meet to develop a co-ordinated 1998 Transportation Plan.
The Phase II objective of this project is to establish a self-support brokerage unit which would be
responsible for dispatching and scheduling community transportations in the Kitchener-Waterloo
area.
The report, which was provided as part of the agenda for this meeting of the Public Works and
Transportation Committee, also included information regarding various sub-committees which have
been established. Mr. Smith reviewed the information presented for the Health Transportation Sub-
Committee, the Special Needs Transportation Sub-Committee, the School Transportation Sub-
Committee and the Long Term Funding Sub-Committee.
The members of the Committee thanked Mr. Smith for his involvement with this project and todays
presentation.
SALT APPLICATION REVIEW
This information report was considered by the Committee.
It was suggested that this was a good news item and, accordingly, the information contained in it
should be drawn to the attention of the various news media.
10. CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY VICTORIA STREET SANITARY AND
STORM SEWER OUTLETS
The Committee considered a report dealing with the replacement of trunk sanitary and storm sewers
between Victoria Street and Victoria Park Lake. An environmental assessment was undertaken to
identify and evaluate alternative solutions for the provision of these services.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That the recommendations contained in Schedule 'B' of the Class Environmental Assessment
Study, prepared by Proctor & Redfern Limited, dated October 15, 1997, entitled 'Project File
and Design Brief for the Victoria Street Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Outlets', be
approved, and further,
That the Project File and Design Brief be filed with the City Clerk for the mandatory 30 day
public review period."
11. SIDEWALK - ONTARIO STREET NORTH - HERITAGE DRIVE TO LACKNER BOULEVARD
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
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CITY OF KITCHENER
Councillor Jake Smola referred to the need for a sidewalk along Ottawa Street North to provide
pedestrian access to Hallman Pool. Councillor Smola requested the Committee to consider a
budget over-expenditure so that this sidewalk could be installed immediately.
Several members of the Committee noted that there were other projects of a similar nature
throughout the City and it was agreed that all of these should be considered as part of the 1998
budget process.
12. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT
Deputy City Clerk
