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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-09-157 - Kitchener Growth Management Plan Update I~rTCx~~R Development & Techn~ca~ Services Report To: Development & Technical Services Committee Date of Meeting: October 26, 2009 Submitted By: Alain Pinard, Interim Director of Planning (741-2319) Prepared By: Brandon Sloan, Senior Project Manager (741-2648) Ward(s) Involved: All Date of Report: October 21, 2009 Report No.: DTS-09-157 Subject: KITCHENER GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE REGARDING SOUTHWEST URBAN AREA STUDIES AND FISCHER HALLMAN CORRIDOR SECONDARY PLAN PROCESS RECOMMENDATION: That Report DTS-09-157, Kitchener Growth Management Plan Update regarding Southwest Urban Area Studies and Fischer Hallman Corridor Secondary Plan Process, be received for information; and That future updates on the Kitchener Growth Management Plan (KGMP) occur starting with a 2010 Monitoring Report and subsequent KGMP update; and further, That future updates on the progress of studies in the Southwest Urban Area and Fischer Hallman Corridor occur at the end of Phases 2 and 4 of the studies, as outlined in the proposed work program attached to report DTS-09-157. BACKGROUND: Council approved the Kitchener Growth Management Strategy (KMGS} in January 2009.One of the implementation actions contained therein, the Kitchener Growth Management Plan (KGMP), was approved on May 25, 2009. The KGMP prioritizes development land within the city and outlines the studies (transportation, planning, etc) and infrastructure requirements (roads, sewers, community centres, etc) for various growth areas in Kitchener. During the KGMP consideration, lands in the westlsouthwest of the city received significant attention and discussion. This resulted in Council passing a resolution that included the following: "That the City of Kitchener complete the processing of amendments to Kitchener Official Plan to re-designate the west side lands identified in Appendix B of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-091 to urban land uses in accordance with approved studies if not completed through the Official Plan Review by June 16 2011; and 4-1 That staff provide the Development and Technical Services Committee with biannual progress reports on the Kitchener Growth Management Plan" This report provides the requested update to the progress of the KGMP and specifically focuses on the west/southwest urban area studies. REPORT: KGMP Update Following the approval of the KGMP in May 2009, staff completed the required updates to the document based on the infrastructure timing and costs identified in the Council approved Development Charges Background Study (June 2009). The final version of the KGMP is posted on the City's website (www.kitchener.ca/kgms - click Implementation). Members of the development industry received an update and link to the document. An information and discussion session was also held for City staff and immediate agencies (Region, GRCA, School Boards) that directly use the document. With respect to Priority A and B lands in the KGMP, Council recently approved endorsing draft approval conditions for one large plan of subdivision (Becker, 30T-07205 - 778 maximum dwelling units). Another plan of subdivision (Activa, 30T-04210 - 400 maximum dwelling units) is proposed for consideration in the immediate future along with a subdivision modification (Chalon, 30T-92009 -maximum 12 dwelling units). There are numerous development applications under consideration within Intensification Areas along with a significant number of proposals under review. Also, applications are being received for other Priority B lands as expected. Progress is underway on numerous projectslstudies that are identified in the KGMP, such as King Street reconstruction, City-wide Sanitary Capacity Analysis, road and sanitary environmental assessments and planning studies. Southwest Urban Area Studies Part of the KGMP approval includes Council direction to proceed with several community-level studies for much of the west/southwest portion of the city prior to any new development. These studies are intended to result in a decision on land use (residential, employment, mixed use, open space, etc) for all of the subject area indicated on the key map. This will have implications for land on the east side of Fischer Hallman Road that may already have a land use designation in the City's Official Plan. It will also have implications for land on the west side of Fischer Hallman Road that is currently designated `Agricultural' in the City's Official Plan. 4-2 The Council resolution approving the KGMP refers to `west side lands'. The historic use of the term `west side' refers to an area that includes the lands on the key map (on the previous page) in addition to Laurentian West Phase 3 and lands south of Huron Road. To more accurately reflect the current study area, which does not include Laurentian West Phase 3, and which should result in a determination of land use for the `City Urban Area' according to the Region's Official Plan, the actions in this location are now being referred to by City staff as `southwest urban area studies'. This also more accurately reflects the true compass location of the