The Corporation of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury

Special Meeting 2011/25 Minutes March 22. 2011

Meeting Location: Auditorium, Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre, 125 Simcoe Road, Bradford, ON

Members Present: Doug White, Mayor Rob Keffer, Deputy Mayor Peter Dykie, Councillor Carl Hordyk, Councillor Gary Lamb, Councillor James Leduc, Councillor Raj Sandhu, Councillor Ron Simpson, Councillor Del Crake, Councillor

Staff Present: Michelle Brandt, Deputy Clerk Joe Coleman, Engineering Technician Jay Currier, Town Manager Michael Disano, Manager of Economic Development Debbie Korolnek, Director of Engineering Yvette Kramer, Program Coordinator Geoff McKnight, Director of Planning & Development Services Jon Morton, Manager of Capital Projects Patricia Nash, Town Clerk

Others: Miriam King Donna Baker Marilyn Baker Jan Blommdert George Blythe Hernan Burgos Maria Ceschiutti Anne Cordes Larry Curtis Connie Curtis Rita Dean Stephen Dykie George Flack Betty Gatrell Sheila Gillmore Don Goss Pat Goss Ed Gres Matthew Granger Christine Granger Andrew Hamilton Meade Helman Josephine Heimann Mavis Joy Jean Keffer Gordon Young Nancy Young Susan Kent Jo-Anne Kinzett Jon Kowles Helen Lathigee JoAnne Leroux Audrey line Peter Line Marek Lip Edgar Lloyd Leila Lloyd Trevor Luxton Sylvia Luxton Elena Mauro Sheila Sandham Dennis Sand ham Pat McDevitt Lois Mcintyre Mildred Menard Barry Moore Ruby Moswick Mikki Nanowski Bella Nesham Ruth Novosad Joyce Parke Helen Pearson Bob Pegg Liz Pegg Jennifer Pegg Norene Philp Arlene Powderly Joan Simpson Rose Simpson Serge Singh Gerda Slykhuis Jane Willimas Jo-Ann Yantzis Gerry Vanderlek Sharon Vanderlek Joe Hampson Bob Evans Nancy LacLinnen Pat Redmond And Others.

(a) OPENING

2011/25-001 Moved by: Peter Dykie Seconded by: Ron Simpson "That this special meeting of Council being held to discuss the role that public transit should play in the Town's future come to order at 7:00 p.m." CARRIED. Special Meeting 2011/25 -2- March 22, 2011

2011/25-002 Moved by: Ron Simpson Seconded by: Peter Dykie "That Council suspend the rules of procedure under Section 29 of the Procedural By-law 2011- 027, as amended, Section 5 (Presiding Officer) to authorize and appoint Deputy Mayor Rob Keffer as the Chair for this special meeting." CARRIED.

(b) DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST & DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

Mayor White reminded the Members of Council of the Municipal Conflict of Interest legislation and requirements thereunder for disclosure. There were no declarations of interest at this time or throughout the meeting.

(c) PRESENTATIONS

1. Introductions and Opening Comments Rob Keffer, Deputy Mayor

2. Municipal Transit Planning in BWG Geoff McKnight, Director of Planning & Development Services

3. Purpose & Scope of Municipal Transit Study Debbie Korolnek, Director of Engineering Services

(d) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

4. Roundtable Q & A All

5. Presentation of Roundtable Discussions All

6. Thanks and closing Remarks Rob Keffer, Deputy Mayor

Introduction

On March 22, 2011, the Town hosted a public meeting to receive input from the public and stakeholders on their thoughts about establishing a public transit system in Bradford West Gwillimbury. This report summarizes that input. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Mayor Rob Keffer. Following his opening remarks, presentations were given by Geoff McKnight, Director of Planning and Development Services, and Debbie Korolnek, Director of Engineering Services. The presentations set the context for a potential transit system in BWG and outlined the Town's proposed approach to completing a transit feasibility study. A copy of the presentations can be found on the Town's website at: http://www.town.bradfordwestgwillimbury.on.ca/ws_par/groups/public/@pub/@bwg/documents/web_contentlwspar_ 029997.pdf

Staff Presentation:

On the path towards a municipal transit system 1. Provincial transportation planning 2. Why in BWG? 3.$$$ 4. Purpose & scope of transit study 5. Group discussions

Recent survey results • A major public opinion survey released jointly by CUTA and FCM confirms that high gas prices are the top concern for Canadians and that transit is viewed as the best solution • People are seven times more concerned by the effect of rising gas prices than they are by taxes. • 60% of people say soaring gas prices are causing them to rethink their transportation choices. Special Meeting 2011/25 - 3 - March 22, 2011

• When asked what kind of changes Canadians have made in response to the gas price increases, almost a quarter (23%) said they are driving less and that public transit ranks number one as their preferred alternative, ahead of purchasing a more fuel efficient vehicle. • Even if half of the people considering transit as an option were to switch, this would represent a doubling of transit ridership.

