HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2008-08-11DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
AUGUST 11, 2008 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date, commencing at 6:33 p.m.
Present: Councillor C. Weylie -Chair
Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, K. Galloway, J. Smola, G. Lorentz and J.
Gazzola
Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrator
R. Browning, General Manager, Development and Technical Services
J. Willmer, Director of Planning
G. Murphy, Director of Engineering
J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
T. Beckett, Fire Chief
M. Selling, Director of Building
R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development
S. Turner, Director of Enforcement
G. McTaggart, Manager of Infrastructure, Asset Planning
B. Korah, Manager of Development, Engineering
D. Ross, Manager, Development Review
D. Lupsa, Engineering Technologist
A. Pinnell, Planner
C. Bluhm, Urban Investment Advisor
D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator
1. DTS-08-106 - APPLE RIDGE DRIVE -SCHOOL BUS LOADING ZONE AND
WILLIAMSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL -ADULT CROSSING GUARD
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
106, dated June 20, 2008, recommending the installation of a School Bus Loading Zone on
Apple Ridge Drive, for J.W Gerth Public School, and the establishment of an Adult Crossing
Guard on Max Becker Drive for Williamsburg Public School.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
itwas resolved:
"That a School Bus Loading Zone be established in the bus bay on Apple Ridge Drive
from a point 60 metres south of Woodfield Street to a point 52 metres south thereof; and,
That an Adult Crossing Guard facility be established on Max Becker Drive at
Commonwealth Street, effective September 2, 2008; and,
That the funds necessary to operate this facility be considered an over expenditure of the
2008 Operating Budget; and further,
That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly.
2. DTS-08-114 - ON-STREET PARKING - BREITHAUPT STREET
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
114, dated July 24, 2008, recommending that the no parking zone on the west side of Breithaupt
Street be extended.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
itwas resolved:
"That the no parking anytime zone on the west side of Breithaupt Street be extended from
a point 44 metres north of Waterloo Street to a point 50 metres north thereof; and further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly."
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3. DTS-08-118 - TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY REQUEST - 558 BELMONT AVENUE WEST
The Committee considered Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-08-118,
dated July 29, 2008, recommending approval for temporary occupancy of 558 Belmont Avenue
West, for retail use, pending rezoning of this property to a future Mixed Use Corridor zone.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
itwas resolved:
"That enforcement of the City's Zoning By-law be waived with respect to a retail use
located at 558 Belmont Avenue West, within a building existing on August 11, 2008 and
temporary occupancy be approved subject to the retail use vacating the location in the
event that the entire site is not rezoned to a future Mixed Use Corridor Zone; and further,
That in the event of failure to vacate, the City's Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer be
directed to commence notice of action to remove the illegal use and that any work done
to the premises be at the sole risk and responsibility of the owner in the event losses are
incurred as a result of the final disposition of this application."
4. DTS-08-113 - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AUDIT - 5 YEAR REPORT CARD
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
113, dated July 29, 2008, and the "City of Kitchener Stormwater Management Audit 5 Year
Report Card" dated June 2008, prepared by TSH, Engineers, Architects, Planners, Donald G.
Weatherbe Associates, and Dance Environmental Inc.
Mr. Murphy advised that the report before the Committee this date fulfills a requirement of the
City's Stormwater Management Policy which was adopted by Council in 2002. The data
contained in this report was gathered between 2002-2006. Four sets of parameters were used to
evaluate the effectiveness of the Stormwater Management (SWM) plan: chemical, biological,
physical and overall Stormwater Management practices.
Ms. N. Webber, Totten Sims Hubicki Associates was in attendance and presented the report. In
conclusion Ms. Webber stated that the City has to determine what it can do to make the situation
better, what individuals can do and the City needs to undertake a public education campaign.
With respects to a public education campaign, Committee members were in receipt of a
Stormwater Management pamphlet explaining the City's Stormwater Management Program,
what the City is doing and what citizens can do to help.
