HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-06-072 - Electric Carts & Tram on Community Trails for People with Mobility Challenges
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Community Services
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Report To:
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
Ward(s) Involved:
Date of Report:
Report No.:
Subject:
Community Services Committee
June 12, 2006
Ken Currier, Director of Operations
Peter Wetherup, Parks Planner
All
May 25, 2006
CSD-06-072
ELECTRIC CARTS AND TRAM ON COMMUNITY TRAILS
FOR PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY CHALLENGES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Director of Operations determine designated sections of the City's trail system
suitable for operation of the cart and tram system for persons with mobility issues or
physical challenges; and further,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement, subject to the
satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with Mr. Thomas Kaufman for use of all or a portion of
the designated trail sections for a term of one year, to be reviewed on an annual basis.
BACKGROUND:
At the Community Services Committee meeting of June 21, 2004, report CSD-04-112 (Golf
Carts on Community Trails for People with Mobility Challenges) was submitted for Committee
consideration.
It was resolved:
"That a proposal by Mr. Thomas Kaufmann to operate electric golf carts on City
community trails to provide access to persons with limited mobility or physical challenges
be referred to staff for review and consideration of the issues of concern, as outlined in
Community Services Department report CSD-04-112; and further,
That a report and business plan concerning this matter be presented for future
consideration of the Community Services Committee."
The issues of concern that staff were to consider include:
1) an exemption to the Parks Bylaw to allow motorized vehicles
2) liability insurance
3) an agreement for use of the trails
Report No: CSD-06-072
4) trail suitability (physical conditions)
5) user conflicts
REPORT:
Mr. Kaufman was granted permission to use the trails on a trial basis to assist staff in the
evaluation of the City concerns and suitability of the vehicles on the trails. A summary of the
findings from this trial period are as follows:
1. Trails were designed incorporating the existing conditions including curves, slopes,
embankments and woodlot/natural areas which in some cases are not vehicle or cycle
friendly.
2. There are also several surface treatments (stone dust, recycled asphalt, recycled concrete,
gravel, woodchip and asphalt) that can affect trail use.
3. Mr. Kaufman examined several trail sections throughout the City and agrees that some
sections were not suitable for the operation of the carts and tram.
4. Those trails found most suitable for use are the Walter Bean Grand River Trail, Iron Horse
Trail, Homer Watson Park Trail and Dom Cardillo Trail. They have the best surface
conditions, have several access points and are long and linear.
5. In regards to additional trail maintenance for the carts, it was determined that they required
nothing extra other than regular trail maintenance i.e., washout repairs, tree limb removals.
With the large tires they can travel on most surface conditions including turf areas.
6. Conflict between trail users was addressed during the trial use of the trails. Several trail
users (cyclists and pedestrians) were met on the trail and in each case the carts slowed to a
stop to allow the other users the right of way. Most of the other users stopped as well to ask
about the carts and tram, and thought it was a good idea.
The Parks Bylaw (Chapter 270 - Municipal Code) generally prohibits operation of "any
motorized vehicle upon a roadway, path or trail" but will allow them on roadways, trails or
paths designated by the Board for such use. Also, a restriction on "perform for reward any
art, skill or service", unless authorized by the Board.
Staff are of the opinion that this is a worthwhile initiative that provides access to our open space
areas for people with mobility challenges (i.e., elderly, temporary disabilities and permanent
disabilities) and their caregivers and families.
An agreement for use of the trail would be required to establish where permitted, maintenance
and legal concerns. It would be for a one year term and reviewed on an annual basis.
In regards to insurance, Mr. Kaufman has found a company willing to provide a suitable
insurance policy. The policy would need to be in place prior to the City entering into an
agreement with Mr. Kaufman.
Report No: CSD-06-072
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Ongoing maintenance of all City trails is performed through City Operations. If a higher
standard of trail maintenance and any specific trail construction is required it would be at the
cost of the proponent and built into the agreement. It is recommended the proponent be
charged a reasonable fee and that the fee is negotiated and incorporated in the agreement.
COMMUNICATIONS:
The proponent appeared at April 26, 2006 meeting of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory
Committee to share his proposal for carts on community trails for people with mobility
challenges.
The Committee supported the idea in principle.
CONCLUSION:
The idea to provide access to our open space system and all of its features (the Grand River,
the wildlife, flora and fauna) to a group of citizens who would not normally experience them
would be a benefit to the community.
Scott Berry
Acting Director of Operations