Transportation Committee

Comité des transports

Minutes 21 / Procès-verbal 21

Wednesday, 18 June 2008, 9:00 a.m.

le mercredi 18 juin 2008, 9 h

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 20 and Confidential Minutes 1 of the Transportation Committee meeting of Wednesday, 7 May 2008 were confirmed.

PRESENTATION

PRÉSENTATION

1. Highway 417 Expansion - Eagleson Road to Highway 7 INTERCHANGE

ÉLARGISSEMENT DE L’AUTOROUTE 417 – DU CHEMIN Eagleson

À LA ROUTE 7

Manny Goetz of McCormick Rankin gave a detailed presentation of the Ministry’s plans to widen Highway 417 between Eagleson Road and Highway 7. A copy of his presentation is held on file. Dave Lindensmith from the Ministry of Transportation accompanied him.

David Jeanes, Transport 2000 also spoke as a member of the Provincial PAC – Highway 417 widening east of Highway 416. Mr. Jeanes made note of the fact that transit had not been addressed during the presentation, even though a portion of this Highway (Eagleson to Scotiabank Place) is one of the most important transitway corridors in the city. He spoke of missed opportunities to improve transit service on the 417 when widenings have taken place in the past, and believed the City should know what provision is being made to facilitate and improve upon the existing level of transit. He maintained that simply paving the shoulders is not sufficient. Mr. Jeanes added that the design phases must be more explicit about how transit is going to operate during and after the construction.

Councillor Wilkinson put forward the following motion:

That the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario install noise barriers along the portion of 417 between Eagleson and Terry Fox on both sides where no barrier presently exists; and

That the work undertaken on the Eagleson/March, Huntmar, and Carp Bridge include sidewalks on both sides and bicycle lanes.

Speaking to her Motion, the councillor recalled that the sidewalks were not provided on the Eagleson Road Bridge because there was no development on either side of the Queensway at that time. Since that time, development has occurred with the Eagleson Road Park and Ride Lot on the south side and pedestrians have to cross this bridge in very dangerous conditions. She did not want a repeat of this situation, especially when people are encouraged to walk and cycle. The councillor further noted that the cycling lanes on March Road end suddenly at the 417 and cyclists are shoved right into traffic. She believed they needed their own lane at this juncture. She also remarked on the need to examine noise attenuation.

Councillor Cullen recognized that this project will involve crossing the Carp River and presumed the controversy over the amount of available flood plain might have an impact on this project. Mr. Goetz advised that they are incorporating measures as part of the structural design to increase the free board at that location. The councillor noted that the City is in the midst of recalibrating all those studies and presumed that the Ministry would wait for their findings to determine if the design accommodates the new studies. Mr. Goetz confirmed they would use that information if it becomes available with respect to this project. The councillor referred to a recent letter from the Ministry of Environment stating that all studies involved with Kanata West must be redone and he assumed the MTO would not begin construction this summer. Mr. Goetz did not contemplate beginning the construction this summer and confirmed the Ministry would monitor the progress of the City’s studies.

Councillor Bloess asked when similar widening would take place in the east and when HOV lanes, especially from the split into the downtown, would be envisioned. He was advised that the preliminary design and EA studies have been completed and the MTO filed the Transportation EA report. Following meetings with the bump-up requestors, they advised the MOE that they were unable to reach agreement on those issues and the MTO have asked the MOE to render a decision on that project. With respect to HOV lanes, Mr. Goetz advised they were examined and, for a variety of technical reasons, notably access and egress and the close spacing of interchanges, the subsequent study did not propose them for Highway 417 east of Highway 416.

When asked by Councillor Qadri how long this project would be under construction, Mr. Goetz indicated that in all likelihood, it would be completed in less than three years. In terms of the bridges at Huntmar and Carp Roads, the councillor expressed similar concerns with respect to sidewalks and noise barriers and suggested that these be considered for the same reasons mentioned previously. He referred to the increased traffic on Huntmar and Carp Roads, and asked whether staff had any projections as to when those two roads might be widened or even upgraded.

Vivi Chi, Manager, Transportation and Infrastructure Planning indicated that staff would be able to provide an indication of timeline in the fall as part of the Transportation Master Plan Update. When asked whether there were plans to work on those roads during the MTO’s timelines for constructing the exits and entrances, Ms. Chi advised that the construction is scheduled for 2009, but held in abeyance pending completion of the TMP Update exercise.

Following on additional questions posed by the councillor, Mr. Goetz confirmed that traffic will be blocked from Huntmar Road for three or four months.

