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PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 8, 1997 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor
John Smola, with all members present. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors Jake Smola and G. Lorentz were
in attendance for part of the meeting.
Others Present: Ms. P. Houston and Messrs. D. Snow, E. Kovacs, S. Gyorffy, L. Lynch and L.F.
Parkhouse.
This meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee commenced at 8:30 a.m.
1. DOPWR 97-54 - RATIONALIZATION OF REGIONAL ROAD SYSTEM
The Committee was advised that a working group consisting of representatives from all area
municipalities have met to review the existing Regional road criteria. As a result, it has been
recommended that the average annual daily traffic volumes for rural roads be increased from the
existing 300 vehicles per day to 1,500 vehicles per day. An average annual daily traffic volume of
5,000 vehicles per day has been introduced for urban roads.
The Committee also received information which outlined that the following roads would revert to the
City of Kitchener, namely:
Regional Road 2 Huron Road Trussler Road to Regional Road 50
(Westmount Road)
Regional Road 6 Frederick Street Bruce Street to Victoria Street
Regional Road 53 Union Street Park Street to Mutual Drive
Regional Road 53 Park Street Union Street to Queen Street
Regional Road 56 River Road Victoria Street to Fairway Road
Regional Road 15 King Street Victoria Street to Francis Street
Regional Road 63 Duke Street Cedar Street to King Street
Regional Road 64 Charles Street Ottawa Street to King Street
Regional Road 64 Francis Street King Street to Charles Street
Regional Road 65 Cedar Street Charles Street to Weber Street.
The Region will be assuming the following roads from the City of Kitchener, namely:
Trussler Road Regional Road 4 (Bleams Road) to Regional Road 12
Charles Street Victoria Street to Francis Street.
The Committee was advised that the Region will assume the responsibility for street lighting on all
Regional roads, including capital, maintenance and energy charges.
The City of Kitchener will retain the responsibility for the construction and maintenance of sidewalks
on all Regional roads.
From an operating budget point of view, the above noted activities will result in a net annual savings
to the City of Kitchener of approximately $90,000.00.
In regard to capital costs it has been recommended that the Region provide compensation to the
City for work identified to be done on those roads presently contained in the Region's current 5 Year
Roads Capital Program. This compensation will be provided in the year the work is scheduled
rather than as a lump sum payment at the time of transfer.
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 8, 1997 -66- CITY OF KITCHENER
1. DOPWR 97-54 - RATIONALIZATION OF REGIONAL ROAD SYSTEM (CONT -Dl
Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time.
Mr. D. Snow noted that many of the streets coming back to the City of Kitchener are located in the
core area and, in one way or another, relate to the implementation of two-way traffic on Duke Street
and Charles Street.
When questioned by Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Snow advised that the hiring of crossing guards on
Regional roads will continue to be a City responsibility.
Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time.
It was noted that the portion of River Road between Fairway Road and King Street East will
continue to be part of the Regional road network.
A question was raised regarding the installation and maintenance of traffic signals. It was noted
that this will continue to be a Regional responsibility and agreements regarding the financing of
these installations will continue to be the subject of ongoing discussions.
The Committee was advised that, if traffic volumes on a local street should increase dramatically,
the road in question could become a Regional road. It is unlikely, however, that changes of this
nature would be made on a peacemeal basis but rather would be the subject of an overall review
which would likely take place every 5 to 10 years.
Councillor J. Haalboom was of the opinion that monies should be placed in the appropriate
Regional budget to look after appropriate landscaping and preserving the existing scenic qualities of
some Regional roads. In this regard, Mr. E. Kovacs advised that to the best of his knowledge there
is presently no Regional policy regarding the placement of trees along Regional roads. Mr. John
Hammer, representing the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, was in attendance and advised that at
the present time there is a small budget available to do landscaping along Regional roads. At the
present time, two trees are planted for every one that must be removed.
Mayor C. Zehr entered the meeting at this time.
When questioned by Councillor J. Haalboom, Mr. Kovacs advised that maintenance costs are
higher in urban areas because of the standards. More work is required on bus routes and in urban
areas more obstructions are encountered during the snow removal process.
Councillor John Smola indicated his support for the recommendations as contained in the report but
advised that he was still opposed to the principle of reverting to two-way traffic on most of Duke and
Charles Streets. It was the opinion of Councillor John Smola that the one-way routing should be
maintained on these two streets between Francis Street and Frederick/Benton.
