Kanata Light Rail Transit Planning and Environmental Assessment Study (Bayshore Station to Palladium Drive) – Statement of Work

Report to Rapport au:

Transportation Committee / Comité des transports September 7, 2016 / 7 septembre 2016

Submitted on August 23, 2016 Soumis le 23 août 2016

Submitted by Soumis par: John Manconi, General Manager / Directeur général Transportation Services Department / Service des transports

Contact Person Personne ressource: Vivi Chi, Manager / Gestionnaire, Transportation Planning / Planification des transports, Transportation Services Department / Service des transports (613) 580-2424, 21877, Vivi.Chi@ottawa.ca

Report Author / Auteur du rapport: Angela Taylor, Senior Project Engineer / Gestionnaire principale de project (613) 580-2424, 15210, [email protected]

Ward: KANATA NORTH (4) / KANATA COLLÈGE (8): KANATA SOUTH NORD (4): STITTSVILLE (6): BAY (23) / KANATA-SUD (23) (7) / BAIE (7):COLLEGE (8) / File Number: ACS2016-TSD-PLN-0001

SUBJECT: Kanata Light Rail Transit Planning and Environmental Assessment Study (Bayshore Station to Palladium Drive) – Statement of Work

OBJET: Étude de planification et d’évaluation environnementale pour le train léger à Kanata (de la station Bayshore à la promenade Palladium) – Énoncé des travaux 2

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

That Transportation Committee approve the Statement of Work for the proposed Kanata Light Rail Transit Planning and Environmental Assessment Study (Bayshore Station to Palladium Drive), as detailed in Document 2.

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité des transports approuve l’énoncé des travaux pour l’étude proposée de planification et d’évaluation environnementale pour le train léger à Kanata (de la station Bayshore à la promenade Palladium), comme le précise le document 2.

BACKGROUND

On June 8, 2016, the Mayor and west-end Councillors, along with the federal Member of Parliament for Kanata-Carleton, announced that “the City will begin the planning work that is needed to extend light rail transit (LRT) from Bayshore to Kanata.” The full news release is available in Document 1. The announcement was made on the premise that the federal and provincial governments are committed to new investments in public transit given the recent funding of the Stage 2 LRT Extensions. In anticipation of the next round of government funding for transit, the City will undertake the study earlier than planned for the next phase of LRT beyond Stage 2.

The Kanata LRT Planning and Environmental Assessment (EA) Study project limits will extend from Bayshore Station to Palladium Drive. The study will be conducted under the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) Ontario Regulation 231/08 in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This report outlines the study scope with details described in Document 2.

DISCUSSION

An EA study is currently underway for the City’s Stage 2 Confederation Line West LRT Extension that terminates at Bayshore Station. West of Bayshore Station, the City’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP) envisions an ultimate rapid transit plan that includes the Kanata LRT running parallel with Highway 417 between Bayshore Station and Huntmar Road, wherein it then heads south to Palladium Drive at the Canadian Tire Centre and the LRT terminus. For this 13 kilometre LRT facility, the TMP proposes eight stations, two of which are park and ride stations. Figure 1 illustrates the study area. 3

Figure 1: Kanata LRT Study Area

Key considerations for the Kanata LRT Planning and EA Study include the following:

 Coordination with the current Confederation Line West LRT Extension Planning and EA study (Tunney’s Pasture to Bayshore and Baseline Station);

 Coordination with the West Transitway Extension (Bayshore Station to Moodie Drive) detailed design currently underway and in operation by late 2017;

 Station locations will be integrated with existing communities, planned uses, and will promote transit-oriented development;

 Review the need for and location of a maintenance and storage facility to support the Kanata LRT;

 A separate multi-use pathway within or adjacent to the LRT facility as per the Official Plan;

 Access or linkages to existing and planned pedestrian, cycling, and multi-use pathway facilities;

 Development of the project’s capital and operating costs; and,

 Provide preliminary construction phasing.

