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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2002-05-09 DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES May 9, 2002 CITY OF KITCHENER The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m., chaired by Councillor John Smola, with the following members present: Anita Petsche-Good, Sally Gunz, Glen Woolner, Mike Peng, Doug Hoch, Marty Schreiter, Canst. Mark Neill, Elvis Ellison Others present: David Corks, Angela Staab, Tom Ruggle 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA On motion by Anita Petsche-Good it was resolved: "That the agenda for the May 9,2002 meeting be accepted." 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion by Marty Schreiter it was resolved: "That the minutes from the April 11 , 2002 meeting be accepted." 3. NEW DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE John McBride, Director of Traffic and Parking, presented members of DAC with the design of the new downtown parking garage to be built at the corner of Charles and Benton St. DAC members had several questions/comments for John. If there is rooftop parking, is it secured? John McBride answered by saying there will be a steel mesh that will allow natural light and fresh air, but will prevent people from harming themselves. Sally Gunz assumed that there might be more development on Charles Street and hates to think that there is no alternative to the brick wall rather than retail uses here. John answered that the site was too small so retail is restricted to Benton Street. Canst. Mark Neill also expressed his concern for Hall's Lane and the lighting/security issues there. John McBride answered that they have already thought of that and are planning to repave this lane and add efficient lighting. 1 Anita Petsche-Good asked how many points of pedestrian access there would be. John pointed out the three access points. Mike Peng questioned the landscaping aspects of the site and John McBride stated that a landscape architect would be designing a planting scheme to add plants and shrubs to give it a friendly look. Sally Gunz asked that when more of the fine details are in place, if John could come back to inform the Committee. John said he would be glad to give an update on the various stages and he would even be willing to give everybody a tour. 4. REGION OF WATERLOO'S LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT PROPOSAL At the City of Kitchener's Council meeting of April 22, 2002, delegates from the Region of Waterloo presented at Council, their Light Rail Transit Proposal. Discussions ensued, and Council made the following recommendation: "That consideration of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-02-087 with respect to the Region of Waterloo's proposal for a Light Rail Transit System, be deferred and referred to the Council meeting of May 27, 2002, pending presentations to and receipt of comments from the Environmental Committee, Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Downtown Advisory Committee." With that, Graham Vincent, Director, Transportation Planning, Region of Waterloo gave a presentation on the Region of Waterloo's Light Rail Transit Proposal to the Environmental Committee and the Downtown Advisory Committee (see attached report). After the presentation, Committee members had several questions/comments for Mr. Vincent. Anita Petsche-Good asked about the ridership fares and how they compare to taking the bus? Grant Vincent said the ridership fare per passenger might depend on the distance the passenger wants to go. It may cost a bit more, but they have not done this part of research for this project yet. Mr. Vincent did add that he would contact other cities that use the L.R.T. and see how they deal with passenger fares. Sally Gunz commented that taking a L.R.T. is a higher-class transportation system compared to taking the bus. Graham Vincent added to Sally Gunz's comments that it is a more relaxing atmosphere. It is fast with no competition with lights or other traffic as it has priority over other vehicles for most of the route. 2 Mike Peng asked if the GO train system would be extended to Kitchener as part of this proposal. Graham Vincent said this was unknown but would be part of the discussion with the Province. Canst. Mark Neill asked how is it going to work when the station is still a distance from one's destination and will they accommodate cyclists. Graham answered that the existing surface routes would be redesigned for the LRT and they would be able to accommodate bicycles. Sally Gunz asked what the time line was for Federal budget and was it possible to get both Federal and Provincial funding for this project? Graham replied that they have received a reply from the Federal funding body and they are currently considering the application. Anita Petsche-Good then inquired if emergency vehicles or any other vehicle can drive on the tracks? Graham Vincent answered by saying that it depends on the system they select. Eric Hagedorn appeared as a delegation to DAC and presented a Bus Rapid Transit System, which involves express buses fed by smaller vans. (see attached). Sally Gunz suggested that the two proposals could be complementary. DAC members returned to the Conestoga Room for final discussion. Chair John Smola asked for the Committee's opinion of the L.R.T. proposal. Sally Gunz said that she lives downtown, but works in Waterloo. She believes it attracts people to major cities when they have a subway system. She did point out that if the City decided to go ahead with the L.R.T., it would be a change from a small town to big town system. She thought it would be effective, having the system would be fabulous. Anita Petsche-Good added that she has neighbours who rely solely on transit and added her support to the proposal. Glen Woolner thought the proposal Eric Hagedorn gave on the bus proposal was complementary. He continued, stating that even if we go ahead with the L.R.T., buses will still be around. John Smola mentioned that the current 30-minute intervals on some routes were not encouraging passengers. Graham Vincent entered room. 3 Elvis Ellison mentioned that having the route as proposed would be of great benefit and would encourage use of the existing bus system. Anita Petsche-Good inquired about the fuel usage for the L.R.T. system. Graham answered that by stating the train can run by overhead electric cables, diesel or other fuels. John Smola asked about the possibilities of the trains running on propane or natural gas? Graham said that there were no examples he knew of that ran on natural gas but this should be feasible. On motion by Marty Schreiter - It was resolved to support the recommendation from Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-02-087 as follows: "That the City of Kitchener support in principle the application by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for a Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund for a Light Rail Transit Proposal, and: That the City of Kitchener request the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to extend the Phase 1 route easterly to the new Kitchener Market in the Market District." Glen Woolner asked DAC members to consider another motion to ask Council to request that the Region explore the proposal by Eric Hagedorn. Mr. Hagedorn had good ideas that Glen Woolner hopes we don't lose. He thinks some of the current initiatives are going the wrong way as buses are returning to diesel rather than natural gas which pollutes King Street. The bus goes slow and that is why people prefer to take their own car. He mentioned that we need to listen to people as to why they don't take the bus. We need to get people on things that move like cars, make people want to ride on it. On motion by Glen Woolner - it was resolved: "That DAC ask Council to request that the Region of Waterloo consider the merit of the Bus Rapid Transit System, as proposed by Eric Hagedorn, as being complimentary to the proposed Light Rail Transit System." 5. DAC OBJECTIVES AND GOALS 2002 REVIEW John Smola deferred this topic to the next meeting in June. 4 6. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT TEAM UP-DATE (Staff & KDBA) . Marty Schreiter handed out a copy of a letter he will be sending to various people within the Social Services sector and other interested parties from neighbourhoods surrounding the downtown, with regard to forming healthy and constructive dialogue between the two groups. (see attached) Anita Petsche saw a logo on a vehicle supported by the International Gospel Centre on Charles Street. This is a project to help homeless and street people. She asked if the City has jurisdiction on this? David Corks said he would investigate and report back. After some discussion, Marty agreed to keep the Committee informed of the progress of the sub-committee. . Mike Peng left the meeting at 5:57 p.m. . New Kitchener Market construction is underway, have set up a construction schedule (see attached). . "Hardwear" adult shop next to the Lyric has closed. . The military surplus shop will be closing soon, and possibly relocating somewhere else in the downtown. . Peter Martin's new 20 King St. Restaurant, across from the new King Street Theatre, is under construction, renovating all 3 floors - new restaurant area, meeting rooms, etc. No date on expected completion, but should look great once its finished. . Walper Terrace Hotel is renovating the restaurant on King St. and will manage it themselves . Floral Expressions, a new high-end flower shop has opened on Water St., 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Region of Waterloo Light Rail Proposal - Graham Vincent 2. Bus Rapid Transit System - Eric Hagedorn 3. Downtown Alternative Parking Locations map 4. KDBA Social Services letter 5. New Market Construction Schedule 5