Why in BWG? • BWG is planned to accommodate 50,500 people by 2031 • Municipal transit systems currently operate in: Barrie (128,500 people) Orillia (30,300 people) Collingwood (17,300 people) Midland (16,300 people)

Why in BWG? Ontario municipalities with populations between 40,000 & 60,000 people: Norfolk Aurora Caledon Cornwall Halton Hills Haldimand North Bay Timmins Milton - Weiland Quinte West Georgina Belleville St. Thomas

Why in BWG? • Focus of provincial policy and investment • Emerging county focus on transit and TOM • Promotes compact, land-efficient development • Reduced congestion and emissions • Greater mobility for those without vehicles • Opportunity exists to introduce transit service early in growth curve • Local demand is growing

Planning for transit in BWG • Lack of nodes and circuitous road patterns would have thwarted earlier route planning • Town's new official plan and community plans have established a transit-supportive framework • Route planning has been considered in the approval of new neighbourhood developments

What will it cost? City Weiland Belleville Population 50,300 48,800 No. of Routes 8 8 Adult Fare $2.50 $2.10 Operating Budget $3,500,000 $3,300,000 Revenue $1,470,000 $1,600,000 Net Cost $2,030,000 $1,700,000

BWG- $500,000 - $700,000

BWG's Proposed Transit Feasibility Study • Why do a Transit Feasibility Study? - Engage the expertise of a professional transit - planning firm - Obtain objective third party advice and examine all options - Do an accurate assessment of costs and benefits -the study costs are many times smaller than the potential operating costs of a poor decision - Engage the public with unbiased expert facilitation

How will the study be done? • Budget approval of $25,000 pending • Competitive process - only expert consultants will be invited to submit; budget known • Public input will be part of the process Special Meeting 2011/25 -4- March 22, 2011

• Study to be completed within 2011 to permit incorporation into 2012 budget process

What will the study look at?

• Basic questions to be answered: o What are BWG's needs for transit? o What options are feasible for the provision of transit? o What are the costs and benefits of these options? o How will transit be funded (incl. grant options)? • Your input from this meeting will help shape the study Terms of Reference

Options to be Examined in Transit Feasibility Study

• Preliminary list of options includes: o BWG owned and operated o Contract out to York Region Transit o Contract out to GO Transit o Private or cooperative system o Others?

Round Table Discussion • Each table to elect a scribe and a spokesperson • Please discuss the 8 questions on your table; please try to get to all 8 questions • At the end of the discussion, please summarize your 5 top points/ideas • 35 minutes for discussion plus 10 minutes to summarize - 45 minutes total • Each table to report top 5 points • BWG staff will prepare a "what we heard" report after this meeting

Participants, working in tables of 8 to 10 people, were then given a series of 7 questions about public transit in BWG. The remainder of this report summarizes the group discussion. A full transcript of notes recorded at the tables is appended to this summary report.

Question No. 1- How would the community benefit if a public transit system was operated in town? Answer No.1-Most tables cited accessibility for users, increased access to services and businesses, downtown revitalization and reduced environmental impact as they key benefits of public transit.

Question No. 2- Who would be the key users of a public transit system in BWG? Answer No. 2- All tables said key users would be students, seniors, people without cars and the disabled. Other groups mentioned were single parents, Go commuters and environmentalists.

Question No. 3- Where do you think the key destinations in BWG would be for public transit? Answer No.3-Key destinations identified at most tables included the Go Station, west end commercial area, sports and leisure facilities, seniors centres and employment areas.

Question NO.4-Would you personally use it on a weekly basis? Do you currently utilize GO Transit? Do you currently utilize the bi-weekly shuttle service to Upper Canada Mall? Answer No. 4- Most participants indicated that they or someone in their family would use transit if it were available. Many indicated they are frequent users of GO Transit. A few tables expressed concern about the existing shuttle bus to Upper Canada Mall drawing shoppers away from Bradford.