Mayor Zehr noted that the report card gives the City poor grades with respect to chemicals and
biological. He questioned how serious these ratings are. Ms. Webber advised that these ratings
are quite serious but not much different from other municipalities. Mayor Zehr questioned
whether this data has to be reported to any provincial ministry and Ms. Webber responded that
the data is provide to the Grand River Conservation Authority who has a representative on the
Committee. With respect to provincial standards, Ms. Webber responded that the Ministry of the
Environment sets standards for individual stormwater management ponds but not for the City's
stormwater management program.
Mr. Murphy advised that the culmination of this audit provides the City with information on where
we have issues. This audit takes us to 2006, and there will be another report card in 3 years. Mr.
Murphy stated that we have had a very wet June and July which puts a strain on stormwater
management facilities. We received 200mm. of rain the in the month of July whereas average
rainfall is 90mm. and this has been the wettest July in 20 years. He stated that we have had
flooding issues across the City and are currently reviewing 30 issues. Mr. Murphy advised that
staff are paying attention to the information that the consultant has provided, and one of the key
elements is funding for the additional work that has to be done. Staff are currently reviewing
funding mechanisms and in this regard a report will be presented to Council before the end of
2008.
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4. DTS-08-113 - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AUDIT - 5 YEAR REPORT CARD(CONT'D)
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
itwas resolved:
"That Stormwater Management Audit - 5 Year Report Card Technical Summary (2002 to
2006) prepared by Totten Sims Hubicki Associates be received and further;
That staff review the Stormwater Management Redevelopment/lnfill Charge as part of the
2009 budget deliberations."
5. DELEGATION -PARKING ISSUES ON OLD HURON COURT
The Committee considered a written submission, undated, from Ms. M. Magee, attached to the
agenda, outlining her concerns with on-street parking on Old Huron Court. Ms. Magee was in
attendance to present her concerns. Ms. Magee stated that it seems that a few people are
causing a lot of problems. She stated that there are areas on the street where parking is difficult,
and many times she has watched children who almost got hit by vehicles.
Ms. Magee advised that she recently received a survey from the City, which has been sent to all
residents on the court, asking if the resident want parking restricted to 1 side of the street. She
assured the Committee that the overwhelming response to the survey question will be "no". Ms.
Magee stated that because the court is sloped and has pie shaped lots, there is very little room
to park on the street, and there are mail boxes on the street which are difficult to access
because of the parked cars. Winter causes a greater problem with parking when snow
accumulation narrows the street. Ms. Magee complained that there is inefficient enforcement of
the City's parking by-laws.
In response to questions from Councillor Gazzola, Ms. Magee advised that the proposal in the
City's survey will not relieve the problem of people parking in front of the mailbox, which is
located between house #104 and house #102. Regularly there is a cable truck parked in front of
#104. Further, cars don't slow down and there are cars regularly parked in front of #104, #102
and in front of the walkway. She recommended that the City post no parking signs in front of
#56, #102, #104, #15 and #19, and noted that parking in front of house #56 inhibits emergency
vehicles.
Mr. McBride advised that this situation is no different than what occurs in many other parts of the
City. Usually when staff surveys residents, they recommend what the majority of the residents
want.
Mr. Turner advised that his staff shares Ms. Magee's frustration. He advised that they have
changed their tactics and over the last week they have been issuing tickets. He advised that he
spoke with the delegate last week and advised her that staff will enforce the by-law.
Mr. McBride advised that the residents have until the end of the month to return the surveys, and
there will be a report presented to this Committee at the second meeting in September.
Ms. Magee responded that what would be more beneficial is to identify the key offenders and
ask them to work with us.
In response to a question from Councillor Gazzola, Mr. McBride advised that if the majority of
responses to the survey indicate that the residents don't want any change to the on-street
parking, and there are no safety issues, staff's normal response would be to leave things as they
are.
Councillor C. Weylie informed Ms. Magee that this matter will come back to this Committee at its
meeting scheduled Monday September 29, 2008.
