MEDIA RELEASE: Immediate
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO CONSOLIDATED COUNCIL AGENDA December 12, 2001 Closed Meeting 6:15 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON * DENOTES CHANGES TO, OR ITEMS NOT PART OF ORIGINAL AGENDA
1. MOMENT OF SILENCE
2. ROLL CALL
3. MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION (if necessary)
4. MOTION TO RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION (if necessary)
5. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
6. DELEGATIONS
* a) Peter Cameron, Project Co-ordinator and Linda Nagel, Chairperson, Waterloo Region * Co-op Council re: Co-operative Community Economic Development.
b) Ruth Forbes, Parents of Technologically Dependent Children on Ontario re: Grant request. (Refer AF-01-012/S, Item 1.)
7. PRESENTATIONS
a) Ken Seiling, Regional Chair - Presentation of certificates to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Regional Official Policies Plan (ROPP) to Bill Thomson, Mark Stagg, Mark Dorfman, Wendy Wright, Frank Watty and Gerry Thompson, staff who were involved in the generation of the initial ROPP twenty-five years ago.
b) Larry Kotseff, Commissioner Planning, Housing and Community Services Department - Presentation on Smart Growth.
c) Mr. Brad Ullner and Ms. Paula Saunders, Assessment/Design Committee of the Kitchener-Waterloo Barrier Free Advisory Committee, and Ms. Margaret Sanderson, Inclusion Co-ordinator, Community Services Department - Presentation of a thank you plaque to Regional Council.
8. PETITIONS
9. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
a) Council - November 28, 2001 b) Budget Committee – November 28, 2001 c) Planning & Works - December 4, 2001 d) Trees By-Law Exception - December 4, 2001 e) Community Services - December 4, 2001 f) Planning & Works Public Meeting - December 4, 2001 g) Administration & Finance - December 5, 2001
10. COMMUNICATIONS
* a) Association of Municipalities of Ontario re: * i) AMO Discusses Disability and Alternative Fuel Issues. Attached for information. (P1) ii) SuperBuild Hosts Drinking Water Financing Strategy Forum. Attached for information. (P2) iii) Federal Budget Makes Added Infrastructure Commitments. Attached for information. (P3) iv) Municipalities Get A New Municipal Act. Attached for information. (P4)
b) David Johnston, President University of Waterloo re: Regional support to the Centre for Pavement and Transport Technology. Attached for information. (P5)
11. MOTION TO GO INTO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE TO CONSIDER REPORTS
12. REPORTS
Finance Reports
a) T2001-136 Perimeter Gas Control System Upgrade, Former Kitchener Landfill Site - attached & marked F-01-101.
b) T2001-128 Transit Coaches - attached & marked F-01-102.
Committee Reports
a) Planning & Works - attached & marked PW-01-019/S b) Trees By-Law Exception - attached & marked TB-01-002/S c) Community Services - attached & marked CS-01-018/S d) Administration & Finance - attached & marked AF-01-012/S e) Licensing & Retail - available at meeting
Chief Administrative Officer
Regional Chair
Regional Clerk
13. OTHER MATTERS UNDER COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
a) Marijuana "Home Grow" Operations. (Referred from November 28, 2001 - see attached letter from Councillor Jake Smola.)
Update from Waterloo Regional Police Services Board pending - to be available at meeting.
14. MOTION FOR COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE TO RISE AND COUNCIL RESUME
15. MOTION TO ADOPT PROCEEDINGS OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
16. MOTIONS
17. NOTICE OF MOTION
18. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
19. OTHER BUSINESS
20. QUESTIONS
21. ENACTMENT OF BY-LAWS - FIRST, SECOND & THIRD READINGS
a) A By-law to Appoint a Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer.
b) A By-law to Assume Full Jurisdiction Over, and Ownership of the Township of Wellesley Sanitary Sewage Collection System.
c) A By-law to Confirm the Actions of Council
22. ADJOURN
REGIONAL COUNCIL MINUTES December 12, 2001
The following are the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held at 7:00 p.m. in the Regional Council Chambers, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario, with the following members present: Chair K. Seiling, D. Bergman, J. Brewer, T. Galloway, J. Haalboom, F. Kent, J. Martens, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, J. Smola, B. Strauss, S. Strickland, J. Wideman, L. Woolstencroft, and C. Zehr.
Regrets: D. Craig.
DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
None declared.
DELEGATIONS a) Peter Cameron, Project Co-ordinator and Linda Nagel, Chairperson, Waterloo Region Co-op Council re: Co-operative Community Economic Development.
P. Cameron and L. Nagel explained the importance of Co-operatives in the Region. They noted co-ops were organized to ensure affordable projects, to provide reliable services, to provide secure employment and for people to invest in their own communities. Co-ops and credit unions help keep dollars circulating within the local economy as their members are co- owners as well as consumers in their co-ops. They explained there are now 58 co-operative organizations in the Region of Waterloo serving 46,000 members. In the year 2001 these co- ops provided approximately 500 jobs directly to the regional economy. P. Cameron and L. Nagel advised that the Trillium Foundation had helped them to prepare a map and they were asking Regional Council to help them distribute the map. Council agreed to help support the Co-op Council with the distribution of the map. b) Ruth Forbes, Parents of Technologically Dependent Children on Ontario re: Grant request. (Refer AF-01-012/S, Item 1.)
R. Forbes appeared in support of the recommendation contained in the Administration and Finance Committee summary from December 5, 2001. R. Forbes explained that Kids Country Club provides respite care for children. This gives parents, with dependent children, an opportunity for a break on an occasional or part time basis. Many children who are technologically dependent are now looked after at home and not in institutions. Without the services of organizations such as Kids Country Club parents would not get the support they need from the community. R. Forbes asked the Region to support a grant that would be the Council - 2 - 01/12/12 equivalent of the development charges required for their new building.
Councillors debated the pros and cons of providing such a grant. Several Councillors noted this type of grant has been provided on only a few occasions in the past and questioned if it should be granted this time. Council did not want to set a precedent of providing grants to non-profit agencies to offset development charges. Council did note that on one other similar occasion a grant had been provided to the Rotary Children Centre. Other Councillors asked why the funds were being taken from the various reserve funds. Larry Ryan, Chief Financial Officer explained the Region collects development charges based on the requirements of these funds and therefore the same formula was being applied for the grant.
MOVED by T. Galloway SECONDED by J. Brewer
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the request of Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club for a grant in the amount of $6,160.00 to be funded $3,712 from Water, $372 from Wastewater and $2,076 from the 2001 Contingency fund, subject to review of the project financial statements by Regional Staff.
CARRIED
( Refer Item 1 of AF-01-012/S)
PRESENTATIONS a) Ken Seiling, Regional Chair - Presentation of certificates to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Regional Official Policies Plan (ROPP) to Bill Thomson, Mark Stagg, Mark Dorfman, Wendy Wright, Frank Watty and Gerry Thompson, staff who were involved in the generation of the initial ROPP twenty-five years ago.
K. Seiling presented certificates to Bill Thomson, Mark Stagg, Mark Dorfman, Wendy Wright, Frank Watty and Gerry Thompson. B. Thomson briefly explained the development of the Region’s first Official Plan. He noted that many of the areas explored in the plan were new and the Province has since taken those ideas and put them into Provincial Policy statements. The Plan developed the first policies for such things as the protection of agricultural lands, settlement policies, environmentally sensitive areas. B. Thomson noted that former Regional Chair Jack Young and members of Regional Council at the time, had been very supportive of the Official Plan initiative. b) Larry Kotseff, Commissioner Planning, Housing and Community Services Department - Presentation on Smart Growth.
Larry Kotseff, Commissioner Planning, Housing and Community Services delivered a slide presentation on Smart Growth. The presentation highlighted the following topics; the Region’s development as a leader over the past 25 years, the challenges ahead, the opportunity of Smart Growth to build on the Official Plan, specific approaches for improvement, keys to the Region’s success, recommended approach, financial implications, and various considerations. Items that will be considered are: location, the environment, Council - 3 - 01/12/12 agriculture, urban/rural structure, alternatives to the automobile, quality of life, growth requirements, and broad Regional policy considerations. L. Kotseff stressed the need for a balanced approach to the community goals.
MOVED by F. Kent SECONDED by B. Strauss
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the approach and timelines regarding the Regional Smart Growth Strategy as outlined in Report P-01-141, dated December 4, 2001.
CARRIED
(Refer Item 3 of PW-01-019/S) c) Mr. Brad Ullner and Ms. Paula Saunders, Assessment/Design Committee of the Kitchener-Waterloo Barrier Free Advisory Committee, and Ms. Margaret Sanderson, Inclusion Co-ordinator, Community Services Department - Presentation of a thank you plaque to Regional Council.
B. Ullner and P. Saunders announced that the Barrier Free Advisory Committee has been working for 10 years towards a more accessible Waterloo Region. The Committee was established in 1991. The delegation presented slides on the Committee’s mission, vision and values. The presentation also covered; the definition of a disability, responsibilities of various sub committees and accomplishments. Their success stories included working with transit, various building issues, audible signals, curb cuts, and an accessible Doon Heritage Crossroads. The Committee looks forward to a continued positive relationship with the Region.
4) Mr. Christopher Eby: Taxi License
C. Eby explained that his lawyer Mr. Simon Adler couldn’t be at the meeting this evening. He asked that a decision on his taxi license be deferred until the next meeting of Council. If Council would not defer making a decision, C. Eby requested that a copy of a decision be forwarded to S. Adler.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by J. Martens
THAT the following Minutes be approved: a) Council - November 28, 2001 b) Planning & Works - December 4, 2001 c) Trees By-Law Exception - December 4, 2001 d) Community Services - December 4, 2001 e) Planning & Works Public Meeting - December 4, 2001 f) Administration & Finance - December 5, 2001 Council - 4 - 01/12/12
CARRIED
COMMUNICATIONS a) Association of Municipalities of Ontario re:
i) AMO Discusses Disability and Alternative Fuel Issues, was received for information.
ii) SuperBuild Hosts Drinking Water Financing Strategy Forum, was received for information.
iii) Federal Budget Makes Added Infrastructure Commitments, was received for information.
iv) Municipalities Get A New Municipal Act was received for information. b) David Johnston, President University of Waterloo re: Regional support to the Centre for Pavement and Transport Technology was received for information.
MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by J. Martens
THAT Council go into Committee of the Whole to consider reports.
CARRIED
FINANCE REPORTS a) T2001-136 Perimeter Gas Control System Upgrade, Former Kitchener Landfill Site.
MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by J. Martens
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the tender of CRA Contractors Limited for the Perimeter Gas Control System Upgrade, Former Kitchener Landfill Site at a total price of $680,607.00 including all applicable taxes.
CARRIED
(Refer F-01-101) b) T2001-128 Transit Coaches
Council entered into a debate on whether or not to proceed with this report. Council agreed to hold this report until they had dealt with the Recommendations from the Planning and Works Committee.
Council - 5 - 01/12/12
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Planning & Works Committee
The Summary of Recommendations of the Planning and Works Committee was presented by F. Kent, Chair of the Committee.
Council entered into a debate on item 1 of the Summary, on the use of clean diesel for Grand River Transit Buses. L. Woolstencroft advised Council she did not want to stop the purchase of the 2002 buses but had serious health concerns about the continued used of diesel fuel. She wanted to ensure the Region was making the correct decision. She asked that the matter be referred to the Community Health department for a review and that no further decisions be made on bus purchases until the report is received and a decision made. Dr. Liana Nolan believed this review could be completed by late February. Councillors B. Strauss and J. Wideman had been members of a committee that had reviewed the issue of gasoline verses diesel fuel. The review committee was recommending clean diesel. Both B. Strauss and J. Wideman noted that the technology of diesel fuel has changed substantially, however a further review was also being recommended. Councillors questioned the urgency of issue and how the recommendation would affect the tender call. The tender is for the purchase of the 2002 buses only, any future purchase would have to follow any new process that Council approved. MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by C. Zehr
That item 1, first paragraph of the Summary of Recommendation of the Planning and Works Committee stating: “That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the use of clean diesel technology for Grand River Transit vehicle acquisitions for the next three years” BE DEFERRED in order for the Community Health Department to study the impact of the recommendation, and
That the report of the Community Health Department be brought back directly to Council.
CARRIED
Councillors then returned to the debate on the purchase of the buses. Council asked that in the future all reports asking for pre-budget approval go through the Administration and Finance Committee.
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by S. Strickland
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo grant pre-budget approval for the purchase of ten (10) transit coaches prior to the approval of the 2002 budget;
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the tender of Orion Bus Industries for the supply of ten (10) transit coaches at a price of $4,577,000 including all applicable taxes; THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize the issuance of debentures in an amount not to exceed $3,650,000 for a term not to exceed 10 years for this purchase.
Council - 6 - 01/12/12
CARRIED
(Refer F-01-102)
F. Kent presented a change to item 6 of the summary dealing with the Hopewell Creek bridge. This change had been suggested by J. Haalboom. J. Haalboom requested that a further change be made to the recommendation. She asked that further architectural enhancements be made to the bridge such as coloured and textured concrete.
MOVED by F. Kent SECONDED by B. Strauss
THAT staff be directed to develop a plan to install appropriate emission control devices on existing diesel buses;
And that staff continue to monitor and investigate advancements in fuel technology for consideration of future purchases.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, in principle, not assume contracts for private container garbage collection.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve an adjusted level of transit service on Christmas Day 2001 as illustrated in Table 3 to Report P-01-143 dated December 4, 2001 and direct staff to create a Regional policy for future statutory holiday transit service.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Regional Councillors to the various project and study teams as noted in Appendix A to Transportation and Environmental Services Department Report E-01-008.1 dated December 4, 2001,
And that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo forward the request for local Councillor representatives on project and study teams to the Area Municipalities.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the recommended architectural enhancements for the Hopewell Creek bridge piers and a lengthened bridge over the Canadian National Railway as per Report E-01-007.2 dated December 4, 2001 for the proposed Regional Road 17 realignment (Breslau Bypass), east of the village of Breslau in the Township of Woolwich, and
That the Regional Crest be applied to the bridge on the inside edge of both sides and each end of the retaining wall.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into an Engineering Agreement with Stantec Consulting Limited of Kitchener, Ontario, to provide engineering services for final design, contract administration and construction inspection for the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant Primary Disinfection Upgrade at an upset limit of $440,350 plus applicable taxes.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct the Regional Solicitor to take the following action with respect to the expropriation of lands for the extension of Runway 07/25 Council - 7 - 01/12/12 of the Waterloo Regional Airport, in the Township of Woolwich: a) Complete an application to the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for approval to expropriate land, which is required for the construction of the extension to the Runway at the Waterloo Regional Airport, and is described as follows:
Part Lot 102, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, situated at 160 Shantz Station Road, (partial taking); and
Part Lot 102, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, situated at 292 Shantz Station Road, (partial taking); and
Part Lot 88, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, (Airspace Easement) b) Give notices of the above application required by the Expropriations Act. c) Forward to the Chief Inquiry Officer any requests for hearing that may be received and then report to Regional Council for information. d) Do all things necessary and proper to be done, and report thereon to Regional Council in due course.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions with respect to the Kitchener-Waterloo Zone 5 and 6 Water Supply Project: a) Receive the report entitled "Kitchener - Waterloo Zone 5 and 6 Water Supply Project- Environmental Study Report" dated November 2001, b) Direct staff to issue the Notice of Completion of Environmental Study Report, c) Direct staff to file the Environmental Study Report for public review in accordance with Municipal Class Environmental Assessment requirements.
CARRIED
(Refer Items 1, 2, 4 to 9 incl. of PW-01-019/S)
Trees Exception Committee
The Summary of Recommendations of the Trees Exception Committee was presented by J. Wideman, Chair of the Committee.
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by W. Roth
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo grant an exception to By-law 99-045 To Restrict and Regulate the Destruction of Trees in favour of Cathay Weston and John Council - 8 - 01/12/12
Davidson to permit the removal of approximately 55 trees within a plantation in order to construct a new access lane to Weimar Line, as generally illustrated on Figure 1 attached to Report P-TB-01-004, subject to the following conditions: a) that the precise boundary of the treed area to be removed be staked out in the field in consultation with Regional staff before any trees are removed; b) that an equal number of native trees be planted within the portion of the existing laneway which is to be closed, or in other areas adjacent to the woodland; and c) that a forest management plan be undertaken for the affected plantation within two years of the completion of the new lane.
And that the exception come into force and effect upon its approval by Regional Council.
CARRIED
(Refer item 1 of TB-01-002/S)
Community Services
The Summary of Recommendations of the Community Services Committee was presented by S. Strickland, Chair of the Committee.
MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by J. Brewer
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo continues to support the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Quality of Life Reporting System (QOLRS) through membership on the Technical Team;
That the Region direct staff to develop and share the information contained in the QOLRS with internal and external stakeholders;
And that staff continues to work with stakeholders in task-specific, time-limited working groups to build on the QOLRS to develop more comprehensive measures of the quality of life in Waterloo Region.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following allocations from within the 2001 Provincial Homelessness Initiative Fund (PHIF) as outlined in report SS-01-075 dated December 4, 2001:
Reaching Our Outdoor Friends (ROOF) $ 15,000 Argus Residence For Young People $ 50,666 Canadian Mental Health Association $ 22,700 Betty Thompson Youth Centre $ 8,905 Ray of Hope $ 44,426 K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project $ 15,000 Council - 9 - 01/12/12
Total $156,697
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the reinvestment of Provincial funds provided for the achievement of Ontario Works Placement Targets as per Report No: SS-01- 076, dated December 4, 2001 and;
That staff complete an implementation plan for consideration in early 2002.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the Terms of Reference for the Regional Forest Management Plan attached to Report P-01-125, dated December 4, 2001.
CARRIED
(Refer Items 1 to 4 incl. of CS-01-018/S)
Administration and Finance
The Summary of Recommendations of the Administration and Finance Committee was presented by T. Galloway, Chair of the Committee.
MOVED by T. Galloway SECONDED by D. Bergman
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enact a by-law to assume full jurisdiction over, and ownership of, the Township of Wellesley sanitary sewage collection system, said by-law to take effect on January 1, 2002;
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo agree to accept on January 1, 2002 full responsibility for the operation, maintenance and management of the Township of Wellesley water distribution system, with full jurisdiction over, and ownership of, the system to be transferred to the Region as soon as possible thereafter;
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo request the Province of Ontario to enact any legislative or regulatory amendments required to authorize the assumption of the Township water distribution system by the Region;
And that the Regional Chair and Clerk, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services and the Chief Financial Officer, as the case may be, are hereby authorized to execute any documentation satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor required, in the opinion of the Regional Solicitor, to implement this recommendation.
CARRIED (Refer Items 2 of AF-01-012/S)
Licensing and Retail Committee
MOVED by D. Bergman SECONDED by J. Smola
Council - 10 - 01/12/12
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take no action with respect to Mr. Christopher Eby's request for deferral of his licensing matter.
CARRIED
MOVED by D. Bergman SECONDED by J. Smola
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following with respect to Taxi- Cab Driver Licence #4411:
That Taxi-cab driver licence #4411 (of Mr. Christopher Eby) be revoked;
Further that no application for a new licence will be considered prior to 18 months from the date this recommendation is passed by Council; and
Further, that any application must be considered by the Licensing and Retail Committee before a licence is granted.
CARRIED
OTHER MATTERS UNDER COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE a) Marijuana "Home Grow" Operations. (Referred from November 28, 2001)
The matter was deferred to the next Council meeting.
MOVED by L. Woolstencroft SECONDED by B. Strauss
THAT Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume.
CARRIED
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by D. Bergman
THAT Council adopt the proceedings of the Committee of the Whole.
CARRIED
NOTICE OF MOTION
D. Bergman gave notice of a motion he intends to bring forward to the next Council meeting. This motion will lobby the Province to expand the Police College. K. Seiling asked D. Bergman to forward a written copy of the motion to the Clerk.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Council - 11 - 01/12/12
OTHER BUSINESS
1) New Municipal Act
J. Brewer asked if staff was going to prepare a report on the new Municipal Act. Connie Giller, Commissioner Corporate Resources/ Regional Solicitor advised that staff will be reviewing the new Act and will bring forward a report that outlines the changes that will affect Council. It is not staff’s intent to bring forward a report as a response to the proposed Act.
2) Warranted and Unwarranted Traffic Signals
C. Zehr asked for a review of the warrant policy for traffic signals. Specifically he was concerned about signals that may not be warranted but are installed at an area municipality’s request and paid for by that municipality. After the signal is installed, the area municipality may be reimbursed, if the signal is warranted within a certain period of time. He questioned the Region’s commitment to reviewing special circumstances. He asked that the report be forwarded to the Planning and Works Committee.
MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by B. Strauss
That Council convene into Caucus.
CARRIED
MOVED by D. Bergman SECONDED by S. Strickland
That Council reconvene in open Session.
CARRIED
MOVED by F. Kent SECONDED by D. Bergman
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take no action with respect to the purchase of lands described as Part of Lot 1, Concession A, Eastern Section, Township of Wellesley and totaling approximately 2,87 acres, from Frieda Raes de Witte for the sum of $105,000.
CARRIED ENACTMENT OF BY-LAWS (FIRST, SECOND & THIRD READINGS)
MOVED by D. Bergman SECONDED by B. Strauss
THAT a By-law to Appoint a Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 01-081, signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.
Council - 12 - 01/12/12
THAT a By-law to Assume Full Jurisdiction Over, and Ownership of the Township of Wellesley Sanitary Sewage Collection System be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 01-082 signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.
THAT a By-law to Confirm the Actions of Council be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 01-083, signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.
CARRIED
ADJOURN
MOVED by F. Kent SECONDED by S. Strickland
THAT the meeting adjourn.
CARRIED
REGIONAL CHAIR, K. Seiling
REGIONAL CLERK, E. L. Orth REGIONAL COUNCIL MINUTES November 28, 2001
The following are the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held at 7:00 p.m. in the Regional Council Chambers, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario, with the following members present: Chair K. Seiling, J. Brewer, D. Craig, J. Haalboom, F. Kent, J. Martens, J. Mitchell, J. Smola, B. Strauss, S. Strickland, J. Wideman, L. Woolstencroft, and C. Zehr.
Regrets: D. Bergman, T. Galloway, W. Roth
K. Seiling opened the meeting with a moment of silence in remembrance of Michael Buchanan, Facilities Operator and Dr. Ronald Sax former Medical Officer of Health.
DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
J. Smola declared a pecuniary interest with respect to the purchase of the Waterloo Spur Line. J. Smola’s grandmother and uncle own property along the rail line. His parents also live in the vicinity of the route. J. Smola refrained from discussing or voting on the issue.
DELEGATIONS a) Mary Ann Wasilka, Kitchener, re: Transit Affordability & Accessibility. Refer to CS-01- 017/S, Item 2.
M. Wasilka appeared in support of the recommendation. She believed this was a start in the right direction however there are several municipalities that have gone further than what is being recommended. She also gave personal examples of people who have not been able to board transit vehicles because of lack of money. M. Wasilka also asked that reports be made available to the public at least one week in advance of the meeting.
MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by J. Brewer
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, effective December 10, 2001, approve social service agencies as outlined in Appendix C to Report P-01-145/SS-01-073 dated November 20, 2001 to purchase GRT adult tickets, currently priced at $1.40 each, at the reduced rate of $1.15 which is the price of reduced tickets for seniors and students; Council - 2 - 01/11/28
And the Region approve in principle a similar fare discount for the working poor and Social Assistance clients who do not qualify for transportation assistance, subject to a subsequent staff report outlining the necessary financial and administrative arrangements and a workable and cost effective system for income review to be submitted to Regional Council in January, 2002;
And that staff report to Committee in early 2002 on the following matters: a) an action plan for working with people with disabilities on the conventional transit system; b) a review of the agency list which may purchase reduced tickets; and c) a review of the cause and effect of fare strategies on ridership and revenues.
CARRIED
(Refer Item 2 of CS-01-017/S)
PRESENTATIONS a) Honourable Elizabeth Witmer, Minister of the Environment will present a plaque to Colleen Cooper, Chairperson, TRIPS Coalition, for the Road Safety Challenge.
E. Witmer presented the plague on behalf of the Minister of Transportation to Colleen Cooper, Scott Diefenbacher and David Banks. The TRIPS Coalition had worked together to make the Regional roads safer.
Chair Ken Seiling announced that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo has won two awards for its landfill projects - The Ministry of Environment Award of Excellence and the 2001 National Award for Innovation and Excellence in Public-Private Partnerships Award of Merit for Project Financing. E. Witmer also congratulated Council and staff for receiving these awards. b) Sandy Shantz, Chairperson, Chris Smith, Planner and Kathy Dietrich, Planner, Waterloo Region District School Board re: Long Range Pupil Accommodation Plan for Secondary Schools.
S. Shantz presented an information package dated November 2001. The package contained information on the various parameters for the Board of Education budget decisions. S. Shantz explained to Council how the Board of Education currently receives it's funding from the Province. She noted that the amount of money received on a per student basis had not kept up with the rate of inflation over the past 10 years. She also explained the new process under the new Safe Schools Act for the expulsion of students. Students become involved in a program entitled Choices for Youth and must complete this program before they can return to a regular public school in Ontario.
C. Smith explained the various secondary school accommodation reviews that are taking place in the Region. C. Smith gave a brief overview of how schools are funded for renovations, new construction and pupil accommodation. He noted that science facilities in a number of schools need Council - 3 - 01/11/28 to be upgraded. The secondary school accommodation review will look at schools in the Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge areas. The review in Waterloo is currently under way and one school will be closed (University Heights) and a new school will be built on the west side of Waterloo. Reviews will start in the near future for Kitchener and Cambridge. It is anticipated that one school will be closed in Kitchener and one in Cambridge. There may be one new school constructed in Kitchener and upgrades to the Cambridge Schools. C. Smith explained how the growth within the Region does affect the location of schools and how students are accommodated.
Councillors discussed the following issues: anticipated closing date of University Heights, school population distribution in the City of Kitchener, funding for new schools including the debenture costs, capacity of new schools, how accommodation reviews affect various catchment areas i.e new school in Huron Park affecting Cambridge, sale of lands when a school is closed, and changes that could result with a change in Provincial government. c) Dennis Grimm, Price Waterhouse Coopers and Vice-Chair of Canada's Technology Triangle will do a presentation re: CTT Land Task Force Report.
D. Grimm presented the report from the Land Task Force. He noted the amount of available land in the Region has become an issue. It is important to have the right amount of land in the right location available in order to continue our economic prosperity. D. Grimm explained various issues including: the limited supply of employment lands, ownership of industrial land, inability to service target markets, changing nature of investment i.e short turn around, enough land in the right location to respond to growth opportunities. He stressed the need for a further inventory and study of the existing land resource. He asked that the Mayors endorse the report and the recommendations contained in the report. Council advised D. Grimm that he needs to seek approval from each local Council separately and suggested that he make presentations at the local level. Council agreed that the report should be sent to Planning and Works Committee and Planning staff for review.
* J. Martens left the meeting at approximately 8:30 p.m.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by J. Wideman
THAT the following Minutes be approved: a) Council - November 14, 2001 b) Planning & Works - November 20, 2001 c) Community Services - November 20, 2001 d) Administration & Finance - November 21, 2001
CARRIED Council - 4 - 01/11/28
COMMUNICATIONS a) James M. Flaherty, Minister of Finance re: Millennium Partnership Initiative - The University of Waterloo Research and Technology Park was received for information b) Ted Arnott, MPP re: News Release pertaining to the Ontario Small Town and Rural Infrastructure Program (OSTAR) was received for information. c) Association of Municipalities of Ontario re: Legislation of Significance to the Municipal Sector - Status Report was received for information.
MOVED by L. Woolstencroft SECONDED by B. Strauss
THAT Council go into Committee of the Whole to consider reports.
CARRIED
FINANCE REPORTS a) Q2001-1147 Waterloo County Courthouse 2nd, 3rd and 4th Floor East Architectural and Structural.
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by C. Zehr
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the quotation of PM Contracting Limited for Waterloo County Courthouse 2nd, 3rd and 4th Floor East Architectural and Structural at a total price of $64,093.00 including all applicable taxes.
CARRIED
(Refer F-01-098) b) T2001-138 Balcony Repairs at 9 and 10 Westgate Crescent, City of Cambridge.
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by C. Zehr
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the tender of Nu-Era Building Restoration Inc. for Balcony Repairs at 9 and 10 Westgate Crescent, City of Cambridge at a total price of $98,756.00 including all applicable taxes.
CARRIED
(Refer F-01-099) Council - 5 - 01/11/28
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Planning & Works Committee
The Summary of Recommendations of the Planning and Works Committee was presented by F. Kent, Chair of the Committee. F. Kent announced that an additional recommendation regarding the purchase of the Waterloo Spur railway line would be added.
MOVED by F. Kent SECONDED by B. Strauss
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo become a partner in the University of Waterloo Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology by providing access to facilities at the Waterloo Landfill site and other in-kind support; and authorize the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services to enter into any necessary agreements with the University of Waterloo.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the projects listed in priority order in Appendix A, as amended, of Report E-01-118 dated November 20, 2001, as the Region's priority projects for funding by the SuperBuild Millennium Partnerships Program.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the Waste Management Promotion and Education Program for 2002, as outlined in Report E-01-109 dated November 20, 2001.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve P-01-144 dated November 20, 2001, the Monthly Report of Development Applications for October 2001.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following amendments to the Controlled Access By-law #58-87. a) The section of Regional Road 24 (Hespeler Road) from Regional Road 39 (Eagle Street) northerly to Old Hespeler Road be transferred from Schedule "A" Controlled Access Prohibited to Schedule "B" Controlled Access Regulated. b) Schedule "A" Controlled Access Prohibited be amended to permit an access to be located on the east side of Regional Road 24 (Hespeler Road) approximately 1110 metres north of Guelph Avenue.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo grant pre-budget approval of $100,000 for improved security measures at the Regional water supply facilities.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale to acquire railway lands and premises known as the Waterloo Spur from mileage Point 0.15 to Mileage Point 11.93, situated in the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo and the Township of Woolwich, from Waterloo-St. Jacobs Railway Company Limited for the sum of ONE ($1.00) DOLLAR, plus associated costs and fees; and, further Council - 6 - 01/11/28
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into an Agreement to pay the sum of ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED AND TEN THOUSAND(1,110,000.00) DOLLARS to the Canadian National Railway Company to discharge certain charges/mortgages registered against the aforesaid Waterloo Spur lands, subject to certain terms and conditions, including the execution of a Freight Rights Agreement attached thereto as Schedule "C"; and, further
That the Regional Chair and Clerk, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services and Regional Solicitor be authorized to take any action and execute any documentation required, in the opinion of the Regional Solicitor, to implement the above transaction.
(Refer Items 1 to 6 incl. of PW-01-018/S)
Community Services
The Summary of Recommendations of the Community Services Committee was presented by S. Strickland, Chair of the Committee.
MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by C. Zehr
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo ask staff to undertake a consultation with neighbourhood-based groups and area municipalities to make recommendations about the Region’s role in neighbourhoods.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following to be funded through the National Child Benefit funding as outlined in Report SS-01-069 dated November 20, 2001; a) $150,000 in funding for projects submitted under the Early Years Challenge Fund that meet the National Child Benefit project criteria for matching funding; b) And $200,000 in funding for eligible projects under the New Project Development Fund.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo implement an Extreme Cold Weather Alert Plan as outlined in Report CH-01-066/SS-01-072 dated November 20, 2001;
And that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo provide a maximum of $20,000 during the period November 1 to April 15 of each season to Community Agencies listed in Appendix A of Report CH-01-066/SS-01-072 dated November 20, 2001 to expand existing resources and services during Cold Weather Alerts to be funded within the Emergency Shelter Program, with the balance of funds from within the Social Services, Employment and Income Support Division budget.
WHEREAS gambling is an important emerging public health issue;
AND WHEREAS there is a high prevalence of youth gambling; Council - 7 - 01/11/28
AND WHEREAS a lack of public awareness and education about gambling is contributing to the increasing number of children and adolescents who are currently struggling with gambling problems;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo facilitate the collection of available data in regard to gambling and its impact in Waterloo Region; promote education and awareness of the negative consequences of gambling on children and youth and assist in the creation of a coalition that addresses responsible gambling in Waterloo Region;
AND THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo request the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to undertake a multifaceted, ongoing, province-wide program to fill the need for gambling education and prevention and the socially responsible marketing of gambling;
AND FURTHER that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo request the Ministry of Education to include youth-based gambling education into the core curriculum.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo invite staff representatives from all seven Region of Waterloo municipalities to a meeting with the Community Health Department to determine the next steps regarding the Terms of Reference for the working group in developing a strategy to review pesticide use.
CARRIED
(Refer Items 1, and 3 to 6 incl. of CS-01-017/S)
Administration and Finance
The Summary of Recommendations of the Administration and Finance Committee was presented by L. Woolstencroft, Chair of the Committee. S. Strickland asked that item number 3 be voted on separately. S. Strickland was concerned about the cost overruns on the Governor’s House and Goal project.
MOVED by L. Woolstencroft SECONDED by B. Strauss
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following with regard to the request of the City of Waterloo: a) Agree to provide land purchasing services to the City of Waterloo for the purpose of acquiring/expropriating certain lands for widening of Columbia Street. b) Provide the related services through Regional staff on the basis of a mutually satisfactory fee-for-services arrangement to be negotiated by the City and the Region. c) Authorize the Regional Chair and the Director, Council and Administrative Services/Regional Clerk to execute any documentation required to implement the above Council - 8 - 01/11/28
recommendations, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, Corporate Resources/Regional Solicitor.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve entering into an agreement with the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) to permit access to and construction of an access road to be built from the employee parking lot at 100 Maple Grove Road, Cambridge to the new CPR rail storage yard at no cost to the Region as per the term and conditions outlined in report CR-FM-01-016, dated November 21, 2001.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo request the Attorney General for the Province of Ontario to appoint additional presiding Justices of the Peace for the Provincial Offences Courts within the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following with respect to Ottawa Street Improvements from Williamsburg Road to International Place, City of Kitchener: a) Enter into a Consultant Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Limited at an upset limit of $119,880 plus GST for the undertaking of a Class Environmental Assessment for road improvements on Ottawa Street from Williamsburg Road to International Place including associated improvements on Fischer-Hallman Road, and preparation of detailed design for the work to be constructed in 2002, with contract administration and construction inspection to be paid on a time basis, subject to receipt of a Letter-of-Credit in the required amount from Voisin Developments Limited. b) Authorize the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk to enter into a Servicing Agreement with the developer, Voisin Developments Limited, whereby the developer will provide the financing to fund all engineering, construction and associated costs related to the 2002 road improvements as a condition of the development of adjacent lands, all on the understanding that the Servicing Agreement shall be to the satisfaction of the Region's Chief Financial Officer and the Regional Solicitor and shall require the developer to provide sufficient securities to the Region to cover the total costs of the project as set out therein and that the Servicing Agreement shall further provide that the developer shall be entitled to a reimbursement of these funds, less the developers portion as set out in the Site Plan Agreement, in 2006, the year in which the project is scheduled for construction in the Region's approved 2001 Transportation Capital Budget and 10 Year Forecast; and c) Upon execution of the Servicing Agreement and the receipt of securities to the satisfaction of the Region's Chief Financial Officer and the Regional Solicitor, authorize Regional staff to call tenders for the project and award a contract at the earliest possible time in accordance with Regional policies and procedures.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo exempt from Regional taxation, properties receiving an exemption from an Area Municipality under Section 207, paragraph 62 of the Municipal Act for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2003.
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize the application of $689,903 in one time Council - 9 - 01/11/28 transitional funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to offset One time capital costs relating to EMS station construction as outlined in Report CH-01-068/F-01-094 dated November 21, 2001;
And that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo apply $91,109 received from the Province of Ontario's funding from the replacement of Medical Equipment to the replacement cost of one ambulance in 2002.
CARRIED
(Refer Items 1, 2, 4 to 7 incl. of AF-01-011/S)
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve an increase of $296,200 to the Gaol and Governor’s House Redevelopment capital budget for a revised total of $4,213,200, to be funded from additional revenue from the 1998 and 1999 audit, anticipated 2001 operating budget surplus from the Provincial Offences Court program, and adjustments to the internal loan.
CARRIED
(Refer Item 3 of AF-01-011/S)
REGIONAL CLERK
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by J. Haalboom
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo pursuant to Section 44(1) of the Regional Municipalities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.R.8, consent to a City of Cambridge By-law for the purpose of closing a portion of Preston Lane #11, City of Cambridge.
CARRIED
(Refer CR-CLK-01-058)
Council asked that the Clerk’s Report contain a map of the affected area in the future.
OTHER MATTERS UNDER COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by S. Strickland SECONDED by F. Kent
THAT Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume.
CARRIED Council - 10 - 01/11/28
MOVED by L. Woolstencroft SECONDED by J. Smola
THAT Council adopt the proceedings of the Committee of the Whole.
CARRIED
MOTIONS
NOTICE OF MOTION
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
OTHER BUSINESS a) “Home Grown” Marijuana Operations
J. Smola informed Council that Councillor B. Vrbanovic from the City of Kitchener had presented a resolution at the City of Kitchener on Monday November 26, 2001. He asked that the resolution be forwarded to the Waterloo Regional Police Board for review and be placed back on the Council agenda for December 12, 2001. b) SuperBuild Resolution - City of Kitchener
C. Zehr asked that Council support resolution received from the City of Kitchener.
MOVED by C. Zehr SECONDED by S. Strickland
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the following recommendation from the City of Kitchener:
WHEREAS public infrastructure is the backbone of a successful, dynamic economy; and,
WHEREAS Federal and Provincial financial support is essential for public infrastructure upgrades, replacement and expansion; and,
WHEREAS the current slowing of the economy combined with the tragic events of September 11, 2001 have created substantial uncertainty in the Canadian economy, particularly in Ontario; and,
WHEREAS the City of Kitchener welcomes the Ontario Government’s renewed commitment towards supporting public infrastructure with its recent announcement of financial assistance for public transit and roads and bridges which is long overdue; and Council - 11 - 01/11/28
WHEREAS the current Federal share of the Infrastructure Canada Program in Ontario is significantly less than that of the Province and municipalities; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Kitchener calls on the Federal and Provincial Governments to commit themselves to a higher level of funding for public infrastructure; and,
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Kitchener calls on both the Federal and Provincial Governments to speed up the existing infrastructure funding process under the Canada- Ontario Infrastructure Program(COIP) and SuperBuild in order to provide a much needed economic stimulus in the face of the current economic downturn; and
FURTHER THAT the City of Kitchener supports the call from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for the Federal and Ontario Governments to return to a straightforward 1/3 - 1/3 - 1/3 funding formula for COIP and SuperBuild funded projects. c) Report to the Community
J. Wideman thanked staff(Bryan Stortz, JP Lewis, Linda Zavarella, Cathy Huber ) for their hard work on the report to the community. J. Wideman believed the report had raised the Region’s profile in the community.
QUESTIONS
ENACTMENT OF BY-LAWS (FIRST, SECOND & THIRD READINGS)
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by B. Strauss
THAT a By-law to amend By-law Number 58-87, as amended, being the Region's Controlled Access By-law regarding amendments to Schedules "A" and "B" [P-01-146] be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 01-079, signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.
THAT a By-law to Confirm the Actions of Council be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 01-080, signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.
CARRIED
ADJOURN
MOVED by F. Kent SECONDED by B. Strauss
THAT the meeting adjourn.
CARRIED Council - 12 - 01/11/28
REGIONAL CHAIR, K. Seiling
REGIONAL CLERK, E. L. Orth
BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES November 28, 2001
The following are the minutes of the Budget Committee meeting held at 12:00 p.m. in the Regional Council Chamber, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario, with the following members present: Committee Vice-Chair L. Woolstencroft, Regional Chair K. Seiling, D. Bergman, J. Brewer, D. Craig*, J. Haalboom, F. Kent, J. Martens, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, J. Smola, B. Strauss, S. Strickland, J. Wideman and C. Zehr
Regrets: T. Galloway
DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
None declared.
OPENING REMARKS
Vice-Chair L. Woolstencroft opened the meeting goal to move budget discussions forward and continue with education garbage referred to pw - December 4 back on December 12 regional budget dece 12 - major meeting, itnende for motions 12 noon - to 6 January 16 - public input - starts at 7 - regular council meeting reminder will hear delegations - Janury 30 - assessment final - within striking 3 to 6 p.m.
Gerry Thompson - set tone brief - objective make to dec 12 - have something - in draft - realatively concrete target - draft budget by dec 12 -respond to questions raised at last meeting information provided may have questions one piece - no of scenarios to reduce tax levy to 1.9%
Wait until presentation of main budget issues - in context - more informed debate on 1.9 scenarios - hold your fire - until gone through presentaiton of major budget issues Council - 2 - 01/11/28
Page 1 Larry Ryan - - responde to requests from October 24 outlined the agenda for the budget session which included responses to the requests of comkmittee from the October 24th meetging, discussion of key budget issues and a overall budger discussion and identification of other issues for the December 12, 2001 meeting. discussion of impacts of various scenarios larry reviewed Sean - amount of available for new budget issues, based on tax rate of 2.9% Rolled in assessment growth of 2.5% Larry explained Joe - what is inflation rate 1.9% dropped in 2.6 in ontario factored into budget larry - cola, inflation on fuel, utilities, have their inflcation rate 2.6 cancels out 2.2 assessment growth ??? Larry - net out - not sure about 0 Lynne - summary of all assumptions in bs inflation, done’t provide for general inflation, 1 % annualization of previous years einiaittives cola, Larry - opening position -allocation of fund to budget issues
Jim - philosophy - 3.3 m - same philosophy allocation new iniaittives how much is human services and infrastructure requirements page 8 scenarios - followed guideline - was initiatlly followed Lynne - do you consider winter coat - human services value judgment by staff -
Jake - 1/3 - have strategic plan in place has budget been design around s plan any consideration given to draft stratgeci plan gerry - October 24 - short reference in each paper to strategic initiatives judgment as to whether change the 8 decision - reference each issue paper to 8 not change the format of 3 year budget process - would cause confusion
link issue papers back to draft strategic process
Larryh - balance between human services and soft services infrastructure philosophy maintained in developing Council - 3 - 01/11/28
Scenario 1 - significant reduction
Jane B.- winter clothing Jean H. - winter clothing allowance - more cases or does everybody qualitfy , how determined Mike - on soc assistant ce during month of November prov - extended as discretion, dec jan feb mar - also entitled for winter clothing - children of families on social assistance - only get it once per year - Jean - Mike - special amount indicated on cheque - assumed they use for winter clothing, sometimes boots, etc. Jane M. - one time budtget - do they stillgo forward Larry - concentrate on one year - one time budget can go forward option to continue Jake - 1291 plus assessment growth what equate to - Larry - 8/9 million dollars - all in operating 2.25 assessment plus 1.9 = 4% = 2.2 = $ levy would go up on an annutal basis
Doug Bergman - no increased funding would get same as last year doug - how do we come up with what is ot going to get increases scenario 2 - 2.9 + $00,00 illustration - no recommendation
Doug - information provided to council for consideration gerry - staff listed highest take off highest in order
Doug - must move to 2004 bumping - Lalrry - something has to give Doug - Jane Mitchell - cmt looking at all roads and budgets and maintenance - when report coming back in package today page 71 of agenda
Jim - only 2 of those are new initiatiaves - other are approved in principle Larry - to make note of -
Joe - want to budget to no increase - this is result somebody will get hurt and must face want 0% Larry - all about choices - last scenario #3 Council - 4 - 01/11/28
Jane Mitchell - what has caused reuction of $200 Larry - setting priorities, some carried forward from prior year, new requests, re-prioritizing - staff recommendations - other areas have priority
#2 - mught be some elasticity in roads budget - for cycling Mike - when roads are reconstruction - could add to pavement for cycling - mike - individual budgets for road proejct don’t include bike lanes esptablish separate for bike lanes, as they came up how budgeting for bike lanes -
Jean Haalboom - customer service - transit - asked mike to explain Mike - budget issue - conventional customer service - rleates to enhanceing our ability, answer phones and customer requesta at transit centre, significant wiat times add an TEE to reduce Jean - involes staff Mike - yes
October 24 - on page 113 Larry - scenario 4 illustration of all scenarious and impact to proposed budget
Jim - tipping fees for CNI and neighbouring municipalities this is for private - not neighbouring municipalities would like to see ***** how do we know 10000 is being how do we know
Mike - how do we know - ici waste in from adjacent not many - end to be on account with us, scale people ask origina of waste sometimes turn back loads, monitored at the scale -100000 of waste ici exported - an estimate - our generated internally - done over time, less ici waste rec’d at our landfill - gives us an estimate
Jim - staff is estimated how much ici is generated inr egion Mike - estimate comes from volumes we receiv Jim - scale at our site - Mike - get small load at our site - Jim would like reort requested - Mike - will generate report - other mun rules and restriction receipt of ICI waste many have same restrictions as weld o don’t accepted outside jurisdictional boundarsy focus of private only destination for naulers ici tipping and restrictions *********** Council - 5 - 01/11/28
Jake - how much goes from here to private collection Mike - sould we know ICI came from outside to within no way of knowing Jake - estimate - could be 4x that shipped outside region centennial - collection from outside and exported outside mike - not captured in estimates - generated into being shipped outside no private disposal site in region - transfer stations only -
Sean - appendix 6 - grca - page 15 last sentence explain rationale - last paragraph page 15 Mike - point - grca does a number of things, flood, water quality, majority of activitie - fllod control and protection, and historially from level Sean - histroy for Mike part historical - recognizes some of benefti to water and wastewater function accrus to property owners in region , flood some do some done’t - not all user are part of Joe- 10% not
Larry - Joe - progrmas stated for sewage upgrade will be lagging behind - user fee funds
50% benefit - Larry - 5 years agao - 50/50 funding - continue for all grca $10 m + 800,000 + 10 m one time capital transfer not continuing 50/50 cost share - continue tapped resource - 800,000 - for dam - one time $130,000 rquesting this year
Mike - 800,000 - no special levey for grca increased by 600,000 - levy of 600,000 to region - 50% from wastewater rate 50% from proeprty tax levy staff recommending continue funding splut for all future increases Mike - 3 or 4 years agao - all grca levy came from property tax in recognito of water and wastewater - funding 50/50
Larry - 130,000 will be built into base
Jake - page 17 chart - summary Mike - rev over expenses, - long term - user rate model revenue will equal expenses over time Council - 6 - 01/11/28 full cots recovery
Larry - concludes overview of information requests next steps - other badget issues, approve user rates, program budget books,
Break at 1:30 to 1:40 p.m.