This study is anticipated to take approximately 24 months to complete. 4

RURAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no rural implications associated with this report.

CONSULTATION

Consultation with stakeholders, public agencies, First Nations, and individuals will be an integral component of the EA study and will involve meetings with key stakeholders through the Agency Consultation Group, Public Consultation Group, and Business Consultation Group as appropriate. Consultation with the general public will occur principally through open houses and also through the project webpage, e-mail, and additional meetings as required.

COMMENTS BY THE WARD COUNCILLOR(S)

Councillor El-Chantiry provided the following comments:

“I support the Kanata LRT Planning and EA Study for the 13 kilometre extension from Bayshore terminating at the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata. Given the premise that the Provincial and Federal Governments are committed to new investments in public transit, the City should undertake this study earlier than planned so that we in a position to take advantage of the next round of government funding for public transit.”

Councillor Qadri provided the following comments:

“I support the City bringing the LRT to Palladium Drive at the current Canadian Tire Centre, however I would like to see that extended to the Palladium Drive and Robert Grant Avenue intersection. By bringing the LRT to this intersection it will ensure a future north-south connection for the LRT in the west end of Ottawa, an area which is experiencing rapid growth.”

At this time, Councillor Hubley does not have any comments. However, once this item comes to Committee, the Councillor may have something to add.

Councillor Wilkinson provided the following comments:

“I fully support this statement of work with one suggestion – that consideration be given for a temporary stop to serve the Wesley Clover Park when major events are underway there.”

Councillor Taylor provided the following comments: 5

"I am supportive of this much needed work to advance the extension of the LRT system to the Kanata and West area. While valuing the Stage2 plan that sees LRT end at Bayshore the ultimate benefit could be derived quicker by expediting the day when travellers make a car to LRT transition outside the greenbelt instead of at what will be a small footprint, high pressure point within it - namely Bayshore. Additionally, consideration should be given to relieving what will be a complication for west bound commuters to the DND campus at Carling Avenue. Making a rail to bus to shuttle bus transfer adds an additional level of complexity to the travellers’ trip. Removing one step (the BRT) as this extension would do would enhance the experience and entice I believe additional users. Finally, in my view, consideration should be given to exploring with the Wesley Clover Parks and NCC bodies the feasibility of an additional platform stop in an area aligned with their property. As a fast growing major event site, not reviewing the opportunity for a mass transit connection for events like concerts, festivals and shows would be an opportunity lost. With these thoughts in mind I am very supportive of this report and offer to assist staff with advancing this work to the benefit of our collective community."

Councillor Chiarelli provided the following comments:

"This study needs to be mindful of the fact that the Greenbelt’s integrity must be protected especially since its central objective has so far been achieved: it was created to prevent “ribbon development” of the capital and not to prevent growth beyond its limits. The Study should also promote multi modal access to LRT but, it should not lose focus of the fact that most will arrive at stations on foot, by bus, or by car and those connections should not be compromised significantly in favour of other modes of arrival, if the highest ridership numbers are to be achieved."

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no legal impediments to implementing the recommendation as outlined in this report.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

There are no risk management implications.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Funding to initiate this study is pending the approval of the respective project budget by Council, through the 2017 Capital Budget process. 6

ACCESSIBILITY IMPACTS

The LRT facility and ancillaries will conform to City policies and provincial statutes regarding accessibility.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

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

TERM OF COUNCIL PRIORITIES

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

TM1 – Build a world class environmentally sustainable light rail transit system.

TM2 – Provide and promote infrastructure to support safe mobility choices.

TM3 – Integrate the rapid transit and transit priority network into the community.

TM5 – Ensure reliable, safe, accessible and affordable transit services.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Document 1 Kanata LRT News Release

Document 2 Kanata West LRT (Bayshore Station to Palladium Drive) Planning and EA Study – Statement of Work

DISPOSITION

Following Committee approval of the attached Statement of Work and the approval of the 2017 capital budget for rapid transit EA studies, the selection of consultants will commence. A call for proposal will be undertaken with the assistance of the Supply Management Branch.