Taking into consideration the 417 will drop from seven lanes to three lanes (between Moodie and Pinecrest), Councillor Wilkinson inquired how traffic would be handled. Mr. Goetz explained that ultimately they have planned for one additional lane from Highway 416 as far as the existing four-lane cross-section at Carling Avenue. To staff, the councillor suggested motorists should be encouraged to use Terry Fox Drive to divert some of the traffic and help alleviate congestion.

Councillor Cullen indicated his support for the Motion, with a request that the letter to the Ministry be copied to Ottawa area MPPs.

When asked to comment on the above, Mr. Goetz indicated that noise mitigation measures were not recommended because their need was assessed during the EA and it was determined that there would not be a significant increase in the noise levels as a result of this project. Conversely, the Deputy City Manager for Public Works and Services, Richard Hewitt, believed it would be appropriate to have noise mitigation measures implemented at the time of construction.

Legal Counsel confirmed that Council would have to make the formal recommendation to MTO.

Moved by Councillor M. Wilkinson:

1. That the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario be requested to:

a) Install noise barriers along the portion of 417 between Eagleson and Terry Fox on both sides where no barrier presently exists; and

b) The work undertaken on the Eagleson/March, Huntmar, and Carp Bridges include sidewalks on both sides and bicycle lanes.

2. And that Ottawa area Members of Provincial Parliament be copied on the request.

CARRIED

CITY COUNCIL REFERRALS

renvoiS du conseil municipal

2. Public Delegations - Office of the Auditor General 2007 Annual Report and 2007 Detailed Audit Reports: Follow-up to the 2006 Audit of Surface Operations; Costs related to the Proposed Contracting-out of Lube, Oil, and Filter Work; Disposal of Pavement Line Marker Equipment; Ministry of Labour Charges Regarding Contractor Vehicles in Surface Operations; and Misuse and Abuse - Vehicles and Equipment

DÉLÉGATIONS PUBLIQUES – RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2007 et RAPPORTS DE VÉRIFICATION DÉTAILLÉS DE 2007 DU BUREAU DU VÉRIFICATEUR GÉNÉRAL : Suivi relatif à la vérification de 2006 sur les Opérations de surface; Coûts liés à la proposition visant à confier les travaux de vidange d’huile, de lubrification et de changement de filtre; Aliénation d’une traceuse de lignes de circulation; frais imposés par le ministère du Travail pour des véhicules des Opérations de surface; et Usage abusif ou impropre des véhicules et de l’équipement.

acs2008-ccs-trc-0011 CITY WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE

That Transportation Committee receive public comments with respect to the Auditor General’s reports (2007 Annual Report and 2007 Detailed Audit Reports), as referred by Council at its meeting of 11 June 2008.

RECEIVED

PUBLIC WORKS AND SERVICES

SERVICES ET TRAVAUX PUBLICS

TRAFFIC AND PARKING OPERATIONS

CIRCULATION ET STATIONNEMENT

3. PARKING - tERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A MUNICIPAL PARKING MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

STATIONNEMENT – CADRE DE RÉFÉRENCE – STRATÉGIE MUNICIPALE DE GESTION DU STATIONNEMENT

ACS2008-PWS-TRF-0021 CITY WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE

Alan Shields spoke as a crusader seeking for less confusion in the parking regulations. He searches daily for justice and courtesy in downtown streets. He put forward the following ideas for consideration:

(1) Free day tourist pass.

(2) Two-hour Pay & Display parking meters only.

(3) Ten-minute grace period on Pay & Display for one year in order to allow people to get used to this new system; and thereafter, five-minute grace period.

Mr. Shields felt that there are too many tickets being issued and too much enforcement. He expressed concerns about one-hour limit parking meters around the Rideau Centre, the ByWard Market, in the Centretown area, at doctors, lawyers, dentists, and hairdressers’ offices. He spoke in favour of two-hour limit parking meters and suggested a four-hour limit Pay & Display in the suburbs and wherever the new system would be expanded to. He also expressed concerns about inappropriate tickets; lack of change machines; and, clear information on the metres. A copy of his submission is held on file.

David Gladstone suggested that the Committee consider the following in the Parking Management Policy:

· There is confusion about downtown parking because it is not consistent, i.e., sometimes motorists have to pay and at other times they do not

· There are no parking meters in the suburbs

· The policy should be very tightly coordinated with the City’s intentions and policies for promoting walking, cycling and transit

· In the core, there are parking meters on commercial streets, immediately adjacent to residential streets (that do not have metered parking) and that only encourages parking on the residential streets.

Councillor Doucet suggested that representatives of the BIA, the church community and the general public be included on the Steering Committee. Mike Flainek, Director of Traffic and Parking Operations explained that the focus group sessions start this evening and are set for tomorrow as well. Invitations to participate were sent out to nearly one thousand in the community. He indicated that the BIAs are well represented, but there is not three individual representatives from the BIAs. The Steering Committee is an internal staff working group to gather and present data. He added that there are plans for a public open house in early September. Mr. Flainek suggested that if the issue is to have one single representative from the BIA, the focus groups, which are building the working group, would have to make a decision as to who that one individual will be. The councillor suggested the BIAs could sort that out themselves.

