Loading...
AGENDA - Trails and Active Transportation Committee - 20160617AuRoRA TRAILS AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA FRIDUo JUNEllp 2016 10 A.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS AURORA TOWN HALL PUBLIC RELEASE June 10,2016 TOWN OF AURORA TRAILS AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA DATE:Friday,June 17,2016 TIME AND LOCATION:10 a.m.,Council Chambers,Aurora Town Hall 1.DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF 2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA RECOMMENDED: THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services be approved. 3.RECEIPT OF THE MINUTES Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes of pg.1 May 20,2016 RECOMMENDED: THAT the Trails and Active Transportation Committee meeting minutes of May 20, 2016,be received for information. 4.DELEGATIONS 5.MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION 1.Extract from Trails and Active Transportation Committee pg.7 Meeting of May 20,2016 Re:Item 1 –Memorandum from Program Manager,Environmental Initiatives,Re:Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) Update Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Agenda Friday,June 17,2016 Page 2 of 2 RECOMMENDED: THAT the Trails and Active Transportation Committee provide comment to be considered by staff in the preparation of the CEAP update. 6.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 7.NEW BUSINESS 8.ADJOURNMENT TOWN OF AURORA TRAILS AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Date:Friday,May 20,2016 Time and Location:10 a.m.,Council Chambers,Aurora Town Hall Committee Members:Councillor Sandra Humfryes (Chair),Richard Doust (PRAC Representative),Bill Fraser,Laura Lueloff,Nancee Webb (EAC Representative) Member(s)Absent:Councillor Tom Mrakas (Vice Chair),Alison Collins-Mrakas Other Attendees:Jim Tree,Manager,Parks,Lawrence Kuk,Planner,Jamal Massadeh,Traffic/Transportation Analyst,and Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Secretary The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. 1.DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF There were no declarations of pecuniary interest and general nature thereof under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. 2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Moved by Richard Doust Seconded by Bill Fraser THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services be approved. CARRIED Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Agenda Friday,June 17,2016 Minutes Page -1 -1 - Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes Friday,May 20,2016 Page 2 of 6 3.RECEIPT OF THE MINUTES Trails and Active Transportation Meeting Committee Minutes of November 20,2015 Moved by Nancee Webb Seconded by Bill Fraser THAT the Trails and Active Transportation Committee meeting minutes of November 20,2015,be received for information. CARRIED 4.DELEGATIONS General Committee consented,on a two-thirds vote,to waive the requirements of the Procedural By-law to permit the addition of Delegation (b). (a)Christina Nagy-Oh,Program Manager,Environmental Initiatives Re:Item 1 –Memorandum from the Program Manager, Environmental Initiatives;Re:Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP)Update Ms.Nagy-Oh presented background and a brief overview of the Corporate Environmental Action Plan.She noted that this five-year Plan is due for an update and the Trails and Active Transportation Committee,as well as the Environmental Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee,were being invited to provide input.Ms.Nagy-Oh highlighted the relevant Plan objectives for the Committee’s consideration and feedback by August 1,2016. Moved by Laura Lueloff Seconded by Nancee Webb THAT the comments of the delegation by Christina Nagy-Oh be received and referred to Item 1. CARRIED (b)Councillor John Abel Re:Trails Master Plan and New Developments Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Agenda Friday,June 17,2016 Minutes Page -2 -2 - Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes Friday,May 20,2016 Page 3 of 6 Councillor Abel advised that,while there are many north-south trails,there is a shortage of east-west trails in Town.He suggested that there is an opportunity to raise awareness and identify any new areas for development where east-west trails could be accommodated.Councillor Abel noted that the Oak Ridges Trail Association also recognizes an opportunity for the Oak Ridges Moraine and has published information in this respect,and he requested that the Committee be provided with this information. Moved by Bill Fraser Seconded by Nancee Webb THAT the comments of the delegation by Councillor Abel be received for information. CARRIED 5.MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION 1.Memorandum from Program Manager,Environmental Initiatives Re:Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP)Update The Committee agreed to discuss the relevant objectives of the CEAP at the meeting of June 17,2016,toward formulation of the Committee’s comments for consideration in the CEAP update. Moved by Richard Doust Seconded by Bill Fraser THAT the memorandum regarding Corporate Environmental Action Plan Update (CEAP)be received;and THAT the Trails and Active Transportation Committee provide comment to be considered by staff in the preparation of the CEAP update. CARRIED 2.Extract from Council Meeting of April 26,2016 Re:Special Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 31,2016;Re:Item 2 –Parks and Recreation Master Plan Implementation Schedule Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Agenda Friday,June 17,2016 Minutes Page -3 -3 - Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes Friday,May 20,2016 Page 4 of 6 Staff provided background to Task Number T41 of the Implementation Schedule respecting accessibility and surfacing issues of the trails system. The Committee discussed various aspects and suggested that the Town has an opportunity to play a visionary leadership role in providing trail accessibility. Moved by Laura Lueloff Seconded by Richard Doust THAT the Extract from Council Meeting of April 26,2016,regarding Special Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 31,2016; Re:Item 2 –Parks and Recreation Master Plan Implementation Schedule,be received;and THAT the Trails and Active Transportation Committee recommend to Council: THAT staff be directed to review the service levels,costs,and feasibility related to winter maintenance and year-round accessibility of the Town’s trail system;and THAT the Town investigate leadership opportunities in trail accessibility, such as the Ontario government’s Trail Mobile. CARRIED 6.