HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2007-04-23DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 23, 2007 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date, commencing at 3:40 p.m.
Present: Councillor C. Weylie -Chair
Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors K. Galloway, G. Lorentz, J. Smola and J. Gazzola
Staff: T. Speck, General Manager of Corporate Services
A. Pappert, General Manager of Community Services
R. Browning, General Manager of Development & Technical Services
F. McCrea, Assistant City Solicitor
J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
D. Mansell, Director of Engineering
L. Lynch, Manager of Engineering Infrastructure
D. Ross, Manager of Development Review
A. Pinard, Manager of Long Range & Policy Planning
R. Mounsey, Senior Planner
B. Sloan, Senior Planner
K. Carmichael, Supervisor of Traffic & Parking Services
D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator
1. DTS-07-063 - 2007 DUKE & ONTARIO GARAGE STRUCTURAL MONITORING
PROGRAM -CONSULTANT SELECTION
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-
063, dated March 5, 2007, regarding the consultant selection for the 2007 Duke and Ontario
Garage Structural Monitoring Program.
On motion by Councillor J. Smola -
it was resolved:
"That the consultant selection process for the 2007 Duke and Ontario Garage Structural
Monitoring Program be waived, and awarded to Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd."
2. DTS-07-065 - MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP 07I02ITCIBS
- NEIGHBOURHOOD DESIGN INITIATIVE -DESIGN BRIEF FOR SUBURBAN
DEVELOPMENT & NEIGHBOURHOOD MIXED USE CENTRES AND
RELATED IMPLEMENTATION INITIATIVES
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-
065, dated April 16, 2007, regarding Municipal Plan Amendment Application MP 07/02/TC/BS
and the Neighbourhood Design Initiative.
Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, read the following statement:
This is a Public Meeting under 'The Planning Act, 1996' to consider Municipal Plan
Amendment Application MP 07/02/TC/BS
Section 17 (45) of the Planning Act allows the Ontario Municipal Board to dismiss all or
part of an appeal without holding a hearing if the appellant did not make oral submissions
at a public meeting or did not make written submissions to the council before the plan
was adopted and, in the opinion of the Board, the appellant does not provide a
reasonable explanation for having failed to make a submission.
In order to ensure the record includes all the names of those individuals who are making
verbal submissions today for this Municipal Plan Amendment, please ensure that you
clearly identify yourself before you begin your submissions and the Clerk will record your
name for the record. If your name does not appear on the record, you may jeopardize
any further involvement you wish to have in these matters.
Any recommendation made by the Development & Technical Services Committee on
these matters today will be considered by City Council on April 30, 2007. If City Council
adopts the amendments, they will proceed to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo who
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 23, 2007 - 33- CITY OF KITCHENER
2. DTS-07-065 - MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP 07I02ITCBS tCONT'D)
has the final approval authority for Municipal Plan Amendments. They are also the body
to whom appeals are sent.
Further information on these procedures is available from the City's Development and
Technical Services Department or the Region's Department of Planning and Culture.
Messrs. R. Mounsey and B. Sloan provided a detailed presentation of the contents of the staff
report. Mr. Sloan then reviewed the staff recommendation and offered his thanks to all who
collaborated in this process.
Mr. P. Britton, MHBC Planning, addressed the Committee advising that he participated in this
process as a consultant and as a member of the Home Builders Association, and he thanked the
City for the opportunity to participate. He advised that the process was positive, and started by
identifying common objectives. He stated there was a huge effort put into this process by City
staff. He stated that he is in support of the recommendations in the staff report, which are
directed at the public sector as well as the private sector, and it was his opinion that these
initiatives are already seeing some good results.
Mr. G. Scheels, GSP Group, was in attendance in support of the staff recommendations, noting
he had also participated in this process. He stated this was a good and necessary process with
an emphasis on place making. He thanked staff for a great document.
Ms. J. Robertson-Wilson, an Assistant Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, was in attendance
on behalf of the Pedestrian Charter Steering Committee, in support of the staff
recommendations. She stated that through this process the pedestrian charter principles have
been taken into consideration. She stated the City of Kitchener is the first City to show initiative
and leadership in the design brief. The neighbourhood design is a visionary step forward with
respect to the design initiative, neighbourhood mixed development, and the 5 minute walking
shed. She stated that this is a plan for communities where the car can be left behind, and this
design initiative will improve our quality of life.
