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1. NORTH-SOUTH CORRIDOR LRT
PRIORITY PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - STATEMEnT OF WORK ENONCÉ DES TRAVAUX – ÉVALUATION ENVIRONNEMENTALE
DU PROJET PRIORITAIRE DU CORRIDOR NORD-SUD DU TLR
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive the Statement of Work for the North-South
Corridor LRT Priority Project Environmental Assessment.
Recommandation
du Comité
Que le Conseil municipal prenne
connaissance de l’énoncé des travaux de l’évaluation environnementale du projet
prioritaire du corridor nord-sud du TLR.
For the
information of Council
The Committee approved the following Motion in conjunction with the staff recommendation:
Recognizing that the proposed LRT
expansion spans many different communities,
Be it resolved that the Public
Consultation Group for the North-South Corridor LRT Priority Project
Environmental Assessment be expanded to include community representation from
the following community groups:
Ø Hunt Club Community Organization
Ø Quinterra-Riverwood Community
Association
Ø Ridgemont Community Association
Ø Uplands On the Rideau Community
Association
Ø Greely Community Association
Ø Manotick Community Association
Ø Alta Vista Community Association,
with Dr. Garry Lindberg named as the representative;
And given that safety issues are
of concern, be it further resolved that the Agency Consultation Group be
expanded to include the Ottawa Police Services.
Pour la gouverne du Conseil
Le Comité a approuvé la motion
suivante compte tenu de la recommandation du personnel :
En tenant compte du fait que le
prolongement du TLR desservira de nombreuses collectivités diverses :
Il est résolu que la représentation
du groupe de consultation publique de l’évaluation environnementale du projet
prioritaire du corridor nord-sud du TLR soit élargie afin d’inclure les groupes
communautaires suivants :
Ø Organisme communautaire Hunt Club
Ø Association communautaire Quinterra-Riverwood
Ø Association communautaire Ridgemont
Ø Association communautaire Uplands On the Rideau
Ø Association communautaire Greely
Ø Association communautaire Manotick
Ø Association communautaire Alta Vista dont le représentant est le
Dr Garry Lindberg;
Et étant donné que la sécurité est
un sujet de préoccupation, il est en outre résolu que le groupe de consultation
des organismes élargisse sa composition afin d’inclure le Service de police
d’Ottawa.
Documentation
1. General Manager, Development Services Department report dated 9 January 2004 (ACS2003-DEV-POL-0006).
2. Extract of Draft Minutes, 21 January 2004.
Report to/Rapport au :
Public Works, Transit and
Infrastructure Services Committee
Comité permanent des travaux publics, du transport en commun et des services d’infrastructure
and Council / et au Conseil
9 January 2004 / le 9 janvier 2004
Submitted by/Soumis par : Ned Lathrop, General Manager/Directeur général,
Development Services/Services d'aménagement
Contact Person/Personne
ressource : Vivi Chi, Manager / Gestionnaire
Transportation Infrastructure / Infrastructure
des transports
(613) 580-2424 x21877, vivi.chi@ottawa.ca
REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That the Public Works, Transit and Infrastructure Services Committee approve the Statement of Work for the North-South Corridor LRT Priority Project Environmental Assessment.
RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT
Que le Comité des travaux publics, des
services de transport en commun et des services d’infrastructure approuve
l’énoncé des travaux de l’évaluation environnementale du projet prioritaire du
corridor nord-sud du TLR.
BACKGROUND
The City of Ottawa Official Plan sets out a growth
management strategy centred on rapid transit as the preferred mode of peak
period travel. To support this strategy, in September 2003 the City approved a
Transportation Master Plan (TMP) that identifies a major expansion to its rapid
transit network based predominantly on light rail technology (LRT) as a key
component to achieving this objective.
This long-term network plan was developed through the City’s Rapid Transit Expansion Study (RTES), which was approved by Council on 26 February 2003. The expansion of LRT service into the downtown (Rideau Centre) and to Riverside South (Limebank Station), including a link to the McDonald-Cartier Airport, was identified as the top priority project for implementation.
On 24 September 2003 Council received the ORTEP Implementation Strategy report, which described the timelines, funding and partnership options, and financial implications of the long term plan outlined in RTES. Council also approved a key recommendation to immediately undertake the environmental assessment (EA) for the North-South Corridor LRT Priority Project, thus allowing the city to proceed with the option deemed most appropriate once funding mechanisms have been confirmed.
This report presents the Statement of Work for the EA Study (refer to Document 1) for Committee's consideration.
DISCUSSION
Shown below is the proposed North/South Corridor LRT
Priority Project (solid line) as envisaged in RTES and the ORTEP Implementation
Strategy, with connecting future extensions (dashed lines).
This rapid transit project is subject to the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act and the study must be carried
out as an Individual EA. This process
is different from the Class EA for municipal roads in that there is a
requirement to prepare and submit the study's Terms of Reference (ToR) and the
Environmental Assessment Report (EAR) to the Minister of the Enviroment for
approval before the project can be implemented.
The ToR is a formally-recognized document that describes the study
approach (very similar to this Statement of Work) and must undergo consultation
during its preparation. The completed ToR will be presented to Committee and
Council for their consideration prior to its submission to the Minister of the
Environment. Once it is submitted, the Ministry will post the ToR on the
Environmental Bill of Rights for further public review. The Minister will then
make a decision and the EA will be undertaken only in accordance with the
approved ToR. The EA process will also have consultation opportunities. Overall,
the Individual EA approval process is much more prescriptive and can be lengthy
due to the time requirements for Ministry review and decisions.
As there is a likely requirement for Federal property, and with the
City pursuing Federal funding, the project must also comply with the
requirements of the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act. In order to satisfy both Provincial and
Federal EA Act requirements, a harmonized process will be undertaken to avoid
unnecessary duplication.
