Report to/Rapport au :

 

Transportation Committee

Comité des transports

 

14 November 2011 / le 14 novembre 2011

 

Submitted by/Soumis par : Nancy Schepers, Deputy City Manager, Directrice municipale adjointe, Infrastructure Services and Community Sustainability, Services d'infrastructure et Viabilité des collectivités

 

Contact/Personne ressource:  Vivi Chi, Manager/Gestionnaire, Transportation Planning/Planification des transports, Planning and Growth Management/Urbanisme et Gestion de la croissance

(613) 580-2424 x 21877, Vivi.Chi@ottawa.ca

 

Barrhaven (3), Osgoode (20), Gloucester-South Nepean (22)

Ref N°: ACS2011-ICS-PGM-0222

 

 

SUBJECT:

Barrhaven - Riverside South Rapid Transit (Barrhaven Town Centre to Leitrim Park and Ride) Planning and Environmental Assessment Study – Statement OF WORK

 

 

OBJET :

Étude de planification et d’évaluation environnementale pour le transport en commun rapide entre Barrhaven et Riverside-Sud (du centre d’activité de Barrhaven au parc-o-bus Leitrim) – Énoncé des travaux

 

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

 

That the Transportation Committee approve the Statement of Work for the proposed Barrhaven - Riverside South Rapid Transit (Barrhaven Town Centre to Leitrim Park and Ride) Planning and Environmental Assessment Study, as detailed in Document 1.

 

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

 

Que le Comité des transports approuve l’énoncé des travaux de l’étude de planification et d’évaluation environnementale proposée pour le transport en commun rapide entre Barrhaven et Riverside-Sud (du centre d’activité de Barrhaven au parc-o-bus Leitrim), comme l’explique le document 1.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

The 2008 Transportation Master Plan (TMP) update has identified Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as the preferred technology between Barrhaven Town Centre (TC) and Riverside South TC, and Light Rail Transit (LRT) from Riverside South TC to the Leitrim Park and Ride and further north (Figure 1).

 

This plan differs from the 2003 TMP, which identified LRT for the entire line from Barrhaven TC to downtown. The right-of-way requirements and the impacts of BRT are different from that of LRT. At the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) appeal hearing for the Official Plan Amendment No. 76, at the request of the Riverside South Development Corporation, the City agreed to complete the necessary studies to identify the right-of-way through the Riverside South community by the end of 2012, or soon thereafter.

 

The City has confirmed with the Ministry of Environment the need to carry out an Environmental Assessment (EA) to identify and reserve the required right-of-way to accommodate the bus technology and the transfer facilities between BRT and LRT (see Document 2).

 

DISCUSSION

 

The North-South Corridor LRT Project EA report from Rideau Centre to Barrhaven TC was completed and approved by the Ministry of the Environment on 19 June 2006. In the 2008 TMP, the transit technology along the section between Barrhaven TC and Riverside South TC was re‑designated from LRT to BRT. Due to this change of technology, the required right-of-way is likely to increase, especially at transit stations and at the connection point between BRT and LRT. The implementation time line has been also moved from 2009 to Phase 2 (close to the end of the 2031 planning horizon), thus there is a potential need for interim solutions. Due to these changes, the Ministry of the Environment requires the City to carry out a new Environmental Assessment (EA) Study.

 

Study Area

Leitrim P&R

Barrhaven TC

Riverside South TC

 

Figure 1: Study Area

 

The right-of-way identified in the North-South Corridor LRT EA is 30 m in the study area, which was reduced to 20 m between Rideau River and Earl Armstrong Road through an agreement between the City and the Riverside South Development Corporation. The 20 m right-of-way may not be sufficient for BRT (the typical right-of-way is 40 m) especially at stations and at transfer points between BRT and LRT. There are two potential transfer points, according to the 2008 TMP update:  the ultimate transfer point is at Riverside South TC, approximately 200 m west of Limebank Road, and a second transfer point may be required at the Leitrim Park and Ride.