Mr. R. Merrill, The Planning Partnership, addressed the Committee advising he was excited to
have participated in this project. He advised he has been involved in this process for over a
year, and he congratulated staff for the open process they undertook. This design initiative
makes Kitchener a leader in change and design, and he advised he supports this design
approach. He stated this is a very clean and clear document which is easy to follow; with the tips
that have been included, it's a clear process. Mr. Merrill particularly commended the fact that
parks will be created at the beginning of the process and on major streets. Integrating the mixed
use development provides a focus. He stated this is a very good document and he was happy
to have participated in this process.
Councillor C. Weylie thanked Mr. Mounsey and Mr. Sloan for their talents and hard work through
this process, and for attracting the other participants.
In response to a question from Mayor Zehr, Mr. Sloan advised that the Design Guideline put
Kitchener in the forefront of in terms of a comprehensive excellent approach that includes
flexibility and guidance.
With respect to implementing the guidelines, Mr. Mounsey advised that they are a persuasive
policy implementation tool. They are not prescriptive, but are a tool to achieve the goal. They
are also about balance; as they clearly state the objectives and provide a means to achieve
them.
Mayor Zehr questioned the additional costs, and Mr. Sloan advised that they will be born by both
the developer and the City. Nicer facilities need the finances to support them, and tools and
ideas for doing this have been included in the guidelines. An example is that the developer will
pay a one time maintenance cost equal to 10% of the cost of the asset. Mr. Sloan advised that
all staff reports will include the financial implications, and staff will try to predict the costs on an
annual basis.
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2. DTS-07-065 - MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP 07I02ITCBS tCONT'D)
Mayor Zehr requested an explanation of "window streets", and Mr. Sloan responded that
adjacent to main arterial streets will be a landscape strip, and on the other side of this
landscaping will be a street with houses facing the street.
Councillor Gazzola questioned whether there is any way to avoid the additional costs. Mr. Sloan
advised that staff are exploring ways to retrofit older neighbourhoods. Mr. Mounsey advised that
these assets are part of the public realm, such as smaller scale parks on major roads, which
make it more efficient and visible. These policies are proactive in the sense of long term costs.
With respect to the 7 City projects, Mr. Sloan advised these projects have been on-going for a
while, and include: the Urban Design Manual, the on-street parking approach, Decorative
Streetscape, and the Residential Streetscape Guidelines.
In response to further questioning, Mr. Sloan advised there are still challenges to face, such as
density. In the future, developers will be asked to work with staff on these objectives early in the
development process. He also noted that the final decisions on plans of subdivisions are made
by this Committee and Council.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"A. That the City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual be amended as follows:
1. to adopt in principle, adding a new Community Design Section 3.0 to the
Urban Design Manual with the urban design guidelines attached in
"Appendix I" to Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-
07-065; and,
2. to adopt in principle, revisions to the existing Neighbourhood Design section
and adding new design guidelines (new Section 4.0) to provide specific
design direction for Central Neighbourhoods and Suburban
Neighbourhoods as attached in "Appendix I" to Development & Technical
Services Department report DTS-07-065; and,
3. to fully adopt Recommendations Al and A2 through a City-initiated update
to the Urban Design Manual, including a consultation process with relevant
stakeholders; and,
4. to approve the "Design Brief for Suburban Development and
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres", as attached as "Appendix I" to
Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-07-065, and
incorporate into Part B in the Urban Design Manual; and,
5. to renumber the `Site Design' section as Section 5.0; and further,
6. to renumber the `Design and Massing of Buildings' section as Section 6.0.
B. That a new category regarding `Neighbourhood Design' be formally added to the
City's Urban Design Awards program, which may recognize outstanding new
Community Plans, Neighbourhood Concept or Master Plans and plans of
subdivision or vacant land condominium.
C. That staff proceed with any necessary changes to the City's Standard Subdivision
Agreement as it relates to the Urban Design Manual changes, in consultation with
the Kitchener Homebuilder's Liaison Committee, to implement new standard
conditions and/or improvements to the subdivision process.
D. That the City of Kitchener continue to support the development of complete,
compact, transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly communities and continue with
the education and awareness initiatives of our Community and Neighbourhood
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 23, 2007 - 35- CITY OF KITCHENER
2. DTS-07-065 - MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP 07I02ITCBS tCONT'D)
Design guidelines in Kitchener (such as staff seminars, industry workshop,
conferences, media engagement, public engagement and distribution of
information, such as design brochures).