This study will examine a range of alternatives, identify both
construction and operational impacts on all aspects of the environment and
bring forward a recommended plan detailing mitigation measures, costs, staging
and implementation timelines and all subsequent approvals required to proceed
with the construction of the project in order to meet the earliest possible
operating date.
It is anticipated that this EA study could be completed by early
Fall 2005, which reflects the scope and complexity of the issues to be examined
and accommodates mandatory approval periods. In order to initiate construction
of the LRT Priority Project as soon as possible, staff will ensure the schedule
for this EA study is accelerated wherever feasible.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
The study will be conducted in accordance with both Provincial and Federal Environmental Assessment Act requirements in that all EA studies examine the social, economic, physical and natural environments within the study area, and downstream impacts are addressed. Effects on the environment will be identified and impacts will be evaluated for the various alternatives under consideration. Appropriate mitigation measures will be developed and post-mitigation environmental impacts will be determined.
CONSULTATION
Since the Study's Terms of Reference, a requirement of the EA Act, will undergo consultation, no formal public consultation was sought during the preparation of this Statement of Work.
During
the EA, there will be consultation with stakeholders, public agencies, private
groups and individuals (see Section 4.0 of the Statement of Work). The
membership, roles and responsibilities of each Study Consultation Group will be
identified during the development of the Terms of Reference. Additional
meetings with specific agencies, landowners, groups or individuals will also be
held as required in order to address any specific issues as they may arise.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The 2003 Capital Budget currently includes sufficient funding authority to initiate the study and complete the Terms of Reference (Order No. 900267). The additional funding authority required to undertake the balance of the Environmental Assessment will be identified in the 2004 Capital Budget request for Committee and Council approval.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Document 1: North-South
Corridor LRT Priority Project Environmental Assessment Study
Statement of Work
DISPOSITION
Following Committee approval of this Statement of Work,
the consultant selection process will be undertaken in accordance with
established practice. Request for Proposals will be initiated. The selected
consultant will immediately start the EA process with the development of the
Terms of Reference for the approval of the Minister of the Environment.
Document 1
City of Ottawa
North-South Corridor LRT Priority Project
Environmental Assessment
STATEMENT OF WORK
INTRODUCTION
The City of Ottawa is the proponent of an environmental assessment (EA) to study the proposed North‑South Corridor Light Rail (LRT) Priority rapid transit expansion project. This EA shall examine a range of alternatives, identify both construction and operational impacts on all aspects of the environment and bring forward a recommended plan detailing mitigation measures, costs, implementation timelines and all approvals required to proceed with the construction of the project.
This Statement of Work describes the City’s intentions with respect to the methodology, public consultation and deliverables for this study. It outlines the tasks to be undertaken to complete this EA, and upon approval from the City’s Public Works, Transit and Infrastructure Services Committee and Council will form the basis for a Request for Proposals (RFP) to be issued by the City of Ottawa.
BACKGROUND
In October 2001, the City began operating an LRT pilot project using diesel-powered multi-unit (DMU) Bombardier ‘Talent’ vehicles within the existing CPR Ellwood North-South railway corridor. Known as the O-Train, the service presently runs between Greenboro and Bayview Stations, while also serving Carleton University and the Federal Government office complexes at Confederation Heights and Carling Avenue.
After two years of operation the O-Train has been judged a success. Ridership has exceeded initial expectations with now more than 8,000 riders per weekday at 15-minute frequencies and it operates on time, 99% of the time. The public feedback has been very positive. In December 2002, City Council approved extending the operation of the O-Train pilot project until May 2005.
In May 2003, the City of Ottawa adopted a new Official Plan (OP) that projects rapid population growth from 800,000 to 1,200,000 people by 2021. The OP sets out a growth management strategy that emphasizes urban intensification and increased mixed-use development centred on rapid transit as a means to address travel demand and to discourage single occupancy vehicle use as the preferred mode of peak period travel.
To support this strategy, the City approved its new Transportation Master Plan (TMP) in September 2003. The TMP establishes objectives for transit use that would see the overall peak hour transit modal split increase from 17% to 30% over the life of the OP. The TMP identifies an expanded rapid transit network as a key component to achieving this objective (Figure 1).
This network was developed through the City’s Rapid Transit Expansion Study (RTES). The purpose of RTES was to identify potential rapid transit corridors and vehicle technology options (including bus and rail); evaluate the corridor and vehicle technology options based on a range of criteria; develop and integrate recommended corridors and technologies into an overall rapid transit network; and establish a priority plan for implementation. Strategic level ridership estimates were established as part of this study.
On 26 February 2003, City Council approved the RTES recommended network and priority implementation plan. The expansion of light rail transit (LRT) service into the downtown (Rideau Centre) and to Riverside South (Limebank Station) was identified as the top priority project for implementation.
Furthermore, staff developed an implementation strategy - entitled the Ottawa Rapid Transit Expansion Program (ORTEP) Implementation Strategy – for the long-term plan for the overall rapid transit network that included timelines, funding and partnership options, and financial implications.
Figure 1
On 24 September 2003 City Council received the ORTEP Implementation Strategy report and approved the following staff recommendations:
1. Proceed immediately with the Environmental Assessment for the priority O-Train Expansion LRT line from Rideau Centre to Limebank (Riverside South), thus allowing the city to proceed with the option deemed most appropriate once funding mechanisms have been confirmed;
2. Proceed with the Environmental Assessment on
the East-West LRT corridor;
In addition, Council also approved the following:
10. That Council approve that the EA for the interprovincial
crossing and the EA for the north-south line be coordinated such that the
Transportation and Transit Committee can evaluate the possibility of using the
Prince of Wales Bridge versus another cross river alternative;
Accordingly, the City is initiating this study (North-South Corridor LRT Priority Project) and every effort shall be made to coordinate it with the “Environmental Assessment Study for Interprovincial Rapid Transit Integration in the Core Area of Canada’s Capital Region”, of which the City of Ottawa, the City of Gatineau and the NCC are participants.