Document 1 – Kanata LRT News Release

Extending light rail to Kanata: getting ready now for the next phase of LRT

June 8, 2016

News Release

Ottawa – Today, Mayor Jim Watson, alongside Karen McCrimmon, MP for Kanata- Carleton and local Ward Councillors Allan Hubley (Kanata South), Marianne Wilkinson (Kanata North), Eli El-Chantiry (West Carleton-March), Mark Taylor (Bay) and Shad Qadri (Stittsville), announced that the City of Ottawa will begin the planning work that is needed to extend light rail transit (LRT) from Bayshore to Kanata.

City of Ottawa staff will be preparing the first stage of the Environmental Assessment for Bayshore Station to Palladium Drive over the summer, so that the Statement of Work will be ready for Transportation Committee this September.

“After the North-South LRT project was cancelled a decade ago, many residents thought they wouldn’t see LRT in their lifetime. But, since that time, successive Councils have made light rail transit the City’s number one priority – and we have made sure that our federal and provincial partners know that Ottawa is ready for rail,” said Mayor Jim Watson.

Mayor Watson added: “With the close co-operation of all three levels of government, the Confederation Line will be finished in 2018. Exactly one year ago today, on June 8, 2015, City Council approved the Stage 2 light rail transit Environmental Assessment – and on Friday, June 3, 2016, based on that EA, the Province of Ontario committed more than $1 billion to the residents of Ottawa to make Stage 2 a reality for 2023. Now, we are going to make sure we are ready for the next phase of light rail in Ottawa – taking the train from Bayshore to Kanata.”

“The Government of Ontario has demonstrated its commitment to new investments in public transit across the province. As someone who helped bring Ottawa’s first light rail system, the O-Train (now known as the Trillium Line) into service, I am especially proud that my colleagues and I are partners in expanding light rail farther west, east and south so that 70 per cent of Ottawa’s population will live within 5 kilometres of a 50-kilometre LRT system. I am pleased to see that our municipal government wants to keep the momentum going to Kanata,” said The Honourable Bob Chiarelli, MPP Ottawa West- Nepean. 8

“Kanata’s high-tech industry is a major economic hub in this region,” noted Karen McCrimmon, MP for Kanata-Carleton. “I am committed to working alongside Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Ottawa City Council to ensure the success of the Bayshore Station to Palladium Drive Environmental Assessment, so that the west end of this city – and the communities nearby – have the infrastructure needed to sustain the innovation culture we are known for when the next round of transit funding becomes available.”

Document 2 – Kanata LRT Planning and EA Study (Bayshore Station to Palladium Drive) – Statement of Work

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The City of Ottawa is the proponent of a Planning and Environmental Assessment (EA) to study the proposed Kanata Light Rail Transit (LRT) from Bayshore Station to Palladium Drive. This project is identified in the Ultimate Network of the Rapid Transit and Transit Priority Network of the City’s 2013 Transportation Master Plan (TMP). The Statement of Work describes the City’s intentions with respect to the study methodology, public consultation and deliverables.

This study is subject to the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act and the Transit Project Assessment Process (Ontario Regulation 231/08) will be applied.

2.0 PLANNING CONTEXT

Figure 1: Kanata LRT Study Area 10

Key considerations for the Kanata LRT Planning and EA Study include the following:

 Coordination with the current Confederation Line West LRT Extension Planning and EA study (Tunney’s Pasture to Bayshore and Baseline Station);

 Coordination with the West Transitway Extension (Bayshore Station to Moodie Drive) detailed design currently underway;

 Station locations will be integrated with existing communities, planned uses, and will promote transit-oriented development;

 Review the need for and location of a maintenance and storage facility to support the Kanata LRT;

 A separate multi-use pathway within or adjacent to the LRT facility as per the Official Plan;

 Access or linkages to existing and planned pedestrian, cycling, and multi-use pathway facilities;

 Development of the project’s capital and operating costs; and,

 Provide preliminary construction phasing.