E. That Municipal Plan Amendment Application MP 07/02/TC/BS for the purpose of
adding a new community design policy to `Part 4 -Community Plans', be approved
in the form shown in the Municipal Plan Amendment attached to Development &
Technical Services Department report DTS-07-065.
F. That staff continue to explore the right-of-way width and design standards for
collector streets and, following additional consultation, provide any additional
recommendations to Development & Technical Services Committee.
G. That new Council Policies be adopted regarding "On-street Parking" and
"Decorative Streetscape Elements" as attached as "Appendices E and F"
respectively to Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-07-065.
H. That Community Services staff, with the Planning Division, proceed with preparing
the new Parkland and Open Space Master Plan, which should include but not be
limited to:
• Identification of appropriate parkland needs and provision ratios (e.g. #
ha/popn, #ha/planning area) for existing and planned areas of the City.
• Identification of specific future parkland needs -location, types, sizes,
facilities.
• Methods of acquiring parkland (including acquisition of suitably sized parks,
open spaces, etc that may be beyond the park dedication requirement).
• A recommended strategic approach to implementation.
• Consideration of any new approaches to park classification, design and
construction methods (e.g. "developer-build").
• Identification and mechanisms to ensure appropriate timing of park
construction.
• Outline and provide strategic options for approaches to parks/open space
maintenance issues.
• Recommendations of new trail connections.
• Any necessary revisions to improve future parks planning through the City's
Staging of Development Report, creation of a future parks database or
other implementation tools.
• Any necessary updates to the Urban Design Manual (Design Brief for
Suburban Development, etc).
• Consideration of a program involving the display of Public Art, Industrial
Artifacts and other park or streetscape items for neighbourhoods in
Kitchener.
L That Community Services staff work with the Public Art Working Group and the
Arts and Culture Advisory Committee to revise the Public Art Policy and Public Art
Master Plan to strengthen the support of public art initiatives in suburban
neighbourhoods.
J. That Community Services staff, with Development & Technical Services
Department staff, update the Bikeway Study (including Community Trails), either
as a stand-alone document or as part of a Transportation Master Plan.
K. That Community Services staff complete a Street Tree Inventory and Master Plan
and incorporate any related and necessary updates to the Urban Design and
Subdivision Manuals.
L. That Engineering staff be directed to prepare and provide any necessary updates
to the Kitchener Subdivision Manual to provide new standards in support of the
new Design Guidelines.
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 23, 2007 - 36- CITY OF KITCHENER
2. DTS-07-065 - MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP 07I02ITCBS tCONT'D)
M. That City staff work with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and other utility corporations to
develop improved approaches to streetscape design (e.g. determine options or
preferred treatments when potential conflicts between street trees and utility
locations are identified).
N. That Transportation Planning staff, including Operations staff, lead a review and
prepare any necessary documentation regarding the City of Kitchener's approach
to the requirements for and utilization of alternate intersection design for City
streets (e.g. roundabouts), including but not limited to the analysis of items such
as:
• When should alternate intersection designs be considered.
• What are the types of alternative designs and identify any preferred type.
• Development of any necessary Council Policy or subdivision best practices.
• Provide any design standards or options through the Urban Design Manual
and/or the Subdivision Manual.
• Identification of any cost implications and potential options, such as whether
this item should be considered as part of the City's Development Charges.
• Any necessary updates to the Urban Design Manual (Design Brief for
Suburban Development, etc).
• An understanding and recommended approach to Operations/maintenance
implications.
O. That staff continue to develop and institute new techniques to identify, quantify and
appropriately plan for the financing of future maintenance requirements and
resources necessary to support the infrastructure required for the smart growth of
the City and that adequate funds be considered in the Operating Budget for the
maintenance of neighbourhood items in the public realm in Kitchener (e.g. parks,
sidewalks, streetscape features).
P. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to work with City staff on
developing streetscape Objectives for the design and access to Regional roads, in
particular for specific Regional roads that are either new, that may have substantial
reurbanization potential along the road or are gateway entrances to the City of
Kitchener, such as future River Road extension, Fairway Road Extension, Ira
Needles Boulevard, Fischer-Hallman Road, Victoria Street."
