CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Consolidated as of December 12, 2014
Council Chambers, Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street
DATE December 15, 2014 – 7:00 p.m.
Please turn off or place on non-audible all cell phones, PDAs, Blackberrys and pagers during the meeting.
O Canada - The “Bakers Dozen” in affiliation with the Royal City Ambassadors will be performing the National Anthem Silent Prayer Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
PRESENTATION
a) None
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES (Councillor Allt) “THAT the open and closed minutes of the Council Meeting held November 17, 2014; the open minutes of the Inaugural Council Meeting held December 1, 2014 and the Special Council Meeting held December 3, 2014; and the closed meeting minutes of the Special Council Meeting held December 10, 2014 be confirmed as recorded and without being read.”
CONSENT REPORTS/AGENDA – ITEMS TO BE EXTRACTED The following resolutions have been prepared to facilitate Council’s consideration of the various matters and are suggested for consideration. If Council wishes to address a specific report in isolation of the Consent Reports/Agenda, please identify the item. The item will be extracted and dealt with separately. The balance of the Consent Reports/Agenda will be approved in one resolution.
Consent Reports/Agenda from:
Nominating Committee To be Item City Presentation Delegations Extracted NOM-14.1 2014-2015 Councillor Appointments to Standing Committees, Local Boards and Public Agencies
Adoption of balance of Nominating Committee Consent Report – Councillor
Page 1 of 4 CITY OF GUELPH CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Council as Shareholder of Guelph Junction Railway Co. To be Item City Presentation Delegations Extracted C-GJR-2014.1 Appointment of Members of the Board of Directors
Adoption of balance of Council as Shareholder of GJR Consent Report – Councillor
Council Consent Agenda To be Item City Presentation Delegations Extracted CON-2014.70 2014 Q3 Capital Budget Monitoring Report
CON-2014.71 Q3 2014 Operating Variance
CON-2014.72 Sign By-Law Variances – 575 Wellington Street West
CON-2014.73 Sign By-Law Variances - 28 Wellington Street East
CON-2014.74 Appointment of Members of Council to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Adoption of balance of the Council Consent Agenda – Councillor
ITEMS EXTRACTED FROM COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL REPORTS AND COUNCIL CONSENT AGENDA (Chairs to present the extracted items)
Once extracted items are identified, they will be dealt with in the following order: 1) delegations (may include presentations) 2) staff presentations only 3) all others.
Reports from: Nominating Committee – Mayor Guthrie Council as Shareholder of GJR – Mayor Guthrie Council Consent – Mayor Guthrie
Page 2 of 4 CITY OF GUELPH CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS a) Delegations:
Yvette Tendick (presentation)
Correspondence:
Bill Mungall on behalf of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club Joe Farwell, Grand River Conservation Authority
Councillor Bell’s notice of motion of which notice was given on November 17, 2014
1. That the Trail Master Plan encompass the redevelopment of the GRCA property around the Hanlon Creek to include a new trail sections and the underpass at the new Speedvale Avenue bridge over the Speed River, and consideration of funding assistance from FCM’s "Green Municipal Fund" to this regard, be referred to the Public Services Committee for consideration; and
2. That the standing committee report back to Council with recommendations with respect to the improved Trail Master Plan by the end of April 2015.
b) Delegations:
Patrick Sheridan (presentation)
Councillor Bell’s notice of motion of which notice was given on November 17, 2014
That Council reconsider the currently approved Downtown Streetscape Manual with respect to the St. Georges Square Design and total lack of on- street cycling infrastructure.
Subject to above reconsideration being approved, the following motion shall be presented:
That the current Downtown Streetscape Manual be referred to the Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise Committee to consider alternative designs that would include: • consultation with merchants in the vicinity of St. Georges Square and; • consultation with Cycling Organizations and experts in Cycling Infrastructure; and
Page 3 of 4 CITY OF GUELPH CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
That the standing committee report back to Council with recommendations with respect to the alternative St Georges Square Designs and Cycling Infrastructure by the end of April 2015.