3.0 PROJECT SCOPE AND MAJOR TASKS

3.1 Study Area

The study area (Figure 1) extends westerly from Bayshore Station and comprises the area surrounding Highway 417 to Huntmar Road, wherein it further travels south to Palladium Drive. The study area ensures a reasonable range of alternatives can be developed and assessed. However, some tasks will require examination of a broader area beyond these limits to address environmental impacts, operational issues, a potential location for a maintenance and storage facility, and to co-ordinate with relevant on-going studies and projects.

3.2 Timing

The study is expected to be completed within approximately 24 months.

3.3 Co-ordination with Other Studies

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

 Coordination with the current Confederation Line West LRT Extension Planning and EA study (Tunney’s Pasture to Bayshore and Baseline Station);

 Coordination with the West Transitway Extension (Bayshore Station to Moodie Drive) detailed design currently underway and in operation by late 2017;

 Kanata North Transitway – Highway 417/March-Eagleson Interchange to North of Maxwell Bridge Road Environmental Project Report (2013);

 West Transitway Connection – Terry Fox Drive to Fernbank Road Environmental Project Report (2012);

 West Urban Community Transit Integration Study and Environmental Assessment (1996);

 Current development applications and associated studies (i.e. transportation impact studies);

 Joint Study to Assess Cumulative Effects of Transportation Infrastructure on the National Capital Greenbelt; and,

 Employment Lands Study.

4.0 PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

4.1 Need and Justification

In order to expedite sustainable transportation solutions, Ontario’s new EA Regulation 231/08 for transit allows the City to rely on relevant past analyses such as the 2013 TMP to justify public transit projects. Accordingly, only a general high level review reaffirming the need and justification within the context of the 2013 TMP and Official Plan will be required.

4.2 Environmental Inventory/Existing Conditions

An inventory of the existing social, economic, physical and natural environments within the study area will be compiled. This inventory will consider all available background material and where necessary, will be supplemented through on-site surveys and/or detailed studies. The inventory must be of sufficient detail to enable the analysis of all alternatives considered in this study.

In general, the inventory will identify and describe those aspects of the environment that could potentially affect, or be affected by, the undertaking. Some of the specific aspects of the environment associated with this project include:

 Adjacent private property and neighbouring communities;

 Effects on green spaces and natural areas;

 Current and future cycling and recreational pathway corridors/routes

 Existing built infrastructure;

 Current storm water drainage patterns;

 Subsurface (geotechnical) conditions;

 Heritage and archaeological conditions;

 Utilities including water, sanitary, hydro, gas, cable, phone, fibre optic, etc; and,

 Noise and vibration.

The complete inventory will be clearly described and documented within the Environmental Inventory/Existing Conditions Interim Report and the Environmental Project Report (EPR).

4.3 Develop Alternative Alignments and Designs

The Study will identify and examine a reasonable range of alternative solutions for the Kanata LRT as well as a maintenance and storage facility if needed. Detailed alignment and cross-section design alternatives, including station locations and layouts will be identified based on a consideration of all constraints within the study area, input from the Study Team, National Capital Commission (NCC), Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), key stakeholders, Consultation Groups, the public and government agencies, 13 and accepted LRT guidelines, standards, and practices. All proposed designs will include associated modifications to existing road crossings and connections as required.

The various alternative designs will consider:

 Station integration opportunities;

 Station locations and layouts;

 Maintenance and storage facility;

 Landscaping and urban design features;

 Geotechnical considerations;

 Grade separations and structural general arrangements;

 Power and electrical supply;

 Utility location and relocations;

 Stormwater management;

 Noise and vibration;

 Safety and security;

 Operation considerations; and,

 Constructability and staging.

Additional field investigations, surveys, test pits and boreholes as necessary to document the scope and potential impact of the design alternatives will be undertaken. Alignment alternatives will consider horizontal plan and vertical profiles.