lands in Kitchener. The subject area is currently the largest, greenfield location remaining in the City of Kitchener. The general `game plan' that is part of the KGMP includes an Area Study to determine what community-level planning studies are required, a Transportation Network Study, a Design Study to guide the future Fischer Hallman Road streetscape, and a Secondary Plan for lands on both sides of Fischer Hallman Road. This is illustrated in the following diagram from the KGMP presentation: General `game plan' (from KGMP) 0 Determine Countryside Line (ROP) © Fischer Hallman Design Study © Determine Community PlanninglArea Study 0 Kitchener Transportation Master Plan ©SUV Transportation Network Study 0 Finalize Land Use A. SecondarylCommunity Plan B. Incorporate into new Official Plan 0 Development Application Approvals 0 ~ ^^ ~0 ^ ^^^^^p ^ ^^^^^^^^^ A/B 0 June 2009 Fall 2009 WinterlSpring 2010 Fall 2010 Spring 2011 June 2011 Area Study (/Determine Community Planning) In accordance with the above `game plan', staff has done further work that comprises the Area Study. The intent of the Area Study was to further identify the community-level studies that are required and the process through which they will be undertaken. Part of the work is to indicate a draft boundary of the Fischer Hallman Corridor Secondary Plan area. The draft boundary, along with the tentative Planning Community names, is shown on the map on the following page. Through this work it was determined that the Southwest Transportation Network Study (#5 above) will have to be considered separately from the City Transportation Master Plan (#4) and required earlier in the process than the original `game plan' indicated (as part of #6A). Also, the Fischer Hallman Design Study (#2) should be part of the Secondary Plan process (#6A). Proposed Work Program A proposed work program that identifies the major steps to prepare and complete the studies for the subject area resulting in land use determinations and Secondary/Community/Master Plans (identified as #6 above) is attached as Appendix "A". Briefly, the program proposes four phases of work as follows: Phase 1: Context Phase 2: Community Concepts Phase 3: Detailed Design Plans Phase 4: Final RecommendationslPlans 4-3 This work needs to be conducted between January 2010 and early 2011 in order for the final recommendations and plans to be included in the new Official Plan (June 2011). To achieve this aggressive timeline and to provide the required technical expertise, it is proposed that a consultant be hired (see Financial Implications). There will be a staff working team and ample opportunity for landowner and public involvement in the process (see Communications). Map of Planning Community Areas FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Given the target timing of June 2011; the technical expertise and typical requirements for Secondary/Community Plan preparation; along with consideration to staff resource requirements for preparing the new Official Plan, it is proposed that a consultant be retained to complete the community-level studies (Phases 1 & 2) and possibly some of the Secondary Plan work. Funds have been identified in the 2009 Development Charges Study/By-law to be used towards Planning Studies ($216,000 in each of 2010 and 2011 - of which a portion is intended to be used towards the Southwest Urban Area Studies} and the Southwest Kitchener Transportation Network Study ($75,000 in each of 2010 and 2011}. 4-4 A draft Terms of Reference (ToR) that outlines the entire process is currently under preparation. The ToR will provide more detail regarding the background, approach to the project, and expectations for a consultant to be used in submitting an "Expression of Interest" for Phases 1 and 2 (the community-level studies). The ToR is expected to be completed in November. The final contract amount and recommended consultant will be submitted to Council under separate cover (likely January 2010). COMMUNICATIONS: A letter, dated September 29, 2009, was sent to all property owners within the subject area. The letter advised owners of the intent to proceed with City-initiated studies and that there may be implications for future land use and design. The letter advised of the potential for this report to be considered by Development & Technical Services Committee on October 26. A copy of this staff information report will be provided to all owners in the area, including an electronic version distributed to the subject area developers. An internal working team proposed to include representatives from City Engineering, Planning, Community Services, the Region, GRCA and the School Boards will be established to help guide the project. All property owners within the subject area, and the general public, will be informed and invited to participate in the study and Secondary Plan process. The details of the method and timing of involvement will be determined during the finalization of a detailed work program and communication plan with the consultant. It is expected that there will be ample opportunity for involvement and collaboration throughout the various phases of the study work. CONCLUSIONS: The next step is to finalize the Terms of Reference and hire a consultant group to assist the City