Following a suggestion by Chair McRae, staff agreed to schedule additional public consultation sessions if requested by councillors.

Councillor Holmes inquired about the tight timeframe for staff to consult and to complete this citywide parking study and report back by October 2008. Mr. Flainek indicated that the consultation efforts will be fairly robust and staff believe they can get a fairly good framework in place by that time. He indicated that there might be some issues that will have to be dealt with separately. The councillor was quite concerned about the limitations Council may have placed on staff with regards to timing, especially when major consultation is to occur in the height of the summer, when it is difficult to obtain public input.

The councillor further asked whether motorcycles and scooters would be included in this strategy and whether or not staff would also be looking at VRTU car (car share program) as part of the strategy. She indicated she would request a member of the Committee put forward a Motion to this effect on her behalf. Responding to the first part of her question, the Director advised that it may have been an oversight that these two modes of transportation were not reflected in the report and he confirmed they would be looking at those vehicles and have already had some input from the public in that regard. With regard to VRTU car, he confirmed that staff would be looking at those types of programs because it is an alternative way of delivering a service. Staff have already requested information from the various companies that operate those types of programs to look at different aspects of providing for parking in different areas with different privileges.

Councillor Legendre noted that consultation with stakeholders will take place with regards to the issue of paid parking, but mentioned that one of the corridors to be examined (Beechwood) only has a BIA on one side of the street and the business community on the other side may be unaware that consultation on this strategy is taking place. He indicated he would put forward a Motion to address this particular concern. The Director confirmed that staff would work to involve that particular business community.

While he appreciated this commitment, Councillor Legendre emphasized the fact that this particular community has been missed up until now, and he wanted assurances that staff would aggressively work to contact this particular community. Mr. Flainek assured the councillor that staff would give their best effort to contact them, but if the individuals cannot adhere to the set schedule, then it might not be attainable. He referred to the advertisements that have been placed to alert the community about this strategy. He went on to state that coming out of this terms of reference is not going to be a specific recommendation to have paid parking in certain areas, but what will be developed are criteria that would be applied in the future to looking at these areas. In October, staff will have a full review of all the paid parking areas that had previously been presented to the Committee. Following additional discussion regarding contact information with this business community, the Director confirmed that staff would endeavour to drop off a notice today and stated that if that side of the street is not able to participate on short notice, there will be a second focus group within a week or two.

Councillor Wilkinson noted that within the terms of reference it refers to cost recovery, but it does not include how staff are going to value the cost of providing the parking space so there is a proper recovery for the value of renting the space to somebody. The Director explained that the policy is not going to be based on a cost recovery. He went on to state that there may have been some wording to that effect in the 1994 Parking Management Strategy (from the former City of Ottawa) and cost recovery has been looked at with respect to various programs. However, this is going out to the general public with a view to seeking feedback on how to proceed with respect to cost recovery. Acknowledging that this is mainly a problem experienced in the downtown core, the councillor asked whether staff were looking at parking throughout the entire city. The Director confirmed that they were and would be looking at the policies for other areas, which may or may not have or should have meters.

There was some discussion about permit parking and Councillor Holmes wanted assurance it was not a part of the discussion on this particular matter. Mr. Flainek confirmed it was not. Councillor Wilkinson interjected however, that it should be incorporated in this parking policy because Council has directed that all parking issues should be in the parking policy. The Chair wondered whether the current on-street permit-parking program in place could be incorporated into the overall policy regarding meters, plus anything new implemented by Council. The Director confirmed that if Council wants to direct staff to revisit this as part of this review staff would do so. Councillor Wilkinson explained she was not asking for the matter to be revisited but that the parking policy should include parking on everything so it is all contained within one document. Mr. Flainek agreed to take as direction to staff, to consolidate all these policies and have them all in one place. To Councillor Holmes, the Chair indicated that any discussion on raising the permit parking rates would be brought back to the next TRC meeting if so requested by the councillor. The councillor indicated she would make that request as part of the IPD that is on the agenda today.

Moved by Councillor J. Legendre

That the consultations with respect to expansion into new geographical areas include the businesses on the non-BIA side of Beechwood.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor C. Leadman

That the Terms of Reference (TOR) include scooters, motorcycles, and VRTU cars as alternative modes of transportation to have their parking needs addressed; and that the TOR include the examination of a tourist pass as is used in other cities.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor C. Doucet

That a representative of the business improvement areas be included on the Steering Committee, a representative of the church community, and a representative of the general public.