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6. DTS-08-109 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 08/08/PIKA
- 9 PLEASANT AVENUE - ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
109, dated July 15, 2008, recommending an extension of the temporary use provision for 9
Pleasant Avenue for an additional 3 years. Councillor Lorentz noted that the next door neighbour
had complained about parking in the driveway at 9 Pleasant Avenue. Ms. Ross advised that
parking is permitted in the driveway, as long as they don't extend beyond the driveway, as this
would be the same situation if the property was used as a single family dwelling.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
itwas resolved:
"That Zone Change Application ZC08/08/PIKA for the purpose of extending Temporary
Use Provision #11 for an additional three year period, on lands owned by St. Mary's
General Hospital, to allow for offices ancillary to a hospital, on lands legally described as
Registered Plan 230 Part Lot 339, Registered Plan 699 Part Lot 1, municipally known as
9 Pleasant Ave, in the City of Kitchener be approved, in the form shown in the "Proposed
By-law", dated July 7, 2008, attached to Development & Technical Services Department
report DTS-08-109 subject to the following condition:
That the zoning by-law not receive three readings until the owners of both 9 Pleasant
Avenue and 911 Queen's Boulevard, together, have provided the City of Kitchener with
an Undertaking to provide parking as required by staff located at 9 Pleasant Avenue off-
site and off-street, to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and the City Solicitor."
7. DTS-08-111 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 07/271C1AP
- 450-452 CONNAUGHT STREET -ROCK BASE HOMES INC.
- MAHMOOD HASSANZADEH
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
111 recommending approval of a zone change for the property municipally known as 450-452
Connaught Street from Residential Four Zone (R-4) to Residential Six Zone (R-6) to allow for the
development of cluster townhouse dwellings. Staff also recommends that the zone change be
subject to the condition that the site plan and elevation drawings to be approved for this property
be substantially in accordance with those attached to the staff report. Mr. Pinnell reviewed the
report.
Mr. R. Morris, a resident of St. Jeromes Crescent addressed the Committee with a number of
concerns he and his neighbours have with this zone change. Mr. Morris stated that staff's
position that "this development would contribute a type of housing that is not present in the
immediate surrounding area, thereby further diversifying the housing stock" is not a good enough
reason to allow this development. He also advised that his concern about parking has not been
addressed. The number of parking spaces to be provided will not be sufficient for 2 car families
and visitor parking. He stated that the neighbours have concerns about safety for the school and
residents. There are also problems with vandalism in this area, and if this development is to be
low income housing, this may exacerbate the problem.
In response to the delegation's concern about the parking to be provided, Mr. Pinnell advised
that the by-law requires 12 spaces to be provided, 2 of which are visitors parking. Mr. Pinnell
also advised that there is one dwelling on the property now, so this development will increase the
number of dwelling units by 7.
Mr. M. Masoudi, owner of Rock Base Homes, responded to a question from the delegate,
advising that these will be high end townhouses valued at between $200,000 and $240,000. If
anyone wants to see an example of the quality of his work, Mr. Masoudi advised that he has just
finished building on Woodhaven Road.
Mr. M. Miller, a resident of St. Jerome's Crescent, advised that he lives behind, and one lot over,
from the subject property. He stated that based on the size of these properties, he doesn't
understand how this development will fit on the site. Mr. Pinnell responded that the road on this
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7. DTS-08-111 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 07/271C1AP
- 450-452 CONNAUGHT STREET -ROCK BASE HOMES INC.
- MAHMOOD HASSANZADEH(CONT'D)
property meets fire code regulations for width, and there will be a distance of 3m between the
curb and the face of the building. With respect to the on-site parking, it will be located at the
corner of Mr. Miller's property, where there will be a 1.8m high fence. Mr. Miller responded that
his bedroom window is above the height of the fence, so there will be noise and light issues.
Mr. Masoudi responded that he first applied for 8 units but has since reduced it to 7 units, so 6
dwelling units will be added to the neighbourhood. He stated that a fence will be built and he
would be happyto discuss this situation with the neighbours.
