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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works - 2001-03-26PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2001 CITY OF KITCHENER The Public Works and Transportation Committee met this date, commencing at 9:10 a.m., Chaired by Councillor J. Smola, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors G. Lorentz, M. Galloway and J. Ziegler. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Officials Present: Ms. L. Korabo and Messrs. R. Pritchard (Interim CAO), S. Gyorffy and J. McBride. PW-01-028- LIBRARY PARKING LOT 4 - MAIN BRANCH - INCREASED TIME LIMIT AT PARKING METERS The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-028, dated March 6, 2001, recommending implementation of a 3-hour time limit for all metered spaces provided in the Library parking lot and installation of a Pay and Display machine to replace all existing parking meters. Mr. J. McBride spoke in support of the staff report and advised that the Kitchener Public Library is also in support of the recommendation. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That effective April 1, 2001, the parking meters in Library Parking Lot 4 operate with a 3- hour time limit; and, That a Pay and Display machine be installed in Parking Lot 4 to replace the existing 44 parking meters; and further, That By-law 88-169 be amended accordingly." PW-01-029 - CITY HALL GARAGE STRUCTURAL MONITORING PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-029, dated March 6, 2001, requesting waiver of the City's consultant selection process and awarding of the 2001 Garage Monitoring Program to the same structural engineer who undertook the 1998 garage monitoring. Mayor C. Zehr questioned if this was routine testing and Mr. J. McBride advised that the monitoring is carried out every 3 years in each City garage. The last monitoring performed in 1998 identified possible problems early and allowed for correction, in a timely fashion. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr- it was resolved: "That Council waive the consultant selection process and award the 2001 City Hall Garage Structural Monitoring Program to Reed Jones Christofferson Ltd." PW-01-030 - INTERSECTION CONTROL - GREENFIELD AVENUE/EIGHTH AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-030, dated March 8, 2001, recommending reversal of intersection controls at the Greenfield Avenue/Eighth Avenue intersection. Councillor J. Ziegler noted that, in his opinion, speeding occurs in this area due to lengthy stretches of straight roadway and indicated his concern that reversing the intersection stop controls would simply move the problem from Eighth Avenue to Greenfield Avenue. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting. Mr. J. McBride commented that staff have concerns similar to those of Councillor Ziegler but noted that following the reversal of the stop controls, staff plan to monitor the intersection during PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2001 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. PW-01-030 - INTERSECTION CONTROL - GREENFIELD AVENUE/EIGHTH AVENUE (CONT'D) the summer months and provide an update to the Committee in the Fall of 2001. Mr. McBride noted that the monitoring may indicate a necessity to recommend that an all-way stop be installed in the future. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That the existing intersection stop controls at Greenfield Avenue/Eighth Avenue be reversed to require north and southbound traffic on Eighth Avenue to stop at Greenfield Avenue while permitting traffic on Greenfield Avenue to travel through Eighth Avenue without stopping; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." PW-01-031 - ON-STREET PARKING - CAYUGA DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-031, dated March 7, 2001, recommending parking be prohibited at all times on the north side of Cayuga Drive. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited anytime on the north side of Cayuga Drive; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." PW-01-033 - CHAPTER 450 OF MUNICIPAL CODE - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION - HIGHWAY 8 WIDENING/FRANKLIN STREET BRIDGE DECK REMOVAL - K-W EXPRESSWAY SOUTHERLY TO FERGUS AVENUE The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-033, dated March 14, 2001, advising that a letter had been received from the Project Manager, requesting an exemption from Chapter 450 (Noise) of the Municipal Code for construction activities relating to the widening/structure reconstruction of Highway 8. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned if the Ministry of Transportation has provided definitive timelines for the Highway 8 project, indicating his preference for fast-tracking of the bridge removal. He further stated that he is reluctant to provide a noise exemption for the period from April 1,2001 to December 31,2003, as noted in the staff report. Mr. J. McBride advised that the Ministry of Transportation is unable at this time to provide a definite start date for the Highway 8 project, as they are awaiting resolution of a pending Ontario Municipal Board hearing on this matter. He noted that the nature of the work being undertaken includes saw cutting of the bridge deck into large sections and removal of these sections by crane. For safety reasons, a full closure of Highway 8 will be required for short periods of time while each section is being removed. This operation is restricted to night time work when traffic volumes are lowest, thereby reducing the potential negative impact on vehicular traffic. The Committee was in general agreement with providing a noise exemption on an as needed basis but indicated a preference to await exact timelines from the Ministry of Transportation prior to granting any exemptions. Mayor C. Zehr questioned why the initial request from the project contractor indicated an exemption request for a 2 ½ year period and Mr. McBride advised that the noise exemption relates to undertakings during the course of the entire project, not just removal of the bridge decking. Mayor Zehr requested that if this item is deferred, staff include a more specific reference to the dates when the noise exemption would be applicable. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2001 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER PW-01-033 - CHAPTER 450 OF MUNICIPAL CODE - NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION - HIGHWAY 8 WIDENING/FRANKLIN STREET BRIDGE DECK REMOVAL - K-W EXPRESSWAY SOUTHERLY TO FERGUS AVENUE (CONT'D) Mr. McBride indicated that staff would be agreeable to deferring consideration of this request until after they have had an opportunity to meet with representatives of the Ministry of Transportation. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated that he would prefer to grant noise exemptions in phases, as required by the contractors of the project. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That consideration of the request of the Ministry of Transportation and its Contractor(s) for exemptions from the provisions of Chapter 450 (Noise), Article 6 (Construction Work), of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, during the highway widening/structure reconstruction of Highway 8 from the K-W Expressway to Fergus Avenue between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and for the period April 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003 be deferred and referred to a future Public Works and Transportation meeting, pending a meeting between staff and representatives of the Ministry of Transportation when timelines for the Highway 8 project will be determined; and further, That the Mayor be directed to forward a letter to the Minister of Transportation and local MPPs outlining Council's concern with the anticipated length of time the Franklin Street bridge will be unavailable for vehicular use." PW-01-035 - EPTON PARKING LOT DEVELOPMENT - 521 KING STREET WEST The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-035, dated March 20, 2001, recommending the City enter into an agreement with the owner of the property at 521 King Street West. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Council enter into an agreement with LP Holdings to operate a public parking lot at 521 King Street West; and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a lease agreement with LP Holdings satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and further, That funds in the amount of $140,000. approved for the development of a public parking lot on the Forsyth property be reallocated for the development of public parking at 521 King Street West." PW-01-036 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - SCHOOL BUS LOADING ZONE EXTENSION ON LOUISA STREET The Committee was in receipt of Public Works Department report PW-01-036, dated March 19, 2001, recommending the extension of the school bus loading zone on Louisa Street to accommodate 5 full size school buses that serve Margaret Avenue Senior Public School. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic- it was resolved: "That the School Bus Loading Zone on the east side of Louisa Street, presently located from a point 30 metres north of Margaret Avenue to a point 64 metres north of Margaret Avenue, be extended 41 metres further north; and further, PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2001 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER PW-01-036 - SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - SCHOOL BUS LOADING ZONE EXTENSION ON LOUISA STREET (CONT'D) That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." CROSSING GUARD - LAURENTIAN DRIVE AT TRILLIUM PUBLIC SCHOOL 10. Councillor M. Galloway questioned when a recommendation would be coming forward concerning the possible installation of an adult crossing guard on Laurentian Drive across from Trillium Public School. He noted that a recent incident involving a young girl requires the matter to be dealt with as soon as possible. Mayor C. Zehr noted that the proper procedure would be for the Committee to request a report from staff and questioned whether it would be possible to consider the report at the April 2, 2001 Council meeting as part of the Committee of the Whole agenda. Mr. J. McBride advised that a study was conducted in this area last week and no crossing issues were identified at that time. He observed that double the number of required gaps were being provided by traffic, allowing students to cross safely. He advised that he was not aware of the recent incident referred to by Councillor Galloway and would appreciate an opportunity to obtain a detailed report from Waterloo Regional Police prior to forwarding a staff report and recommendation to the Committee on this matter. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to prepare a report for consideration at the April 9, 2001 Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting outlining recommendations concerning provision of an Adult Crossing Guard on Laurentian Drive across from Trillium Public School.' CROSSING GUARD - ERINBROOK DRIVE AT OF GLENCAIRN SCHOOL Councillor M. Galloway requested a staff report indicating the status of a request to provide a crossing guard on Erinbrook Drive to assist students attending Glencairn Public School. Mr. J. McBride advised that staff have met with the School's Parent Council and have identified several minor modifications being implemented with the permission of the School. Mr. McBride advised that it would be appreciated if these modifications could be in place for a period of time to identify whether or not they are successful in meeting the needs of the students. Councillor Galloway agreed to the request of staff to permit these modifications to be implemented and observed and Councillor G. Lorentz requested that information be provided to him outlining the cost for any new crossing guards in response to the requests of Councillor Galloway. DOON VILLAGE ROAD - CONVERSION TO TWO-WAY STREET FROM BRIDGE TO SOUTH END Councillor M. Galloway advised that a number of residents have expressed concerns regarding the past conversion of a portion of Doon Village Road to a one-way street. He requested a staff report on the financial implications should this portion of Doon Village Road be converted back to two-way traffic, noting that the one-way option was not the preferred option of residents in the immediate area. In conjunction with this request, he also asked that the flower boxes previously installed on Doon Village Road, as a traffic calming measure, not be put in place this year. Mayor C. Zehr commented that when the flower boxes were approved for installation on Doon Village Road a request was included that a review be undertaken in due course to determine if traffic patterns had been altered. He also noted that approval of the conversion was given only until such time as the Doon Village Road Diversion was in place. In connection with this, Mayor PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2001 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. DOON VILLAGE ROAD - CONVERSION TO TWO-WAY STREET FROM BRIDGE TO SOUTH END (CONT'D) Zehr questioned the current status of the Diversion project and Mr. McBride advised that work will start in 2001 with completion scheduled for the latter part of 2002. Mayor Zehr stated that this indicates the one-way portion of Doon Village Road would be in place for a further 2 years until a review in connection with the Doon Village Road Diversion, is scheduled. Mr. McBride stated that prior to consideration of reverting the one-way portion of Doon Village Road back to a two-way street, he wishes to survey area residents for their comments and indicated that a 3 - 4 week interval would be required to carry out this survey. He suggested staff could bring a report before the Committee in May 2001. Mr. McBride confirmed that the flower planters were not being installed on Doon Village Road this year. On motion by Councillor M. Galloway- it was resolved: "That staff be directed to prepare a report for consideration at the May 14, 2001 Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting outlining recommendations concerning the conversion of a one-way portion of Doon Village Road to two-way traffic." 11. LACKNER BOULEVARD Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested an update from staff concerning the date when the Lackner Boulevard report would be coming before the Committee and Mr. McBride advised that the report was scheduled for presentation on April 30, 2001. 12. INFORMATION ITEM The Committee was in receipt of the following information report namely: · PW-01-037 - Highway 401/Homer Watson Boulevard Interchange - Public Notice of Study Commencement The meeting then recessed at 9:35 a.m. and reconvened at 7:05 p.m., Chaired by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors M. Galloway, G. Lorentz and J. Ziegler. Councillor J. Smola was in attendance for part of the meeting. Officials Present: Ms. L. MacDonald and Ms. J. Billett and Messrs. R. Pritchard, B. Stanley, S. Gyorffy and J. McBride. 13. MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION - HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY The Committee was in receipt of recommendations put forward by the Environmental Committee (March 1, 2001) and the Economic Development Advisory Committee (February 28, 2001) relative to the Ministry of Transportation's technically preferred alignment for the Highway #7 project from Kitchener to Guelph. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of background information including: · Business & Planning Services Department, Economic Development Division report: BPS-01-041 - Highway #7 Expansion · excerpt from the March 1,2001 Environmental Committee minutes · information previously provided by the Ministry of Transportation · information previously provided by various delegations who attended the Environmental Committee and March 19 Council meetings. March 1 The March 1 Environmental Committee recommendation requests that Council not support the proposed alignment between Kitchener and Guelph, and requests the Ministry to re-evaluate other options to address traffic volume on Highway #7, including widening of existing Highway #7 and alternate transportation forms. The recommendation of the Economic Development PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2001 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER 13. MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION - HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY (CONT'D) Advisory Committee expresses support for construction of a controlled access highway between Kitchener and Guelph, as well as for the proposed alignment within Kitchener. The recommendation further requests that a decision on an alignment be made as soon as possible and construction commence at the earliest possible date. Mr. A. Gubler, Solicitor, appeared on behalf of Mr. Luke Lombaert, owner of Belgian Nursery, and advised that the Nursery is a sizeable family operated business that wishes to continue to operate through future generations. He pointed out that Belgian Nursery forms part of the Golden Triangle Garden Mall (GTGM) which is a group of similar businesses that together provide products for all forms of plant growth. He expressed the opinion that these businesses are valuable assets which contribute to the protection of the environment through promoting agricultural growth and use of environmentally friendly products. Mr. Gubler advised that the GTGM is united in its opposition to the Ministry's latest proposal as they feel it will jeopardize the viability of their businesses. He stated that collectively these businesses can continue to operate; however, should one cease to operate it is believed the remainder will not survive. Mr. Gubler stated that the proposed service routes will have an adverse affect on these businesses and is not considered a suitable alternative. He further stated that the GTGM prefer a northern route and suggested this would be no less harmful than the current proposal. In closing, he urged the Committee to advise the Ministry that the current technically preferred alignment is unacceptable and request the Ministry pursue a northern route. In response to Mayor Zehr, Mr. Gubler advised that the GTGM businesses are dependent on one another not only in terms of public access but also in terms of product retail as each supplies different types of products. Further, he provided an example of a similar controlled access highway north to Orillia, Highway 11, which limits access to one side only in either direction and has had a detrimental impact on businesses along that corridor. Mr. E. Geissler appeared and expressed support for the recommendation of the Environmental Committee. He suggested that further studies must be undertaken in view of the concerns raised by both the business sector and special interest groups. He did not agree with the Ministry's proposal to build a high speed highway but rather was in favour of widening the existing highway. Mr. Geissler urged the Ministry to consider all businesses in planning improvements to Highway #7. He further stated that land use patterns should be investigated to improve and reduce traffic between Kitchener and Guelph and suggested a greenbelt area be established to forestall urban sprawl, provide an educational facility and help improve the environment. Mr. Craig Hawthorne voiced concern that building a new controlled access highway would only create need for more capacity and would have a serious adverse impact on air quality. Mr. Hawthorne also raised concerns with regard to the cost of construction and maintenance of the new highway and suggested that widening the existing highway would cost less and curb traffic. He suggested that serious consideration should be given to alternative transportation modes and referred to surveys conducted by HALT 7 and the Waterloo Public Interest Research Group (WPRIG) which suggest the majority of commuters prefer widening of the existing highway. He concluded that the impact of a controlled access highway is too great and should not be supported. Mr. Perry Grobe, Grobe Nursery, stated he was not opposed to a new highway; however, preferred a northern route that diverts traffic away from existing Highway #7. Mr. Grobe stated that the criteria to evaluate socio-economic impacts of the Ministry's current proposal was insufficient and resulted in a flawed solution. He suggested that the proposed service road network will result in substantial negative economic impact to businesses and questioned why steps could not be taken to realign the highway, such as was done for the Hindu Temple. Mr. Grobe asked that the current proposal be rejected and a complete analysis of alternatives be undertaken by the Ministry, including a northern route. 