BY-LAWS Resolution – Adoption of By-laws (Councillor Bell)
“THAT By-law Number (2014)-19846 to (2014)-19847, inclusive, be hereby passed.”
By-law Number (2014) – 19846 A by-law to authorize Part of Block 112, To dedicate lands for the purposes of Plan 61M84, designated as Part 1, forming part of a public highway known Reference Plan 61R20502, City of as Tovell Drive. Guelph be dedicated to form part of the public highway known as Tovell Drive.
By-law Number (2014)- 19847 A by-law to confirm the proceedings of To confirm the proceedings of a Council the meetings of Guelph City Council meeting held December 10 and 15, held December 10 and 15 (including 2014. (GJR, GMHI), 2014.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS Please provide any announcements, to the Mayor in writing, by 12 noon on the day of the Council meeting.
NOTICE OF MOTION
ADJOURNMENT
Page 4 of 4 CITY OF GUELPH CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Minutes of Guelph City Council Held in the Council Chambers, Guelph City Hall on Monday November 17, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.
DRAFT MINUTES – SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION Attendance
Council: Mayor Farbridge Councillor Hofland Councillor B. Bell Councillor G. Kovach Councillor T. Dennis Councillor M. Laidlaw Councillor I. Findlay Councillor L. Piper Councillor J. Furfaro Councillor K. Wettstein Councillor C. Guthrie
Absent: Councillor Burcher Councillor Van Hellemond
Staff: Ms. A. Pappert, Chief Administrative Officer Mr. M. Amorosi, Executive Director, Corporate & Human Resources Mr. D. Thomson, Executive Director, Community & Social Services Mr. A. Horsman, Executive Director, Finance & Enterprise Ms. J. Laird, Executive Director, Planning & Building, Engineering and Environment Mr. S. O’Brien, City Clerk Ms. J. Sweeney, Council Committee Coordinator
Call to Order (6:00 p.m.)
Mayor Farbridge called the meeting to order.
Authority to Resolve into a Closed Meeting of Council
1. Moved by Councillor Furfaro Seconded by Councillor Dennis
That the Council of the City of Guelph now hold a meeting that is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 239 (2) (b) of the Municipal Act with respect to personal matters about identifiable individuals. CARRIED
Closed Meeting (6:01 p.m.)
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures.
The following matters were considered:
C.2014.47 CAO Update / Performance of the Organization
Page 1
November 17, 2014 Guelph City Council Meeting
Rise from Closed Meeting (6:45 p.m.)
Council recessed.
Open Meeting (7:00 p.m.)
Mayor Farbridge called the meeting to order.
The Mayor extended condolences to Lise Burcher and the Whitcombe family on the sudden passing of Brad Whitcombe.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Councillor Hofland declared a pecuniary interest regarding the 2014 Municipal Election Recount for Ward 3, because she is one of the candidates involved in the recount.
Confirmation of Minutes
1. Moved by Councillor Bell Seconded by Councillor Hofland
That the minutes of the Council Meeting held on September 8, 2014 and the minutes of the Closed Meeting of Council held September 8, 2014 be confirmed as recorded.
VOTING IN FAVOUR: Mayor Farbridge, Councillors Bell, Dennis, Findlay, Furfaro, Guthrie, Hofland, Kovach, Laidlaw, Piper and Wettstein (11) VOTING AGAINST: (0) CARRIED
Council Consent Agenda
CON-2014.59 2014 Municipal Election Recount – Ward 3
Councillor Hofland did not speak or vote on the matter.
2. Moved by Councillor Kovach Seconded by Councillor Piper
1. That the Corporate & Human Resources Report CHR-2014-64 entitled “2014 Municipal Election – Recount for Ward 3”, be received.
2. That the City Clerk be directed to recount the ballots cast during the 2014 Municipal election for office of Councillor, Ward 3.
VOTING IN FAVOUR: Mayor Farbridge, Councillors Bell, Dennis, Findlay, Furfaro, Guthrie, Kovach, Laidlaw, Piper and Wettstein (10) VOTING AGAINST: (0)
Councillor Hofland did not vote due to her declared pecuniary interest. CARRIED
Page 2
November 17, 2014 Guelph City Council Meeting
By-laws
3. Moved by Councillor Laidlaw Seconded by Councillor Dennis
That By-laws Numbered (2014)-19821 to (2014)-19824, inclusive, are hereby passed.