A separate EA will be undertaken for the East-West corridor (recommendation #2) as part of the 2004 work program.
PLANNING
CONTEXT
As the City is the proponent for this undertaking, this project is subject to the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (OEAA).
This study shall
be carried out as an Individual EA, and accordingly a Terms of Reference (ToR)
shall be prepared at the outset of the study to define the undertaking and
detail the proposed methodology and work plan. The ToR shall undergo public and
stakeholder consultation prior to submission to the provincial Minister of the
Environment for approval. Upon approval, the EA will be undertaken in
accordance with the approved ToR.
As there is a likely requirement for federal property, and with the City pursuing federal funding, the project must also comply with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). Under CEAA, a federal responsible authority (RA) shall be identified who determines the scope of the assessment and guides the process.
Since this project must satisfy both provincial and federal act requirements, a harmonized process will be undertaken to avoid unnecessary duplication.
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
The ultimate North/South Corridor LRT Priority Project (Figure 2), as envisaged in RTES and detailed within the ORTEP Implementation Strategy, comprises the conversion of the current O‑Train corridor to twin-track electric light rail technology (LRT), with an extension into the downtown (Rideau Centre) on an alignment (street) to be defined, and an extension to the rapidly growing Riverside South community (Limebank Station). It also includes a single-track connection to the MacDonald Cartier Airport. The project consists of 24 km of twin-track LRT with 19 stations and 2 Park & Ride lots totalling approximately 2500 parking spots. The service would initially operate 15 vehicles at a 5-minute service frequency, with the number of vehicles growing to accommodate a 3-minute service frequency by 2021.
The North/South Corridor LRT Priority Project is estimated to cost $750 million. Implementing a project of this magnitude is dependent upon receiving funding from the federal and provincial governments as well as the City’s own contribution. Accordingly, the ORTEP Implementation Strategy identified that funding considerations would likely necessitate a staged implementation of the Priority Project and proposed options for a staged approach centred on an early conversion to electric light rail. However Council is open to a further examination of other options, including continuing operation of the current DMU based O‑Train, with additional vehicles, on a single track with phased extensions into the downtown and to Riverside South.
One of the aims of this study will be to find a solution that best addresses the need to maximize ridership potential within this corridor to meet the modal split objectives of the TMP by providing cost-effective quality rapid transit as soon as possible given limited funding.
Figure 2
MAJOR ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED
Some of the major issues to be addressed during the course of this study include:
Staging
It is imperative that the City develops its rapid transit network as quickly as possible to meet the modal split objectives of the TMP and to support continued economic growth. Therefore a staged approach for the Priority Project based on likely levels of federal and provincial funding, and what the City is able to afford now and in the near future is required.
Accordingly, this EA study will examine a range of staging options, and recommend a preferred staging strategy based upon a range of criteria including costs (including retrofitting costs, if applicable), funding availability, ridership generation potential, likely development patterns along the corridor, compatibility and integration with urban design and land use, environmental considerations and ease of implementation.
To implement the Priority Project in stages, it is important to determine where costs could be reduced as an interim measure while still ending up with a value-added stand-alone project. Minimal throwaway costs and minimal service interruption as the project is expanded/extended must be considered.
Although Council has already approved the RTES long range recommendation for twin-track electric LRT, this EA study will examine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of single-track alternatives using the current DMU fleet (with additional vehicles) in the immediate term. Given that the ultimate goal is to implement electric LRT, and that the extension into the downtown would likely be predicated on electric LRT, the study will evaluate a range of DMU and DMU/electric LRT staging alternatives. Implications on service frequency and ridership generation, as well as potential throwaway costs will be among the factors evaluated to identify the preferred staging and timing for the conversion to electric LRT technology.
Grade Separation Requirements
The current O-Train service crosses two active rail lines with at-grade crossing diamonds. At some stage of implementation, grade separations will be required to remove the conflicts at both the Walkley and Beachburg Subdivisions. This study will identify the timing, proposed design and construction strategy to undertake these grade separations in such a manner as to minimize the impact and disruption on the existing service.
In a similar manner the staging of the proposed new structures over the Rideau River (in the vicinity of Carleton University) and Sawmill Creek, as well as the proposed twin tunnel under Dows Lake shall be studied to recommend a strategy to minimize existing service interruptions as well as implement appropriate environmental protection measures during and after construction.
The issue of the appropriateness of, and requirement for, grade separating the rapid transit corridor at key locations within the Riverside South community will be addressed. Although OP policies protect for and state that rapid transit facilities will be grade-separated at major road crossings, and although the Community Design Plan identifies grade separations at all major road crossings, capital and operating costs may be saved by eliminating or deferring the need for these facilities. This study will identify the need and timing for these grade separations by taking into consideration the impact on providing appropriate levels of service, and costs.
Downtown Urban Environment
Integration
The proposed introduction of surface running LRT through the downtown will have a significant impact on the surrounding environment. This study will determine a preferred alignment, and address a host of issues, including:
· Compliance with Downtown urban design goals and strategies
· Aesthetic considerations including the visual intrusion of overhead wires
· Station locations and configurations
· Effects on adjacent businesses and institutions
· Integration with the pedestrian environment, including safety and access considerations
· Effect on cycling
· Potential displacement of vehicular traffic and on street parking
· Access to adjacent land uses
· Impact on underground and overhead utilities and services
· Noise and vibration
Commensurate with the integration into the downtown environment, will be the coordination of efforts to integrate the project with the on-going LeBreton Flats re-development by the NCC.