Question No. 5- Have you been impressed by services and practices of public transit systems elsewhere that should be duplicated in BWG? Answer No. 5 -YRT and Viva were frequently cited as good systems. Some participants indicated they are impressed by systems that have a strong accessible transit component (Orlando Florida and Durham Region). Web availability was also noted as a desirable feature. Special Meeting 2011/25 - 5 - March 22, 2011

Question No. 6- Would you support a minor tax increase to fund public transit in BWG (less than 5% increase)? Would you support a major tax increase to fund public transit in BWG (more than 5% increase)? Answer NO.6-All tables indicated they would support a minor tax increase to fund transit. None of the tables indicated support for a major tax increase (more than 5%) to fund transit.

Question No. 7- Regarding the upcoming municipal transit study, how would you describe a "good public consultation program"? How would you like to be engaged throughout the study? Answer NO.7-Most tables want community representatives to participate in a transit committee. All participants want regular communication ofprogress on transit implementation. A desire for web based input and social media outreach was also expressed.

Detailed Notes From Group Discussion Group Discussion Questions/Answers- BWG Municipal Transit Public Meeting March 22, 2011 7:00 - 8:30 PM

1. How would the community benefit if a public transit system was operated in town? • social • availability to GO services • more business thus weak for local • greater mobility (money staying in the businesses community) • work need to wait for weekends to go out • less money on other transit services of town • less pollution, congestion and parking • no answer • help revitalization of old part of Bradford • accessibility throughout Town for target and help connect it with the new users - seniors, students, workers developments of west end -bring entire • independence, not relying on cars community together • the community would benefit businesses, • more marketable (attractive) to all ages, students, seniors, labor force, and town families facilities would be fully utilized • access to work within the community • students to work (financial institutions) as well as services • less cars (banks) stores, ect. • point A-B ie. shopping in town/banking, • community involvement of youth to recreation-leisure, doctors-medical elderly (libraries, sports, sport complex offices ect.) • transit-more business in town • accessibility • isolation of vulnerable population • dentist and medical visits eliminated (ie seniors, students) • shopping • better access to goods and services • library • reduced road congestion • rec centre • reduced environmental impact "clean air" • work • less parked vehiCles • banks • profit to local businesses "shop local" • seniors centre • availability to the entire community

2. Who would be the key users of a public transit system in BWG? • young people • one car families • single parent who can't afford a car to go • those who don't own cars to bank • locally employed people • seniors, wheelchair accessible • individuals with disabilities • teenagers • environmentally conscience people • commuters, unifying the community (naturalist/conservationist) • pilot program - private/public partnership • seniors, - ie. school buses/drivers • youth • students • young families • seniors • everyone • shoppers • elderly • church goers • youth • handicap • single parents • students/youth • disabled • seniors • need to be taken into account in • lack of vehicle decisions - cost, location of bus stops • workforce/Go transit connection • seniors • seniors • no car users • students • workers Special Meeting 2011/25 -6- March 22, 2011

• teenagers • socializing • commuters • unifying community

3. Where do you think the key destinations in BWG would be for public transit? • Go Station, -banks, leisure centre, library, • Go station - drop off point parks, high schools, Bond Head, future • No Frills - major shopping area 400 lands • 4corners - major hub, can add • No Frills, Danube, Walmart, downtown, development new area, Go Train, rural area (Bond • Danube Centre - used by seniors Head) • Bond Head - big community which • cost efficiency needs Bradford services • Go Station, rec centres, bank, 400 car • Walmart - the new developments of park, Bradford Valley, Industrial Park, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury four corners • the new theaterlcultural centre • Go station, No Frills, LCBO, Beer Store, • churches - which are on outer ring of shopping, banks, senior centre, Bradford town Valley, four corners • No Frills • Reg Industrial Pkwy, Henderson property • Danube Senior Centre • west end (Walmart), DanubelBradford • Walmart Valley, Go, Community • down town CentrelLibrarylSports Areas, churches • new area • downtown, industrial/employment area, • Go train Newmarket/EG, Bond Head, car pool lot rural area (Bond Head) 400 • • initially start Go station, around ? of community and down Holland

4. Would you personally use it on a weekly basis? Do you currently utilize GO transit? Do you currently utilize the bi-weekly shuttle service to Upper Canada Mall? • some would use it regularly • Go 4/8 infrequently • shuttle takes money out of town, hurts • Upper Canada 0/8, 1 uses Go instead Bradford businesses • weekly basis everyone yes • 10/10 persons at table would use it • average use 3x per use of Go light • 6/10 use Go transit usage • 3/10 use shuttle bus, 4 didn't know about • Upper Canada Mall- 25 from Miller Park the shuttle bus • 100% will use it 10% of the time • user involvement throughout process ie. • if no other options stake holder committee • but those with no access to car would • daily need it • Go transit, yes • only use Go to get to work south or to • 80%, 50%, 60% get to other major hubs around Bradford • yes 40% of group would use it (60% of • 10/10 persons at table would use it group members out of urban Bradford • 6/10 use Go transit would use it if lived in town) • 3/10 use shuttle bus, 4/10 didn't know • no about it • 8/8 yes (or someone in their family) • Go 1/8 frequently