In response to Councillor Vrbanovic's request for clarification of the number of units Mr. Pinnell
advised that the site plan application was approved for 8 units, and there was some discussion
about reducing the number of units to 7 but no application has been submitted to amend the site
plan.
Mr. Willmer stated that Appendix "C"shows that 8 units can fit on this property and Appendix "D"
shows a conceptual design. The building will be at the front, the parking will be at the back and
there will bean upgraded fagade.
Councillor Vrbanovic questioned whether Council could limit the number of units if it impacts the
neighbours and Mr. Willmer noted that the neighbours have not expressed a concern about the
number of units.
Councillor Gazzola questioned if Council is being asked to approve the zone change and the site
plan will be approved later. Mr. Willmer responded that the site plan has been approved in
principle, and that residential site plans are not circulated to the neighbours.
Councillors Vrbanovic and Gazzola both stated that the owner needs to meet with the
neighbours and asked staff to arrange such a meeting prior to next week's Council Meeting.
Mr. Masoudi stated that he is quite willing to meet with the neighbours. He advised that this will
be a condominium development for sale, as they do not want to rent high end townhouses.
At this time Mr. Masoudi left the Council Chamber as well as the neighbours, to discuss the
neighbours' concerns.
On motion by Councillor B. Vbanovic -
itwas resolved:
"That Zone Change Application ZC071271C/AP, requesting a change from Residential
Four Zone (R-4) to Residential Six Zone (R-6) on lands legally described as Part Lot 177,
Plan 254, designated as Parts 1 and 2, Reference Plan 58R-14743, municipally known as
450-452 Connaught Street, in the City of Kitchener, owned by Rock Base Homes Inc.
(Part 2, 58R-14743) and Mahmood Hassanzedeh (Part 1, 58R-14743), be approved, in
the form shown in the "Proposed By-law", dated July 11, 2008, attached to Development
& Technical Services Department report DTS-08-111; and further,
That site plan and elevation drawings to be approved for 450-452 Connaught Street be
based on and in general accordance with the site plan and elevation drawing appended
to Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-08-111."
8. DTS-08-115 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 08118/BIJUW
- 112 BENTON STREET
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
115, dated July 28, 2008, recommending approval of a zone change that would lift the holding
provision from the property at 112 Benton Street. Ms. Ross explained that through a previous
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8. DTS-08-115 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 08118/BIJUW
- 112 BENTON STREET(CONT'D)
zone change a holding provision was placed on this property as the Region of Waterloo required
submission of a Record of Site Condition and a noise study to address impacts from traffic noise
on Benton Street and Courtland Avenue. She advised that a clearance letter has now been
received from the Region.
Ms. C. Draper, G.S. P Group, was in attendance and advised that the site plan for this property
has received approval in principle, pending final approval of this zone change. Once final
approval has been received for the site plan, they will apply for a building permit, and
construction will commence thereafter.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
itwas resolved:
"That Zone Change Application ZC08/18/B/JVW (Arrow Lofts) to change the zoning from
Commercial Residential Three (CR-3) with Special Regulation 394R and Holding
Provision 46H to Commercial Residential (CR-3) with Special Regulation 394R on lands
legally described as Part of Lots 11-20 inclusive, Registered Plan 398 and Part Lot 174,
Subdivision of Lot 17, German Company Tract, being Part 1 Reference Plan 58R-7055,
municipally known as 112 Benton Street, in the City of Kitchener, be approved in the form
shown in the "Proposed By-law", dated July 28, 2008, attached to Development &
Technical Services Department report DTS-08-115."