Park & Ride
The provision of strategically located and appropriately sized Park and Ride facilities is key to providing high quality rapid transit service, and achieving the expected ridership within this corridor. This study will examine and recommend the preferred location and size of immediate and long-term Park and Ride lot requirements, as well as any local roadway and intersection modifications required to provide access. The recommended plan shall incorporate functional designs and cost estimates for these facilities.
Supporting Infrastructure Requirements
A considerable amount of supporting infrastructure is required to provide for the operation of the proposed LRT system. Amongst the major components required, this study will:
· Identify LRT vehicle maintenance and storage facility requirements, and address the environmental impacts of its connection to the system. The City is currently undertaking an analysis of the suitability of the Walkley Yards for the location of this facility. Should it be determined that the Walkley Yards site is not appropriate, the City shall identify another site.
· Identify and cost electrical supply requirements and facilities. This shall include all substations, including property requirements.
· Identify and cost all communications, control and signalling requirements. This shall include central control facility location and requirements.
Riverside South Community Integration and the Future Rideau River
Crossing
Although Limebank Station is identified as the southern terminus of the LRT Priority Project, the study area shall extend westerly through the Riverside South community to include the future Rideau River crossing to address immediate development pressures in the rapidly growing Riverside South and South Nepean communities.
This will accomplish two timely and important objectives. Firstly, it will confirm the alignment of the rapid transit corridor and proposed station locations identified within the recently completed Riverside South Community Design Plan. Secondly, it will recommend the appropriate location and structural general arrangement, address the environmental impacts and identify the property requirements of the future Rideau River crossing.
PROJECT SCOPE, TASKS AND DELIVERABLES
1. General
This project will be carried out as an Individual Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the Province of Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. Since the project may impact federal lands or other projects with a federal interest, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act will be triggered.
To comply with both acts, a harmonized process will be undertaken to avoid duplication of efforts.
1.1 Study Area
The study area for the EA study shall generally be described as the proposed LRT Priority Project corridor running from the Rideau Centre to Riverside South, as identified in the RTES and the ORTEP Implementation Strategy.
This area comprises the current O-Train (CP Ellwood) corridor, running from Bayview Station in the north and extends southerly to the vicinity of Leitrim Road. An area bounded by the Ottawa River Parkway and the existing aqueduct to the north – in conformance with alignment identified in the NCC LeBreton Flats development plan, and Wellington/Albert Street to the south shall be considered for the connection to the proposed LeBreton Station at Booth Street and into the central area. An area bounded by Wellington Street to the north and Laurier Avenue to the south shall be considered to study the range of options to connect through the downtown to the Rideau Centre.
The study area boundary shall be sufficiently broad within the vicinity of the Rideau Centre to identify LRT ‘turn-around’ requirements for the return service – including such as alternatives as a single track ‘loop’ using Rideau, Dalhousie, George and Sussex as suggested in the ORTEP Implementation Strategy.
The study area shall include the Airport link, and south of Leitrim Road the study area shall generally conform to the alignment identified in the Riverside South Community Design Plan, extending to include the future Rideau River Crossing as discussed above.
However, some tasks will require the study of a broader area beyond these limits in order to address environmental impacts; operational issues; to coordinate with relevant on-going studies and projects; to study and identify Park and Ride lot needs, and; to identify tie-ins to future network connections. Examples include accommodating proposed maintenance and storage facility connection alternatives as its location is defined, to coordinate with the interprovincial transit study, to consider the future Rideau River crossing in the South Urban Community and to consider future connections to the proposed East-West corridor.
The study area shall be identified and confirmed early in the study process, however it may be modified accordingly to respond to new information and conditions as they emerge.
1.2 Timing
The proposed timing of this study shall be approximately 18 months. All efforts will be made to complete this study as quickly as possible. This schedule reflects the scope and complexity of the issues to be examined and accommodates mandatory approval periods.
1.3 Coordination with
Concurrent Studies
The EA Study process will take into consideration any information including analysis and preliminary findings of concurrent transportation, development and infrastructure projects that could influence the direction and/or conclusions of the Study. Some of these projects include:
· Environmental Assessment Study for the East-West corridor (to begin soon after this study proceeds)
· Environmental Assessment Study for Interprovincial Rapid Transit Integration in the Core Area of Canada’s Capital Region
· Priority LRT Corridor Ridership Study (ongoing – provides input)
· Priority LRT Corridor Operational Plan (ongoing – provides input)
1.4 Background Material
Relevant background material shall be collected and reviewed. This material shall include:
· City of Ottawa Official Plan (OP) and Transportation Master Plan (TMP)
· Rapid Transit Expansion Study (RTES) – June 2003
· Ottawa Rapid Transit Expansion Program (ORTEP) Implementation Strategy – July 2003
· City of Ottawa Priority LRT Priority Project Ridership Study (on-going)
· City of Ottawa Priority LRT Priority Project Operational Study (on-going)
· AVTC – Evaluation of Transit Alternatives – McCormick Rankin Corporation/Delcan Corporation, March 2003
· Gloucester South Urban Community Transit Servicing Study – Draft Final Report
· Gloucester South Urban Community Design Plan
· RMOC Light Rail Pilot Project Environmental Assessment – Dillon Consulting, August 1999
· O-Train
Evaluation Report to Transportation and Transit Committee, 04 December 2002
· RMOC Ottawa Light Rail Extensions to the Central Area and Airport – Conceptual Planning Study – McCormick Rankin Corporation, 17 May 2000
· RMOC Central Area Light Rail Extension – Interim Report 2 – IBI Group, November 1998
· RMOC Central Area Light Rail Extension – Interim Report 4 – IBI Group, 17 February 1999
· Light Rail in Ottawa-Carleton – Final Phase I Report – KPMG, 27 August 1988
· RMOC West Transitway – LeBreton Flats Functional Plan Phase 1 – Design Parameters and Right-of-Way Identification –McCormick Rankin Corp, October 1999.