5. Have you been impressed by services and practices of public transit systems elsewhere that should be duplicated in BWG? • Orlando Florida (good wheel chair • New Tech-subsidized cab chits system) • Dial A Ride-Newmarket • Durham (separate wheel chair • Orangeville-smail buses accessible and for seniors) • Explore partnerships with Parkview or • Richmond Hill others • Newmarket • VIVA automated, web linked • Keswick • FloridaNegas/Toronto family day one • East Gwillimbury fee all day loop, shared system TTC • outsourcing options subway bus • York Region • Barrie • Via-Go • York • York Region • Port Hope • Toronto • transit seen in Europe • no answer • Boston transit Special Meeting 2011/25 - 7 - March 22, 2011

• Richmond Hill • Keswick • Newmarket • East Gwillimbury

6. Would you support a minor tax increase to fund public transit in BWG (less than 5% increase)? • yes • transportation could allow people to • yes utilize the stores, financial institutions • no answer which could increase non residential • minor increase • tax base that could help subsidies bus • yes to minor net costs while saving tax increases - • yes but need to know figures within people in reason • Bradford are staying in Bradford. • 8/8 yes • minor tax increase • less than 5%

Would you support a major tax increase to fund public transit in BWG (more than 5% increase)? • no • no answer • no • 0/8 no • no answer • no answer • no answer • no answer • depends • no support for major tax increase

7. Regarding the upcoming municipal transit study, how would you describe a "good public consultation program"? How would you like to be engaged throughout the study? • previous experience, not Newmarket • comparison to other towns (York Transit) • best practices • viable database contact • how long to implement, cost to • past successes implement, transparency, marketing • Angie Wright would like to be involved strategy • everyone would like to have input • ongoing info • regular communication from the • transparent with net effects table upcoming municipal transit study • allows for better understanding of cost­ • community representative on committee analysis • no answer • access cost, benefits, public interests, • what they're doing now, public input • will help build criteria in using what's • advertizing of study (public meeting at more important various groups) Oaunbe, schools, senior • things that cost too much will then be res excluded • public meetings • weights importance and qualifies it to • round table help select best system • social media (webpage, FB, Twitter), • public input • newspaper (town page) • regular communication from the • infrastructure cost to implement (emails, upcoming municipal transit study meetings, website, notice boards) • committee rep on committee • public input • public feedback meeting

8. Do you have any other comments that you would like to provide? • have specific times for specific • taxis are too expensive, $15 one way destinations from Walmart to Oissette st. • coordinate town buses with Go Buses, • cheaper for car drivers those who drive • provide a van or small bus to the taxi co. own cars (gas) to see how viable the system would be • cut down on pollution • consult CHATS/Parkview on what they • people won't feel so isolated have to offer • no answer • route: Go Station - Focal Point. Barrie • system to be subsidized by builders and St. to Simcoe along 6th line, up stores Melbourne and Professor Day Dr. • use of temporary bus to run Holland st. • along 8th Line to Ind'i area - 5010 and corridor to be subsidized by businesses back along Holland St from Go station to • Walmart, with stops along the way Special Meeting 2011/25 - 8 - March 22, 2011

• transit in baby steps • cut down on pollution • immediate - dial a ride, cabs, small bus, • people won't feel so isolated • long range - transit based on study and • would be cheaper to go by bus than by public input car • public involvement in planning stage • no transportation = no jobs • special buses for disabled, accessible • Top 5 Points vehicle • keep business in town by making it easy • needed with growth and affordable to get around • need accessible busses • what will we get for $25,000.00 • bicycle racks on bus • work in cooperation with other services, • sooner the better ie Go, York, Chats, Taxi Service, • link to other systems Parkview • start off with buses that are wheel chair • because taxes are high and town is accessible growing, hopefully it will be absorbed • suggest a balloon trial (pilot study) using (transit cost) real transit buses at the most busy areas • keep community informed as to what is (high population) to see results happening and cost implications. • taxi's are expensive • cheaper to drive yourself

(d) ADJOURNMENT

2011/25-003 Moved by: Peter Dykie Seconded by: Ron Simpson 'That this special meeting of Council being held to discuss the role that public transit should play in the Town's future close at 8:48 p.m." CARRIED.

CONFIRMED IN OPEN SESSION THIS ih DAY OF JUNE, 2011.

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