VOTING IN FAVOUR: Mayor Farbridge, Councillors Bell, Dennis, Findlay, Furfaro, Guthrie, Hofland, Kovach, Laidlaw, Piper and Wettstein (11) VOTING AGAINST: (0) CARRIED
Notice of Motion
Councillor Bell gave notice that he will be bringing forward motions to a subsequent meeting of Council relating to the downtown street scape manual and the trail master plan.
Mayor’s Remarks
Mayor Farbridge in her closing remarks for this term of Council, thanked members of Council for their contributions over the past four years and thanked City staff. She outlined the achievements of the outgoing Council.
Councillor Wettstein thanked Mayor Farbridge for her contributions to the City and Councillor Piper presented her with a bouquet of flowers.
Adjournment (7:25 p.m.)
4. Moved by Councillor Dennis Seconded by Councillor Laidlaw
That the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED
Minutes to be confirmed on December 15, 2014.
______Mayor Farbridge
______City Clerk
Page 3
Minutes of Guelph City Council Held in City Hall Meeting Room C Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Attendance
Council: Mayor Guthrie Councillor D. Gibson Councillor P. Allt Councillor M. MacKinnon Councillor B. Bell Councillor L. Piper Councillor C. Billings Councillor M. Salisbury Councillor C. Downer Councillor K. Wettstein
Absent: Councillor J. Gordon Councillor J. Hofland Councillor A. Van Hellemond
Staff: Mr. T. Salter, General Manager, Planning Services Ms. S. Kirkwood, Manager of Development Planning Ms. M. Aldunate, Manager of Policy Planning and Urban Design Ms. K. Dedman, General Manager Engineering Services/City Engineer Mr. D. Mast, Associate Solicitor Ms. S. Smith, Associate Solicitor Ms. K. Pletch, Organizational Development Specialist Ms. B. Swartzentruber, Senior Advisor, Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs Mr. D. McMahon, Research Assistant Mr. S. O’Brien, City Clerk
Call to Order (6:00 p.m.)
Mayor Guthrie called the meeting to order.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures.
Presentations
Introduction to Planning
Staff provided an introduction to planning which included an explanation of land use planning in Ontario and the role of City Council in these processes. Staff also reviewed the role of provincial legislation and policies along with the role of the Ontario Municipal Board. Other topics discussed were Guelph’s city building vision and types of planning decisions.
Council recessed at 7:25 p.m. and reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
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December 3, 2014 Guelph City Council Meeting
Staff provided mock planning scenarios and led discussion regarding the processes that would be involved in these types of scenarios.
Adjournment (8:45 p.m.)
3. Moved by Councillor Piper Seconded by Councillor Wettstein
That the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED
Minutes to be confirmed on December 15, 2014.
______Mayor Guthrie
______City Clerk
Page 2
CONSENT REPORT OF THE GUELPH JUNCTION RAILWAY CO.
December 15, 2014
His Worship the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Guelph.
Your Guelph Junction Railway Inc. beg leave to present their FIRST CONSENT REPORT as recommended at its meeting December 15, 2014.
If Council wishes to address a specific report in isolation please identify the item. The item will be extracted and dealt with immediately. The balance of the Consent Report of Governance Committee will be approved in one resolution.
C-GJR -20 14.0 1 Appointment of Members of the Board of Directors
1. That the following individuals be appointed as independent members of the Board of Directors of GJR for the term commencing December 15, 2014 and ending as indicated:
______- 2016 AGM
______- 2017 AGM
______- 2017 AGM
______- 2017 AGM
All of which is respectfully submitted.
CONSENT AGENDA
December 15, 2014
His Worship the Mayor and Members of Guelph City Council.