· NCC Sparks Street Vocation Study (on-going)
· MTO Highway 417
(Ottawa Queensway) Preliminary Design & Environmental Assessment Study,
from Hwy 416 to Anderson Road (on-going)
· Property ownership, easements and rights-of-way information
· Relevant Community Design Plans – Riverside South CDP, Downtown Urban Design Strategy, etc.
· Sawmill Creek Sub-watershed Study – 2003
· Lower Rideau Watershed Strategy – ongoing, expected completion early 2004
· Urban Natural Areas study – ongoing, expected completion mid 2004
· Current and past development applications and associated studies (e.g. traffic and noise)
· Water, wastewater and storm water management studies.
· Regional Road Corridor Design Guidelines
All relevant background material referenced during the Study will be listed in a bibliography to be included in the ToR report and the final EAR.
Base mapping will also be compiled early in the study process. 1:500 scale base mapping (2002 and 2003) for the downtown and existing CPR corridor, together with 1:2000 scale topographic mapping for the area south of the Airport, through the Riverside South community and across the Rideau River in the vicinity of the future Strandherd/Armstrong bridge will be supplied by the City.
1.5 Deliverables
The deliverables for the study include:
· Provincial Environmental Assessment Study Terms of Reference (ToR) Report
· Federal Cumulative Impacts Design and Interim Reports, including the Federal EA checklist
· Environmental Inventory/Existing Conditions Interim Report
· Project Need and Technology Assessment Interim Reports
· Noise, Vibration and Air Quality Interim Report
· Public Open House Summary Reports – one for each Public Open House
· Project Web Page data – as required
· Project Update Newsletter – minimum of four
· Draft Environmental Assessment Report (Draft EAR)
· Final Environmental Assessment Report (EAR)
· Functional design drawings of the preferred design, including plans and profiles for recommended alignments, proposed station layouts and elevation drawings, structure general arrangement drawings, utility relocation details, storm water management plans, landscape design plans, and property requirement plans
· Project Implementation/Staging Plan, which shall identify all future approval requirements including those for property acquisitions and easements and other property related matters
· Project Costing Report, including baseline budget in WBS format
· LRT Standard Detail Drawings and Design Criteria Report
All reports shall contain an executive summary and shall be submitted in both hard copy and in electronic (PDF) format. Functional design drawings shall be in MicroStation (.dgn) format in accordance with current City CADD standards.
2. Terms of Reference
In accordance with Provincial EA Act requirements, the first step in undertaking this EA is the mandatory preparation and approval of a Terms of Reference (ToR). The ToR shall set out a framework to guide and focus the study efforts by defining the scope of the proposed undertaking and the process that will be followed to assess its environmental effects, while allowing flexibility to respond to new information and circumstances as they emerge.
The ToR shall set out a Project Work Plan that:
· Describes the proposed undertaking
· Confirms the study area
· Identifies the major tasks to complete the EA assignment
· Identifies the proposed evaluation process
· Presents a list of alternatives to be investigated
· Identifies the various disciplines required to undertake and ensure a thorough approach
· Specifies the allocation of resources (including personnel) assigned to each major task
· Establishes the project schedule and key milestones
· Sets out the public and agency consultation program
· Identifies all project stakeholders
· Defines the membership, roles and relationships of consultation groups
· Identifies the project organization
The ToR shall be subject to public and stakeholder consultation during its development, and shall be presented to the City’s Public Works, Transit and Infrastructure Services Committee and Council for approval.
The ToR shall be documented within a written report for public and agency review that outlines the proposed undertaking and work plan as listed above, and shall describe and document the public and agency consultation undertaken during the preparation of the ToR.
2.1 Identify a List of
Stakeholders
This study will involve a large number of stakeholders, including community groups, property owners, businesses, institutions, approval agencies and special interest groups. Early in the study process stakeholders shall be identified. This shall be accomplished through various forms of consultation, including liaison with City Councillors, community associations, approval agencies and public notification.
2.2 Consultation
Program
This study will examine a wide range of technical, social and environmental issues and will incorporate a broad number of community and business interests. The success of this effort is contingent on an effective, comprehensive and timely consultation program.
The consultation process will include meetings with key stakeholders through an Agency Consultation Group (ACG), a Public Consultation Group (PCG) and a Business Consultation Group (BCG). The membership, roles and responsibilities of these committees shall be refined through the ToR.
Consultation with the general public shall occur principally through Public Open Houses, but also through the project Web page and by e-mail. Additional meetings with specific agencies, groups or individuals will be held as required in order to address any particular issues as they may arise.
The study consultation program shall be confirmed during the development of the ToR and shall be documented within the ToR report and EAR accordingly.
3. Environmental
Assessment
The second step in this study is the undertaking of the actual Environmental Assessment. It comprises the following tasks outlined below.
3.1 Project Need
In order to reaffirm the findings of the TMP and RTES, this EA study will confirm the need to expand the current O-Train corridor into the central area, to the airport and to Riverside South. The key components of this stage include:
· Identify and assess future travel demand including ridership
· Identify current and projected transportation problems and opportunities within the study area
This analysis shall be used to identify all reasonable alternatives to the undertaking, which is the required next step in the study process.
