HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-24 JOINT MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 247 2004
CITY OF KITCHENER
The joint meeting of the Environmental Committee and Economic Development Advisory Committee
met this date commencing at 7:15 p.m.
Present:
Co-Chair - Councillor B. Vrbanovic - Environmental Committee
Co-Chair - Mr. H. Pottkamper - Economic Development Advisory Committee
Environmental Committee - Ms. Y. Fernandes, Ms. N. Sonder and Messrs. A. Boterman,
R. Dingman, C. Schneider and P. O'Toole
Economic Development Advisory Committee - Councillor C. Weylie, Councillor J. Smola
and Messrs. M. Paleczny, H. Noesgaard, L. Bingeman, H. Budd and L. Carter
Staff:
G. Stewart, General Manager of Development & Technical Services
R. Browning, Acting General Manager of Strategic Services
J. Willmer, Director of Planning
J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
R. Shamess, Director of Engineering
H. Gross, Director of Project Administration
K. Weiss, Manager of Business Development
B. Steiner, Environmental Planner
J. Nethery, Planning Student
K. McLaughlin, Office Administrator
J. Billett, Committee Administrator
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
DTS-04-177
RESPONSE TO AMENDMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
REPORT 1997: RECOMMENDED ROUTE (2002) FOR A NEW HIGHWAY 7
The Committees were in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report
DTS-04-177 and attached Executive Summary of Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO)
report entitled 'Highway 7, Kitchener to Guelph, Amendment to the Environmental Assessment
Report 1997: Recommended Route (2002)'. MTO's report was released by the Ministry of the
Environment (MOE) for public review at the beginning of October 2004. It proposes a change to
the route alignment for Highway 7, between Kitchener and Guelph, in response to concerns
raised by the public regarding the previously proposed route alignment. The MOE has
requested that reviewers of this report provide comments based upon their particular mandate,
and, if appropriate, to propose conditions if there are outstanding issues of concern.
Mr. David Wake, Environmental Unit, Ministry of Transportation, advised that in December 1997
MTO submitted an Environmental Assessment to the Ministry of Environment for review and
approval. In January 1999, the Ministry of Transportation committed to a review of the study.
The review was carried out in three phases, from 1999 to 2000, resulting in the revised
'Recommended Route (2002)'.
Mr. Martin Scott, Consultant, McCormick Rankin Corporation, advised that he had made
previous presentations to Kitchener City Council in March 2001 and February 2002. City Council
passed a resolution supporting the proposed alignment within the City of Kitchener. The MTO
review was carried out in three stages to address concerns raised by the public, being: West
(Kitchener), Central (Rural), and East (Wellington) sections of the study area. At early stages,
the west and east sections were designed to be a controlled access highway; however, the
central rural section required greater study. Alternatives that use the existing Highway 7 were
developed, analyzed and evaluated. Examination took place to consider widening the Highway
to five lanes; however, a five lane road would not be capable of supporting growth rates. In
November 2001, the MTO presented the 'Recommended Route (2002)' design. This design
was a controlled access highway, with interchanges at Highway 85, Bridge Street (partial),
Regional Road 17 (Ebycrest Road), Regional Road 30 (Shantz Station Road), County Road 86
and the Hanlon Expressway / Woodlawn Road. Mr. Scott displayed maps of the proposed
design, and advised that at the Highway 85 interchange, concerns were raised by the community
who were opposed to having high traffic volumes in a residential area. To alleviate their
concerns, the design was modified so that Bruce Street would be closed and replaced with an
interchange, while Edna Street would be replaced with a two lane collector road. The new
design provides the City with two additional interchanges. Mr. Scott advised that the preliminary
JOINT MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 24, 2004
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CITY OF KITCHENER
1. DTS-04-177
RESPONSE TO AMENDMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
REPORT 1997: RECOMMENDED ROUTE (2002) FOR A NEW HIGHWAY 7
(CONT'D)
design features of the 'Recommended Route (2002)' are as follows:
· freeway to freeway interchange with Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway (KWE/HWY 85);
· high level structure crossing of the Grand River (potential back up or ice flow issues are
mitigated with this design);
· partial interchange access to Bridgeport;
· avoidance of the Hindu Temple;
· single crossing of Hopewell Creek;
· limited disruption to agricultural community (ie. greenhouses located along existing Highway
7);
· once complete, the old Highway 7 can be used as a service road;
· significantly reduced impact to wetland areas (the Martin wetlands will still be impacted);
· the new alignment avoids wetland areas that were previously a concern;
· service life beyond 2028.
