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Transportation Committee Comité des transports
Minutes
13 / Procès-verbal 13
Wednesday, 7 November 2007, 9:30 a.m. le mercredi 7 novembre 2007,
9 h 30 Andrew S.
Haydon Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
Salle Andrew S. Haydon, 110, avenue Laurier ouest |
Present / Présents : Councillors / Conseillers M. McRae (Chair / Présidente), C. Leadman
(Vice-Chair / Vice-présidente), G. Bédard, R. Bloess, A. Cullen,
C. Doucet, J. Legendre, D. Thompson, M. Wilkinson
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
DÉCLARATIONS
D’INTÉRÊT
No declarations of interest were filed.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES /
Ratification dES PROCÈS-VERBaUX
Minutes 11 and 12 of the
Transportation Committee meetings of Wednesday, September 19, 2007 and
Wednesday, October 3, 2007, respectively, were confirmed.
PRESENTATIONS
PRÉSENTATIONS
1. BRUCE
TIMMERMANS AWARD AND COMMUTER CHALLENGE AWARD
PRIX BRUCE TIMMERMANS ET PRIX DU DÉFI TRANSPORT
Verbal Presentations
/ Présentations Orales
Chair McRae welcome everyone to the
presentation of the 2007 Bruce Timmermans Cycling Awards, a cornerstone of the
City’s TravelWise Program. In her
speech, she paid tribute to Bruce Timmermans, a long-time cycling educator and
advocate who was an active member of the Ottawa Bicycle Club and a founding
member of Citizens for Safe Cycling.
She took this opportunity to thank RideShark, one of the TravelWise
partners, for their generous sponsorship of the plaque.
Stella Val, an avid cyclist, who enthusiastically shares
her passion for cycling and especially for safe cycling with many different
audiences was presented the 2007 individual Bruce Timmermans Cycling Award by Chair McRae.
Chair McRae began the presentation of the 2007
Commuter Challenge Award to this year’s corporate winner by congratulating all
City of Ottawa employees, who participated in the Commuter Challenge this year.
She then presented a plaque to Nancy Schepers, the Deputy
City Manager of the Planning, Transit and the Environment Department, the 2007
Corporate Winner of the Commuter Challenge Award, noting that this Department led all
departments by travelling 4,801 green kilometres during the one-week long
event. She asked the Committee to join
her in congratulating Deputy City Manager Schepers and her team for their achievement
in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by making wise travel choices.
A copy of all of the above complete
presentations are on file with the City Clerk.
PUBLIC WORKS AND SERVICES
SERVICES
ET TRAVAUX PUBLICS
Fleet
Services
Services du
parc automobile
2. 2008 GROWTH VEHICLE
REQUESTS
Augmentation des
Demandes de véhicules de 2008
ACS2007-PWS-FLT-0015 City Wide / À l'échelle
de la Ville
That the
Transportation Committee and Council receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
CITY COUNCIL REFERRAL
renvoi du conseil municipal
3. TAXI BY-LAW – ACCESSIBLE SERVICE – AMENDMENTS
- ISSUE OF TAXICABS USING BUS LANES
RÈGLEMENT SUR LES
SERVICES DE TAXI – SERVICES DE TAXIS ACCESSIBLES – MODIFICATIONS - QUESTION DE
L’UTILISATION DES VOIES RÉSERVÉES AUX AUTOBUS PAR LES TAXIS
ACS2007-CCS-TRC-0009City Wide / À l'échelle de la Ville
At the request of Chair McRae,
Richard Hewitt, Deputy City Manager, Public Works and Services referred to
Michael Flainek, Director of Traffic and Parking Operations and Rob Orchin, Manager of Transit
Priority for a brief
introduction of the aforementioned item.
Deputy City Manager Hewitt noted
that, with the wide variety of measures currently in place, Staff is
recommending a status quo approach for the utilization of various transit lanes
by taxicabs.
The Committee then heard from the
following delegations:
Catherine Gardner spoke in favour of the status
quo. She questioned if taxis with rear
entry would be allowed to stop on some of the bus lanes. She believes that in doing so and allowing
taxis loading and/or unloading on bus lanes would considerably slow down the
buses. She asked that consideration be
given on how this would impinge on possible accessibility if this were being
implemented in the future.