 

At the OMB appeal hearing for the Official Plan Amendment No. 76, the Riverside South Development Corporation questioned the basis for the additional right-of-way in the Riverside South area. Through discussions, it was agreed that the City would undertake a study in order to identify:

 

·         Property requirements for BRT stations along the Transitway between Limebank Road and the Rideau River;

·         Land requirements, both size and location, to accommodate the BRT-LRT transfer station to the west of Limebank Road, and as part of this work, a review of the size and location of the Park and Ride facility proposed on the east and west sides of Limebank Road to serve this BRT-LRT station; and

·         LRT station requirements, particularly north of Earl Armstrong Road, with respect to drainage and station platform size and pedestrian circulation needs.

 

The Riverside South Development Corporation expects that, as a result of this work, there may be minor changes to the land use plan, e.g. lotting /street pattern of the Riverside South Community Design Plan (CDP), and will require an amendment to the CDP. Similarly, the potential impacts of technology change on the Barrhaven community and the South Nepean Town Centre Community Design Plan will be addressed. The study will not reconsider the alignment of the rapid transit BRT/LRT corridor within the Riverside South Community that was already identified in the 2006 North South LRT Corridor EA, as well as in the Community Design Plan (2010) that was developed in consultation with the Riverside South Development Corporation.

 

Work will begin on the planning phase in early 2012 and will be followed by the formal six months Transit Project Assessment process. The information required by the OMB decision, regarding the right-of-way and other aspects of the project, will be available for Council’s consideration before the end of 2012. The formal EA approval process is expected to be completed by mid 2013.

 

If the right-of-way is not protected through an Environmental Assessment, the City will not be in a position to protect the required corridor for future BRT and transfer facilities.

 

Concurrent to this study, there is an O-Train feasibility study looking at the potential of extending the O-Train from Greenboro Station to Leitrim Park and Ride and to Riverside South.  The results of Council direction on the O-Train report will inform this EA study.

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The study will examine and evaluate the project’s effects on social, cultural, physical, and natural environments within the study area.  Appropriate mitigation measures will be developed and post mitigation environmental impacts will also be determined.

 

RURAL IMPLICATIONS

 

N/A

 

CONSULTATION

 

Consultation with stakeholders, public agents, and individuals will be an integral component of the EA study.  The consultation process will include meetings with key stakeholders through the Agency Consultation Group, Public Consultation Group, and Business Consultation Group.  Consultation with the general public will occur principally through Public Open House and also through the project web page, e-mail, and additional meetings as required.

 

COMMENTS BY THE WARD COUNCILLOR(S)

 

Ward 3 (Councillor Harder):

As is the case with adjustments to the Riverside South CDP may be considered or needed so is the case with the South Nepean Town Centre Community Design Plan approved in 2006.  Also the Riverside South Development Corporation expects that as a result of this work there may be minor changes to the land use plan, e.g. lotting /street pattern, of the Riverside South Community Design Plan (CDP), and will require an amendment to the CDP. I expect same considerations for Barrhaven.

Ward 20 (Councillor Thompson):

“I am aware of and have read the report.”

 

Ward 22 (Councillor Desroches):

“The Councillor is aware of the report.”

 

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

 

There are no legal impediments to implementing the recommendation of this report.

 

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

 

There are no risk implications.

 

CITY STRATEGIC PLAN

 

The recommendation contained herein aims to support the following Strategic Directions adopted by Council:

 

Transportation and Mobility

 

TM1 – Ensure sustainable transit services

TM2 – Maximize density in and around transit stations

TM3 – Provide infrastructure to support mobility choices

TM4 – Promote alternative mobility choices

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

Funding for this environmental assessment study is available under capital account 905184 Rapid Transit EA Studies.

 

Accessibility Impacts

 

The design of stations and transfer facilities will conform to City policies regarding accessibility.

 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

 

Document 1    Barrhaven - Riverside South Rapid Transit (Barrhaven Town Centre to Leitrim Park and Ride) Planning and Environmental Assessment Study

Document 2    Correspondence with Ministry of the Environment

 

DISPOSITION

 

Following Committee approval of the attached Statement of Work, the selection of consultants will commence.  A call for proposal will be undertaken with the assistance of the Supply Management Branch.

