Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee

Mandate

The mandate of the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee is to provide advice and guidance to Ottawa City Council and its Departments, on policies and programs, which reflect the City's commitment to a variety of travel modes, including walking and transit and that, achieve the appropriate balance in a way that contributes to our City's overall quality of life. The goal of the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee shall be to increase the modal share of walking and transit. The Committee will specifically advise on transportation issues related to pedestrian movement, pedestrian safety, transit and other transportation-related policies and programs.

Responsibilities

The Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee shall be responsible for:

  • Providing a forum for citizens and community associations to raise issues and concerns related to pedestrian and transit issues in the City, and reviewing suggestions and concerns from citizens.
  • Providing advice and guidance on matters pertaining to education on pedestrian and transit related issues, and the development of policies and programs in accordance with its mandate.
  • Advising on transportation issues (pedestrian, transit issues and transportation related matters) as they affect the City of Ottawa Official Plan, Secondary Plans, programs, budget, and overall policy development, including monitoring the implementation of said plans and evaluating their effectiveness.
  • Providing advice on physical infrastructure related to the pedestrian network and transit system, including planning, design standards, operations and maintenance.
  • Providing advice on environment and air quality issues relating to walking and transit.
  • Providing advice on by-laws, legislation and regulations that impact on pedestrian and transit issues.
  • Making suggestions and recommendations to improve the transit system.
  • Reviewing and providing advice and guidance on the development of walking and transit policies and programs, including land/property development and re-development for the purposes of creating pedestrian and transit-friendly environments.
  • Examining ways to increase the modal share of walking and transit.
  • Proposing improvements to winter walking.
  • Providing advice and guidance on other transportation-related issues within the Committee's mandate, as required.
  • Working with the Planning, Transit and the Environment and Public Works Departments and outside agencies that have contracts with the City on pedestrian and transit related issues.
  • Liaising with other community-based groups, such as community associations and other advocacy groups on transportation issues within the Committee's mandate.
  • Liaising with outside agencies on issues of mutual interest (e.g. National Capital Commission, local school boards and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation).

Organization

The Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee shall have a citizen membership of 9-15, with a minimum of one citizen appointment representing the rural community.

The process for choosing membership for the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee shall be in accordance with the approved Appointments Policy. Both the Transportation Committee and Ottawa City Council shall approve all appointments to the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee.

In addition, the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee shall have in a resource, liaison and/or advisory capacity, the following:

  • 1 staff representative from the Planning, Transit and the Environment, and Public Works and Services Departments (non-voting) who will attend the formal advertised Committee meeting held every second month.
  • A minimum of 1 member of Ottawa City Council, appointed by Council to act as a liaison (non-voting).

The Committee shall hold at least six formal meetings per year. City support, an advertised agenda and public delegations will be provided/permitted at the formal Committee meetings. The Committee may chose to informally meet otherwise, however, will not receive City support, an advertised agenda or receive public delegations.

Staff items related to the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee that may require urgent and timely consideration in regard to processing to the Standing Committee, may be facilitated through any one of the following options dependent on the subject matter and timing involved:

1. With the consent of both Advisory Committee Chairs, the item may be placed on, and advertised through, the public agenda of the next Roads and Cycling and Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee monthly meeting. The item would be considered in the context of processing and approval for submission to the Standing Committee. Should the item not receive a majority consensus from the Advisory Committee, after public delegations, it will be withdrawn from the agenda.

2. Staff may consult with Members of the Advisory Committee in accordance with the City's Public Participation Policy in the absence of a formal meeting being held.

Lead Department/Reporting Relationship

The Public Works and Services Department shall be the lead department for the Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee. The Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee shall report to the Transportation Committee and City Council.

Workplans and Annual Reports

The Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee must report annually to City Council through the Transportation Committee (timing to be determined by the Chair, Advisory Committee Coordinator and the City Clerk) on the activities of the Committee in the current year and on the Committee's workplan for the following year.

[top]

Links

Advisory Committee Meetings, Agendas and Minutes

W3000924