SUMMARY OF REPORTS:
The following resolutions have been prepared to facilitate Council’s consideration of the various matters and are suggested for consideration. If Council wishes to address a specific report in isolation of the Consent Agenda, please identify the item. The item will be extracted and dealt with immediately. The balance of the Consent Agenda will be approved in one resolution.
A REPORTS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
REPORT DIRECTION
CON-2014.70 2014 Q3 CAPITAL BUDGET MONITORING Receive REPORT
That FIN-14-46 2014 Q3 Capital Budget Monitoring Report be received for information
CON-2014.71 Q3 2014 OPERATING VARIANCE REPORT Receive
That report FIN-14-45 2014 Q3 2014 Operating Variance Report be received for information.
CON-2014.72 SIGN BY-LAW VARIANCES - 575 WELLINGTON Approve STREET WEST
1. That the report from Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise dated December 15, 2014 regarding sign by-law variances for 575 Wellington Street West, be received; and
2. That the request for variances from the Sign By-law for 575 Wellington
Street West to permit two (2) interchangeable signs, each with
clearance of 0.62 metres from the ground surface, be approved.
CON-2014.73 SIGN BY-LAW VARIANCE REQUEST FOR 28 Approve WELLINGTON STREET EAST
1. That the report from Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise dated December 15, 2014 regarding sign by-law variances for 28 Wellington Street East, be received; and
2. That the request for variances from the Sign By-law for 28 Wellington Street East to permit three (3) interchangeable building signs to be located 0.92 metres from the ground and to occupy 18.9% of a building face fronting an adjacent property, be approved; and
3. That the request for variances from the Sign By-law for 28 Wellington Street East to permit 3 menu boards on the property, one pre-sell menu with a height of 2.04 metres above the adjacent roadway and two (2) integrated menu boards with a height of 2.72 metres above the adjacent roadway and sign faces of 3.66 square metres each, be approved.
CON-2014.74 APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF COUNCIL TO Approve THE FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES AND ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. That Councillor Bob Bell be endorsed by City Council to stand for election on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) National Board of Directors for the duration of the 2015-2016 term ending in June 2016 and that Council assume all costs associated with this Member’s attendance at FCM’s quarterly National Board of Directors meetings.
2. That Councillor Cathy Downer be endorsed by City Council to stand for election on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Board of Directors, Large Urban Caucus, for the duration of the 2014- 2016 term ending in August 2016 and that Council assume all costs associated with this Member’s attendance at AMO’s Board of Directors meetings.
attach.
STAFF REPORT
TO City Council
SERVICE AREA Corporate Services
DATE December 15, 2014
SUBJECT Appointment of Members of Council to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
REPORT NUMBER CHR-2014-68
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PURPOSE OF REPORT To obtain City Council’s endorsement of Councillor Bob Bell and Councillor Cathy Downer to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Board of Directors, respectively.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Expenses related to the attendance of Council members at Board of Directors’ meetings.
ACTION REQUIRED Approve the nominations of Council members to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Councillor Bob Bell be endorsed by City Council to stand for election on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) National Board of Directors for the duration of the 2015-2016 term ending in June 2016 and that Council assume all costs associated with this Member’s attendance at FCM’s quarterly National Board of Directors meetings.
2. That Councillor Cathy Downer be endorsed by City Council to stand for election on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Board of Directors, Large Urban Caucus, for the duration of the 2014-2016 term ending in August 2016 and that Council assume all costs associated with this Member’s attendance at AMO’s Board of Directors meetings.
PAGE 1
STAFF REPORT BACKGROUND
Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors
FCM's Board of Directors comprises 75 elected municipal officials and affiliate members from all regions and various-sized communities throughout Canada. Ontario is allotted sixteen members. It forms a broad base of support and carries the municipal message to the Government of Canada.
The Board of Directors sets policy priorities that reflect the concerns of municipal governments and affiliate members. It meets quarterly to develop policy positions on key national municipal issues.
All positions on FCM's Board of Directors are filled by election on an annual basis, with the exception of those designated for affiliate members and the immediate past president, as outlined in the FCM by-laws, during the Annual Conference.