 

 


BARRHAVEN - RIVERSIDE SOUTH RAPID TRANSIT

(BARRHAVEN TOWN CENTRE TO LEITRIM PARK AND

RIDE) PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY     DOCUMENT 1

 

STATEMENT OF WORK

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The City of Ottawa is the proponent of the Barrhaven - Riverside South Rapid Transit (BRRT) (Barrhaven Town Centre to Leitrim Park and Ride) Environmental Assessment Study. The 2008 TMP update has identified two different rapid transit technologies in the study are:

 

·  Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) between Barrhaven Town Centre (Barrhaven TC) and Riverside South Town Centre (Riverside South TC)

·  Light Rail Transit (LRT) from Riverside South TC to Leitrim Park and Ride and further north.

 

The 2008 TMP rapid transit plan differs from the 2003 TMP. The 2003 TMP identified LRT as the preferred technology for the entire line from Barrhaven TC to downtown. Based on the 2003 TMP, an Individual Environmental Assessment was completed for the North-South Corridor LRT Project (Rideau Centre to Barrhaven TC). Due to technology change between Barrhaven TC to Riverside South TC, and due to the potential need for interim BRT from Riverside South TC to Leitrim Park and Ride, a new Environmental Assessment (EA) is required; the right-of-way (ROW) requirements and the impacts are different for BRT and LRT. The study will not reconsider the general alignment of the rapid transit BRT/LRT corridor defined in the North-South Corridor LRT EA.

 

Although the implementation of the BRT from Riverside South TC to Barrhaven TC is a Phase 2 project in the 2008 TMP update, there is a requirement for a new EA now to identify and protect the potentially larger ROW for the transit corridor.

 

The Study will be based on the background material from the previous North-South Corridor LRT Environmental Assessment.

 

 BACKGROUND

 

The North-South Corridor LRT Project EA report from Rideau Centre to Barrhaven TC was completed and approved by the Ministry of the Environment on 19 June 2006. Project completion was planned for 2009, thus no interim implementation solutions were identified.

 

However, the rapid transit network has been changed in the 2008 TMP and priority has been given to an east-west LRT connection from Blair to Tunney’s Pasture by using a downtown tunnel.

 

Another change in the 2008 TMP is the replacement of the LRT technology between Barrhaven TC and Riverside South TC from LRT to BRT. The O-Train continues to operate between Bayview and Greenboro, and following Transit Commission direction of 18 May 2011, the City is investigating the feasibility of extending the O-Train service to Leitrim Park and Ride and Riverside South TC.

 

Due to the required right of way change and the potential need for interim bus operation in the corridor to connect Riverside South TC to Leitrim Park and Ride, the Ministry of the Environment is requiring the City to carry out a new Environmental Assessment (EA) Study.

 

The right-of-way identified in the North South Corridor LRT EA in the study area is 30 m, which was reduced to 20 m between Rideau River and Earl Armstrong Road through an agreement between the City and the Riverside South Development Corporation. The 20 m right-of-way may not be sufficient for BRT (the typical right-of-way is 40 m) especially at stations and at transfer points between BRT and LRT. There are two potential transfer points, according to the 2008 TMP update. The ultimate transfer point is at Riverside South TC, approximately 200 m west of Limebank Road, and another interim transfer point may be required at the Leitrim Park and Ride.

 

At the OMB appeal hearing for the Official Plan Amendment No. 76, the Riverside South Development Corporation questioned the basis for additional right-of-way in the Riverside South area. Through discussion, the City agreed to undertake a study in order to identify:

 

·  Property requirements for the BRT stations along the Transitway between Limebank Road and the Rideau River;

·  Land requirements, both size and location, to accommodate the BRT-LRT transfer station to the west of Limebank Road, and as part of this work a review of the size and location of the Park and Ride facility proposed on the east and west sides of Limebank Road to serve this BRT-LRT station; and

·  LRT station requirements, particularly north of Earl Armstrong Road with respect to drainage and station platform size and pedestrian circulation needs.