Yusef Al Mezel, President of the
Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) Union Local 1688 questioned whether taxicabs in the City are
really considered as a public transportation mode. Although all City publications indicate so, he advised that
taxicabs are being ticketed everyday for using bus lanes to pick up and drop
off passengers. He spoke in favour of
allowing taxicabs to use bus lanes only, but not the Transitway. He believes that people would be more
encouraged to use taxicabs to come downtown if they are allowed to use the 417
Highway bus lanes instead of using their car, being caught in traffic and
having to pay for expensive parking. He
said that everyday when driving on the Highway, he sees the bus lanes empty and
rarely sees an OC Transpo bus traveling on the bus lanes but could see taxicabs
on the Highway in the traffic jam. He
thinks that we should encourage the public to use taxicab instead of driving
their car to the City. He expressed
concern about accessible taxi vans not being allowed to stop for picking up or
dropping off people in wheelchairs in designated ParaTranspo spots, especially
at the Rideau Centre, where there are many available.
In response to Councillor Bédard’s
question, the delegation advised that the taxi stand on Rideau Street, between
Sussex and Cumberland is serving the public well even though taxis have to use
the bus lane when entering and exiting the stand. For many years before the construction of this taxi stand, the
public could not get a cab on Rideau Street unless the taxicab is parked illegally
at the Rideau Centre to pick up the passenger.
In response to Councillor Cullen’s
question, the delegation advised that they did not have an opportunity to
discuss their concern with OC Transpo.
However, their concern expressed at the Community and Protective Services
Committee in July, was referred to this Committee.
In response to questions from
Councillors Wilkinson, Cullen, Legendre and Bloess, Staff made the following
points -
·
At
this particular time, Staff would not make any change but would consider
whether taxis should be permitted on a case-by-case basis when carrying out the
design of any future bus-only lanes.
·
Allowing
taxis on bus lanes coming through the greenbelt from Kanata from Moodie Drive
to Eagleson Road would pose a number of problems. A section of this Highway is under the Ontario Ministry of
Transportation’s (MTO) jurisdiction, and they make the decision as to what
vehicles are or not permitted. As to
the City’s section, Highway 174, it is set up with particular lane arrangements,
pavement markings, and lane drops that are suitable for the buses and
connections, and would not necessarily be suitable for general traffic
purposes. Staff would discuss this
issue with MTO and report back to Committee.
·
Traffic
and Parking Operations Staff are in constant contact with the taxi industry
through the Taxi Advisory Committee.
·
There
are a total of 54 transit priority measures in the City among which
approximately 8 to 10 are transit priority signal indicators. On top of the signal head there is a small
white vertical bar that gives a transit vehicle priority over all other
traffic. A public transit vehicle is
the only vehicle that has the right-of-way in that case.
·
Currently ParaTranspo Vans and other bus
companies are allowed to use the Transitway.
However, all of these drivers have to be trained; there is a training
program for them and there are particular rules. Using Hurdman Station that is busy at any time of the day as an
example, allowing taxis on the Transitway during off peak hours would introduce
safety issues unless there were very rigid training program; it would take a
great deal of coordination, effort and policing once the arrangements were
made.
·
Staff had a significant amount of discussion
with the taxi industry. Staff is trying
to forge and improve partnerships for the interest of transit customers and
taxi customers as well.
·
Sedan Taxis used for ParaTranspo passengers are
not allowed on the Transitway for safety issue because of the size of the
vehicle and the training.
·
Helen Gault, Manager of the Transit Service
Planning & Development Program, Planning, Transit and the Environment
Department agreed to send a copy of an earlier report on the analysis of
blending bus and taxi services at the end of a route later in the day as
opposed to running a bus that might have two passengers on it to Councillor
Bloess.
The Committee then considered the following motions:
Moved by Councillor A. Cullen:
That City Staff (including OC Transpo) review with
the taxi industry possible site-specific exemptions to permit taxis to access
bus-only lanes during non-peak hours (this would not include the Transitway).
CARRIED
Chair McRae noted
that Deputy City Manager Hewitt has agreed to bring forward a report back in
February 2008.
Moved by Councillor J. Legendre:
That staff explore the
amendments necessary to allow accessible cabs to use spots, which are now for
the exclusive use of Para Transpo, for purposes of customer pick-up only.
CARRIED
That the Transportation Committee consider the issue
of taxicabs using bus lanes as directed by City Council at its meeting of 11
July 2007.