Page 54 Mike Schuster - overall scnario on projection of caseload presentation materials focus on 2002 - immediate concern caseloads does not drop as quickly as unemployment rate during recession in 1994 - caseload increased pay for 20% - no longer have cushion or assist to us 90/10 cost sharing - people of 4%- received 90 only paid 10% during receiption worth ms in provincial dollars no longer exists stats - verified locally going around - what can potentially happen prior to sept 11 started to decline and may have exacerbated Globe an Mail 0- official start - march of 2001 will last to spring 2002, possiblyt fall 2002 diversided in region attending training board meeting - auot and transportation sector expect increased activity
2001 - dropped from beging - 7010 now drppped steadily through the year - over last 4 months 7000 and a few what does that look like to projection - will be lower for the year 7231 - actual to tned of October page 57 look at base budget 7200 caseload for next year - allows for an increase but not a lot of an increase shown on graph - straight line soft landing - or minor setback - may be looking at dotted line in 2002 - 7500 for year 7600 in 2003 declind 7300 in 2004 if major recession - used model of 62% rise looking at 8200 in 2002 12000 dec 2004 Council - 7 - 01/11/28 see budget agenda package use of tax stabilization reserve for purposes of impacts (unexpected) in creases of caseload should be sufficient to deal with increase social assitance costs in 2002
Sean - thanked mike - succinct presentaiton of scenarios process in dealiwht with recommendations Lynn e- if start picking off - in what context do recommendations come back Lynne - later today Sean - history - last budget - staff started to plan for potential recession included in report - potential for specifi reserve fund - for increase in caseloads not do that - but rather - would be funded from tax rate stabilization fund Sean - #1 - 4% of region’s population - 18,000 approximately - Yes projectsion to 12,000 Mike - no on people on assistance not cases 2.2 - 12,000 cases - 26,000 people
#2 - changes in how caseloads are shared - costs are shared only move forward with 1 why pay more for discretionary benefits ODSP - program - stable in numbers - impact on rcesiion is minimal on caseload as way orf increasing no impact more on OW caseload discretionay - abenefits - we can make some decisions regarding amount to be provided
Sean - in terms of fiscal house - exposed to risk - we have larges expos - outside of our control minimize risk - get most of dollars to have province - reinstatie revenue sharing Mike - absolutely Sean - hope for a soft landing
Doug - downloading from pro - same as last year - what % of this downloaded Mike - this area - cost of disability support program , cost for administration 50/50, downloaded cost sharing discretionary benefits like to converted to actual dollars costing us in dollars - not percentage Mike - have not changed anything in this program from last year ************
Jane Brewer - page 57 January 7500 why not look at 7400 Mike - now a little over 7010 - can look at increase at beginnign of next year - during rest of year - slow dow Council - 8 - 01/11/28 cushion-seasonal fluxuations winter - rises Jane - we will be affected by events in the states
Larry - projecting soft level approach - will increasing slightly and return to 7010 level can handle soft landing short term plan to look a year out reported - don’t see as a soft landing expecting higher numbers Fred - budgeting lower Mike - probably is 7500 experience in 2002 way you finance - different questions not at 7200 for year - 7500 projected for next year with 7500 can handle with tax stabilization - Larry - half annual surplus up to 10M level currently at end of 2002 - 8.5 m xpect to reach 10 m at end of this year
Jane B. - now and later discussion - give figures on different between 7200 to 7500 asked Lee - Lee Parent - add half a million dollars to budget in terms of levy annualized figure
Sean - comes down to - staff predicting 7500 - how do you fund - want to fund through property tax - staff recommend - 10m in stabiity fund - bump
Larry Kotseff - 2:15 p.m. Social Housing introductory comments - details related Page 63 to 66 as service manager, challenges since 1998 important area of work, continuous learning process, area of budget is significant worthy of detailed consideration funding since 1998, presentation housing - gone well, much to do summarize - Joe -no of units we need waiting list of 4000 what has prov indicated will subsidize nothing federal o some flowing through prov as it pertains to existing stock no commitment on new stock as a service manager - will be difficult to manage all of the needs - but will be addressed cwill be a challenged and a varieyt of approaches will be necessary
Jane Brewer - under budget issues - funding for grants - program for home for humanity fall Council - 9 - 01/11/28 under approached us over 2 years ago for grants to write off dev charges Angela - relates to afforedably housing strategy second - form of assistance to offset regional development charges Habitat for Humanity already has council approval for offsetting grants for their dev projects for during of this council term through reserve Angeal - approval in place from reserve this budget - new affordable housing from tax levy want to protect social housing reserve fund does not affect agreeemtn in place with habitat Jane - will they qualify for this one as well Angeal - have approvals in place, would not need to apply already looked after Jane - do they qualify for this grant money Angeal - partnership limited to rental housing Habitate - owenrship housing
Doug Bergman, - to Larry - 3rd slide units still under prov administration possibility will have in 2002 or near future Larry - yes - in not too distant future - projects in difficulty’ no transfer until stabilized Doug - if we do end of - almost an increase of 10% if come - will cost us money Larry- no already paying administration - in operating budget today
Wayne Roth - new types of affordable housing - at what point in time will we have a plan or bluprint of ideas floating - timeframe Larry - visions and ideas floating around Wayne - others out there - when - one presentation - may be other scenarios what may be feasible and realistic - home ownership - need to be more comprehensive will bring forwared at appropriatetime need to be explored Larry - from private sector - to deal with need when feasible to bring before committee
Wayne - need to be in position to look at scenarios, we will never catch u
Jane Mitchell - 800,000 contingency fund not used Larry - not aware - for repairs, etc. 800l,000 - 1.4 m through prov Council - 10 - 01/11/28 not for repairs Tim Welch - capital funding only capitcal expenditures - we control other cap - np co-op controlled by co-ops themselves Angela - directly to pro viders to top up reserve fund to explore with staff later
Mike Murray - % of trips taken by car, the modal share currently 84% - will grow over time 2016 % of trips taken by car 77% stilll more car strips but will be 7% lower than today
Jean H. - back to 25% with 7% reduction how measure reduction vehicle use - Graham - 48% to 41% parti Tomorrow survey in GTA agrea last Region included 1996 again in 2006 - will be able to compare
Jean - survey - are they dedicated areas - how do you do the survey done by u of T - telephone survey random - residents survey size 2000 to 3000 Lynn e- level of significant and validty are high
Joe - based on population
Jim - increase service will increase ridership some empty - naturally happen Mike - to some extent - as we structure new routes, routes need to meet minimum service targets, put where most needed
Jim - if increase ridersh8ip - catch 22
Fred - king street - express service - staged - initial peak period over north waterloo to fairview park mall not enough resources all day express eventually
Jane Mitchell $2 - when expands to rural - Mike - will look at fare when expand service
Jean H - Council - 11 - 01/11/28 what sld happen - order buses - not as many how many - several different funding prorams sonme fed funding programs - if region doesn’t have to meet may not be able to leverage other funding sources if not able to find funding - won’t be able to meet master plan goals sigtnificant changes since Octoberf 24
Fred Kent - on slide Go Trasnti
Carl - 48% to 41% reduction what years 1996 to 2016 expecting 20 yeras similar rate -
Carl - 20 years expect 48% inc all expenditures - additional in transit all we get out for 7% reduction - expensive way to get reduction answer not to build more roads difficulty - at same time - building more roads, not taking that many more vehicles off the orad cost a bujndle for transit just to get an improvement of 7% ??will numbers in terms of expansion, ho much is 7% or contributing to natural growth where get bank for the ridership buck Mike - 40 to 50 in growth remainder new ridership
Carl - invest to take care of increased numbers can you put dolalrs figure on what is costing to get extra to achieve 7% difficulty co-relating are we doing something - not dramatic enough or not in the right way
Mike - have the numbers - dealing with growth and ridership -relatively small in % - 7% represented doubling of ridership over time lperiod 100% inc is dramatic and aggressive is it achieveable, balacing act - difficult to achieve doubling Graham - anything above 7% requires CTC - illustrated through feasiiblity study
Carl - in terms of critical mass - greater density of population - where infrastructure is in place, means we have to look at how we end up servicng rural community - support rural lifestyle don’t want to encourage relate back to request - what path do we follow - raising questions - where is best value for $$ how to utilize our existing infrastructure
#2 - if see double ridership - must be significant inc in usage per capital from the slide 3 in Cambridge, Waterloo and Kitchener Council - 12 - 01/11/28
- would ask - area rating - move to one transit rate - who ends up paying for it
Mike - transit will continue to be area rated - significant difference in service levels as gaps narrow, get glose to consistent levelof service - then do away with area rating
Jake - funding $450,000 per bus are buses $600,000 455,000 per bus we made a choice on fuel for buses - council has not made that choice next Tuesday - Jake - is subsitudy contengen on specific type of fuel no Jake - new riderhip - fine to have new subdivisions - new bus service, complaints of buses in neighbourhoods - don’t know anything about service be proactive - peak hours - people - will ask questions - look at as an alternative - #- do we go into schools and promoting transit - Grahsm - new subdivision - goal now catching up with existing subdivisions, trying to get transit service in place schools - Jo anne - working with school board, developing curriculum, grade 5 - looking at other forms of transportation - developing program
Jake - significant investment in transit - watch carefuly spend wisely huge investment, need to stay on top, make appropriat3e investments, we should do what we can to enhance our transit system, not neglecting pther programs, but focu on transit, getting into schools - should be a priority - Jane Brewer - master plan - great deal of debate ohn 7% staff not confident we would reach it - at that time didn’t recognize all that need to be done -Sunday service, never debated at Cambridge -instead of expanding - cutting routes -down the road - hope expansions - will be looked at -feel we need to look at master plan again keep in back of our minds - emphasized - cannot have transit systems without the road systems no win - need roads to expand system
Jean Haalboom - schools - need to get message out - long time to realize - need to look at another way to use Transit - history - schools provide their own buses - changed - look at education school councils, parrent councils, calls from rep Doon PS school council looking for transportation - could we get some GRT support, suppose no funds available -in projection - will these services be looked at within the next year
-in addtiional to education programs, talk to school councils #2- those partenst wanting more service, to get their students to school- want transit available not facilities - no moneis from school boards aprt of equasion the ability to provide additional service - where areas want expanded transit Council - 13 - 01/11/28 service
Mike - as we look at transit expansion service - trying to priority expandion needs, based on needs decision making - proposed service expansion over the next couple of years
Jean - if paretn counsel conccerned - who do they contact - call Graham Vincent break at 3:35 to 3:45 p.m. Recap the one day brainstorming sessions - road rehabilitation significant infrastructure investment steering cmt - recommending option 2 Joe - wants money earmarked specifically ofor roads, with restrictions not to use for any other purpose
Doug Craig - debendutres - increase loevy funding - not worry about debendutres cmt - tried to not bump up levy
Mike - limited debendutre in plan- increases program Doug - will we see a capital forecast - fountain street looking at earlier date - if approval in pricniple for long ratnge funding strategy within long rage funding envelop
Larry - why debenturing - stop deficient behond 200 m dollar - stops growth of deficit
Doug - money spent on road rehabilitation - maintenance, resurfacing and reconstruction new roads - funded from dev charges and roads capital levy
Fred - pae 72 - big numbers
Jane B - page 77 - 2nd paragraph not much this year - start program in 2003, will use surplus Yes - correct Mike - plan doesn’t add to 2002 nor 2003 starts signfiicant 2004 and yearws beyond Jane . - thought some intention to do work before 2004 Mike - in budget plan $300,000 2002 500,000 2003
Carl- what does it add to RDC Mike - working group - different ways to make up shortfall 50% in increase in RDC - Carl - tough Carl - 2005 - Ron - total increase in levy - largest 8m to about 50 m in 2019 Council - 14 - 01/11/28
Carl - what % of levy- increase of 19% over 18 years on regional levy about 1% per year Carl - commiting to something beyond this Council
Carl - put this $ into transit - what kind of ridership would we have Mike - until we move to an offroad system - bus needs to go hand in hand congestion - significant - wear and tear on busines - because of poor roads need balanced approach
Jim - comments - big step - cmt asking council to take step we don’t know if subsequent councils will follow, hope they would Sept. 26 - realize - have serious problem - need to address - will be exascerbated make a bold step - take a risk rdc - come 2004 - discussion at table different setting, need for may not get all RDC - we’re recommending as a direciton wait until 2004 - political realizty -other elements here questions 2002 - not much - scenario $500,000 to this year reasons for
Jane Mitchell - similar roads capital levy approach - ongoing down Mike - annual incremental increase - small annual increase - accumulate to significant level need until 2005 going into reserve funds - self-sustaining annual contributions - built up over years $6 m per year - levy $$ goes into clapital reserve fund -
Joe - impact on 148,000 assessment house impact on plant - built in region - on 100 RDC Mike - have not made calculations need to be made at the time RDC was looked at
Larry R - basically inc levy bundinf by 1% per hear add $10 to average home each year
Sean - context - 1% per year when does hospital financing expire - Larry 2% per year 2005 - expires fund 1% from 2%
Mike - translates - road rehabilitation from $8.3 m to 22 m over next 5 years - would be at 22M / hr speding Council - 15 - 01/11/28 finally at funding level needed need 22m to maintain system $200 deficit - debt -
Doug- go back to slide 14 - incremental?? 1% per year
1.9% add 1% to roads and do cutting in other areas Lynne - wait - Doug - may have to bump roads in 2003
1% proposed for 2005
Joe - different terminology deficit - in road program of $200 m Mike - physical debt built up over years, not financial physical debts or deficits
Larry Ryan - capital financing issue Doug - what is interest expense in budget declining- as we pay down debt 15M in interest expense from early 1990s *********** doug - need to look at - look at reduction in debt
JaKE - IF CAPItal levels instituted impact on household - 1.5 m police, 2 general 2.5 $6 m 3% tax increase - $30 household costs hosipital $4m - still in base Jake - if implemented when hospital funding matured - there would be liltle impact a tax increase in that year, may be 1% as opposed to 3%
Sean - long term capital financincing 7M - have projects been approved airport - carry forward from lastyear has been forwrded to budget process not approved bus - forwarded not approved
$665,000 for accommodation refurbishing building - study done
Gerry - discussion ongoing - before project approval, at this point of time and ooptions, prudent to make budget provision - doesn’t mean project approved decision made on airport
Joe Martens - airport Council - 16 - 01/11/28 planned to be funded by debendtures - one time money will come from debendutirn, built into 3 year plan
Sept 11 - after 11th - seeing increased demand for our airport - avoided bigger airports seing increased traffic wait - may be grant money ground rules do some major discussion - debt ratios, to determine, signficiant issues, social housing, roads and transit
How to handle Doug Bergman - concern about deenture 4.2 on airport , desperate looking ror money on roads - can it wait look to reduce deficit - what is so urgent that needs 4.2 m - have debt not deficit
Doug - what is critical at airport to debendutre 4.2 this year - 94M edebt now - how much could be put into roads make the best of what we can with what we have take a look at everyhthing - do we need it this year
Ken Seiling - investment for airport - carefully over 2 or 3 years important part of economic development commitment on east side of Kitchener - maintain and expand - safety and noise issues -extension of not right, strong commitments - keen and important to economic of region would be a measure of bad faith - to withdraw to pull back - bad faith
Jane Mitchell - has work already started John H - several projects in 2002 - termianl buiolding replacement, through council, proceeding to tender package - febrary 2002 -major project - runway extension in 2002 - far along in project - includes design work and property purchases -4.2 - grant amount of money 2.8 m - not 4.3
Jane Mitchell - federal grant - gone forever - John - fed - funding spread across country - look at projects - don’t have enough money to support all requests, changed criteria, safety and security projects off list at this time - low on their list
John - expanding and upgrading - security may be eligible - security paid for by passenger... Has safety been upgraded - Yes
Jane Mitchell - can lot grant money be there ffrom Superbuild Mike - one point airport on long list of superbuild funding, SMP - $40m pot, clear airport would not meet criteria Council - 17 - 01/11/28
Jake - thanks to Ken - public meeting during long process - inmportant to stay on track - disappointed in federal gov’t elgibiel under superbuild - no -can look at this - can revisit - another way to fund rather than debentures
Joe - problem with process - expect grant - 2.8m grant didn’t get grant but will finance - adds considerable amount fo $5m - have to pay finance costs on an item that changes that drastically - changed - Carl - reality - deal with reality- comments -of J=Ken - right on - issue of good faith - not just extension of runway - safety as well upgraded - can’t loose sight of becomes safety issue - Joe - wants to have an explanation when program changes
Doug - don’t want it taken out - take a look at it - what kind of money on terminal, no noise security issues addressed - take a good look at - 25 items - GRCA - put priorities in order -credibility issues every area of budget
Jane Brewer - faith - public meetings, lot of people, indsutry chambers of commerce - extensive use of airport - need to do some balancing econimic benefit to region, take some time and visit - needs to be some work done issue paper for Dec. 12 - re Airport ****************
Doug Craig - accumulating of what is paid - forecast for next 10 years roads budget - reduce debt over long term - at same time - more money - closer to debt free in 10 years - combination - reduce debt - #2 - greatest admiration for Graham - region dealiwht with new transit concept, uncomfortable when to spend money on buses and routes -on solid tround, timing, triggere points, -call in outstide consutlatns in major city - how, whether right time, etc. for 2016 - increase by 7% - could be timing of later routes - more information, look in terms ofmore substantial - where we are heading, getting bigger and bigger - payoff issue - uncomfortable with
Ken - transit - information clear in region - in presentaiton - level in ridership is worthy of investment volumes of materials - shouldn’t delay should be advancing - suggest - betgin to do some of the work - clear evidence in region - hours - reflect ridership, must et levels up - move on not delay - find creative ways to build ridership Council - 18 - 01/11/28
Gerry - big sums of money in all issues - 5 year bus plan - did have a consultant - businss plan been done
Jim - 5 yr bus plan - impressed with outside consultation - process in developing agree with Ken - need to accelerate - by increaseing hours of service increases ridership -feel will continue to grow -one issue - ******** struggle - carrot or steak - move poeple to alternative travel step daughter stranded - get bus - have no idea how to use replicated many times in communityw what would it cost to grade 9 students in region ************ making a transition from elementrary to secondary school need to get around community, good time to teach - how to use local transit ****** Jim - love to reduce debt, funding for roads flaw in logic, by delaying by using debentures, we save interest - deficit continues to grow cost more to fix later than the interest rates cost now
Jake - have problem with giving pass to Grade 9 students defeat purpose - need to bring kids up to spead - one program wshould complement the other information - look at accelerating program - simple - costs - accelerate program *********** Jane Mitchell - Grade 9 - transit passes - important - survey students in 8, 9 and 10 don’t drive get interesting feedback in using public transit - great to give pass - if bus isn’t there - other methods are needed
–comment about rural buses - concern in not having rural buses - isolation in rural area women and children -need to service people there
-cycling lanes - concern - have to reduce transit services - same silo - money come from diferent silo, social housing reserve - some go to something else - staff to look at cyclist - use public transit - bikes - reduce pollution
Sean - budget plan - and what has been presented, staff done an excellent job, many challenges through process - have identified challenges -would like to see a reduction -after reviewing budget - difficult to reduce in reality - 2.9 - choices are limited udget meets the challenges as a region, responsiblity in meeting challenges roads, transit enhancements, ow - increase in caseloads, approaching prudently Council - 19 - 01/11/28 at this point - general - don’t see much oopprotun to reduce - Doug - agree - transit - called in outside source to look at subway - Toronto no matter what we suggest - that we are attacking something pont of voie w- with some validity -won’t change next year - -always a road block - coming up with here unfortunate - look at transit from another point of view reducing debt over a eriod of time - -all concerned - value - more positive - than jumping in a defensive stand
Jake - difficulty with budget- over three years operating budget about $36 m have difficulty - staff has done a good job - simple solution - because of priorities - don’t fit with Jake as a regional councillor -take out all new initiatives for this year as we see fit determies our priorities - want the money spent meets our priorities strategic plan - still in draft form previous council suggest - take new out and reinstall as necessary and fit with Council’s priorities suggest an additional day - large tax $$ on budget
Jane Brewer - opintion - budget in January - exactly as Jake suggests started down path last year - any additions - need good reasons to remove from budget, not just to save a dollar -housing - lot of fury, flury, lets get something built - staff - we will work this out -expectation - given amount of time - 2002 and 2003 there will be some things happen need to build -each ones knows where they are coming from -would like to see strategic plan as part of this budget - not enough time -transit - knew lots would have to be done expectation in region - went into a public process - we assured people - would be some items added into the budget and part of process -January meeting - what are our priorities -
Jane M - Appendix 4 - 2.13% of increase .5 growth doesn’t amount to much - won’t make much difference to budget dental -
Wayne Roth - helpfull discussion - healthy - -bankeed time for day - use wisely to Jake’s position - understand - 3, 5 and 10 year programs, built past, present and future difficult for 3 year term - rely on staff to thread of consistency through it all - proud - of efforts of staff -rural transportaion - transit in rural areas - on different page than urban Council - 20 - 01/11/28
-need detailed discussions and background information, different aspects when add in the rural mix
Ken - process - 15 - democratic system, can make motion, make arguement careful not to protray - able to discuss -
Carl - same as Jane M. - page 13 question from last meeting, how we summarized 2001 budget -tax increase under 70% - related to programs - beyond our control 2.13% of 2.9 - end of 73% of increase if able to get to 1.9 would have a decrease int axes under our control -did as mun eat a lot of the downloading , now up to us, in messaging, how we make the explanation, have the public understand what is happening understand the municipal tax, -in his office - very vocal abuut tax increases - makde point - we are at fault in not making explanation clear, day of reckoning at all three levels of gov’t -no place else to go -senior levels do affect us, -today - those programs 73% - .77 of overall tax levy
Jake - other equations to budget process including assessment - and the base budget $525 m operating budget - look at programs over the next year - existing programs discontinuing of other programs over the course of the year - presentations - not consistent with strategic plans, may have problems with goals and objections that should be discotninued - money and resources - getting best value and in the direction of Council.
1-desire to have clear strategic direction analysis, those that fit into regional council direction 2-there is a desire some way to have debt reduction 3-want a good look at social housing, dentistry, transit 4.-airport high on list, police services, they have yet to go through budget deliberationws 5-(doug ) issue of traffic management that needs to be addressed 6-small program paid $ to people who come up with money saveing across the region
Jane Mitchell - staff 21 to 48 - thanked staff
INFORMATION UPDATES
Budget Committee Request for Additional Information
Council - 21 - 01/11/28
Re-Engineering, Program Review, Re-Organization
Assessment Growth
Status of Associated Agencies
PRESENTATION OF MAJOR BUDGET ISSUES Income Support Caseload/Economy
Social Housing
Transit
Roads
Capital Financing
BUDGET DISCUSSION Identification of Other Issues for December 12th
General Discussion
NEXT MEETING - December 12, 2001
ADJOURN
CHAIR, T. Galloway Council - 22 - 01/11/28
REGIONAL CLERK, E. L. Orth
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
PLANNING & WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES
The following are the minutes of the Regular Committee meeting held on December 4, 2001 at 9:00 a.m. in the Regional Council Chamber, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario.
Members present: Chair F. Kent, D. Bergman, T. Galloway, J. Haalboom, J. Martens, B. Strauss, J. Wideman, L. Woolstencroft*
1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
None declared.
2. CLOSED SESSION
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by B. Strauss
That the Planning & Works Committee recess into Closed Session pursuant to Part II, Section 14(1) c) of Procedural By-law 00-031, as amended.
CARRIED
The Committee reconvened in Open Session.
3. DELEGATIONS a) Chris Ford, Treasurer, Citizen's Advisory Committee on Air Quality (CACAQ) appeared before committee in support of the Region's transit expansion plans and the positive impact this may have on local air quality. C. Ford explained that the CACAQ is concerned about the study methodology and perhaps the study over emphasizes the financial issues and the cost differences between compressed natural gas and diesel and under emphasizes the air quality and health issues. C. Ford advised the CACAQ supports the conversion of the Grand River Transit fleet to compressed natural gas technology but they do not support the acquisition of clean diesel buses.
4. REPORTS - TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
TRANSIT SERVICE DIVISION a) E-01-121 Grand River Transit Alternative Fuel Investigation
In response to a question by L. Woolstencroft, Michael Murray, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services advised that Ontario and Canada do not have emission standards for buses and the transportation industry in Canada is essentially following the US EPA standards. In response to a question by D. Bergman concerning battery or electric power, Don Snow, Director, Transit Services explained staff is aware of the technology currently being developed and will continue to monitor the progress.
MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by J. Wideman
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the use of clean diesel technology for Grand River Transit vehicle acquisitions for the next three years;
And that staff be directed to develop a plan to install appropriate emission control devices on existing diesel buses;
And that staff continue to monitor and investigate advancements in fuel technology and to make recommendations regarding the use of such technologies as they become feasible for future vehicle purchases.
CARRIED
5. DELEGATIONS - continued b) Ms. Pat O'Driscoll, 6 Willow Street, Waterloo appeared before committee requesting the Region provide garbage removal service to multi-residential developments or reduce property taxes accordingly. c) Mr. Don Young, Vice President, Waterloo South Condo Corporation # 14 appeared before committee requesting the Region treat the owners of condominiums the same as owners of single detached homes based on property value/assessment. D. Young advised that recycled material is picked up at their complex and questioned why garbage could not be collected in a similar manner. D. Young responded to questions regarding the road system of the condominium complex. d) Mr. David Garlick, Board of Directors, Waterloo N. Condo Corporation #145 advised Kathy Enstone would speak on his behalf. e) Kathy Enstone, President, Waterloo N. Condo Corporation # 198 appeared before committee and suggested Council has created an inequity in the treatment of property taxpayers between those in single detached dwellings and condominium units by denying certain services to one class of taxpayer while imposing the same tax rate on both classes. K. Enstone advised that waste disposal costs are approximately $12,000 per year or $41.80 per unit per year. f) Mr. Steve Vogel, 178 Bloomingdale Road, Kitchener appeared before committee requesting a fair and equitable solution to the multi-residential garbage and recycling collection policy and service level issue. g) Dr. Bruce Jackson, on behalf of 135 property owners at Columbia Place, Waterloo appeared before committee to advise that re-instatement of the rebate program is not a solution because the rebate does not cover the actual cost of garbage disposal. The property owners at Columbia Place would prefer the Region to assume responsibility for garbage P & W - 3 - 01/12/04 collection. h) Mrs. Ruth Heiman, Secretary, Waterloo North Condo Corporation No. 37 appeared before committee requesting the Region find a fair and equitable solution. R. Heiman suggested the decision to discontinue the rebate program was unfair to those who now have to pay twice for garbage collection - once through municipal taxes and again through condominium fees. i) Ms. Sam Smith, Sanderson Management appeared before committee to express concern over the discontinuation of the garbage rebate program. S. Smith asked that the Region consider collecting the garbage at the condominium complexes. j) Mr. James Cornell, 4-206 Candlewood Crescent, Waterloo appeared before committee requesting the Region assume responsibility for garbage collection and disposal. J. Cornell explained that because they are a small complex the cost of garbage disposal is more expensive than the larger complexes at $108 per unit per year. k) Mr. Petr Zima, 29-206 Candlewood Crescent, Waterloo advised that he had nothing further to add to the comments already made. l) Paul Bender, 58 Bridgeport Road, East, President, Blackwillow Condo Corporation appeared before committee to express his dis-satisfaction with having to pay for a service he does not receive.
6. REPORTS - (continued)
WASTE MANAGEMENT DIVISION b) E-01-100.1 Multi-Residential Garbage and Recycling Collection Policy and Service Level Issues
James Archibald, Director, Waste Management appeared before committee and responded to questions.
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by D. Bergman
That the issue of garbage collection service and rebates to multi-residential dwellings be deferred to a Planning and Work Committee meeting early in the new year.
CARRIED
The committee discussed further issues concerning the cost of bin collection and assuming individual contracts and the costs associated with collection of rental and condominium complexes.
MOVED by K. Seiling SECONDED by J. Haalboom
P & W - 4 - 01/12/04
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, in principle, not assume contracts for private container garbage collection.
CARRIED
REPORTS - PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES c) P-01-141 Regional Smart Growth Strategy - Work in Progress
Larry Kotseff, Commissioner, Planning, Housing and Community Services gave a brief presentation outlining the background of the Regional Smart Growth Strategy and provided a progress report.
L. Kotseff responded to questions concerning policies reflecting the commitment to core areas and concurrence with Provincial initiatives.
MOVED by J. Martens SECONDED by J. Wideman
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the approach and time line regarding the Regional Smart Growth Strategy as outlined in Report P-01-141, dated December 4, 2001.
CARRIED
*L. Woolstencroft left the meeting at 11:05 a.m. d) P-01-143 Grand River Transit Christmas Day Service
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by J. Martens
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve an adjusted level of transit service on Christmas Day 2001 as illustrated in Table 3 to Report P-01-143 dated December 4, 2001 and direct staff to create a Regional policy for future statutory holiday transit service.
CARRIED e) P-01-140 Urban Transportation Showcase Program
Graham Vincent, Director, Transportation Planning appeared before committee and responded to questions concerning the letter of intent and the Region's commitment if a detailed proposal is submitted in the spring of 2002.
Report received for information.
JOINT REPORT f) E-01-015.2/ P & W - 5 - 01/12/04
CR-RS-01-030 Township of Wellesley Water Distribution and Sewage Collection Systems
Michael Murray explained that the Township of Wellesley Council and Regional Council approved the transfer of the Township's water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems to the Region of Waterloo in June of this year. The majority of the issues concerning the transfer have been resolved with the remaining issue being the legal mechanism required to transfer the water distribution system. As soon as the legislative or other authority exists, staff will bring the appropriate by-law or resolution forward to Regional Council to implement the full transfer.
MOVED by D. Bergman SECONDED by J. Wideman
That the Planning and Works Committee recommends that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enact a by-law to assume full jurisdiction over, and ownership of, the Township of Wellesley sanitary sewage collection system, said by-law to take effect on January 1, 2002;
And further that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo agree to accept on January 1, 2002 full responsibility for the operation, maintenance and management of the Township of Wellesley water distribution system, with full jurisdiction over, and ownership of, the system to be transferred to the Region as soon as possible thereafter;
And further that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo request the Province of Ontario to enact any legislative or regulatory amendments required to authorize the assumption of the Township water distribution system by the Region;
And further that the Regional Chair and Clerk, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services and the Chief Financial Officer, as the case may be, are hereby authorized to execute any documentation satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor required, in the opinion of the Regional Solicitor, to implement this recommendation.
CARRIED
REPORTS - TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION g) E-01-008.1 2002 Transportation and Environmental Services Project Team Membership
The following Committee members volunteered to sit on the project and study teams listed below:
Kitchener West Side Transit Service Expansion - Tom Galloway (Regional) North Waterloo Transit Service Expansion - Bill Strauss (Regional) Reg. Rd.15 Improvements, Heidelberg - B. Strauss (Local) - D. Bergman (Regional) MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by D. Bergman
P & W - 6 - 01/12/04
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Regional Councillors to the various project and study teams as noted in Appendix A to Transportation and Environmental Services Department Report E-01-008.1 dated December 4, 2001,
And that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo forward the request for local Councillor representatives on project and study teams to the Area Municipalities.
CARRIED
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DIVISION h) E-01-007.2 Breslau Bypass - Architectural Features for the Hopewell Creek Bridge and Track Protection for the CNR Bridge, Regional Road 17 (Fountain Street), Township of Woolwich
David Bonsall, Senior Project Manager appeared before committee and responded to questions.
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by D. Bergman
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the recommended architectural enhancements for the Hopewell Creek bridge piers and a lengthened bridge over the Canadian National Railway as per Report E-01-007.2 dated December 4, 2001 for the proposed Regional Road 17 realignment (Breslau Bypass), east of the village of Breslau in the Township of Woolwich.
CARRIED i) E-01-115 Consultant Selection - Design and Services During Construction for Mannheim Water Treatment Plant Primary Disinfection Upgrade in the City of Kitchener
MOVED by B. Strauss SECONDED by T. Galloway
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into an Engineering Agreement with Stantec Consulting Limited of Kitchener, Ontario, to provide engineering services for final design, contract administration and construction inspection for the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant Primary Disinfection Upgrade at an upset limit of $440,350 plus applicable taxes.
CARRIED
j) Arthur Street Roadway Improvements, Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira - Information Package Prior to Public Information Centre, Thursday, December 6, 2001
Received for information P & W - 7 - 01/12/04
TRANSPORTATION DIVISION k) CR-RS-01-028 Authorization to Expropriate Lands for the Extension of Runway 07/25 at the Waterloo Regional Airport
MOVED by T. Galloway SECONDED by J. Wideman
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct the Regional Solicitor to take the following action with respect to the expropriation of lands for the extension of Runway 07/25 of the Waterloo Regional Airport, in the Township of Woolwich: a) Complete an application to the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for approval to expropriate land, which is required for the construction of the extension to the Runway at the Waterloo Regional Airport, and is described as follows:
Part Lot 102, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, situated at 160 Shantz Station Road, (partial taking); and
Part Lot 102, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, situated at 292 Shantz Station Road, (partial taking); and
Part Lot 88, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, (Airspace Easement) b) Give notices of the above application required by the Expropriations Act. c) Forward to the Chief Inquiry Officer any requests for hearing that may be received and then report to Regional Council for information. d) Do all things necessary and proper to be done, and report thereon to Regional Council in due course.
CARRIED
WASTE MANAGEMENT DIVISION l) E-01-120, Special Event Days 2002
In response to a question by T. Galloway regarding combining the composter and rainbarrel distributions, Michael Murray advised that the events were scheduled separately to avoid traffic congestion.
Report received for information. WATER SERVICES DIVISION m) Proper Decommissioning of Abandoned Wells
M. Murray advised that staff will provide a written report in January, 2002. P & W - 8 - 01/12/04
n) E-01-119 Kitchener-Waterloo Zone 5 & 6 Water Supply Project; Environmental Study Report Review Period
MOVED by D. Bergman SECONDED by J. Martens
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions with respect to the Kitchener-Waterloo Zone 5 and 6 Water Supply Project:
1) Receive the report entitled "Kitchener - Waterloo Zone 5 and 6 Water Supply Project- Environmental Study Report" dated November 2001,
2) Direct staff to issue the Notice of Completion of Environmental Study Report, and
3) Direct staff to file the Environmental Study Report for public review in accordance with Municipal Class Environmental Assessment requirements.
CARRIED
ADJOURN
MOVED by D. Bergman SECONDED by J. Wideman
THAT the meeting adjourn.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE CHAIR, F. Kent
REGIONAL CLERK, E. L. Orth
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO TREES BY-LAW EXCEPTION COMMITTEE MINUTES
The following are the minutes of the Regular Committee meeting held on December 4, 2001 at 12:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Regional Administration Building, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario.
Members present: Chair J. Wideman, F. Kent, J. Martens, W. Roth, J. Smola and B. Strauss
Regrets: K. Seiling
1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
None declared.
2. REPORTS - Planning, Housing and Community Services a) P-TB-01-003 Request for Exception to Regional Tree By-law: Cathay Weston and John Davidson, 3650 Weimar Line, Township of Wellesley
Chris Gosselin, Manager of Environmental appeared committee and responded to questions.
MOVED by J. Smola SECONDED by F. Kent
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo grant an exception to By-law 99-045 To Restrict and Regulate the Destruction of Trees in favour of Cathay Weston and John Davidson to permit the removal of approximately 55 trees within a plantation in order to construct a new access lane to Weimar Line, as generally illustrated on Figure 1 attached to Report P-TB-01-004, subject to the following conditions: a) that the precise boundary of the treed area to be removed be staked out in the field in consultation with Regional staff before any trees are removed; b) that an equal number of native trees be planted within the portion of the existing laneway which is to be closed, or in other areas adjacent to the woodland; and c) that a forest management plan be undertaken for the affected plantation within two years of the completion of the new lane.
And that the exception come into force and effect upon its approval by Regional Council.
CARRIED 3. INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE
a) Correspondence received from the Grand River Conservation Authority dated November 23, 2001 regarding 3650 Weimar Line, John Davidson and Cathay Weston, Report No. P-TB-01-003 dated December 4, 2001 was received for information
4. OTHER BUSINESS
Chair J. Wideman advised committee members that the Westmount Golf and Country Club has made application for an exception to By-law 99-045, being the Region's Tree By-law.
C. Gosselin advised committee that he had met with Golf Club staff and members twice in recent days and indicated there were outstanding issues.
Committee suggested that staff suggest to the Golf Club that they hold a Public Information Centre before the application is submitted to Committee, and that property owners affected by the application be invited to attend so that they could familiarize themselves with the details of the application, and express their questions and concerns. Staff offered to provide the statutory list of affected property owners to the Golf Club.
MOVED by J. Martens SECONDED by F. Kent
That Staff contact the Westmount Golf and Country Club to suggest that the Golf Club hold a Public Information Centre to allow interested members of the public to view and comment upon the proposed tree removal prior to submitting their application to the Tree By-law Exception Committee.
CARRIED
ADJOURN
MOVED by F. Kent SECONDED by B. Strauss
THAT the meeting adjourn.
CARRIED TREES − 3 − 12/04/01
COMMITTEE CHAIR, J. Wideman
REGIONAL CLERK, E. L. Orth
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
The following are the minutes of the Regular Committee meeting held on December 4, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Regional Administration Building, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario.
Members present: Chair S. Strickland, J. Brewer, D. Craig, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, K. Seiling, J. Smola, and C. Zehr
1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
None declared.
2. DELEGATIONS a) J. VanStralen on behalf of the Sex Trade Worker Committee appeared before Committee and reviewed the accomplishments to date, the barriers facing the implementation of the Between a Rock and a Hard Place report recommendations, the proposed solutions, as well as the anticipated outcomes. Funding requests for the anticipated solutions have been submitted to local, provincial and federal governments.
3. REPORTS - Social Services a) CH-01-069 Influenza Surveillance
Dr. Liana Nolan, Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health, reported that an influenza strain has been identified in Eastern Ontario but not in Waterloo Region. The public were slow to receive flu shots; however, the clinics are continuing and attendance has increased. The number of citizens immunized by local physicians will be detailed in a report in the new year.
Report received for information. b) SS-01-068 Interdepartmental Review of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Quality of Life Reporting System
MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by C. Zehr
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo continues to support the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Quality of Life Reporting System (QOLRS) through membership on the Technical Team;
That the Region direct staff to develop and share the information contained in the QOLRS with internal and external stakeholders;
And that staff continues to work with stakeholders in task-specific, time-limited working groups to build on the QOLRS to develop more comprehensive measures of the quality of life in Waterloo Region.
CARRIED c) SS-01-075 Provincial Homelessness Initiative Fund 2001-2002
D. Craig raised the issue of the lack of emergency shelters for the homeless in Cambridge and inquired if the upcoming regional budget would identify capital funding for emergency shelters. Regional Council has provided a grant in the amount of $150,000 this year and $150,000 next year in the capital budget for building a new shelter.
In discussing the Region's current role for the provision of emergency shelter, it was expressed that the Region's philosophical role for emergency shelter and housing may change and a new policy would need to be developed. Following discussion, Regional Staff was directed to prepare a report on the total financial support for the development of housing and shelter including financial implications to fund this project. The Region's past position on the funding of shelters is to be included in the report.
MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by J. Mitchell
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following allocations from within the 2001 Provincial Homelessness Initiative Fund (PHIF) as outlined in report SS-01-075 dated December 4, 2001:
Reaching Our Outdoor Friends (ROOF) $ 15,000 Argus Residence For Young People $ 50,666 Canadian Mental Health Association $ 22,700 Betty Thompson Youth Centre $ 8,905 Ray of Hope $ 44,426 K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project $ 15,000 Total $156,697
CARRIED d) SS-01-076 Reinvestment of Placement Funds
D. Dirks, Director, Emplyment and Income Support appeared before Committee and responded to questions.
MOVED by J. Mitchell CSC - 3 - 01/12/04
SECONDED by J. Brewer
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the reinvestment of Provincial funds provided for the achievement of Ontario Works Placement Targets as per Report No: SS-01- 076, dated December 4, 2001 and;
That staff complete an implementation plan for consideration in early 2002.
CARRIED e) SS-01-077 Revised Special Diet Schedule
Report received for information.
REPORTS - Community Health f) CH-01-070 Sex Trade Worker Committee Update
Report received for information.
REPORTS - Planning, Housing and Community Services g) P-01-125 Terms of Reference for Regional Forest Management Plan
This is a new responsibility for the Region and funds to undertake a forest management strategy will be included in subsequent budget years. Staff advise that the Forest Management Plan will be available by the end of 2002.
MOVED by J. Smola SECONDED by J. Mitchell
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the Terms of Reference for the Regional Forest Management Plan attached to Report P-01-125, dated December 4, 2001.
CARRIED h) P-01-149 Federal/Provincial/Territorial Housing Agreement and Rental Vacancy Rates
T. Welch, Acting Director, Housing Division, provided Committee with a report (attached as S-1 to S-10) and noted the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Housing had reached an agreement to stimulate the development of new affordable housing. Negotiations between the federal and provincial government will commence for a bilateral agreement to flow $244 million for Ontario in capital grants over 5 years.
Waterloo Region's current rental vacancy rate is the second lowest in Ontario at 0.9%. The Region is tied with Toronto for the second lowest vacancy rate in the province.
CSC - 4 - 01/12/04
Report received for information.
4. ADJOURN/CLOSED SESSION
MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by C. Zehr
THAT the meeting adjourn and the Committee recess into Closed Session pursuant to Part II, Section 14 (1) c) of Procedural By-law 00-031, as amended.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE CHAIR, S. Strickland
REGIONAL CLERK, E. L. Orth
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
PLANNING & WORKS COMMITTEE - PUBLIC MINUTES
The following are the minutes of the Public Meeting held on December 4, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Regional Council Chamber, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario.
Members present: Chair F. Kent, D. Bergman, J. Haalboom, J. Martens, J. Smola,*B. Strauss and J. Wideman
Chair Fred Kent called the meeting to order and advised the purpose of the meeting was to receive public input on Design Concepts 3C and Concept 5 proposed for the Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements King Street to Lawrence Avenue.
1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
None declared.
2. REPORTS - TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES a) E-01-117, Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements Study - King Street to Lawrence Avenue, Kitchener
Steve van De Keere, Senior Project Manager, Design and Construction Division appeared before committee and gave a presentation outlining the reasons for the road improvements, the public consultation process, the evaluation of the design concepts and the next steps to be taken.
S. van De Keere outlined the preferred design concepts as follows:
Concept 3C - 4 lanes from King to Lawrence - wider curb lanes from King to Park
Concept 5 - King to Henry: same as 3C - Henry to Lawrence: 2 lanes with dedicated cycling lanes
S. van De Keere reviewed the main issues raised by the public, explained the advantages and disadvantages of both concepts and responded to questions.
3. DELEGATIONS a) Dr. Malcolm B. Shantz, 22 Water Street, South, Kitchener appeared before committee in favour of the four-lane widening from King to Henry Streets but opposed to the proposal for two-lanes from Henry to Lawrence. M. Shantz explained that the four-lane road widening will improve traffic flow for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and will reduce pollution and improve access to the downtown area. P & W - Public - 2 - 01/12/04 b) Mrs. Leonor Weaver, 216 Victoria Street, South, Kitchener appeared before committee to oppose the widening of Victoria Street and to request the same consideration given to residents during improvements on Westmount Road. L. Weaver believes there would be increased traffic, noise and pollution and a loss of property, trees and greenspace if the road is widened. c) Mr. David Steffler, 32 Heins Avenue, Kitchener appeared before committee to oppose the road widening and requested a review of alternative travel options. D. Steffler suggested that conventional approaches to traffic congestion may solve the problem in the interim but will eventually lead to future congestion. d) Mr. Glenn Scheels, MCIP, RPP, Chairman, Kitchener Economic Development Advisory Committee appeared before committee in support of a four lane widening which will attract traffic from other arterial roads such as Glasgow and Queen Streets and improve the traffic flow for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and transit. e) Mrs. Doreen Maskell-Moser, 499 Victoria Street, South, Kitchener appeared before committee opposed to both design concepts. D. Maskell-Moser expressed concerns regarding the loss of property and trees, the reduction in storage space for snow and the increased noise. D. Maskell-Moser suggested the Region should buy the properties affected.
D. Maskell-Moser read a letter submitted by Loretta Sheriff, 250 Victoria Street, South outlining concerns with increased noise pollution, increased traffic and loss of driveway space. The author of the letter requested the re-surfacing the road but was opposed to any widening. f) Ms. Audrey Winkler, 135 Chelford Crescent, Kitchener appeared before committee opposed to both designed concepts presented. A. Winkler conveyed concerns with increased traffic volume and speed, dirt, gas fumes and noise. A. Winkler was concerned with reduced storage space for snow and the reduction in property values caused by the road improvements. g) Mr. Gavin Fitzpatrick, 392 Victoria Street South, Kitchener appeared before the committee advising that if the road is widened as proposed his vehicle when parked in his driveway will encroach into traffic. G. Fitzpatrick requested a decision be made as soon as possible to get the project underway. h) Ms. Lin Haag, 466 Victoria Street, South, Kitchener appeared before committee to express concerns regarding increased automobile traffic, speed and noise pollution. i) Mr. Bill Green, Green Scheels Pidgeon Planning Consultants appeared before committee as a tenant of office space on Victoria Road, as a consultant of clients who are investing in property downtown and as a planner interested in the development of downtown area. B. Green indicated his support for design concept 3C. j) Ms. Mary-Ann Wasilka, 90 Chestnut Street, Kitchener appeared before committee expressing concerns with the affects of urban sprawl and excessive automobile use on the viability of inter-city neighbourhoods. Inter-cities should be models of integrated uses; businesses, residences and communities living and working together. P & W - Public - 3 - 01/12/04
11) Jason Lightowlers, 386 Victoria Road, South, Kitchener appeared before committee opposed to the widening of Victoria Road and suggested opening Trussler Road. l) Peter and Bonnie Hartmann, 408 Victoria Road, South, Kitchener appeared before committee expressing concerns with the increased traffic volume and speed and suggested vehicles are using Victoria Road to get through the downtown area.
12) Tracy Wood, 324 Victoria Street, South, Kitchener appeared before committee concerned with the safety of school children crossing the street.
13) Gary Walsh, 86 Victoria Road, Kitchener appeared before committee opposed to the road widening and the inclusion of on-street bicycle lanes. G. Walsh suggested further study be undertaken to reduce traffic through this area rather than widening the road to attract more traffic.
B. Strauss joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
14) Sally Gunz, 47 Peter Street, Kitchener, on behalf of the Cedar Hills neighbourhood appeared before committee expressing concern with the proposed widening of Victoria Street and the detrimental effects it will have on the neighbourhood. S. Gunz suggested staff look at other alternatives and more neighbourhood sensitive designs.
15) David Weaver, 216 Victoria Street South appeared before committee suggesting consideration for a solution similar to the Breslau by-pass. D. Weaver is concerned with the impact on the neighbourhood, the increased noise and the loss of property.
16) Kender Seebach, 473 Victoria Street, South, Kitchener expressed concerns regarding increased traffic and the inevitable decay of the neighbourhood.
Chair Kent thanked the delegations for attending and advised that the matter will be brought forward to a Planning and Works Committee meeting in February of 2002. The delegations and persons who left their names on the sign in sheets will be notified.
ADJOURN
MOVED by J. Wideman SECONDED by J. Smola
THAT the meeting adjourn.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE CHAIR, F. Kent
REGIONAL CLERK, E. L. Orth
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES
The following are the minutes of the Regular Committee meeting held on December 5, 2001 at 9:00 a.m. in the Regional Council Chamber, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario.
Members present: Chair T. Galloway, J. Brewer, J. Haalboom, F. Kent, J. Mitchell, K. Seiling and J. Wideman
Regrets: D. Craig, S. Strickland and L. Woolstencroft
1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
None declared.
2. DELEGATIONS a) Ruth Forbes, Respite Program Manager, Central West Kids Country Club appeared before committee representing Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club. R. Forbes advised of their application for a building permit to construct a four-room, respite-care facility on Guelph Avenue in the City of Cambridge. The facility will provide temporary, out-of-home 24 hour respite care for high-needs, medically-fragile and/or technologically-dependent children residing in Wellington, Waterloo, Dufferin, Halton and Peel. The children do not reside at the facility. Respite care is provided on a daily basis or on the weekends to provide relief to families.
R. Forbes requested the committee consider a grant in the amount of $6,160.00.
With respect to the location of the home, K. Seiling asked if the City of Cambridge had been approached to provide funds. R. Forbes responded that she would be meeting with the City of Cambridge next week.
In response to a question by committee as to whether R. Forbes had requested assistance from other municipalities or the province, R. Forbes advised that she had not contacted them and would ask her Board to consider this option.
Staff expressed concern that approving the request would set a precedent and open the door for similar requests.
Committee members discussed the use of the contingency fund, the policies on providing grants to non-profit organizations, funding from housing, hospital reserve fund, relationship A & F - 2 - 01/12/05
of service to community health, maintaining the integrity of the Regional Development Charge system and fairness to other groups.
Committee requested R. Forbes provide the project financial statements to Regional staff for review.
3. REPORTS
a) F-01-100 Grant Application to Fund Regional Development Charges - Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club
MOVED by J. Brewer SECONDED by J. Mitchell
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the request of Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club for a grant in the amount of $6,160.00 to be funded $3,712 from Water, $372 from Wastewater and $2,076 from the 2001 Contingency fund, subject to review of the project financial statements by Regional Staff.
CARRIED
b) CR-FM-01-019 Public Information Centre - Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training & Research Complex
Ellen Tracy, Project Engineer, Facilities Engineering appeared before committee and responded to questions.
Councillor J. Wideman raised concerns with regard to development of the site - specifically the egress and signalization. J. Wideman suggested that the item be included on the next agenda of the Steering Committee.
Report received for information.
3) E-01-015.2/CR-RS-01-030 Township of Wellesley Water Distribution and Sewage Collection System
Don Fisher, Legal Services appeared before committee and responded to questions.
Councillor J. Brewer raised concern with respect to the issue of the Region’s liability in taking primary responsibility for the water distribution system. D. Fisher explained the Township of Wellesley, as owner of the system, will retain ultimate jurisdiction over the system until legislative authority is in place for the Region to assume full responsibility. As soon as the legislation is in place, the Region will implemented the appropriate by-law and resolution to implement the full transfer.
A & F - 3 - 01/12/05
MOVED by F. Kent SECONDED by J.Wideman
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enact a by-law to assume full jurisdiction over, and ownership of, the Township of Wellesley sanitary sewage collection system, said by-law to take effect on January 1, 2002;
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo agree to accept on January 1, 2002 full responsibility for the operation, maintenance and management of the Township of Wellesley water distribution system, with full jurisdiction over, and ownership of, the system to be transferred to the Region as soon as possible thereafter;
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo request the Province of Ontario to enact any legislative or regulatory amendments required to authorize the assumption of the Township water distribution system by the Region;
And that the Regional Chair and Clerk, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services and the Chief Financial Officer, as the case may be, are hereby authorized to execute any documentation satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor required, in the opinion of the Regional Solicitor, to implement this recommendation.
CARRIED
ADJOURN
MOVED by F. Kent SECONDED by J. Haalboom
THAT the meeting adjourn.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE CHAIR, T. Galloway
REGIONAL CLERK, E. L. Orth
Regional Municipality of Waterloo
FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT
To: Regional Chair Ken Seiling and Members Report No: F-01-101 of Regional Council File Code: Date: December 12, 2001 Subject: T2001-136 PERIMETER GAS CONTROL SYSTEM UPGRADE, FORMER KITCHENER LANDFILL SITE
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the tender of CRA Contractors Limited for the Perimeter Gas Control System Upgrade, Former Kitchener Landfill Site at a total price of $680,607.00 including all applicable taxes.
SUMMARY: Nil
REPORT:
Tenders were called for the Perimeter Gas Control System Upgrade, Former Kitchener Landfill Site and were opened in the presence of P. Bauer, H. Fourie and L. Buitenhuis.
The following tenders were received:
CRA Contractors Limited Waterloo, ON $680,607.00 North American Construction Limited Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON $695,910.72 H20 Ontario Water Treatment & Distribution Shakespeare, ON $1,037,411.48
The core work program for this contract includes:
• modification of 14 existing gas extraction wells to accommodate leachate extraction pumps; • trenching and installation of compressed air and forcemain piping; • installation and connection of 2 new gas extraction wells to the existing collection system; and, • restoration of disturbed areas with grass/vegetative cover.
Although it is anticipated that the core work program will meet our objectives, a number of contingency items were also incorporated into the contract. While the inclusion of the contingency items increases the overall tender amount, better pricing of the contingency items is typically observed at tender time as opposed to negotiating these items separately at a later date. The contract must be awarded on the basis of the total work (core plus contingency). However, the undertaking of the contingency work is - 2 - F-01-101
entirely at the discretion of the Region. The requirement for the contingency items would be necessitated should the modifications to the existing gas extraction wells prove unsatisfactory. The contingency work program includes the installation of up to 13 additional dual gas/leachate extraction wells and associated connections to the existing perimeter gas control system. The proposed works are an upgrade of the existing perimeter gas collection system at the Former Kitchener Landfill Site and are primarily intended to provide additional dewatering to optimize gas collection along the eastern portion of the site, adjacent to Barwood Avenue.
Construction is scheduled to commence in early January, 2002 with completion by the end of May, 2002.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
To ensure that we spend wisely the dollars that we are entrusted with and maximize their use for those we serve.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Based on the low tender, the estimated cost to the Region is as follows:
T2001-136 $680,607.00 Less Municipal Rebate of 4% GST (23,673.29) Total $656,933.71
Staff's estimate of the breakdown of this amount between the core work and the contingency amount is:
Core work required $511,598.00 Contingency allowance 145,336.00 Total $656,934.00
The 2001 Waste Management capital budget and 2002 capital forecast includes a total of $400,000 for this work. The difference between the estimated cost for the core work and these budgets is $111,598. The additional cost is in part associated with the work being undertaken during the winter months and the difficulty in estimating remedial work at old landfills. The work is to be completed in a very confined area and ease of excavation is uncertain given that it is an old landfill. However, the timing is considered reasonable as the disruption to residents, specifically those along Barwood Avenue abutting the former landfill, will be greatly reduced. The additional costs can be accommodated through the Waste Management Capital Reserve fund without any immediate impact on the tipping fees.
The total contingency sum of $145,336 is included in the total tender amount but, as mentioned previously, it is not anticipated that the contingency work will be required unless difficulties are experienced with the - 3 - F-01-101 modification of the existing gas extraction wells. Should field conditions indicate that the program is deemed necessary, this work will be carried out in the summer of 2002 and funded through the Waste Management Capital Reserve Fund.
The final date of acceptance for this tender is January 24, 2002.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: Nil
PREPARED BY: C. Whitlock, Chief Purchasing Officer
APPROVED BY: L. Ryan, Chief Financial Officer Regional Municipality of Waterloo
FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT
To: Regional Chair Ken Seiling and Members Report No: F-01-102 of Regional Council File Code: Date: December 12, 2001 Subject: T2001-128 TRANSIT COACHES
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo grant pre-budget approval for the purchase of ten (10) transit coaches prior to the approval of the 2002 budget;
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the tender of Orion Bus Industries for the supply of ten (10) transit coaches at a price of $4,577,000 including all applicable taxes;
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo authorize the issuance of debentures in an amount not to exceed $3,650,000 for a term not to exceed 10 years for this purchase.
SUMMARY:
Regional staff is recommending the purchase of ten diesel buses for delivery in early 2003. Pre-budget approval is required to award this tender as soon as possible. From the time of placing an order to purchase transit coaches to delivery of same will take between 12 to 18 months. Replacements and additions to the fleet scheduled in 2002 will not be delivered until early 2003.
The first three of these buses are replacements for those vehicles which, because of their age (21 to 25 years) and mechanical condition, are no longer capable of continuing to provide consistent and reliable service. In addition, seven more buses are required to support transit service improvements planned for September 2002 as outlined in the 2002 - 2004 three year budget plan.