 

The Riverside South Development Corporation expects that as a result of this work there may be minor changes to the land use plan, e.g. lotting /street pattern, of the Riverside South Community Design Plan (CDP), and will require an amendment to the CDP. Similarly, the potential impacts of technology change on the Barrhaven community and the South Nepean Town Centre Community Design Plan will be addressed.

 

REGULATIONS AND FIRST NATIONS

 

The Study will have two phases: the planning phase and the formal Environmental Assessment (EA) phase. The EA will be consistent with the requirements set out in the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (OEAA) and the Transit Project Assessment Process (Regulation 231/08). The project will also comply with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) considering the potential implication of Federal and National Capital Commission properties, the potential requirements for Federal permits and funding.

 

In addition, the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will be contacted to review any First Nations issues or ongoing claims within the Study area. Recognizing the federal role in this regard, the Study will ensure appropriate coordination with federal authorities pursuant to the 2008 federal guidelines on “Aboriginal Consultation and Accommodation”. Direct consultation with affected First Nations will also be carried out as appropriate.

 

STUDY AREA

 

The primary study area is shown in Figure 1. The north east corner of the study area is defined by the Leitrim Park and Ride and the western limit of the area is Barrhaven Town Centre.

 

Study Area

Riverside South TC

Barrhaven TC

Leitrim P&R

 

Figure 2: Study Area

 

Some tasks may require examination 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 possible future network connections. Therefore, the Study Area will be confirmed early in the study process, informed by consultation with stakeholders and the public.

 

TIMING

 

It is estimated that this Study could be completed within 12 months from the award of the contract. Work will begin on the planning phase in early 2012 and will be followed by the formal six months Transit Project Assessment process. The information required by the OMB decision, regarding the ROW and other aspects of the project, must be completed before the end of 2012. The formal EA approval process is expected to be completed by mid 2013.

 

CO-ORDINATION WITH CONCURRENT STUDIES

 

The Study will take into consideration any information including analysis and preliminary findings of concurrent on-going transportation, development, and infrastructure projects that could influence the direction and/or conclusions of the Study. These projects include:

 

·  O-Train Extension (from Greenboro to Leitrim/ Riverside South TC) feasibility study;

·  Riverside South Community Design Plan;

·  LRT vehicle specifications for the OLRT.

 

MAJOR ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED

 

·         Impacts of technology change from LRT to BRT on right-of-way requirements, air quality, noise and vibration;

·         Required transit operational performance to achieve transit and planning objectives of this primary rapid transit corridor;

·         Pedestrian and bicycle access and circulation at stations;

·         Provision of continuous multi-use pathways along the rapid transit line;

·         Stormwater management and drainage;

·         Provision of Park and Rides; and

·         Cost effective incremental implementation techniques.

 

Need and Justification for the Project

 

In order to expedite sustainable transportation solutions, Ontario’s EA Regulation 231/08 for Transit Projects allows the City to rely on relevant past analyses (such as the 2008 TMP) to justify public transit projects. The 2008 TMP has identified the need for this project and has also determined the most appropriate technology. The Need and Justification section of the EA will be based on the TMP direction.

 

Environmental Inventory/Existing Conditions

 

An inventory of the social, economic (agricultural, employment, retail etc.), physical and natural environments within the study area will be compiled. The inventory will identify and describe those aspects of the environment that could potentially affect, or be affected by the undertaking.  The inventory will be based on the background material from the previous North-South Corridor LRT Environmental Assessment and where necessary, supplement this information through on‑site surveys and/or detailed studies.

 

Evaluation of Alternative Designs

 

Detailed alignment and cross-section design alternatives, including station locations and layouts will be identified based on a consideration of any constraints within the study area, input from the Study Team, key stakeholders, Consultation Groups, and accepted rapid transit guidelines, standards, and practices. The study will identify the impacts of each alternative design as well as the enhancement opportunities.

 

Costing

 

Developing an accurate project baseline budget (Class D cost estimate) is an essential component of this study and it will contribute to the City’s short and long range capital budget forecasting, priority setting, and development charges strategy. The baseline budget will be developed using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) format in current dollars, and include contingency allowances.