CARRIED
as amended
COUNCILLORS’ ITEMS
ARTICLES DES CONSEILLERS
Councillor
/ Conseiller G. Bédard
4. SAFETY
IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE RIDEAU STREET/COLONEL BY DRIVE PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS
AMÉLIORATIONS
SÉCURITAIRES AU PASSAGE SOUTERRAIN DE LA RUE RIDEAU/PROMENADE COLONEL BY
ACS2007-CCS-TRC-0020 RIDEAU-VANIER (12)
Following an introduction of the aforementioned report by Councillor Bédard, the
Committee heard from the following delegations:
Jane Scharf spoke against the installation of
fencing within the Rideau Street/Colonel By Drive Pedestrian Underpass. She feels that it is the wrong approach and
as an alternative suggested that the Committee look for more productive
long-term permanent solutions to problems, particularly homelessness occurring
in that area.
Peggy DuCharme, Executive Director,
Downtown Rideau BIA
spoke in support of the report recommendation for improvements to the Rideau
Street/Colonel By Drive Pedestrian Underpass and submitted additional support
from Holz Spa, located on the corner of Rideau & Sussex, and the ByWard
Market BIA. A copy of Ms. DuCharme’s
complete presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Catherine Gardner asked for clarifications as to
where the proposed fence would be installed.
She wanted to make sure that access for persons with disabilities using
the ramp to cross over would not be removed.
She agrees with the idea of people working towards improving the area
and asked that access for persons with disabilities be taken into consideration
even if and when programs would be conducted in that area.
Appearing before Committee to answer questions were the following staff members:
· Richard Hewitt, Deputy City Manager, Public Works and Services (PWS)
· John Manconi, Director, Surface Operations Branch, PWS
· Inspector Alain Bernard, Ottawa Police Services (OPS)
· Staff Sergeant Paul Johnston, OPS.
At the request of Chair McRae, Mr.
Hewitt reassured the delegation that there is no intent to limit in any way the
access from the intersections. He
advised that the fencing would follow the existing curbing underneath and would
delineate only the sloped area where access would be prohibited. In terms of any programming that might
occur, the issue would be to certainly keep in mind and discuss with the
Downtown Rideau BIA, or anybody else that wishes to provide program. Part of the criteria that staff would
certainly and always look at would be to ensure adequate access to all users of
that area.
In response to Councillor Wilkinson’s questions, Mr. Hewitt
confirmed that the fence would be designed in order to provide access to clean
the fenced-off area. He advised that
the $25,000 cost would come from the Surface Operations Branch surplus and
would offset the current maintenance costs of that area. He noted the OPS costs and believes that
this is money well spent.
In response to Councillor Doucet’s questions, Mr. Manconi advised that fencing is only the beginning of many immediate/interim steps to improve the ambience of that area. He noted Committee’s clear direction over a year ago to start looking at improvement measures. Councillor Doucet disagreed with staff’s ‘pedestrian first’ perspective and believes that the purpose of the underpass was to allow cars to drive fast at the street level. Mr. Manconi agreed with the Councillor’s perception and noted that ‘cars versus pedestrians’ is a bigger issue to be addressed during the Rideau Master Plan Urban Redesign Study. The planning issue of reverting to a very simple surface crossing for pedestrians and let the cars wait would also be addressed during that Study. Mr. Manconi reiterated that the fencing is an interim measure. Councillor Bédard, the Ward Councillor then spoke of a movement afoot to build the Congress Centre and advised that one of the provisions being recommended by the Congress Centre is to reduce the 4 lanes at that intersection to 2 lanes and at that time the viaduct would be looked at to see if there is any requirement for it.
In response to questions from Councillor Bédard, Inspector Bernard advised that OPS, as part of their crime prevention environment design conducted an assessment of that area, and support the proposed fence. He noted that the proposed fence is defined as ambiguous space with lack of ownership and of use and that the fence would provide elimination of inappropriate behaviour that would take place at that location. He also noted that the fence would be designed to provide a perception of safety going through the underpass both during the day and in the evening. He stated that the problems seen were not just evening issues but were daylight issues as well with individuals choosing that location as their own and using it for use of alcohol and drug.
In closing, Councillor Bédard urged Committee to vote for the proposed improvement measures.
Chair McRae thanked staff, delegations, Inspector Alain Bernard and Staff Sergeant Paul Johnston for their attendance and their input in this matter.
The Committee then approved the following report recommendation:
That
Transportation Committee recommends Council direct staff to take the next step
to improve the safety and security of Rideau Street by installing an open
wrought iron style architectural fencing and lighting within the Rideau
Street/Colonel By Drive Pedestrian Underpass.