The five-year Grand River Transit business plan includes approximately 7,200 new service hours planned for implementation in September 2002. To provide this planned increase in service hours, seven new transit coaches will be required. The 2002 - 2004 proposed budget plan includes sufficient funding in 2002 and 2003 to finance the purchase of these additional buses and the annualization of the new service hours proposed for September 2002 implementation. Should Council not approve these service enhancements in 2002, these additional expansion buses can be deployed within the existing fleet to replace aging buses scheduled to be replaced in 2003.
REPORT:
Tenders were called for the supply of transit coaches and were opened in the presence of L. Buitenhuis, C. Grummett, and Y. Cyr. - 2 - F-01-102
The following tenders were received:
Bidder Location Unit Cost Total Cost New Flyer Industries Ltd. Winnipeg, Manitoba 455,714 4,557,140
Orion Bus Industries Mississauga, Ontario 457,700 4,577,000 Nova Bus Corporation Ste. Eustache, Quebec 479,437 4,794,373
Although Orion Bus Industries bid is the second low bid, with a price difference for each bus of $1,986.00, Orion provided in their bid a structural warranty period of ten years versus three years from New Flyer, and stainless steel tubing in the construction of the exterior body frame. New Flyer does not provide stainless steel construction. GRT staff recommend the stainless steel frame construction on the basis of a materially reduced risk of future bus frame refurbishing. It is estimated that bus frame refurbishing costs could be approximately $45,000 per unit. Based on the extended warranty and the stainless steel frame construction, the Orion buses (at a premium of $1,986 per bus) represent the best long term value for the Region.
Orion's current tender also includes an option to purchase additional vehicles at the same unit price. Pending the results of Council's 2002 budget deliberations, staff plan to present a subsequent report early in 2002 recommending purchase of replacement and expansion buses for 2003. This would allow sufficient lead time to ensure delivery of the 2003 buses to meet the proposed 2003 service expansions.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
The purchase of these transit vehicles supports the Strategic Plan objectives of developing Region-wide transit services and of managing Regional resources wisely.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Based on the second low bid, the estimated costs to the Region for ten (10) diesel transit coaches, is as follows:
T2001-128 $3,980,000.00 G.S.T. 278,600.00 P.S.T. 318,400.00 Sub-Total $4, 577,000.00 Less Municipal Rebate of 4% GST (159,200.00) Total $4,417,800.00
The draft 2002 Transit Capital Budget and 10 Year Forecast includes $4,549,000 for the replacement of three transit coaches and the addition of seven new transit coaches in 2002. The budget provision includes - 3 - F-01-102 approximately $110,000 to provide electronic fare boxes and radios on the expansion vehicles. These buses are currently budgeted to be funded from Equipment Reserve, provincial subsidy, development charges, where applicable, and debentures.
The addition of seven new transit coaches in 2002 supports the recommended service improvements scheduled for implementation in September 2002 as noted in the GRT 5-year Business Plan and included in the 2002 - 2004 draft 3-year budget plan. Should Council not approve these service enhancements in 2002, these additional expansion buses can be deployed within the existing fleet to replace aging buses scheduled to be replaced in 2003 (eight buses are currently scheduled to be replaced in 2003).
The final date of acceptance for this tender is January 31, 2002.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
This report was prepared in consultation with staff from Transportation and Environmental Services, Grand River Transit.
PREPARED BY: C. Whitlock, Chief Purchasing Officer
APPROVED BY: L. Ryan, Chief Financial Officer PW-01-019/S
THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
PLANNING & WORKS COMMITTEE
Summary of Recommendations to Council
The Planning and Works Committee recommends as follows:
1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the use of clean diesel technology for Grand River Transit vehicle acquisitions for the next three years;
And that staff be directed to develop a plan to install appropriate emission control devices on existing diesel buses;
And that staff continue to monitor and investigate advancements in fuel technology for consideration of future purchases.
2. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, in principle, not assume contracts for private container garbage collection.
3. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the approach and timeline regarding the Regional Smart Growth Strategy as outlined in Report P-01-141, dated December 4, 2001.
4. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve an adjusted level of transit service on Christmas Day 2001 as illustrated in Table 3 and direct staff to create a Regional policy for future statutory holiday transit service.
5. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Regional Councillors to the various project and study teams as noted in Appendix A to Transportation and Environmental Services Department Report E-01-008.1 dated December 4, 2001,
And that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo forward the request for local Councillor representatives on project and study teams to the Area Municipalities.
6. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the recommended architectural enhancements for the Hopewell Creek bridge piers and a lengthened bridge over the Canadian National Railway as per Report E-01-007.2 dated December 4, 2001 for the proposed Regional Road 17 realignment (Breslau Bypass), east of the village of Breslau PW-01-019/S
in the Township of Woolwich. /..2
-2-
7. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into an Engineering Agreement with Stantec Consulting Limited of Kitchener, Ontario, to provide engineering services for final design, contract administration and construction inspection for the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant Primary Disinfection Upgrade at an upset limit of $440,350 plus applicable taxes.
8. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct the Regional Solicitor to take the following action with respect to the expropriation of lands for the extension of Runway 07/25 of the Waterloo Regional Airport, in the Township of Woolwich:
a) Complete an application to the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for approval to expropriate land, which is required for the construction of the extension to the Runway at the Waterloo Regional Airport, and is described as follows:
Part Lot 102, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, situated at 160 Shantz Station Road, (partial taking); and
Part Lot 102, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, situated at 292 Shantz Station Road, (partial taking); and
Part Lot 88, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, (Airspace Easement)
b) Give notices of the above application required by the Expropriations Act.
c) Forward to the Chief Inquiry Officer any requests for hearing that may be received and then report to Regional Council for information.
d) Do all things necessary and proper to be done, and report thereon to Regional Council in due course.
9. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions with respect to the Kitchener-Waterloo Zone 5 and 6 Water Supply Project:
a) Receive the report entitled "Kitchener - Waterloo Zone 5 and 6 Water Supply Project- Environmental Study Report" dated November 2001, PW-01-019/S
b) Direct staff to issue the Notice of Completion of Environmental Study Report, and
/..3 -3- c) Direct staff to file the Environmental Study Report for public review in accordance with Municipal Class Environmental Assessment requirements.
December 4, 2001 TB-01-002/S
THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
TREES EXCEPTION COMMITTEE
Summary of Recommendations to Council
The Trees Exception Committee recommends as follows:
1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo grant an exception to By-law 99-045 To Restrict and Regulate the Destruction of Trees in favour of Cathay Weston and John Davidson to permit the removal of approximately 55 trees within a plantation in order to construct a new access lane to Weimar Line, as generally illustrated on Figure 1 attached to Report P-TB-01-004, subject to the following conditions:
a. that the precise boundary of the treed area to be removed be staked out in the field in consultation with Regional staff before any trees are removed;
b that an equal number of native trees be planted within the portion of the existing laneway which is to be closed, or in other areas adjacent to the woodland; and
c. that a forest management plan be undertaken for the affected plantation within two years of the completion of the new lane.
And that the exception come into force and effect upon its approval by Regional Council.
December 4, 2001 CS-01-018/S
THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
Summary of Recommendations to Council
The Community Services Committee recommends as follows:
1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo continues to support the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Quality of Life Reporting System (QOLRS) through membership on the Technical Team;
That the Region direct staff to develop and share the information contained in the QOLRS with internal and external stakeholders;
And that staff continues to work with stakeholders in task-specific, time-limited working groups to build on the QOLRS to develop more comprehensive measures of the quality of life in Waterloo Region.
2. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following allocations from within the 2001 Provincial Homelessness Initiative Fund (PHIF) as outlined in report SS-01-075 dated December 4, 2001:
Reaching Our Outdoor Friends (ROOF) $ 15,000 Argus Residence For Young People $ 50,666 Canadian Mental Health Association $ 22,700 Betty Thompson Youth Centre $ 8,905 Ray of Hope $ 44,426 K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project $ 15,000 Total $156,697
3. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the reinvestment of Provincial funds provided for the achievement of Ontario Works Placement Targets as per Report No: SS-01-076, dated December 4, 2001 and;
That staff complete an implementation plan for consideration in early 2002.
4. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the Terms of Reference for the Regional Forest Management Plan attached to Report P-01-125, dated December CS-01-018/S - 2 -
4, 2001.
December 4, 2001 AF-01-012/S
THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Summary of Recommendations to Council
The Administration and Finance Committee recommends as follows:
1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the request of Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club for a grant in the amount of $6,160.00 to be funded $3,712 from Water, $372 from Wastewater and $2,076 from the 2001 Contingency fund, subject to review of the project financial statements by Regional Staff.
2. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enact a by-law to assume full jurisdiction over, and ownership of, the Township of Wellesley sanitary sewage collection system, said by-law to take effect on January 1, 2002;
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo agree to accept on January 1, 2002 full responsibility for the operation, maintenance and management of the Township of Wellesley water distribution system, with full jurisdiction over, and ownership of, the system to be transferred to the Region as soon as possible thereafter;
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo request the Province of Ontario to enact any legislative or regulatory amendments required to authorize the assumption of the Township water distribution system by the Region;
And that the Regional Chair and Clerk, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services and the Chief Financial Officer, as the case may be, are hereby authorized to execute any documentation satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor required, in the opinion of the Regional Solicitor, to implement this recommendation.
December 5, 2001 AF-01-012/S LIC-01-004/S
THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
LICENSING AND RETAIL COMMITTEE
Summary of Recommendations to Council
The Licensing and Retail Committee recommends as follows:
1. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the Rules of Procedure of the Licensing and Retail Committee for hearings as outlined in Appendix "A" of report CR-CLK-LIC-01–006 dated October 16, 2001.
2. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve amendments to By-law No. 01-008, being the Region's Taxi By-law, as outlined in Appendix "A" of report CR-CLK-LIC-01-007 dated October 16, 2001.
3. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve amendments to By-law No. 01-008, being the Region's Taxi By-law, as outlined in Appendix "A" of report CR-CLK-LIC-01-008 dated October 16, 2001, as it applies to the allocation of new Taxi-cab Owner Licences.
4. THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve amendments to By-law No. 01-010, being the Region's Special Transportation By-law, as outlined in Appendix "A" of report CR-CLK-LIC-01-009 dated October 16, 2001.
October 16, 2001 November 28, 2001
Ken Seiling, Regional Chair and Members of Regional Council
Re: Marijuana "Home-Grow" Operations
In a resolution moved by Chicopee-Grand River Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Monday night, City of Kitchener Council is petitioning the Provincial and Federal governments regarding "homegrown" marijuana operations. .
Moved by J. Smola Seconded by C. Zehr
THAT the attached recommendation from the City of Kitchener be forwarded for comment to the Waterloo Regional Police Board at its next meeting to be held on December 10th, 2001; and
THAT the issue of Marijuana "Home-grow" Operations be dealt with by Regional Council at its December 12th meeting.
Respectfully submitted
Councillor Jake Smola MARIJUANA "HOME-GROW" OPERATIONS
Whereas marijuana "home-grow" operations are becoming a significant source of concern across this country, and particularly in communities of all sizes in Ontario and British Columbia;
And whereas in Ontario, police services in Waterloo Region, Stratford, Guelph, Brantford, Hamilton, Durham Region, York, Peel Region, Ottawa, London, Windsor, Chatham-Kent, and other locations are finding it almost impossible to devote the staffing required to keep up with the exponential growth in this criminal activity;
And whereas, the existence of these "home-grow" operations is damaging to the safety and security of our communities threatening the lives of children living in some of these situations, the safety of neighbouring homes due to the electrical hazards associated with many of them resulting from the illegal wiring of electrical systems; and,is exposing our police, fire and various social services personnel to a significant level of safety risk due to the nature of these operations and the suspected 'organized-crime' element behind them;
And whereas within Waterloo Region itself, some of the following facts are known about this industry: • Since these grow operations were first discovered in June 2000, over 60 have been shutdown in all parts of Waterloo Region; • It is estimated that from any urban part of the Region, you are not more than a 10 minute walk from a "home-grow" operation, meaning there are likely 200 or more of these in our community according to some published media reports; • One of these grows, on average, can net 3 crops per year of 500 plants each, netting the operator $1 million of tax-free cash that can then be used within the criminal system; -2-
On average, it takes police a minimum of 120 hours of staff time, to shut one of these operations down, meaning that it could take over 12 officers working fulltime for over a year to shut down all of the known operations in Waterloo Region at a cost of approximately $1 million, and that is without any officer time spent on proceeds of crime investigations or investigating possible links to organized crime with these operations. THIS IS IN WATERLOO REGION ALONE;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT.... The Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener petitions the provincial and federal governments to undertake the following actions as quickly as possible, namely:
· To pursue making the necessary legislative changes in order to prescribe a minimum 5 year mandatory jail sentence for anyone tried and convicted of engaging in one of these grow operations;
· The streamlining of both the federal and provincial processes associated with proceeds of crime legislation so that the proceeds from these operations can quickly be put to use in the fight against drugs and; and that this streamlining include provisions to ensure that a greater percentage of the dollars obtained at the municipal level stay with local police services in order to augment their resources in this area;
· That provincial governments investigate the possibility of giving additional powers to fire prevention officials in conducting inspections on residential properties where the potential safety hazards endanger adjoining properties and/or their occupants;
· That in light of the fact the U.N. states that Canada is a source country for marijuana, that Health Canada states that drug use amongst young people is on the rise, and that the type of marijuana grown in these "home grows" is more potent and is often used as an entry-level drug by young people, we strongly urge the federal government to not pursue the decriminalization of marijuana;
· And that we urge the Prime Minister and the provincial first ministers to make the issue of the links between drugs and organized crime, drugs and other criminal issues in our communities like prostitution, break and enters and physical violence and the growth in drug use by our youth a topic of discussion at their next First Ministers meeting; with the intent of providing adequate resources to fight this burgeoning criminal activity and source of concern for our country's future;
And further, be it resolved that this resolution be circulated as an Emergency Resolution to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) December Board meeting, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Federal Solicitor General and Provincial Attorney-Generals, Local MP's and MPP's and to the Waterloo Regional Council and other municipalities within Waterloo Region for consideration as soon as possible.
Moved by: Councillor Berry Vrbanovic Seconded by: Councillor Geoff Lorentz
Regional Municipality of Waterloo MEDIA RELEASE: Friday, December 7, 2001, 4:30p.m.
BUDGET COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AGENDA Wednesday December 12, 2001 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. (Lunch Provided) Council Chambers, 2nd Floor 150 Frederick Street
PLEASE BRING PROGRAM BUDGET BOOKS & OCTOBER 24TH BUDGET PACKAGE TO THE MEETING Page #
1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
2. OPENING REMARKS
3. PRESENTATIONS
- Police Services (12:30 p.m.) - G.R.C.A. (1:30 p.m.)
4. USER RATES
- Information Papers 1 - Approval of User Rates
5. INFORMATION UPDATES
- Budget Committee Request for Additional Information 10 - Strategic Priority Listing 14
6. BUDGET DISCUSSION
- General Discussion on Draft Final Position - Resolutions 18
7. NEXT MEETING - Public Input - January 14, 2002
8. ADJOURN
Regional Municipality of Waterloo MEDIA RELEASE: Friday, November 30, 2001, 4:30 P.M. PLANNING AND WORKS COMMITTEE AGENDA Tuesday, December 4, 2001 8:30 A.M. - Closed Session 9:00 A.M. - Regular Meeting 7:00 P.M. - Public Input Meeting Council Chamber 2nd Floor, Regional Administration Building 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario
1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
2. CLOSED SESSION (motion required)
Part II, Section 14 (1) c) of Procedural By-law 00-03, as amended a) E-01-095 b) CR-RS-01-029
3. DELEGATIONS a) Ms. Pat O'Driscoll re: E-01-100.1, Multi-Residential Garbage and Recycling Collection Policy and Service Level Issues (See Item 4k below) b) Mr. Don Young re: E-01-100.1, Multi-Residential Garbage and Recycling Collection Policy and Service Level Issues (See Item 4k below) c) Mr. David Garlick, Board of Directors, Waterloo N. Condo Corporation #145 re: E-01-100.1, Multi-Residential Garbage and Recycling Collection Policy and Service Level Issues (See Item 4k below) d) Mr. Steve Vogel re: E-01-100.1, Multi-Residential Garbage and Recycling Collection Policy and Service Level Issues (See Item 4k below) e) Kathy Enstone, President, Waterloo N. Condo Corporation # 198 re: E-01-100.1, Multi- Residential Garbage and Recycling Collection Policy and Service Level Issues (See Item 4k below)
4. REPORTS - PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES a) P-01-141, Regional Smart Growth Strategy - Work in Progress (Report and Staff Presentation) Figure 1, Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C b) P-01-143, Grand River Transit Christmas Day Service c) P-01-140, Urban Transportation Showcase Program - 2 -
JOINT REPORT
d) E-01-015.2/CR-RS-01-030, Township of Wellesley Water Distribution and Sewage Collection Systems
REPORTS - TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION
e) E-01-008.1, 2002 Transportation and Environmental Services Project Team Membership
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DIVISION
f) E-01-007.2, Breslau Bypass - Architectural Features for the Hopewell Creek Bridge and Track Protection for the CNR Bridge, Regional Road 17 (Fountain Street), Township of Woolwich
g) E-01-115, Consultant Selection - Design and Services During Construction for Mannheim Water Treatment Plant Primary Disinfection Upgrade in the City of Kitchener Appendix A
h) Arthur Street Roadway Improvements, Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira - Information Package Prior to Public Information Centre, Thursday, December 6, 2001 Appendix C
TRANSIT SERVICES DIVISION
i) E-01-121, Grand River Transit Alternative Fuel Investigation
TRANSPORTATION DIVISION
j) CR-RS-01-028, Authorization to Expropriate Lands for the Extension of Runway 07/25 at the Waterloo Regional Airport
WASTE MANAGEMENT DIVISION k) E-01-100.1, Multi-Residential Garbage and Recycling Collection Policy and Service Level Issues l) E-01-120, Special Event Days 2002
WATER SERVICES DIVISION m) Proper Decommissioning of Abandoned Wells (verbal report) (deferred from Planning and Works Committee Meeting - November 20/01) n) E-01-119, Kitchener-Waterloo Zone 5 & 6 Water Supply Project; Environmental Study Report Review Period Map 1, Map 2
5. INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE - 3 -
6. OTHER BUSINESS
7. NEXT MEETING
8. ADJOURN
Regrets Only to Kerri O'Kane Telephone: 575-4450 Email: [email protected] - 4 -
NEXT MEETINGS
Date Time Description Location
Planning and Works Committee
Tues., Jan. 8, 2002 9:00 A.M. Planning and Works Council Chamber Committee 2nd Floor, Regional Administration Building 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario
Tues., Jan. 22, 2002 9:00 A.M. Planning and Works Council Chamber Committee 2nd Floor, Regional Administration Building 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario
Transportation and Environmental Services
Thurs., Dec. 6, 2001 2:30 P.M. Water Efficiency Room 217 Advisory Committee 2nd Floor, Regional Administration Building 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario
Thurs., Dec. 6, 2001 5:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. Public Information Township of Centre Woolwich Re: Arthur Street Council Chambers Roadway 69 Arthur Street South Improvements, Elmira, Ontario Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira
Thurs., Jan. 24, 2002 5:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. Public Information Country Hills Centre Evangelical Re: Ottawa Street Missionary Church Roadway 1280 Ottawa Street Improvements, South Williamsburg Road to Kitchener, Ontario International Place, Kitchener
Regional Municipality of Waterloo
PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: P-01-141 Planning and Works Committee File Code: Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: REGIONAL SMART GROWTH STRATEGY - WORK IN PROGRESS
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the approach and timeline regarding the Regional Smart Growth Strategy as outlined in Report P-01-141, dated December 4, 2001.
SUMMARY:
The Regional Chairman's Report entitled Smart Growth and the Region of Waterloo: Planning for our Future, previously approved by Regional Council, clearly outlined the growth management challenges facing the Region (Appendix A). In particular, the report emphasized that particular attention be focused on the development of the east side of the Region (bounded by Highway 7, the Grand River and Maple Grove Road), brownfield redevelopment, environmental protection and enhancement, the protection of rural and agricultural lands in areas not identified for growth, maximizing infrastructure investment, and protecting our cultural features and assets.
In response to this report, Council requested that staff report back to the Planning and Works Committee with an action plan for the development of a "Smart Growth" Strategy for the Region. The plan was to accommodate urban and rural choices in the Region of Waterloo for a period of 30 years. Council gave specific direction to build on initiatives and activities already underway. This would include: intensification (focusing development inside urban edges), development of an urban transit corridor, targeted growth outside urban edges and protection of agricultural lands to the North and West.
Work on the Smart Growth Strategy was initiated in May 2001, following the Chairman’s report. This report identifies opportunities, challenges and key elements. It is suggested that the Strategy be based on a time horizon from the present to the year 2040 and that it be prepared in two phases (see Figure 1). Phase 1 (to be completed by March 2002) will provide a "big picture" assessment of growth-related issues. It will feature a graphically-oriented explanation of alternative growth management options to help stimulate community interest. The product will be an "Options" document for Council’s consideration that will provide a discussion of the critical issues that need to be resolved in order to move beyond our current approaches to urban growth management.
Phase 2 (to be undertaken from March - December 2002) will analyze and detail the growth management option(s) identified by Council as "preferred". As part of Phase 2, strategic policy and program actions or amendments will be identified that will be necessary to realize the preferred option(s). Phase 2 will provide the planning framework to guide growth management decisions now and into the future.
The Region has been at the forefront of policy development for sustainable communities for many years. The - 2 - P-01-141 challenge of the Smart Growth Strategy is to plan and reach the next threshold with policies and activities. These would focus on preventing inappropriate development on agricultural lands, protecting our local Mennonite and farming communities, building safe and healthy communities, protecting environmental and cultural assets, promoting transit-supportive development and limiting the extent of future growth. The Regional Smart Growth Strategy will ensure that the Region is in a state of preparedness to meet our community’s immediate and long-term needs. To this end, the Strategy is not an academic exercise, but rather a well thought-out and strategic approach to Regional growth management.
REPORT:
Introduction
Since Regional Council's adoption of the Regional Chairman's "Smart Growth" report (see Appendix A and the summary provided above), staff have been working to refine the "Smart Growth" concept and assess the implications of the initiative. Many of the attributes of Smart Growth already exist in the Region. The challenge now is to find creative and imaginative ways for stakeholders to deal with planning approaches which, at times, conflict. The focus must be on collaborative implementation and well thought-out actions that are workable within our existing governance system.
On October 2, 2001, a presentation (see Appendix B) was made to the Planning and Works Committee on the Region’s proposed Smart Growth initiative. This presentation serves as the foundation upon which the Regional Smart Growth Strategy, now being undertaken, is grounded. Consistent with Council's direction, the presentation emphasized the need for intensification, targeted growth outside our urban edges and protection of our agricultural lands, such as those to the North and West. It also highlighted the need for balancing development and economic prosperity with the essential natural and cultural elements of quality of life. Further to the presentation, this report provides an outline of the opportunity and challenges of Smart Growth, the key elements most applicable to the Region, and research findings to date. The report also provides a framework and actions required to complete the conceptual phase by March 2002 and the implementation and detailing phase by the end of 2002.
The Opportunity
The importance and critical timing of this initiative cannot be emphasized enough. The Region of Waterloo is one of 2 or 3 communities in Ontario that has the opportunity to make Smart Growth happen! The Region is achieving a critical mass of high tech industry. At the same time, it enjoys a very high quality of life, a balanced economy, boasts a rich array of authentic heritage and natural environments, and is rich in cultural assets. Yet more importantly, there is still room to make choices. As such, the time is NOW to set the growth and urban form framework to ensure our unique and enviable assets are retained into the future.
The Challenge
Although key elements and principles of Smart Growth can be talked about and strategically planned for, the challenge is in making Smart Growth actually happen. This will require strong leadership and commitment in developing planning and other policies that will allow us to direct urban growth. The Region has been successful in maintaining hard urban edges and implementing environmental protection polices, but new and different policy approaches will be required. Policy areas requiring change could include considerations - 3 - P-01-141 regarding development charges, financing, infrastructure, housing, economic development, transportation, the natural environment, heritage and culture. However, policy development will have to be examined and approached in a new way. Without this firm commitment, Regional activities may work at cross purposes to the growth and development/redevelopment initiatives. Accordingly, a re-examination of existing policy directions and the development of new, additional proactive policy implementation measures will be required to make Smart Growth happen. Key Elements of Smart Growth
A review of some of the literature on Smart Growth (see Appendix C - Smart Growth Background Report) and related topics such as sustainable development and urban growth management reveals that Smart Growth fundamentally expresses the desire to achieve sustainable, healthy communities. This conclusion was also reached by the Regional Planning Commissioners of Ontario in their recent Policy Paper entitled Beyond Smart Growth: A Call to Action and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute's (OPPI's) recent report entitled Exploring Growth Management Roles in Ontario: Learning from "Who Does What" Elsewhere. Copies of both documents are available in the Councillor’s library.
Key elements of Smart Growth include: • concentrating development within defined urban boundaries; • policy development and initiatives to stimulate brownfield development; • promoting transit links and transit-supportive mixed use development; • protecting agricultural land, environmentally critical and culturally sensitive areas; • using downtown revitalization and cultural/heritage preservation to promote community character and the viability of neighbourhoods; • striving for flexible, collaborative relationships among governments and stakeholders; • developing key nodes of activity; • maximizing infrastructure investment; • defining the role of open space, public lands and countryside; • developing appropriate transportation networks including both public transit and roads; • developing the fiscal policies required to stage growth as efficiently as possible; • integrating and building on the initiatives of others; and • developing financial alternatives and options to stimulate the principles and intent of smart growth initiatives.
These themes will be integral to a new Regional Growth Strategy. These themes also echo and are consistent with the six elements of the ROPP's Vision for a Sustainable Regional Community, namely: environmental integrity, planned growth, economic vitality, partnerships, public participation, and safe and healthy communities.
Status of Related Projects
Regional staff are currently leading or participating in several projects as part of the Region’s proposed Smart Growth Strategy. These projects include the:
! Central Transportation Corridor Feasibility Study: The Central Transportation Corridor feasibility study was approved by Council, and it is anticipated that the consultant selection process will be completed early 2002. In addition, negotiations are - 4 - P-01-141
currently underway with CN Rail to complete the purchase of part of the rail corridor.
! Arts, Culture and Heritage Master Plan: The advisory committee has met and workshops are underway to gather community input for the strategy, with a completed Master Plan anticipated for July 2002.
! Wilmot and Wellesley Townships Municipal Growth Strategies: Draft Growth Strategies are expected be considered by the Wilmot and Wellesley Planning Committees in early 2002.
! Regional Housing Statement Update: The update is expected to be completed by the fall of 2002 and will provide the basis for identifying our housing needs and other Regional policies and programs that will be required to meet the Region's full range of housing needs.
! Waterloo Community University Research Alliance (CURA) project: Regional staff and faculty from UW's Faculty of Environmental Studies have submitted a research project proposal for consideration by the CURA Board of Directors regarding the development of transit-supportive land uses adjacent to the Central Transportation Corridor.
! Development Permit Pilot Project: The Region has recently acquired this innovative new planning tool to assist in the protection of the Region's long-term water supply.
! Regional transportation planning model update: A new TRANSCAD software package has been purchased with a view to having an updated model ready in 2002.
! Five Year Grand River Transit Business Plan: The plan will link the Regional Council-approved service improvement strategies for the next five years with financing measures to help achieve the Regional Transportation Master Plan's auto reduction strategy targets.
! Cambridge Area Route Selection Study (CARSS): The CARSS study to address transportation needs in Cambridge is anticipated to be complete in 2003.
! Five Year Review of the ROPP: Work has commenced on several of the environmental initiatives including the update of the ROPP's Environmentally Sensitive Protection Areas (ESPA’s) and Provincially Significant Wetland mapping and the preparation of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and ESPA implementation guidelines.
! Investigating financial incentives to stimulate brownfield development and new social housing units: Beyond the housing strategy approved earlier this year, incentives would include looking at the feasibility of affordable home ownership alternatives. In addition, staff will be researching and investigating incentives to promote brownfield development. These incentives will be key to making smart growth happen. - 5 - P-01-141
! Review and validate long term population and employment forecasts: Forecasts of long term population and employment growth prepared by Regional staff for studies such as the Long Term Water Supply strategy have been reviewed and compared with forecasts prepared by the Ministry of Finance and an independent consulting firm.
It is important to ensure that the information and recommendations stemming from these projects are, where appropriate, coordinated with and linked to the Smart Growth Strategy. In this way, the strategy will be current and retain a long-term, strategic perspective.
In addition, staff are participating in several Smart Growth related initiatives with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Canada’s Technology Triangle and the Province.
Co-ordination with Provincial "Smart Growth" Initiatives
The preparation of the Strategy coincides with several Provincial initiatives including the revisions being proposed to the Municipal Act, a review of the Provincial Policy Statement (1997) and the Planning Act, and the implementation of development permit system. These changes will likely assist the Region in the future implementation of any Smart Growth option.
In addition, the Premier announced two additional initiatives on Sept. 27, 2001 that may have very significant implications for the Strategy. The first announcement relates to a funding plan which is expected to reduce the municipal share of transit capital, the details of which are still being finalized. If implemented, this plan could improve the Region's ability to implement the Central Transportation Corridor and related transit initiatives. The second announcement was a Provincial proposal to create five Smart Growth Management Councils (SGMCs) that would have a number of powers including the development of Smart Growth Management Plans (SGMPs). The Regional Growth Strategy may be very significant in terms of providing Regional Council with a solid basis upon which to participate in future discussions concerning SGMCs and SGMPs. Additional information on the implication of these two announcements on the Region's proposed Smart Growth Strategy will be provided to Committee and Council as the Provincial initiatives unfold.
Recommended Approach to the Regional Smart Growth Strategy
It is recommended that the Regional Growth Strategy be completed in two phases. Phase 1 ( to be completed by March 2002) will involve a "big picture" assessment of growth-related issues. It will feature a graphically- oriented explanation of alternative growth management options to help stimulate community interest in the Strategy. The product of Phase 1 will be an "Options" document that will facilitate a discussion on the critical issues that will need to be resolved in order to move beyond the our current approaches to growth management. Also a graphically oriented representation of the alternative growth management options into the future and a summary of the associated Regional impacts that will need to be addressed will be provided.
At the completion of Phase 1 in March 2002, Committee and Council will be presented with growth and urban form options. This is a critical point where Council will have an opportunity to consider and support options to guide future development in the Region. Hopefully, Phase 1 will set the basic direction(s). Phase 2 actions and the ultimate implementation of the Strategy will be based on the options supported at this juncture. This - 6 - P-01-141 approach will allow the Committee to use information from Phase 1 to guide decisions regarding the allocation of funds and other resources to complete Phase 2 of the Strategy. Work on Phase 2 will be directed by a project team that will include representative(s) of Regional Council.
By the end of Phase 2 (March 2002 - December 2002) a preferred Regional Smart Growth Strategy will be detailed and the strategic policy and program actions required to realize it will be identified.
It is expected that the Strategy will form the basis for significant amendments to the Regional Official Policies Plan. It will also provide direction for Regional Master Plan updates and new urban growth management initiatives, both now and into the future. Although the Region has been at the forefront of policy development for sustainable communities for many years, the Smart Growth Strategy will allow us to reach a new level with policies and activities to maintain our agricultural lands, build safe and healthy communities, protect environmental areas, promote transit-supportive development and provide for new growth requirements in a limited number of areas. By addressing growth options through this Strategy, it will ensure that the Region is in a position of readiness to deal with our community’s future needs. However, the timing of introducing these new growth initiatives will depend on a number of factors including actual population and employment growth and the state of the economy.
Consultation
Effective consultation will be critical to the success of the Regional Smart Growth Initiative. Accordingly, extensive consultation will be included as part of the Strategy. Phase 1 will include 2 workshops with key stakeholders (including local municipalities) and will build on the visioning exercises already completed by the local municipalities including "Imagine! Waterloo", "Compass Kitchener", and "Our Common Future" (Cambridge).
The Phase 1 "Options" document will be used as an awareness and educational tool and as the basis for public input. A public consultation process will form an integral part of Phase 2 and the development of any selected option. The details of such a process will be brought forward for Council’s consideration as part of the detailed Terms of Reference for Phase 2 of the Strategy.
Resources
Staff estimate that it will take until year end 2002 to complete Phases 1 and 2 of the Strategy due to the scale and scope of the considerations that were outlined in the Chairman's Report. This schedule is designed to provide the current Council with the opportunity to set the pattern for future Regional growth and development. It is also important to ensure sufficient opportunity for stakeholder consultation and participation. Some outside assistance is being used in Phase 1 to augment existing areas of staff expertise to ensure that the Strategy is completed in a timely fashion. In this regard, three firms were interviewed and Expressions of Interest received and considered. As a result of the assessment and selection process, assistance has been retained from the firm of Urban Strategies Incorporated during Phase 1. As previously indicated to Committee and Council, funds have been allocated in the 2001 Planning, Housing and Community Services budget to accommodate this need. Additional funds anticipated for Phase 2 of this initiative have been incorporated in the Region’s proposed 2002 budget for Council’s consideration after Phase 1 has been completed and the recommendations have been presented to Council by March of 2002. - 7 - P-01-141
In order to ensure the growth options are practical and realistic, information regarding population, employment, housing, transportation, and the natural and cultural environment are in the process of being updated.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
The proposal to prepare a Regional Sustainable Growth Strategy is consistent with the Region's Corporate Goal: "To provide and enforce, strong, effective policies that ensure responsible and sustainable growth which recognizes the varying needs of our urban and rural citizens and communities."
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: As discussed previously at Council, funding related to this initiative in the year 2001 can be accommodated within the Department’s budget approved by Council earlier this year. It is expected that this segment of the strategy will require approximately $45,000 plus some concept development, graphic and printing costs. Funding for Phase 2 of this initiative has been incorporated in the Region’s proposed 2002 budget for Council’s consideration.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
Staff input will be required from various Regional Departments during Phases 1 and 2 of the Smart Growth Strategy.
PREPARED BY: Kevin R. Curtis, Administrator, Policy Planning Wanda Richardson, Strategic Planning Co-ordinator
APPROVED BY: Larry E. Kotseff, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services
Regional Municipality of Waterloo
PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: P-01-143 Planning and Works Committee File Code: Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: GRT CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve an adjusted level of transit service on Christmas Day 2001 as illustrated in Table 3 and direct staff to create a Regional policy for future statutory holiday transit service .
SUMMARY:
This report summarizes the existing Sunday level of service and the proposed level of service for Christmas Day. Past practice has been to duplicate Sunday service on Statutory holidays. Given the typically low ridership on Christmas Day, the recently expanded Sunday schedule is not warranted. Because the amount of Sunday service has and will continue to be increased in response to ridership demand, staff will be developing a separate service policy for Statutory holidays.
REPORT:
Background
With the introduction of Sunday shopping, ridership has increased on Sundays over the past few years. On most statutory Holidays there is some commercial activity, except Christmas when most business establishments are closed. This is considered to be the main reason why Christmas ridership is lower. Ridership numbers on statutory holidays are typically lower than a regular Sunday and Christmas Day has the lowest ridership of all the holidays (Table 1 and 2).
1999 2000 New Year's Day 1,261 2,550 Good Friday 3,969 3,746 Victoria Day 3,035 3,459 Canada Day 4,322 3,647 Civic Holiday 3,991 5,402 Labour Day 2,798 3,069 Thanksgiving 4,235 4,340 Christmas 1,083 1,592 Boxing Day 4,514 6,053 Average Sunday 4,773 5,177 - 2 - P-01-143
Table 1 - Statutory Holiday Daily Ridership
Statutory Christmas Sunday Holiday Day 1999 4,773 2,798 1,083 2000 5,177 3,762 1,592
Table 2 - Comparison of Average Daily Sunday and Statutory Holiday Ridership
Current Sunday / Holiday Service
In September 2001, significant improvements to frequency, route coverage and hours of operation were made to Sunday service in Kitchener and Waterloo. More frequent service was added to Route 7 MAINLINE, Sunday service was added to Route 12 CONESTOGA MALL / FAIRVIEW MALL and a full service day was provided to Route 9 LAKESHORE.
Currently, GRT's policy is to maintain Sunday service levels on all statutory holidays. Previous to the implementation of the September improvements, 228 hours of Sunday service were provided. After the improvements, Sunday service hours were increased by over 40% to 322.
Recommendation
In light of the minimal commercial activity on Christmas Day, a scaled-down Sunday service is being proposed (summarized in Table 3). The most recent Sunday improvements would not be provided on Christmas Day 2001. The remaining service will provide reliable transfer connections. Staff anticipate additional Sunday service will be provided in 2002, particularly in Cambridge. In developing a new Sunday service plan, staff will also develop a statutory holiday service level policy that will better reflect ridership demand.
Table 3 - Comparison of Regular Sunday and Christmas Day Frequency
- 3 - P-01-143
Recommended Christmas Day ROUTE Regular Sunday Frequency Frequency 1 45-minute 45-minute 15 minute on King Street and 30 22.5 minute on King Street and 45 7 minute at U of W, Conestoga Mall minute at U of W, Conestoga Mall and and Fairview Mall Fairview Mall 8 45- minute 45- minute 9 60-minute No Service 10 60-minute No Service 11 45- minute 45- minute 12 60-minute No Service
Passenger Information
Customers will be informed of these service reductions through the following methods: Posters on vehicles, Radio messages, Transit Talk (quarterly on-bus customer newsletter) and TeleRider ( automated telephone information system).
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
This meets the Region of Waterloo's goals of providing an efficient and effective transit system.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
This recommended service will provide a savings of approximately 188 service hours. These service hours are included in the base operating budget for GRT and will be reserved for a contingency for minor service adjustments.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
This report was prepared in collaboration with the Transit Services Division of the Transportation and Environment Services Department and the Finance Department.
PREPARED BY: Paula Sawicki, Principal Planner, Transportation
APPROVED BY: Larry E. Kotseff, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services Regional Municipality of Waterloo
PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: P-01-140 Planning and Works Committee File Code: Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: URBAN TRANSPORTATION SHOWCASE PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION:
For information.
SUMMARY:
This report summarizes Waterloo Region's submission to the Government of Canada’s Urban Transportation Showcase Program for funding for the project entitled “The Central Transit Corridor" (Appendix A).
REPORT:
The federal Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change recognizes that transportation is Canada's largest source of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are growing rapidly, and amount to one- quarter of our national total. Urban areas generate about two-thirds of our national greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, and are therefore important to Canada’s national climate change strategy.
On October 6, 2000 the Government of Canada announced it would establish the Urban Transportation Showcase Program among other initiatives contained in its Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change. The program was officially launched on June 11, 2001 and has available funding of $40 M to be distributed across Canada geographically and by area population. The federal government invited municipalities to take advantage of this five-year program by submitting a letter of interest to demonstrate creative and innovative measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Our letter of interest (submitted October 31, 2001) is based on a Central Transit Corridor concept and consists of many integrated facets of transportation and land-use planning. The most significant component is a high-level express corridor that will provide travelers with a more comfortable and convenient service, and will reduce their travel time by 30% as compared to conventional transit. By implementing a suite of advanced public transportation technologies, including automatic vehicle location systems, electronic fare media, real-time scheduling information and web-based multi-modal trip planning, the efficiency and customer convenience provided by our regional transit system will increase to a level that will significantly attract current auto users.
Integrated into our strategies is a new community-based marketing and outreach program that will promote transit and alternative modes. To create synergy in the system, improved inter-modal integration will be provided along with a strategy to develop and implement land-use policies that contribute to a more sustainable urban transportation system. - 2 - P-01-140
Our express service combined with complementary transportation enhancements make up the first stage of our planned Central Transit Corridor development, which in the future will sustain higher order transit such as busway or light rail. This showcase of projects was designed to provide a convenient, reliable transit service that significantly reduces travel time in order to stimulate ridership.
The Central Transit Corridor Project holds great promise and potential to fulfill all of the Urban Transportation Showcase Program objectives. In addition to being an effective means by which the Region, in partnership with area stakeholders, can help address the community’s complex transportation challenges, the implementation of the proposed showcase will provide invaluable learning experiences. By closely measuring, monitoring, and evaluating the results of our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, new insights will be gained and lessons learned that can be transferred to other communities. In this way, we will be making a valuable contribution to the Federal government’s commitment, as part of the Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change, to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions stemming from urban transportation.
In December 2001, the federal government will announce the organizations that will be invited to submit a detailed proposal in the spring of 2002.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
When implemented this plan will support the Region’s sustainable growth direction to develop a region-wide efficient and convenient transit system. It is a key step in achieving the creation of a Central Transit Corridor that was recommended in the Regional Transportation Master Plan.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: If our letter of interest is accepted, we will receive $30,000 to create a more detailed proposal. Ultimately, this program will provide one-third of all capital, consulting and staff costs involved in the completion of the project. Within the Regional capital budget, some of the components of the submission are included to be funded over the next five years. Funding will also be sought from private and public sources. A full financial plan will be developed as part of the detailed proposal.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
Transportation and Environmental Services staff will be involved in the development of the detailed proposal.
PREPARED BY: Paula Sawicki, Principal Planner, Transportation
APPROVED BY: Larry E. Kotseff, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services
Regional Municipality of Waterloo
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES JOINT DEPARTMENT REPORT
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: E-01-015.2/CR-RS-01-030 Planning and Works Committee File Code: C06-60/PWC/WSD.01; A32-40/WELL and
Chair Tom Galloway and Members of the Administration & Finance Committee
Dates: December 4, 2001 December 5, 2001
Subject: TOWNSHIP OF WELLESLEY WATER DISTRIBUTION AND SEWAGE COLLECTION SYSTEMS
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enact a by-law to assume full jurisdiction over, and ownership of, the Township of Wellesley sanitary sewage collection system, said by-law to take effect on January 1, 2002; and, further
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo agree to accept on January 1, 2002 full responsibility for the operation, maintenance and management of the Township of Wellesley water distribution system, with full jurisdiction over, and ownership of, the system to be transferred to the Region as soon as possible thereafter; and, further
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo request the Province of Ontario to enact any legislative or regulatory amendments required to authorize the assumption of the Township water distribution system by the Region; and, further
That the Regional Chair and Clerk, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services and the Chief Financial Officer, as the case may be, are hereby authorized to execute any documentation satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor required, in the opinion of the Regional Solicitor, to implement this recommendation.
SUMMARY:
None.
REPORT:
On June 19, 2001 and June 27, 2001, respectively, Township of Wellesley Council and Regional Council approved the transfer of the Township’s water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems to the Region of Waterloo. The majority of the issues concerning the transfer had been resolved at that time. The major remaining issue was the legal mechanism required to transfer the water distribution system. - 2 - E-01-015.2/CR-RS-01-030
The Region and Township staff have been working to address any outstanding issues. The following is a summary of those issues and the proposed approach for moving forward with the transfer on January 1, 2002:
1.0 Assumption Method - Sanitary Sewage Collection System
The Region has the power through the Regional Municipalities Act (RMA) to pass a by-law declaring any local sewer to be a "trunk sewer". The RMA also gives the authority to Regional Council to pass a by-law to assume any "trunk sewer". The by-laws being recommended for approval in this report will transfer ownership and full responsibility for the sanitary sewer collection system to the Region on January 1, 2002.
2.0 Assumption Method - Water Distribution System
The RMA does not provide the same powers to allow the assumption of the water distribution system as exist for the sanitary sewer collection system. As a result, Region staff have investigated alternate options for transferring ownership of the water distribution system. These are:
• Order by the Ministry of Environment to assume the system: Region staff have pursued this option with Ministry of the Environment (MOE) staff. To date, MOE staff have indicated that they are unable to issue this type of order. Region staff are continuing to press MOE staff to change their position. This assumption option still provides the best opportunity for speedy resolution.
• Changes to the Regional Municipalities Act or Municipal Act Regional staff have had discussions with provincial staff concerning changes to legislation to enable transfer of the water distribution system. To date, provincial staff have been reluctant to move forward with changes to the above Acts. Provincial staff note that the new Municipal Act (scheduled to come into force January 1, 2003) will enable the Region and Township to do as they wish in this regard.
At this point, the formal transfer of ownership of the Township water distribution system will not occur on January 1, 2002. Region and Township staff have reviewed options for proceeding on January 1, 2002. The option being recommended is that on that date, the Region and Township agree to proceed as if an actual transfer had taken place, with a few exceptions. This approach would roll out as follows:
Reserve Funds:
Any Township reserves or reserve funds related to water distribution would remain with the Township. The level of this reserve fund would be documented. The Region of Waterloo would create the corresponding separate reserve funds for Wellesley Water Distribution. In the future when the legal transfer occurs, the Township's reserve funds would be transferred to the Region. - 3 - E-01-015.2/CR-RS-01-030
Operation and Maintenance of the Water Distribution System
The Region would be solely responsible for the operation, maintenance and management of the water distribution system. The day to day tasks including compliance with all applicable legislation would be the responsibility of the Region.
Customer Service and Billing
The Region would be responsible for all aspects of customer service and billing. The Region would directly address any customer concerns and would be the customer's primary contact.
Financial
All necessary accounts and financial aspects of the water distribution system would be set up as if the Region had assumed the water distribution system.
User rate
The Township of Wellesley has already set the water user rate for 2002 and no further action is required. The Township of Wellesley would retain the right to set water user rates until the final transfer of the water distribution system occurs.
Legal Responsibility for the Water Distribution System
The primary responsibility for the water distribution system would rest with the Region as the operator of the system. The Township, as the owner of the system, would retain ultimate jurisdiction over the system. The Region would indemnify the Township for any damages arising out of the operation and maintenance of the system.
The proposed method for allowing the Region to act on behalf of the Township is a Township Council resolution naming the Region as the Township’s agent authorized to act on their behalf in all matters related to the operation, maintenance and management of the Township water distribution system, and the Region accepting this responsibility by way of the resolution recommended in this report..
Approval of the recommendations herein will allow for the complete transfer of the sewage collection system to the Region and will permit the water distribution system to be operated by the Region in accordance with the wishes of both Councils. As soon as legislative or other authority exists, Regional staff will bring the appropriate by-law or resolution forward to Regional Council to immediately implement the full transfer.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
The Region’s goals of providing value to the user rate payer and ensuring the safety of the Region’s water supply are supported by this initiative. - 4 - E-01-015.2/CR-RS-01-030
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Operating costs for the Wellesley system will not increase as a result of the transfer. Ten year retail water and sewage rate forecasts have been developed for Wellesley. In 2002 the proposed retail water rate is $0.79/m3 and a flat fee of $3.00/month. This is unchanged from Wellesley’s 2002 rates.
Wellesley charges a flat fee for sewage service that is added to each customer's municipal tax bill. The Region is proposing a sewage billing system that would see the flat fee removed from the tax bill and a sewage retail user rate charged for sewage collection. In 2002 the proposed retail sewage rate is $0.80/m3 and a flat fee of $3.00/month. For the customer using the average amount of water (approximately 205 m3/year) there should be little if any change in the total cost of their sewage service. Customers using either less or more water than the average will have their bills decrease or increase correspondingly.
Completely separate financial accounts will be maintained for the retail water and sewage user rates. Included in these accounts will be retail water distribution and sewage collection reserve funds, water distribution and sewage collection capital programs and accounting of revenues and expenses. Cross subsidization of wholesale and retail rates will not occur. The reserve funds transferred from Wellesley to the Region will be used in Wellesley for water and sewage related projects and programs only.
The Region’s wholesale water and wastewater user rates will not be impacted.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
The Human Resources, Finance and Corporate Resources Departments have been involved in the writing of this report and have participated on the transition team.
PREPARED BY: Thomas Schmidt, Director, Water Services Division
APPROVED BY: Michael Murray, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services Department Regional Municipality of Waterloo
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: E-01-008.1 Planning and Works Committee File Code: C06-60 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: 2002 TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES PROJECT TEAM MEMBERSHIP
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Regional Councillors to the various project and study teams as noted in Appendix A to Transportation and Environmental Services Department Report E-01-008.1 dated December 4, 2001,
And that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo forward the request for local Councillor representatives on project and study teams to the Area Municipalities.
SUMMARY:
Report E-01-008, 2001 Transportation and Environmental Services Project Team Membership, was presented to the Planning and Works Committee on February 6, 2001 asking the Region to consider Councillor appointments to major projects or studies within the Regional Transportation and Environmental Services Department 2001 programs. As well, the Region was requested to forward a request to the Area Municipalities for local Councillor representatives on projects and study teams. Report E-01-008.1, 2002 Transportation and Environmental Services Project Team Membership, is asking for Planning and Works Committee, other Regional Councillors and Area Municipal Councillors to consider appointments to major projects or studies within the department's 2002 programs.
REPORT:
Major Transportation and Environmental Services projects or studies have been directed, for many years, by multi-disciplined project teams which have usually included one or more Regional or Local Councillors. The involvement of elected officials has always made a significant, positive impact on the successful completion of these projects. These committees and project teams are distinct from formal sub- committees of Council (e.g. Water Efficiency Advisory Committee), whose Council members have already been appointed.
A list of ongoing Steering Committees and major projects and studies to be undertaken in 2002, including the current political or stakeholder representatives on each group, is provided in Appendix A. Those projects and studies which would most benefit from political representative(s) are noted below. These are typically projects which may have high public interest and/or significant implications for the Region. In addition to the projects listed below, participation by Councillors on any of the project teams noted in Appendix A is welcomed. After appointing appropriate Regional Councillors to these teams, it is recommended that this list be forwarded to the appropriate area municipalities to provide them an opportunity to appoint local Councillors to some of the project teams. - 2 - E-01-008.1
AREA SUGGESTED COUNCIL NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE TRANSIT 7. Kitchener West Side Transit Kitchener 1 Regional Councillor Service Expansion 8. North Waterloo Transit Waterloo 1 Regional Councillor Service Expansion DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION/TRANSPORTATION 36. Northfield Drive Widening - Waterloo 1 Regional Councillor Weber Street to Westmount Road - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 37. Westmount Road, Columbia Waterloo 1 Local Councillor Street to Bearinger Road 1 Regional Councillor - Design in 2002, 2003 - Construction in 2004 39. New Hamburg Truss Bridge Wilmot 1 Local Councillor - Design in 2002, 2003 - Construction in 2004 43. Reg. Rd.15 Improvements, Woolwich 1 Local Councillor Heidelberg 1 Regional Councillor - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
The involvement of Regional Councillors on Transportation and Environmental Services Department Project Teams is consistent with the Strategic Planning goal of encouraging effective communication between Council members and staff.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The costs for the various projects outlined in Appendix A to the Transportation and Environmental Services Department Report E-01-008.1 are included in each Division budget.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
The Planning, Housing and Community Services Department (Transportation Planning Division) will manage several of the projects noted in this report.