CARRIED

That Transportation Committee approve the Terms of Reference for the development of a Municipal Parking Management Strategy as detailed in Document 1.

CARRIED, as amended

TRANSIT COMMITTEE

COMITÉ DU TRANSPORT EN COMMUN

4. IMPACT OF TRANSPLAN 2008 ON BUS ROUTES 2 AND 3

RÉPERCUSSIONS DU TRANSPLAN 2008 SUR LES CIRCUITS D’AUTOBUS 2 ET 3

ACS2008-CCS-TTC-0011 CITY WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE

Councillor Bédard put forward a Motion to refer this matter to the Transit Committee.

Speaking to referral, Councillor Bloess indicated that it would defer the structural changes that are being looked at in this particular area. He recalled the concerns voiced by stakeholders at the Transit Committee meeting on 4 June, and indicated that what is not shown here is the impact on the more than 100,000 transit users. He asked staff to comment on how referral can happen while at the same time, accommodate transit riders on those routes.

Pat Scrimgeour, Program Manager, Service Planning explained that because a decision was not taken two weeks ago, staff proceeded to schedule the service for this fall with no changes to the structure of Routes 2 and 3. The is no time or ability to make that change this September and that the next time a route change could occur is at the end of December. He added that the Motion allows more time for the discussion of how those buses are to turn around to occur, so a decision can be taken before the end of August which will give staff enough time to write the schedules that will come in at the end of the year.

Councillor Bloess felt this was contrary to what Committee members were advised in June, i.e., that it would have no impact on service and there would simply be a two-week delay to bring it to this Committee today. He referred to a Motion suggested, but not introduced by Councillor Legendre at the June TTC meeting with respect to having a different turn-around point for the Number 2 and 3 bus routes and suggested the councillor may want to put that Motion forward for consideration today.

Legal Counsel advised that Motions to defer take precedence in the order of Motions received.

Speaking to deferral, Councillor Legendre asked whether the mover of the Motion would be comfortable if it were possible to accelerate earlier than December. He thought Councillor Bédard was focussing on it be unlikely if there are physical changes that need to be implemented in wherever the turn-around point is to be. Pat Scrimgeour explained that schedule changes are made four times a year and there comes a time in the process when changes can no longer be made because staff have to plan the bus routes, write the schedules and construct the shifts of work. The time has now passed for the September service change. He advised that the next time changes can be made is December and the cut-off for changes at that time is late August or early September.

Following this explanation, Councillor Legendre hoped to defer the referral Motion and he understood the point to do the turn-around point properly and that what could be implemented in December, potentially, is the kind of turn-around he had suggested at the June meeting of the Transit Committee. His suggestion at that time was for a temporary turn-around point at Elgin Street, without any physical changes being made to the road. He suggested therefore, that if the Motion were amended to include that as a possibility in case the alternative that is preferred involves a longer timeline with physical changes and the December timeline could not be met, then his suggestion could be pursued as a temporary measure.

Nancy Schepers, Deputy City Manager explained that the Motion speaks to a review of alternatives and depending on the scope and the timing, staff would have to come back to Committee to report on the alternatives considered, including this suggestion from Councillor Legendre. She confirmed that the Motion to refer would have to be amended accordingly. Mr. Scrimgeour advised there would be changes to parking regulations along the street, but not physical changes. In order for staff to comply with the direction of the Transit Committee last time, staff would bring those matters to the Transportation Committee.

Councillor Legendre was comfortable with the staff response that the alternatives will include that turn-around at Elgin as a potential, even in a temporary fashion.

Moved by Councillor G. Bédard

WHEREAS the staff proposal to improve service reliability on Routes 2 and 3 has caused concern with respect to the impact of the loop operation and reduction of on-street parking;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT a further review of alternatives to accommodate Routes 2 and 3 be undertaken in consultation with the Ward Councillor and stakeholders;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff report back to Transit Committee by end of August 2008 to allow for the restructuring of Routes 2 and 3 to proceed in late December 2008.

CARRIED

5. Ottawa cycling plan

plan SUR LE cyclisme d’ottawa

acs2008-pws-trf-0004 City Wide / à l'échelle de la Ville

Wilf Koppert, Program Manager, TDM Cycling and Pedestrian Facilities and Rob Orchin, Manager, Mobility and Area Traffic Management provided a detailed overview of the Plan. A copy of the presentation is held on file.