Mr. Scott advised that the 'Recommended Route (2002)' is estimated to cost $147M, $60M of
which will be spent in Kitchener ($30M for interchanges; $24M for the Grand River bridge; and
$6M for road works). The next step is to submit public comments to the Ministry of the
Environment by December 17, 2004 and the Ministry hopes to receive approval to move forward
by Spring 2005.
Councillor C. Weylie questioned the level of priority for this project. She was advised that once
approved, the MTO will seek funding from the Ministry of Finance and at that time, this project
will be added to the Province's transportation priority list. Councillor Weylie stressed the
importance of this road to the community. Mr. L. Bingeman added that completion of the new
Highway 7 would allow traffic diversion from ongoing construction on Highway 8. The
delegations advised that they would raise this issue when speaking to the Ministry of Finance.
Mr. H. Pottkamper inquired as to the timeframe for this project to be completed. The delegations
advised that once funding is obtained, it will take approximately two years to conduct pre-
engineering studies and acquire lands followed by an additional 3 to 4 years for construction.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that following approvals a minimum of 6 years is anticipated
before this project will be completed.
Ms. Y. Fernandes raised questions regarding disruption to the wetlands around Hopewell Creek
and what could be done to mitigate disruptions during construction. The delegations advised
that the Ministry has a number of proposals to deal with natural areas and they will be addressed
as part of the detailed design phase. Mr. A. Boterman raised concerns regarding the bridge that
will cross the Grand River Trail, and was advised that it is intended to keep the trail intact and
minimize impact to the area.
Ms. N. Sonders stated that, in her opinion, the development of more roads is not an appropriate
means to address traffic problems. She voiced concern over the proposed alignment and
suggested that alternative modes of transportation should be investigated as a means to
address traffic congestion. The delegations advised that the MTO examined alternative modes
of transportation and found that transit alone will not resolve traffic needs; however, the
'Recommended Route (2002)' will allow for better use of transit.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic inquired as to the impact of the new route alignment on the Nelson
property. The delegations advised that Mr. Nelson has been actively involved in the design
process as it concerns his property, and MTO officials did a walk through of the property with
him. The Wellington extension will go through the southern portion of Mr. Nelson's property;
however, this has been designed to be as far away from his residence as possible. Mr. Scott
displayed exhibit 5-4 from the Environmental Assessment report, which showed the proposed
interchanges at Wellington Street and the KWE. He advised that the proposed design alleviates
JOINT MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 24, 2004
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CITY OF KITCHENER
1. DTS-04-177
RESPONSE TO AMENDMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
REPORT 1997: RECOMMENDED ROUTE (2002) FOR A NEW HIGHWAY 7
(CONT'D)
local traffic concerns; however, it will result in removal of several commercial businesses. He
added that all construction costs for the interchange will be borne by the Province.
Mr. R. Dingman questioned the impact to air quality and was advised that the design is in
keeping with MOE air quality standards. Ms. N. Sonders questioned what is to happen after
2028 and was advised that the proposed alignment is not expected to reach capacity at 2028 but
rather 2028 is used as a benchmark based on population forecasts for this area. Based on
predicted growth rates the 'Recommended Route (2002)' should be able to meet capacity needs
beyond 2040.
Mr. H. Noesgaard questioned what forward planning MTO is doing to ensure transportation
infrastructure leads development. Mr. Wake stated that the MTO would like to be more pro-
active in transportation planning; however, funding is a major factor in priority setting.
Ms. Y. Fernandes questioned how wetlands will be protected against salt and oil on a road of
this magnitude. She was advised that MTO has developed strategies to address issues arising
from salt application and procedures are in place to handle emergency situations, such as oil
spills.
Mr. J. Nethery presented recommendations for consideration of both Committees and reviewed
previous resolutions passed by Council. He advised that Council endorsed the proposed
technically preferred alternative alignment within the City of Kitchener and called for a re-
evaluation of the '1997 Technically Preferred Route' between Kitchener and Guelph.