PREPARED BY: Michael Murray, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services C06-60 APPENDIX A E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE G E N E R A L Steering Committees 1. Fire Training Facility Steering Committee Wilmot Tom Galloway Bill Strauss T R A N S I T Advisory Committees 2. Five-Year Business Plan for Grand River Transit - Steering Ted Fairless Committee Christina Weylie Jim Wideman 3. Specialized Transit Services Advisory Committee Kathryn Cowan Brandy Duchene Doug Farwell Jean Haalboom Christine Jestin William Gallagher Mary Ellen McIlroy Sue Morgan Michael Mullen Irma Neff Sidney Turner C06-60 A-2 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE T R A N S I T Studies 4. Transit Affordability and Accessibility Jean Haalboom Jake Smola 5. Natural Gas vs. Diesel Fuel for Buses Joe Martens Bill Strauss Jim Wideman 6. Cambridge Area Operations Review Cambridge Fred Kent Gary Price 7. Kitchener West Side Transit Service Expansion Kitchener To be assigned - Suggest: 1 Regional Councillor 8. North Waterloo Transit Service Expansion Waterloo To be assigned - Suggest: 1 Regional Councillor C06-60 A-3 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Advisory Committees 9. Aeronautical Noise Management Committee Barry Aylward Rick Cowsill Dave Dayment Steven Gabdois Joan Gross Steve Hause (alternate) David Heil Murray Martin Bill McAdams Phil Moffat (alternate) Wilf Park Glenn Priestly Rob McGuffin Reginard G. Sim (alternate) Tom Smith Jake Smola Mark Stoddard Jim Ziegler (alternate) Berry Vrbanovic Bud Witter C06-60 A-4 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Studies 10. Regional Cycling Master Plan Review Jane Mitchell 11. Cambridge Area Route Selection Study Cambridge/Kitchener/ Jane Brewer North Dumfries Rick Cowsill Doug Craig Ted Fairless Michael Galloway Tom Galloway Jean Haalboom Ted Higgins Fred Kent Karl Kiefer Joe Martens Ken Seiling Ben Tucci 12. Central Transit Corridor Feasibility Study Cambridge/ Doug Craig Kitchener/Waterloo Jean Haalboom Lynne Woolstencroft Carl Zehr C06-60 A-5 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Studies 13. Fairway Road Extension - Zeller Drive to Reg. Rd. 17 Cambridge/Kitchener Ted Fairless - Commence Class Environmental Assessment Jean Haalboom Berry Vrbanovic 14. Ira Needles Boulevard Kitchener/Waterloo Scott Jones Geoff Lorentz Christina Weylie Jim Wideman 15. Ayr Truck Traffic Routing Study North Dumfries Reg Campbell Dave Dance Bill Fulton Ken Howling Don Kurt Bob MacDonald Winnifred Marshall Joe Martens Steve McCombie Gord Moore Bill Vance C06-60 A-6 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Studies 16. Uptown Waterloo Transportation Study Waterloo Brad Marsland Brent Needham Bill Reimer Dick Tyssen Lynne Woolstencroft 17. Erb/Wilmot Line - Intersection improvements Waterloo/Wilmot Scott Jones - Finalize design in 2001 Wayne Roth Ralph Shantz Design and Construction 18. Parkhill Road Bridge Cambridge Ted Fairless - Construction in 2002, 2003 Gary Price Ben Tucci Ainslie Street and Water Street (One-way to Two-way Reversion) - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002
Ainslie Street Extension - Complete Class Environmental Assessment in 2002 - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 C06-60 A-7 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Design and Construction 19. Hespeler Road, Pinebush Road to Highway 401 Cambridge Karl Kiefer - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002 20. Townline Road Reconstruction - Avenue Road to Pinebush Cambridge Karl Kiefer Road - Design in 2002, 2003 - Construction in 2004 21. Dundas Street Bridge at Soper Park Cambridge Ben Tucci - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 22. Weber Street Reconstruction - Queen Street to Victoria Street Kitchener None required at this time - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002 23. Victoria Street - King Street to Lawrence Street Kitchener Christina Weylie - Complete Environmental Assessment in 2002 Jim Wideman - Design in 2002, 2003, 2004 - Construction in 2003, 2004, 2005 24. Fairway Road Extension - Lackner Boulevard Easterly Kitchener None required at this time 780 Metres - Design and construction in 2002 C06-60 A-8 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Design and Construction 25. Trussler Road Functional Study - Highway 7/8 to New Dundee Kitchener Tom Galloway Road - Design in 2002, 2003 - Construction in 2004, 2005 26. King Street East Widening - Sportsworld Drive to Highway 401 Kitchener Jim Ziegler - Design in 2002, 2003 - Construction in 2003 27. Homer Watson Boulevard Widening - Blockline Road to Bleams Kitchener Tom Galloway Road - Design in 2002, 2003 - Construction in 2004 28. Freeport Bridge Rehabilitation Kitchener None required at this time - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002 29. Ottawa Street Improvements, Williamsburg Road to Kitchener Michael Galloway International Place - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002 30. Ira Needles Boulevard Kitchener/Waterloo Scott Jones - Design in 2002, 2003 Geoff Lorentz - Construction in 2004, 2005, 2006 Christina Weylie Jim Wideman T R A N S P O R T A T I O N C06-60 A-9 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE Design and Construction 31. Bridgeport Road - Margaret Avenue to Weber Street Waterloo Bruce Anderson - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002 32. King Street - Union Street to Allen Street Waterloo Brent Needham - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 33. Reg. Rd. 57 (University Avenue) - King Street to Albert Street Waterloo Morty Taylor - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002 34. Reg. Rd. 15 (King Street/Columbia Street) Waterloo None required at this time - Intersection improvements - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 35. University Avenue Improvements - Fischer-Hallman Road to Waterloo None required at this time Westhill Drive - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002 36. Northfield Drive Widening - Weber Street to Westmount Road Waterloo Dave Roeder - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 To be assigned - Suggest: 1 Regional Councillor C06-60 A-10 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Design and Construction 37. Westmount Road, Columbia Street to Bearinger Road Waterloo To be assigned - Suggest: - Design in 2002, 2003 1 Local Councillor - Construction in 2004 1 Regional Councillor 38. Kirkland Creek Bridge Replacement, Linwood Wellesley None required at this time - Design completed - Construction in 2002 39. New Hamburg Truss Bridge Wilmot To be assigned - Suggest: - Design in 2002, 2003 1 Local Councillor - Construction in 2004 40. Breslau Bypass, Stage 2 Woolwich Murray Martin - Design in 2002 Bill Strauss - Construction in 2002, 2003 41. Airport Terminal Building Expansion Woolwich Bill Strauss - Design completed - Construction in 2002 42. Arthur Street Improvements, Elmira Woolwich Ruby Weaver - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002 43. Reg. Rd. 15 Improvements, Heidelberg Woolwich To be assigned - Suggest: - Design in 2002 1 Local Councillor - Construction in 2003 1 Regional Councillor C06-60 A-11 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Design and Construction 44. Road 85 Bridge at Conestogo River Woolwich None required at this time - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 C06-60 A-12 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE W A T E R S E R V I C E S Advisory Committees 45. Business Water Quality Program Fred Kent Joe Martens 46. Water Resources Protection Liaison Committee Fred Kent Jim Wideman 47. Wellesley Transition Team - Water/Wastewater Systems Doug Bergman Jim Wideman Water Supply - Studies and Pre-Design 48. Upgrades to Mannheim Zone 5 Pumping Station Kitchener/Waterloo None required at this time 49. Rummelhardt Zone 6 Pumping Station Upgrade Waterloo None required at this time 50. Wilmot Centre Monitoring Program and Public Liaison Wilmot Wayne Roth Committee C06-60 A-13 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE W A T E R S E R V I C E S Water Supply - Design and Construction 51. Groundwater Disinfection Upgrades None required at this time - Construction in 2002 52. Mannheim Water Treatment Plant - Primary Disinfection Cambridge/Kitchener/ None required at this time - Design in 2002 Waterloo - Construction in 2003/2004 53. Maple Grove Road Watermain - Beaverdale Road to Scott Cambridge None required at this time Street - Environmental Assessment completed in 2001 - Design and construction in 2002 54. Beaverdale Road Watermain from Maple Grove Road to Groh Cambridge None required at this time Avenue - Detailed design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 55. Mannheim Aquifer Storage Recovery Wells Kitchener None required at this time - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002/2003/2004 56. K34 & K36 Well Upgrades Kitchener None required at this time - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 57. Grand Reservoir Wells - Disinfection Project Kitchener None required at this time - Pre-design/final design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 C06-60 A-14 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE W A T E R S E R V I C E S Water Supply - Design and Construction 58. University Avenue Watermain from Fischer-Hallman Road to Kitchener/Waterloo None required at this time Resurrection Drive Boundary - Design in 2001 - Construction in 2002 59. Lloyd Brown Water Supply System North Dumfries Joe Martens - Design and construction in 2002 60. Zone 7/ETC Pumping Station Waterloo None required at this time - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002 61. Linwood Pumping Station Wellesley None required at this time - Construction in 2001, 2002 62. Baden Tank Upgrade Wilmot None required at this time - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 63. Elmira West Side Water Supply Woolwich Bill Strauss - Construction completion in 2002 64. Dunke/Birdland Reservoir and Pumping Station Woolwich None required at this time Decommissioning - Design and construction in 2002 C06-60 A-15 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE W A T E R S E R V I C E S Water Supply - Design and Construction 65. Elroy Acres (Breslau) Water Supply System Upgrade Woolwich Bill Strauss - Class Environmental Assessment/Pre-design in 2002 - Design and construction in 2002/2003 Wastewater - Studies and Pre-Design 66. Rural Water Quality Program Jean Haalboom 67. Biosolids Master Plan Joe Martens 68. Regional Wastewater Treatment Plants Instrumentation Master None required at this time Plan - Study in 2002 - Implementation in 2003/2004 Wastewater - Design and Construction 69. Galt and Hespeler Standby Power Upgrade Cambridge None required at this time - Class Environmental Assessment, Pre-Design, Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 70. Kitchener Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration Upgrade Kitchener None required at this time - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003/2004 C06-60 A-16 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE W A T E R S E R V I C E S Wastewater - Design and Construction 71. Kitchener Wastewater Treatment Plant Building and Structure Kitchener None required at this time Upgrades - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2002/2003 72. Elmira Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion Woolwich None required at this time - Construction completed in 2002 C06-60 A-17 E-01-008.1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ACTIVITIES 2002
POLITICAL/STAKEHOLDER NO. DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVE W A S T E M A N A G E M E N T Advisory Committee 73. Waterloo Landfill Liaison Committee Waterloo Scott Jones Design and Construction 74. Cambridge Landfill Transfer Station Cambridge None required at this time - Construction in 2002 75. Cambridge Landfill Capping Cambridge None required at this time - Design in 2002 - Construction in 2003 76. Waterloo Landfill Northeast Cell Expansion Waterloo None required at this time - Construction in 2002
November 27, 2001 Regional Municipality of Waterloo
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: E-01-007.2 Planning and Works Committee File Code: 6597, C06-60 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: BRESLAU BYPASS - ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES FOR THE HOPEWELL CREEK BRIDGE AND TRACK PROTECTION FOR THE CNR BRIDGE, REGIONAL ROAD 17 (FOUNTAIN STREET), TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the recommended architectural enhancements for the Hopewell Creek bridge piers and a lengthened bridge over the Canadian National Railway as per Report E-01-007.2 for the proposed Regional Road 17 realignment (Breslau Bypass), east of the village of Breslau in the Township of Woolwich.
SUMMARY:
NIL.
REPORT:
1.0 Addendum to 1996 Environmental Study Report
In June 2001, Regional Council approved the filing of an Addendum to the 1996 Environmental Study Report for the Breslau Bypass. The purpose of the Addendum was to obtain approval under the Class Environmental Assessment act for the construction of a grade separation (road-over-rail) at the proposed Canadian National Railway (CNR) crossing on the bypass.
The Addendum was filed for public review in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment requirements on July 13, 2001. The Addendum was not challenged by the public or any of the affected local land owners during the thirty (30) day filing period. The CNR bridge crossing is therefore now approved for design and construction.
Construction of the southern end of the bypass (Stage 1), including the new intersection of the bypass and existing Regional Road 17 (Woolwich Street), was just completed in October 2001.
An integral outcome of the decision making process for the CNR bridge was its effect on an adjacent bridge structure over Hopewell Creek. Due to the close proximity of the two bridges, the outcome of the Addendum dictated the geometrics of the Hopewell Creek bridge. - 2 - E-01-007.2
2.0 Architectural Features for the Hopewell Creek Bridge
During the June 5, 2001 Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, Committee directed staff to consider the implementation of architectural features for the proposed Hopewell Creek bridge in order to enhance the structure's aesthetics and to report back to Committee. During the preliminary design to date for this project, the Hopewell Creek bridge has been considered as a concrete bridge in its entirety. The all-concrete bridge has been the basis for preliminary cost estimates to-date with the most recent pre-design cost estimate for the bridge construction being $2,750,000.
Through our engineering Consultant, McCormick Rankin Corporation, the Region engaged the architectural firm of Du Toit Allsop Hillier (the "Architect") to review the proposed bridge structure and to recommend possible architectural enhancements adjacent to Hopewell Creek. A brief discussion of the proposed architectural enhancement of materials and bridge components is as follows:
2.1 Bridge Deck Cross-Section
Due to the natural setting of the bridge over Hopewell Creek valley and the scenic vista, the Architect felt it was important to enhance the pedestrian experience over the bridge. To accomplish this, the pedestrians must feel safe on the bridge and want to remain on the bridge for the purpose of viewing the surrounding environment.
Pedestrian comfort can be enhanced by modifying the bridge deck to include a barrier between the vehicular traffic and the pedestrian sidewalk. To enhance viewing and lines of sight from the bridge, an open handrail can be provided on the outside of the pedestrian sidewalk. This design would not affect vehicular safety; and would greatly enhance the pedestrian experience on the bridge in viewing the Hopewell Creek valley and surrounding vistas.
Based upon current and future land use planning adjacent to the Hopewell Creek bridge, the Project Team concluded that a pedestrian sidewalk is required on the west side of the bridge only. With respect to a sidewalk on the east side of the bridge, the Project Team assessed it was unlikely that the future eastern settlement boundary for Breslau would ever extend beyond the bypass. As a result, the Project Team concluded there would likely be no need now and in the future to construct a sidewalk on the east side of the bridge. Absence of an east-side sidewalk on the bridge will also improve the driver's line of sight over the east-side barrier wall to the scenic Hopewell Creek valley.
Illustrations of the enhanced pedestrian sidewalk with open railing and standard sidewalk with concrete walls and handrails are contained in Appendix A and Appendix B, respectively.
To provide the open handrail and barrier between the pedestrians and vehicular traffic on the west- side of the Hopewell Creek bridge, the bridge deck must be widened by 0.875 metres (approx. 3 feet). The estimated incremental cost to construct a wider deck and provide open railings would be $307,000. This represents an increase of eleven (11) percent over the original estimated bridge cost of $2,750,000 and a three (3%) percent increase on the entire bypass budget. - 3 - E-01-007.2
Currently, the total estimated cost of the Breslau Bypass project is budgeted at $9,510,000. Any additional expenditure for the widened deck and open pedestrian handrail may put undue pressure on the project budget. Approval of these enhancements would require allocation of an additional $307,000 in 2002 for this project which may defer the construction of other needed capital projects identified in the proposed 2002 Transportation 10 Year Capital Forecast. It should also be noted that currently the lands adjacent to the proposed Breslau Bypass are undeveloped and it could be many years before there would be any significant pedestrian traffic using the sidewalk on the Hopewell Creek bridge.
Largely because of current budget constraints for road construction projects, staff do not recommend the expenditure of additional funds for a widened deck and open pedestrian handrail on the Hopewell Creek bridge.
Staff would also like to point out that the Fairway Road bridge over the Grand River is identified for construction in 2010 as per the proposed Transportation Capital Program and Ten Year Forecast. The location of this bridge crossing will offer very scenic views. Given the financial pressures currently facing the Roads Base Program and the resulting scarcity of funds for architectural enhancements on bridge projects, this future bridge project might be a more appropriate candidate for the type of deck and open handrail enhancements that were explored for the Hopewell Creek bridge.
2.2 Bridge Girders
The Architect also considered the use of painted or galvanized steel girders for the Hopewell Creek bridge in order to soften the appearance of solid concrete and to give the appearance of a lighter deck section through the use of different materials. The additional construction cost of this enhancement is estimated to be $575,000; a 21% increase over the original bridge construction cost estimate of $2,750,000.
Experience shows that painted or galvanized steel girders require ongoing and expensive maintenance throughout their life span. Maintenance carried out from the bridge deck would also require lane closures which, given ten (10) years of additional traffic growth on the bypass, would not likely be feasible. Due to the natural environment in which this bridge will be constructed, maintenance of the girders from the Hopewell Creek valley would be very expensive and undesirable from an environmental perspective. In light of this, staff would not recommend that painted or galvanized steel girders be utilized on the Hopewell Creek bridge due to the difficulties for future access to the Hopewell Creek valley for maintenance purposes and also because of the associated increased life cycle maintenance costs.
2.3 Bridge Piers
The proposed bridge crossing of Hopewell Creek will require three (3) piers to be constructed within the Hopewell Creek valley. The valley represents an opportunity for the Township and/or local developers to create trail links and maintain a naturalized area within the settlement of Breslau. The valley is also currently classified as "scheduled lands" within controlled flood lines under jurisdiction of the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). - 4 - E-01-007.2
Each of the bridge piers is approximately 15 metres (50 feet) in height which set the bridge at, or above, the current tree canopy in the valley. Because of the natural environment within the Hopewell Creek valley and the presence of mature trees, the actual piers will not be visible to the surrounding community or bridge users, but only to any trail users within the valley. The Architect felt that any proposed enhancements to the bridge piers must be visually appealing to these potential trail users and must also allow for the penetration of sunlight.
The typical "shaft-type" piers that were initially cost-estimated for this bridge at the pre-design stage include no special architectural features. This type of pier allows for penetration of sunlight and would meet the Architect's and agency needs for sunlight penetration. The Architect has proposed texture, in the form of vertical lines, to enhance the visual appearance of the piers for potential trail users. The additional cost to provide these textured enhancements would be minimal. Staff are therefore recommending that pier enhancements similar to those presented in Appendix C be included in the final bridge design.
3.0 Provisions for a Second Railway Track at the CNR Bridge
As previously noted, the purpose of the Addendum to the 1996 Environmental Study Report for the Breslau Bypass was to allow for the construction of a grade separation (road-over-rail) at the CNR crossing on the bypass. The Addendum illustrated a proposed bridge which would span the existing single railway track.
Over the last four months, the Project Team has reviewed the proposed bridge design over the CNR track and as a result recommends increasing the bridge span by 4.3 metres (14 feet) to allow for a possible future second track at this location. Given the current desire to provide other modes of transportation as an alternate to automobiles, it was felt that a second track at this location may be warranted in the future and should be planned for now at a relatively small increase to the project cost. It should be noted that the existing CNR bridges over the Grand River and Victoria Street have widened abutments and piers to facilitate a possible future second track.
The estimated additional cost to provide an increased bridge span for the construction of a second CNR track at this location is $85,000; an increase of twelve (12) percent over the original estimated cost of $700,000 for this bridge. Incurring this increased cost "now" is minor compared to the cost to replace the structure in order to accommodate a second track at a future time. Regional staff and the Consultant intend to negotiate with the railway authorities to cost-share in this additional cost; however because the rail right-of-way is "senior" to the road right-of-way at this location, there is no assurance that funds will be secured from the railway.
Staff is seeking Committee's support of the recommended span increase to allow for a future second track under the proposed CNR bridge, so that detailed design can proceed over the winter months and construction of Stage 2 of the Breslau Bypass can commence next spring. The detailed design cannot be completed until this decision is made and authorization to proceed is given to the Consultant. - 5 - E-01-007.2
4.0 Update on the Breslau Bypass Construction Schedule
Construction of the Breslau Bypass was initiated in 2001 with the construction of the south intersection at Woolwich Street. It is proposed to tender the remainder of the bypass including the Hopewell Creek and CNR bridges in the Spring of 2002. At this time, all properties for the construction of the bypass have been secured with the exception of land required from the Breslau Hotel. Council has approved a resolution to begin expropriation of this land and it is expected that the Region will have possession of this parcel before June 2002.
Since our last report to Committee in June 2001, the Consultant has identified a scheduling obstacle for the construction of the Hopewell Creek bridge, which requires approvals from the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), under the Navigable Waters Protection and Fisheries Acts. A condition of DFO's construction approval will be that no in-stream works can start for the Hopewell Creek bridge until July 1, 2002. Unfortunately, this late start for in-stream works will ultimately delay the opening of the Breslau Bypass until spring 2003 rather than fall 2002 as was originally intended. The completion of the bypass by the end of 2002 was always considered to be a challenge given the land acquisition and approval requirements to accomplish this goal. City of Cambridge staff and the developers have been advised by staff that the opening of the Breslau Bypass will be delayed until spring 2003.
The current schedule for this project is as follows:
TASK KEY DATE
Tender Phase 2 Construction March 2002 Construction Start (all areas except Breslau Hotel and Hopewell Creek) May 2002 Property Acquisition Completion (Expropriation of Breslau Hotel) June 2002 Construction Start (at Breslau Hotel and Hopewell Creek) July 2002 Construction Completion (north of Hopewell Creek bridge) November 2002 Construction Completion (south of Hopewell Creek including bridge) May 2003
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
Construction of the Breslau Bypass meets the Corporate Strategic Goal of ensuring that we accommodate responsible growth and encourage economic prosperity. Lengthening the CNR structure in 2002 to allow for a future second track ensures that we spend wisely the dollars that we are entrusted with and maximize their use for those we serve.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The Breslau Bypass project is being initially funded through a Servicing Agreement, approved by Regional Council, in which the City of Cambridge and three residential developers in Breslau front-end the costs for the construction of the bypass. These fund will be paid back to the City and developers in 2005 from the Regional Development Charges Reserve Fund and Roads Capital Levy Reserve Fund. - 6 - E-01-007.2
Based on current information and projected construction costs, the Region should be able to complete the Breslau Bypass construction within the existing budget of $9,510,000 identified in the proposed 2002 Transportation 10 Year Capital Program (including the pier enhancements to the Hopewell Creek bridge and allowance for a second track at the CNR overpass which together total $85,000). These additional costs for the Hopewell Creek and CNR bridges represent less than one (1) percent of the total estimated project costs.
Based upon the current Servicing Agreement for the Breslau Bypass, the City of Cambridge and the Developers have been advised of their requirement to provide funding for this project prior to the award of tender for the construction of the remainder of the bypass in 2002. It is expected that this funding will be received by the Region in March 2002 in accordance with the tender schedule noted above.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
NIL
PREPARED BY: David Bonsall, Senior Project Manager
APPROVED BY: Michael Murray, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services
b Regional Municipality of Waterloo
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DIVISION
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: E-01-115 Planning and Works Committee File Code: 4876, C06-60 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: CONSULTANT SELECTION - DESIGN AND SERVICES DURING CONSTRUCTION FOR MANNHEIM WATER TREATMENT PLANT PRIMARY DISINFECTION UPGRADE IN THE CITY OF KITCHENER
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enter into an Engineering Agreement with Stantec Consulting Limited of Kitchener, Ontario, to provide engineering services for final design, contract administration and construction inspection for the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant Primary Disinfection Upgrade at an upset limit of $440,350 plus applicable taxes.
SUMMARY:
The Mannheim Water Treatment Plant (WTP) was commissioned in 1992 as a fully conventional drinking water treatment facility incorporating ozone treatment for taste, odor and color control. A Cryptosporidiosis outbreak in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Region) in 1993 prompted a series of operational and optimization initiatives at the Mannheim WTP. The thrust of these initiatives was to convert the ozone system from taste, odor and color control to primary disinfection for Cryptosporidium oocyst inactivation. This change in operating philosophy resulted in target ozone dosages much higher than that required for taste, odor and color control and much higher than the dosages for which the ozone system was designed, thus causing rapid and premature deterioration of the ozone equipment. It should also be noted that upgrading the ozone system to provide year-round Cryptosporidium oocyst control would be very difficult and costly given the existing layout of the Mannheim WTP.
The Joint Venture Team of Acres & Associated Environmental Limited and Hydromantis Incorporated was retained by the Region in August 2000 to provide engineering services to evaluate proposed upgrades to the plant's primary disinfection system. The proposed upgrades under consideration included adding ultraviolet irradiation to the primary disinfection strategy and refocusing the primary purpose of the ozone from disinfection back to taste, odor and color control. During the Justification Study phase of this assignment, the viability of implementing ultraviolet irradiation and redirecting the ozone treatment was assessed and confirmed. In addition, benchmark systems were identified where a benchmark system is defined as a system that will be capable of producing the required results while taking regulatory, construction, operational, maintenance and cost aspects into consideration. Subsequently, a preliminary design for the proposed upgrades was developed and included in the Preliminary Design Report. This Preliminary Design Report provided a $6,691,000 estimated cost for the project. - 2 - E-01-115
Based on this Preliminary Design Report, an invitation for Letters of Interest to provide engineering services for the design and construction of the Mannheim WTP Primary Disinfection Upgrade was advertised in the Kitchener-Waterloo Record, The Globe and Mail and Cambridge Reporter on September 21, 2001. Five consultants responded to the advertisement by submitting Letters of Interest. Three firms were shortlisted and invited to submit a work plan and upset price for the final design and construction phases of the project and are listed below:
C Earth Tech Canada Incorporated C Hydromantis/Acres and Associated Joint Venture Team C Stantec Consulting Limited
The consultant selection process for this engineering assignment was carried out following the Region’s Consultant Selection Policy, which includes price as a factor in the selection process. Following review and assessment of the three consultants’ detailed submissions, the Project Team recommends that Stantec Consulting Limited be awarded this assignment for a total upset fee of $440,350 plus applicable taxes.
Subject to Council’s approval of this consultant assignment, it is anticipated that the design phase will be completed to allow pre-qualification of suppliers and pre-selection of ultraviolet and ozone equipment prior to tendering under two contracts, the first contract for the ultraviolet upgrade in the winter of 2002 and the second contract for the ozone upgrade in the spring of 2003, with completion of all work by February 2004.
REPORT:
1.0 Background
The Mannheim Water Treatment Plant (WTP) was commissioned in 1992 as a fully conventional drinking water treatment facility incorporating taste, odor and color control. A Cryptosporidiosis outbreak in the Region in 1993 initiated a series of short-term and long-term operational and optimization initiatives at the plant over the next five years. The thrust of these initiatives was to convert the operational philosophy of the ozone system from taste, odor and color control to primary disinfection for Cryptosporidium oocyst inactivation. This change in operating philosophy resulted in target ozone dosages much higher than that required for taste, odor and color control and much higher than the dosages for which the ozone system was designed. During this five-year period of operational changes, the following was established:
C No existing National or Provincial regulation provided guidance in Cryptosporidium oocyst inactivation.
C The Region had to set its own definition of a treatment objective for Cryptosporidium oocyst (based on Grand River source water characterization and a review of industry best practices), resulting in a self-imposed overall 5 to 6-log inactivation/removal (99.9999%) treatment objective for the treatment plant.
C Although the plant was meeting all health-related water requirements, there existed a low potential for not achieving the self-imposed treatment objective during the summer months as a result of poor ozone stability.
C To ensure the Region fully meets the self-imposed treatment objective for - 3 - E-01-115
Cryptosporidium oocysts at all times, significant upgrades to the ozone system, including a 50% capacity upgrade and increase in ozone contact time, would be required. Upgrading the system in this fashion would be difficult and costly given the existing layout of the plant.
During the same five-year period, ultraviolet irradiation began to emerge in the industry as a promising disinfection methodology for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Recent developments, complemented by studies completed at the Mannheim WTP and elsewhere, prompted the Region to consider ultraviolet technology rather than ozone for primary disinfection. At the same time, the condition of the ozone equipment began to deteriorate rapidly due to the unit process being operated at much higher output levels than originally designed.
The Joint Venture Team of Acres & Associated Environmental Limited and Hydromantis Incorporated was retained by the Region in August 2000 to provide engineering services to evaluate proposed upgrades to the primary disinfection system at the Mannheim WTP. The proposed upgrades under consideration included adding ultraviolet irradiation to the primary disinfection strategy and refocusing the primary purpose of the existing ozone system from disinfection back to taste, odor and color control. The resulting engineering assignment consisted of the preparation of a Justification Study, which assessed the viability of implementing ultraviolet irradiation and redirecting the ozone treatment. The study also identified benchmark systems where a benchmark system is defined as a system that will be capable of producing the required results while taking regulatory, construction, operational, maintenance and cost aspects into consideration. This study was followed by the development of a preliminary design for the proposed upgrades.
Following the successful completion of the Justification Report in May 2001, which confirmed the viability of implementing ultraviolet irradiation and redirecting the ozone treatment, the Preliminary Design Report was completed in September 2001, thus providing a preliminary design of the benchmark systems.
Features of the proposed ultraviolet benchmark system include:
C A preferred ultraviolet installation location after the filters and before the on-site chlorine contact chamber;
C Two ultraviolet systems (each to be sized at 100% capacity of 72ML/day or 16MlGD) and operated on a one duty/one stand-by arrangement; and
C A by-pass line to allow the duty ultraviolet system to direct treated water to either or both of the on-site chlorine contact chambers.
The proposed ozone benchmark system would be a retrofit installation as constrained by the existing physical space available at the plant. The features of the proposed ozone benchmark system include:
C One liquid oxygen tank to be sized for a minimum 25,000 L storage capacity;
C One supplemental nitrogen-feed (air) system to improve ozone generator efficiency;
C Two medium frequency high-concentration ozone generators to be sized to treat 16MlGD; - 4 - E-01-115
and
C One once-through cooling water system;
The estimated total cost for the upgrade project is $6,691,000 and consists of $2,010,000 and $3,020,000 for the ultraviolet and ozone equipment respectively, while the remainder of the cost is for mechanical, electrical, structural, instrumentation and control and engineering requirements.
The purpose of the Mannheim WTP Primary Disinfection Upgrade is therefore to implement ultraviolet irradiation for primary disinfection while refocusing the ozone technology back to its original purpose of taste, odor and color control, thus reinforcing the existing, multi-barrier primary disinfection strategy. Upon construction completion of the Mannheim WTP Primary Disinfection Upgrade, the plant would be able to fully achieve the self-imposed year-round 5 to 6-log inactivation/removal (99.9999%) treatment objective for Cryptosporidium oocysts.
2.0 Consultant Selection
An invitation for Letters of Interest to provide engineering services for the design and construction of the Mannheim WTP Primary Disinfection Upgrade was advertised in the Kitchener-Waterloo Record, Cambridge Reporter and Globe and Mail on September 21, 2001. Five consultants submitted Letters of Interest. After a review of the submissions was completed, three firms were shortlisted based on their qualifications and asked to submit detailed work plans and upset fees for final design, contract administration and construction inspection services. The three shortlisted consultants were:
C Earth Tech Canada Incorporated C Hydromantis Inc./Acres and Associated Environmental Ltd Joint Venture Team C Stantec Consulting Limited
The Project Team involved with the consultant selection consisted of:
Dave Emery, Head, Environmental Engineering, Design and Construction Division Jorge Cavalcante, Manager, Engineering and Planning, Water Services Division Hennie Fourie, Senior Project Manager, Design and Construction Division Franklyn Smith, Water Infrastructure Specialist, Water Services Division
The evaluation criteria used for selecting the successful consultant were consistent with the Region's Consultant Selection Policy, which includes price as a factor in the selection process. These evaluation criteria and their respective weightings were as follows:
Quality Factors
Project Approach and Understanding 25% Experience of the Project Manager 20% Experience of the Project Support Staff 15% Experience on Similar Projects 20% - 5 - E-01-115
Equity Factors
Current Workload for Region 3% Local Office 2%
Price Factor
Upset Price 15%
The Letters of Interest submitted by all three shortlisted consultants demonstrated a good understanding of the project, capable project teams and experience on a number of similar projects. The $440,350 upset fee submitted by Stantec Consulting Limited for this design and construction assignment was the second lowest price submitted. There was less than 1% difference between the lowest and second lowest price. When considering the combination of quality, equity and price factors described above, Stantec Consulting Limited scored the highest of the three shortlisted consultants.
Based on the above evaluation criteria, including a review of the detailed work plans, schedules and upset fees provided, the Project Team recommends that Stantec Consulting Limited be retained to undertake the design and construction administration of the Mannheim WTP Primary Disinfection Upgrade.
3.0 Scope of Work
For this engineering assignment, the consultant will prepare detailed criteria and documentation and evaluate submissions and bids for pre-qualification and pre-selection of suppliers and equipment, design the facilities, prepare and provide contract drawings and specifications, obtain all necessary approvals and carry out a pre-development review in accordance with the Ministry of Labour's requirements, provide technical advice to bidders during the tendering process, arrange and conduct bidders' site meetings, provide analysis of tenders and recommendations to the Region regarding the award of tenders, arrange and conduct pre-construction site meetings, develop the requirements for geotechnical work at the site, provide contract construction administration and site supervisory services, review shop drawings, oversee the commissioning of the facility, provide follow-up of warranty items and prepare record drawings, provide Operation & Maintenance Manuals meeting Region standards and provide operator training. A list of consultant responsibilities including a breakdown of their lump sum price is included in Appendix A attached to this report.
4.0 Schedule
Subject to Council’s approval of this consultant assignment, the final design will be completed to allow pre-qualification of suppliers and pre-selection of ultraviolet and ozone equipment prior to tendering under two contracts; the first contract for the ultraviolet upgrade in the winter of 2002 and the second contract for the ozone upgrade in the spring of 2003, with completion of all work by February 2004. - 6 - E-01-115
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
This consultant selection process meets the Corporate Strategic Plan goal of ensuring that we spend wisely the dollars that we are entrusted with and maximizing their use for those we serve. Successful completion of this upgrade project will help to ensure our community is the safest in Canada.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The Region's draft 2002 Twenty Year Water Capital Forecast provides a 2002 budget expenditure of $741,000 and a total budget of $6,691,000 for this project. The $440,350 upset fee of Stantec Consulting Limited is within the consulting fee allowance provided for in the total project budget.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
NIL
PREPARED BY: Hennie Fourie, Senior Project Manager, Environmental Engineering
APPROVED BY: Michael Murray, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services APPENDIX A E-01-115
MANNHEIM WTP PRIMARY DISINFECTION UPGRADE CONSULTANT'S GENERAL NORTH PLAN
Task Total Task 1 - Project Initiation $1,576 Task 2 - Field Surveys & Supplementary Investigations $3,884 Task 3 - Pre-selection of Primary Equipment $39,876 Task 4 - Final Design & Working Drawings $91,910 Task 5 - Contract Documents & Specifications $27,040 Task 6 - Approvals $11,960 Task 7 - Tender $10,884 Task 8 - Project Management & Progress Meetings $27,280 Task 9 - Contract Administration $46,020 Task 10 - Shop Drawings and Site Reviews $17,528 Task 11 - Site Supervision $108,840 Task 12 - Project Documentation $16,980 Task 13 - Commissioning & Training $22,992 Task 14 - Post Construction Services $13,580 Total Upset Fee (plus applicable taxes) $440,350
Arthur Street Roadway Improvements Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira Public Information Centre, Dec. 6, 2001 Page 1
1. What is the Purpose of this Public Information Centre?
The Region of Waterloo is currently undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to examine roadway improvements for Arthur Street from Listowel Road to Southfield Drive in Elmira (Please refer to the attached key plan.). The roadway improvements are intended to address the need for additional turning lanes to safely accommodate turning movements to new streets and accesses on the east side of Arthur Street to be constructed as part of the Southfield Business Park development. This evening’s Public Information Centre (PIC) is a forum for you to: • review the alternative design concepts, • review the preferred design concept, • provide comments and input on all aspects of this project.
2. What is a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study?
An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a decision-making process to promote good environmental assessment planning. The key features are:
• consideration and systematic evaluation of a reasonable range of alternatives; • early public consultation, and • clear documentation and traceable decision making.
For a group or “class” of projects with similar characteristics, such as municipal infrastructure projects including roads, water and wastewater projects, the Environmental Assessments are approved subject to compliance with the approved “Class EA” process. The approved Class EA process, called the Municipal Class EA, follows a five-phase approach with mandatory public consultation at key decision points.
The Arthur Street Roadway Improvements Study is being undertaken in accordance with Schedule “B” of the Municipal Class EA Process for municipal road projects. Please refer to Appendix A for additional information regarding the Municipal Class EA Process.
3. Who is Directing This Class Environmental Study?
A “Project Team” consisting of Region of Waterloo, Township of Woolwich staff and Township Councillor Ruby Weber is directing this study. The consulting firm of The Walter Fedy Partnership is providing technical assistance and is also a member of this Project Team.
4. Why are We Considering Improvements to Arthur Street?
An industrial subdivision, known as the Southfield Business Park, is currently under construction by a developer, Elmira Industrial Land Inc., in Elmira. The development is on the east side of Arthur Street, with frontage along Arthur Street, between Listowel Road and Southfield Drive. Access to the subdivision will be achieved by the construction of two new municipal roads connecting to Arthur Street; one (Union Street) at the intersection of Arthur Street and Listowel Road; and another (Earl Martin Drive) at the intersection of Arthur Street Roadway Improvements Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira Public Information Centre, Dec. 6, 2001 Page 2
Arthur Street and South Parkwood Boulevard.
A traffic impact study was completed for the development which identified the need for both left-turn and right-turn lanes on Arthur Street at proposed Union Street and at proposed Earl Martin Drive as well as a northbound right-turn lane at Southfield Drive. In addition, the developer has indicated that two additional mid-block accesses will also be required on Arthur Street to service the new development fronting directly onto Arthur Street; one new access would be mid-block between proposed Union Street and proposed Earl Martin Drive and the other between proposed Earl Martin Drive and Southfield Drive. The exact locations of these two additional accesses are not confirmed; however, each access will also require a separate left turn lane. The requirement for separate left-turn lanes at these five adjacent accesses in conjunction with the close spacing of these accesses has generated the need to consider a continuous centre two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL)on Arthur Street between proposed Union Street and Southfield Drive. The continuous TWLTL would also address the additional conflicts between southbound left turns to the new development and northbound left turns to the existing private accesses on the west side of Arthur Street.
The traffic impact study also identified the need for new traffic signals on Arthur Street at both the proposed Union Street and existing Southfield Drive intersections.
Problem Statement:
As part of the Class Environmental Assessment the Project Team developed the following Problem Statement for this Study:
“The proposed new municipal road accesses at Union Street and Earl Martin Drive and the new mid-block accesses required as part of the development of the Southfield Business Park will result in additional conflicts between left-turning vehicles to the proposed business park and both through traffic on Arthur Street and left-turning traffic to the existing private accesses on the west side. Without making road improvements on Arthur Street, this increase in conflicts would likely result in an increase in collisions and motorist delays on Arthur Street within the project limits.”
5. What Alternative Design Concepts Are Being Considered For The Roadway Improvements on Arthur Street?
Five alternative design concepts were developed by the Project Team for this project. Each of design concepts 2 through 5 include widening the existing road to provide one through lane in each direction plus a continuous Two-Way Left-Turn Lane (TWLTL) between proposed Union Street and Southfield Drive as well as right-turn lanes at Union Street, Earl Martin Drive and Southfield Drive. The alternative design concepts are described as follows:
Concept 1 Arthur Street Roadway Improvements Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira Public Information Centre, Dec. 6, 2001 Page 3
• “do - nothing” • no widening to provide left-turn lanes to proposed mid block accesses on the east side of Arthur Street but widen the road to provide the required turning lanes at proposed Union Street, Earl Martin Drive and Southfield Drive.
Concept 2 • all required widening would take place on the west side of existing Arthur Street; • Arthur Street would remain a “rural” road (i.e. ditches and shoulders).
Concept 3 • widening would take place on both the east and west sides of existing Arthur Street; • Arthur Street would remain a rural road (i.e. ditches and shoulders).
Concept 4 • all widening would occur on the east side of existing Arthur Street; • Arthur Street would become an urban road (i.e. curb and gutter on both sides, installation of storm sewers).
Concept 5 • all widening would occur on the east side; • Arthur Street would remain a rural road on the west side; • Arthur Street would remain a rural road on the east side between Listowel Road/Union Street and Earl Martin Drive; • Arthur Street would become an urban road on the east side between Earl Martin Drive and Southfield Drive.
Please refer to Appendix B for typical cross-sections of the alternative design concepts.
6. How Are The Alternative Design Concepts Being Evaluated?
In order to assess how the various alternative design concepts address the problem statement and affect the environment, each alternative design concept is being evaluated by the Project Team using the following criteria;
Transportation: How would the design concept serve the expected vehicular, transit, cycling and pedestrian traffic in terms of travel delay and safety?
Social Environment: How would the design concept affect the residential and commercial properties fronting the road (property acquisition, driveways, front yards)?
Natural Environment: How would the design concept affect existing trees and other vegetation?
Economic Environment: What is the total estimated cost to construct the design concept including costs for road widening, utility relocations Arthur Street Roadway Improvements Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira Public Information Centre, Dec. 6, 2001 Page 4
and driveway reconstruction?
Please refer to Appendix C for a summary of the evaluation and rankings of the various alternative design concepts. Arthur Street Roadway Improvements Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira Public Information Centre, Dec. 6, 2001 Page 5
7. Which Design Concept is Identified as Being Preferred?
Based on the evaluation of the alternative design concepts using the criteria described above, the Project Team has identified Concept 5 as the Preferred Design Concept for this project. Four of the design concepts would address the vehicle turning movements to an equal degree; however, Concept 5 is preferred by the Project Team because it would address the turning movements at a moderate cost (second lowest) and with the lowest expected negative impact to the properties on the west side of Arthur Street.
8. What Other Improvements Are Being Planned For This Project?
Watermain Replacement
The Township of Woolwich is considering the installation of a new watermain in the south bound lane of Arthur Street between Listowel Road and Southfield Drive. This will replace the existing watermain currently located on the east side of Arthur Street and within the lands owned by Elmira Industrial Land Inc. The watermain is being replaced due to its poor condition. Replacing the watermain at this time will result in cost savings compared to the option of replacing it at a later date and will also reduce the excavations required within the new pavement at a future date.
Proposed Sidewalk
The Township of Woolwich is planning to construct a sidewalk on the east side of Arthur Street, between Earl Martin Drive and Southfield Drive, as part of whatever design concept is ultimately approved. A potential pedestrian walkway is also being considered on the west side of Arthur Street as part of Concept 2, 3 and 5. Concept 4 would also include a sidewalk on the west side of Arthur Street.
Sanitary Sewer Installation
The Township of Woolwich is considering the installation of a new sanitary sewer in the west shoulder on Arthur Street, between Listowel Road and Southfield Drive. The purpose of the sanitary sewer is to service the properties on the west side of Arthur Street.
Storm Sewer Installation
The Region of Waterloo is planning to install a storm sewer system under the west ditch on Arthur Street between Listowel Road and Southfield Drive. The purpose of the storm sewer is to address drainage problems currently occurring along the west side of Arthur Street.
Street Lighting
Street lighting is proposed on Arthur Street within the project limits as part of whatever design concept is ultimately approved. Arthur Street Roadway Improvements Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira Public Information Centre, Dec. 6, 2001 Page 6
Streetscaping
The developer, Elmira Industrial Land Inc., is required to construct a landscape berm within their property limits on the east side of Arthur Street between Listowel Road and Southfield Drive. No additional landscape works are contemplated on the west side of Arthur Street.
Utility Relocations
Implementation of an approved design concept may require the relocation of existing hydro poles and underground utilities including hydro and bell ducts, gas mains and cable TV conduits.
9. When Will Construction Occur?
Construction is currently scheduled to begin in late spring of 2002 with completion by fall of 2002.
10. What Happens if Some of My Property is Required?
There is no need to acquire additional property for this project.
11. How Will Trees, Driveways and Lawns Be Affected?
Construction of some of the alternative design concepts and the installation of the proposed storm and sanitary sewers would require the removal of some existing trees within the road allowance. It is the Region’s practice to mitigate this impact by providing two replacement nursery trees for each tree removed as a result of any road widening. Each land owner whose property is adjacent to where a tree will be removed would be contacted by a Regional staff member during the final design phase to discuss the species and locations of replacement trees. Trees located on private property are not expected to be impacted by the construction.
Construction of each of the alternative design concepts would also require reconstruction of a portion of existing driveways, existing private walkways, retaining walls and lawns as a result of the installation of underground services. Upon completion of construction, all driveways and landscaping features would be restored with new materials. Each adjacent land owner whose property includes special landscaping features would be contacted during the final design phase to discuss the nature and extent of the reconstruction of these features.
12. How will Traffic and Property Access Be Maintained During Construction?
It is the intent of the Project Team to maintain two lanes of traffic throughout the construction period. There may be instances when it will be necessary to close portions of Arthur Street to through traffic for several days; however, access to private properties would be maintained at all times whenever possible. For closures of Arthur Street, public notification will be given and detour routes established. Arthur Street Roadway Improvements Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira Public Information Centre, Dec. 6, 2001 Page 7
13. Will My Water Service Be Affected During Construction?
The Township of Woolwich is proposing to replace the existing watermain. This work will be scheduled to minimize disruption to businesses and residences. By necessity, there will be short durations when these services will be disrupted. This will occur several times during the construction period. Prior to any disruption to water service, at least 24 hours advance notice will be given to each property owner.
14. Can The Size of My Water Service be Increased?
Private property owners who have plans to increase the size of their water service to their property (eg. to accommodate future redevelopment of their property) are encouraged to have this work included under this project. Subject to a mutual agreement between the Township of Woolwich and the property owner, the existing service may be upgraded from the proposed main under the street to the property line at the property owner’s expense. Undertaking this improvement in conjunction with the proposed construction typically results in cost savings to the property owner as compared to undertaking the work independently at some other time.
If you wish to discuss an increase to the size of your water service, please indicate so on your comment sheet. From this information, a member of the Project Team can contact you at a later date to discuss your plans and to provide a cost estimate for your desired improvement.
15. What is the Estimated Cost of this Project?
The proposed road improvements, storm sewers, watermain, sanitary sewers and sidewalk would be cost-shared between the Region of Waterloo, the developer (Elmira Industrial Land Inc.) and the Township of Woolwich. As an example based on Concept 5, the total estimated project cost would be $2.29 million to be cost-shared as follows:
Region of Waterloo $0.78 million Elmira Industrial Land Inc. $0.53 million Township of Woolwich $0.98 million Estimated Total Cost $2.29 million
16. How Will This Project Be Funded?
The Region of Waterloo’s share for road improvements and storm sewers will be funded as part of its 2002 Transportation Capital Program. The watermain will be funded from the Township’s Water Reserve Fund. The sidewalk will be funded from the Township’s Capital Works Fund. The Township of Woolwich’s share for the sanitary sewer will be initially funded by the Township and then later assessed to the west-side property owners in accordance with the Local Improvement Act. Arthur Street Roadway Improvements Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira Public Information Centre, Dec. 6, 2001 Page 8
17. When Will a Final Decision be Made for this Project?
The Project Team intends to review the public comments received from today’s Information Centre and use them as input for developing a Recommended Design Concept for this project. If considerable objections are voiced against the Preferred Design Concept, the Project Team will arrange another forum for further public consultation prior to identifying a Recommended Design Concept. The Recommended Design Concept is scheduled to be presented to the Region’s Planning and Works Committee for their endorsement in February, 2002. At this meeting, the Region’s Planning and Works Committee and members of the public will be given an opportunity to provide comments on this project.
Pending the Committee’s endorsement, final approval of the Recommended Design Concept for this project will be considered by Regional Council in late February, 2002. When Regional Council has made their decision as to what design concept is recommended for this project, the Project File, which will document the entire decision making process, will be made available for public review for 30 days. The public will be notified of this “filing” by means of mail outs and advertised notices. Anyone still opposed to the Recommended Design Concept would have 30 days after the notice is advertised to request that the project be subject to a more detailed Environmental Assessment. Such requests must be received in writing by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, with a copy sent to the Region’s Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services. Prior to sending the request to the Minister, both the Project Team and the member of the public should make every effort to resolve the issue.
18. How Will I Receive Further Notification Regarding this Project?
All members of the public registering at this Public Information Centre will receive any forthcoming additional information and be notified of future meetings via mail or hand delivered notices. Advertisements will be placed in the local newspaper advising the public of the proposed date of the Regional Planning and Works Committee meeting currently scheduled for February 2002.
19. How Can I voice My Comments at this Stage?
In order to assist us in addressing any comments or concerns you might have regarding this project, we ask that you please fill out the attached comment sheet and leave it in the box provided at the registration table. Alternatively, you can mail, fax or e-mail your comments to the Region of Waterloo by no later than Dec. 14, 2001.
We thank you for your involvement and should you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Mr. Steve van De Keere, P. Eng. Senior Project Manager, Design and Construction Telephone: 575-4792 Regional Municipality of Waterloo Facsimile: 575-4430 Arthur Street Roadway Improvements Listowel Road to Southfield Drive, Elmira Public Information Centre, Dec. 6, 2001 Page 9
150 Frederick Street Email:[email protected] Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4J3
Regional Municipality of Waterloo
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES TRANSIT SERVICES
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: E-01-121 Planning and Works Committee File Code: V07-08 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: GRAND RIVER TRANSIT ALTERNATIVE FUEL INVESTIGATION
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the use of clean diesel technology for Grand River Transit vehicle acquisitions for the next three years;
And that staff be directed to develop a plan to install appropriate emission control devices on existing diesel buses;
And that staff continue to monitor and investigate advancements in fuel technology for consideration of future purchases.
SUMMARY:
As directed by Council, staff in consultation with McCormick Rankin Engineering and Associates have undertaken a comprehensive review of the environmental impacts of compressed natural gas (CNG) and "clean" diesel fuel. This study is intended to assist Council in their consideration of the tenders for bus purchases for the next several years.
The findings of the study revealed that the air quality benefits of CNG technology compared to the advancements in clean diesel technology are minimal and the gap continues to narrow with further improvements.
Both fuel technologies will require modifications in order to meet the proposed EPA emissions standards currently planned for introduction in 2004. There is confidence within the industry that this can be achieved given the potential improvements in engines, exhaust control and fuel formulations. The emission differences between the two engine technologies will be further reduced substantially by 2004 therefore, the advantages of CNG technology as compared to diesel will continue to be marginal.
Also, factored in the study is the overall impact of transit on the environment. Grand River Transit contributes less than 1% of the total emissions in the Region of Waterloo. Conversion partially or fully of the Grand River Transit fleet to CNG technology would result at most in a 0.1% improvement in total air pollution emission within the Region. It is estimated that, on a passenger-kilometer basis, bus emissions are almost four times lower than car emissions. Therefore, the Region's efforts to increase transit ridership and reduce private automobile reliance will have a far greater impact on improving overall air quality than the choice of fuel. - 3 - E-01-121
The final component of the study considered the cost implication of converting all or part of the transit fleet to CNG. The Life Cycle Costing Analysis indicated that to convert the Grand River Transit fleet partially or fully to CNG technology would result in higher capital and ongoing vehicle maintenance costs ranging from $7.0 M to $11.7 M over the study evaluation period 2001 to 2016 which would be in addition to existing transit operating costs now being experienced.
GRT's experiences over the past five years with the CNG vehicles, has demonstrated that the CNG fleet requires a higher level of maintenance than diesel. As a result of this maintenance experience, the reliability of these vehicles is questionable and GRT has found it difficult to meet service commitments to the public.
The investigation and subsequent study findings indicate that the selection of clean diesel technology is preferred for future Grand River Transit bus purchases. This course of action is also being taken by other municipalities such as London, Toronto, Mississauga and BC Transit where their CNG bus fleets are being converted from natural gas to clean diesel.
REPORT:
INTRODUCTION
In October of 2000, Regional Council directed staff to develop policy recommendations for Council's consideration regarding the choice of fuel for future Grand River Transit bus purchases. In addition, Council requested that the policy should be reviewed with the Citizen's Advisory Committee on Air Quality.