 

Recommended Plan

 

Following the evaluation of the alternative designs using the above-noted detailed evaluation criteria, and after determining all necessary mitigation measures to minimize any adverse impacts of the project, the study team, with input from key stakeholders, the Consultation Groups, landowners and review agencies, will propose and document a preferred alternative design, which will be presented at the Public Open House.

 

Upon receipt and incorporation of public feedback, the preferred alternative 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 and to establish a complete scope of work, project budget and implementation schedule for the entire project.

 

CONSULTATION PLAN

 

Consultation with public agencies, private groups, City Advisory Committees and individuals is an integral component of this Study.  The consultation process will include meetings with key stakeholders through an Agency Consultation Group (ACG), a Public/Business Consultation Group (P/BCG), and the general public through Public Open Houses. Representation on the ACG and P/BCG will be confirmed during the development of the Study Design and in consultation with Ward Councillors.

 

Agency Consultation Group

 

An Agency Consultation Group (ACG) will be formed to provide input on planning, engineering, environmental, issues and will provide general guidance to the Study Team.  ACG members will include experts in their related fields from government agencies and approval bodies. The ACG will meet at key stages throughout the study. Direct one-on-one consultation with other Agency groups may be necessary as specific issues arise during the course of the study.

 

Public/Business Consultation Group

 

A Public/Business Consultation Group (P/BCG) will be formed to enable community associations and businesses to provide direct input to the study, advising and commenting on local issues and concerns.  P/BCG members will include representatives from local community associations, special interest groups, City of Ottawa Advisory Committees and adjacent property owners. Membership of this group will be determined in consultation with affected Ward Councillors.

 

Public Open Houses (POH)

 

Public Open House will be held as required and in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Act. All material presented at the POH meetings will be bilingual. A summary report will be produced to document including all comments received.

 

Project Web Page

 

A Project Information Web Page for the Study will be established on the City’s external web site to inform the public of the progress of the study and upcoming meetings or activities and provide a point of contact for e-mail correspondence.

 

Project Master Mailing List

 

A Master Mailing List for the project will be established at the study outset and updated throughout the course of the project. The Mailing List will be updated via general enquires, e‑mails and other forms of consultation.

 

Transportation Committee Meetings

 

The final study findings, the Recommended Plan, and the public input will be presented to the Transportation Committee and Council for approval.

 

Notifications

 

The public will be notified of the Study Commencement, Public Open House, and Study Completion.  Notifications will be sent out at appropriate stages in the Study, and announcement will take one or more of the following forms:

 

·  Advertisements in daily newspapers (The Ottawa Citizen and Le Droit);

·  The project web site on the City’s web portal; and

·  E-mail to individuals on the Project Master Mailing List.


CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT                                                                      DOCUMENT 2

 

From:                             Desautels, Solange (ENE) [Solange.Desautels@ontario.ca]

Sent:                               November 07, 2011 4:48 PM

To:                                  Mucsi, Kornel

Subject:                          RE: Changes to the North-South Corridor LRT EA

 

Further to your November 4, 2011 e-mail and my subsequent discussions with Frank McKinney about changes to the approved North-South LRT Project (Rideau Centre to Barrhaven Town Centre) individual Environmental Assessment (EA), the following comments are provided.

 

In general, the ministry’s position is that a change in technology is considered to be a new undertaking consistent with section 12 of the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) which indicates that a change in the approved undertaking is a new undertaking requiring approval under the EAA.  New technology represents different environmental effects and different proposed infrastructure for the project.  While not indicated, the proposed changes appear to be associated with a fairly substantial section of transit facility.