CARRIED
Chair noted that due to the urgency
of this item, it would be forwarded to City Council for its consideration at its meeting of 14 November 2007.
INQUIRIES
DEMANDES DE RENSEIGNEMENTS
Councillor Cullen put forward the following inquiry, which was
referred to the Deputy City Manager, Public Works and Services, for response:
Status
of the Cycling Education Program and the Cycling Safety & Promotion Program
for 2008
“What is the status of the Cycling Education
Program and the Cycling Safety & Promotion Program for 2008? Will these programs be considered during the
2008 Budget process?”
Councillor Doucet put forward the following
inquiries, which were referred to the Deputy City Manager, Public Works
and Services, for response:
1. Bank Street Parking Meters North and
South of the Queensway
“Whereas the meters on Bank Street, north of the
Queensway are not operational on Saturdays but the meters, south of the
Queensway on Bank Street are, thus creating confusion.”
“Is it possible to put a warning sign on the parking
meters in the Glebe noting that a charge is also required on Saturdays?”
2. Garbage Receptacles
“Whereas: Every year in the fall the number of City garbage receptacles in
parks and on City streets is reduced until spring;”
“Whereas: The public understands this reduction as it applies to parks over
the winter;”
“Whereas: Business groups, environmental groups and the public routinely
complain about the reduction of receptacles and increase in litter on main
streets with shops where pedestrian traffic remains the same due to the
commercial destinations which unlike parks receive the same use all year
round;”
“Inquiry: What are the impediments to retaining most on-street garbage receptacles
on streets with commercial frontage all year round?”
Councillor McRae put forward the following inquiries, which
were referred to the Deputy City Manager, Public Works and Services and the
Executive Director, Business Transformation Services, respectively for
response:
1. Curb
Cuts at Fire Hydrants for Safe Access to Disabled Individuals
“Has
the City of Ottawa ever considered curb cuts at fire hydrants to allow safe and
suitable access to sidewalks for disabled individuals when exiting accessible
vehicles?”
2. Accessible Parking Spaces at the
Lisgar Entrance to City Hall
“Why are there no accessible parking spaces available
at the Lisgar entrance to City Hall?”
OTHER BUSINESS
AUTRES QUESTIONS
NOTICE OF MOTION (FOR CONSIDERATION AT SUBSEQUENT TRANSPORTATION
COMMITTEE MEETING)
AVIS DE MOTION (POUR ÉTUDE LORS D’UNE RÉUNION ULTÉRIEURE DU COMITÉ DES
TRANSPORTS)
Councillor / ConseillEr R. BLOESS
Councillor Bloess gave notice of the following
motion for consideration at a subsequent Transportation Committee Meeting:
INCENTIVES FOR ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
MODES
INCITATIFS
POUR LES MODES DE TRANSPORT DE RECHANGE
ACS2007-CCS-TRC-0021 CITY WIDE / À
L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE)
WHEREAS the City is attempting to influence the
transportation modal split, and should do all it can to encourage its residents
to use environmentally-friendly modes of transportation, and not penalize them,
and;
WHEREAS, the Transportation Demand Management
component of the Ottawa 20/20 Transportation Master Plan encourages
initiatives, such as alternatives which are essential to reduce congestion and
dependence on automobile usage, and;
WHEREAS, other means of transportation, such as
bicycles, Segways, electric/motor-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles,
require less parking space than automobiles, SUVs etc., and create less wear
and tear on city streets, and;
WHEREAS bicycles, Segways, electric/motor-assisted
bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles are significantly smaller than other
vehicles, use far less road space, thus helping to reduce gridlock, and occupy
less parking space when parked at an angle to the curb;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff submit a report to the
Transportation Committee on:
- the feasibility of designating a small area at city indoor and
outdoor lots where Segways, electric/motor-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and
motorcycles as defined in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, may park for
free;
- the possibility of amending the relevant parking by-laws to exempt
these vehicles from standard parking fees at all on-street parking meters
or parking machines; and,
- the various alternate means to encourage alternative modes of
transportation, such as the aforementioned.
ADJOURNMENT
LEVÉE
DE LA SÉANCE
The Committee adjourned the meeting at 11:40 a.m.
Original
signed by Original signed by
Anne-Marie
Leung Councillor Maria McRae
_____________________________ _____________________________
Committee
Coordinator Chair