3.2 Alternatives to the
Undertaking
Developing and examining a full range of options complies with the EA Act requirement that all reasonable alternatives to the undertaking be assessed. The different alternatives will be identified with input from the study Consultation Groups. The alternatives shall be analyzed and evaluated based upon various criteria and indicators developed within the EA to assess the impacts (with consideration to possible mitigation measures) on the environment and to recommend a preferred alternative solution. Possible alternative solutions to the undertaking include:
· Do nothing
· Expand arterial road network
· Expand rapid transit service outside of
corridor
· Expand rapid transit service within extended corridor
The preferred alternative solution identified through the results of this analysis will be presented to the study Consultation Groups, approval agencies and public for review and comments.
3.3 Environmental
Inventory/Existing Conditions
An inventory of the social, economic, physical and natural environments within the study area will be compiled. The inventory will consider all available background material and where necessary, supplement this information through on-site surveys and/or detailed studies. The inventory must be of sufficient detail to enable the analysis of alternative transportation solutions and designs.
In general, the inventory will identify and describe those aspects of the environment that could potentially affect, or be affected by, the undertaking. Some of the specific aspects of the environment associated with this project include:
· Integration of LRT into existing transportation corridors and urban street environments
· Access to adjacent land uses and transportation facilities
· Effects on green spaces and natural areas
· Effects on the Rideau River and Sawmill Creek
· Effects of noise and vibration on the adjacent businesses and communities
· Utilities including water, storm and sanitary drainage, hydro, gas, bell, cable, etc.
· Subsurface (geotechnical) conditions
· Heritage and archaeological conditions
The inventory must be completed for the entire study area so that as alternatives are developed and analyzed, the cumulative effects can be examined. The complete inventory shall be clearly described and documented within the Environmental Inventory/Existing Conditions Interim report and the EAR.
3.4 Develop Evaluation
Criteria and Process
A comprehensive evaluation criteria and methodology to screen the various alternative solutions and evaluate the various alternative designs shall be developed. The inventory of existing conditions will define the scope of impacts on the environment that will need to be examined. The development of the evaluation process shall be subject to public and agency consultation and will be clearly described and documented within the EAR.
3.5 Identify Technology
Alternatives
Assuming an expanded rapid transit service is identified as the preferred solution to the undertaking, a range of technology options will be considered. These shall include:
· Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
· Electric Rail Rapid Transit (LRT)
· Continued use/expansion of existing DMU fleet
· Staged implementation/conversion to electric LRT
During the determination of the technology options, all physical and operating vehicle characteristics shall be identified. This data shall be incorporated into the evaluation process as appropriate and used in developing alternative functional designs.
3.6 Identify Corridor Alternatives
A number of corridor and alignment options within each section shall be considered. These sections shall include, but not be limited to:
· Existing CPR Ellwood corridor – single track vs. twin track
· Central area corridor
· Riverside South corridor – confirmation of findings in the Community Design Plan
· Airport link
· Rideau River crossing in the vicinity of South Nepean/Riverside South
· Grade separated and non-grade separated facilities
The various corridor options shall be incorporated into the evaluation process to identify the recommended solution.
3.7 Refine Ridership
Projections
Future ridership data for the proposed North-South Corridor Priority LRT project are being developed concurrently in a Ridership Study being undertaken outside of this EA. The ridership study will develop peak hour and all day ridership projections for the years 2011, 2016 and 2021. It is expected that this data will be available in a timely manner to feed directly into this part of the EA analysis. That being said, this EA study shall review and refine these projections to account for the following:
- Potential staging scenarios
- Effect of alignment choice through central area
- Continued use of DMU fleet within portion of corridor/inclusion of a transfer on service levels
- Improved interprovincial transit integration in the core area.
The analysis and refinement of ridership projections will be used as input to the selection of the preferred solution.
3.8 Selection of Design Alternatives
Provided the preferred solution involves the construction of LRT rapid transit infrastructure, various design alternatives shall be identified and evaluated. The key tasks of this stage are summarized in the following.
LRT rapid transit alignment and cross-section design alternatives, including station location and layouts will be identified based on a consideration of any constraints within the study area, input from the study Consultation Groups, the public and approval agencies, the City’s on-going Priority Project Ridership and Operational Plan studies, and accepted rapid transit guidelines, standards, and practices. All proposed design alternatives will include any required modifications on existing roadways to accommodate the introduction of LRT.
Among the various alternative designs to be considered at this stage include:
· Central area alignment
· Airport link alignment
· Maintenance/Storage facility link alignment
· Rideau River crossing alignments and general arrangements
· Dows Lake/Rideau Canal tunnel
· Station locations and layouts
· Grade separations and structure general arrangements
· Power and electrical supply
· Utility relocations
· Stormwater management
· Landscaping
Additional field investigations, surveys, test pits and boreholes as necessary to document the scope and potential impact of the design alternatives shall be undertaken as needed. Alignment alternatives shall consider horizontal plan and vertical profiles.
3.9 Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation
Process
The previously developed comprehensive evaluation criteria and methodology shall be used to evaluate the various alternative designs. Refinements may be made to the evaluation process in to accommodate changing conditions or circumstances as they arise.
3.10 Detailed Impact Assessment and Mitigation
The impact of each alternative design on the environment will be thoroughly evaluated. Mitigation measures, and associated implications (e.g. cost of mitigation etc.) to address environmental impacts are to be identified and considered in the evaluation process.
The study must clearly identify the initial impacts of each alternative as well as the net post-mitigation impact using quantifiable indicators and measures wherever possible.