While he was pleased with the Plan in terms of principles and general direction, Councillor Bloess was concerned that previously identified missing links (pre-amalgamation) were not accommodated. For example, the abandoned rail corridor adjacent to Navan Road, from Cyrville Road had been recognized as having potential as a cycling route. Some improvements had been carried out by the former City of Gloucester prior to amalgamation, and the NCC required additional work. He was disappointed that the Plan does not appear to address the moving along of this particular link. Mr. Orchin advised that while this corridor is included in the Plan as part of the network, it is in the 10-20 year phase. Councillor Bloess proposed the following:

Whereas the priority for the Cycling Network should be to eliminate the missing links in the network;

And whereas a number of cycling corridors have been identified by pre-amalgamation municipalities;

Be It Therefore Resolved that the Cycling Network Implementation Plan outline the previously identified (missing) links and report back to Transportation Committee on the priority and timing and of these connections.

Mike Flainek, Director of Traffic and Parking Operations explained that based on the reduced cycling budget over the years, routes should be based on affordability and in spite of what former municipalities had done or had envisioned as a priority, staff have endeavoured to create this new Plan, taking into consideration priorities (primary and secondary routes) throughout the city. Councillor Bloess clarified that his Motion speaks to getting a report back to the Committee on the missing links and the priority and timing of these connections. Mr. Orchin explained that as part of their work plan, the consultants did take previous plans into account and his presentation had touched on the criteria used to develop the network.

Councillor Bloess indicated that the City has done a great job of connecting Cyrville Road to Innes Road, noting there are on-road cycling lanes; however, when the route gets to the Trans Canada Highway, there are pieces that are not firm and there is a connection that was previously identified (Cyrville Road parallel to 417) which would come out at St. Laurent Boulevard. Cyclists currently have to do a roundabout route. He asked if that route has been re-identified. Mr. Orchin confirmed it is still an on-road facility and he agreed to examine that particular corridor and report back to the councillor. The councillor hoped for a resolution to this particular link because it takes a twisted route through the neighbourhood when there is a direct straight line previously identified.

Councillor Cullen introduced the following Motion:

Amend Recommendation #2 to read:

2. Approve that the Cycling Network Implementation Plan be implemented over an accelerated 5-year period ($26 million over 5 years) with half of the funding being allocated on the basis consistent with staff recommendations, and half being used pro-actively to complete priority projects (such as filling gaps in the cycling network, etc.) as part of the annual capital budget plan.

The Committee received the following public delegations:

Alayne McGregor believed that a great deal more could be done, particularly since the City has the opportunity to do more since gas prices are rising and there is more concern with environmentalism. She was particularly annoyed that the report mentions putting continuing work on the Cycling Plan every two years, and yet this is only marked as an additional enhancement. Ms. McGregor was also concerned that the cycling network in the downtown core is still marked as being something to be reviewed and that by approving the Plan, the City is still not approving the network in the area where most people are cycling. She maintained that the cycling network should be approved as it now exists and changes can be made as necessary. Three particular areas of concern were noted, as follows:

· Recommendation 4(b) essentially allows staff to have the power to change the cycling network, without any opportunity for cyclists to disagree and for the public to ask questions

· Page 3.8, Section 3.1.1 of the Technical Appendices should be deleted because it recommends putting bicycling lanes besides on-street parking. This is a very dangerous practice because it does not allow for wider parked vehicles as well as allowing for safe passage of a cyclist if a car door is opened (the most common cause of cyclist collisions)

· Council should consider how much funding is being put into this Plan.

Councillor Legendre referred to the Smart Bike Program in Paris and the very successful Vélo'V Community Bicycle Project in Lyon, France. He was very enthusiastic about this project and asked the delegation whether, as a member of the cycling community, this type of project should be part of the Ottawa strategy. Ms. McGregor posited that it would be useful for short-term trips and for those who do not regularly take their bikes. Mr. Orchin confirmed that it is staff’s intention to examine such programs as part of the Plan.

Tom Seniuk (former Chair), Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee was pleased that there would be review periods built into the Plan. He referred to the comments made at the ARAC meeting and the reduction in budget afforded this program. Although very little or no money has been specifically provided for cycling facilities, he recognized that they get still get built, but it is only when new roads are being constructed or existing roads are being resurfaced. He referred to comments he made at the ARAC meeting, pertaining to paved shoulders in the rural areas, noting this would increase the lifespan of the road and would decrease maintenance costs. Mr. Seniuk emphasized that the Plan is one of opportunity and when the chance comes up to put a cycling lane/route of any kind into the Plan, the Advisory Committee would be supportive. He asked that the Committee approve the Plan.