in completing the community-level studies and impact studies and plans in support of Secondary/Community Plans for the area. All previous municipal work, along with technical studies and master plan submissions from developers with land in the subject area will be reviewed. Components of this work may be utilized in preparing the studies to help with the process. Pending the outcome, the submitted technical studies may require amendments at the development plan stage. The general process is indicated on the second page of the work program in Appendix "A"and a proposed project timeline graphic is shown below. Phases 1 & 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 ~t~ 7~ Jan 2010 June 2010 Fall 2010 Spring 2011 June 2011 Phases 1 & 2: Community level studies (includes SW Transportation Network Study Phase 3: Secondary and Community Plan preparation Phase 4: Final land use and Plan recommendations ~ :New Official Plan The May 25, 2009 Council resolution approving the KGMP directed staff to provide a biannual progress report on the KGMP. This direction resulted from a delegation asking that the land owners in the southwest study area be informed of progress on studies that may affect them. Staff believe that this will be achieved during the various phases of the Southwest Urban Area Studies project as outlined in the attached work program. Therefore, staff wish to clarify (as part of this report's recommendations) that reports are intended to be provided at the end of Phases 4-5 2 and 4 of the Southwest Urban Area Studies. Progress on the KGMP is intended to be provided through the Annual Monitoring Report, starting in 2010, and through subsequent KGMP updates. The subject area represents a significant amount of the remaining greenfield land supply in Kitchener's City Urban Area. Although now is the time to complete major planning studies in this area, it is not expected that all of the lands will develop immediately. The timing and prioritization of development is subject to several considerations, including the next KGMP. The intent is to work towards creating more urban, transit-supportive and environmentally-friendly communities in this area. REVIEWED BY: Juliane vonWesterholt, Senior Planner Leon Bensason, Interim Manager of Long Range and Policy Planning ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Willmer, Interim General Manager Development & Technical Services Department Attachments: Appendix "A" -Proposed Work Program 4-6 Appendix "A" PROPOSED WORK PROGRAM STEP 1-Prepare and finalize Terms of Reference STEP 2 -Request and review "Expressions of Interest" STEP 3 -Request and review detailed proposals from consultants STEP 4 -Interview and select consultant team. Approval by Council. STEP 5 -Agreement with consultant and begin project. STEP 6 -Undertake Phase 1: Context. Review background, existing studies, opportunities and constraints. Consultant to complete Background Report/ Technical Memo. STEP 7 -Undertake Phase 2: Community Concepts. Prepare conceptual land use options, first component of supporting studies/plans (i.e. Southwest Kitchener Transportation Network Study) and identify planning and design principles. STEP 8 -Landowner and public consultation on Phase 2. STEP 9-Consultant to provide report to Council on analysis, consultation and recommendations for Phase 2. Request authorization to prepare detailed SecondarylCommunity/Master Plans based on preferred option. STEP 10 -Undertake Phase 3: Detailed Design Plans. Staff to prepare Secondary Plan for Fischer Hallman Corridor and recommended plans for lands west of Fischer Hallman Corridor. Consultant to complete supporting studieslplans, including the preparation of any additional impact studies at the detailed design phase. STEP 11 -Landowner and public consultation on Phase 3. STEP 12 -Revisions. STEP 13 -Staff to prepare Phase 4: Final Report. Includes recommendations on land use for all of study area and final Secondary/Community/Master Plans. STEP 14 -Adoption of land use designations and Secondary/Community/Master Plans either as part of new Official Plan or as a separate Official Plan Amendment. STEP 15- Regional approval. 4-7 MUNICIPAL PLANNING HIERARCHY Southwest Kitchener Process Regional Official Plan (ROPPA #16 and ROP 2009) Subwatershed Master Plan (Alder Creek Watershed Study and Upper Strasburg Creek Subwatershed Plan Update) City Official Plan (direction to prepare Subwatershed Study) Secondary PlanslCommunity Other Community Master Planning Design Plans ^ Transportation Network Study ^ Urban Design Guidelines ^ Land Use Needs ^ Built Form Plan ^ Residential, Employment ^ Streetscape Plan ^ Parks and Recreation ^ Master Drainage/SWM Plan ^ School Accommodation ^ Connectivity Plan ^ Sanitary Servicing Analysis/EA ^ TDM Plan ^ Update ^ Energy Conservation Plan ^ Cultural Heritage Survey ^ Master Planning of Parks ^ Air Quality Impact Analysis ^ Financial Impact Analysis Plan of SubdivisionlZone ChangelSite Plan Official Plan ^ Implementation of Community Amendment) New Master Planning and Official Plan Secondary/Community Design Plan recommendations ^ Environmental Impact Study ^ Other supporting site specific technical studieslplans, including Implementation plans Development *Italics denotes work is complete 4-8