To ensure that all impacts are appropriately evaluated, detailed environmental impact studies will be required for certain issues, such as:
· Urban design integration, including:
- effect on pedestrians and accessibility
- effect on cyclists
- effect on vehicular traffic, including parking
- effect on business/adjacent land uses, including access
- visual intrusion of overhead wires
· Utility relocations
· Natural environment – including storm water drainage
· Air
Quality
· Noise
· Vibration
· Geotechnical
· Landscaping
· Heritage, archaeological
3.11 Costing
The North-South Corridor LRT Priority Project is the essential first step towards the ultimate expansion of the City’s rapid transit network, and shall set the stage for all future rapid transit expansion projects that follow. Developing an accurate project baseline budget is an essential component of this study, as it will contribute to the City’s short and long range capital budget forecasting and priority setting, and shall form the basis for LRT Priority Project funding applications to senior governmental levels.
The baseline budget shall be structured in approved WBS format in accordance with the City’s standard Program Management System. The WBS shall include detailed scope statements for all major project elements, which shall be identified on a WBS diagram, and shall identify all items and their costs required to complete the undertaking. The baseline budget shall also include contingency allowances and escalation costs based upon estimated project implementation timelines.
Project costing shall be a fundamental criterion in the evaluation of alternatives and shall be key in the analysis of staging considerations and to establish implementation strategies and potential partnerships.
The study consultant shall have a proven track record in the development of quality cost estimates in past rapid transit projects (notably rail) and shall demonstrate a thorough understanding of risk and contingency assessment as it relates to project costing and long range capital budgeting.
3.12 Recommended Plan
The alternative designs developed in Task 4 above, will be assessed and evaluated as to their affects on the natural, social, urban, economic and transportation environments. To ensure that all of the impacts are identified, the necessary investigations such as: noise, air quality, vibration, heritage and archaeological, natural areas and wildlife habitats, stormwater management, geotechnical, traffic impacts, accessibility and safety, urban and landscape design, property impacts and any other research that would be required to properly define the cumulative effects of the facility will be carried out.
The alternatives will be compared to each other with the ultimate goal of determining a recommended design. This exercise will be carried out with input from the study Consultation Groups. Following the evaluation of alternatives and determining all necessary mitigation measures to minimize any adverse impacts, a recommended design will be prepared and the results will be presented at a final Open House.
Upon receipt and incorporation of public feedback, the recommended design will then be developed to a sufficient level of detail as required to produce a functional design plan that is adequate for submissions for project approvals in principle and to establish a complete scope of work, baseline budget and implementation schedules for the entire project. The recommended plan will incorporate the functional design plan and shall include but may not necessarily be limited to:
· A written description of the undertaking including the design parameters
· Corridor plans, with a geo-referenced horizontal alignment and vertical profile details
· Typical cross-sections, incorporating drainage, utility, power and communication/control location details
· Station locations, with plan and elevations
· Grade separations/bridges structure general arrangement plans
· Vehicle technology(ies)
· Implementation (staging) plan
· Park & Ride lot plans, including access requirements
· Property acquisition plan
· Environmental impact mitigation plans
· Landscape design plan
· Maintenance storage facility requirements and access requirement plans
· Control and communication facility and infrastructure requirements
· Electrical power supply infrastructure
· Project baseline budget in approved WBS format
The Recommended Plan shall clearly identify and set out the requirements and timing for all subsequent approvals required to proceed with the construction phase of the project.
Common design elements and details developed during the preparation of the functional design plan shall be prepared as Standard Detail Drawings and/or identified as Design Criteria for inclusion into a City of Ottawa LRT Design Manual. The City shall develop this LRT Design Manual in a parallel effort outside the scope of this study.
3.13 Environmental
Assessment Report
The consultant will prepare an Environmental Assessment Report (EAR) to document the entire study process including the Recommended Plan and any appropriate mitigation plans, and shall incorporate all interim reports developed during the course of the study. A Draft EAR will be circulated to the study Consultation Groups and other approval agencies for comment.
The final EAR, incorporating all pertinent comments, will be prepared and submitted to the provincial Ministry of the Environment for approval. At the same time the EAR will be placed on public record for a minimum 30-day review period. The consultant will prepare a response to any inquiries received during the public review period and will provide the City project manager with any additional technical support as required.
4.0 Consultation
Consultation with stakeholders, public agencies and individuals is an integral component of this study, and shall be carried out as set out in the approved EA ToR. The consultation program will primarily consist of meetings with stakeholders, individually and through Consultation Groups, and meetings with the general public through Public Open Houses. Consultation Groups will meet with the Study Team at key stages to review and comment on specific issues, the study progress and findings. The three consultation groups are:
· Public Consultation Group (PCG)
· Business Consultation Group (BCG)
· Agency Consultation Group (ACG)
The membership, roles and responsibilities of each Consultation Group shall be as identified in the approved ToR. The City will be responsible for creating and maintaining the lists of the different Consultation Groups. City staff will handle general inquiries from any of the Consultation Groups, the general public and the media, with technical assistance from the consultant where appropriate. The consultant shall be responsible for preparing all Consultation Group meeting agendas and minutes.
The City’s Project Director shall chair all Consultation Group meetings. The Consultant will be responsible for authoring all agendas and minutes, and preparing any handouts or visual aids required for presentations therein.
Specific aspects of the consultation program are detailed as follows.