Charles Akben-Marchand, President, Citizen’s for Safe Cycling (CfSC) expressed his support for the Ottawa Cycling Plan and suggested that the vision and recommendations while on the whole are very good, fall short of what the CfSC would like to achieve. The more salient points noted were as follows:

· The goal of a 3% modal share by 2021 is not ambitious; other comparable cities are aiming for 6-10% in just a couple of years; in order for the Plan to be effective, it requires support and investment from Council

· The downtown is the most important part of the cycling network, especially for commuters; the City should not defer plans for cycling infrastructure in the core

· As roads are reconstructed, bike facilities would be added to them; this is a less expensive way to implement the plan rather than doing stand-alone cycling projects. However, to realize the full savings, such opportunities must be closely monitored

· Council should ensure there are the staff resources to ensure that these opportunities are not lost when they come up

· With the Cycling Plan strategy of piggybacking on major road projects, a lot would get done but it may not result in contiguous cycling routes and novice cyclists will shy away if there is a missing link in their commute; therefore, the City is not getting good value for the investment in biking

· By investing and building bike lanes on the missing links, e.g. Hunt Club Road, the City will attain full value of all the bike lanes along the entire network

· He encouraged the Committee to invest more than what is being recommended to ensure a great cycling network.

A copy of his submission, which provides additional details is held on file.

Terry O’Shaughnessy spoke in support of the plan, touching on his work and involvement in the cycling community. He believed the plan, which stresses safety and education, would bring Ottawa to the forefront in cycling in Canada and North America. He also commented favourably on aspects of the plan, including promotion, support for Can Bike, increased awareness of the Bruce Timmerman Awards, role of the Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee (RCAC), outreach and effective enforcement.

Councillor Wilkinson remarked that she attended the annual meeting of the YMCA, where the guest speaker stated that 95% of children have bicycle and only 4% ride them to school. Mr. O’Shaughnessy noted the RCAC Work plan includes a bicycle parking audit of all schools top determine of facilities exist. He supported working with School Boards to encourage as a way to promote health and exercise. Mr. O’Shaughnessy also supported Councillor Cullen to accelerate implementation of Phase I.

Mike Buckthought spoke of the environmental benefits of cycling, noting each litre of gas costs around 2.4 kilograms of carbon dioxide. He added that Ottawa motor vehicles produce 1.6 million tons of carbon dioxide every year with smog and high levels of particulate matter. He specifically called for an increase in cycling for commuting. Mr. Buckthought stated that the proposed funding of $25M over 10 years was not adequate, as it amounts to about $3 per person, per year. By comparison, Copenhagen spends approximately $130 per person per year with measurable improvements in people’s health and reduced greenhouse gas emission. A copy is his submission is held on file with the City Clerk.

Karen Bays, Chair, Environmental Action Team supported the Cycling Plan and building on existing opportunities while moving forward to include cycling and pedestrian facilities when roads are being built. She believed the City must lead by example as an employer with regards to mileage policies and facilities to support cycling, including parking and showers. She noted the health benefits of employees and by setting the City as the leader in this community. She also supported the education component, but would like to see a strong emphasis on drivers as well as on cyclists. Ms. Bays urged the City to work closely with Active Ottawa and Public Health on a report card to measure success. She supported the Motion put forward by Councillor Cullen to accelerate this Plan. When asked how the less experienced cyclists could be reached to encourage more cycling, she thought that social marketing could be used to ensure a safe environment for these cyclists. Adequate infrastructure and education are essential.

Doug Yonson spoke in support of a leadership role for the City to bring together parties to plan a cycling event, similar to the Tour de l’île. He focussed his comments on the conversion of the abandoned rail line along Navan Road that connects to the Prescott/Russell rail trail. He noted that the report details that 95% of all cyclists want improvements in groomed or paved off road trails and the 10-year Plan does plan 83 km for off-road pathways, excluding the section referred to along Navan Road.

tOM Trottier, Vice-President of Citizens for Safe Cycling remarked that the Plan would reduce demand on roads and save the City money. He echoed several comments made previously with regards to cycling being an inexpensive alternative for commuting, as well as the health and ecological benefits of cycling. Mr. Trottier believed the Plan will:

· provide education to improve competence and confidence

· provide a continuous bike route network, safe routes to schools, and make cyclists safer at intersections

· maintain bike routes by clearing debris and snow and by fixing holes and cracks

He too supported the proposal to accelerate the Plan, suggesting that the first phase be completed in 3 years rather 5 or 10.

Roger Beauchesne, Chair, Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee spoke in support of the Plan, and called for increased funding for this priority mode of transportation. With the increasing price of gas, he stated that many more people are looking towards utility cycling, as opposed to recreational. He called for better maintenance of cycling paths to ensure safety. He supported Councillor Cullen’s Motion, noting cycling facilities will be key when construction commences on the transit plan.

Councillor Wilkinson noted that the maps in the report do not include all the pathways that are in Kanata, to which staff replied that the intention was a comprehensive cycling plan for the entire City and that other pathways are not necessarily included, as the focus was an overall network. He noted that many of these are recreational paths and may be captured in the Pedestrian Plan, which is currently under development. The councillor touched on the need to include the recreational aspects of cycling, noting large environmental areas can be a destination point through the pathways. She also spoke of the need for proper maintenance of older pathways. Mr. Orchin explained that it is a funding issue with respect to levels of service and on-going maintenance costs are identified when a new project comes forward.