4.4 Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Process

The evaluation criteria and methodology will be developed. The inventory of existing conditions will define the scope of impacts on the environment that will need to be examined to determine the preferred solution.

4.5 Impact Assessment of Integrated Solutions

The potential effects of each alternative solution on the environment will be thoroughly evaluated. Mitigation measures and associated implications, such as cost of mitigation, are to be identified and considered in the evaluation process. The study will clearly identify the initial effects of each alternative solution as well as the net post-mitigation effects and enhancement opportunities using quantifiable indicators and measures wherever possible. To ensure that all effects are appropriately evaluated, the following issues will be addressed:

 Transportation Service:

o Transit travel times and variability;

o Transit ridership;

o Pedestrian and cycling network, environment, security and accessibility to stations;

o Existing built infrastructure; and,

o Utilities.

 Natural Environment:

o Green space and urban natural environment;

o Groundwater and surface storm water drainage; and,

o Contaminated lands.

 Social Environment:

o Urban design including landscape, streetscape plans and station design;

o Adjacent land uses, including access and loading activities;

o Air quality;

o Noise and vibration levels;

o Safety and security; and,

o Heritage and archaeological matters. 15

 Economic Environment:

o Capital and operating costs.

4.6 Recommended Plan

Following the evaluation of alternative solutions and after determining all necessary mitigation measures to minimize the adverse impacts of the project, a recommended plan will be developed. This plan will then be developed to a sufficient level of detail as required to produce a functional design that is adequate for submissions for project approval and to establish a complete project scope, budget, and implementation schedule.

This Recommended Plan will include but is not limited to:

 A detailed written description of the undertaking including the design parameters;

 Functional design drawings (1:500 scale, plan and profile) for the preferred alignment with geo-referenced horizontal alignment; vertical profile; grading; drainage; and property envelope;

 Cross-section drawings for typical sections as well as critical areas;

 Landscape and urban design plans;

 Storm water management requirements;

 Property needs/acquisition plan;

 Implementation/staging plan and preliminary detour plan during construction;

 Signal and communication infrastructure requirements;

 Electrical power supply infrastructure requirements;

 Infrastructure implementation/staging plan such as municipal servicing, utility co-ordination, rehabilitation of roads, etc;

 Potential mitigation measures with a commitment to compliance monitoring during project implementation; and,

 Project baseline budget in approved work breakdown structure (WBS) format. 16

The Recommended Plan, including mitigation measures, will clearly identify and set out the requirements and timing for all subsequent approvals required to proceed with construction of the project. This plan will be presented to Transportation Committee and Council for approval.

5. PROJECT DELIVERABLES

The deliverables for the study include:

 Draft and Final Ontario Environmental Project Report (EPR);

 Environmental Inventory/Existing Conditions Report;

 Recommended Plan of the Kanata LRT;

 Project capital and operating cost estimate, including baseline budget, in Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) format;

 Noise, Vibration and Air Quality Report;

 Geotechnical Report;

 Consultation Summary Report;

 Written and graphical content for all public notices related to the study;

 Open House and Consultation Group presentation display and information materials, handouts, signage, etc;

 Project Web Page information;

 Functional design drawings (1:500 scale) of the recommended plan, including plans and profiles for recommended alignments, station layouts and elevation drawings, structure general arrangement drawings, utility relocation details, storm water management plans, landscape design plans, supporting infrastructure and property requirement plans; and,

 Project Implementation/Staging Plan, which will identify all future approval requirements including those for property acquisitions and easements and other property related matters.

5.1 Environmental Project Report

An Environmental Project Report (EPR) will be prepared and completed within the legislated timeframe for transit EAs. A Draft and Final EPR will be prepared to document the entire study process including consultation, the recommended design and any appropriate mitigation plans, amending procedure, costing, implementation and staging plan, and commitments to future action, including external approvals known to be required.