13. Mr. Luigi D'Agnillo, appeared on behalf of HALT 7, and read a number of comments from various individuals obtained from a website chat room known as the 'Neighbourhood Cafe'. MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION - HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2001 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER Comments varied from preference for widening the existing highway, alternative transportation, building a new highway and the impacts of each. Mr. D'Agnillo stated that in his opinion the majority of people are asking for different forms of transportation and there is need to develop good transportation alternatives. Ms. Judy Greenwood-Speers raised concerns with the impact on air quality and public health safety, urging all levels of government to band together to implement alternative modes of transportation such as a rail system to reduce vehicular traffic. She commented that a new highway would increase traffic speeds causing more accidents and have adverse effects on water and air quality. She suggested that improving the existing Highway #7 in similar fashion to Highway #6 South would be a better solution and that continuing to build new roads would hamper the Region's plan to reduce vehicular use. She called for good alternatives to be developed and implemented to ensure an environmentally sustainable and healthy community. Councillor J. Smola entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Peter Tillich, Tillich Nursery, expressed support for a northern alignment as this would alleviate negative economic impact on businesses and would have no greater environmental impact. Mr. Tillich suggested that the impact to his property and surrounding wetland and woodlots could be lessened by implementing a northern route. He further stated that widening the existing highway alone would be an over-simplified approach that would not address congestion or rectify speeding. Mr. Tillich asked that Council reject the current technically preferred alignment and request the Ministry to further investigate a northern route. In response to Mayor Zehr, Mr. Tillich advised that while his property will be affected in any event, the impact of a modified northern route would be substantially less. Mr. Garth Nelson, Nelson Stone Centre, distributed a written submission dated March 26, 2001 with attached aerial and ground photographs of environmentally sensitive wetland and woodlots in the area of his property and the Grand River. Mr. Nelson reviewed the photographs, expressing his support for comparison of the routes designated by the Ministry as RWl and RW4 to find the best possible route. He commented that the proposed angled crossing of the Grand River will pose safety concerns for motorists due to fog conditions and the cost to construct such a crossing will be greater; whereas, the RWl route provides a direct crossing, lessening the time travelled and risk to motorists. He advised that his property slopes downward toward the Grand River, with a spring running the entire length of the property, and suggested the RW1 and RW4 routes would result in less environmental impact. Mr. Nelson stated that he was prepared to accept the outcome of the Ministry's study, provided it is conducted fairly and all alternatives fully investigated to determine the best possible route. Mr. Nelson requested that Council not support the technically preferred alignment and request the Ministry to further analyse alternatives designated as RW1 and RW4. In response to Mayor Zehr, Mr. Nelson expressed the opinion the current proposal will have greater impact on his business than the RWl route and felt the RWl route could be improved upon to make it even better. Mr. Steve Vogel expressed support for the alternative designated by the Ministry as RW4 as, in his opinion, it has no environmental impact on woodlots and wetlands. Mr. Vogel advised that he had requested cost estimates from the Ministry for portions of the project, including bridge construction, without success. He stated that it is important to obtain the best return for taxpayer dollars and all pertinent information should be made available. Councillor Vrbanovic inquired if Mr. Vogel had approached local MPP's with his request for cost estimates and Mr. Vogel advised that he had, though no information has been provided. 13. Mr. Richard Brown, Business Liaison for the Canadian Association of Retired Persons - Golden Triangle Chapter, raised the concerns of seniors relative to the technically preferred alignment. He advised that seniors enjoy gardening as a hobby and require easy access to the nurseries. He suggested that mixing local traffic with high speed traffic poses safety concerns and requested that a separate highway be constructed. He made further reference to health MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION - HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2001 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER concerns, noting emergency response times are critical to the well being of senior citizens who fear the current technically preferred alignment may adversely affect emergency vehicle access. Mr. Brown asked that the Ministry