3. DTS-07-059 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 06I01IFIAP
- 37 FAIRVIEW AVENUE
- ZDZISLAW MOSIADZ
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-
059, dated April 10, 2007, regarding Demolition Control Application DC 06/01/F/AP for lands
known municipally as 37 Fairview Avenue.
On motion by Councillor J. Smola -
it was resolved:
"That Demolition Control Application DC 06/01/F/AP requesting permission to demolish
one single detached dwelling located at 37 Fairview Avenue, owned by Zdzislaw Mosiadz,
legally described as Lot 28, Plan 77 be approved, subject to the following condition:
1) That the owner obtain a building permit for the proposed duplex.
Upon satisfaction of Condition 1, the Chief Building Official may authorize and issue a
demolition permit under Section 33(6) of the Planning Act. The demolition permit will be
subject to the following condition:
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 23, 2007 - 37- CITY OF KITCHENER
3. DTS-07-059 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 06I01IFIAP tCONT'D)
That in the event that construction of the duplex is not substantially complete within 2-
years of the date of issuance of the demolition permit, the City Clerk may enter on the
collector's roll, to be collected in like manner as municipal taxes, $20,000 for each
dwelling unit contained in the residential property in respect of which the demolition permit
is issued and such sum shall, until the payment thereof, be a lien or charge upon the land
in respect of which the permit to demolish the residential property is issued."
4. DTS-07-064 - TRAFFIC CALMING - HOMEWOOD AVENUE
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-
064, dated April 11, 2007, regarding traffic calming on Homewood Avenue.
Councillor C. Weylie asked if there was anyone in the gallery who wished to address the
Committee on this matter and no one responded to the invitation.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That a series of three speed humps be installed strategically along Homewood Avenue."
5. PRESENTATION -REGIONAL DRAFT 2007 TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL PROGRAM
Ms. P. Sawicky and Messrs. R. Gallivan and G. MacDonald presented the Region's 2007
Transportation Capital Program, as it affects the City of Kitchener. They highlighted that the
following road works will take place in the City of Kitchener in 2007:
(a) pedestrian/cycling bridge crossing Highway 401 from Doon Valley drive to Fountain
Street;
(b) King Street (Regional Road 15) north of Victoria Street (Regional Road 55) to Union
Street -resurfacing including line repainting for bike lanes;
(c) Homer Watson Boulevard (Regional Road 28) at Highway 401 -widening of the existing
2 lanes on the bridge structure, realignment of New Dundee Road, and widening to 6
lanes through the New Dundee Road intersection;
(d) Homer Watson Boulevard (Regional Road 28), Blockline Road to Ottawa Street -
resurfacing and consideration of sidewalk installation;
(e) Westmount Road (Regional Road 50), Blockline Road to Ottawa Street (Regional Road
4) -resurfacing;
(f) Westmount Road (Regional Road 55) Highgate to Ira Needles Boulevard (Regional Road
70) -road system expansion;
(g) River Road (Regional Road 56) Fairway Road (Regional Road 53) to King Street
(Regional Road 8) -road resurfacing including line repainting for bike lanes;
(h) Bleams Road (Regional Road 56) at Fallowfield Drive -development related left and right
turn lanes;
(i) Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 58) Forest Hill Drive to Queen's boulevard -bike
lanes in conjunction with resurfacing;
(j) Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 58) at Huron Road -installation of a roundabout;
(k) Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 58) at Seabrook Road -installation of a
roundabout;
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 23, 2007 - 3$- CITY OF KITCHENER
5. PRESENTATION -REGIONAL DRAFT 2007 TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL PROGRAM
tCONT'D)
(I) Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 58) at Stoke Drive -intersection related
improvements in conjunction with possible traffic signal installation;
(m) Ira Needles boulevard (Regional Road 70), Highland Road to south of Erb Street -road
expansion.
In addition, the presenters advised that in 2007, the Region will undertake a Transportation
Master Plan that will include all forms of transportation including public transit.
With respect to the installation of sidewalks on Regional Roads, Mr. Gallivan advised that the
Region recently adopted the Pedestrian Charter, and adopted a sidewalk policy. They are now
working with staff in the area municipalities, and are in the process of establishing priorities and
processes. They will commence the process in January 2009, but until that time sidewalks are
still the responsibility of the area municipalities.
Ms. Sawicky responded to questions from Councillor Lorentz by advising that, with the
introduction of Rapid Transit, they are considering how best to change the routes; as there has
to be a balance between types of service. Passengers may have to walk further to Rapid
Transit. They will have to examine the east/west routes that will feed into the Rapid Transit
System.