Subsequently, the MTO proposed the 'Recommended Route (2002)' which Council endorsed
based on a recommendation from the Economic Development Advisory Committee. He stated
that MTO examined widening the existing Highway 7 to a five lane road and determined that it
would not meet the needs of projected traffic volumes. He advised that for alternative modes of
transportation to be effective, transit ridership would have to represent 20-25% of users;
whereas, the Region of Waterloo's target is 7%. Accordingly, transit alone is not considered
capable of solving traffic problems. Mr. Nethery reviewed alternative designs such as a right-in/
right-out similar to Highway 11 in the Orillia area and a controlled access highway similar to the
QEW and Highway 403, which were discouraged due to social and economic pressures. Mr.
Nethery advised that as a result of this project, the following may occur:
· temporary and permanent road allowance assumptions by the Province;
· Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro may have part of their infrastructure affected;
· some sewer lines will be relocated;
· several commercial buildings will be demolished;
· potential inconvenience to nearby properties.
Mr. Nethery advised that the Economic Development Advisory Committee last dealt with this
issue in July 2003, and passed a resolution endorsing the 'Recommended Route (2002)' design.
The Environmental Committee last dealt with this issue in March 2001 and did not support the
Technically Preferred Route, requesting further investigation. Mr. Nethery stated that staff is
recommending that both Committees endorse the proposed 'Recommended Route (2002)'
alignment.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that local area Mayors met with the Honorable Harinder Takhar,
Minister of Transportation, to discuss the Amendment to the Environmental Assessment report.
Councillor Vrbanovic informed that whereas the Mayors of Guelph and the Townships were not
in support of the new Highway 7, they now support the proposed 'Recommended Route (2002)'
alignment. Further, financing for this project will be a challenge requiring alternative financing
partners. Overall, the Mayors were satisfied that the Province is adequately addressing the
infrastructure needs of the area.
JOINT MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 24, 2004
- 33 -
CITY OF KITCHENER
1. DTS-04-177
RESPONSE TO AMENDMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
REPORT 1997: RECOMMENDED ROUTE (2002) FOR A NEW HIGHWAY 7
(CONT'D)
At this time, Councillor B. Vrbanovic turned the Chair over to Mr. H. Pottkamper, Co-Chair of the
Economic Development Advisory Committee, (EDAC).
Mr. Pottkamper addressed the members of EDAC, inquiring how they wished to proceed with
respect to providing their comments to the MOE.
On motion by Mr. L. Bingeman -
it was resolved:
"That the Economic Development Advisory Committee reaffirms its support for the
proposed 'Recommended Route (2002)' alignment of a new Highway 7 (Kitchener to
Guelph), as it is designed within the City of Kitchener; and further,
That City Council be requested to accept the Economic Development Advisory
Committee's resolution and reaffirm its support for the proposed 'Recommended Route
(2002)' alignment of a new Highway 7 (Kitchener to Guelph), as it is designed within the
City of Kitchener."
Councillor B. Vrbanovic then assumed the Chair.
Mr. R. Dingman proposed a motion that the Environmental Committee extend appreciation to
the MTO in revisiting the design to minimize the impact on environmentally sensitive areas.
Members of the Environmental Committee expressed the opinion that it is unfortunate that to
ensure there is a safe commuter route between Kitchener and Guelph a road must be
constructed which has the potential to pollute the natural area. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised
that the Committee should pass a motion that would definitively convey the Committee's position
regarding the proposed 'Recommended Route (2002)'.
On motion by Mr. R. Dingman -
it was resolved:
"That the Environmental Committee expresses their appreciation to the Ministry of
Transportation Ontario for revisiting the Highway 7 design, between Kitchener and
Guelph, with the goal of minimizing the impact on environmentally sensitive areas and
recognizes that there have been environmental improvements achieved in the latest
proposed design, 'Recommended Route (2002)'."
On motion by Mr. A. Boterman -
it was resolved:
"That the Environmental Committee supports the proposed 'Recommended Route (2002)'
alignment of a new Highway 7 (Kitchener to Guelph), subject to the Ministry of
Transportation Ontario continuing due diligence in ensuring that environmental issues,
such as alternative modes of transportation, air quality and protection of natural areas,
are addressed as the project moves forward."
ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Colin Goodeve
Corn mittee Ad mi nistrator