A Consultant team of McCormick Rankin with specialist sub-consultants RWDI (air quality specialists) and Cole-Sherman (financial analysis) was retained to assist in the investigation and the development of policy recommendations. The project was directed by a project team consisting of Regional staff and Regional Councillors Wideman and Strauss.
Grand River Transit operates 140 conventional transit buses. There are 114 vehicles operating from the north depot located on Strasburg Road; 23 of these vehicles are powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and fueled at this facility, the remaining 91 vehicles are diesel powered. In Cambridge there are 26 diesel powered vehicles operating from the south depot located on Conestoga Boulevard. There is no natural gas fueling facility at the south depot.
Based on Grand River Transit's 5-year business plan and maintenance program GRT is proposing to acquire 79 new buses over the next 5 years (2002 to 2006) (45 expansion and 34 replacements). For purposes of the study, it was assumed that a total of 100 expansion buses will be purchased to 2016, in addition to 140 replacement buses. Therefore, total bus purchases to 2016 would be approximately 240.
The general approach to complete the study was based on Grand River Transit's operating experiences associated with diesel and natural gas powered vehicles and reference to other similar studies that have been undertaken regarding this subject matter. - 4 - E-01-121
The investigation focused primarily in two key areas. Firstly, environmental considerations which focused on air quality implications associated with natural gas and clean diesel technology. Secondly, life cycle costing analysis that took into account vehicle capital and operating costs and associated infrastructure costs necessary to operate and maintain each vehicle type.
The attached Appendix A, "Executive Summary Grand River Transit Alternative Fuels Investigation" summarizes the consultants' investigations and findings.
OPTIONAL VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES
The choice of vehicle technologies to be examined was narrowed to compressed natural gas (CNG) and "clean diesel" given there is broad acceptance that these represent the only commercially viable options capable of meeting the proposed emission standards in the short term. In the longer term, there is optimism that advances in electric propulsion, either in the form of fuel cells, batteries or a hybrid configuration, will provide a feasible future choice for urban transit vehicles. These types of vehicles are still in their developmental stages and are quite expensive ($1.9 million per vehicle). Once lower emission vehicles are available for commercial application, these technologies may provide viable options.
The vehicle assessments were based on the environmental and financial issues given the following three fleet options. The options involved the transition of the transit fleet to various fuel technologies over the next 15 years to 2016.
Fleet Mix Options
Fleet Mix Option Depot Vehicle Technology North CNG A South Diesel North Diesel B South Diesel North CNG C South CNG
The following summarizes the findings and conclusions of the Consultants' Report "Alternative Fuels and Investigations". - 5 - E-01-121
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
In association with McCormick Rankin, RWDI Consultants evaluated the emission and air quality impacts associated with the three fleet options. The following summarizes the key RWDI findings.
Vehicle Emissions
The emissions analysis was extracted from numerous publications summarizing the results of several studies. The estimated emission levels for CNG and diesel fuel transit buses were taken from numerous sources and then averaged to provide an indication of typical emission levels for each of the major parameters specified in the proposed US EPA (United Stated Environmental Protection Agency) Emission Standards for Heavy Diesel Bus Engines.
The contaminants included in the analysis were carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide (CO2) and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) which includes a wide range of substances, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). This is consistent with a similar study completed in the early 1990s for the Hamilton Transit System (HSR). According to the "Air Quality in Ontario" report published in 1998, the basis of the concerns related to these pollutants is as follows:
NMHC (Non-methane hydrocarbons) - precursor to the formation of smog;
CO (Carbon Monoxide) - impairment of visual perception, working capacity, learning ability;
NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) - increasing sensitivity for persons with asthma and bronchitis; leads to acid deposition and adverse effects on vegetation; precursor to formulation of smog;
PM (Particulate Matter) - smaller size particles are predicted to have greater effects on lung disease, asthma and bronchitis; damage to vegetation, deterioration in visibility and contamination of soil;
The estimates of typical emissions of these substances from diesel and CNG engines are summarized in the following table. Also indicated in the Table are US EPA current and future emission standards, as well as future European standards (EURO). These standards are provided as a basis for comparison with the emission estimates. Although Ontario and Canada do not have emission standards for buses, the transportation industry in Canada is essentially following the US EPA standards.
Comparison of Typical Engine Emissions vs. Proposed Standards (g/bhp-hr)
Typical Emissions EPA EPA Euro Standards Standards Standards Parameter Diesel CNG 1998 2004 2008 NMHC 0.24 0.36 1.3 0.34 CO 1.07 0.73 15.5 15.5 1.1 NOx 5.0 3.0 4.0 2.5* 1.5 - 6 - E-01-121
PM 0.08 0.01 0.05 0.025 0.015 * combined non methane hydrocarbons plus NOx The Table indicates that diesel emissions are slightly lower than CNG for NMHC (a precursor to smog), but slightly higher than CNG for several other parameters. The results also indicate that modifications to both CNG and diesel engines will be required to be in compliance with the proposed EPA emission standards and the EURO standards. To meet the proposed emission standards, engine manufacturers are developing enhanced exhaust filters and particulate traps for diesel equipment to meet the proposed emission standards for 2004 and 2008 respectively. Any new buses purchased will have lower emissions than the "typical" emissions noted in the Table.
Study findings indicated that staff should investigate the technical and financial feasibility of retro-fitting the existing fleet with post exhaust processing equipment to reduce emissions. In this regard staff will collaborate with vehicle manufacturers to determine potential retro-fitting programs that may be available in the near future to modify existing Grand River Transit vehicles to reduce emissions.
Air Quality Assessment
To provide an appropriate context for the emissions data, the environmental impacts of the fleet options were evaluated from a local and regional perspective. This included an analysis of:
• The relative change in total air pollution emissions within the Region of Waterloo with the different fleet options.
• Localized air quality impacts of the different options (using a section of King Street in downtown Kitchener).
• The impact on ambient air quality in the Region of the different fleet options.
The conclusions of the analysis included the following:
• Relative to the total emissions within the Region of Waterloo, the GRT fleet contributes less than 1% of the total emissions. At most, a 0.1% reduction in total emissions could be achieved by moving to an all CNG fleet.
• On a localized basis (King Street, as an example) converting to an all CNG fleet would result in an
increase in the NMHC concentration (6.7%) and decreases in the NOx (19%) and CO (1.3%) concentrations.
• No change in overall ambient air quality for the entire Region is expected as a result of the alternative vehicle fleet options.
These relative differences in air quality must also be considered in the overall context of the air quality benefits of increased transit use and decreased private automobile use. The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) estimates that on a passenger-kilometer basis, bus emissions are almost 4 times less than car emissions
(70 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per million passenger kilometers for a bus vs. 254 tonnes for a car). - 7 - E-01-121
The Region's Transportation Master Plan outlines a goal of reducing the modal share of automobile trips by 7% and doubling transit ridership by 2016. This shift will result in much more significant improvements in air quality than the marginal differences related to the various fleet mix options.
LIFE CYCLE COSTING ANALYSIS
The significant cost differences between diesel and CNG buses include the following:
• The capital cost of a CNG bus is approximately $110,000 (22%) more than a diesel bus ($565,000 vs. $455,000). This is based on actual tenders received by GRT in August 2001. Although government subsidies (e.g. sales tax rebates) are available from time-to-time to encourage CNG use, they would not alter the fundamental conclusions of this report.
• The maintenance costs of CNG buses are approximately $5,000 per year greater than diesel buses. The primary reasons for this are: additional tune-ups; more frequent investigation of gas fuel safety problems perceived by the operator; and related fuel system component repairs. The life cycle cost analysis used a maintenance cost difference of $2,500/year, assuming that CNG technology will improve in the future.
• Diesel fuel is more expensive than CNG ($0.59/L for low sulphur diesel vs. $0.36/L for CNG).
• The capital cost to expand the CNG fueling facilities to accommodate the transition to an all CNG fleet (Options A or C) would include $1 million in 2003 for an initial expansion of the Strasburg Road facility; $500,000 in 2008 for a CNG fueling facility in Cambridge, and $1 million in 2010 for a further expansion of the Strasburg Road facility.
• The ongoing operation and maintenance costs of the existing CNG compression facilities are approximately $130,000 per year, while the annual maintenance costs of the diesel fueling facilities are negligible.
The life cycle cost analysis combined all of the expected capital, operating and maintenance costs of the vehicles and fueling infrastructure over the next 15 years (to 2016). Future costs were discounted (at 4%) to estimate a "Net Present Value" of each of the fleet options. The results indicate that:
• The net present value of the partial CNG fleet option (CNG in north, diesel in south) is $7.1 million greater than the all diesel fleet option.
• The net present value of the all CNG fleet option is $11.7 million greater than the all diesel fleet option.
OTHER TRANSIT PROPERTY EXPERIENCES WITH CNG
Several other transit properties in Ontario are moving away from CNG buses. London Transit and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) are now purchasing only diesel buses, while Mississauga Transit has actually converted their CNG buses back to diesel engines. The City of Hamilton will be reviewing whether to continue the conversion of their fleet to CNG or convert back to diesel because of the ongoing improvements associated - 8 - E-01-121 with clean diesel technology in reducing vehicle emissions. The Coast Mountain Bus Company (formerly BC Transit) is planning to sell all of its CNG buses and replace them with diesel buses. - 9 - E-01-121
The following summarizes the reasons these other jurisdictions have initiated fleet conversions to clean diesel technology.
• The introduction of clean diesel technology has reduced significantly the differences in emissions between diesel and CNG engines. Also the need for engine manufacturers to meet EPA Emissions Standards will require modifications to both diesel and CNG engine technology.
• CNG vehicles are only approximately 75% as reliable as diesel.
• CNG vehicles are 40% less energy efficient than diesel.
• CNG is significantly more expensive to operate than diesel.
The experiences of the other transit properties are similar to those experiences being encountered at Grand River Transit with the CNG vehicles. Grand River Transit maintenance staff noted the following concerns associated with maintenance activities of the CNG vehicles.
• CNG vehicles require tune-ups approximately every 3-6 months involving the replacement of ignition coils, spark plugs, and ignition wiring which takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete versus diesel engines which require tune-ups approximately every 24-36 months.
• CNG vehicles do not perform as well during extreme hot/cold weather conditions as the diesel vehicles, resulting in additional road calls to change the bus off with an alternative vehicle to continue the service.
• The CNG's complex natural gas sensing components associated with the fuel distribution system require regular inspection and repair causing greater vehicle downtime as compared to diesel vehicles.
GRT's experiences over the past five years with the CNG vehicles clearly indicates that the CNG fleet requires a higher level of maintenance than diesel. As a result of this maintenance experience, the reliability of these vehicles is questionable and GRT has found it difficult to meet service commitments to the public.
Citizen's Advisory Committee on Air Quality (CACAQ) - Comments
GRT staff and members of the consultant team met with the CACAQ on three occasions during the course of the study. The first meeting in September was to review the study Terms of Reference and proposed methodology; the latter two meetings in November were to review and discuss the results of the study.
CACAQ's comments on the consultants' report are attached as Appendix B. CACAQ supports the Region's transit expansion plans, and the positive impact this can have on local air quality. However, CACAQ is concerned about the study methodology (e.g. some air quality parameters not being fully considered). They believe that the study overemphasizes the financial issues and the cost differences between CNG and diesel and underemphasizes the air quality and health issues. They support the conversion of the GRT fleet to CNG technology, and do not support the acquisition of clean diesel buses.
Regional staff believe that the study provides an objective comparison of the costs and benefits of the various - 10 - E-01-121 fleet options within the time and budget available. The results provide a reasonable basis for Regional Council to select a transit fuel technology for the next several years.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The primary conclusions of the air quality and financial analysis are as follows:
• Relative to the total emissions within the Region of Waterloo, the GRT fleet contributes less than 1% of the total emissions. At most, a 0.1% reduction in total emissions could be achieved by moving to an all CNG fleet.
• No change in overall ambient air quality for the entire Region is expected as a result of the alternative fleet options.
• CNG vehicles are significantly less reliable than diesel and have significantly greater down-time for maintenance and repairs.
• The Net Present Value Cost of converting to a partial or complete CNG fleet over the next 15 years is $7.1 million to $11.7 million greater than a clean diesel fleet.
The significant cost difference is equivalent to 16 to 26 additional buses. Since additional buses allow additional service hours, and promote additional transit ridership, they will result in significantly fewer automobile trips in the future. Since bus emissions are significantly lower than car emissions on a passenger-kilometer basis, the air quality benefits of fewer cars on the road will be significantly greater than the marginal benefits associated with conversion to a CNG fleet. Furthermore, if the Region's direction were to move to an all CNG fleet, additional spare buses would be required to ensure service reliability.
Based on the environmental and financial implications of the various vehicle acquisition options, staff recommend that the Region:
• Purchase clean diesel technology vehicles for the next three years (2002-2004).
• Develop a plan to install appropriate emission controls on existing diesel buses.
• Continue to monitor the development of alternate fuel technologies for possible use in GRT buses.
This approach is based on the philosophy that the choice of vehicle technology should represent the best allocation of limited funding to achieve the greatest benefit to the environment. This approach is consistent with that being taken by other transit operators in Ontario, British Columbia, New York and Europe. - 11 - E-01-121
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
The Region's transit expansion plans support the Region's strategic direction to improve air quality through the reduction of vehicle emissions. The recommendation to purchase clean diesel buses ensures that the Region achieves best value for its taxpayers' dollars.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The Life Cycle costing analysis undertaken by the consultants suggests that the additional costs for a full or partial conversion of the fleet to CNG would range between $7.0 million and $11.7 million (net present value - 2001$) over the evaluation period to 2016. The 10 Year Transit Capital Forecast, the 5 Year Transit Business Plan and the expansion program issue paper have been costed assuming diesel buses. Any decision to purchase CNG buses rather than diesel buses will impact the proposed 3 year budget plan in 2003/2004. The specific impacts on future bus purchases and service delivery resulting from a decision to purchase CNG buses would require revisions (increases) to the current budget plan.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
The Planning, Housing and Community Services Department (Transportation Planning Division), the Community Health Department and the Finance Department were consulted during the preparation of this report.
PREPARED BY: Gary Stockford, Assistant Director, Transit Services
APPROVED BY: Michael Murray, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services E-01-121 APPENDIX A
Grand River Transit Alternative Fuels Investigation
McCormick Rankin Corporation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Grand River Transit (GRT) is initiating an aggressive fleet acquisition program to replace its existing fleet and to support the planned expansion of services endorsed by Regional Council. Prior to making a substantial commitment to a specific vehicle acquisition strategy, GRT was requested to undertake an assessment of the environmental and financial implications associated with the optional transit vehicle technologies.
The analysis has took maximum advantage of the recent similar work that has been completed within Ontario, the U.S. and Europe. This research was then supplemented with the GRT operating experience to reflect local conditions. This approach was reviewed with the Citizen’s Advisory Committee on Air Quality (Waterloo Region). The Committee did not indicate any specific concerns with this methodology.
The fleet requirements to 2016 were developed from the data provided in the Region’s Transportation Master Plan and the recently completed Five-Year Business Plan. From this information, the fleet is projected to increase from 140 vehicles to 230 vehicles in 2016. The forecast allocates 180 vehicles at the North Depot and 50 at the South Depot.
The choice of vehicle technologies to be examined was narrowed to CNG and clean diesel given there is broad acceptance that these two technologies are the viable commercial options capable of meeting the proposed emission standards in the short term. In the long term there is optimism that advances in electric propulsion, either in the form of fuel cells, batteries or a hybrid configuration, will provide a feasible future alternative for urban transit vehicles.
The impact assessment focused on the financial and environmental issues associated with the following three fleet options:
Option Depot Vehicle Technology
A North CNG South diesel
B North diesel South diesel
C North CNG South CNG A-2 E-01-121
The life cycle costing analysis took account of all major vehicle and associated infrastructure costs necessary to operate and maintain each vehicle type. The calculations reflected the fuel price, fuel consumption, initial capital costs and any residual values at the end of the evaluation period. It also included all support costs related to garage and fueling facilities.
With respect to environmental considerations, past investigations have indicated little difference between these technologies in relation to vehicle noise and visual intrusion characteristics. Accordingly, this assessment focused on the air quality implications related to the two fuel technologies.
The findings and conclusions of the investigation are highlighted in the remainder of this summary. The technical data to support the suggested course of action is provided in the body of the report and the attached appendices. i) The differences in the capital and operating costs between CNG and diesel powered vehicles is significant. The LCC analysis suggests that the additional costs for full or partial conversion of the fleet to CNG would be in the order of $1.5M annually over the evaluation period to 2016; ii) The air quality benefits of CNG relative to clean diesel are marginal. At most, a 0.1% improvement in the total air pollution emissions would be achieved from the fleet replacement options investigated. No change in the overall ambient air quality within the Region is predicted as a result of adopting a particular fleet option. iii) The choice of vehicle technology in the short term should not be considered immutable but rather the decision should be revisited regularly to reflect advances in fuel technology, fuel pricing, and changes in emission standards; and iv) "Clean diesel” technology incorporating use of low sulphur fuels and systems for the post- processing of exhaust emissions will be capable of meeting the proposed 2007 EPA emission standards;
Based on the above, the suggested short term vehicle acquisition strategy for GRT is as follows:
- select “clean diesel” technology; - initiate an aggressive retrofit of the existing diesel fleet with post exhaust processing equipment to reduce emissions; and - enhance current levels of transit service to attract higher ridership while further improving the performance of the transit vehicles.
This approach is founded on the philosophy that the choice of vehicle technology should be on the basis of the best allocation of limited funding to achieve the greatest benefit to the environment; specifically air quality objectives. This approach is consistent with that being taken by other transit operations in Ontario, New York and Europe.
Regional Municipality of Waterloo
CORPORATE RESOURCES DEPARTMENT REPORT
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: CR-RS-01-028 Planning and Works Committee File Code: Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: AUTHORIZATION TO EXPROPRIATE LANDS FOR THE EXTENSION OF RUNWAY 07/25 AT THE WATERLOO REGIONAL AIRPORT
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct the Regional Solicitor to take the following action with respect to the expropriation of lands for the extension of Runway 07/25 of the Waterloo Regional Airport, in the Township of Woolwich:
1. Complete an application to the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for approval to expropriate land, which is required for the construction of the extension to the Runway at the Waterloo Regional Airport, and is described as follows:
Part Lot 102, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, situated at 160 Shantz Station Road, (partial taking); and
Part Lot 102, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, situated at 292 Shantz Station Road, (partial taking); and
Part Lot 88, German Company Tract, Township of Woolwich, (Airspace Easement)
2. Give notices of the above application required by the Expropriations Act.
3. Forward to the Chief Inquiry Officer any requests for hearing that may be received and then report to Regional Council for information.
4. Do all things necessary and proper to be done, and report thereon to Regional Council in due course.
SUMMARY: NIL
REPORT:
Regional Council approved in March 2000 the Waterloo Regional Airport Master Plan which included the extension of the existing Runway 07/25 from 5200 feet to 7000 feet. The runway extension is required to provide the users of the airport safer and reliable airport infrastructure as well as to provide improved noise mitigation for residents in Kitchener. The 2001 Airport Capital Program and ten year - 2 - CR-RS-01-028 forecast included funds in 2001 for the purchase of lands for this project. The runway extension is planned for construction in 2002.
In order to secure the required airspace clearances for the runway extension it is necessary to secure property from three (3) land owners. To date the Region has entered into negotiations with all land owners in an effort to reach agreements.
Given the Region's commitment to have the runway extension fully constructed by the end of 2002, the Region must give notice of the intent to expropriate property from land owners which have not entered into agreements. The Region will continue to negotiate with all land owners in an attempt to secure lands without the need to expropriate.
Council will be kept informed through subsequent reports as to the status of the various agreements for purchase as well as expropriation proceedings.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
The runway extension project supports the goal of creating and supporting a climate that encourages economic prosperity.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The property acquisition budget for the project is $900,000 which is sufficient to purchase the needed properties.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
Transportation and Environmental Services staff have been consulted in the preparation of this report.
PREPARED BY: Bruce McNaughton, Administrator Real Estate Services
APPROVED BY: Connie Peterson Giller, Commissioner Corporate Resources & Regional Solicitor Regional Municipality of Waterloo
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES WASTE MANAGEMENT
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: E-01-100.1 Planning and Works Committee File Code: C06-20/ER01 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: MULTI-RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION POLICY AND SERVICE LEVEL ISSUES
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo select one of the following four options to resolve the issue of garbage collection service and rebates to multi-residential dwellings.
Option 1: Maintain the existing service level of no rebates and no service to condominiums. This option has no cost impact.
Option 2: Provide garbage collection service to condominiums effective January 1st, 2003 where road networks allow large trucks to pass freely. Approximately 6,000 of the 12,000 condominium units in the Region would receive service. No other service or rebates would be provided. The estimated annual cost of this option is $480,000.
Option 3: Provide garbage collection service to condominiums effective January 1st, 2003 where road networks allow large trucks to pass freely; and rebates to all other condominium and apartment building owners not receiving service. Approximately 6,000 condominium units would receive service, a further 6,000 condominiums units and 22,000 rental apartment units would receive an annual rebate of $25. The estimated annual cost of this option is $1.18 million.
Option 4: Provide an annual rebate of $25 per unit for all condominium and apartment units not receiving service effective January 1st, 2003. The estimated annual cost of this option is $850,000.
Regardless of which option is chosen, a comprehensive inventory of apartment buildings currently receiving service is required to address existing collection anomalies.
SUMMARY:
Nil
REPORT:
As directed by Planning and Works Committee on September 4th, 2001, staff have prepared an overview of garbage and recycling service levels offered to multi-residential units. A similar report addressing service levels to businesses will be prepared in 2002. Garbage collection service has generally been offered to all residential units except those noted below: - 2 -
E-01-100.1 C06-20/ER01
! rental and condominium apartment buildings with more than 6 units ! all condominium townhouses ! rental townhouses with interior roads
Rebates in lieu of garbage collection were provided to all unit owners in Kitchener and Waterloo (totalling 25,000 units) until earlier this year when Regional Council voted in the 2001 budget process to discontinue the $600,000 per year program. Rebates were never provided in Cambridge. Recycling collection is provided to all residential/multi-residential units regardless of size or configuration.
Following direction from the Planning and Works Committee on September 4th, staff have prepared an overview of the current situation with respect to municipal garbage collection with specific emphasis on multi-residential units. Staff have also identified some key policy issues which have arisen since the rebate program was cancelled earlier this year. In general, staff have not changed any garbage collection service levels since the Region assumed responsibility for this service from the Area Municipalities on January 1st, 2000. This is consistent with the commitment made by Regional Council to the Area Municipalities as a condition of the service transfer. This report has been organized into the following three sections:
1. Existing Service Levels for Residential Garbage Collection 2. Collection/Rebate Issues for Condominiums 3. Collection/Rebate Issues for Rental Townhouses and Apartments
1. Existing Service Levels for Residential Garbage Collection
Weekly garbage collection service has generally been offered to all residential units except those noted below:
! all condominium townhomes and multi-story towers ! all rental apartment buildings with more than 6 units ! rental townhouses with interior roads
The three cities were generally consistent in not providing service to condominiums. It appears that condominiums were viewed as private developments that were responsible for clearing snow off their private roads, maintaining their own street lighting, and collecting their own garbage. In general, municipal garbage collection trucks can maneuver most condominium townhome roadways and liability concerns regarding driving on private property can be met as long as waivers are signed. Recycling trucks now collect blue boxes from condominium townhomes and blue carts at condominium towers.
Collection from rental apartment buildings has been less consistent. There are some larger apartment buildings, especially in the downtown areas, that do receive municipal collection. Some of the buildings receiving collection service exceed 20 units. In the City of Waterloo, “monster home” student rental buildings often house large numbers of tenants but still receive municipal collection. Some apartments in the BIA area of Kitchener receive service 6 days a week. There has not been a consistent application of the 6 unit guideline which has caused frustration from apartment owners that do not receive service.
Rental townhomes that front on municipal roads generally receive collection regardless of the number of units. Complexes that have interior roads are typically serviced privately with bulk bins. - 3 -
E-01-100.1 C06-20/ER01
2. Collection/Rebate Issues for Condominiums
In the past, collection and rebate issues for condominium properties have been dealt with separately from rental properties. The cities were consistent in not providing service to condominiums, however, there are no operational reasons for this in most townhouse complexes where a good road network exists. Collection service could be provided to condominium townhome complexes provided the following conditions were met:
! Road networks allow for large trucks to pass freely without backing up; ! All bagged garbage is brought to the curb; ! Waivers are signed allowing access to private property;
While it is difficult to estimate without inspecting each property, it has been assumed for estimating purposes that 6,000 of the 12,000 condominium units in the Region including the townships could receive curbside service.
If service was provided to some condominium owners based on the conditions noted above, condominium owners not provided with service could be offered rebates in lieu of garbage collection. In that case, the remaining 6,000 condominium unit owners would receive a rebate. A summary of the financial impact of such an approach is provided below.
New Service 6,000 units @ $80 per unit per year = $ 480,000/yr New Rebates 6,000 units @ $25 per unit per year = $ 150,000/yr
If Council wished to provide such garbage collection service/rebates to condominiums, staff would suggest that service commence in January 2003, following a comprehensive inventory of all properties early in 2002.
3. Collection/Rebate Issues for Rental Townhouse and Apartment Buildings
Collection service has historically been provided to rental buildings with 6 units or less and on an irregular basis to larger buildings. Those units not receiving service in Kitchener/Waterloo received rebates in lieu of service until July 1 of this year.
There are approximately 22,000 rental apartment units in the Region that do not receive collection and would have been eligible for a rebate under the previous program. If a $25 per unit rebate were provided to apartment landlords, the annual program cost would total approximately $550,000.
There has never been a complete inventory taken of apartment buildings currently receiving service. It is proposed that an inventory be completed of all condominium and apartment complexes prior to determining whether existing service level anomalies need to be addressed. Staff support the existing policy of limiting multi-residential garbage collection to complexes of six or less units. - 4 -
E-01-100.1 C06-20/ER01
Summary
Staff have summarized the following four possible options, which are all considered reasonable and could be implemented in 2003, to focus Committee’s discussion.
Option 1: Maintain the existing service level of no rebates and no service to condominiums. This option has no cost impact.
Option 2: Provide garbage collection service to condominiums effective January 1st, 2003 where road networks allow large trucks to pass freely. Approximately 6,000 of the 12,000 condominium units in the Region would receive service. No other service or rebates would be provided. The estimated annual cost of this option is $480,000.
Option 3: Provide garbage collection service to condominiums effective January 1st, 2003 where road networks allow large trucks to pass freely; and rebates to all other condominium and apartment building owners not receiving service. Approximately 6,000 condominium units would receive service, a further 6,000 condominiums units and 22,000 rental apartment units would receive an annual rebate of $25. The estimated annual cost of this option is $1.18 million.
Option 4: Provide an annual rebate of $25 per unit for all condominium and apartment units not receiving service effective January 1st, 2003. The estimated annual cost of this option is $850,000.
Staff will be required to complete a comprehensive inventory of all rental and condominium complexes early in 2002 in order to refine future costs and to address existing anomalies in collection service.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
This report is consistent with the corporate strategic goal of spending wisely the dollars that we are entrusted with and maximize their use for those we serve.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Depending on the option selected by the Committee, the cost impact could range from zero to $1.18 million. It is recommended that the option chosen be referred to the Budget Committee of the Whole.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
The Finance Department and the Legal Services Division were involved in the preparation of this report.
PREPARED BY: James Archibald, Director, Waste Management
APPROVED BY: Michael Murray, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services Regional Municipality of Waterloo
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES WASTE MANAGEMENT
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: E-01-120 Planning and Works Committee File Code: C06-20/ER01 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: SPECIAL EVENT DAYS 2002
RECOMMENDATION:
For information.
SUMMARY:
Every year the Waste Management Division holds special event days for the residents of the Region. These special event days include household hazardous waste collection, composter distribution, composting workshops, compost and wood chip give-away days, and public tours and presentations. These waste reduction initiatives are advertised in a variety of ways, including the Bell telephone book, local print media and Environews. Comprehensive waste management program information appears at the front of the telephone book in the Community Information pages.
This report summarizes the activities for 2001 and lists all the special event days planned for 2002.
REPORT:
Household Hazard Waste Program
The Region has operated a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection program since 1984. These programs have been very successful in reducing the volume of waste paints, solvents and other hazardous materials that are landfilled.
Household Hazardous Waste Days
A total of 104,218 litres of HHW from 3,986 households, was dropped off during the 15 special event days in 2001. The Waste Management Division will hold 17 HHW collection events in 2002 on the dates and locations listed in Table 1. In addition to the Saturday collection days listed below, the Region offers residents the opportunity to dispose of HHW material every Wednesday and Thursday, from April 24th to October 10th, 2002 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Waterloo Landfill. - 2 - E-01-120 C06-20/ER01 Table 1 - 2002 Household Hazardous Waste Days Waterloo Landfill Site 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 925 Erb St. West, Waterloo March 30 July 27 May 25 September 28 June 22 November 23 Cambridge Landfill Site 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Savage Drive, Cambridge April 20 August 10 June 15 October 12 City of Kitchener 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kitchener Auditorium April 27 November 2 North Dumfries Township 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Ayr News Parking Lot April 6 November 8 40 Piper Street, Ayr Wilmot Township 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. New Hamburg Arena May 4 Wellesley Township 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wellesley Township Yards July 6 Woolwich Township 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. St. Jacobs Arena October 19
Paint Drop Off
The Paint Drop Off program, which is undertaken as part of our HHW Days, had 6,277 residents safely dispose of a total of 154,940 litres of household hazardous waste.
The Paint Drop Off program will continue in 2002 as part of our HHW program. Residents may drop off up to 25 litres of waste paint (Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) at both the Waterloo and Cambridge Small Vehicle Transfer Stations all year long.
Paint Give Away
In conjunction with the paint drop off, staff operate a APaint Give Away@ program to encourage residents to pick up and use paint that is in good condition. From mid-April to October 2001, 1,086 residents picked up 10,817 litres of paint for reuse. This program will continue in 2002 with the Re-paint Depot hours listed in Table 2.
Table 2 - 2002 Repaint Depot Waterloo and Cambridge Landfill Sites Every Wednesday, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. April 24 to October 9.
Motor Oil Drop-Off - 3 - E-01-120 C06-20/ER01
Residents may dispose of small quantities of used motor oil (up to 25 litres per month) to any of the Region's six Small Vehicle Transfer Stations. Since January 1, 2001, Region residents have dropped off 24,000 litres of used oil.
Composter Distribution
The Waste Management Division has distributed composters to Region residents since 1989 to encourage participation in backyard composting. Studies have shown that over 150 kg of waste per household can be diverted from the landfill in a backyard composter. Approximately 59,000 composting units are now in use, bringing organic waste diversion from landfill up to an approximate total of 12,000 tonnes per year.
In 2002, the Region will distribute 2,000 backyard composters to the public at the locations and times listed in Table 3. There is no charge for these composters. Composters will also be provided to the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley and Wilmot to accommodate local requests. Residents in Woolwich Township may visit the Elmira Small Vehicle Transfer Station to obtain a unit.
Table 3 - 2002 Backyard Composter Distribution Events May 11 Kitchener Auditorium (1,400 units) 7:00 a.m. to noon Cambridge Centre Mall (600 units) 7:00 a.m. to noon
Composting Workshops
Approximately 100 residents registered to attend the backyard composting workshops held this year. In 2001, four workshops were held at the Waste Management Administration Building. Due to the continued interest from residents, there will be four workshops held in 2002. Table 4 lists the 2002 schedule.
Table 4 - 2002 Composting Workshops Waterloo Landfill Site Administration Building, 925 Erb Street, Waterloo April 6 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. June 1 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. June 22 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. October 19 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Compost and Wood Chip Distributions
Each year the Region distributes compost and wood chips to the residents at no cost. Residents picked up a total of 1,300 tonnes of compost during the 2001 event days. Wood chip mulch is also available from April 1 to the first snowfall, Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Waterloo and Cambridge transfer stations. Last year, residents picked up a total of 30.5 tonnes of wood chip mulch. The compost and wood chip distribution days for year 2002 are listed in Table 5 below. - 4 - E-01-120 C06-20/ER01 Table 5 - 2002 Compost And Wood Chip Give-Away Days May 11 Waterloo Landfill 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cambridge Landfill 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. September 21 Waterloo Landfill 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cambridge Landfill 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Waste Reduction Week
Each year the Region supports Waste Reduction Week by hosting tours of our Waterloo facilities and programs. This year's theme, "Too Good To Waste", ran from October 14 to 20. Approximately 100 residents joined our tours that were held on Thursday, October 18 and Saturday, October 20 at the Waste Management Centre.
Public Tours and Events
During 2001, the Waste Management Division offered over 1,700 residents on-site tours. These tours included an overview of our programs and services, as well as visiting the different areas of operations at the Waterloo Landfill Site. Staff also presented to various service groups throughout the Region, reaching 320 people through these presentations. The Waste Management Division also participated in a number of special events held throughout the Region including the Earth Day Festival 2001, the Urban Harvest Festival, the City of Waterloo's Public Work's Week and the City of Kitchener's Communities in Bloom Display. More than 1,490 people were reached through these various displays and activities during 2001. A similar program will be offered in 2002.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
These programs are part of our corporate strategic goal of sustainable growth.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The Waste Management Division's proposed base operating budget for 2002 has a provision for these special event days.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
Nil
PREPARED BY: Deanna Dakin, Co-ordinator, Promotion & Education
APPROVED BY: Michael Murray, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services Regional Municipality of Waterloo
TRANSPORTATION & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES WATER SERVICES
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: E-01-119 Planning & Works Committee File Code: C06-60/PWC/WSD.01; E03-20/4873-20 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: KITCHENER - WATERLOO ZONE 5 & 6 WATER SUPPLY PROJECT; ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT REVIEW PERIOD
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions with respect to the Kitchener- Waterloo Zone 5 and 6 Water Supply Project:
a) Receive the report entitled "Kitchener - Waterloo Zone 5 and 6 Water Supply Project- Environmental Study Report" dated November 2001,
b) Direct staff to issue the Notice of Completion of Environmental Study Report, and
c) Direct staff to file the Environmental Study Report for public review in accordance with Municipal Class Environmental Assessment requirements.
SUMMARY:
Kitchener-Waterloo Zone 5 and Waterloo Zone 6 distribute water to the west side of the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. The existing water supply infrastructure is nearing its capacity due to increasing development growth in this area. Future water demands will require the upgrade of the existing water supply system to maintain adequate water supply to these pressure zones.
The study to upgrade the Kitchener and Waterloo Zone 5 and Waterloo Zone 6 has been undertaken in accordance with Municipal Class Environmental Assessment requirements. This study included a review of the existing facilities, the determination of future demand needs, evaluation of alternatives to upgrade the system and modeling of the various infrastructure scenarios. Public input was received through a Public Information Centre as well as meetings and communication with other interested parties and agencies.
The preferred alternative includes the following:
- construction of two new pumping stations: Kitchener-Waterloo Zone 6 and Waterloo Zone 7; - decommissioning of the existing Rummelhardt (Waterloo Zone 6) Pumping Station; - construction of new Kitchener-Waterloo Zone 6 elevated water storage reservoir; - construction of additional trunk water distribution mains to provide water to unserviced areas; - creation of a new Kitchener Zone 6 expanding the existing Waterloo Zone 6; - creation of a new Waterloo Zone 7.
The study process, background studies, systematic evaluation of alternatives and identification of the preferred alternative have been documented in an Environmental Study Report (ESR). Regional staff are - 2 - E-01-119 recommending that the required notices of completion be issued and the ESR be made available for public review in order to complete the required Class Environmental Assessment process.
REPORT:
1.0 Background
In July 2000, the Region of Waterloo retained Earth Tech Canada Inc. to undertake a study to assess water supply to the western side of the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo for the next 20 years. Water supply to this area is generally provided by the Kitchener and Waterloo Pressure Zone 5 and Waterloo Pressure Zone 6. Geographically, the combined Kitchener and Waterloo Zone 5 is a narrow band stretching from the Kitchener-North Dumfries boundary in the south to the Waterloo-Woolwich boundary in the north. Waterloo Zone 6 is situated in the northwest corner of Waterloo and is supplied by the Rummelhardt (Waterloo Zone 6) Pumping Station which draws water from Waterloo Zone 5. The existing pressure zones and supplies are shown on the attached Map 1.
Water demands in Zones 5 and 6 have been increasing as development within these zones grows. Significant population growth is anticipated in these zones as approximately half of the total area consists of undeveloped land. It is expected that the population served will increase from the present 84,000 to 141,000 in 2021. The main water supply source for Zones 5 and 6, the Mannheim Zone 5 Pumping Station, has at times operated near its design capacity due to increasing water demands in these zones. Moreover, development has been proposed in the areas of Zones 5 and 6 at ground elevations that would experience low water pressures if it were served by the existing systems.
The Tri-City Water Supply Study (1992) anticipated the need to provide additional pumping capacity for Zones 5 and 6. In the Kitchener-Waterloo Zone 5 and 6 Water Supply Project, the assessment of options for meeting the increasing water demands builds on the Tri-City Study and incorporates all of the changes that have occurred since then and anticipated future growth. Earth Tech reviewed population and water demands for a 20 year design period, analysed boundaries of the existing Zones 5 and 6 and neighbouring zones, proposed changes in these boundaries, identified and proposed major water distribution network and facility upgrades and identified the preferred alternative. Following the completion of this phase, the consultant will prepare the conceptual design for the conveyance works and the preliminary design for the pumping and storage facilities.
The primary objective of the study is to identify the preferred approach to provide an adequate, sustainable and reliable water supply system to the study area.
2.0 Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA)
The Kitchener-Waterloo Zone 5 and 6 Water Supply Project has been implemented in accordance with the Class EA process for projects involving the construction of municipal water works (Schedule "B" project). The process involves the following phases:
Phase 1 Problem Identification Phase 2 Evaluation of Alternative Solutions Phase 3 Evaluation of Design Concepts Phase 4 Preparation of an Environmental Study Report (ESR) identifying the preferred solution and describing the planning process, and Phase 5 Implementation and Monitoring. - 3 - E-01-119
During Phase 2, four potential alternative solutions were identified: a. Do Nothing b. Limit Growth c. Upgrade Existing Facilities d. Modify Pressure Zones
The above solution options were evaluated on their ability to satisfy the study objective of providing an adequate and reliable water supply system to the study area.
Option D - Modify Pressure Zones was determined by the Project Team to be the preferred solution because it enables growth at the most efficient capital and operating costs. This solution would expand the existing Waterloo Zone 6 to supply part of the Kitchener Zone 5. It would also create a new Waterloo Zone 7 to supply part of the existing Waterloo Zone 6.
Four design alternatives were developed to implement this solution.
1. Construction of a Zone 6 pumping station at Mannheim to service both Kitchener Zone 6 and Waterloo Zone 6; construction of a Zone 7 pumping station adjacent to the Erb Street Reservoir; modifications to the Mannheim Zone 5 pumping station and abandonment of the existing Rummelhardt (Waterloo Zone 6) pumping station.
2. All the above work proposed in Alternative 1 above plus a Zone 6 Elevated Water Storage Reservoir in the vicinity of University Ave and Ira Needles Blvd.
3. All the above work proposed in Alternative 2 above plus the construction of a watermain from the Erb Street Reservoir to Kitchener Zone 5 to allow the use of this reservoir to also supply the Kitchener Zone 5.
3A. All the above work proposed in Alternative 1 above plus the construction of a Kitchener Zone 5 Elevated Water Storage Reservoir in the vicinity of the Mannheim Reservoir.
The alternatives were evaluated to assess their potential impacts on the natural and social environments, as well as their technical performance and financial implications (capital, operating and maintenance costs).
3.0 Public Consultation
The evaluation process incorporated significant public consultation including a Public Information Centre and consultation with interested stakeholders, such as the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo and government agencies. Notices regarding the Public Information Centres were placed in the Record and Waterloo Chronicle. The Public Information Centre was held on September 5th, 2001 at the Sandhills Public School in Kitchener. In addition to Earth Tech Consultants and Regional staff, 8 attendees signed the Attendance Register.
4.0 Preferred Alternative
Based on the systematic evaluation of alternatives and the public consultation process, Alternative 2 has been identified as the preferred alternative. This alternative provides the most balanced approach when considering public interest, economic factors and technical issues. The major components of the preferred alternative are summarized below and shown on Map 2 attached to this report. - 4 - E-01-119
The preferred alternative involves the construction of:
- a Zone 6 pumping station adjacent to the Mannheim Reservoir; - a Zone 6 elevated water storage reservoir in the vicinity of University Ave and the future Ira Needles Blvd; - a Zone 6 600mm watermain along the Ira Needles Blvd corridor and its connection to the existing water distribution system; - a Zone 7 pumping station adjacent to the Erb St Reservoir; - modifications to the existing Zone 5 Pumping Station; - decommissioning of the existing Rummelhardt (Waterloo Zone 6) Pumping Station.
The conceptual level cost estimate provided for the preferred alternative in 2001 dollars is summarized below including engineering, contingency and net GST.
Easement and land acquisition (2006) $250,000 New Zone 6 Pumping Station (2005) $1,300,000 New Zone 6 Elevated Water Reservoir (2008) $2,700,000 New Zone 7 Pumping Station (2002) $1,900,000 Modifications to the Zone 5 Pumping Station (2002-2005) $200,000 New Zone 6 600mm watermain along Ira Needles Corridor (2006) $2,500,000 New Zone 7 400 mm Watermain along Wilmot Line (2004) $2,000,000 Abandonment of the existing Rummelhardt (Waterloo Zone 6) $250,000 Pumping Station (2006) Other trunk distribution watermains $2,000,000 (2004 and beyond as development progresses) Total Project Cost $13,100,000
5.0 Next Steps and Project Schedule
The Environmental Study Report (ESR) documents the study process, the rationale for selection of the preferred alternative, and the preferred alternative. In order to complete the Class EA process it is necessary to make the ESR available for public review and comment. Opportunity is provided for parties with any remaining concerns to bring them to the attention of the Region. If concerns cannot be resolved with the Region, the party may request the Ministry of the Environment to issue a Part II Order (formerly bump up request). Requests for Part II Orders must be received by the Minister of the Environment within 30 days of filing the ESR. With Council approval to file the ESR and subject to no Requests for Part II Orders being made, it is anticipated that the Class EA would be completed in January 2002.
Construction of the water works is currently proposed for years 2003 through 2007. - 5 - E-01-119
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
The completion of the Kitchener - Waterloo Zone 5and 6 Water Supply Project Class EA is consistent with the Region’s strategic plan goals and directions of providing a high quality water supply system to support the varying needs of our urban and rural citizens and communities.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The 2001 Water Supply Twenty Year Capital Forecast provides $201,000 in 2001 for this project. The 2002 preliminary Water Supply Twenty Year Capital Forecast provides a total of $12,220,000 for the implementation of the project phased between 2003 and 2009. Any unspent funds from the 2001 budget will be carried forward to 2002.
Preliminary costs for the construction of the required facilities developed in the ESR have been incorporated into the 2002 budget. After the pre-design report has been completed early next year, the preliminary construction costs will be incorporated into the 2003 budget. It is not believed that this cost update will have any significant impact on the future water rate.
This capital project is financed from the Regional Water Supply Capital Reserve Fund and Regional Development Charges.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
Nil.
PREPARED BY: Reg Russwurm, Senior Planning Engineer, Water Services Division
APPROVED BY: Michael Murray, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services
Regional Municipality of Waterloo MEDIA RELEASE: Friday, November 30, 2001, 4:30 P.M. PUBLIC INPUT MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, December 4, 2001 7:00 P.M. Council Chamber 2nd Floor, Regional Administration Building 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario
1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
2. REPORTS - TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES a) E-01-117, Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements Study, King Street to Lawrence Avenue, Kitchener: - Presentation by Steve van De Keere, Senior Project Manager, Design and Construction Division. Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D, Appendix E, Appendix F
3. DELEGATIONS a) Dr. Malcolm B. Shantz. b) Mrs. Leonor Weaver. c) Mr. David Steffler. d) Mr. Glenn Scheels, MCIP, RPP, Chairman, Kitchener Economic Development Advisory Committee. e) Mrs. Doreen Maskell-Moser. f) Ms. Audrey Winkler.
4. ADJOURN
Regrets Only to Kerri O'Kane Telephone: 575-4450 Email: [email protected] Regional Municipality of Waterloo
TRANSPORTATION AND ENGINEERING SERVICES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
To: Chair Fred Kent and Members of the Report No: E-01-117 Planning and Works Committee File Code: 5147, C06-60 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: VICTORIA STREET SOUTH ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS STUDY, KING STREET TO LAWRENCE AVENUE, KITCHENER
RECOMMENDATION:
This report is submitted for Committee’s information in advance of the Public Input Meeting for this project to be held on December 4, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in Regional Council Chambers.
SUMMARY:
The Region of Waterloo is currently undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to examine roadway improvements on Victoria Street South between King Street and Lawrence Avenue in the City of Kitchener. The proposed roadway improvements are intended to address traffic congestion within a large part of southwest Kitchener.
A recent traffic study undertaken for this project concluded that by 2016 peak-hour traffic demand is expected to increase on Victoria Street South by 20% to 40% regardless of whether or not capacity improvements are made. This conclusion is supported by the results of a previous study, the Downtown Kitchener West Side Connection Study (DKWSCS) (1999), which concluded that, without the addition of one additional through lane in each direction on Victoria Street South or on another parallel road, significant increases in traffic congestion will occur during peak and non-peak periods on Victoria Street South and other parallel roads such as Queen Street South.
This project has involved extensive public consultation, including an initiation letter to affected residents in December, 2000, a Public Information Centre (PIC) on February 8, 2001, and a second PIC on October 17, 2001. At the PICs, the Project Team presented technical data and various alternative design concepts to the public for their review and comment. Based on comments received from the public at the two PICs and at other times over the course of this project, the Project Team has assessed the public’s opinion regarding this project. In general, there appears to be support for widening Victoria Street South to four lanes within the greater community which encompasses the project limits and on Victoria Street South adjacent to the project limits; however, there is very strong opposition to any road widening from residents living on Victoria Street South between Walnut Street and Lawrence Avenue.
In order to address the traffic congestion problem and the issues raised by the public, the Project Team developed and evaluated a large number of possible solutions. The team also went to great lengths to investigate new and unconventional options or modifications to other solutions to ensure that no feasible solution has been overlooked for this project. The result of this solution-generating process was the development of eight alternative design concepts. These eight alternative design concepts are described in detail in Sections 2.0, 3.0 and 5.0 of this report and include a number of different lane configurations varying from maintaining the existing lane configuration to widening to four lanes throughout. - 2 - E-01-117
The Project Team evaluated and compared each of the alternative design concepts using a number of transportation, socio-cultural, natural and economic environment criteria. Based on that evaluation and a review of the public comments received to date, the Project Team has identified two Preferred Design Concepts, described as follows:
Concept 3C Reconstruct and widen Victoria Street South to provide two through lanes in each direction throughout the project limits with wider shared-use curb lanes for both cyclists and motorists only in the section from King Street to Park Street. In addition, upgrade (ie. pave and maintain surface) the existing off-road trail adjacent to and parallel to Victoria Street South to provide an off-road cycling facility connected to Victoria Park;
Concept 5 From King Street to Henry Street - Reconstruct and widen Victoria Street South to provide two lanes in each direction with wider shared-use curb lanes for both cyclists and motorists; and
From Henry Street to Lawrence Avenue - Reconstruct Victoria Street South to its existing two-lane configuration with widening for a 1.2 metre dedicated cycling lane on each side of the road.
The Project Team identified two Preferred Design Concepts instead of one because of difficulties it had in reaching a consensus among the team members regarding a single Preferred Design Concept. Therefore, it was agreed to present both Concept 3C and Concept 5 to the public for additional review and comments. In general, Concept 3C (four lanes throughout) would adequately address the traffic congestion problem but would result in significant proximity impacts to the residential properties between Walnut Street and Lawrence Avenue. Alternatively, Concept 5 would only provide partial relief of traffic congestion within one third of the project limits but would result in minor proximity impacts to the residential properties between Walnut Street and Lawrence Avenue.
REPORT:
1.0 Background
a) General
The Region of Waterloo is currently undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to examine roadway improvements for Victoria Street South from King Street to Lawrence Avenue in the City of Kitchener. Please refer to Appendix A for a Key Plan of the project limits. The roadway improvements are intended to address traffic congestion within a large part of southwest Kitchener and are in harmony with the objectives of the Region’s Transportation and Cycling Policy Master Plans.
This EA study is a continuation of the previous Downtown Kitchener West Side Connection Study (DKWSCS) that the Region completed in 1999. The purpose of the DKWSCS was to determine the transportation network changes necessary for improving access to Downtown Kitchener from the south and west sides of the city. - 3 - E-01-117
As part of the DKWSCS, various alternative solutions were developed including road widening and other improvements on Queen Street South, Victoria Street South and Ottawa Street. Traffic investigations and analyses were conducted to assess existing traffic conditions and to estimate future growth in traffic volumes on these corridors. The various alternatives were evaluated using social-cultural, natural environment and economic criteria.
The main conclusions of the DKWSCS were:
• existing vehicular volumes during peak periods on Queen Street South and Victoria Street South already exceed the current road capacities;
• with anticipated traffic growth, increased congestion on Queen Street South, Victoria Street South, and Ottawa Street during peak periods was predicted with accompanying increases in motorist delays and collisions;
• the preferred solution included the widening of Victoria Street South to four lanes from King Street to Lawrence Avenue. Operational improvements on Queen Street South and at strategic locations within the study area were also identified as part of the preferred solution.
The DKWSCS constituted Phases One and Two of the Municipal Class EA process. On December 8, 1999, Regional Council approved the recommendations of the DKWSCS; however, the widening of Victoria Street South from two to four lanes between King Street and Lawrence Avenue was approved subject to the completion of Phase Three of the Municipal Class EA process. The Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements Study is intended to satisfy Phase Three of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. Therefore, various alternative design concepts for the widening of Victoria Street South were developed to address all modes of traffic operations. b) Existing and Future Traffic Conditions
Victoria Street South is a major arterial roadway that is 3 lanes wide from King Street to Park Street and 2 lanes wide from Park Street to Lawrence Avenue. In general, arterial roads have a maximum carrying capacity of 900 vehicles per hour per lane in mid-block sections.
The Downtown Kitchener West Side Connection Study (DKWSCS) identified a number of existing capacity deficiencies along the north-south corridors into Downtown Kitchener such as Victoria Street South, Queen Street South and Ottawa Street. These deficiencies were confirmed by recent traffic counts on Victoria Street which indicate that in some sections, the current peak hour traffic volumes are already exceeding the capacity of the road. - 4 - E-01-117
A recent traffic study undertaken for this project concluded that by 2016, peak-hour traffic demand is expected to increase on Victoria Street South by 20% to 40% regardless of whether or not capacity improvements are made. This conclusion is supported by the results of the previous DKWSCS which concluded that, without the addition of one additional through lane in each direction on Victoria Street South or another parallel road, significant increases in traffic congestion will occur during peak and non-peak periods on Victoria Street South, Queen Street South and other parallel roads such as Glasgow Street South. The studies also conclude that the result of this increased congestion on these parallel roads would be longer delays for motorists and public transit users, increased response times for emergency services, increased traffic on local side streets due to through traffic infiltration and increased vehicle emissions within the entire community due to increased vehicle idling.