Councillor Lorentz questioned what has happened to the West Side Access Study, as traffic is
terrible from Forest Heights to Downtown. Councillor Weylie advised that late in May, Regional
staff will make a presentation to this Committee in this regard. Ms. Sawicky advised there will
not be any widenings with this project; as there are no major delays; although there will be some
improvements at Highland Road and Queen Street. With respect to traffic relief, they will be
examining the possibility of widening Ottawa Street.
Ms. Sawicky advised that Regional staff will look into Councillor Lorentz's suggestions of a right
turn lane from Ottawa Street onto Westmount Road, and from Westmount Road onto Ottawa
Street.
Mayor Zehr commented on the sidewalk issue noting his understanding that the program will
start in 2008. Mr. Gallivan stated that the capital funding will be approved in 2008 for
commencement in 2009.
Mayor Zehr then questioned the next phase of Highway 8 and Ms. Sawicky advised that the
Ministry of Transportation is 30% complete with their design, and will proceed early in 2008.
There will be 8 lanes to King Street and 6 lanes to Sportsworld Drive.
In response to questions from Councillor Galloway, Ms. Sawicky advised that it is safer for
pedestrians to cross at a roundabout then at traffic signals, and 2 roundabouts in close proximity
make it safer for pedestrians than 2 signalized intersections in close proximity. In response to
Councillor Galloway's concerns about safety at Fischer-Hallman Road and Ottawa Street, Ms.
Sawicky advised they are conducting an on-going study at that intersection. There are far more
pedestrians at that intersection than originally anticipated. They are looking at the possibility of
reducing the intersection width by installing islands for the right turn lanes. She advised they will
be bringing their recommendations forward in early September. Further she advised that traffic
should reduce at this intersection when the full Ira Needles Boulevard is constructed. Councillor
Lorentz noted that Fischer-Hallman Road is very busy from its intersection with Ottawa Street to
Activa Avenue. Ms. Sawicky advised that the Region is considering widening Fischer-Hallman
Road to Active Avenue, and although not planned at this time, they will be bringing forward this
recommendation.
Councillor Lorentz questioned if there is any data on roundabouts. Mr. Gallivan advised that
collisions at signalized intersections are much more sever than those at roundabouts because
speeds on roundabouts are much lower. They have received some complaints but also a
substantial number of positive comments. Staff is looking into more effective signing and lane
markings.
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 23, 2007 - 39- CITY OF KITCHENER
6. DTS-07-071 - SIDEWALK POLICY ON INDUSTRIAL ROADS
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-
071,dated April 11, 2007, regarding a sidewalk policy on industrial roads.
Mr. Mansell reviewed the staff report noting the staff recommendation is consistent with the
Pedestrian Charter and the Region's Transportation Program. He advised that staff will come to
Council with the costs of implementing this program through the 2008 budget.
Responding to questions, Mr. Lynch advised that the cost to do the works as identified in the
report is $3M, and some Regional Roads are included. There is no opportunity for cost recovery
for Regional Roads at this time.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That Council Policy I-1120 (Road Allowance Widths and Sidewalk Locations in New
Subdivisions) be amended to reflect the following:
A. "That in existing Industrial (M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4) and Business Park (B-1, B-2, B-3,
B-4) areas sidewalks shall be installed on both sides of Secondary Arterial Roads
(26 metre right-of-way, eg. Bingeman Park Drive and Strasburg Road) and on that
side of Major Collector Roads (20 metre right-of-way, eg. Trillium Drive and Shirley
Avenue) where there is a bus route and that the City's future Capital Budget for
Sidewalk Construction be increased to reflect the same."
B "That all new Industrial (M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4) and Business Park (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-
4) Plans of Subdivision that are draft approved following the date of approval of
this Policy by Council, April 30, 2007, be developed with sidewalks on both sides
of Secondary Arterial Roads (26 metre right-of-way) and that side of Major
Collector Roads (20 metre right-of-way) where bus routes are planned and that the
funding for such be referred to the Development Charge Team for inclusion in the
future Development Charge Report."
C. "That Engineering Services work with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to
prioritize the Regional sidewalk construction program on Regional Arterial Roads
that abut Industrial (M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4) and Business Park (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4)
7. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
D. Gilchrist
Committee Administrator