HomeMy WebLinkAboutKCTAC Minutes 2021-01-12
CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
CITY OF KITCHENER
January 12, 2021
The Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee met electronically on Tuesday January 12,
2021, at 4 pm.
Present: R. Hunsberger, B. Tracey, E. Bennett, L. Dramnitzki, G. Kirk, M Rodrigues, T.
Slomke, J. Broschek, D. Brotherston, J. Broschek, J. Orita, A. Simidzija, M. Jackson-
Brown, B. Forwell, Councillor S. Marsh, G. Piccini
Staff: D. Kropf, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager
L. Christensen, Multi-Use Pathways & Trails Project Manager
Delegations: Heather McDiarmid, Climate Action WR
1. General orientation
The committee reviewed the Terms of Reference. There were no questions.
2. Introductions
Committee members introduced themselves and shared their favourite trails and places
to bike.
3. Selecting a chair and vice-chair
T. Slomke moved “that M. Rodrigues be the committee’s chair.” Seconded by G. Kirk.
Passed unanimously. G. Kirk moved “that V. Hand be the committee’s vice chair.” G.
Piccini seconded. Passed unanimously.
4. Active Transportation Hub
Climate Action WR is running a research pilot project, funded by Federation of
Canadian Municipalities, to explore the feasibility of adding active transportation hubs to
Waterloo region as a means of increasing active travel mode share for utilitarian trips
under 5km. These hubs would be welcoming spaces with targeted supports and tools to
help people choose active means of getting around. Research thus far suggests that
the City of Kitchener would benefit from a mobile active transportation hub. The mobile
hub could help coordinate the delivery of existing programs and also travel to target
communities on a regular basis to fill program gaps.
Committee members were encouraged to see consideration for outside the downtown
where there is demand for these types of services and noted that Active Transportation
Hub isn’t an intuitive term for regular people and may need better branding.
CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
CITY OF KITCHENER
January 12, 2021
5. Active Transportation Orientation
City staff explained the major strategic plans and projects that guide cycling and trails in
Kitchener, including the Cycling & Trails Master Plan, Downtown Cycling Grid and
Complete Streets. Links and the presentation can be circulated with the minutes.
B. Forwell asked about the budget for trails projects this year. L. Christensen responded
that budget has been allocated for several trails, including Traynor, Wilson Park and
Filsinger Natural Area. More information on these projects will be presented in the
future.
T. Slomke noted that the master plan can also be used to influence other projects by
other stakeholders, such as utility upgrades.
G. Piccini inquired why the downtown grid was scheduled for three years. D. Kropf
responded that the three year timeline can fit within existing cycling budgets and
provides more time to work with the Region to identify a possible solution on the gap on
Duke Street.
6. Ontario Bike Summit
D. Brotherston attended the virtual conference on behalf of the committee. He was
impressed by the work done by the City of Mississauga to improve crossrides and
crossings. An update was also provided on the new Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18,
which has a number of helpful improvements for designing cycling facilities.
7. Workplan development
Deferred to next month’s agenda.
Meeting adjourned at 6:05 pm.