The current peak-hour traffic volumes and the expected peak-hour traffic demand on Victoria Street South are as follows:
Victoria Street Current Traffic Expected 2016 Traffic South Section Volume Per Hour Volume Demand Per Hour During Peak Periods During Peak Periods (vehicles per hour) (vehicles per hour) King to Park 1080 - 1200 1260 - 1510 Park to 850 - 970 1125 - 1280 Lawrence
The expected 2016 traffic demand incorporates the 7% auto reduction as per the objectives of the Region's Transportation Master Plan.
2.0 Public Information Centre - February 8, 2001
On February 8, 2001, a Public Information Centre (PIC) was held to present the data from the previous traffic study and the proposed alternative design concepts to the public. At that time, five alternative design concepts were presented as follows:
Concept 1A Existing lane configuration (i.e. no widening);
Concept 1B Concept 1A; with 1.2 metre dedicated cycling lanes;
Concept 2 From King Street to Park Street - Same as Concept 1B;
From Park Street to Lawrence Avenue - Widen to provide one through lane in each direction and a centre two-way left-turn lane including 1.2 metre dedicated cycling lanes;
Concept 3A Widen to provide two through lanes in each direction (four lanes total) with cycling facilities in another location;
Concept 3B Widen to provide two through lanes in each direction with wider shared-use curb lanes for both cyclists and motorists; - 5 - E-01-117
All five alternative design concepts were presented on an “equal footing” at the PIC and neither of the concepts was identified as “preferred”. Please refer to Appendix B for typical cross-sections of the alternative design concepts.
Sixty-five (65) registered visitors attended the February 8, 2001 PIC and, with comments mailed or sent by electronic mail, a total of sixty-seven (67) written comments were received. Please refer to Appendix C for comprehensive documentation of the comments received. A discussion of the main issues raised by the public is included in Section 4 of this report. In general, the majority of the written comments received (in which a preferred design concept was indicated) indicated a strong preference for reconstructing Victoria Street South in its existing lane configuration (55%) rather than widening the road to four lanes (19%). In addition to the written comments, a petition was received with one hundred and fifty one (151) signatures requesting the Region to not widen Victoria Street South from two to four lanes.
A fact of particular interest to the Project Team was that all of the support for a four lane concept (3A or 3B) was from owners/tenants of properties located between Park Street and King Street and all of the opposition to widening was from owners/tenants of properties between Park Street and Lawrence Avenue.
3.0 Second Public Information Centre - October 17, 2001
Subsequent to the February 8, 2001 Public Information Centre, the Project Team reviewed the petition and all the comments received from the public at the first PIC. One result of this review was the development of a new alternative design concept, Concept 4, described as follows:
Concept 4 From King Street to Henry Street - Widen to provide two through lanes in each direction with wider shared-use curb lanes for both cyclists and motorists;
From Henry Street to Lawrence Avenue - Widen to provide one wider shared-use through lane for both cyclists and motorists in each direction and a centre two- way left-turn lane.
In order to assess how each of the six alternative design concepts address the problem and affect the environment, the Project Team evaluated each alternative design concept using transportation, social environment, natural environment and economic environment criteria. Please refer to Section 5 of this report for a comprehensive discussion of the evaluation process and the results. Based on this preliminary evaluation of the six alternative design concepts, the Project Team identified Concept 3B (four lanes) and Concept 4 (4 lanes/3lanes) as the Preliminary Preferred Design Concepts. Both Concepts 3B and 4 include four lanes with wider shared-use curb lanes (for both cyclists and motorists) between King Street and Henry Street; however, beyond Henry Street to Lawrence Avenue, Concept 3B maintains the same four-lane configuration while Concept 4 includes two through lanes (shared-use) and a centre Two-Way Left Turn Lane (TWLTL). - 6 - E-01-117
On October 17, 2001, the Project Team hosted a second PIC to present to the public the results of the preliminary evaluation of the six alternative design concepts and the two Preliminary Preferred Design Concepts - Concept 3B and Concept 4. Both Concepts 3B and 4 were presented on an “equal footing” with neither of the concepts identified as “preferred”. Forty-three (43) registered visitors attended the second PIC and, with comments received that night and others received shortly after by mail, a total of twenty-six (26) written comments were received. Please refer to Appendix D for comprehensive documentation of the comments received. In summary, twelve (12) of the twenty-six (26) comments, or 46% indicated a preference for Concept 3B (four lanes) while seven (7), or 27%, indicated a preference for Concept 4 (four lane/three lanes). It is important to note that of the twenty-six (26) written comments, only nine (9) were from owners/tenants living directly on Victoria Street South within the project limits. For this reason, the Project Team agreed that it is important to consider the original comments from the Victoria Street residents who attended only the first PIC as well as the comments received from residents who attended the second PIC.
4.0 Main Issues Raised By The Public
The main issues raised by the public are as follows:
C widening Victoria Street South is not needed;
C widening Victoria Street South to four lanes will ruin the neighbourhood;
C widening Victoria Street South to four lanes does nothing to reduce future automobile use in the Region;
C Victoria Street South should be widened to four lanes but the Region should buy all the abutting residential properties; and
C the Region should be more creative in developing alternative solutions to widening Victoria Street South.
Please refer to Appendix E for a comprehensive discussion of these issues and the Project Team comments.
5.0 Selection Of The Preferred Design Concepts
a) Evaluation Of The Alternative Design Concepts
The Project Team is using the following criteria to evaluate each of the alternative design concepts for this project:
transportation: how does the design concept serve the expected vehicular, transit, cycling and pedestrian traffic in terms of travel delay, safety and emergency access;
social environment: how does the design concept affect the residential and commercial properties fronting the road (property acquisition, driveways, parking, front yards, heritage features, noise); - 7 - E-01-117 natural environment: how does the design concept affect existing trees, vegetation and air quality; economic environment: what is the total cost to construct the design concept and what is the expected future energy costs to the public.
For each of the criteria above, each alternative design concept is being ranked between 1 and 5, with a rank of 1 being the best and a rank of 5 being the worst. For each section of Victoria Street South the rankings for each alternative are then summed and the overall rankings reviewed by the Project Team to determine the preferred design concepts.
Subsequent to the second PIC held on October 17, 2001, the Project Team reviewed the additional comments received from the public and revisited the preliminary evaluations of the alternative design concepts. The result of this review was the development of two new design concepts, which are combinations of parts of some of the original six concepts. These two new design concepts are described as follows:
Concept 3C Reconstruct and widen Victoria Street South to provide two through lanes in each direction; however, include wider shared-use curb lanes for both cyclists and motorists only in the section from King Street to Park Street with no shared-use curb lanes between Park Street and Lawrence Avenue;
Concept 5 From King Street to Henry Street - Reconstruct and widen Victoria Street South to four lanes with wider shared-use curb lanes for both cyclists and motorists (similar to 3B); and
From Henry Street to Lawrence Avenue - Reconstruct Victoria Street South to its existing two-lane configuration with widening for a 1.2 metre dedicated cycling lane on each side of the road (similar to 1B).
Both Concepts 3C and 5 include exclusive left-turn lanes at Charles Street, Strange Street, Belmont Avenue and Lawrence Avenue. In addition, Concept 3C includes upgrades to the existing off-road trail running parallel to Victoria Street South between Victoria Park and Lawrence Avenue. Please refer to Appendix B for typical sections of these new alternative design concepts.
A comprehensive evaluation of all eight alternative design concepts was then conducted by the Project Team and is included in Appendix F of this report. The resulting overall rankings for all eight design concepts are summarized as follows:
Concept 1A 1B 2 3A 3B 3C 4 5 Ranking Sum 32.3 31.7 34.0 26.3 28 27.3 30.4 30.4 Overall Rank 6 5 7 1 3 2 4 4 - 8 - E-01-117 b) Selection Of The Preferred Design Concepts
After the second PIC, the Project Team re-visited the evaluations of all of the alternative design concepts and all the public comments received to date. As a result of this overall review, the team agreed unanimously on the following key factors which would affect their determination of a Preferred Design Concept:
C Without question, the best way to adequately address the traffic congestion problem, not only on Victoria Street but for the entire community as a whole, for both the short-term and long-term periods, is to construct a continuous four-lane road from King Street to Lawrence Avenue;
C In general, there appears to be support for widening Victoria Street South to four lanes within the greater community which encompasses the project limits, based on the comments received from owners of property fronting on Victoria Street South between King Street and Park Street, residents on streets adjacent to the project limits and other interested members of the public living some distance away from the project limits; and
C There is very strong opposition to any widening of Victoria Street from residents on Victoria Street South between Park Street and Lawrence Avenue.
The Project Team, in considering the identification of a Preferred Design Concept, viewed the evaluation and rankings of the alternative design concepts as a tool to be used in their deliberation process, rather than as a final result. The Project Team spent a considerable amount of time discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each concept within the context of the evaluation, the public comments received to date and the initial problem statement on which this project is predicated. Strong concerns were expressed by each team member about the negative impacts of a four lane road on the residential properties between Walnut Street and Lawrence Avenue. These concerns and the issues/factors noted above prevented the Project Team from reaching a consensus in identifying a single Preferred Design Concept for this project.
A fundamental question was raised by the Project Team members:
Given the adverse proximity impacts that will always result from any solution that involves road widening adjacent to established front-lotted residential properties in a relatively narrow road allowance, is it “right” to widen the road to address the traffic congestion problem or is it acceptable to allow traffic congestion to increase significantly in both the short-term and long- term periods?
The Project Team agreed, that should the answer to the question above be “yes”, (ie. the better “good” is to address the traffic congestion problem) then the preferred solution is to construct a continuous four-lane road from King Street to Lawrence Avenue. Of the three continuous four-lane concepts, 3A, 3B and 3C, Concept 3C was preferred by the Project Team because, overall, it was ranked a close second according to all the evaluation criteria, and it includes an on-street cycling facility for a portion of the project and an off-road facility for the remainder. Therefore, the Project Team identified Concept 3C (four lanes) as one of the two Preferred Design Concepts for this project. - 9 - E-01-117
The second design concept identified by the Project Team is consistent with a “no” answer to the fundamental question above (ie. It is acceptable to allow traffic congestion to worsen significantly in the community.) If addressing the traffic congestion problem is not considered to be absolutely necessary, then the Project Team prefers Concept 5 because it would provide some capacity improvements for one-third of the project (ie. between King Street and Park Street), would result in minimal negative impacts to the residential properties between Walnut Street and Lawrence Avenue and would provide a continuous on-street cycling facility throughout the project limits. Therefore, the Project Team has identified Concepts 3C and Concept 5 as the Preferred Design Concepts to be presented to the public for additional review and comment at the December 4, 2001 Public Input Meeting. c) Advantages/Disadvantages Of Concept 3C
Concept 3C includes widening and reconstructing Victoria Street South to provide two lanes in each direction from King Street to Lawrence Avenue with wider shared-use curb lanes for both cyclists and motorists only in the section between King Street and Park Street. Between Park Street and Lawrence Avenue, Concept 3C includes upgrades (ie. pave and maintain surface) to the existing off-road trail running parallel to and south of Victoria Street and connecting to Victoria Park as a means of partially addressing the fact that 3C includes no on- street cycling facility between Park Street and Lawrence Avenue.
Main Advantages of Concept 3C
The main advantages of Concept 3C would be:
C it would reduce short-term and long-term traffic congestion within a large area of the community including parallel arterial and collector roads and interconnecting local roads;
C it would improve response times for key emergency services such as fire, police and ambulance;
C it would support the gradual reduction in auto use by allowing increased bus service on Victoria Street South and by allowing increased use of walking and cycling;
C given the expected traffic demand, it would result in less vehicle emissions and fuel consumption than Concepts 1A, 1B, 2, 4 and 5;
C it would support the continuing growth in residential development in the west portions of both the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo; as well as growth in the Kitchener downtown core; and
C it is in harmony with the RTMP.
Main Disadvantages of Concept 3C
The main disadvantages of Concept 3C are:
C it has a relatively high estimated capital cost ($6.65 million); - 10 - E-01-117
C it would result in significant negative impacts to the driveways and the front yards of many of the properties fronting on Victoria Street;
C it could potentially result in seven “full property buy-outs” of residential homes; and
C it does not provide a continuous on-street cycling facility (as Concept 5 does). d) Advantages/Disadvantages Of Concept 5
Concept 5 includes widening and reconstructing Victoria Street South to four lanes with wide shared-use curb lanes between King Street and Henry Street, and widening Victoria Street South to provide one only lane in each direction plus 1.2 metre wide designated cycling lanes between Henry Street and Lawrence Avenue.
Main Advantages of Concept 5
The main advantages of Concept 5 are:
C it would provide some relief to traffic congestion eastbound only between Park Street and King Street;
C it would result in minimal negative impacts to the residential properties between Walnut Street and Lawrence Avenue;
C it would support increased cycling and walking; and
C it has a lower estimated capital cost than Concept 3C ($5.0 million).
Main Disadvantages of Concept 5
The main disadvantages of Concept 5 are:
C it would not adequately address the traffic congestion problem, therefore allowing increased short-term and long-term congestion on all the nearby major roads and increased neighbourhood infiltration on local roads within the community;
C it would not adequately support increasing bus service on Victoria Street South and therefore, in turn, would not support the gradual reduction in auto use to the same degree as Concept 3C;
C it would result in negative impacts to the driveways and the front yards of some of the properties between King Street and Henry Street similar to the impacts that would result from implementing Concept 3C in this location;
C given the expected traffic demand, it would result in significantly more vehicle emissions and fuel consumption than Concept 3C; and
C it would not support the continuous growth in residential development now occurring on the west side of both the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo. - 11 - E-01-117
Should Concept 5 be approved for implementation by Regional Council, the Project Team believes there is no merit in the near future in re-visiting the DKWSCS to investigate the feasibility of adding more road capacity on one of the other corridors such as Ottawa Street or Queen Street South to make up for the shortfall of road capacity that would result from implementing Concept 5.
6.0 Next Steps In The Process
After the Public Input Meeting on December 4, 2001, the Project Team will address any issues raised by the public at the meeting in order to develop the final Recommended Design Concept. The Recommended Design Concept is scheduled to be presented to the Planning and Works Committee for their endorsement in February, 2002. Pending their endorsement, final approval of the Recommended Design Concept for this project will be considered by Regional Council in late February, 2002.
When Regional Council has made its decision as to what design concept is recommended for this project, the "filing" of the Environmental Study Report (ESR), which will document the entire decision-making process, would then proceed by means of mail outs and advertised notices. Anyone still opposed to the Recommended Design Concept would have 30 days after the notice is advertised to request that the project be subject to a more detailed Environmental Assessment. A request for a more detailed EA must be made in writing to the Minister of the Environment with a copy to the Region’s Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services. When the 30 day public filing period is complete and if no requests for a more detailed EA are received by the Minister within that 30 days, the Recommended Design Concept will be considered approved for implementation.
Based on receiving project approval of a Recommended Design Concept in April, 2002, the proposed construction schedule is as follows:
King Street to Park Street 2003 Park Street to Patricia Avenue 2004 Patricia Avenue to Lawrence Avenue 2005
7.0 Project Cost Estimate
Depending on which of the eight alternative design concepts is ultimately approved for implementation, the estimated cost for this project is between $2.4 million and $8.0 million for the design and construction of the road improvements, utility relocations and illumination.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
This project is in harmony with the strategic directions of the Corporate Strategic Plan in that it would help to ensure responsible and sustainable growth and would support a climate that encourages economic prosperity. - 12 - E-01-117
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The proposed 2002 Transportation Roads Capital Base Program and 10 Year Capital Forecast includes $2.99 million for this project to be funded from Regional Development Charges and the Roads Capital Levy Reserve Fund. Should the projected costs for whatever design concept that is ultimately approved exceed the proposed budget, the shortfall in funds will be addressed as part of future budget deliberations as required for each stage of construction.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
NIL
PREPARED BY: Steve van De Keere, Senior Project Manager
APPROVED BY: Michael Murray, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services
Appendix C E-01-117
Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements King Street to Lawrence Avenue
Summary of Written Comments Received Between December 14, 2000 and March 15, 2001
A total of 67 written comments were received from the public. Some of the common concerns/comments that were noted are as follows:
1. Adding more lanes on Victoria Street South would increase traffic, speeding and noise and air pollution. (24)
2. Widening the road will increase accidents and reduce safety. (22)
3. Widening the road will reduce property values. (15)
4. Widening the road would make driveway access/egress more difficult/less safe. (12)
5. Region should encourage use of public transit and other alternate modes of transportation. (9)
6. The widening of Victoria Street to 4 lanes is needed. (8)
7. Widening the road would reduce room for snow storage. (8)
8. Widening the road would reduce front yards. (8)
9. Current congestion on Victoria Street South is acceptable. (7)
10. Cycling lanes on Victoria Street are needed. (7)
11. Speeding is a problem already. (6)
12. Widening the road will reduce parking. (6)
13. Do it right. Build 4 lanes but buy out all the properties. (5)
14. Cycling lanes on the road are not needed. (5)
15. Concerned about loss of trees. (5)
16. Left-turn lanes are needed at Park Street. (2)
17. Truck traffic at night is a current problem. (2) C-2 E-01-117
Of the 54 comments in which a preference for a design concept was identified, the breakdown is as follows:
1A (existing lanes) - 30 (55%) 1B (existing lanes with cycling lanes) - 7 (13%) 2 (3 lanes with cycling lanes) - 7 (13%) 3A (4 lanes) - 7 (13%) 3B (4 lanes with cycling) - 3 (6%)
In addition, a petition was received with 151 signatures asking the Region to do the following:
• "Not widen Victoria Street South from 2 to 4 lanes"
• "Implement infrastructure that upholds the Regional Transportation Master Plans preferred option of auto reduction i.e. carpool parking lots, carpooling, cycling lanes, increased public transit, etc."
• "Implement infrastructure that is aesthetically pleasing i.e. plant more trees" C-3 E-01-117
Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements King Street to Lawrence Avenue
Public Information Centre No. 1 - February 8, 2001 Written Comment Sheets Received
Name and Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concept and other comments. Alternative Design Concept
R. Speaker 3A I picked 3A because the City left Victoria Street South with two 437 Victoria Street South bottlenecks from the last time they worked on Victoria Street South. Kitchener, Ontario The City and the Region have their minds made up for higher taxes N2M 3A6 and for their raises. We need Mike Harris to watch our two tier high tax systems for the City of Kitchener and Region.
David H. Moser 1A Bad plans, houses will be close to road. Noise and pollution, car 449 Victoria Street South speed will make living here too dangerous. You can't give noise Kitchener, Ontario barriers or bruins to residents on street. So bad planning. "Buy homes N2M 3A6 and do it right!!! OR Leave it the way it is. Because cars move just fine. Money saved can go to more needed things like the homeless! Public Housing. Improve transit.
I need what little front yard I have now for snow from driveway. No boulevard now, so sidewalk is buried from one lane, two lanes will make it worse. Will city remove snow?
Bill Aitken 1A Loss of my grass. 462 Victoria Street South Kitchener, Ontario N2M 3A7
Harry Pucoin 1A Not necessary. 239 Victoria Street South Kitchener, Ontario Will ruin peoples front yard, too close to homes, noise and air N2G 2C1 pollution, dangerous for pedestrians, devaluing properties.
Liz McCluskey 1A Street is busy enough as it is, widening it will make it impossible for us 346 Victoria Street South to get out of our driveway. Kitchener, Ontario N2M 3A5
Patricia Pevee 1A Not necessary 486 Victoria Street South Kitchener, Ontario Loss of property, noise and air pollution, safety, loss of trees, loss of parking spaces.
Page 1 of 10 C-4 E-01-117
Name and Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concept and other comments. Alternative Design Concept
Bruce Montgomery 1A I feel it's a complete waste of time and money. As we increase road 441 Victoria Street South size, it never seems to help. I would rather see the money go into Kitchener, Ontario something worthwhile. The roads will never be big enough for all the N2M 3A6 cars. So they destroy property and trees just to build more space to be further clogged. Our lawns are small enough and with the number of people that throw cigarette butts and other delightful pieces of garbage out of their cars, I do not care to be picking it off my front steps. The garbage in the summer builds up is bad enough without allowing for more cars to mess up my property. Please leave the road as it is.
My lawn is small enough - my child's room is at the front of the house and having the road closer means more noise and greater safety concern if a car veers into the house. I have lived here almost 10 years and have little problem with the traffic.
Anna Walker 1A I do not want the road widened; it is not necessary. Money should be 234 Victoria Street South spent on other things. i.e. clean water. Kitchener, Ontario N2G 2C2 Disrupt too many people lives, not safe for elderly people living on the street.
Mrs. Agnes Wellhauser 1A Traffic moves fine now except when there is an accident. 361 Victoria Street South Kitchener, Ontario To much air and noise pollution, traffic moves too fast now with four lanes it will be faster, not safe for children or the elderly on the street.
Heinz Hubbuch 1A 415 Victoria Street Kitchener, Ontario N2M 3A4
Paul Charat 1A 367 Victoria Street Kitchener, Ontario N2M 3A4
Edward 1A Any other option would lower the value of my property and would be 389 Victoria Street unsafe, dangerous for egress and access. Kitchener, Ontario
Voisin Developments 3B Traffic on Victoria Street South is very congested and should be Limited upgraded as soon as possible. 645 Westmount Road E. Kitchener, Ontario Victoria Street is a very important traffic artery which should be N2E 3S3 properly upgraded to Alternative 3B so that it can function for a long period of time without further alterations. It costs very little more to include a cycle lane.
Page 2 of 10 C-5 E-01-117
Name and Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concept and other comments. Alternative Design Concept
Doreen Maskell-Moser 1A The amount of traffic and the delay time does not justify taking away 449 Victoria Street South the quality of life for residents of Victoria Street South. Kitchener, Ontario N2M 3A6 I have lived here for 12 years and have not seen traffic backed up except when there is an accident. They should install red light cameras at intersection with the money, people drive too fast now because they don't plan ahead, if you take public transit you allow for some delay and plan for it. I take transit to work every morning, in all the years I've taken transit I've not been late for work. There aren't too many people that drive can say that. They don't allow time for bad weather or a mishap that could delay them. If people driving weren't catered to maybe they would plan better.
Most people on the street have 2 cars because most households require both people working to pay the mortgage, taxes and maintain life. If you take away property you will in many cases take away their parking space. I think that we deserve as taxpayers the right to park. The vehicles we need to go to work. Many of the homes have bedrooms at the front of the house. With four lanes traffic would increase this would cause more noise and increase the chance of a car involved in an accident to crash into the house. Does the little delay that the present traffic have really justify our loss of safety in our homes?
I feel we are being treated like second rate citizens. If you want to make an expressway buy all of the houses on Victoria Street South. Why should we homeowners pay taxes to be inconvenienced by traffic, leaves us no room to deal with snow.
Less damage to trees and better for people living on Victoria Street South. Less noise, pollution, less devaluing of property, safer for people walking.
Ludwug Meindl 1A *Enclosure with photos 192 Victoria Street South 1B Kitchener, Ontario Takes up less room. N2G 2B9
Ruby White 1A I have lived on the corner of Lawrence Avenue to Victoria Street for 48 years. Over the years I've seen more and more of my property taken over by the Region for cars and such. Why on earth would I want more traffic in front and beside my house. I've seen other houses in the city that are on a corner and by the time the Region is finished with these properties there is nothing left. No, I do not go for this plan or any other. Please leave us alone. Find some other route.
Cam MacIntosh 3A - Concerned about adequate access to front drivethru MacIntosh Dry Cleaners - Would suggest inclusion of left turns at Park Street 130 Victoria Street South Kitchener, Ontario We understand the need for upgrading but feel cycling lanes would N2G 2B5 add too much width to street.
Page 3 of 10 C-6 E-01-117
Name and Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concept and other comments. Alternative Design Concept
James Lindsay 2 One major concern is that traffic is going too fast now and we have a 473 Victoria Street South problem getting out of our driveway and fear an accident. Kitchener, Ontario N2M 3A4 We would prefer none of the choices, if we need to make a choice it would be Alternative 2.
Randy Mederak 1A Concern with backing safely into traffic. 229 Victoria Street South Kitchener, Ontario
Lin Haag 1A (1) My concerns have been noted in writing before. There are issues of 466 Victoria Street South 1B (1) safety, pollution, reduction in property values, noise, increased traffic Kitchener, Ontario 2 (2) and degradation of social community just to name a few. What is N2M 3A7 being proposed is that you take a small residential street and turn it into Victoria Street North. If I wanted to live in an area like Victoria Street North I would have bought a house there.
My first choice is 1A and B. I feel that widening the road is not required and will seriously impact the citizens in a negative manner. However, if widening absolutely will happen than Alternative 2 is the only choice left. To widen the street to the extent of four through lanes will increase traffic thereby creating more congestion, higher levels of air pollution and noise and create the possibility of a much more dangerous living community. I feel that 4 lanes of traffic should not even be considered.
Nicholas & Lydia Oshukany 1A We wish Victoria Street to be left the way it is. We have been here for 442 Victoria Street South 5 years and we are the people that are paying taxes not the cars that Kitchener, Ontario speed on our street. Why is everyone catering to the motorist and not N2M 3A7 to the landowners? We like our street the way it is . Thank-you very much.
Wendy Morrison 2 Having only owned the house 1 ½ years I am concerned that Victoria 380 Victoria Street South Street will be a main through street - since our few blocks is strictly Kitchener, Ontario residential. N2M 3A5 I can understand why you must widen a bit when you are putting sewers in and repaving. If it became a 4 lane (Alt. 3) road it would be very difficult to turn into driveways - would stop 1 lane waiting for 2 lanes to clear - would be very difficult!
Page 4 of 10 C-7 E-01-117
Name and Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concept and other comments. Alternative Design Concept
Leonor Weaver 1A I'm very concerned about our "safety" of getting in/out of our driveway 216 Victoria Street South - especially in our corner - 2 new apartment buildings built and the train Kitchener, Ontario tracks, used several times a day. N2G 2C2 Concerns: - safety in crossing more lanes of traffic; - loss of green space - trees - lawn - loss of property value - loss of curb space/boulevard - danger crossing at Iron Horse Trail - snow placement - no place for snow - increased traffic - increased traffic speed - increased accidents - increased noise pollution - increased pollution - emissions
Questions that staff couldn't answer at the meeting: - what measures are being taken to ? neighbourhood once all trees and lawns are removed? - are the hydro/phone etc. lines being placed underground? - will city agree to change the zoning to commercial at no cost to residents?
Looking at Victoria Street North and Weber Street South how damaging widening of the street is to a neighbourhood. These areas are looking ghetto like. Heavy traffic, high speeding, slow moving due to large volume.
Recommend:
- Improve with turning lanes at intersections; - Proper signage - MORE; - Improve public transportation.
Do nothing - Reconstruct existing lanes!!!
- Your alternatives are John Bergen 1A All plans other than 1A will impede parking and access to parking at 61 Peter Street City Café Bakery. Kitchener, Ontario N2G 3J7 It will have the least effect on my business. The other plans make parking more difficult which will reduce sales. Page 5 of 10 C-8 E-01-117 Name and Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concept and other comments. Alternative Design Concept Claudia Wood 3A What will the compensation be to businesses that will be affected by (114 & 118 Victoria Street the closure (mess) of this street? South mailing address: As Victoria Street is now, King to Park, the north lane, one car wanting 162 Oriole Street to turn stops traffic behind them. 4 lanes would help this problem. Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2B4 Mrs. Caroline Church 3B I feel that the proposal for lane increase is necessary and long in 125 Park Street coming, for public safety this should have been done years ago. Kitchener, Ontario With the amount of young families moving into the area, it is safer to have a bicycle lane. Four lanes are a must because the traffic there is so congested. Resident 1A I believe our money could be better spent encouraging alternative 1B transportation. It is not appropriate to keep building and widening roads - increasing pollution and decreasing safety. Is the time of a person living in the suburbs more important then my safety and my health? I would prefer that no expansion occurr. We can be more creative. We need to be more responsible in our planning. Resident 1A I feel we should still seek other alternatives to our traffic problems by 1B reducing the need for vehicles and therefore the need for building new roads. I realize that the population will continue to grow but all the more reason to put the environment first. I think waiting 5 minutes is hardly a reason for destroying property, increasing pollution and endangering pedestrians. I prefer keeping the existing number of lanes and encouraging cycling to decrease pollution and noise. Resident 3A Victoria Street should be widened for better traffic flow. Mike Doyle 1A The number of trees that are proposed for execution. 445 Victoria Street South Kitchener, Ontario Not one tree has to die. N2M 3A6 Resident It is not a bad thing to allow traffic to move slowly in the city. Widening the street for the benefit of traffic is detrimental to residents, neighbourhoods, walkers and anybody who is sensitive to urban aesthetics. What about doing road improvements for the benefit of alternative commuters only? Such as cyclists of all ages, walkers and public transportation. It would be good for the environment, for our health and it would make the city a better place to live!! Page 6 of 10 C-9 E-01-117 Name and Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concept and other comments. Alternative Design Concept Gerald Withers 2 Need to continue center turning lane from Park to Charles. 40 Stoke Drive Westbound traffic does not need a 1/4 mile long right-hand turn lane Kitchener, Ontario from Joseph to Park (the "road warriors use it to pass on the right" N2N 1Z4 more than right turners use it; they slow traffic even more as they cut in just before reaching Park!). Need bus turn out lanes, as well, especially eastbound (southbound?) at Strange - there's a bus stop on both sides of intersection! Major slow-up in morning. Allows for bikes. Will limit speeders (safety issue for houses fronting close to street). Permits homeowners to get out of way awaiting turn into property opportunity. Permits left turn from Victoria westbound onto Park and from Victoria eastbound onto Park. Hurray! I can get to Beaver Lumber without having to go up Strange and across Cherry! Oliver Jahn 2 To me, Oliver Jahn, owner of Oliver Dental Laboratory it is imperative 162 Victoria Street South that there is a left-hand turn from Victoria onto Park, since car's cut Kitchener, Ontario through our parking lot. N2G 2B5 Proposed left hand turn onto Park Street. I would endorse other alternatives provided a left turn is included. Ron Stemmler 1A It is not necessary to disrupt the existing residents of Victoria Street 387 Victoria Street South South just to please drivers who are in a hurry to get home. Five extra Kitchener, Ontario minutes doesn't hurt anyone! Do something about the speed and truck N2M 3A4 traffic instead. We are tired of having huge transport trucks wake us up because they have decided to sneak into town down Hwy. 97 to Roseville and Fischer-Hallman to Victoria to avoid traffic on Hwy. 8. The noise and pollution are bad enough now - why is the environmental study being presented after council has approved the plan? Would it not make sense to present it First!! * If street is widened, our retaining wall and parking area need to be dealt with. Peter & Bonnie Hartmann 1A There are many more streets that need repair more. Moneys saved 408 Victoria Street South could be used for a better purpose. Kitchener, Ontario N2M 3A5 Also look into encouraging bus transportation there could be a lot done to better the service and more would use it. Example. If I take the 11 to the terminal and would like to take the 15 it just left or it pulls out as the 11 arrives. That means another 30 minutes delay. I do not see too many on bicycles so why make a special path for them. Page 7 of 10 C-10 E-01-117 Name and Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concept and other comments. Alternative Design Concept Thomas Seebohm 1A I think this proposal should be kept to the existing width, possibly 119 Water Street South adding a bicycle lane off the road next to the existing sidewalk. Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1Z4 I think road widening will have many negative effects on the local community and the attractiveness of the street (one only has to look at Weber Street south of Frederick). Eventually, the additional lanes will also fill up with traffic. The situation will be far worse then. Before that happens, cars will drive faster, the increased volume of cars will create more pollution and the street will be more dangerous. Worst, as on Weber, houses will lose their front yards putting them closer to high volumes of traffic. I also object to the rounding of corners because that only encourages cars to drive faster. I also feel that road widening only benefits residents who do not live in the downtown or have business there. Road widening goes totally against the grain of improving the downtown. Alternate routes around the downtown should be encouraged. Dave 1B Four lanes would make Victoria Street a major artery and I'm not convinced that is a wise planning choice. The addition of cycling lanes is a good move toward a) making cycling on Victoria Street safer, b) encouraging cycling in general. The four lane option would encourage at least twice as many cars and therefore make cycling less enjoyable (have you ever biked down the bike lanes on Fischer-Hallman? Try it. The fumes in the summer are especially enjoyable. Anyway, I don't believe it is good urban planning to remove front yards for the sake of facilitating more automobiles. Rather, steps should be taken to encourage car pooling and alternative forms of transportation. You could do a lot of PR with 2.2. million. You might also consider blocking smaller residential sidestreets with flowerboxes etc. such that there might be a reduction in people cutting through residential areas. Sort of like the area bracketed by Union, William, King and Moore Streets in Waterloo. Page 8 of 10 C-11 E-01-117 Name and Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concept and other comments. Alternative Design Concept Resident 1A 1. Wider lanes will devalue properties in the neighbourhood. 2. Will create more accidents, by speeding while being preoccupied. Create more health hazard, due to vehicles idling and being revved by our bedroom windows. Anxiety with regards to vehicles ending up on what is left of our front yard. In essence all the freedom that will be taken away from us. What about us getting out of our driveways? It is very obvious none of this will impact on the decision makers seeing none of them live on Victoria Street. What about our quality of life isn't this important anymore? If people would give themselves enough time to get to where they are suppose to be going, drive and respect other drivers then 95% of the time we would not have to encounter the problems that exist not only on Victoria Street but all over. I hardly see cyclists on Victoria Street. I see them on the walking trails. It is my understanding that 6 feet of my frontage will be taken away, this will most certainly impact on the property in a negative way. Snow Fall Already there is little or no where to put snow. When the snow plows go by snow from the street is plowed onto the driveway , also the present sidewalk. When this street is widened where do I put the accumulated snow? My income does not allow me to hire someone to do this for me. Already I have had to call the city regarding the throwing of the snow on the driveway. Again, this will impact on the dwelling. Structure Damage Already there is structure damage created during the road repair done 3 years ago. I am not prepared to go through that again. At the time no compensation was sought seeing I did not know whom to address this to. I am quite sure there will be unforeseen problems to be dealt with. Page 9 of 10 C-12 E-01-117 Name and Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concept and other comments. Alternative Design Concept Kim Madill 1A I believe this study is not needed... provides only a band-aid solution to 445 Victoria Street South a bigger problem. As a Victoria Street resident who commutes to Kitchener, Ontario Guelph and back daily, I do not mind the extra few minutes it takes per N2M 3A6 day due to minor congestion. With projected growth I think a larger solution maybe needed in the next 10 - 25 years i.e. four lane highway with bypasses, buy property owners out! Why don't we save our money now and look at a bigger solution in the future? I think a few extra minutes per day is worth being able to maintain a front yard, enjoy trees in the neighbourhood and keep the speed down in front of the houses. In the summer of <98 I saw a child hit in front of my house. I wonder how much quicker the traffic would have been moving if it was a four lane highway.... could the child have been fatally injured? I believe the quality of life for us 100+ Victoria Street residents is worth a few extra minutes of commuter time. Because it saves trees...and preserves quality life and resale value of homes. Robert Wood 3A You have no turn lane in centre; 4 lane will work. W & W Liquidators 118 Victoria Street South Kitchener, Ontario N2G 2B4 H:\SHARED\CLERKS\WPWIN\COMMON\P & W\E-01-117 Appenix C Summarytble.wpd Page 10 of 10 APPENDIX D E-01-117 Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements King Street to Lawrence Avenue Public Information Centre No. 2 - October 17, 2001 Summary of Written Comment Sheets Received Attendance Written Comments 43 registered attendees 26 written comments received BREAKDOWN OF WRITTEN COMMENTS RECEIVED Preferred Design Concept Number of % Comments Supporters 3B 12 46 4 lanes - King to Lawrence 4 7 27 4 lanes - King to Park 3 lanes - Park to Lawrence 1A 2 8 Reconstruct existing Other 5 19 - mixed comments and/or questions; generally opposed to widening the road. TOTALS 26 100 D-2 E-01-117 Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements King Street to Lawrence Avenue Comment Sheets Received at the October 17, 2001 Public Information Centre Name & Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concepts & Other Comments Alternative Design Concept Bill Green 3B Need the additional lane capacity 201-72 Victoria Street South Kitchener, ON None was given. 3B I don't feel particularly comfortable expressing my opinion as I am completely aware that it has no negative effect on me personally, yet it will, I assume, hurt others. Still, it seems to me that the only sensible resolution is to make Victoria 4 lanes, ie 3B. Either that or make the "in principle" decision that we will all live with congestion. I don't see any alternative trade-offs since any other proposal would have at least as many negative impacts to other areas as does this one (and I do understand the human cost - I know of a family breakdown when the only family home was rezoned and torn down for the expressway changes near Eastwood Collegiate ie these can have huge personal costs.) I could actually live with the continued congestion option but that is a political statement for others to make. My one strong feeling is don't reject 3B to choose the widening of Stirling - then others are hurt as much. Why not 4? - seems piecemeal & prolongs the pain. It is logical in the longer term so do the whole job now. Avoid the water torture approach for residents - 4 lanes is likely inevitable, so do it in one go. Ken Reed 3B 4 lanes with extra curb lanes make more sense during rush hours. 116 Park St. Kitchener, ON N2G 1M6 Marlene Fretz 3B For best traffic flow. Hopefully there will be less speeding between 614 Victoria St. S. Lawrence Ave & Westmount Rd. Kitchener, ON N2M 3B1 Changes have to be made. Traffic will increase with time. Dave J. 3B 4 lanes will allow good traffic flow & cycling, but greatly affect housing (519) 584-1941 on the street & necessary transit facilities. 3 lanes does not provide the necessary traffic flow or transit & are at best a stop gap treatment. Some sort of on-road cycling facility is greatly needed in this area. The crossing for the Iron Horse Trail at Victoria St is not acceptable, the lights are too far away to expect pedestrians to walk to & crossing Victoria is hazardous at best - a pedestrian crossing would be great! My personal preference for a route would be to leave Victoria St at 2 lanes & add cycling lanes & turning lanes at the corners. This would allow homeowners a measure of peace & encourage car owners to seek out alternatives, maybe even a few would use public transit or cycle. It would allow the Region to make a statement for people & not cars. Nancy Jibb 3B Major road use - 4 lanes only makes sense. Prepare for future 65 Belton Dr. necessary. Kitchener, ON N2M 2B7 D-3 E-01-117 Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements King Street to Lawrence Avenue Name & Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concepts & Other Comments Alternative Design Concept Wally Jibb 3B Only logical approach - Victoria South past Lawrence is 4 lanes. Why 65 Belton Dr. have short section (Park to Lawrence) reduced to three? Kitchener, ON N2M 2B7 Concept 3B is the only logical approach. This should have been completed years ago. Intersection at Lawrence should have a turning lane off Lawrence onto Victoria. (Corner of Highland Rd & Victoria) needs to be widened. Traffic can be held up at light by one vehicle making a left on Victoria. Dale Hoch 3B This city needs a 4 lane artery through that area. It is one of the last 215 Thornbird Place central streets you can actually widen to 4 lanes. Waterloo, ON N2T 2P1 Concept 4 I don't feel will work at all. The traffic flow in rush hour is backed up from Belmont to Lawrence heading north and from Belmont to Strange going south. There is only one street for left turns between Lawrence & Strange St (not including Belmont). That street is Patricia. The left turn lane would be used mainly for homeowners which does not constitute the real problem with Victoria St. It probably will still result in gridlock with countless thousands of dollars spent on a left turn lane that will sit largely empty. To give this area safe & regular traffic flow a four lane from King St to Lawrence is definitely needed. Just look at the 4 lanes at both ends of this problem & you will see how well it works with traffic flow. Please do not create another expensive bottleneck. Note: As a pastor at International Gospel Centre we have a personal interest in this project. We bus Sunday school kids every week from that area! Eileen Speaker 3B 437 Victoria St S Kitchener, ON N2M 3A6 Robert Speaker 3B 437 Victoria St S Kitchener, ON N2M 3A6 Frank Voisin 3B 645 Westmount Rd E Kitchener, ON N2E 3S3 Renate Fischer 4 Takes into account the higher residential properties between Park & 21 Martin St Lawrence. Also takes into account the fact that Victoria is a through Kitchener, ON N2G 2X1 street. D-4 E-01-117 Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements King Street to Lawrence Avenue Name & Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concepts & Other Comments Alternative Design Concept Gerald Withers 4 Permits people turning left into driveways to get out of the way of 40 Stoke Dr through traffic. Expands to 4 lanes where traffic is heaviest. Kitchener, ON N2N 1Z4 The aim should be to permit traffic flow while not giving the opportunity for excessive speed through the sections where single family homes are located. Need bus "turnouts" to permit traffic to get by buses in 3 lane section without using turning lane as a passing lane. Given that many persons commute through this section every morning/evening on their way to/from east Kitchener & points beyond, what provision is being made to effectively detour traffic around the construction, given that Highland/Queen are already "loaded" and there is no good alternative to the west (Waterloo side) that doesn't go well out of the way? Is it possible to stagger construction hours to permit better flow between 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. & 4 - 5:30 p.m.? Thanks for the opportunity for input. Wendy Morrison 4 4 lanes would bring a lot of traffic, great speed & extreme difficulty 380 Victoria St S getting in & out of driveways when trying to get to the opposite side of Kitchener, ON N2M 3A5 the road. Also the exhaust fumes closer & more to the homes would not be very healthy. I am very concerned about widening Victoria Av S, south of Park St, IF it is necessary I would certainly prefer the 3 lane proposal for the area. Rita Kloepfer 4 In general cars etc already travel far too fast as it is now. I have 15+ 27 Henry St years experience crossing kids. Kitchener, ON N2G 1P4 #4 is the best solution because it will make getting on to Henry St easier (crossing guard at Victoria & it will be safer for me to cross my kids across 3 lanes & not 4 lanes of St & Patricia Av) traffic. 2 lanes & the turn lane will also keep the traffic speed slower. Margaret Foster for 4 It takes into consideration the higher residential area & thus lesser Elsie Henning impact on the property lines. 316 Victoria St S Kitchener, ON N2M 3A3 Pleased to see you have come forward with a split design - changed at Park & Lawrence as it offers a small degree of respite for those residents "west of Park". R. Mederak 1A (implied) Leave it the way it is now. 229 Victoria St S Kitchener, ON We have a long truck & it's hard now to get in & out. None was given. Not I wonder why widening Glasgow from Fisher Hallman to Park isn't indicated considered. It is a straight run in with lots of room to widen. None was given. Not I wonder why widening Glasgow from Fisher Hallman to Park isn't indicated considered. It is a straight run in with lots of room to widen. D-5 E-01-117 Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements King Street to Lawrence Avenue Name & Address Preferred Reasons for Preferred Concepts & Other Comments Alternative Design Concept Tracy Wood Not Neither! Who has complained about the congestion on Victoria St S? indicated Why would it be better to allow traffic to be faster? Yes, I purchased a house on Victoria St S on Oct 12/01, not knowing about the proposal. Explain to what benefit will it be to allow traffic to travel faster on this street. Children can't play safely or cross. Peak times are twice a day. Show me a street that has been widened that didn't end up having an increased amount of traffic. If Victoria St S is too slow then less people tend to use it. Making traffic flow easier encourages more traffic at a faster speed. 5.5 million dollars could be spent more wisely throughout the city. What are the benefits? Loss of more mature trees, older heritage houses. Soon there won't be anything older left. Ludwig Meindl 4 I’m sorry this is just not acceptable with your plan, the sidewalk is one 192 Victoria Street South foot from the bumper of my car, leaving absolutely no storage at all!!!! Kitchener ON N2G 2B9 for snow, on trying to get in or out onto Victoria Street. Sidewalk 1 ft. off bumper of car. No snow storage at all!!!. How do you expect me to deal with this? I’m sorry, I have lived here for 50 years. You are destroying my home and community. How dare you leave me with no options, absolutely no where to put snow, if there’s an accident, they’re going to plow right into my car because the road is that close, the fumes from all the cars are right in my bedroom and house. I’m going to have a terrible time trying to get from my house onto Victoria street or back in. It’s very dangerous!!! How do you expect me to accept this!!!! I hope you and your team have read this article because I think it says it all!!! I will never be able to sell my house or get anything for it. How dare you do this to me and my family!!! This is the situation with 3 lanes. What do you think 4 lanes will do? This is totally and morally wrong. Doreen Maskell-Moser 1A preferred More pollution - we can’t open our front windows with the amount of 449 Victoria Street South traffic now - lack of parking for residents vehicles , no place for snow Kitchener, ON N2M 3A6 removal - less safety for residents - devaluation of property - loss of trees - noise pollution our houses weren’t built to stop the noise from 4 lanes. We can live with the traffic as the street is - if the traffic is too much for the people who have to drive, they should pick another route or allow for delays. APPENDIX E E-01-117 DISCUSSION OF MAIN ISSUES RAISED BY THE PUBLIC a) Widening Victoria Street South Is Not Needed Many residents have stated that it is not necessary to widen Victoria Street South to increase its traffic-carrying capacity because the existing two lanes are working adequately now with serious congestion only occurring for short durations during the morning and afternoon peak periods. Many residents have also stated that widening Victoria Street to four lanes is not justified “just to save commuters a few minutes of their time”. Project Team Comments The need and justification for widening Victoria Street to increase capacity has been well documented in recent traffic studies, including the Downtown Kitchener West Side Connection Study (DKWSCS, 1999) and the traffic study completed as part of this project. These studies concluded that with current traffic volumes, the traffic-carrying capacity of Victoria Street South and other parallel roads such as Queen Street South and Glasgow Street are already being exceeded during peak periods. These studies also concluded that traffic demand is expected to increase on Victoria Street South by 20% to 40% during the next 15 years due in part to the continuing growth in residential and commercial development on the west side of Kitchener and Waterloo. The studies also conclude that without the addition of one additional through lane in each direction on Victoria Street South or another parallel road, the congestion during and between the peak periods would become much worse than it is today. The effects of this increase in congestion would occur over a large area including neighbourhoods adjacent to Victoria Street South, Queen Street South and Glasgow Street and would not be limited to simply increasing travel times for commuting motorists. These negative effects would also include larger delays for public transit users, increased response times for emergency services, increased traffic on local side streets due to through traffic infiltration and increased vehicle emissions and fuel costs due to increased vehicle idling caused by cars, trucks and buses waiting in longer queues. b) Widening Victoria Street South To Four Lanes Will Ruin The Neighbourhood Many residents expressed concerns that widening Victoria Street South to four lanes would ruin their neighbourhood because a widened road would attract more traffic and would be closer to their homes; resulting in increased noise and air pollution, reductions in front yards and parking, reduced snow storage, more speeding, and loss of mature trees. Many residents feared that these effects in turn would lead to reductions in property values and many resident owners moving away. E-2 E-01-117 Project Team Comments The Project Team acknowledges the concerns of the residents and agrees that widening Victoria Street South to four lanes would attract some existing and future traffic from adjacent roads such as Queen Street South and Glasgow Street; however, the recent traffic studies done to date concluded that traffic demand is expected to increase on Victoria Street South by 20% to 40% regardless of whether the road is widened or not. The Project Team also acknowledges that widening the road to four lanes would place the edge of road much closer to many of the homes; however, one of the four-lane design concepts, Concept 3A, would result in most of the road widening occurring within the existing right-of-way and would not require significant property acquisitions from most of the abutting owners. A noise study was conducted in accordance with the Ministry of Environment approved methodology to determine the existing and expected noise levels along Victoria Street for various road widening concepts given the expected increases in traffic volumes over the next ten years. The results indicated there was not a significant difference in the expected increase in noise levels between each of the alternative design concepts and, in addition, the net expected increase in noise levels was less than one decibel. Estimated vehicle emissions generated as part of the most recent traffic study indicate that, given the expected traffic demand in fifteen years, alternative design concepts that include four lanes (such as Concepts 3A and 3B) would result in significantly less vehicle emissions and fuel consumption than alternative design concepts which would not improve the capacity of Victoria Street South. This difference is due to the fact that vehicles undergoing more “stop/start” and idling conditions tend to use more fuel and emit more pollutants than vehicles traveling at a more uniform rate of speed. The Project Team acknowledges that any alternative design concepts that involve road widening would result in some negative impacts to front yards and parking, increased driveway slopes, reduced snow storage and loss of mature trees. Mitigation being considered to address these impacts includes driveway regrading, construction of retaining walls, increased sidewalk widths for snow storage and the planting of many new trees to help to restore, over time, the reduced tree canopy due to tree removals. In some uncommon cases of extreme driveway slopes or complete loss of parking, the Region would, after exploring all options with the owner, discuss with the owner the possibility of purchasing the entire property. c) Widening Victoria Street South To Four Lanes Does Nothing To Reduce Future Automobile Use In The Region Many members of the public are concerned that widening Victoria Street South will encourage more people to drive their cars and will not help to achieve the 7% future auto reduction as per the Region’s Transportation Master Plan. E-3 E-01-117 Project Team Comments The Regional Transportation Master Plan (RTMP) was the result of a major Transportation Study to assess current and future demands on the transportation network. The traffic demand analysis conducted as part of the RTMP Study concluded that traffic demand is expected to increase substantially over the next fifteen years due to expected economic growth in the Region. To address this expected increase in peak-hour trips, the RTMP identified the need for capacity improvements on a number of existing roads, including Victoria Street South, as well as the construction of some new roads. The RTMP also includes a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategy to reduce the public’s reliance on the automobile gradually over the next fifteen years. The goal of the TDM strategy is to reduce future expected automobile trips by 7% by encouraging commuters to use alternative modes of transportation such as walking, cycling or public transit. By far, the alternative mode with the greatest potential for encouraging commuters to leave their cars at home is public transit. In order for Grand River Transit to meet this increased demand, enhancements to existing bus services are planned throughout the Region, including increasing bus service on Victoria Street South from 15 minute to 10 minute intervals in 2005. In fact, commuters are less likely to switch from auto use to public transit if bus travel time is increasing due to traffic congestion on corridors such as Victoria Street South. Staff from Grand River Transit (GRT) have advised that the provision of four lanes on congested arterial roads such as Victoria Street South is necessary for GRT to encourage current auto commuters to use public transit. d) Victoria Street South Should Be Widened To Four Lanes But The Region Should Buy All The Abutting Residential Properties Some members of the public stated that Victoria Street South needs to be widened to four lanes to address the traffic congestion; however, they also stated that the Region should purchase and demolish all of the residential properties on one or both sides of Victoria Street South to provide ample space for a four lane road, cycling lanes, boulevards and walkways. Project Team Comments The Project Team spent considerable time developing and reviewing the feasibility of purchasing most of the residential properties on one or both sides of the street between Park Street and Lawrence Avenue in conjunction with widening to four lanes. Although the Project Team saw some benefits of this scheme in terms of flexibility with the cross- section elements, it was determined that it was not a better solution than the current alternative design concepts because of significant negative impacts to the social environment such as family and business displacements, loss of available housing and difficulties arising with how to use the remaining surplus lands. In addition, the excessive negative impacts in economic terms made it impractical as such a scheme would increase overall project costs by approximately $10 million to $20 million. E-4 E-01-117 e) The Region Should Be More Creative In Developing Alternative Solutions To Widening Victoria Street South Many members of the public stated that the Region should consider other alternatives to widening Victoria Street South such as improving the traffic signal timing, increased car pooling and widening other roads. Project Team Comments During the process of developing the alternative design concepts that were presented at the two PICs, the Project Team also considered other alternative solutions for this project. Timing changes for the existing traffic signals to reduce delays for Victoria Street South traffic was considered; however, a review of the existing timing indicates that most of the traffic signals are already providing maximum “green time” for Victoria Street South traffic with the side streets in many cases being allocated the minimum “green time” to allow pedestrian crossings of Victoria Street. Providing any additional “green time” to Victoria Street South would increase delays for side streets considerably and would not allow pedestrians to safely cross Victoria Street South during morning and afternoon peak periods. Increased car pooling and other Transportation Demand Management (TDM) initiatives such as increased transit use and encouraging mixed-use land development are considered intrinsic to each and every solution being considered by the Project Team. According to the DKWSCS and the RTMP however, these TDM measures, if implemented without any improvements to road capacity, would not be sufficient to address the current and future traffic congestion problem. At best, these TDM measures are expected to provide a targeted reduction of 7% in future auto use by the year 2016. The traffic studies done as part of the DKWSCS and this phase of the project, which clearly demonstrated the need for an additional lane of capacity in each direction, incorporated the 7% auto reduction when determining the expected 2016 traffic demand on Victoria Street South and on the adjacent parallel roads. The Downtown Kitchener West Side Connection Study (DKWSCS) investigated providing an additional lane of capacity in each direction on a number of parallel roads in the area including Victoria Street South, Queen Street South (including the Queen/Benton Diversion) and Ottawa Street. Each alternative was evaluated using socio-cultural, natural and economic criteria. The result of that evaluation was that Victoria Street was recommended as the best road to implement the additional capacity (ie. widen to four lanes) because it would result in the least amount of overall travel delay, the least amount of expected collisions, with lesser adverse proximity and heritage impacts than some of the other alternative solutions such as the Queen/Benton Diversion. The Project Team agrees that of the three routes considered during the DKWSCS, that Victoria Street is the road best suited to achieve the required additional capacity in the southwest portion of Kitchener. E-5 E-01-117 In addition to the solutions noted above, the Project Team also considered various other solutions for this project; however, these other solutions were not considered feasible due to one or a number of adverse impacts regarding safety, social or economics. Some of these solutions included: C Reconstruct Victoria Street South to provide three lanes (ie. one lane in each direction plus a “switchable” contra-flow lane) (Screened out due to safety concerns); C Reconstruct Victoria Street South to provide two lanes in each direction and purchase and demolish all of the buildings on one or both sides of the street to provide more room for cycling lanes and walkways. (Screened out due to excessive adverse social and economic impacts.) C Reconstruct Victoria Street South and Queen Street South (including Queen/Benton Diversion) to provide one additional lane on each of these streets. (Screened out due to excessive adverse social, natural and economic impacts.) The Project Team is confident that they have not overlooked any reasonable solution when developing the alternative design concepts for this project. Appendix F E-01-117 Victoria Street South Roadway Improvements Preliminary Evaluation Of Alternative Design Concepts Criteria/ Group 1A 1B 2 3A 3B 3C 4 5 Criterion Existing Lane Existing 3 Lanes With 4 Lanes Cycling 4 Lanes With 4 Lanes With 4/3 Lanes With 4/2 Lanes With Configuration Lanes Plus Cycling Lanes on Alternate Shared-Use Shared-Use Curb Shared-Use Mixed On- Cycling Route Curb Lane Lanes East of Park Curb Lanes Street Cycling Lanes Facility SECTION A - King St to Park St Travel delay 5 5 5 1 1 1 3 3 Safety 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 Emergency Response 5 4 4 1 1 1 2 2 Supports Auto 5 4 4 3 1 1 3 3 Reduction Disruption to 1 1 1 3 4 4 4 4 Residential Properties Disruption to 1 2 4 3 5 5 5 5 Commercial Properties Noise 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Heritage Features 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Existing Trees 1 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 Vehicle Emissions 4 4 4 1 1 1 2 2 Capital Cost 1 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 Energy Cost 4 4 4 1 1 1 2 2 Total Section A 33 35 38 25 28 28 35 35 Note: 1 = least impact/greatest benefit 5 = greatest impact/least benefit H:\SHARED\CLERKS\WPWIN\COMMON\P & W\E-01-117 Appendix F evaluationtble PIM.wpd F-2 E-01-117 Evaluation of Alternative Design Concepts Criteria/ Group 1A 1B 2 3A 3B 3C 4 5 Criterion Existing Lane Existing 3 Lanes With 4 Lanes Cycling 4 Lanes With 4 Lanes With 4/3 Lanes With 4/2 Lanes With Configuration Lanes Plus Cycling Lanes on Alternate Shared-Use Shared-Use Curb Shared-Use Mixed On- Cycling Route Curb Lane Lanes East of Park Curb Lanes Street Cycling Lanes Facility SECTION B - Park St. to Lawrence Ave. Travel Delay 4 4 3 1 1 1 3 3 Safety 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 4 Emergency Response 5 4 3 1 1 1 3 4 Supports Auto- 5 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 Reduction Disruption to 1 1 3 4 5 4 2 1 Residential properties. Disruption to 1 1 2 4 4 4 1 1 Commercial properties. Noise 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Heritage Features 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Existing trees 1 1 3 4 5 4 2 1 Vehicle emissions 4 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 Capital Cost 1 2 3 4 5 4 3 2 Energy cost 4 4 4 1 1 1 3 3 Total Section B 32 30 32 27 28 27 28 28 Total Section A x 33% 11.0 11.7 12.7 8.3 9.3 9.3 11.7 11.7 Total Section B x 67% 21.3 20.0 21.3 18.0 18.7 18.0 18.7 18.7 Grand Total 32.3 31.7 34.0 26.3 28.0 27.3 30.4 30.4 Sections A & B Note: 1 = least impact/greatest benefit 5 = greatest impact/least benefit H:\SHARED\CLERKS\WPWIN\COMMON\P & W\E-01-117 Appendix F evaluationtble PIM.wpd F-3 E-01-117 Evaluation of Alternative Design Concepts The following is a brief discussion of the results of this evaluation. Transportation (travel delay, safety, emergency response, supports auto reduction) In terms of the transportation criteria, the three continuous four-lane concepts (3A, 3B and 3C) were ranked the best because they would adequately address the traffic congestion problem. Concepts 1A and 1B were ranked the worst in this group because they would not adequately address the traffic congestion, safety and auto reduction criteria. Socio-Cultural Environment (residential, commercial, noise, heritage) In terms of socio-cultural criteria, the concepts involving the smallest amount of road widening, such as Concept 1A and 1B, were ranked the best due to their lower impacts on the abutting properties. The continuous four-lane concepts such as 3A, 3B and 3C were ranked the worst mostly because of significant property and adverse driveway impacts to the abutting properties. Natural Environment (existing trees, vehicle emissions) In terms of the natural environment, the aggregate rankings for the design concepts were closer in value than rankings under the transportation and socio-cultural criteria due to trade-offs between less tree impacts due to less road widening on the one hand and less vehicle emissions due to more road widening on the other hand. Concepts 3A and 3C ranked the best as a result of these trade-offs. Economic Environment (capital cost, energy cost) In terms of economic criteria, a small spread in the scores/rankings resulted from trade-offs between greater capital costs due to wider roads on the one hand and greater fuel costs due to narrower roads on the other hand. In this group, Concepts 1A, 3A and 3C ranked the best as a result of these trade-offs. MEDIA RELEASE: Friday, November 30, 2001, 4:30 p.m. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE AGENDA Tuesday, December 4, 2001 1:00 p.m. Council Chamber 2nd Floor, Administration Building 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario 1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT 2. DELEGATIONS a) Jan VanStralen, Chair of the Sex Trade Worker Committee re: Sex Trade Worker Commitee Progress Report (See Item 3 - below) 3. REPORTS - Social Services a) SS-01-068 Interdepartmental Review of the Federation of Canadian 1 Municipalities Quality of Life Reporting System b) SS-01-075 Provincial Homelessness Initiative Fund 2001-2002 10 c) SS-01-076 Reinvestment of Placement Funds 18 d) SS-01-077 Revised Special Diet Schedule 22 REPORTS - Community Health e) CH-01-069 Influenza Surveillance 24 f) CH-01-070 Sex Trade Worker Committee Update 26 REPORTS - Planning, Housing and Community Services g) P-01-125 Terms of Reference for Regional Forest Management Plan 28 4. OTHER BUSINESS 5. NEXT MEETING - January 8, 2002 6. CLOSED SESSION (motion required) Part II, Section 14 (1) c) of Procedural By-law 00-031, as amended a) CR-FM-01-020 (Attached separately) 7. ADJOURN Regrets only to Sue Southwell Telephone: 575-4732 email: [email protected] H:\SHARED\CLERKS\WPWIN\Sue S\agdCS120401.wpd Regional Municipality of Waterloo SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT SOCIAL PLANNING DIVISION To: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Report No: SS-01-068 Community Services Committee File Code: S01-26 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: INTERDEPARTMENTAL REVIEW OF THE FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) QUALITY OF LIFE REPORTING SYSTEM (QOLRS) RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Region) continues to support the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Quality of Life Reporting System (QOLRS) through membership on the Technical Team; That the Region direct staff to develop and share the information contained in the QOLRS with internal and external stakeholders; And that staff continues to work with stakeholders in task-specific, time-limited working groups to build on the QOLRS to develop more comprehensive measures of the quality of life in Waterloo Region. SUMMARY: At the request of the Community Services Coordinating Committee, a Working Group, consisting of members from four Regional Departments and the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council, (see Appendix A for a list of members) was established to develop an understanding of the FCM Quality of Life Reporting System (QOLRS) and its specific uses, including the dissemination of the data within the Region and to the community at large. (See Appendix B for the Terms of Reference). The QOLRS consists of eight measures or data bases of information which seek to measure the quality of life. The Region, through the Social Services Department, has been a member of the FCM Technical Team since 1997. The QOLRS provides a framework and a baseline of information for a comparative analysis across the 18 participating communities. (See Appendix C for the list) As was reported previously to Regional Council (May 1999), the QOLRS was not designed to provide a comprehensive measure of the quality of life in our local community. However if the Reporting System is used in conjunction with other locally developed measures, the information becomes more specific and helpful in measuring and improving the quality of life in our Region. REPORT: 1.1 Background The Caledon paper, Strategies for a Caring Community, describes the increasing pressures on local governments to address social issues and to improve the quality of life for all its residents. The role of local governments – whether municipal or regional – has become more important, despite or perhaps because of the challenges faced with increased roles, rising cost burdens and the need to promote economic and social well- - 2 - SS-01-068 S01-26 being. In Ontario the downloading of the delivery and payment of human services by the Province to municipalities has further enshrined the role of the municipality in the system management of these services. The QOLRS was initiated to bring a community-based perspective to the development of public policy and to monitor the consequences of changing demographics as well as the shifting responsibilities and new fiscal arrangements. By providing a framework to monitor quality of life, the QOLRS aims to benefit Canadian communities and all orders of government to: • identify and raise awareness of issues affecting quality of life in Canadian communities; • better target policies and resources aimed at improving quality of life; and • establish municipal governments as a strong and legitimate partner in public policy debate in Canada. Leadership for the development of the Reporting System was provided by FCM, the national Board of Directors, the Big Cities Mayor Caucus and the Social Infrastructure Standing Committee. Staff from FCM and the Advocate Institute have provided additional support. The FCM struck a Technical Team consisting of a highly skilled team of local experts from a variety of disciplines, representing the participating communities. Teams of two or three members worked on developing the indicators and measures. The Technical Team has been meeting at least monthly via teleconference and annually in face-to-face meetings. The Team selected the indicators based on national and community consultations. In addition, the following criteria were used: • the information had to be meaningful at the community level; • data had to be available for regular reporting on a nationally consistent basis; and • the indicators had to use terminology and information components which were familiar and easily understood. Two Quality of Life Reports have been released by the FCM, the first in May 1999 and the second in March 2001. Both reports have been shared with the Regional Council and are available in the library. The Reports were intended to offer preliminary comparative analyses and to serve as a starting point for discussions on the quality of life in the 18 participating Canadian communities. The Technical Team updates the report on an annual basis, and works on further refining and developing the measures, indicators and data sources. Eight sets of indicators of quality of life (See Appendix D) were reported on in both of the FCM reports as follows: C population resources measures (a profile of population characteristics and growth) C community affordability measures (a comparison of levels of income with the cost of living) C quality of employment measures (monitoring dimensions and trends of employment) C quality of housing measures (affordability of housing, vacancy rates, housing starts) C community stress measures (social problems, variables related to vulnerable groups, e.g., the incidence of low income, lone-parent families, bankruptcies, suicides, crisis calls) C health of community measures (general health status, mortality, workdays lost due to illness) C community safety measures (rates of crime and violence, unintended injuries and poisonings) C community participation measures (involvement of citizens, voter turnouts, recycling, charitable donations) - 3 - SS-01-068 S01-26 The indicators of each measure were selected based on meaningfulness at the community level, availability of consistent data, and accessibility of terminology and concepts. The FCM plans to expand the number of measures to include areas such as the environment, community social infrastructure, and an annual special theme measure. 1.2 Understanding the Quality of Life Reporting System The Working Group identified benefits for the Region of participating in the development of the QOL Reporting System. The indicators help municipalities to: • provide national comparisons, site-to-site and site-to-national averages • set directions and corporate strategic planning • raise the profile of the municipality • make links with other communities on similar issues • encourage collaboration, both within the municipality and between participating communities • provide a spring board for community discussions. However, there are challenges inherent in the development of any indicator or measure. Some of these challenges include: • what do you include? • what do you exclude? • how do you measure what you want to include? • is the information available? • how can we collect the information in a consistent and comparable way? • is the information reliable, valid? The Quality of Life indicators and measures developed by the FCM Technical Team are not immune to these challenges. The Technical Team spent long hours debating and researching each indicator and to date has developed eight of the 10 proposed indicators. The Working Group had the opportunity to review the eight indicators and to provide some comments about their use and meaningfulness in our local context. The following are some highlights of this analysis. The Working Group found that the absence of correlations and cross- comparisons makes it difficult to assess factors that differentiate communities where quality of life is above average, such as the Region of Waterloo. Also methodological limitations related to availability of data and calculations are also noted. With respect to availability of data, some things which are often associated with quality of life such as culture, parks, library use, childcare are not currently included as part of the existing measures. In terms of calculations, the use of housing sales rather than a comparison of sales to listings demonstrates the difficulties in developing national comparators. It was noted that where there are no universally accepted definitions of measures, and narrow definitions may not accurately reflect the local context. For example the definition of health measures does not match the Region's concept of health which is broader and encompasses all aspects of human well-being. Despite these shortcomings, the Working Group recognizes the need to continue to work with the Technical Team to further refine the eight existing measures and to assist with the development of the remaining two indicators. Some of the limitations can be mitigated by using locally developed measures in conjunction with the Reporting System. 1.3 Opportunities for Sharing the Measures - 4 - SS-01-068 S01-26 As per their mandate, the Working Group looked beyond the Reporting System to consider other indicators and report cards that are being developed in the Region, both by Regional Departments and community agencies and organizations. The Working Group also considered the need to share the information with the community stakeholders in a meaningful way and to find better ways to measure the quality of life. The Working Group recognizes the need for further consultation to share the database, to determine uses for the information and further develop the indicators. Due to the complexity of the measures, the broad range of stakeholders who would be involved and the number of additional measures and indicators, staff has identified the need for time-limited, task-specific working groups to continue to develop the specific measures. Additionally staff recommends that we incorporate Regional activities and resources such as the centralized databases, the advanced survey research system and the redeveloped Website to support this work. The QOLRS provides a framework and a baseline of information within which to conduct these activities. The Region can use this information in conjunction with other initiatives to develop tools both relevant and helpful to measuring and in improving the quality of life throughout the Region. CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: The recommendations fall within the directions of development of sustainable growth, supporting economic prosperity, providing appropriate health and social services, and ensuring public safety and support the values of openness and planning to increase the capacity of citizens. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: There is an annual contribution of $5400 which is funded by the Social Services Department. OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: The Social Services Department involved staff from Planning, Housing and Community Services, the Community Health Department, Information Services and the Community Safety, Crime Prevention Council in the development of this report. Future work on the quality of life measures would not exclude the participation of other departments as well. PREPARED BY: Beverley Bell-Rowbotham, Planning Associate Lynn Randall, Director Social Planning and Administration APPROVED BY: Michael Schuster, Commissioner of Social Services - 6 - SS-01-068 S01-26 APPENDIX A List of Members Region of Waterloo Quality of Life Working Group Community Health Department Barbara Powell Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council Christiana Sadeler Information Services Joe Staubitz Planning, Social Housing and Community Services Joan Jylanne Social Services Department Beverley Bell-Rowbotham - 7 - SS-01-068 S01-26 APPENDIX B Region of Waterloo Quality of Life Working Group Terms of Reference Purpose: The Working Group is a time-limited, task specific working group which has been established at the request of the members of the Community Services Coordinating Committee to develop an understanding of the FCM. Quality of Life Reporting System and its specific uses; and to share this information with the appropriate departments within the Region and with the community at large. Background: The Quality of Life Reporting System is an intergovernmental initiative aimed at measuring the "quality of life" in Canada and was developed in response to policy changes at other government levels. In 1995 the Federal Government announced funding formula changes and removed the national standards for the delivery of health, education and social services. These policy decisions effectively changed the Canada Assistance Plan (CAP) and replaced it with the Canada Health and Social Transfer (CHST) a year later. The funding formula changed from a 50/30/20 cost share to block funding. The FCM Board of Directors and Big City Mayors' Caucus responded first with the release of the Social Policy Study which delineated the impacts of the downloading and then with the development of the monitoring tool - subsequently known as the Quality of Life Reporting System. The Reporting System consists of eight measures: C population resource (overall population characteristics) C community affordability (average level of income vs local mini cost of living) C quality of employment (monitoring dimensions of employment) C quality of housing (housing starts and costs) C community stress (social problems as they relate to vulnerable groups i.e., incident of low income, homeless, lone-parent families) C health of community (general health status) C community safety (crime rates, mortality by injuries and poisonings) C community participation (voter turnouts, recycling, charitable donations) The Region of Waterloo, through the Social Services Department, has been a member of the Technical Team since 1997. Scope: The time line three to five meetings June - November 2001. Objectives: - 8 - SS-01-068 S01-26 The objectives of the working group are to: • develop and share the interpretation of the database • determine how the information contained in the Reporting System can inform the work of the Region; • identify the specific uses of the data; • identify opportunities for linages to other initiatives within the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and community • to promote the sharing of information, and knowledge with respect to the issue of quality of life and • and report back by November, 2001. Results: Increased collaborative use of quality of life related information and data between departments will: • Increase and lead to more effective communication and linkages, both internal and external; • Promote efficient and effective use of resources; • Avoid duplication; • Help to set direction and provide a focused approach on quality of life issues; • Assist with setting common priorities and collective agendas among and between departments. Membership: Membership will consist of representatives from each of the departments/services as follows: C Planning, Housing and Community Services - Joan Jylanne C Community Health Department - Barbara Powell C Social Services Department - Lynn Randall, Beverley Bell-Rowbotham C Information Services - Joe Staubitz C Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council - Christiana Sadeler Meeting Schedule: To be established at the first meeting. Meeting Protocol: • Meetings will be chaired by the representative from Social Services Department/Social Planning Division; • A meeting agenda and any supporting information will be forwarded by the Chair to members of the group prior to scheduled meetings; • Minutes of a meeting will be forwarded to Group members within a reasonable amount of time; • Regrets, when unable to attend, will be forwarded to Tammy Rahamut 883-2117. Linkages and Communication: • Each representative on the Group will communicate information back to their perspective departments; • Working Group will prepare a report for Community Services Committee. - 9 - SS-01-068 S01-26 APPENDIX C List of Municipalities Participating in the FCM Quality of Life Reporting System City of Vancouver City of Burnaby City of Calgary City of Edmonton City of Regina City of Saskatoon City of Winnipeg City of Windsor City of London Regional Municipality of Waterloo City of Greater Sudbury City of Toronto City of Hamilton Regional Municipality of Halton Regional Municipality of Peel Regional Municipality of York City of Ottawa Halifax Regional Municipality - 10 - SS-01-068 S01-26 APPENDIX D The Quality of Life Reporting System Template of Measures and Their Indicators Population Community Quality of Quality of Community Health of Community Community Resources Affordability Employment Housing Stress Community Safety Participation Population CAM 1 Employment Income % lone Infant Young Voter turnout age groups & relative to parent mortality offender CAM 2 unemployme housing cost families and charges per nt rates incidence of 100,000 low income residents Population Patterns of Permanent, Rental Teen births Low birth Violent crimes Charitable growth change in temporary & affordability: per 1000 teen weight per 100,000 donations family income self- % renters mothers babies residents employment paying 30% or more of income for rent Multicultur Public Families Substandard Suicide rates Premature Property United Way alism, transportation receiving EI dwellings: % per 100,000 mortality crimes per contributions immigration : cost as % of or social of houses residents 100,000 per resident and visible minimum assistance as needing residents minority wage % of all major repair population taxfilers Internal Government Median Real estate Business and Hospital Injuries and Recycling per migration transfer hourly wages sales per consumer discharges poisonings resident income by by gender capita bankruptcies per 100,000 source and age residents Labour Long term Vacancy Crisis calls Work hours Daily force unemployme rates lost due to newspaper replacement nt injury or circulation ratios disability Education Employment levels income as % of all income Literacy Source: The FCM Quality of life Reporting System Second Report: Quality of Life in Canadian Communities (2001), p.9 Regional Municipality of Waterloo SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT SOCIAL PLANNING DIVISION To: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Report No: SS-01-075 Community Services Committee File Code: S01-27 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: PROVINCIAL HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVE FUND (PHIF) 2001/2002 RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the following allocations from within the 2001 Provincial Homelessness Initiative Fund (PHIF) as outlined in report SS-01-075 dated December 4, 2001: Reaching Our Outdoor Friends (ROOF) $ 15,000 Argus Residence For Young People $ 50,666 Canadian Mental Health Association $ 22,700 Betty Thompson Youth Centre $ 8,905 Ray of Hope $ 44,426 K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project $ 15,000 Total $156,697 SUMMARY: NIL REPORT: 1.0 Background On January 29, 1998 Janet Ecker, then Minister of Community and Social Services announced the creation of a Provincial Task Force on Homelessness. Concurrent with the formation of the Task Force, the Minister announced that the Province would commit $4M to address recommendations of the Task Force. On October 22, 1998, the Ministry of Community and Social Services provided municipalities with an outline of the intended implementation of the Task Force recommendations. Included in this plan were details of how the $4M provincial fund would be allocated to municipalities. On the basis of population, the Regional Municipality received $120,000. In March 1999, the Minister of Community and Social Services announced the expansion of the Homelessness Initiative Fund whereby each Consolidated Municipal System Manager (CMSM) would receive a 50% increase to the original allocation. For the Regional Municipality, this meant an increase of $60,000 for a total of $180,000. The requirements of the Funds were that CMSM's must involve community organizations in identifying the communities needs and priorities and that the funds are to be used for new services and not to be used to replace existing CMSM expenditures, including those on cost shared programs. The three objectives of the Fund are as follows: • moving people from the street to emergency accommodation; • moving people from emergency to permanent accommodation; • preventing homelessness by supporting the retention of permanent accommodation. - 2 - SS-01-075 S01-27 The Region has received and distributed money under the PHIF for the years 1998/1999 and 2000. Appendix A contains a summary of the funding allocated for previous years. 2.0 The Year 2001 PHIF Planning Process In October of this year, Regional Council approved the allocation of a maximum of $50,000 in total to the Cambridge and the K-W Out of the Cold programs to ensure these time and seasonally sensitive programs were up and able to run for 2001/2002. The Cambridge and the K-W Out of the Cold programs were asked to submit a description of their funding request by October 29, 2001. Their subsequent submissions were reviewed by the Working Group and a total of $45,745 has been allocated (see Appendix C for a description). Additionally, Regional Council approved the process for the allocation of the remaining funds (October 16 - Report #SS-01-059) through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. The process was carried out by an interdepartmental working group led by Social Services and with representation from Community Health and Planning, Housing and Community Services (see appendix B for a list of members). The 2001 PHIF criteria included all three Provincial objectives as well as the four local action areas from the Waterloo Region Homelessness Plan. Each submission was to contain: • A brief description of the proposed activity; • Way(s) in which the initiative meets the objectives of PHIF and reflects one or more of the local action areas; • Identification of other funding sources; • Way(s) in which the initiative seeks to address identified community need(s); • Budget breakdown (salaries, benefits, other operating expenses, one time capital) with no more than 10% of the total budget for administrative costs; and • Covering letter indicating contact person and telephone number during the day. In order to allocate the funds, approximately 120 letters were forwarded to community agencies, groups and associations inviting EOI's to be submitted by November 16, 2001. In addition, an advertisement was placed in the K-W Record and the Cambridge Reporter. As a result, EOI's were received from eight agencies. These eight agencies were invited to a meeting on November 14, 2001 to discuss the project proposals in order to provide further information and gain a better understanding of each initiative. Following the meeting with the agencies, the Working Group conducted a review and ranking of the EOI's to determine the allocation of funds. Funds are recommended to those agencies which best meet the spirit and intent of the objectives of the PHIF and local action areas (see Appendix D for a brief description of each initiative). Prior to disbursement of funding, the Region will engage with each agency in a service contract. This contract will delineate the reporting relationship, the scope of accountability framework and the schedule of funding flow. Those projects over $15,000 will have a 10% hold back until the final evaluation has been submitted following the completion of the project. CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: - 3 - SS-01-075 S01-27 Providing funds to community initiatives, through the Provincial Homelessness Initiative Fund (PHIF) will address two priorities in the Corporate Strategic Plan: • identifying gaps and developing local responses; and • ensuring the appropriate interventions and services are in place for vulnerable and at-risk children, youth, adults and seniors within the community. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The PHIF is 100% Provincial dollars. The total available for 2001 is $241,020 ($180,000 for 2001 plus $61,020 carry over from previous years). A total of $45,745 was allocated to the K-W and the Cambridge Out of the Cold Programs. This Report recommends an allocation of $156,697 for a total disbursement of $202,442. With one proposal being withdrawn, a total of $38,578 remains uncommitted at this time. Costs incurred by the Region are those of staff time for administration of the Fund. OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: Staff from Planning, Housing and Community Services and the Community Health Department participated in the EOI process. Corporate Resources and Finance Department staff will be involved in the contract development and payment of funds process. PREPARED BY: Marie Morrison, Planning Associate, Social Planning Division Lynn Randall, Director of Social Planning APPROVED BY: Michael Schuster, Commissioner, Social Services Department - 4 - SS-01-075 S01-27 APPENDIX A HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVE FUND OVERVIEW OF INITIATIVES FUNDED 1998/1999 AND 2000 1998/1999 Organization Amount Initiative Argus Residence for Young $25,185 One year pilot for emergency accommodation and life skill People programming for homeless youth under age 16 Out of the Cold - Cambridge $20,000 To increase current program of 3 nights to an additional 3 nights Welcome Aboard Drop-in Centre - $20,189 Increase drop-in hours from mornings to include afternoons Cambridge Out of the Cold - Kitchener- $5,000 To add an additional night Waterloo SPC of Kitchener-Waterloo, $5,000 Backgrounder Report on homelessness in Waterloo Region Cambridge and North Dumfries and Health Council YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo $25,970 6 month pilot project - Outreach Coordinator to connect women to alternate accommodation when Mary's Place is full TOTAL $101,344 2000 Organization Amount Initiative House of Friendship $14,500 Rent Bank feasibility study Lutherwood/CODA $40,000 Housing Help Centre Marillac Place $6,565 Pilot education and skills training for families during start-up phase of their expanded operation Mennonite Central Committee $12,500 Hire a coordinator to provide circles of support to isolated single women in order that they may move back into the community Out of the Cold - Cambridge $14,000 Costs of operating the program Out of the Cold - Kitchener $21,000 Start two new sites ROOF $16,000 Outreach and educational services to connect youth to emergency housing and provide life-skills training The Working Centre $20,000 Develop a housing concept and hire construction assistant for renovations to building Welcome Aboard Drop-In Centre $9,000 Operating expresses to include a phone system and message board TOTAL $153,565 - 5 - SS-01-075 S01-27 APPENDIX B INTERDEPARTMENTAL STAFF WORKING GROUP Lynn Randall - Social Services Department Jean Latham - Social Services Department Marie Morrison - Social Services Department Joan Jylanne - Planning and Culture Katherine Pigott - Community Health Carol Popovic - Community Health - 6 - SS-01-075 S01-27 APPENDIX C SUMMARY OF OUT OF THE COLD INITIATIVES Cambridge Out of the Cold - $14,000 The funds will be used to continue offering temporary winter shelter in Cambridge seven nights per week in community Churches as well as providing food to over 6,000 people. Where possible, they also provide toiletries, warm clothing and help with accessing jobs and housing. Cambridge Out of the Cold anticipates serving 10% more people than they did last year and are seeing more people with severe addiction and mental health issues. They will offer basic training to their volunteers and well as workshops on first-aid, crisis intervention and mental health. Welcome Aboard Drop-In Centre - $10,000 Welcome Aboard offers daily safe shelter where people may access food, clothing and other assistance. While Welcome Aboard strives to meet immediate needs, they also work towards moving people from the street into more stable housing situations. An outreach worker assists in addressing needs including working with social services, probation and parole and mental health, housing and a variety of addiction treatment programs. Average daily attendance has increased to 100-120 and is particularly high on days when a hot breakfast and other programs are offered. They open at 6:00 a.m. for those who have jobs and need a place to clean-up before going to work. They are hoping to start an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at the drop-in for two afternoons a week and are working with Alcohol and Drug Recovery Association and St Mary's Counselling to look at providing regular weekly aftercare meetings. K-W Out of the Cold - $21,745 The funds will be used for two projects. The first is for two sites (one in Kitchener and one in Waterloo) that will provide shelter for "overflow", those people who come to Out of the Cold for shelter but cannot be accommodated because the site already have the number of people allowed according to suggested fire safety regulations. The second project is to fund 3 churches who have agreed to remain open for an additional month and to find 2 additional churches who could open in April. - 7 - SS-01-075 S01-27 APPENDIX D OVERVIEW OF RECOMMENDED INITIATIVES Reaching Our Outdoor Friends (ROOF) - $15,000 The funds will be used to create two part-time counselling positions as part of ROOF's new Values and Life-Skills Development Program. Counselling staff will provide specific and ongoing intensive and directive counselling to 35 youth a week who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. The immediate focus of this project includes empowering young people to sustain emergency shelter while developing an achievable housing plan and increasing their ability to sustain housing. Argus Residence for Young People - $50,666 The funds will be used to provide a temporary emergency shelter service to youth in the region, up to age 18, in need of a warm, safe place to sleep. Youth housing service providers have identified a youth emergency shelter as a necessary service in the region. Other shelters that serve youth operate at or over 100% capacity on a consistent basis and Cambridge and some K/W Out of the Colds have identified that they do not have the capacity to serve youth under age 18. This service will be located in Cambridge and will run for 20 weeks from December 2, 2001 and end on April 28, 2002. The temporary shelter will be open nightly at 10 p.m. and close at 8:00 a.m. providing a bed, support and breakfast. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - $22,700 The funds will be used to hire an Outreach Worker for a 12 month demonstration project. The Outreach Worker will be a “hands-on” member of a mobile response team that will seek out and provide a variety of direct services to individuals experiencing mental health issues and homelessness in Cambridge and North Dumfries. The project will also enable coordinated discharge planning from at least two mental health hospitals serving Cambridge and North Dumfries (i.e., Cambridge Memorial Hospital and Cambridge residents in Homewood Health Centre). The Outreach Worker will assist in the implementation of the planned steps required to follow through with successful community re-entry, thus avoiding and/or assisting the movement out of the inappropriate use of emergency shelter and related services. The preliminary request was for $50,199. The group has been asked to further develop their proposal and staff is recommending $22,700 towards this project. K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project - $15,000 The funds will be used to conduct a needs and feasibility assessment. The study will identify the specific needs for single and/or family dwellings in Waterloo Region for Aboriginal people who are lacking financial resources and require housing support to become self-sufficient. As well, the study will identify the feasibility of a project to address identified needs. This needs and feasibility assessment is required in order to access funding through the Waterloo Region Housing Partnership Project in April of 2002. The preliminary request was for $20,000 however, after further development of the proposal, the group is seeking $15,000. - 8 - SS-01-075 S01-27 Betty Thompson Youth Centre - 8,905 The funds will be used for renovations to the top floor of Betty Thompson Youth Centre in order to accommodate an additional three beds. Their present capacity is seven beds and within the last 6 months, the Shelter has been full and unable to accommodate further requests for service on numerous occasions. Ray of Hope - $44,426 The funds will be used to hire a full-time worker and pilot an Offender Re-integration Program for youth under the age of 18 approaching discharge from open or secure custody. This program would address the specific risks associated with families reintegrating young offenders into the family home by providing on- going support to youth and their families for agreements made prior to discharge. This support will assist youth in maintaining permanent housing with their families, or in the event of a breakdown, assist in the establishment of temporary housing arrangement. Regional Municipality of Waterloo SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT EMPLOYMENT & INCOME SUPPORT DIVISION To: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Report No: SS-01-076 Community Services Committee File Code: S04-21 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: REINVESTMENT OF PLACEMENT FUNDS RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the reinvestment of Provincial funds provided for the achievement of Ontario Works Placement Targets as per Report No: SS-01-076, dated December 4, 2001 and; That staff complete an implementation plan for consideration in early 2002. SUMMARY: The Region has received $ 480,500 from the Province of Ontario for its achievement of Ontario Works placement targets as established by the Province. A number of projects are proposed for the reinvestment of these funds. REPORT: 1.0 Funding for Ontario Works Placement Targets In November 1999 the Province announced that through fiscal year 2001/2002 it would provide increased funding to those Consolidated Municipal Service Manager's (CMSM), which exceeded the Province’s minimum Ontario Works placement targets. In April 2000 the Province advised that placements would include both community participation placements and employment placements. The Province provides $ 500 for each placement above the previous year’s target up to the minimum target for the next year. In addition, it will provide $ 1,000 for every placement above that year’s minimum target. For the Province’s fiscal year 2000/2001 the target was 22.5% of Ontario Works participants with requirements to participate in Ontario Works (eg., job search, community participation). The target for the Region of Waterloo was 1,676; the Region actually placed 1,773 in either a community setting or a job. The Region has been approved $ 480,500 as a result of its performance. Under the terms of this initiative a CMSM may reinvest the funds in their community to meet unmet service needs. The following is a proposed reinvestment strategy to continue the success of our placement services, and enhance service to our more vulnerable Ontario Works participants. 2.0 Reinvestment Strategy The following are proposed priorities for reinvestment consistent with the Provincial direction. If approval is - 2 - SS-01-076 S04-21 provided, planning will begin in more detail in the new year. A follow-up report will be provided to Committee. 2.1 Upgrading of Technology The Employment and Income Support Division has identified the upgrading of software and hardware in its Employment Resource Centres (Kitchener and Cambridge) as a priority in the 2002-2004 budget process ($400,000). Given other demands, it is recommended however, that this not be addressed until the year 2004. The Region’s Kitchener and Cambridge Employment Resource Centres are valuable resources to the community, where an individual can conduct their own self directed job search. It is estimated that over 20,000 different persons visit these centres during the course of the year. This resource is available at no cost to any resident of the Region, not just those receiving social assistance. In the past funding has been received from Human Resources Development Canada to assist with such technology upgrades and will be sought again. The application of the Provincial funds, as proposed, will reduce the Division's capital requirements to $150,000. This will reduce the amount of funds Regional Council would have to debenture for a one-time capital item. Proposed Commitment: $ 250,000 2.2 Self-Employment Loan Fund In the year 2000, 46 Ontario Works participants started their own business; 55 business starts are projected for the year 2001. Start up capital is an issue for any entrepreneur and a small loan fund would assist. If approved, the Division would attempt to partner with any other such resource in the community. Proposed Commitment: $ 20,000 2.3 Ontario Works Resources for New Participants In the Fall/Winter of 2000/2001, the Division held a number of community forums with social assistance recipients concerning its Redesign process. One of the recommendations was the development of a resource package for new participants to assist in their orientation to Ontario Works and support their activities. Such a package could include information on available employment supports and child care subsidy, a person’s rights and responsibilities, the appeal process, and so on. Proposed Commitment: $ 20,000 2.4 Service to Special Populations The Region’s Child Care Service Plan (May 2001) noted that the Region is the fourth largest source for immigration in Canada. About 22% of the Region’s population does not have English as its first language. In addition, about 18% of all new Canadians live below Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cutoff (or LICO). This compares with about 14% of Canadian born residents. It is critical that necessary services are readily accessible to those whose first language is not English. In terms of new Canadians it may be most helpful to - 3 - SS-01-076 S04-21 translate a number of our key resource materials and make them readily available. As well, it is important to assess the availability of our interpreter services given the current profile of participants. Similar comments in terms of service access can be made about other vulnerable populations such as the hearing impaired. Proposed Commitment: $ 100,000 2.5 Uncommitted Resources In its Five Point Plan for Ontario Works the Province had indicated that funds would be provided to support our harder to serve clients. Given recent messaging about potential constraints in the year 2002 and following, it is proposed that the balance of the funds ($ 90,500) remain unallocated to permit the Region some flexibility in its planning to serve such persons. For example, the Experience Matters project, which links community placements with job placement in the food services, retail, office and industrial sectors has been very successful. However, funding for this program is time-limited and the Region may wish to review a further commitment to support Ontario Works participants. Other priorities may emerge in-year. A report recommending on the use of these funds can be brought forward in 2002. 3.0 Summary The following reinvestment strategy for the funds awarded by the Province for the achievement of its Ontario Works placement targets for 2000/2001 is proposed: Technology Upgrades/Employment Resource Centres $ 250,000 Self-Employment Loan Fund 20,000 Resources for New Participants 20,000 Service to Special Populations 100,000 Uncommitted 90,500 TOTAL $ 480,500 CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: This supports the development of appropriate health and social services for the residents of Waterloo Region. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This report has been reviewed by staff in the Finance Department. The $ 480,500 for the proposed reinvestment are 100% Provincial funds and have been approved by the Province. These funds were not included in the Region's 2001 budget and the expenditure of these funds will occur in 2002. OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: Nil - 4 - SS-01-076 S04-21 PREPARED BY: David Dirks, Director, Employment and Income Support APPROVED BY: Michael Schuster, Commissioner of Social Services Regional Municipality of Waterloo SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT EMPLOYMENT & INCOME SUPPORT DIVISION To: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Report No: SS-01-077 Community Services Committee File Code: S04-22 Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: REVISED SPECIAL DIET SCHEDULE RECOMMENDATION: For Information SUMMARY: Nil REPORT: Where there is a medical need for a special diet, an Ontario Works participant or another member of the benefit unit may be eligible for special diet coverage to assist with the additional costs. Diets are a mandatory benefit and are cost shared with the Province on an 80/20 basis (80% Provincial, 20% Municipal). Special diets may be approved up to a maximum of $ 250 per month for each eligible person. Participants applying for special diet coverage must have the diet prescribed by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Staff compare the diet being prescribed with those approved by the Province and then calculate the amount of funding for which the individual is eligible. Diets include a range of items, such as allergies, breast-feeding, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, gluten free diet and so on. The Province has issued a revised schedule, which has added some new items and varied the level of funding for others. Generally, for participants it is an enhancement upon the old schedule. The revised schedule took effect October 31, 2001 for new Ontario Works participants. It will come into effect for current participants at the time of their next review; however, participants receiving a higher amount of funding under the old schedule will continue to do so, until there is a need to change the diet. CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: This supports the development of appropriate health and social services for the residents of Waterloo Region. - 2 - SS-01-077 S04-22 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Year-to-date expenditures for special diets is $96,551 (Year 2000 $159,165). These expenditures are cost- shared on an 80/20 basis with the Province of Ontario. As special diets must be approved by a physician, the financial impact cannot be accurately forecast. However, any financial impact can be funded within the approved budget. OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: Finance has been consulted on the impact of the revised diet schedule. PREPARED BY: David Dirks, Director, Employment and Income Support APPROVED BY: Michael Schuster, Commissioner of Social Services Regional Municipality of Waterloo COMMUNITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT COMMUNICABLE DISEASE, DENTAL AND SEXUALITY RESOURCES REPORT To: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Report No: CH-01-069 Community Services Committee File Code: Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE RECOMMENDATION: For Information SUMMARY: Each year the Community Health Department participates in a variety of surveillance activities to identify and characterize the circulation of influenza virus within our community during influenza season. This information is reported on a weekly basis to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care which then forwards the collected provincial data to Health Canada. On a worldwide basis, information is collected and analyzed for the purposes of identifying the strains of influenza circulating in each hemisphere and providing recommendations for the annual composition of the influenza vaccine. A strong surveillance system throughout the world is key to the early identification of potential pandemic influenza strains. REPORT: Each fall or winter, influenza viruses begin their annual circulation through communities in Canada, infecting up to 30 or 40% of the population. Resulting outbreaks of illness in long term or acute care facilities strain the resources of the health care system in coping with additional hospitalizations due to complications experienced by those infected. Approximately 70,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 to 6,000 deaths are attributable to influenza each year in Canada, making it the 6th leading cause of death in this country. The majority of this mortality is experienced by the elderly. Monitoring the progression of the influenza season is important and is accomplished through a variety of passive and active surveillance activities. These activities include: < reporting of all laboratory confirmed cases of influenza to the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care < surveillance of influenza-like illness and respiratory outbreaks in acute and long term care facilities < monitoring of school, worksite and daycare absenteeism to detect sudden increases above normal levels < use of sentinel physicians to report rates of office visits due to influenza-like illness and to test for influenza in selected patients at the beginning and end of the influenza season. Obtaining laboratory confirmation of influenza circulation in the community is especially important at the beginning of each influenza season for the following reasons: - 2 - CH-01-069 < to determine if the strain(s) of influenza circulating match the strains included in the vaccine for that year < to provide advance notice to acute and long term care facilities to enhance their own surveillance of respiratory illness and implement prevention measures such as the exclusion of ill visitors and staff < to detect new or evolving strains of influenza This year the Communicable Disease Control Program will provide weekly updates to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care on the level of influenza activity in our Region (using a range from "no activity" to "widespread outbreaks"). The provincial information is collected and summarized into the weekly "Ontario Influenza Bulletin". In addition to Ministry reporting, the Community Health Department will participate in a joint influenza surveillance project with six other health departments in Central West Ontario (developed in conjunction with Central West Health Planning Information Network). This pilot project will utilize a secure web- based utility to collect information on results of sentinel physician surveillance, school, worksite and daycare absenteeism, and numbers of new influenza outbreaks confirmed each week in acute or long term care facilities. Access to information on the level of influenza activity in adjacent geographical areas will be immediately available and will assist in timely alerts to physicians and care facilities. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: NIL OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: NIL PREPARED BY: Naideen Bailey, Manager of Communicable Disease Control Programs APPROVED BY: Dr. Liana Nolan, Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health Regional Municipality of Waterloo COMMUNITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT COMMUNICABLE DISEASE, DENTAL AND SEXUALITY RESOURCES REPORT To: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Report No: CH-01-070 Community Services Committee File Code: Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: SEX TRADE WORKER COMMITTEE UPDATE RECOMMENDATION: For information REPORT: The Sex Trade Worker Committee (STWC) is a independent coalition of various community agencies and services with interest in the issues related to sex trade workers. In August, a report was presented to Community Services Committee which discussed a research initiative undertaken by the STWC entitled Between a Rock and a Hard Place: An Assessment of the Needs of Female Street-level Sex Trade Workers who have Severe Addictions in Kitchener. At that time, Committee requested an update in December from the STWC on their progress Although the STWC is not specifically a regionally-led initiative, a recent review reveals that there are many support services provided by the Region to, to the STWC and the sex trade workers. The Waterloo Region Community Health Department (CHD) continues to be a full member of the STWC, as well as providing services to the sex trade workers themselves. Sex trade workers directly access the Sexually Transmitted Disease and HIV Clinics, especially the off-site clinics operated by the CHD at the downtown Kitchener locations of ROOF (Reaching Our Outdoor Friends) and ACCKWA (The AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo & Area). Services provided include resources such as condoms and needles for community agency outreach programs to sex trade workers. These serve as an important risk reduction strategy to reduce the potential for exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. AIDS/STD Program staff are also involved in two related community initiatives: The John School Committee and The Methadone Community Consultation Committee. The Community Safety & Crime Prevention Council staff have joined the STWC. They hope to assist the STWC to build "partnerships to address gaps in the continuum of service, particularly outreach, case management and aftercare needs". Planning, Housing and Community Services Department staff are available to discuss housing issues with the STWC on an as-needed basis. Copies of relevant Regional reports have been, and will continue to be, forwarded to the STWC. In addition to the provision of existing programs (such as Ontario Works), staff from the Social Services Department are also planning to join the STWC. Several downtown Kitchener agencies also provide services for sex trade workers, including ACCKWA, ROOF, Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre, and Mary's Place. - 2 - CH-01-070 CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: This initiative is aimed at meeting the goal of "providing appropriate health and social services for our residents". FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: NIL OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: The participation of the Planning, Housing and Community Services Department, Social Services Department, and the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council is appreciated. PREPARED BY: Dianne Roedding, Public Health Nurse, AIDS/STD Program APPROVED BY: Dr. Liana Nolan, Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health Regional Municipality of Waterloo PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES To: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Report No: P-01-125 Community Services Committee File Code: D04-70/RFMP Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR REGIONAL FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the Terms of Reference for the Regional Forest Management Plan attached to Report P-01-125, dated December 4, 2001. SUMMARY: The Terms of Reference for the Management Plan for the ten Regional Forests and other Regional woodlands has been prepared by staff and GWS Ecological and Forestry Services (GWS), the forestry consultant selected for this project. GWS brings extensive local experience and knowledge to the task. A sub-committee of the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee (EEAC) has been struck to advise staff and GWS in drafting the plan. It is anticipated that the draft Forest Management Plan will go to an Open House in the fall of 2002, with final approval scheduled for the winter of 2002-03. REPORT: On April 3, 2001, staff informed the Community Services Committee in Report P-01-043 that the Planning, Housing and Community Services Department was embarking on the preparation of a management plan for the ten Regional Forest tracts as well as other woodlands the Region owns or has an interest in. At that time, staff had advised Committee that it would present the terms of reference for the Management Plan for review and approval. Subsequent to that time, and after receiving letters of interest from a selected number of forestry consultants, GWS Ecological and Forestry Services of Cambridge was selected to prepare the management plan. The principal, Greg Scheifele, is a Registered Professional Forester and environmental planner who has prepared forest management plans for other upper tier municipalities and carried out natural areas studies for municipalities. Mr. Scheifele served on the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee (EEAC) from 1987 to 1994, and chaired the Committee from 1992 to 1994. In addition, GWS has retained the services of John Irwin, the retired MNR forester who prepared the 1992-97 Management Plan. Mr. Irwin superintended the ten Regional Forest tracts for many years, and brings a familiarity with them to the task ahead. Staff and Mr. Scheifele have drafted the Terms of Reference in the Attachment. The draft was circulated to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Guelph District Forester and to the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). Both agencies indicated their support for the document, and willingness to participate in the preparation and review of the plan. On September 25, 2001, the draft was presented to EEAC for review. The Committee endorsed the document with the recommendation that it be submitted to the Community Services Committee. Once Council has approved the Terms of Reference, GWS will be formally retained, and - 2 - P-01-125 basic inventory work will commence in the woodlands. Staff and a sub-committee of EEAC will work with GWS in the preparation of the management plan. It is anticipated that a draft of the plan will be ready to be presented at an Open House next fall, with final approval by Council scheduled for the end of 2002 or early 2003. CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: Strategic Direction 2, Sustainable Growth, calls for a linked system of trails and natural areas available for use by the public, and the development of "stewardship plans for the Natural Habitat Network to assist in protecting significant environmental or heritage features." A management plan would provide invaluable guidance to the Region in the management of the sixteen forest stands for the next five years. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The 2001 Planning, Housing and Community Services budget includes $50,000 for the preparation of a Regional Forest inventory, twenty-year Forest Management Plan, and five-year operating plan. This is sufficient to cover the consultant's budget of $39,500. In addition, costs attributable to consultant activities regarding woodlands on the three landfill sites, an additional $9,800, will be assumed by the Waste Management Division. There will be approximately $10,500 left in the Planning, Housing and Community Services budget to cover expenses such as providing maps, printing additional copies of the report, advertising, holding an Open House, and any contingencies which may arise during the preparation of the plan. The Forest Management Plan and 1997 property management survey will be used in the preparation of a ten- year capital budget and annual operating budget which is to be considered during the 2003 budget year. OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: The woodlots located on or adjacent to the Region's landfill sites are the responsibility of the Waste Management Division and Facilities has jurisdiction over the Operations Centre woodland. These divisions will be involved in the preparation of relevant portions of the Plan. PREPARED BY: Christopher Gosselin, Manager of Environmental Planning APPROVED BY: Larry E. Kotseff, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services - 3 - P-01-125 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR WATERLOO REGIONAL FOREST TRACTS September, 2001 1.0 Plan Name Regional Municipality of Waterloo Forest Management Plan (2003-2023) 2.0 Purpose The Forest Management Plan will give direction for the next 20 years to the management of all the woodlands owned by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. In general, it will: • seek to maintain or improve the ecological health of the respective forest tracts, • place the forest tracts under sustainable management practices consistent with the priorities articulated in the Regional Official Policies Plan and with good forestry practice as defined in the Regional Tree By-law , • facilitate the preparation of capital and operating budgets for the Regional woodlands, and • build upon the well-established partnership among government, forest user groups, local residents, and the general public. This Terms of Reference will guide the preparation, review, and approval of the Regional Forest management plan. 3.0 Area Affected by the Forest Management Plan The Waterloo Regional Forest is comprised of approximately 435.39 hectares (1,075.8 acres) out of a total Regional land area of 138,270 hectares. The forest land base is composed as follows: Regional Forests Area (ha..) Open to Public Dean's Lake (North Dumfries) 21.38 T Doon (Kitchener) 29.11 T Drynan (North Dumfries) 44.81 T Gibney (Wilmot) 8.89 T Macton (Wellesley) 21.49 T Petersburg (Wilmot) 40.54 T Sandy Hills (Woolwich) 74.08 T - 4 - P-01-125 Sudden (North Dumfries) 88.65 T Townline (Wilmot) 6.18 T Walker Woods (Wilmot) 10.62 T Landfill Woodlands Cambridge 39.78 Kitchener (McLennan Park) 4.55 T Waterloo 26.62 Other Woodlands Doon Heritage Crossroads (Kitchener) 5.71 T Knoll, Portuguese Swamp (Cambridge) 5.5 T Operations Centre (Cambridge) 7.48 TOTAL 435.39 4.0 Landowner Regional Municipality of Waterloo 150 Frederick Street, 5th Floor Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3 Attention: Christopher Gosselin Manager of Environmental Planning Planning, Housing and Community Services Department 5.0 Plan Author/Consultant Greg Scheifele, M.A., R.P.F. Principal Ecologist/Forester, GWS Ecological & Forestry Services Inc., 4670 Townline Road, Cambridge, Ontario N3C 2V1 6.0 OTHER STAKEHOLDERS 6.1 Ministry of Natural Resources Guelph District 1 Stone Road West Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4Y2 Attention: Terry Schwan R.P.F. (or alternate) - 5 - P-01-125 District Forester - 6 - P-01-125 6.2 Grand River Conservation Authority Administration Office 400 Clyde Road P.O. Box 729 Cambridge, Ontario, N1R 5W6 Attention: Wayne MacMillan (or alternate) Supervisor Land Resources 6.3 Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists 217 Highland Road Kitchener, Ontario, N2M 3W3 Attention: Dallas Johnson . President, 2001-02 748-0189 [email protected] 6.3 Region of Waterloo Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee Planning, Housing and Community Services Department Regional Municipality of Waterloo Attention: Christopher Gosselin Manager of Environmental Planning In addition, the Region recognizes that the following organizations may also have an interest in the development of the Forest Management Plan: • Waterloo – Wellington Woodlot Owners Association (Landowners, Loggers and Sawmill Operators). • Waterloo Region Public and Separate School Boards, • Local Sportsmen Clubs, • Local Snowmobile Clubs, and • Local community associations. It is recognized that special meetings and/or field trips may be needed to help address potential concerns of these special interest groups. 