be requested to give further consideration to its proposal to ensure that a roadway is constructed with minimal socio-economic and environmental impacts. Mr. Michael Parkinson, representing the Waterloo Public Interest Research Group (WPIRG), distributed a written submission dated March 26, 2001 which outlines a number of indicators in support of widening the existing Highway #7. He voiced concerns that volunteers who have taken time to provide input are not being heard. He noted the City's Environmental Committee has recommended for the third time that the existing highway be widened and encouraged Council to support the recommendation. He expressed the opinion that widening the existing highway is a less costly approach and the northern route should not be supported in view of environmental concerns. Mr. Parkinson suggested there is no support for a new highway and requested that Council support widening of the existing highway, together with consideration of alternate transportation forms. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested that staff comment on previous motions of Council relative to this matter. Mr. B. Stanley advised that to date, Council has supported the technically preferred alternative within Kitchener, including the Wellington and Bridge Street interchanges and modifications relative to the Hindu Temple. He pointed out that Council has not made any recommendation with regard to the central corridor between Kitchener and Guelph, except to suggest an alignment that would have the least impact on the environment. Mr. Stanley referred to Mr. Nelson's comments respecting alternative alignments RW1 and RW4, and pointed out that considerable discussion has taken place with the Ministry regarding Mr. Nelson's concerns. Mr. Stanley acknowledged these, but noted that from the Ministry's point of view the RW1 route has a greater environmental impact relative to the Bloomingdale wetlands. He pointed out that the Ministry is committed to continuing its evaluation of alternatives, as documented in the minutes of the March 1 Environmental Committee meeting, given the input received at recent public information meetings. Mr. Stanley further advised that the Ministry is looking for generalized comments at this time relative to the roadway between Kitchener and Guelph, rather than comments based on a specific alignment. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he was in favour of widening the existing Highway #7 and questioned how to convey this to the Ministry in a generalized format. Councillor Vrbanovic commented that the wording of the Environmental Committee recommendation provides for other options to be re-evaluated, one of which is widening of the existing Highway #7. In response to Councillor Ziegler, Mr. Stanley advised that Council's response to the Ministry could be in the form of a request that the Ministry consider widening the existing highway or by adoption of the Environmental Committee's recommendation, as neither refer to a specific alignment. Councillor J. Ziegler moved the March 1, 2001 recommendation of the Environmental Committee as follows: "That Kitchener City Council not support the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario technically preferred alternative route for the Highway #7 project from Kitchener to Guelph, subject to reconsideration which may result from any future revision of the study by the Ministry as a result of its public consultation process; and further, That the Ministry of Transportation be requested to re-evaluate other options to address traffic volume on Highway #7, including but not limited to: - widening existing Highway #7 - alternative transportation forms." 13. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that, in his opinion, widening the existing highway would have less impact on the environment, and while he acknowledged concerns raised by the business sector, he felt these could be individually addressed. MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION - HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY (CONT'D) PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2001 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mayor C. Zehr referred to Page 16 of the March 1 Environmental Committee minutes, pointing out that the last sentence in the paragraph immediately preceding the Committee's recommendation incorrectly suggests the Ministry will return to Council with a recommended plan that would "not" have passed the test of public concern and indicated the word "not" should be removed. In response to remarks made by delegations, Mayor Zehr stated that the Environmental Committee and the Economic Development Advisory Committee made recommendations based on their perspectives and it is now Council's responsibility to evaluate these in terms of the overall project. He stated that while Council values public input, adopting a different position does not make mockery of the input received; rather it is part of the democratic process. Mayor Zehr noted that he has worked extensively on the issue of public transit and in particular, an improved rail system; however, lack of local resources make this a difficult issue to resolve. He pointed out that this