4.1 Notifications
City Staff will be responsible for all aspects of the various notifications. The public shall be notified of: the Study commencement; the submission of the ToR for Ministry approval; all Public Open Houses (POHs); and the submission of the EAR for Ministry approval. Notifications will be sent out at appropriate stages in the Study, and each announcement will take the following forms:
· Advertisements in daily newspapers (The Ottawa Citizen, The Ottawa Sun, Le Droit)
· Advertisements in community papers where appropriate
· Flyers on OC Transpo buses and at Sales and Information Centres, and at City Client Service Centres
· The project web site on the City’s web portal
4.2 Public Consultation
Group
The EA study area spans many different communities with their own characteristics, needs and values. A Public Consultation Group (PCG) will be formed to enable community/special interest groups and adjacent property owners to provide direct input to the study, advising and commenting on local issues and concerns. PCG members will include representation from each of the following groups:
· City of Ottawa:
- Pedestrian and Public Transit Advisory Committee
- Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee
- Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Environmental Advisory Committee
- Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee
- Arts, Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee
· Transport 2000
· City Centre Coalition
· Dalhousie Community Association
· Hintonburg Community Association
· Heron Park Community Association
· Riverside Park Community and Recreation Association
· Riverside Park South Community Association
· South Keys/Greenboro Community Association
· Riverside South Community Association
· Carleton University Students Association
· Ottawa Youth Cabinet
· Federation of Citizens Association
Other stakeholder groups with interests in pedestrian, cycling, transit, mobility impaired, and women’s safety issues will be invited to participate on the PCG as well. The PCG will meet at key stages in the study as per the approved ToR consultation program.
4.3 Business Consultation
Group
There are many business, commercial and institutional interests within or adjacent to the study area that may be affected by this undertaking. Accordingly, a Business Consultation Group (BCG) will be established to enable these groups to provide input to the study, and advise and comment on issues of concern. BCG members will include, but not be limited to:
· Rideau Street Improvement BIA
· Byward Market BIA
· Sparks Street Mall BIA
· Preston Street BIA
· Greater Ottawa Chamber of Commerce
· Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority
· Building Owners and Managers Association
· Carleton University
· Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport Authority
Similar to the PCG schedule, the BCG will meet at key stages in the study as per the approved ToR consultation program.
4.4 Agency Consultation
Group
An Agency Consultation Group (ACG) will be formed to address the full range of technical issues and to comment on all of the special studies required to fully assess the various alternatives and to ensure that the City is following the correct procedures, legislation and addressing appropriate policies. ACG members will include experts in their related fields from government agencies and approval bodies including, but not limited to:
· National
Capital Commission
- Environmental
Services Division
- Planning Division
- Property Services Division
· Transport Canada
- Rail Policy Directorate
- Surface Transportation Research Branch
· Fisheries and Oceans Canada
· Infrastructure Canada
· PWGSC
– Investment Management Directorate
· Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
· Ontario Ministry of The Environment
· Ontario Ministry of Transportation
· Ontario Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal
· City of Ottawa Transportation, Utilities, and Public Works Department
- Transit Services
- Traffic and Parking Operations
- Infrastructure Services
- Surface Operations
· City of Ottawa Development Services Department
- Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Policy
- Planning and Infrastructure Approvals
- Business Development
· City of Ottawa Corporate Services Department
- Real Property Asset Management
- Fleet Services
· City of Ottawa Emergency and Protective Services
- Fire Services
· Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Similar to the PCG and BCG schedule, the ACG will meet at key stages throughout the study in accordance with the approved ToR consultation program. Presentations to the NCC’s Advisory Committee on Planning, Design and Realty (ACPDAR) may be required.
4.5 Public Open Houses
Consultation with the general public shall occur at Public Open House (POH) meetings occurring at four key points during the course of the study. The POHs shall be held to present and obtain feedback on: the Draft ToR; existing conditions and alternative solutions; the preferred solution and alternative design concepts, and; the recommended plan. Due to the large study area, on each occasion the POHs may be held in multiple locations.
The consultant will in conjunction with City staff will make arrangements for reserving and preparing the POH meeting facilities. The City will be responsible for advertising the POH in local newspapers and mailing meeting notification flyers to persons on the project’s Master Mailing List.
The consultant will prepare all background material and presentation material for the POH meetings. This material will include a “Project Update Newsletter” which will summarize the information presented at the POH and will be available for general distribution.
Bilingual representatives from the study team will be available and all material presented at the POH meetings, including the “Project Update Newsletter” will be in both official languages. The City will be responsible for arranging for translation of all POH materials, and the consultant will ensure that sufficient advance time is provided. The consultant is required to have bilingual staff present during all Public Open House meetings.
It may be necessary for the consultant to make a formal presentation at the POH meetings. All presentations will be prepared and presented by the consultant in Microsoft PowerPoint ™ format.
The consultant will produce a summary report to document each POH, and shall include a copies of the information presented and a compilation of all comments received.
4.6 Project Web Page
The City will establish a Project Information Web Page for this EA Study on the City’s external web portal. The purpose of the Web Page will be to inform the public of the progress and interim findings of the study and upcoming meetings or activities, and to provide a point of access for public consultation and feedback. City staff will update the Web Page using information to be provided by the consultant. All information submitted for the Project Information Web Page will be in accordance with City standards.
4.7 Frequently Asked
Questions Document
To assist in providing information to the public, the consultant will prepare a “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) document that provides answers to common questions raised during the course of the study. The initial FAQ document will be established early in the study process (during the preparation of the ToR) and will be updated by the consultant regularly.
5. Project Administration
5.1 Project Management
Meetings
City staff will provide direction and day-to-day management for the EA study. Regular project management meetings between City staff and the consultant will be held over the course of the Study to discuss specific issues and the progress of the work. The consultant will be responsible for preparing and distributing the meeting agendas and notes. Sub-consultants will attend PM meetings if required.
5.2 Project Master
Mailing List
The consultant will maintain a Master Mailing List for the project. The Mailing List will be updated via Public Open Houses, general enquires, e-mails and other forms of consultation.
5.3 Reports and
Presentations to Public Works, Transit and Infrastructure Services Committee
In consultation with City staff, the consultant will assist in preparing a report and accompanying Microsoft PowerPoint™ presentation to the City’s Public Works, Transit and Infrastructure Services Committee and Council at the completion of the preparation of the ToR, and at the completion of the study. The reports will be formatted in accordance with City guidelines.