9. DTS-08-116 - SOUTH STRASBURG TRUNK SANITARY SEWER -CLASS EA STUDY
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
116, dated July 29, 2008, recommending that the South Strasburg Trunk Sanitary Sewer
Environmental Study Report, prepared by Stantec Consulting, dated July 2008, be filed with the
Ministry of the Environment for the mandatory 30 day review period. Mr. G. MacDuff, Stantec
Consulting, was in attendance and presented the report. He advised that the preliminary
preferred solution consists of a gravity trunk sanitary sewer extending within the Strasburg Road
right-of-way to a point south of Fischer Hallman Road within the Becker Estates lands. This
alternative incorporates a municipal trunk sanitary sewer gravity collection system contained
either within public rights-of-way, or on easements in favour of the municipality, draining to the
existing sanitary trunk sewer at Strasburg Road.
On motion by Councillor K. Galloway -
itwas resolved:
"That the South Strasburg Trunk Sanitary Sewer Environmental Study Report (ESR)
prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd., dated July 2008 be received; and further,
That the South Strasburg Trunk Sanitary Sewer Environmental Study Report be filed with
the Ministry of Environment for the mandatory thirty (30) day review period as required by
the Environmental Assessment Act."
10. DTS-08-117 - PLAINS ROAD CLOSURE
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
117, dated July 28, 2008, recommending that the City undertake a Schedule "B" Class
Environmental Assessment for the closure of Plains Road from Huron Road to the limit of
proposed subdivision 30T-07205, and the retention of MTE Consultants Inc. as the City's
Engineering Consultant. Mr. Korah presented this report.
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10. DTS-08-117 - PLAINS ROAD CLOSURE(CONT'D)
On motion byCouncillor K.Gallway -
itwas resolved:
"That staff be directed to initiate the Schedule "B" Class Environmental Assessment for
the Plains Road closure, from Huron Road to the limit of proposed subdivision 30T-
07205,due tothe proposed development plans for this area; and,
That MTE Consultants Inc. be retained as the City's Engineering Consultant to undertake
a Schedule `B' Class Environmental Assessment for the closure of Plains Road in
accordance with the Municipal Code, Chapter 170, Section 170.6.2, Fees of less than
$20,000; and further,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Engineering Agreement for the
provision of professional engineering services between the City of Kitchener and MTE
Consultants Inc. at a total cost of $19,987.07 including applicable taxes for completion of
the Plains Road Closure from Huron Road to the limit of proposed subdivision 30T-
07205, as a Schedule `B' Class Environmental Assessment project, upon receipt of the
necessary funds from Becker Estates Incorporated who are providing financing for this
project."
11. DTS-08-119 - 2008 MUNICIPAL ROAD AND BRIDGE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
119, dated July 29, 2008, recommending how the Roads and Bridges Infrastructure Grant
received from the Province of Ontario on July 7, 2008, should be allocated. Mr. Murphy
presented this report.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
it was resolved:
"That the Roads and Bridges Infrastructure Grant of $2,699,936.00 received by the City of
Kitchener from the Province of Ontario on July 7th, 2008 be allocated to the following
infrastructure remediation programs in the respective amounts:
Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Program - $1,275,000
Road Resurfacing Program - $ 750,000
Sidewalk Repair Program -$ 250,000
Bridge Repair Program - $ 250,000
Road Microsealing Program - $ 99,936
Franklin Avenue Sewer Repair and Road Rehabilitation - $ 75,000; and,
That Purchase Order # 0800616 assigned to Steed and Evans related to the Road
Resurfacing Program be extended from $3,691,667.17 by $637,500 for a total of
$4,329,167.17; and further,
That Purchase Order # 0800616 assigned to Sousa Concrete related to the Sidewalk
Repair Program be extended from $629,771.63 by $212,500 for a total of $842,271.63."
12. DTS-08-120 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 08/08/LIAP
- 178 LOUISA STREET - SHANEE MANAGEMENT INC.
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
120, dated August 1, 2008, recommending approval of the Demolition Control Application for
178 Louisa Street, without conditions. Mr. L. Zehr of Zehr Demolition was in attendance in
support of the staff recommendation.