With regard to Traffic Demand Management, Mr. Orchin indicated the task force would be ongoing and done at the staff level with cross-departmental representation.

Councillor Thompson commented positively on the report, touching on the need to provide bicycle paths in the rural area. He emphasized the paving of shoulders of roadways, specifically 8^th Line Road north of Metcalfe, which is a critical future bicycle connection between the village and Greely. Mr. Orchin explained that many of the roads that are to be resurfaced, include paved shoulders, where feasible and affordable. An existing platform is required to pave the shoulder and some factors can be a hindrance and costly, including poles, ditches and trees.

With respect to required width, Councillor Thompson preferred a one-meter paved shoulder than nothing at all. Mr. Orchin explained that this was being done, where possible, when the full desirable width is not available. The councillor noted he would follow up with staff to look at 8^th Line Road.

Replying to questions from Councillor Cullen with respect to the required funding, Mr. Orchin confirmed the plan before Committee is Phase I, totalling $26M, mostly for capital works. He advised that the total cost of Phase II is estimated at $60M, but more detailed analysis is required. The councillor commented that Phase I does not complete the cycling network and called for its implementation to be undertaken in five years, rather than 10. With regard to capital costs, Mr. Orchin provided the following unit breakdown per kilometre for the following work: bike lanes ($100,000); paved shoulders ($55,000); wide curb lanes ($9,000); on-road signed routes ($400); off road pathways ($75,000). He confirmed that the Plan would be reviewed every five years and budget capital programs would be submitted yearly. The advisory committee will be consulted in determining the priority listing.

Councillor Bloess addressed the allocated funding for promotion, including a possible cycling event similar to Tour de l’île in Montréal. He noted a community group organizes that successful event with the assistance of a number of partners. Mr. Orchin confirmed the intent would be to launch the event in conjunction with partners. Councillor Bloess emphasized that partners must take the lead and the cycling community must show the initiative; otherwise, he cautioned the Festival Network could seek additional support from the City. He added that the Petrie Island Advisory Committee has discussed organizing a cycle day across the city, covering most wards or former municipalities now part of the City of Ottawa.

Councillor Holmes asked whether the additional funding was totally earmarked for capital projects, suggesting funding for staff is also required. Mr. Flainek confirmed staffing levels would be adjusted with a charge back to the capital funding.

In response to questions from Councillor Bédard regarding Somerset Street East, Mr. Orchin undertook as direction to return to the Councillor with information, before consideration of this matter by Council, on extending to Strathcona Park the signed shared use lane, which currently runs from the Corktown Bridge to Chapel Street.

Moved by Councillor R. Bloess:

WHEREAS the priority for the Cycling Network should be eliminating the missing links in the network;

AND WHEREAS a number of cycling corridors have been identified by the pre-amalgamation municipalities;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Cycling Network Implementation Plan outline the previously identified (missing) links with a report back to Transportation Committee on the priority and timing of these connections.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor A. Cullen:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Recommendation 2 be amended to read:

Approve the Cycling Network Implementation Plan be implemented over an accelerated 5-year period ($26 million over 5 years) with half of the funding being allocated on the basis consistent with staff recommendations, and half being used pro-actively to complete priority projects (such as filling gaps in the cycling network, etc.) as part of the annual capital budget plan.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor J. Legendre:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to investigate the implementation of a “smart bike” programme with the private sector (examples: Montréal, Paris, Lyon – ‘Vélo V’) in support of Policy recommendations 4 c), 4 d) and 4 e) (see page 59 of the Agenda report – Doc. 2) and in support of Section 5.2.3 “Leadership By Example” (page 5-25 Ottawa Cycling Plan) and its Technical Recommendation 5-16;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a report be prepared in time for the 2009 Budget deliberations in the fall of 2008.

CARRIED

With respect to Councillor Doucet’s motion regarding a pedestrian bridge, Mr. Orchin advised that the project is not in the current Transportation Master Plan (TMP), but has been identified in the Pedestrian Plan. Nancy Schepers, Deputy City Manager, Planning, Transit and the Environment, advised that the TMP will be looking to the Pedestrian and Cycling plans for direction. She advised a referral should be directed to the Pedestrian Plan, rather than the TMP process.

Moved by Councillor G. Bédard:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following motion be referred to the Pedestrian Master Plan:

Whereas the Corktown Bridge has been very successful;

AND Whereas both Clegg and Fifth are recommended cycling routes but they are separated by a 2 kilometres detour due to the Canal;

Therefore Be It Resolved that a pedestrian and cycling bridge crossing the Canal in the vicinity of Clegg and Fifth be added to the Cycling Plan.