Mayor C. Zehr advised that it is his understanding that further discussion is to take place regarding
the Duke/Charles situation and questioned whether or not a decision on this report would negate
the possibilities for this dicussion. In this regard, it was noted that the Region has already taken
some steps to revert to two-way traffic on these roads, however, further discussions would be
possible. Mr. Hammer estimated that the Region has spent approximately $300,000.00 on this
project.
Mr. D. Snow advised the Committee that he would prepare a report outlining the proposed budget
for the Duke/Charles work along with the amount that has been spent to date and the improvements
which have been undertaken. It was suggested that this entire matter could then be discussed
further at the time the City's Capital Budget is discussed by the Finance and Administration
Committee.
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 8, 1997 -67- CITY OF KITCHENER
DOPWR 97-54 - RATIONALIZATION OF REGIONAL ROAD SYSTEM (CONT -Dl
Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor J. Ziegler -
it was resolved:
"That the City of Kitchener endorse the Regional Municipality of Waterloo Engineering
Committee Report E-97-010.1 -'Rationalization of Regional Road System', dated October 8,
1997, and further,
That the City of Kitchener support 'Maintenance Costs Option #1' and 'Capital Costs Option
#3', and further,
That the responsibility for all costs associated with street lighting on Regional roads be
transferred to the Region."
Councillor C. Weylie expressed the opinion that City staff, through the Environmental Committee,
should be coming up with policy recommendations regarding landscaping on Regional roads.
Councillor Haalboom agreed and suggested that native trees and appropriate ground cover could
be incorporated into the right-of-ways which would have the effect of reducing the amount of
maintenance required.
On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom -
it was resolved:
"That the staff of the Department of Public Works and the Department of Parks & Recreation
be instructed to prepare a report containing recommended policies for landscaping of
Regional roads, including the incorporation of native trees and ground cover, for presentation
to the Environmental Committee at its meeting to be held on January 14, 1998."
On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom -
it was resolved:
"That all necessary steps be taken by the City of Kitchener to have Trussler Road designated
as a scenic road."
2. DOPWR 97-55 - ON -STREET PARKING - BORDEN AVENUE
The Committee considered a report which recommends that parking be allowed on the east side of
Borden Avenue from a point 18 metres north of Courtland Avenue to a point 37 metres north of
Courtland Avenue. This parking would be permitted for a maximum period of one hour and would
provide short term parking to accommodate customers of Pepi's Pizza at 390 Courtland Avenue
East.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That parking be permitted any time for a maximum period of one (1) consecutive hour on the
east side of Borden Avenue, from a point 18.0 metres north of Courtland Avenue East to a
point 37.0 metres north thereof, and further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly."
3. ONTARIO COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION
The Committee considered a report which recommends that the City of Kitchener endorse the newly
created Ontario Community Transportation Association and be an active participating member. The
Committee was advised that the Ontario Urban Transit Association has served as a voice for public
transit for many years, however, with the withdrawal of Provincial funding the future of this
organization is in question. As a result, it is being recommended that the membership of this
organization be expanded to include membership from the Community Transportation sectors.
3. ONTARIO COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION (CONT -D)
PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 8, 1997 -68- CITY OF KITCHENER
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
it was resolved:
"That the City of Kitchener endorse the newly created Ontario Community Transportation
Association as the voice of publicly funded transportation providers in Ontario, and further,
That Kitchener Transit be an active participating member."
4. RESIGNATION - KEVIN BOWMAN
Mr. E. Kovacs advised the Committee that he has accepted the resignation of Mr. Kevin Bowman,
Manager of Customer Relations & Marketing. Mr. Bowman will be moving on to a position in the
private sector.
5. INFORMATION REPORTS
The Committee received the following information reports, namely:
• Kitchener Transit Media Events
• Canada Ontario Infrastructure Works Program - Progress Report, Resurfacing.
6. LEAVES
Councillor G. Lorentz expressed concern with the City's existing system to pick up leaves and
suggested that it would appear that our existing system is not working very well. In this regard, Mr.
S. Gyorffy pointed out that the scheduled program to pick up leaves ended last week, however,
processes have been put in place to provide for one final round of clean-up during this week.
The Committee was advised that the existing program will be reviewed at a staff level with a view to
recommending improvements for the future. Councillor G. Lorentz requested that any report filed
include the volumes of leaves projected during the fall of 1997.
7. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.
L.F. Parkhouse, AMCT
Deputy City Clerk