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12. DTS-08-120 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 08/08/LIAP
- 178 LOUISA STREET- SHANEE MANAGEMENT INC.(CONT'D)
On motion by Councillor J. Smola -
it was resolved:
"That Demolition Control Application DC08/08/L/AP requesting permission to demolish
one single detached dwelling located at 178 Louisa Street, owned by Shanae
Management Inc., legally described as PLAN 376 LOT 393 LOT 394 PT LOT F PLAN
400 PT LOT 6 PART 1 RP 58R1863, be approved without conditions."
13. DTS-08-121 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 08/09NlAP
- 1320 VICTORIA STREET NORTH - PATENE LTD.
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
121, dated August 1, 2008, recommending approval of the Demolition Control Application for
1320 Victoria Street North, without conditions.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
itwas resolved:
"That Demolition Control Application DC08/09/V/AP requesting permission to demolish
one single detached dwelling located at 1320 Victoria Street North, owned by Patene
Building Supplies Limited, legally described as Part Lot 122, GCT, be approved without
conditions."
14. DTS-08-122 - DRAFT GOALS OF THE LONG TERM DOWNTOWN PARKING STRATEGY
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-
122, dated August 5, 2008, presenting draft goals for the preparation of a long term parking
strategy. Mr. C. Bluhm presented the report on behalf of the staff team, noting that ashort-term
parking strategy is also being prepared, but the draft goals presented in this report are intended
for along-term strategy to take the City to 2031, and also for preparation of a Parking Enterprise
Business Case.
Councillor Vrbanovic suggested two options to be considered: renting or leasing the City's
parking facilities to a private company who would then take on the responsibility for on-going
costs; or leasing downtown parking facilities to the Downtown Business Association.
Mayor Zehr commented that leasing parking facilities is a long term proposition, suggesting that
50 years would be an adequate amount of time. He recommended looking at Councillor
Vrbanovic's suggestions at a high level, as he did not think it would be possible to lease the
City's parking facilities for less than 50 years without there being a huge rise in parking rates.
Mr. Regier suggested visioning what the downtown will look like when it is built-out. He stated
that the general consensus is that many of the current surface parking lots are excellent
redevelopment sites. He stated that the time frame will be the time it takes to build out the
downtown to the extent of the policy statements.
Mayor Zehr questioned who would be responsible for providing parking for a situation where an
office or business, for example Manulife, decides to add a substantial number of employees into
their existing space. Mr. Bluhm responded that the City has no legal authority to require the
company to provide the additional parking. Mr. Bluhm advised that the current parking
requirements were established in the 1980's, and the ratio of cash-in-lieu is based on that 1980's
requirement.
In discussing the parking enterprise, Mr. Bluhm advised that if surface parking lots are
developed, lost revenue must be accounted for. Mayor Zehr questioned what costs are included
in the parking enterprise; as a true enterprise must include all costs, including land value, capital
and operating costs. Ms. Ladd responded that that is the direction staff is heading. Mayor Zehr
noted that there will still have to be some subsidies.
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14. DTS-08-122 - DRAFT GOALS OF THE LONG TERM DOWNTOWN PARKING
STRATEGY(CON'TD)
Councillor Gazzola questioned the goal "To continue in the parking business to ensure supply."
Mr. Bluhm responded that the province is mandating a certain density and we need to meet
those targets. Councilor Gazzola questioned whether we can require the growth industry to
provide parking for their own use. Ms. Ladd responded that staff is asking Council for its
agreement that the City needs to remain in the parking business for a certain length of time.
Utilization of existing parking spaces is more intense now; as some businesses did not provide
enough parking for the employees they now have. For new developments, the proposal is to
make them provide their own parking to the highest intensity possible. Some parking will still
need to be in the public domain and some needs to be shifted to the private domain.
Councillor Gazzola questioned accounting for parking subsidies and Mr. Bluhm gave the
example of removing the parking metres from King Street, noting this loss of revenue must be
accounted for.
With respect to environmental goals, Councillor Gazzola stated that we have to change our way
of living now. We have to make more use of public transit and leave our cars at home. He
stated that it is not the job of a municipality to provide parking. Our main concern is that parking
exists, it does not matter who owns it only that it exists. He also commented that he does not
believe that a parking enterprise can stand alone; it does not have to pay a dividend but
hopefully it breaks even. He also commented that the City should not have mixed development
including parking.