The full term of office for Board members is one year (elections are held at the beginning of June at FCM’s Annual General Meeting). Board members are expected to attend all Board meetings (3+1) including the Annual Conferences during their term. For the remainder of the term, the Board of Directors’ and Standing Committee meetings will be held in Fredericton, NB (Sept. 9-12, 2015), Ottawa, ON (Advocacy Days - November 2015), Sherbrooke, QC (March 1- 4, 2016). FCM’s Annual Conference will be held in Edmonton, AB (June 5-8, 2015) and Winnipeg, MB (June 3-6, 2016).
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
The AMO Board comprises 43 elected and non-elected municipal representatives. An Executive Committee of the Board, responsible for the business of the Association between Board of Director meetings, meets monthly.
The full term of office is 2 years (2014-2016); however as a result of the 2014 Municipal election a number of vacancies have occurred. Therefore, the term for the proposed nomination is from August 2015 to August 2016 and generally coincides with the AMO Conference in Niagara Falls from August 16-19, 2015.
The Board of Directors’ governing by-law stipulates that a member municipality can only have one representative on the Board, unless another representative is on the Board as an appointed official. Directors are expected to attend six board meetings per year (six days), spend three days at the AMO Annual Conference and up to six days for task force or other committee meetings.
The positions available to Members of Council for the City of Guelph include Regional and Single Tier Caucus (3 vacancies) and Large Urban Caucus (1 vacancy).
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STAFF REPORT
REPORT Councillor Bob Bell has expressed an interest in serving on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors, while Councillor Cathy Downer has indicated her interest in serving on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Board of Directors (Large Urban Caucus). To qualify for either of these positions, City Council must endorse the candidates’ nominations by resolution for which the candidate must subsequently submit the resolution to the respective organizations with the candidates’ nomination packages prior to the deadline (FCM – January 9, 2015; AMO – January 15, 2015).
With respect to the election to the AMO Board of Directors, the Caucus will consider all of the nominees and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors for ratification at its Annual Conference. Candidates seeking election for the AMO Board of Directors may be interviewed.
The presence of a City of Guelph Councillor on the FCM and AMO Board of Directors would increase the City of Guelph’s advocacy opportunities and raise its profile at the federal and provincial levels. In addition, representation on the Board will also enable networking opportunities with other municipalities and sharing innovations in municipal governance.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN Membership on the FCM and AMO Board of Directors aligns with Corporate Strategic Directions 2.1 – Build an adaptive environment for government innovation to ensure fiscal and service sustainability. Membership creates opportunities for information sharing between municipalities on a broad spectrum of issues. In addition, membership offers the City of Guelph with another avenue for influencing federal and provincial policy that can create beneficial change by introducing new government innovations or, alternatively, advocating on government policy to prevent redundancies or inefficiencies in local government processes.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The costs for membership on FCM’s Board of Directors will be approximately $6,880, while membership on AMO’s Board of Directors will be approximately $3,406 per year. These expenses factor costs for membership, travel costs, accommodations, and conference registration fees. The costs would be included in the Council budget for the term of the appointment.
A break-down of the expenditures related to each membership is provided below:
PAGE 3
STAFF REPORT Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Travel: $2,325 • Accommodations: $3,821 • Registration for Conference: $735
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
• Travel: $1655 • Accommodations: $1031 • Registration for Conference: $720
COMMUNICATIONS The nominees of the respective positions are required to submit a copy of the council resolution indicating their endorsement of the members’ positions on the Boards with their nomination submissions. The City Clerk’s Office will assist the Councillors in providing this documentation.