 

The transit regulation is now what applies to a public transit project in Ontario.  If the project is exclusively for transit such as BRT lanes then the transit regulation is what applies. The transit regulation allows a proponent to focus on a specific undertaking at a specific location.   The regulation provides an exemption from the EAA subject to following the streamlined process under the regulation which is subject to regulated timelines for the preparation of an Environmental Project Report and the review of any objections by the ministry related to negative impacts on matters of provincial importance or Aboriginal rights. The Municipal Class EA would not apply to an exclusive transit project unless you provided the ministry with notice indicating that you did not want to use the transit regulation and that you wished to follow the Class EA.  High Occupancy Vehicles lanes for buses and cars (mixed traffic) fall under the Municipal Class EA.  Once the process under the transit regulation is completed for a project then the amending procedures under the transit regulation can be used for any type of subsequent changes (including significant changes such as conversion back to LRT).

 

In general, amending procedures in an individual EA are meant to provide some flexibly with respect to changes to the design of the undertaking.  The purpose of providing amending procedures is usually in recognition of possible design changes which may occur associated with the long build out of these types of facilities.  It is also recognized that in this EA that major amendments included decisions by the Minister with a process similar to an individual EA with respect to having public and agency consultation (two notices with 30-day comment periods), documentation of the change through an Addendum and revisions to the EA and that the assessment and mitigation of effects would also include considering alternatives and would be reviewed by the ministry.  No timelines are associated with the review or preparation of an addendum under this process.  It is noted that this amending procedure lacks clarity and is contradictory in several respects but does not appear to provide a streamlined process for major amendments and requires a case by case review. 

 

If you have any further questions in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

 

 

 

 

 

Yours Truly

Solange Desautels

Solange Desautels, Senior Project Coordinator

EA Project Coordination Section

Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch

Ministry of the Environment

2 St. Clair Ave W

Toronto ON M4V 1L5

Ph:   (416) 314-8360

Fax:  (416) 314-8452


From: Mucsi, Kornel [mailto:Kornel.Mucsi@ottawa.ca]
Sent: November 04, 2011 6:12 PM
To: Desautels, Solange (ENE)
Cc: McKinney, Frank
Subject: Changes to the North-South Corridor LRT EA

 

Dear Solange Desautels,

 

As discussed in your telephone conversation with Frank McKinney, I am requesting information regarding the Environmental Assessment process.

 

The proposed project is in the City of Ottawa, between Barrhaven Town Centre and the Leitrim Park & Ride. The City of Ottawa is planning to start the study in early 2012.

 

The rapid transit corridor between Barrhaven TC and Leitrim P& R has been part of the North-South Corridor LRT Project (Rideau Centre to Barrhaven Town Centre) Environmental Assessment Study approved by the MOE on 19 June 2006. The original EA has foreseen Light Rail Transit technology along the entire corridor.

 

The City’s 2008 Transportation Master Plan identified the section between Barrhaven Town Centre and Riverside South Town Centre as a Bus Rapid Transit corridor (blue line on the illustration) .  This represents a change in technology. Furthermore, the implementation of LRT from Riverside South Town Centre to Leitrim P&R has been moved further in the future due to financial realities, thus there could be a need to implement an interim bus solution between Riverside South Town Centre and Leitrim Park & Ride.

 

The North-South Corridor LRT EA identifies technology change as a major change and indicates that, at the discretion of the Director EAAB, it may necessitate a new approval rather than an amendment to the existing EA.

 

The City  would prefer to pursue the approval for the technology change and interim bus operation as an addendum to the existing EA. The transit corridor alignment is not going to change, and many elements required for an EA were already addressed during the North-South LRT Corridor EA Study. The addendum would address those elements that are different for BRT. Some of these elements are the required right-of-way, drainage and storm water management, impact on air, noise and vibration.

 

The addendum process would be more cost efficient and could be completed in a shorter time. In combination with the existing EA, it would address all the required issues.

 

In summary, the City of Ottawa needs clarification whether or not the above technology change could be considered as an addendum to the existing North-South Corridor LRT. If the Director , EAAB rules that a totally new EA is required, we would appreciate an explanation for that decision.

 

Regards,

Kornel Mucsi, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Senior Project Manager
City of Ottawa
Transportation Planning, Environmental Assessments
110 Laurier Ave West, Ottawa, ON, K1P 1J1
Tel: 613 580 2424 x 12503
Fax: 613 580 2578
Kornel.Mucsi@ottawa.ca