Councillor Lorentz stated that he generally agrees with the direction staff is proposing to take.
He disagreed with Councillor Gazzola that people will give up cars to use the current transit
system. He agreed with Councillor Gazzola's comments about the parking enterprise breaking
even. Councillor Lorentz noted that a couple of years ago the City looked into a private
company taking over the City's parking facilities, but it wouldn't hurt to look into this again.
Councillor Gazzola stated that we have to change our vision about public transit. Things are
changing quite rapidly and he does not think that we are that far away.
Mayor Zehr noted that approximately 20-22% of people use public transit to come downtown.
There has been a steady increase in usage of the public transit system at the rate of 1-2% per
year; which means that it will take 10 years to double transit usage. He stated that he agrees we
have to make a change in our thinking but he does not know when the shift will be made. We
have to keep pushing public transit but as the population grows we will still have to increase
parking.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
itwas resolved:
"That the following `draft' goals of the Long Term Parking Strategy be accepted as the
basis to commence the detailed analysis of the Long Term Parking Strategy and Parking
Enterprise Business Case:
Supply
1. To continue in the parking business to ensure supply;
2. To have a downtown parking inventory (public and private) sufficient to
accommodate business demand;
3. To have all new major developments provide on-site parking in structures.
Consideration will be given to cash-in-lieu for parking in publicly owned structures;
4. To have long-term parking spaces provided in structures, utilizing available on-
streetspaces for short-term parking users;
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14. DTS-08-122 - DRAFT GOALS OF THE LONG TERM DOWNTOWN PARKING
STRATEGY(CONT'D)
0 erations
1. To operate parking as an enterprise providing a return on investment;
2. To maximize the use of City parking resources;
3. To account for parking subsidies within the City's budgets;
4. To offer parking structures which are well maintained, safe and accessible;
5. To provide customers with the most current and automated payment methods
available;
6. To explore opportunities for providing `parking availability' services (such as
directional supply signage, GPS-based services, etc.);
Design of New Structures
1. To build multi-use parking facilities, where feasible, which integrate commercial,
office and/or residential uses;
2. To build only high quality, well-designed exterior facades, which meet the intent of
the City's downtown design policies and contribute aesthetically to the urban
streetscape;
Environment
1. To support Transportation Demand Management initiatives as a means of
stabilizing or decreasing parking demands;
2. To provide facilities that accommodate for changing transportation modes and
vehicle types;
Redevelopment
1. To redevelop surface parking lots with viable reurbanization projects as demand
allows; and,
2. To develop a methodology to adjust the annual dividend paid by the Parking
operation to the City when a surface lot is removed from the parking inventory for
redevelopment; and further,
That the following also be considered as part of the long-term parking strategy:
1. can /should the City rent or lease its parking facilities to a private company;
2. account for parking subsidies; and,
3. encourage development and use of more publictransit.
15. NEW BUSINESS
Councillor Lorentz commented on the staff report presented to the City of Waterloo Council
recommending that approval not be given to The Bay Store at Conestoga Mall to erect a wind
mill to provide an alternative energy source for that building. He stated that he hopes the City of
Kitchener would have a policy that is favourable to erecting wind mills. Mr. Willmer responded
that development of a wind farm would require a zone change; however, installation of a wind
mill as an accessory use in a commercial or industrial zone is permitted. There may be some
difficulty installing one in a residential zone because of the height. Councillor Lorentz directed
that staff investigate exactly what happened in Waterloo.
Councillor Vrbanovic questioned staff as to whether green driveways are permitted. Mr. Willmer
advised that the zoning by-law requires driveways to be of a stable surface; however there are
some bricks with holes in that allow plants to grow through, or bricks can be placed in such a
way as to drive on, with plantslgrass growing in between the two rows of bricks.
14. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
D. Gilchrist
Committee Administrator