CARRIED, with Councillor C. Doucet dissenting.

Moved by Councillor C. Doucet:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT east-west routes (e.g. Gladstone from Preston to Elgin) be evaluated for the feasibility of an on-street dedicated cycling lane separated from regular traffic by a median and a first pilot project be suggested.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor C. Doucet:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT road resurfacing and repair be prioritized to ensure cycling and transit routes are top of the list to get new or repaired asphalt.

CARRIED

Prior to voting on the following Motion, Mr. Flainek indicated that some costs would be associated with the change and a report could be prepared for the Transportation Committee. Councillor Doucet agreed to a referral to staff for further study and a report back.

Moved by Councillor C. Doucet:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following Motion be referred to staff for a report back to the Transportation Committee by October 2008:

Whereas the Bank Street Bridge across the Rideau Canal does not provide any cycling lanes;

AND Whereas lack of safe cycling across this bridge has been chronic complaint from cyclists and community associations on both sides for years;

AND Whereas the peak hour traffic on the Bank Street Bridge could be handled by three lanes: two in the peak direction and one in the off-peak direction given that off-peak direction parking is present during rush hour in both the Glebe and Old Ottawa South on either side of the bridge;

Therefore Be It Resolved that the Cycling Plan be augmented to include converting the Bank Street Bridge to have three traffic lanes with a reversible middle lane and dedicated cycling lanes on both sides.

CARRIED

Chair McRae congratulated staff on the Cycling Plan and specifically acknowledged the work of Mr. Koppert and his team.

That the Transportation Committee recommend that Council:

1. Approve the Ottawa Cycling Plan (OCP), as prepared by MMM Group, (Document 1) including:

a) The Proposed Cycling Network, as illustrated in Figure 3-4a, 3-4b and 3-4c;

b) The Proposed Cycling Facility Types, as illustrated in Figure 3-5a, 3-5b and 3-4c;

c) Policy Recommendations (Document 2); and,

d) Technical Recommendations (Document 3).

2. Approve the Cycling Network Implementation Plan be implemented over an accelerated 5-year period ($26 million over 5 years) with half of the funding being allocated on the basis consistent with staff recommendations, and half being used pro-actively to complete priority projects (such as filling gaps in the cycling network, etc.) as part of the annual capital budget plan;

3. Approve that City staff consider the Planning and Design Guidelines of the Ottawa Cycling Plan, when implementing designated on and off-road cycling facilities as identified in the Cycling Network.

4. Approve:

a) That the entire Ottawa Cycling Plan, including the network be reviewed and updated every five (5) years; and,

b) That between formal review periods,

i. Individual network route changes, additions or deletions be considered when opportunities arise; and,

ii. That authority to implement such changes to the network be delegated to the Director, Traffic and Parking Operations Branch.

CARRIED as amended

6. WAIVER TO THE ENCROACHMENT BY-LAW 2003-446 FOR 19 MELROSE AVENUE

DISPENSE AU RÈGLEMENT 2003-446 SUR LES EMPIÈTEMENTS POUR LE 19, AVENUE MELROSE

ACS2008-PWS-TRF-0012 Somerset (14)

That Transportation Committee recommend Council approve the waiver of Provision 3(2) of the Encroachment By-law 2003-446, to permit the construction of planters as surface encroachments in the Melrose Avenue road allowance at 19 Melrose Avenue.

CARRIED

COUNCILLORS’ ITEMS

ARTICLES DES CONSEILLERS

Councillor / Conseillère D. holmes

7. Pedestrian Lighting Fixtures on Preston Street

LAMPADAIRES POUR PIÉTONS SUR LA RUE Preston

ACS2008-CCS-TRC-0006 Somerset (14)

That Transportation Committee recommend Council approve the following:

1. That the Preston BIA pay the capital and installation cost for any requested pedestrian fixtures above the City’s lighting policy.

2. That staff and the Preston BIA develop an appropriate payment system to ensure that the BIA is responsible for the maintenance, operational and hydro costs of the additional pedestrian fixtures.

CARRIED

INFORMATION PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED

INFORMATION DISTRIBUÉE AUPARAVANT

A. On-Street Parking Permit Policy

La Politique des permis de stationnement sur rue

ACS2008-PWS-TRF-0018-IPD CITY WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE

The Committee supported a request by Councillor Holmes to include this item on the next agenda as an item for discussion.

ADJOURNMENT

LEVÉE DE LA SÉANCE

The Committee adjourned the meeting at 3:00 p.m.

Original signed by Original signed by

R. Tremblay Councillor M. McRae

_____________________________ _____________________________

A/Committee Coordinator Chair