Gina van den Burg, Committee Council Coordinator Report Author
______Approved By Recommended By Stephen O’Brien Mark Amorosi City Clerk Deputy CAO, Corporate Services 519-822-1260 ext. 5644 519-822-1260 ext. 2281 [email protected] [email protected]
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12/12/2014
TRAIL MASTER PLAN LAST UPDATE 2005
EMERGING ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
Walking & Cycling
Most Popular Recreational Activity
Surveys show that respondents favour paved and unpaved trails overwhelmingly over other facilities
1 12/12/2014
Trail Master Plan
• No update since 2005 • At that time, trails were not generally viewed for transportation purposes • River trails are flat and have few road crossings • Originally, the Trail Master Plan was not developed as a active transportation network
Network Backbone
Advantage: • Good connection through Downtown and the Northeast Disadvantages: • Weak link through parking lots of College Heights and Centennial Schools • No connection to the Northwest • No connection to the Southwest • No connection to the Eastside
Transportation Network Backbone
2 12/12/2014
Funded Improvements Woodlawn Segment Construction 2015
• Woodlawn Rd. separated bikeway and sidewalk design to be completed in a few months and construction to begin next year(2015) Hanlon Underpass • Hanlon Underpass funded pending legal outcomes • Hanlon Creek/Niska Park to be GRCA developed by the GRCA Master plan beginning now Segment
Transportation Network Discontinuities
1. Link from Trans Canada Trail to Woodlawn Road Multi‐ use path 2. Link from River Trails to Niska and Hanlon Creek Business Park 3. Link from River Trail to East Side Trail and Guelph Lake
3 12/12/2014
North North Discontinuity
Link from Trans Canada Trail to Woodlawn Multi‐Use path does not exist, North‐West Guelph is not accessible by walking or cycling North Gateway to Kissing Bridge Trail and Elora currently not accessible These discontinuities can be addressed by: Woodlawn Path to be built 2015‐2016 Speedvale Ave Bridge to be reconstructed 2016‐ 17
Missing Segment of North West link
From South side of Speedvale to City Limits • Underpass at new Speedvale Bridge • Approaches on both sides • Signage through park to Floral Clock • Cross at Marilyn Dr. traffic light • Woodlawn Cemetery road to Tracks • Track to Nicklin Traffic Lights
4 12/12/2014
Benefits to Residents
1. Cycling and Pedestrian Safety 2. Improved Traffic Flow 3. Provide Pedestrians and Cyclists an alternative to the dangerous Woolwich/Speedvale Intersection 4. Provide Pedestrians an alternative to Woolwich/Woodlawn Intersection DANGEROUS INTERSECTION 5. Much Shorter Route
Existing Trail Link WRONG SIDE Users must walk on bridge beside trucks OF RIVER Must stop traffic to cross at fire station Trail is on wrong side of river
STOP CARS TO CROSS BUSY STREET
5 12/12/2014
FLORAL CLOCK
New Transportation Link
SENIORS Underpass at New Speedvale Ave. Bridge CENTER Direct link from Seniors Center to Downtown Connection to the back of the Woodlawn Rd. Cemetery through the Marilyn Drive Light
CJOY MAGIC
Direct and Safe Active Network
Easy route from Downtown to 20,000 jobs in North West Industrial Park No safe route at the present Route is flat, scenic, and enjoyable Only one traffic light between Woodlawn Road and Downtown
6 12/12/2014
Modify Trail Plan NORTH
Link the North West industrial park that has 20,000 people traveling to it every day with the rest of the city through an active transportation route EAST Link the Hanlon Business Parks with 12,000 people traveling to work every day with the rest of the city. WEST Give the River Trails a new wider purpose, more than recreation… transportation!
West Link River Network stops at Edinburgh Rd. Funding is in place to complete to the west side of the Hanlon to the water treatment plant GCRA will be improving the trail connection at the Niska Park Area Hanlon Creek Business Park is growing and has trail access to the back of most properties but no proper connection the Active Transportation Network
7 12/12/2014
Missing Links
• Water Treatment Plant to Hanlon Creek • Niska/Downey Intersection to Hanlon Missing trails
Missing
Downtown to Hanlon Creek Business Park Level route along river Picturesque and enjoyable surrounding Only two traffic lights between large industrial park and the Downtown Safe route without the fear of being run down by trucks or automobiles Links downtown the future Niska Park
Existing or Funded Trails Proposed Trails New on Master Plan
8 12/12/2014
Trail Construction Timing?