7.0 Background For many years, most of the forests owned by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo were managed on the Region's behalf by the Ministry of Natural Resources. This arrangement was not unique to the Region, but typical of other Regional Municipalities, Counties, and Conservation Authorities. Pursuant to a series of agreements, provincial foresters prepared management plans for "Agreement Forests". In 1996, the Province announced that it was removing itself from the management of municipally-owned forests. The Agreement - 7 - P-01-125 between the Region and Province was allowed to expire on March 31, 2001. The Region is now responsible for the management of the former Agreement Forests as well as its other woodlands. The most recent Management Plan for the Waterloo Regional Forest was prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) for the period April 1, 1992 to March 31, 1997. It has now been four years since there has been a management plan to guide forest operations. Moreover, no forestry operations have been carried out in the tracts since 1994. In order to maintain and ensure the sustainability of the forest in the future, it is necessary to prepare a new forest management plan based upon current forest inventory data, guidelines, and best management strategies. Past emphasis in the management of Agreement Forests has been on timber production. There is a growing awareness among resource managers that there is a greater need to integrate all forest values in managing areas like the Waterloo Regional Forest. These forest values include spiritual, cultural, ecological as well as economic considerations. The Regional Official Policies Plan sets out an order of priority for managing Regional Forests: a) the conservation or enhancement of significant natural features and functions, particularly where Regional Agreement Forests lie within the Natural Habitat Network or exhibit "Carolinian forest", old growth, or interior habitat attributes; b) passive recreation including trails for nature appreciation, hiking and cross-country skiing; c) outdoor education and research; d) timber production according to sustainable forest management practices; and e) hunting, fishing, horse-back riding and mountain biking where expressly permitted. [Policy 5.4.6] This plan will seek to integrate ecological and landscape functions with human use and needs. In part, these objectives may be achieved through the harvest of timber and forest regeneration activities. 9.0 Scope of the Plan The Plan will set the broad context and articulate the general principles for all management activities in the Waterloo Regional Forest during the period from January 2003 to December 2022. It will consist of two nested plans, a 20 year general management plan as well as a 5 year plan which will provide specific operational details for particular stands within the respective woodlands for the period from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2007. The Plan will integrate the management of the Forest for “forestry purposes,” as defined in The Forestry Act, with the following: • The Provincial Policy Statement, • Policy 5.4.6 of the Regional Official Policies Plan, • A Silvicultural Guide to Managing Southern Ontario Forests (M.N.R., 2000) • Ecological Assessment of Proposed Forestry Operations in Waterloo Region Agreement - 8 - P-01-125 Forests (R.M.W., June, 1993), • An Assessment of Property Management Issues in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's Regional Forests (R.M.W., January 1998), and • other pertinent guidelines, initiatives and documents. The Plan is to address property management issues where they have implications for the contiguous forest stands. Work to be undertaken in the preparation for this Plan is to include the following items. • A detailed forest resources inventory for all 16 properties. The following data will be collected for each stand: species composition, basal area stocking, overstorey height and age, stand structure (i.e. diameter distribution), percentage of acceptable growing stock, regeneration, tree health (i.e. insect, disease, and environmental damage) and gross merchantable volume per hectare (i.e. total m3 and sawlog component in board feet). Additional notes will document shrub growth, the presence of significant or sensitive ground flora species and alien plant invaders and site conditions, as well as general observations of wildlife utilization and property usage. • Identification of ecologically significant features based on previous documentation and/or field observations, bearing in mind that eleven of the woodlands are either E.S.P.A.'s or proposed E.S.P.A.'s. • Assessment of the type and amount of recreational and educational usage of the properties, along with a description of associated property maintenance, safety, or environmental problems. • New and updated property maps of the sixteen woodlands showing their respective forest stands and other natural or cultural features. • Preparation of a twenty-year management plan including a detailed five-year operating plan and an Annual Plan for the 2003 fiscal year. • Preparation of a five-year operating budget (i.e. forecast of anticipated revenues and expenditures) based on the approved Operating Plan. The Plan will also articulate goals, objectives, strategies, options and targets for the Waterloo Regional Forest system and its component woodlands. Some of the issues which may be addressed include: • Conservation of significant environmental features and functions within the woodlands; • Recreational use of the forest (e.g. motorized vehicles, horseback riding, camping, etc); • Objectives and targets for timber production, including a discussion of past operations, proposed silvicultural systems and related activities; • Reforestation of open land, conversion of conifer plantations to native hardwood stands, and replanting and enhancement of understocked and damaged woodlands; • Wildlife habitat and fisheries management activities such as stream rehabilitation, creation and or maintenance of forest openings, wildlife food plantings; • formalizing the use of the forest by specific user groups; • Signage, gates and fencing of the forest; and • Strategies to acquire and, if necessary, dispose of Regional forest properties. - 9 - P-01-125 10.0 Roles and Responsibilities 10.1 Regional Municipality of Waterloo As the owner of the woodland properties, the Region will coordinate the planning process and production of the Management Plan. In general , this will include: 1. Liaison with relevant agencies and the Region’s Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee (E.E.A.C.) to ensure that technical information and recommended actions are appropriate; 2. Organising and participating in consultation with interested members of the public concerning objectives for specific woodlands and human usage of the respective tracts; 3. Reviewing and providing detailed comments upon drafts of the management plan; 4. Securing approval of the final Forest Management Plan by Regional Council; In addition to the above general responsibilities, the Region commits to the following items: a. Providing all relevant background documents to the consultant including but not limited to the following: • MNR 1992 – 1997 Forest Management Plan for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo Agreement Forest, • Ecological Assessment of Proposed Forestry Operations in Waterloo Region Agreement Forests (1993 Regional Addendum to MNR Forest Management Plan), • An Assessment of Property Management Issues in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo’s Regional Forests, 1998, • A Study of Recreational Activities in Two Regional Agreement Forests, Julie Spicer, 1996, • Evaluating a Potential Prescribed Burn in the Sudden Regional Forest, Robin van de Lande, 1999, • Conservation Priorities for the Birds of Southern Ontario, Bird Study Canada, 1999, and • 2000 digital imagery of all forest tracts at a suitable scale, stereoscopic pairs of aerial photographs for 1995 and 2000, and OBM topographic mapping. b. Preparing digital mapping of all forest tracts based on data and mapping prepared by the Consultant. c. Development of a template for the collection and reporting of field data, so that all data and mapping produced will be compatible with the Region's existing database structure. d. Development of standards for mapping; e. Provision of information from the WRED database for all forest tracts within E.S.P.A.'s; f. Assuming costs for all required advertising via newspaper or other media pertaining to the Public Open House and other opportunities for the general public to provide comments on the Forest Management - 10 - P-01-125 Plan, and providing a suitable venue for holding a “Public Open House”. 10.2 The Consultant The Consultant will: 1. Prepare Terms of Reference for submission to the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee and the Community Services Committee; 2. Prepare a budget schedule and consultant contract; 3. Conduct a review of the background information supplied by the Region; 4. Carry out a detailed forest resources inventory for all 16 properties comprising: species composition, basal area stocking, overstorey height and age, stand structure, percentage of acceptable growing stock, regeneration, tree health, and gross merchantable volume per hectare; 5. Identify ecologically significant features, and assess recreational usage impacts; 6. Analyse and summarise data; 7. Prepare mapping of forest stands on the digital map base and submit it to the Region for digitization; 8. Prepare a draft of a twenty-year management plan including a detailed five-year operating plan and an Annual Plan for the 2003 fiscal year for submission to the Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee; 9. Conduct site visits by members of E.E.A.C., staff, and other interested persons to individual forest tracts; 10. Prepare a revised draft of the Forest Management Plan based on comments by E.E.A.C., other agencies, and staff; 11. Conduct an Open House to present the draft Management Plan to interested members of the public; 12. Synthesize comments by members of the public, and prepare a final draft of the plan for submission to the Community Services Committee; and 13. Prepare a five-year operating budget (i.e. forecast of anticipated revenues and expenditures) based on the approved Operating Plan. 10.3 The Ministry of Natural Resources The M.N.R. District Forester will be invited to participate in the planning process by reviewing the documents, attending E.E.A.C. site meetings, and providing professional advice on forest management practices. - 11 - P-01-125 10.4 The Grand River Conservation Authority G.R.C.A. staff will also be invited to participate in the planning process in a similar manner as MNR. 11.0 Endorsement This document will be accepted as the effective management plan for the Waterloo Regional Forest through the endorsement of: • The Registered Professional Forester (R.P.F.) who authors the Plan, and • The Regional Chair and Clerk upon adoption of the Plan by Regional Council. 12.0 Documentation The 20 Year Management Plan for the Regional Forests will include a 5 Year Forest Operating Plan and a more detailed Annual Plan for 2003, along with an Information Report on the public consultation process and feedback received. Six (6) bound copies and one (1) unbound copy of the Draft Plan and the Final Plan are to be provided to the Region plus an electronic copy of the Final Plan. All working materials such as field notes, maps, and airphotos will be the property of the Region. The final report will also be the sole property of the Region. 13.0 Public Consultation Public consultation is essential to resource management planning. Formal opportunities for public consultation will be provided in order to solicit public input. These efforts will strive to involve the public, organizations and other agencies in order to facilitate the dissemination and exchange of information. The public consultation process will include a number of techniques to facilitate the exchange of information. These will include: 1. Committee Report: A report to the Community Services Committee to outline the purpose and scope of the work. In addition, the occasional Media Releases may be prepared by the Region to explain work progress. 2. Public Open House: One information session is proposed to inform the public and all interested organizations about the planning process, the nature of the information collected, and the draft proposals for the management of the Forest. The Open House will be held at the Waterloo Region Administrative Headquarters, and will provide an opportunity for concerns, questions and recommendations by interested members of the public to be addressed. Interested parties will be given 30 days to submit written comments. 3. Public Display of Draft Report: A copy of the draft plan will be available for public inspection at the Waterloo Region Administrative Headquarters. Members of the public will have 30 days to express their concerns with the draft plan. The final version of the plan will be ready for implementation in January 1, 2003. - 12 - P-01-125 14.0 Proposed Work Schedule The attached work schedule identifies the activities that are anticipated and the time frame within which they are to be accomplished. Project start up is scheduled for September, 2001 with completion in December, 2002. 15.0 Budget The major tasks to be carried out by the Consultant are identified in the accompanying table along with their estimated cost which has been subdivided between the landfill woodlands and other properties for internal accounting purposes. The total estimated cost of consultant fees and expenses is $49,300, excluding GST. A continency fund of $10,500 has been set aside to cover possible unforseen problems and/or needs. - 13 - P-01-125 PROPOSED WORK SCHEDULE - SEPTEMBER 2001 TO DECEMBER 2002 TASKS TIME FRAME Prepare terms of Reference, budget schedule and Consultant August - September 2001 Contract to E.E.A.C. for approval by E.E.A.C and the Community Services Committee Start up meeting with staff & E.E.A.C. September 25, 2001 Background review & Forest Resource Inventory October - December, 2001 Data analysis & summarization November, 2001 - January, 2002 Hard copy mapping by consultant & Digital mapping by Region December, 2001 - February, 2002 Draft Plan production February - April, 2002 Progress Meeting with E.E.A.C. February, 2002 Staff Review of Draft Plan April, 2002 Field trip with E.E.A.C. to representative tracts May, 2002 Revisions to Draft Plan based on comments from staff May, 2002 Meeting with E.E.A.C. to review draft plan June, 2002 Further revisions to Draft Plan based on comments from July, 2002 E.E.A.C. Public Open House and circulation of Draft Plan September, 2002 Meeting with E.E.A.C. to review public response to Draft Plan October, 2002 Final Plan preparation including 5-year Operating Budget November, 2002 Review and approval of Final Plan by E.E.A.C. and December, 2002 Community Services Committee Review and approval of Final Plan by Regional Council January, 2003 Regional Municipality of Waterloo MEDIA RELEASE: November 30, 2001, 4:30 P.M. ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA Wednesday, December 5, 2001 9:00 a.m. Regional Council Chamber 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON 1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT 2. DELEGATIONS a) Ruth Forbes, Respite Program Manager, Central West Kids Country Club - representing Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club 3. REPORTS -CORPORATE RESOURCES a) CR-FM-01-019 Public Information Centre - Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training & Research Complex Information Package REPORTS -FINANCE b) F-01-100 Grant Application to Fund Regional Development Charges - Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club - Application 4. INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE 5. OTHER BUSINESS 6. NEXT MEETING 7. CLOSED SESSION (motion required) 8. ADJOURN Regrets Only to Marion Morris Telephone: 575-4493 Email: [email protected] Regional Municipality of Waterloo CORPORATE RESOURCES DEPARTMENT REPORT To: Chair Tom Galloway and Members of the Report No: CR-FM-01-019 Administration & Finance Committee Committee File Code: Date: December 5, 2001 Subject: PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE - WATERLOO REGION EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING & RESEARCH COMPLEX RECOMMENDATION: For information, prior to the Public Information Centre to be held on December 13, 2001 from 5:00 to 7:30 pm at the K-W Chinese Alliance Church, 612 Erb St. W., Waterloo. SUMMARY: NIL REPORT: On January 26, 2000 Regional Council approved the dedication of land and project funding for the new Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Complex (WRES T&R Complex) to be located immediately west of the Waterloo Landfill Site in the Township of Wilmot. This facility is being developed to serve all Area Municipal Fire Departments and other associated Emergency Service providers, and to serve as a host site for a complementary Fire Research Centre owned and operated by the University of Waterloo. The research centre will be funded by the University and is in addition to the $10 million site development cost. A detailed preliminary design was completed in December 2000. This preliminary design included extensive public consultation, preliminary site layout and servicing and environmental modeling and planning. Based on the preliminary design for the facility, two consultants were hired in early Spring 2001. Thomas E. Brown, Architect Inc.in joint venture with Joe Somfay, Architect Inc. are providing architectural and engineering services for the design and construction of the Administration Building and Fire Training Structure. Under separate contract with the University of Waterloo, this architectural joint venture is also providing architectural and engineering services for the University of Waterloo Fire Research Centre. MTE Consultants Inc. is providing engineering services for the final design and construction of site services. The Architects and the project team have been moving forward through the early functional program development and preliminary design stages to develop the conceptual design for the Administration Building and Fire Training Structure presented here. Throughout the design process, the project team has reviewed various options to ensure that the facility provides realistic and functional tools for emergency services training. This work will be tendered early in the new year for construction starting in early spring 2002. The University of Waterloo Fire Research Centre is also progressing through the preliminary design stages and is anticipated to fall within the schedule for the overall facility. Based on the site services preliminary design, the project team embarked on a detailed assessment of the - 2 - preliminary design through a Value Engineering process. Through this exercise a number of modifications were implemented primarily to improve the effectiveness of the facility and to reduce capital and maintenance costs in a number of areas. The consultants have incorporated these adjustments into the developed the final site design for the facility which is currently under construction. The facility will be complete in Fall 2002. In order to achieve this schedule, the project has been broken down into a number of components as follows: Fall 2001 -Area grading & storm water management facility construction - complete. -Construction of preliminary site servicing and access roads. - in progress. -Public Information Centre: December 13, 2001, 5:00 to 7:30 pm K-W Chinese Alliance Church, 612 Erb St. W., Waterloo. February 2002 -Tender of Administration Building, Fire Training Structure, and remaining site development work. Spring 2002 -Construction of Administration Building and Fire Training Structure -Completion of remaining site development work including fine grading, site servicing, fire training props and roadworks. A copy of the information package prepared for the Public Information Centre is attached to this report. CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: This project will improve public safety. Trained emergency service providers will be better able to respond to fire and other emergency needs of the community. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This project is a partnership between the Region and the area municipalities. The Region's capital funding contribution includes up to $7.0 million in funding as well as the land for the facility. The Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo are contributing $2.0 million and $1.0 million respectively while the City of Cambridge is contributing an "in-kind" contribution through the use of its existing training facilities. OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: Staff from the Waste Management Department have reviewed this report and their comments have been incorporated as appropriate. PREPARED BY: Ellen Tracy, Project Engineer, Facilities Engineering APPROVED BY: Connie Peterson Giller, Commissioner, Corporate Resources & Regional Solicitor REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training & Research Complex Information Package PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE December 13, 2001 K-W Chinese Alliance Church 612 Erb St. W., Waterloo Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training & Research Complex Public Information Centre On January 26, 2000 Regional Council approved the dedication of land and project funding for the new Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training & Research Complex (WRES T&R Complex). This facility is being developed to serve all Area Municipal Fire Departments and other associated Emergency Service providers, and to serve as a host site for a complementary fire research building owned and operated by the University of Waterloo. A detailed site services preliminary design was completed in December 2000. This site services preliminary design included extensive public consultation, preliminary site layout and servicing and environmental modeling and planning. Following this, MTE Consultants prepared the final site servicing design which is currently under construction. Since the completion of the preliminary design, the Region has also been working with Thomas Brown Architects in joint venture with Joe Somfay, Architect to further define the requirements for the Administration Building and Fire Training Structure. Based on these requirements, the Architects have prepared the conceptual design for the two buildings. The Regional Municipality of Waterloo would like to invite you to view and comment on the conceptual design of the WRES T&R Complex Administration Building and Fire Training Structure. We will also present the final design of the site services which are currently under construction. Please join Regional staff for a Public Information Centre to be held on: Thursday, December 13, 2001 5:00 - 7:30 pm K-W Chinese Alliance Church 612 Erb St. W., Waterloo The consultants and staff will be present to answer your questions and receive your comments. Input received will be reviewed by the Region and will assist in making final decisions regarding the facility. An information package will be available at the session or at the Facilities Management reception desk, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener after December 13, 2001. If you are unable to attend the Information Session and would like to comment on the project, please address your comments by mail or fax to Ellen Tracy, P.Eng, Project Engineer, Facilities Management, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3 Fax (519) 575-4430. Thank you for your interest and involvement to date. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday evening. Yours truly, Ellen Tracy, P.Eng. Project Engineer, Facilities Engineering Regional Municipality of Waterloo Waterloo Region Emergency Services Page 1 Training & Research Complex Information Package 1. What is the purpose of the Information Centre? This Public Information Centre is being held to present the conceptual design for the Waterloo Region Training & Research Complex (WRES T&R Complex) Administration Building and Fire Training Structure. We will also present the final site servicing design which was previously presented in preliminary form in November 2000 and is currently under construction. As we outline the work done to date, we would like to provide you with the opportunity to express your concerns and preferences. Your comments will be reviewed by the Region and will assist in making final decisions regarding the project. 2. What is the WRES T&R Complex? The WRES T&R Complex will be a large-scale training facility developed to serve all Area Municipal Fire Departments and other associated Emergency Service providers, and to serve as a host site for a complementary Fire Research Centre owned and operated by the University of Waterloo. The facility will include an Administration Building, Fire Training Structure, Driver Training Track and various other training props for up-to- date field and classroom training of emergency services personnel. 3. Where will the WRES T&R Complex be located? The facility will be located on the former Reimer property immediately west of the Waterloo Landfill site on Erb St. West. The facility will occupy approximately 40 acres surrounded by rural lands and the regional landfill site. 4. Why do we need an Emergency Services Training & Research Complex Training of emergency services personnel plays an integral role in safeguarding public safety within the Region. Existing training facilities of the individual emergency services will not be sufficient to meet their long term training needs. As training techniques and procedures change there is also an increased need to coordinate the training of fire, ambulance and police personnel. This facility will provide a venue where the training of emergency services personnel can tailored to the evolving emergency services needs within the Region. 5. What will the Administration Building be used for? The Administration Building will provide facilities for informal classroom training, preparation exercises and other non-destructive training. All visitors and training personnel will register and receive instruction at this point prior to entering the training facilities or the research center. The building will include two drive-through bays for emergency services vehicles, an administration area, classrooms, a resource library, and an employee center. Waterloo Region Emergency Services Page 2 Training & Research Complex Information Package 6. What will the Fire Training Structure be used for? The Fire Training Structure will include several multi-storey structures and internal facilities to allow training in interior search and rescue, confined space, aerial training, high angle rescue, demonstration of fire growth and effects of ventilation using wood and straw fires. Training exercises will include: • fire attack, suppression and behaviour • effects of natural and forced ventilation • search and rescue techniques • fire cause and determination • use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment • demonstration of fire growth and its spreading characteristics • air monitoring • salvage and overhaul techniques and procedures • demonstrate thermal and smoke stratification • use of thermal imaging cameras • various forms/levels of entry (rooftop, forced, etc.) • high rise attack and aerial ladder techniques • incident command • alarm and communication training • protective clothing • high angle rescue • rappelling 7. What will the University of Waterloo Fire Research Centre be used for? The University of Waterloo Fire Research Centre (FRC) will be used to assist in the training of emergency services personnel and to conduct research directly related to the fire services. The proposed research encompasses structural fire research as well as health and physiological monitoring of fire fighters in their working environment. The FRC will consist of a controlled environment burn room and an adjacent office/control room area. This will be a unique world-class facility and represents an unprecedented opportunity to combine training and research to ultimately improve public safety. 8. What other activities will take place at the facility? The facility will allow for a wide range of training activities for local emergency services providers. The driver training track will be used to train fire, police and ambulance drivers in maneuvering and high-speed exercises. Throughout the site, props have been built to simulate emergency situations such as flashover fire behaviour, hydro vault rescue and vehicle extrication. Expansion areas have been allocated for the future development including a silo prop and a structural collapse prop. Training fires will use a variety of materials including hardwood pallets, straw, diesel, gasoline, natural gas, pyrophoric Waterloo Region Emergency Services Page 3 Training & Research Complex Information Package metals (primarily magnesium) and automobiles. This facility will provide a venue for realistic simulation of emergency situations in a safe and controlled environment. 9. Who will manage the WRES T&R Complex? The WRES T&R Complex will be managed by the Region with a full-time manager and administrative support staff. The facility manager will be responsible for the development and implementation of operating procedures to ensure that the facility is being used appropriately. 10. Who will use the WRES T&R Complex? The facility has been designed primarily to meet the training needs of the local fire departments, police and ambulance. Future users may also include other public agencies, local utilities, educational institutions and private sector partners. 11. How will the WRES T&R Complex impact it's neighbours? The location of the WRES T&R Complex was selected, in part, to minimize the potential impact on its neighbours. In previous public consultations, the primary concerns have been related to noise and light generated by the facility. Noise: The primary source of noise on the site will be vehicle noise and occasional back- up beepers which are required on emergency vehicles by law. Because of the distance and local topography, people will not likely hear noise coming from the complex. Non- emergency use of vehicle sirens will be limited by the operating procedures for the facility. Light: The site lighting has been designed to minimize the impact on surrounding areas. Although the facility will be available for use 24 hours a day, the facility manager will be responsible for operating procedures that minimize the impact of night-time training activities. 12. How will the WRES T&R Complex impact the environment? The facility is adjacent to an Environmentally Sensitive Policy Area (ESPA #15). In accordance with the Region's Official Policies Plan, and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been conducted to determine the potential effects of the facility on the adjacent ESPA. This EIS concluded that the impact on ESPA #15 will be minimal. A dispersion model was used to estimate the concentrations of air contaminants for each of the fire training activities. The results of the modeling were compared to the Ministry of Environment (MOE) point of impingement and the Ambient Air Quality Criteria standards and were considered acceptable. Waterloo Region Emergency Services Page 4 Training & Research Complex Information Package The facility has been designed to minimize the impact of air and water-borne contaminants on an ongoing basis. Some of the protective measures include: • A property boundary air monitoring program to ensure that the MOE requirements are met. • Operating procedures will be developed based on the air monitoring results to limit fire activity in unfavourable weather conditions. • The water run-off from fire training activities will be contained and directed to the sanitary sewer system or an alternate treatment system as required. • The training props have been configured to ensure that fire training water will not enter the storm water management system. • As part of the construction of the storm water management system for the facility, the existing wetland areas have been enhanced and protected as recommended by the Grand River Conservation Authority. 13. Who is directing the WRES T&R Complex project? The WRES T&R Complex is a partnership between the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the area municipalities. Regional staff are providing overall coordination for the project. Key stakeholders including the Area Municipal Fire Departments, University of Waterloo, Regional Police and Ambulance are actively involved in the design process at both the Project Team and Steering Committee level. 14. What Design and Construction Work has been completed to date? A detailed site services preliminary design was completed in December 2000. This preliminary design included extensive public consultation, preliminary site layout and servicing and environmental modeling and planning. Based on the preliminary design for the facility, two consultants were hired in early Spring 2001. Thomas E. Brown, Architect Inc.in joint venture with Joe Somfay, Architect Inc. are providing architectural and engineering services for the design and construction of the Administration Building and Fire Training Structure. Under separate contract with the University of Waterloo, this architectural joint venture is also providing architectural and engineering services for the University of Waterloo Fire Research Centre. MTE Consultants Inc. is providing engineering services for the final design and construction of site services. The Architects and the project team have been moving forward through the early functional program development and preliminary design stages to develop the conceptual designs for the Administration Building and Fire Training Structure presented here. Throughout the design process, the project team has reviewed various options to ensure that the facility provides realistic and functional tools for emergency services training. The University of Waterloo Fire Research Centre is also progressing through the preliminary design stages and is anticipated to fall within the schedule for the overall Waterloo Region Emergency Services Page 5 Training & Research Complex Information Package facility. Based on the site services preliminary design, the project team embarked on a detailed assessment of the preliminary design through a Value Engineering process. Through this exercise a number of modifications were implemented primarily to improve the effectiveness of the facility and to reduce capital and maintenance costs in a number of areas. The consultants have incorporated these adjustments into the developed the final site design for the facility which is currently under construction. 9. What are the next steps? Staff from the Project Management team are continuing to work with the Architects to develop the design of the Administration Building and Fire Training Structure. Following a public tender process, the building construction activities are expected to start in early Spring 2002. Construction of site services has already begun and will continue into 2002. We expect the construction of the facility to be complete by Fall 2002. 10. How do I comment on the Conceptual Design presented at the Public Information Centre? In order to assist us in addressing any comments or concerns you might have regarding this project, we ask that you please complete the attached comment sheet and leave it in the box provided at the registration table. You may also mail or fax it to the attention of Ellen Tracy, P.Eng., Project Engineer, Facilities Management, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener ON N2G 4J3 Fax: (519) 575-4430. Ellen Tracy, P. Eng Project Engineer, Facilities Engineering Regional Municipality of Waterloo COMMENT SHEET WATERLOO REGION EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING & RESEARCH COMPLEX Please complete and leave this sheet so that your comments can be considered by the Project Management Team when making final decisions on this project. If you cannot complete your comments today, please take this home and mail or fax your comments by January 10, 2002 to: Ellen Tracy, P.Eng. Project Engineer, Facilities Management 150 Frederick Street, 6th floor Kitchener ON N2G 4J3 Fax: 575-4430 COMMENTS 1. Do you like the proposed design for the Administration Building and Fire Training Structure? 9 yes 9 No 2. Please comment. ______ 3. Do you have any specific comments or concerns regarding the facility you would like the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to consider? ______Thank you for your time and interest in this project. Name: ______ Address: ______Postal Code:______Collection Notice Personal Information requested on this form is collected under the authority of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo Act and will be used to assist Regional staff and the Steering Committee in making a decision on this project. All names, addresses and comments will be included in material made available to the general public. Questions regarding this collection should be forwarded to the staff member indicated above. Regional Municipality of Waterloo FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT To: Chair T. Galloway and Members of the Report No: F-01-100 Administration and Finance Committee File Code: Date: December 5, 2001 Subject: GRANT APPLICATION TO FUND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CHARGES - PARENTS OF TECHNOLOGICALLY DEPENDENT CHILDREN OF ONTARIO, CENTRAL WEST KIDS COUNTRY CLUB RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take no action on the request of Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club for a grant in the amount of $6,160.00 to offset the impact of development charges. SUMMARY: The attached grant request to fund Regional Development Charges in the amount of $6,160.00 has been received from Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club and is submitted for Committee's consideration. REPORT: The request is being made under the provisions as documented in FIN-93-031 and approved by Regional Council on March 25, 1993. A decision to approve grants of this nature is completely discretionary. It is important, however, to note that a grant, if approved by Region Council, cannot be funded from the Development Charge Reserve Fund. Grants must be funded from another source, i.e. property taxes or user rates. In December 2001, Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club will be applying for a building permit in the City of Cambridge to construct a four (4) room Respite Care facility on Guelph Avenue. The facility will provide temporary, out-of-home respite care for high needs medically fragile and/or technologically dependent children residing in Wellington, Waterloo, Dufferin, Halton and Peel. The children do not reside at the facility, but visit for a day, weekend or week long vacation. When assessing Regional Development Charges for a facility such as this one, the Regional Development Charge By-Law provides for a Lodging Unit charge under the Residential section. The amount of the charge is determined based on the number of resident's rooms located in the facility. The facility does not qualify for any exemption or re-development allowance available in the By-Law. For example, it is not located in a core area, is being built on vacant land, and is not considered a Public Hospital within the meaning of the Public Hospital Act. Since the RDC By-law was introduced in 1991, the Region has received no grant requests from similar respite care facilities. However, in 1994, Council did approve a grant request to offset RDC payable - 2 - F-01-100 on the Rotary Centre, with funding to come from the Hospital Capital Reserve Fund. Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club has approached the City of Cambridge with respect to exempting City Development Charges. City staff have indicated that under the City's Development Charge By-Law, full City Development Charges would normally be assessed on this facility. A formal grant request has not been received by the City of Cambridge at this time, but could be submitted in the future. Due to the potential precedent associated with this or future grant requests, it is staff's recommendation that no action be taken on this request. CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: A goal of the Corporate Strategic Plan is to ensure that development charge rates meet stakeholders' needs and provide sufficient capital funding for the Region's growth-related capital programs. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Grants to offset the impact of development charges must be paid from a source other than the Development Charge Reserve Fund. The grant requested by Parents of Technologically Dependent Children of Ontario, Central West Kids Country Club is in the amount of $6,160.00. If approved, based on normal exception funding, the grant would be funded proportionally by Water ($3,712), Wastewater ($372), and property tax levy ($2,076) budgets. OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: This grant application has been discussed with the Legal Division of Corporate Resources Department. PREPARED BY: D. Miller, Financial Assistant APPROVED BY: L. Ryan, Chief Financial Officer Regional Municipality of Waterloo MEDIA RELEASE: Friday, November 30, 2001, 4:30 P.M. WATER EFFICIENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA Thursday, December 6, 2001 2:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M. Room 217 (Young Room) 2nd Floor, Regional Administration Building 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario 1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT 2. NEW MEMBERS 3. DELEGATIONS 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING - AUGUST 7, 2001 5. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 6. REPORTS - TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES a) E-WE-01-004, Rain Barrel Purchase 2002. 7. VERBAL REPORTS a) Grades 2 & 8 Water Education Curricula b) Saving Water Is Everybody's Business (SWEB) c) Washing Machine Incentive Program d) Ayr Water Efficiency Program 8. INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE 9. OTHER BUSINESS 10. NEXT MEETING 11. CLOSED SESSION (motion required) 12. ADJOURN - 2 - Regrets Only to Kerri O’Kane Telephone: 575-4450 Email: [email protected] REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO WATER EFFICIENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES The following are the minutes of the Regular Committee meeting held on August 7, 2001 at 8:00 a.m. in Room 218, Regional Administration Building, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario. Members present: T. Galloway, J. Wideman, M. Dorfman, B. Erhardt, S. Freiburger, Regrets: K. Hagerman, C. Hynd, W. Roth, B. Garibaldi 1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT None declared. 2. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR K. O'Kane, Coordinator called for nominations for the position of Chair and Vice-Chair of the Water Efficiency Advisory Committee. MOVED by M. Dorfman SECONDED by J. Wideman That the Water Efficiency Advisory Committee recommends to the Planning and Works Committee that Tom Galloway be appointed Chair of the Water Efficiency Advisory Committee. CARRIED MOVED by T. Galloway SECONDED by M. Dorfman That the Water Efficiency Advisory Committee recommends to Planning & Works Committee that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint Jim Wideman as Vice- Chair of the Water Efficiency Advisory Committee. CARRIED 3. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS Committee members introduced themselves. Scott Freiburger, advised he was the Chamber of Commerce representative for this meeting but may not be a permanent member. Staff noted that they would be asking the universities for a new representative. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING - SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 MOVED by M. Dorfman SECONDED by B. Erhardt That the minutes of the Water Efficiency Advisory Committee dated September 27th, 2000 be approved as presented. CARRIED 5. REPORTS - TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES a) E-WE-01-001, Ayr Water Efficiency Project. Steve Gombos, Water Efficiency Manager gave a brief presentation on the Ayr Water Efficiency Project. He explained that the water supply and wastewater treatment systems are at or near capacity. In order to meet current demands and provide some additional short-term capacity, the Ayr wastewater treatment plant is undergoing a $850,000 capacity expansion and upgrade. With growth anticipated to continue, the wastewater treatment plant will require $4.3 million expansion beginning in 2002 and water supply expansion of $3.3 million by 2004. In order to defer water/wastewater capital costs in Ayr, staff are proposing a residential water efficiency program. If 80 percent of the targeted 1,893 old toilets are replaced with 6 litre low-flush models, the water savings would be approximately 78,873 m3 per year. The target households are those built in Ayr before 1996. S. Gombos outlined two options to provide additional water and wastewater capacity in Ayr during the next several years: Option 1 Status quo: Expand water and wastewater facilities as forecasted in the capital budget. This option also includes ongoing incentives of $40 per low-flush toilet replacement, the lawn watering by-law, ongoing promotion and other aspects of the Region-wide Water Efficiency Program. Option 2 Subsidization of Water Efficient Toilets and Fixtures: The program would offer a $200 ($160 from the Ayr Water Efficiency Project and $40 from the regular Toilet Replacement Program budget) per toilet replacement incentive to homes built before 1996 in Ayr. Staff are recommending Option 2 as the preferred alternative. S. Gombos outlined the details of the program which will include a public meeting in the fall of 2001, newspaper advertisements, banners and presentations. The Region will reimburse toilet and installation costs to a maximum of $200 and all replacements will be inspected. The program is expected to conclude by the end of 2002. Discussion ensued regarding the need to hire additional staff for the program and accepting third party certification. S. Gombos indicated that the person hired would be responsible for all inspections, promotion and communication with the residents. M. Murray, Commissioner of Transportation and Environmental Services agreed to review WEAC - 3 - 08/07/01 the duties and workload of existing staff and determine if a temporary full-time toilet replacement staff person is needed for the program. Staff answered questions regarding statistics on people currently replacing toilets, plans in place to handle inquiries from Ayr residents who have replaced toilets under the regular TRP and cost comparisons per household if capital expansions proceed.. MOVED by M. Dorfman SECONDED by B. Erhardt THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo offer a maximum $200-per-toilet (inclusive of $40 from the existing toilet replacement program) financial incentive to Ayr homeowners wishing to switch to low-flush, 6-litre toilets during 2001-2002. And that staff review further the need to hire a temporary full-time toilet replacement staff person for the program. CARRIED. b) E-WE-01-002, Toilet Replacement Program. S. Gombos gave a brief update on the Toilet Replacement Program. To date, a total of 23,068 toilets have been replaced under program. The Region has provided 11,302 rebates to 8,532 eligible homeowners and 12,069 rebates to 949 eligible landlords. The cumulative water savings attributed to the TRP since 1994 is 0.62 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD). In 2000, the Region issued 2,530 rebates to 2,313 eligible participants, 1,615 were given to 1,356 eligible homeowners and 957 rebates were issued to 118 landlords. The cumulative water savings attributed to the 2000 TRP was 0.07 MIGD. S. Gombos explained that the program is progressing well this year and estimated that approximately 3,500 rebates will be issued by year end. He outlined a new marketing initiative where coupons will be included in the Val-Pak envelope which is distributed to every household in the Region. Staff answered questions with respect to other municipalities carrying out similar programs and support from the Ministries of the Environment and Municipal Affairs and Housing. The report was received for information. c) E-WE-01-003, Rainbarrel Distribution Program. S. Gombos gave a presentation on the rain barrel distribution held on May 12, 2001. He advised that staff had contracted Forest City Models and Patterns Inc., of London to supply and distribute 6,000 200-litre barrels from three locations. Rain barrels were sold at the subsidized cost of $20 each to residents of the Region of Waterloo. The 2001 rain barrel distribution cost a net total of $209,743, which is less than the WEAC - 4 - 08/07/01 approved budget of $225,000. Due to an effective community relations and marketing campaign the demand for the rain barrels was overwhelming. Residents started lining up at 4:00 a.m and by 10:30 a.m., all three locations had safely distributed 6,053 rain barrels. A maximum of two rain barrels per household were allowed and this was partially responsible for the quick sellout. The Committee discussed areas for improvement for 2002 which included the following: 1) Reduce wait/line ups 2) Limit 1 unit per household 3) Combine distribution with Earth Day/Week 4) Location changes 5) Prepaid vouchers purchased from the local municipalities 6) Distribution from municipal offices (similar to compost program) Staff will review suggestions and report back to the Committee with a proposal for the 2002 distribution at the next meeting. 8. VERBAL REPORTS a) Grades 2 & 8 Water Education Curricula S. Gombos explained that staff are preparing for delivery and launch of the curriculum in both school boards this fall. The water education curricula targets students in grades 2 and 8 and educates children on local water issues, water efficiency and water resources protection. The curricula is designed to meet criteria outlined in the new provincial education guidelines. Discussion ensued regarding the interest of other municipalities and school boards in obtaining a copy of the water education curricula and whether or not the kits should be offered for sale. Staff agreed to review the matter and report back to the Committee in October/November. B. Erhardt left the meeting at 10:25 a.m. b) Saving Water Is Everybody’s Business (SWEB) S. Gombos advised the Committee that both Conestoga College and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada have implemented water saving initiatives. Conestoga implemented Recreation Centre efficiencies saving 6,685 m3 in 1999/2000. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada implemented a $2 million wastewater recycling system with "Zeeweed" membrane filtration technology saving 78,187m3 between January and July, 2001. Committee members agreed that the efforts of Conestoga College and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada and other corporations undertaking water efficiency initiatives should be recognized by the Region. WEAC - 5 - 08/07/01 S. Gombos indicated the next step for staff is to promote the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional success as well as plan the program and targets for 2002. Staff would like to work with local hospitals as they are large water users. c) Environews S. Gombos advised that the next issue of Environews will be published on October 9th. The publication will include information on the Water Education Curricula, Rain Barrel Program, Toilet Replacement Program, Kids Corner and the Groundwater Festival. The Committee agreed that recognition of the efforts of Conestoga College and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada should be included in Environews. ADJOURN MOVED by M. Dorfman SECONDED by J. Wideman THAT the meeting adjourn. CARRIED COMMITTEE CHAIR, T. Galloway REGIONAL CLERK, E. L. Orth Regional Municipality of Waterloo TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES WATER SERVICES To: Chair Tom Galloway and Members of the Report No: E-WE-01-004 Water Efficiency Advisory Committee File Code: C06-60/WEAC.01 Date: December 6, 2001 Subject: RAIN BARREL PURCHASE 2002 RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the proposal of Forest City Models & Patterns Limited to supply 6,000 rain barrels at a total price of $310,500.00, including all applicable taxes; and That staff be given approval to finalize negotiations with Cambridge Centre Mall, Fairview Park Mall and Conestoga Mall for the Earth Week Distribution of rain barrels in 2002. SUMMARY: A survey of residents who purchased Region rain barrels in 2001 revealed that most were happy with the unit design. The rain barrel supplier will provide special clips with barrels at no extra charge in the future to alleviate a problem with hoses falling off. Due to Forest City Models and Patterns’ good performance in 2001, staff wish to exercise the second year contract option as detailed in Proposal P2001-03. In order to allow more households the opportunity to purchase a rain barrel at the subsidized cost of $20, only one barrel per household will be allowed in 2002. The 2001 distribution allowed up to two barrels per household. Staff will implement a number of logistical changes to improve the 2002 distribution, including moving to larger venues in Kitchener and Waterloo. Staff hopes to move the distribution date closer to Earth Day which is April 22, 2002. REPORT: The Water Services Division has successfully completed the first of a five-year residential rain barrel distribution program in Waterloo Region. A total of 25,000 rain barrels are to be distributed to residents at a subsidized cost of $20 each over the five years. On May 12, 2001, a total of 6,053 rain barrels were distributed in just a few hours from Cambridge Centre Mall, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, and Heidelberg Works Yard. The rain barrel program supports two primary goals: 1. To reduce outdoor residential water use. 2. To increase public awareness about water efficiency. This report will review how well residents like their new rain barrels and present rain barrel purchase options for 2002. Recommendations will also be made regarding the 2002 rain barrel distribution method and timing. A follow-up report early in 2002 will provide final details and estimated costs associated with the rain barrel program advertising and promotion campaign. - 2 - WE-01-004 Survey Research Metroline Research Group Inc. of Kitchener was contracted this September to survey 200 of the 3,440 households that purchased one or two rain barrels each this year. The main objectives of the research were to determine if people are using their barrels, how they like them and how the distribution can be improved next year. Refer to the attached Metroline report for complete survey findings. Satisfaction with the Rain Barrel Nearly all of the survey respondents were satisfied with the Forest City Models and Patterns Ltd. rain barrels distributed this May and will continue to use them. The model was rated as good to excellent by 97 percent of the respondents (see Chart 1). Chart 1 - Rating The Rain Barrel Poor 1% Fair 2% Good 27% Excellent 70% One significant comment regarding the 200-litre rain barrel design was that hoses often fall from the upper rim slot when not being used. If drain valves are not closed when hoses fall to the ground, rain barrels will inadvertently drain. In order to address the problem of the hose being inadequately secured to rain barrels, Forest City Models has designed a clip that can be used to fully secure the hose to the top barrel rim when not being used. These clips will be included in all future assembly kits at no extra charge. The manufacturer has also volunteered to provide these clips at no charge to residents who purchased rain barrels in 2001. Since the majority of Region respondents like their rain barrels and the Water Services Division has a competitive, secure purchase contract with Forest City for an optional second year, it is recommended that Forest City be retained to supply and distribute units in 2002. Details regarding quantity and price will be presented later in this report. Distribution 2002 Staff solicited comments from the public, survey respondents, the contractor and WEAC regarding ways the 2002 rain barrel distribution can be improved. Based on these suggestions, staff have developed three main objectives for improving the 2002 program: - 3 - WE-01-004 a. to replace the Heidelberg Works Yard with a larger distribution venue in north Waterloo, and to explore the possibility of moving to a larger venue than the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium in Kitchener; b. to limit the number of rain barrels allowed per household to one each (two per household were allowed in 2001; c. to eliminate the waiting times for people who will not be able to purchase a rain barrel because they will be sold out before they reach the front of the lineup. The Forest City Models Inc. contract in 2001 included both the supply of rain barrels and the staffing and logistical support to distribute them from three locations on one day. By capitalizing on the second year contract option, the Region can work with Forest City to build on experience gained in year one and make the many small changes necessary for improvement in year two. To address the objective of finding larger distribution locations, staff is finalizing arrangements with Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener and Conestoga Mall in Waterloo to use their parking lots for distribution. Cambridge Centre Mall will remain the venue for distribution in Cambridge. These locations will provide ample parking space and residents arriving too late to purchase a rain barrel will have attractions inside malls to alleviate disappointment. In fact, staff is now negotiating with mall managers to allow space for water efficiency and environmental displays, activities and appropriate vendors. In order to make more rain barrels available to households, staff will allow only one barrel per household in 2002. As mentioned above 3,440 households picked up the 6,053 rain barrels available in May 2001. If 6,000 units are distributed in 2002, 6,000 households will receive barrels. Allowing only one barrel per household will also help speed the distribution. Residents picking up two units in 2001 had trouble carrying both at the same time. Several other logistical improvements will be made by staff to speed up service in 2002. To eliminate the wait for residents who will not receive a barrel before they get to the front of the line, tickets will be distributed. Once the corresponding number of tickets to rain barrels available have been distributed to those in line, newcomers will be informed that barrels are sold out. The final recommendation regarding the 2002 rain barrel program is to move the distribution date to coincide with “Earth Day” or “Earth Week” celebrations. Earth Day 2002 will be on Monday, April 22. The best dates for a rain barrel distribution, therefore, would be Saturday, April 20, or Saturday, April 27. An April distribution will only be possible if a rain barrel purchase contract receives early Council approval, and venues can be booked promptly. The benefits of distributing rain barrels during Earth Week are: a. the Region will capitalize on broad environmental promotion going on at that time; b. partnerships can be formed with schools and interest groups that can help promote and enhance the rain barrel program; c. residents who do not manage to get a rain barrel will be able to participate in other environmentally-related activities that day, which may result in less disappointment; d. distributing rain barrels earlier in the spring will allow residents to collect more water during the rainy season. - 4 - WE-01-004 Distribution Quantity 2002 Since demand is expected to continue to be high in 2002, it is recommended that at least 6,000 rain barrels be purchased for distribution. However, increasing the quantity to 8,000 units may be excessive for 2002. As noted above, the Forest City Models and Patterns Inc. quotation for supply, delivery and distribution of rain barrels will remain at the same price for 2002. The per unit costs for delivery of 4,000, 6,000 and 8,000 rain barrels remains fixed at $45 plus taxes. Since there is no discount for the larger volume purchase, there is no financial incentive to buy a larger quantity in 2002. The points below list other reasons for not increasing the number of rain barrels in 2002. 1. The objective is to distribute 25,000 rain barrels over five years, and excessive distribution quantities in early years could shorten the program prematurely. 2. If 8,000 units are purchased but not fully distributed, the Region could incur extra transportation and storage fees, as well as costs associated with organizing follow-up marketing and distribution campaigns. 3. There is little or no additional public education or promotion value to distributing 8,000 units versus 6,000. Additional water savings would also be minimal. 4. The logistics of distributing more than 6,000 units would be more difficult to coordinate. CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: The rain barrel distribution program is part of the enhanced water efficiency program, and is consistent with the Strategic Plan goal of providing and enforcing strong, effective policies that ensure responsible and sustainable growth. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: A total of $295,000 in the Water Services capital budget has been allocated to the 2002 rain barrel distribution program. The allocation budgets for the purchase of up to 8,000 rain barrels and associated advertising and distribution costs. The net purchase costs and estimated promotion costs to distribute 6,000 rain barrels in 2002 is detailed below. Purchase Cost of 6,000 Rain Barrels (with full tax) $310,500.00 Estimated Advertising & Distribution Costs 45,000.00 Sub Total $355,500.00 Less: Revenue from Sale ($20/unit) (120,000.00) Less: Municipal Rebate of 4% GST on rain barrel purchase (10,800.00) Net Program Total $224,700.00 OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: Nil PREPARED BY: Steve Gombos, Manager, Water Efficiency, Water Services Division APPROVED BY: Michael Murray, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services Regional Municipality of Waterloo MEDIA RELEASE: November 23, 2001, 4:30 P.M. TREES BY-LAW EXCEPTION COMMITTEE AGENDA Tuesday, December 4, 2001 **11:00 A.M.** 2nd Floor, Council Chamber Regional Administration Building 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario 1. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT 2. DELEGATIONS 3. REPORTS - Planning, Housing and Community Services a) P-TB-01-003 Request for Exception to Regional Tree By-law: Cathay Weston and John Davidson, 3650 Weimar Line, Township of Wellesley Figure 1 4. INFORMATION/CORRESPONDENCE 5. OTHER BUSINESS 6. NEXT MEETING To be determined 7. ADJOURN **MEETING TIME REVISED TO 12:NOON** Regional Municipality of Waterloo PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT To: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Report No: P-TB-01-003 Tree By-law Exception Committee File Code: C13-31/TREE/AP/EXTREE Date: December 4, 2001 Subject: REQUEST FOR EXCEPTION TO REGIONAL TREE BY-LAW: CATHAY WESTON AND JOHN DAVIDSON, 3650 WEIMAR LINE, TOWNSHIP OF WELLESLEY RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo grant an exception to By-law 99-045 To Restrict and Regulate the Destruction of Trees in favour of Cathay Weston and John Davidson to permit the removal of approximately 55 trees within a plantation in order to construct a new access lane to Weimar Line, as generally illustrated on Figure 1 attached to Report P-TB-01-004, subject to the following conditions: a. that the precise boundary of the treed area to be removed be staked out in the field in consultation with Regional staff before any trees are removed; b that an equal number of native trees be planted within the portion of the existing laneway which is to be closed, or in other areas adjacent to the woodland; and c. that a forest management plan be undertaken for the affected plantation within two years of the completion of the new lane. AND that the exception come into force and effect upon its approval by Regional Council. SUMMARY: NIL REPORT: The applicants, Cathay Weston and John Davidson, have recently purchased a farm property on Weimar Line in Wellesley Township. As they prepare to construct a new house they have been advised by Regional Transportation Planning staff that the existing lane access to Weimar Line is unsafe because a rise in the road obscures oncoming traffic from the west. It is necessary, therefore, to re-align the entrance to the lane so that it enters Weimar Line approximately 60 metres to the west at the top of the hill. (See Figure 1). The new entrance would eventually merge with the existing lane which traverses the woodland to the open area south of the woodland where the house is to be built. The existing entrance lane separates a natural mixed woodland on the east from a White and Scots Pine plantation on the west. The new lane entrance would be located entirely within the pine plantation. Walking the alignment with the owners' landscaping consultant on October 24, 2001, staff estimated that approximately 55 trees would have to be removed in order to create the new laneway. The trees to be - 2 - P-TB-01-003 removed are comprised roughly as follows: 6 Scots Pine, 32 White Pine, and 17 young White Ash which are colonising the plantation. In order to minimise the number of trees to be removed from the woodland, staff recommend that the new alignment be precisely staked prior to the removal of any trees. By so doing, it is hoped that two good quality young Red Oaks may be preserved. In compensation for the trees to be removed from the plantation, staff recommend that an equal number of trees be planted either in the northern portion of the lane which is to be closed or immediately adjacent to the woodland elsewhere on the property. Staff would support a suggestion by the landscaping consultant to the effect that smaller diameter White Pine or White Ash trees be tree-spaded out of the proposed new lane alignment and planted in the area of the lane which is to be closed . As the plantation will be opened up to some extent by the new lane, staff are also of the opinion that it would be advisable to prepare a forest management plan for the plantation. As the requisite Regional Road Access Permit was issued on August 8, 2001, staff recommend that the exception come into force and effect immediately upon its approval by Regional Council. CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN: It is hoped to maintain or enhance the quality of the Weston-Davidson woodland while accommodating the new for a safe access to Weimar Line./ FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: NIL OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: The Regional Clerk will advise Ms Weston and Mr. Davidson of the approval of the Tree By-law exception by Council. PREPARED BY: Christopher Gosselin, Manager of Environmental Planning APPROVED BY: Larry Kotseff, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services