HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Development - 2002-04-24
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
April 24th, 2002
11:00am-1:00pm
Conestoga Room, Main Floor, Kitchener City Hall
Attendance:
Glenn Scheels
Peter Benninger
Shawky Fahel
Jane Jantzi
Lawrence Bingeman
Mike Sully
Henrik Noesgaard
Councillor, John Smola
Manfred Conrad
Joan Euler
Mayor, Carl Zehr
Jeff Willmer
Peter Cook
Staff:
George Borovilos
Kathy Bissell
Sandy Curzon
Patricia Bacon
Regrets:
Councillor, Berry Vrbanovic
Ray Robinson
Councillor, Christina Weylie
Hans Pottkamper
Scott Baird
1. Approval of Minutes of March 2th, 2002
Minutes of March 2ih, 2002 were approved as written
Moved by Peter Cook
Seconded by Shawky Fahel
Carried
2. Transportation Master Plan
Graham Vincent, Director of Transportation Planning for the Region was in attendance
to present a report on the Regional Transportation Master Plan which was started in
1996 to replace the one done in the early 80's. Mr. Vincent also gave Committee an
overview of the application for Canada Strategic Infrastructure funding for a Light Rail
Transit (LRT) proposal. Committee was in receipt of Development & Technical
Services report DTS-02-087 dated April 17, 2002 with respect to the Region's
application for Canada Strategic Infrastructure funding for the LRT.
Mr. Vincent identified several locations of traffic congestion. Based on a public opinion
survey, auto reduction was preferred, with this in mind, the Region has set out its plan
to reduce automobile use by 7% by 2016. A Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) program is underway to determine ways of using road space more efficiently. In
order to do this, we need to double up passengers per car and expand the use of bus,
motorcycle and cycles.
The regional population is expected to rise to 543,892 by the year 2016 from 404,925
in 1996. The Region's proposed Growth Management Strategy will encourage growth
in the urban centres rather than extending new development beyond the existing urban
boundary, thus providing safe, sustainable and healthy urban environments.
Mr. Vincent then presented the Region's proposal for a Light Rail Transit (LRT)
System.
Why Light Rail Transit (LRT)?
'" A proven technology
'" Attractive to riders
'" Greater capacity to move people
'" Safe
'" Less pollution and noise
'" Strengthens downtowns
'" Locates anywhere
What is LRT?
'" Smooth, comfortable & reliable
'" Not the vintage streetcar or trolley
'" Can operate on a street or on a dedicated right-of-way
'" Can reach speeds between 80 and 120 kmlh
'" High capacity - can be linked to form trains
'" Operates on single or dual tracks
'" Wheelchair accessible
Presently there are seven stations identified in Phase I:
I. St. Jacobs - retail and tourism
II. Research & Technology Park - the New Economy, U of W North Campus
III. University - Housing, U of W student residence project
IV. Uptown Waterloo - City Core
v. Union - Clarica and Grand River Hospital
VI. Victoria - Epton Site, Victoria & King Street
VII. Benton - City Core, Downtown Kitchener
Benefits:
'" Reach RTMP ridership goals
'" Reduce growth pressure
'" Brownfield development
'" Downtown revitalization
'" Reduce need for road infrastructure
'" Environmental benefits
'" Tourism
EDAC Minutes
April 24, 2002
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Costs for Phase I:
'" $141 million - 1 0 kilometers of track and 6 stations
'" $29 million - vehicle (7) acquisition
'" $86 million - Victoria and King Street station - multi-modal terminal; exhibitionl
convention centre; parking garage (800 spaces)
Possible Funding:
'" All elements of the proposed project would qualify for federal infrastructure
financing under Bill C-49
'" potential partnership with the Provincial Government since the proposal meets
the governments mandate for sustainable environment and economic growth
'" Regional debentures
'" Privatelpartnership - area municipalities; universities; financial institutions; etc.
After discussion, EDAC endorsed the recommendations made by staff in the
Development & Technical Services report DTS-02-087 as follows:
That the EDAC strongly supports 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 EDAC requests the Regional Municipality of Waterloo give
consideration to extend the Phase I route easterly to the new Kitchener
Market in the Market District.
Moved by Henrik Noesgaard
Second by Jeff Willmer
Carried
3. Westside Lands
In 1994, Council asked the Region to amend the ROPP to make the City Urban Area
Boundary coincident with the Strasburg Creek Sub-Watershed area. In the interim, an
industrial land strategy study was undertaken and approved by Council. Since
December 2001, there have been several deferrals by the Region.
Terry Boutilier, Sr. Planner will be meeting with the Region on the City's behalf to move
the westside lands forward ( a small working group may be required).
4. Shirley AvenuelLancaster Corporate Centre
Patricia Bacon, Sr. Economic Development Officer gave committee an overview of
existing area as it exists today. There was concern on the need to improve some of the
properties between Lancaster Corporate Centre and the Shirley Avenue extension.
EDAC Minutes
April 24, 2002
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A small working group consisting of Lawrence Bingeman, Mike Sully, John Smola and
Patricia Bacon will meet to sort out the various issues concerning this area. This group
will then report back to EDAC for a recommendation to City Council. Issues for the
working group to consider are:
'" Environmental
'" Zoning
'" Possible expropriation
'" Identify properties
'" Road infrastructure
'" Land use
5. New Business
. Next EDAC meeting - to be held at Coldwell Banker, Peter Benninger Realty
. Committee were asked to submit names of potential candidates for an 'at-large'
member to replace Jeff Willmer who has taken a position with the City of Kitchener
as Director of Planning. Committee congratulated Mr. Will mer on his new
appointment.
Moved by: Jane Jantzi
Seconded by: Peter Beninger
Carried
Meeting adjourned at 1: 15p. m.
Sandy Curzon, Recording Secretary
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 22nd, 2002
11 :00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Coldwell Banker, Peter Benninger Realty
508 Riverbend Drive
Kitchener
EDAC Minutes
April 24, 2002
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