issue is a Provincial matter and there is need to continue to petition the Province for public transit links. Mayor Zehr advised that he could not support the Environmental Committee recommendation as moved as it appears to limit the Ministry to only 2 options. He stated he would prefer to include an additional option to re-evaluate a northern route. Mayor Zehr was also of the opinion Council should re-affirm its support of the technically preferred alignment within Kitchener in a manner similar to that expressed in the recommendation of the Economic Development Advisory Committee. Councillor B. Vrbanovic provided a brief explanation of the Environmental Committee's discussion relative to its recommendation and pointed out the Committee wished to respect past motions of Council but also acknowledge the need to revisit this matter to ensure environmental concerns are addressed. He noted that the Committee does not support the proposed technically preferred alignment, subject to the Ministry's reconsideration and possible revisions. He further pointed out that the recommendation was structured in such a way as to allow the Committee to support addressing the issue of Highway #7 but not limit the Ministry's ability to look at alternatives for the central corridor. Mayor Zehr expressed the opinion that the wording leads in a specific direction and does not give the impression the Ministry is expected to explore other options. He stated he could only support the motion if it included an option to explore a modified northern route. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he could not support an option relative to a northern route as he felt it would result in greater environmental impact and expressed the opinion that the environment should take precedence over high speed traffic. Councillor M. Galloway agreed with Mayor Zehr's remarks regarding the wording of the motion and advised he could not support a motion that gives the impression of limiting options as he did not wish to limit Council's response only to widening the existing highway. Councillor G. Lorentz supported re-affirming Council's earlier position regarding the technically preferred alignment within Kitchener and was of the opinion that while the sharing of views is appreciated, the roadway between Kitchener and Guelph is a Provincial highway for which Council does not have jurisdiction to make decisions. He was of the opinion Council should limit its response to re-affirming its position within the boundary of Kitchener and only express its concerns with the alignment between Kitchener and Guelph. Councillor Lorentz encouraged those present to undertake dialogue with their Provincial MPP's as the final decision on an alignment rests with the Province. Councillor J. Smola expressed support for re-affirming Council's position within Kitchener as the proposed alignment will assist in alleviating concerns in the Bridgeport area. 13. MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION - HIGHWAY 7 PLANNING STUDY (CONT'D) By general consent, it was agreed to deal with the motion on the floor in two parts. On motion, the first paragraph was then considered and was amended to add a new paragraph re-affirming PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 26, 2001 -31 - CITY OF KITCHENER Council's previous position of support for the technically preferred alignment within Kitchener, including the Wellington Street interchange, partial interchange access to Bridgeport, modifications proposed earlier by the Ministry relative to the Hindu Temple and additional modifications involving the Nelson Stone Centre as proposed by Mr. Garth Nelson. On motion, the remainder of the original motion was then amended to add a third option to read "refined controlled highway access". The main motion was then voted on, as amended. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Kitchener City Council not support the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario's technically preferred alternative alignment for the Highway #7 project from Kitchener to Guelph, subject to reconsideration which may result from any future revision of the study by the Ministry as a result of its public consultation process; and further, That City Council reaffirms its support for the proposed technically preferred alternative alignment within the City of Kitchener of the Highway #7 project, including the Wellington Street interchange and partial interchange access to Bridgeport, and modifications proposed earlier by the Ministry of Transportation in regard to the Hindu Temple and additional modifications involving the Nelson Stone Centre, as proposed in the written submission of Mr. Garth Nelson dated March 26, 2001 ." - and - "That the Ministry of Transportation be requested to re-evaluate other options to address traffic volume on Highway #7 between Kitchener and Guelph, including but not limited to: - widening existing Highway #7 - alternative transportation forms - refined controlled access highway." The above resolutions were then referred to the Special Council meeting of this date. 14. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Linda Korabo Acting Committee Administrator Janet Billett Committee Administrator