Underpass at Hanlon 2015‐16 GRCA link 2016‐2017 Existing or Funded Trails Proposed Trails New on Master Plan
Federal Funding Available for Trails
If….. It’s in the Trail Master Plan There is no other funding source It completes the network It takes people to and from work Up to 20% grant for Projects Low interest Loans
9 12/12/2014
Please vote to: Refer to Public Services Committee
That the Trail Master Plan encompass the redevelopment of the GRCA property around the Hanlon Creek to include a new trail sections and the underpass at the new Speedvale Avenue bridge over the Speed River, and consideration of funding assistance from FCM’s "Green Municipal Fund" to this regard, be referred to the Public Services Committee for consideration; and
That the standing committee report back to Council with recommendations with respect to the improved Trail Master Plan by the end of April 2015.
Photo –Van Waffle
10 Box 1, Guelph, ON Dec. 7, 2014
Mr. Bob Bell, Councillor, City of Guelph GRCA Member for City of Guelph
Dear Mr. Bell
The Guelph Hiking Trail Club (GHTC) has adopted a number of strategic priorities, the foremost being the linking of existing urban trails to the existing rural trails managed by GHTC. In addition, we are interested in seeing logical links be completed within the City of Guelph between existing trail systems.
The Council-approved 2005 Trail Master Plan indicated that a trail should be created along the Speed River, southward from existing trails in Crane Park south to Niska Road through the GRCA’s former Niska Waterfowl Park property. The 2012 Official Plan update extended this proposed riverside trail across Niska, to the City limits.
The 2005 Plan also indicated a trail link between the river at Niska Waterfowl Park and the very extensive trail systems within Preservation Park / Hanlon Creek Conservation Area, via the valley of Hanlon Creek. The entire length of this link would use GRCA and City lands as well as MTO’s pedestrian underpass under Highway 6. For the majority of the distance, informal trails already exist, needing only signing and upgrade of the trails to city standard to make these trails more accessible.
However, the Trails schedule to the 2012 Official Plan update omitted this link from the Speed River to Preservation Park, apparently inadvertently. City Parks Planning staff have stated that this omission appears to have been a drafting error. This omission can now be rectified through the GRCA master planning process for its Niska/Hanlon Creek valley properties. GHTC supports a reinstatement of a trail along the Hanlon Creek valley, as per the City’s 2005 Trail Master Plan.
GHTC reviewed on site the Niska Waterfowl property in June 2014 at the invitation of GRCA property management staff. We have offered to GRCA to participate as a knowledgeable stakeholder in the GRCA master planning process, to contribute volunteer labour to recommended trail upgrades, maintenance and development, and other environmental remediation work, and to publicly support the extension of the City’s trail network along the Speed River as well as along the link along Hanlon Creek from the river to Preservation Park.
We trust that GRCA master planning efforts will encompass all lands in their ownership along the Hanlon Creek valley as far east as Highway 6 as well as all GRCA lands under the expiring lease of the Niska Waterfowl Park, and that these plans will consider use of contiguous City lands for trail and resource management purposes.
Bill Mungall Guelph Hiking Trail Club
12/12/2014
Downtown Streetscapes Missing the Cycling Opportunity
Downtown Streetscape Public Input
Active Guelph (GCAT) submitted comments
throughout the process and made a presentation at
Committee level hoping for change
We did not support the Streetscape Design on
Macdonnell or Wyndham
The current arrangement is a missed opportunity
1 12/12/2014
Areas for Concern on Wyndham and Macdonell
Angled automobile parking is unsafe for cyclists
Sharrows on busy narrow streets with large volumes of bus
traffic will not attract cyclists downtown
Lack of bicycle parking is a disincentive for cyclists
These issues are easily fixed
Sharrows are Fine on Quiet Side-Streets Not on busy Main Street
2 12/12/2014
Angled Parking with Sharrow on Main Street is Not Safe for Cyclists
No Space
Bicycles Need a Safe Space on the Road
3 12/12/2014
Please Reconsider the Downtown Streetscape
Remove sharrows and add separated bike lanes on
Macdonell and Wyndham
Increase bike parking downtown
Make downtown feel safe for cyclist and realize the
opportunity
Talk to GCAT
Engage us in the conversion, we are great to work with!
4