The final EPR, incorporating all pertinent comments, will be prepared and placed on public record for a minimum 30-day review period.

5.2 Costing

Developing an accurate project baseline budget is an essential component of this study as it will contribute to the City’s short and long range capital budget forecasting and development charges strategy. The project budget will also form the basis for funding discussions with senior levels of government. The baseline budget will be developed using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) format in current dollars, and include contingency allowances, as well as detouring during construction costs. The baseline budget will also follow the City’s Council approved Project Delivery Review process.

Project costing is a fundamental criterion in the evaluation of alternatives and will be a key consideration in the analysis of staging considerations and to establish implementation strategies.

6.0 CONSULTATION

Consultation will involve stakeholders, City Advisory Committees, community groups, property owners, businesses, approval agencies, First Nations, and special interest groups. Early in the study process, stakeholders will be identified through consultation with Ward Councillors.

The consultation strategy will consist of meetings with key stakeholders through an Agency Consultation Group (ACG), Business Consultation Group (BCG), Public Consultation Group (PCG), and the general public through Open Houses. A minimum of three meetings with each Consultation Group will be held during the course of the study. The membership, roles and responsibilities of each Consultation Group will be defined prior to meetings taking place. Specific aspects of the consultation program are summarized below. 18

6.1 Agency Consultation Group

An Agency Consultation Group (ACG) will be formed to address the full range of technical issues and to comment on all of the special studies required to fully assess the various alternatives. The ACG will also ensure that the City is following the procedures, legislation and addressing appropriate policies. Members will include representatives primarily from government agencies and approval bodies.

The ACG will meet at key stages throughout the study. Direct one-on-one consultation with other Agency groups may be necessary as specific issues arise during the course of the study.

6.2 Business Consultation Group

A Business Consultation Group (BCG) will be formed to enable business owners and private sector property owners to inform and provide input to the study, advising and commenting on local economic and business issues and concerns. Membership of this group will be determined in consultation with the west-end Ward Councillors.

6.3 Public Consultation Group

A Public Consultation Group (PCG) will be formed to enable community/special interest groups and adjacent property owners to provide direct input to the study, advising and commenting on local issues and concerns. Membership of this group will be determined in consultation with the west-end Ward Councillors.

6.4 First Nations

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

6.5 Notifications

The public will be notified of the EA Study commencement, all Public Open Houses (POHs), and the submission of the EPR for Ministry approval. Notifications will be sent out at appropriate stages in the Study, and each announcement will take the following forms: 19

 Advertisements in local community newspapers (EMC, Le Droit); and,

 The project web site on the City’s web portal.

Additional notifications will be undertaken, as required, in accordance with provincial EA regulations.

6.6 Public Open Houses

A minimum of two Open Houses will be held to present and obtain feedback.

The first Open House will present:

 Existing conditions;

 LRT alignment options;

 Maintenance and storage facility location options;

 Evaluation criteria and results of the evaluation process; and,

 Preliminary technically preferred plan.

The second Open House will present:

 Alternative design concepts;

 Refinements to the technically preferred plan;

 Recommended plan;

 Potential staging of implementation; and,

 Costs.

Bilingual staff will be present during all Open House meetings and all material presented at these meetings will be in both official languages.

6.7 Project Master Mailing List

A Master Mailing List for the project will be established and updated throughout the course of the project. The Mailing List will be updated via Open House attendance, general enquires, e-mails and other forms of consultation. 20

6.8 Project Web Page

A Project Information Web Page will be established for this Study on the City’s external web portal. The purpose of the Web Page will be to inform the public of the progress and interim findings of the study and upcoming meetings or activities, and to provide a point of access for public consultation and feedback. The web information will conform to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

To assist in providing information to the public, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) will be prepared to provide answers to common questions raised during the study. The FAQ document will be established early in the study process and will be updated regularly. It will also be posted on the web site.

6.9 Transportation Committee and Council Meetings

The final study recommendations will be presented to Transportation Committee and Council for approval.