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 3.Verbal Update from Manager,Parks Re:Various Trail Projects Staff provided updates regarding:(1)Metrolinx rail expansion and pedestrian crossings;(2)Highland Gate Developments Inc.and off-road trails;(3)Kwik Kopy Trail;(4)Wildlife Park;and (5)Trails Signage Strategy.The Committee noted that the Aurora Community Arboretum is considering adding signage and staff suggested that there could be coordination between the Town and the Arboretum. Moved by Richard Doust Seconded by Nancee Webb THAT the Verbal Update from Manager,Parks;Re:Various Trail Projects be received for information. CARRIED Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Agenda Friday,June 17,2016 Minutes Page -4 -4 - Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes Friday,May 20,2016 Page 5 of 6 4.Extract from Council Meeting of January 26,2016 Re:Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes of November 20,2015 Staff requested clarification from the Committee respecting accessible bike hubs. The Committee provided input and staff confirmed that bike racks are required in all new developments.The Committee discussed ways in which bike riding could be encouraged and promoted in Town,including designation of a special day and a bike safety clinic. Moved by Laura Lueloff Seconded by Nancee Webb THAT the Extract from Council Meeting of January 26,2016,regarding Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes of November 20,2015, be received for information. CARRIED 7.NEW BUSINESS The Committee suggested that Council work closely with Metrolinx regarding the Cousins Drive pedestrian crossing. New Business Motion No.1 Moved by Richard Doust Seconded by Nancee Webb THAT the Trails and Active Transportation Committee recommend to Council: THAT staff be directed to investigate the possibility of including a Cousins Drive underpass in the Metrolinx rail expansion project;and THAT the balance of the grade-separated crossings along the Metrolinx line in Aurora be endorsed by Council. CARRIED The Committee discussed and suggested that a special day be designated in Aurora to promote bike riding that could include a bike clinic to promote safety and etiquette. Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Agenda Friday,June 17,2016 Minutes Page -5 -5 - Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes Friday,May 20,2016 Page 6 of 6 New Business Motion No.2 Moved by Richard Doust Seconded by Nancee Webb THAT the Trails and Active Transportation Committee recommend to Council: THAT the Trails and Active Transportation Committee organize a “Bike Aurora Day”and a bike clinic to promote bike riding,safety,and etiquette. CARRIED 8.ADJOURNMENT Moved by Laura Lueloff Seconded by Nancee Webb THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:33 a.m. CARRIED COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOT BINDING ON THE TOWN UNLESS OTHERWISE ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT A LATER MEETING. Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Agenda Friday,June 17,2016 Minutes Page -6 -6 - Page 1 of 1 5.MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION 1.Memorandum from Program Manager,Environmental Initiatives Re:Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP)Update The Committee agreed to discuss the relevant objectives of the CEAP at the meeting of June 17,2016,toward formulation of the Committee’s comments for consideration in the CEAP update. Moved by Richard Doust Seconded by Bill Fraser THAT the memorandum regarding Corporate Environmental Action Plan Update (CEAP)be received;and THAT the Trails and Active Transportation Committee provide comment to be considered by staff in the preparation of the CEAP update. CARRIED EXTRACT FROM TRAILS AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF FRIDAY,MAY 20,2016 Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Agenda Friday,June 17,2016 Item 1 Page -1 -7 - TOWN OF AURORA ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR TRAILS AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING Friday,June 17,2016 10 a.m. Council Chambers Delegation (a)Klaus Wehrenberg,Resident pg.1 Re:Rail corridor expansion impacts on Aurora’s trail system Delegation (b)Klaus Wehrenberg,Resident pg.2 Re:Highland Gate Additional Items for Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Friday,June 17,2016 Delegation (a)Page - 1 - 1 - Attachment 1 - Correspondence between Metrolinx and K. Wehrenberg Attachment 1 -2- 2. Formal recognition of all trail crossing locations, and the enabling form of infrastructure, should be part of the study outcomes, with at least all trail underpasses being constructed as part of the double tracking construction project. Metrolinx is familiar with the Aurora Trails Master Plan (dated November 2011) and has met with Town of Aurora staff to discuss the BRCS project, and in particular, existing and future trails. Town staff have noted Council's support to have all trail/pedestrian crossings along the corridor grade separated given the proposed increased service. Metrolinx will continue to work with the Town of Aurora to reach agreement on planning, design and/or construction of this type of infrastructure. As part of the ongoing Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP), the potential impact of the project on existing and proposed trail routes as illustrated in figures 4-3 and 4-4 of the aforementioned Plan will be taken into consideration. A key component of the TPAP is the assessment of the Project on a community's social, environmental and economic well- being, which will be captured in the Sac€o-economic and Land Use Characteristics Report. 3. It is recommended that the conditions that will govern later trail crossing implementations be set out now. There are many existing trail crossings throughout the entire GO Transit network. Metrolinx is aware of the associated construction costs and safety requirements that are necessary to support any new crossings. in this regard, Metrolinx will work cooperatively with municipalities and other trail owner/operators to discuss crossing needs where the benefits of a trail crossing are warranted. 4. All trails related rail crossings will be on property owned or controlled by Metrolinx—It is recommended that the liability issue be dealt with in a transparent manner, during the Environmental Assessment stage, and that Metrolinx carry the necessary insurance. Any type of rail crossing, either at grade or grade separated, is shared by the rail corridor owner (Metrolinx) and road/trail owner (Usually a municipality). As noted above, Metrolinx will continue to work cooperatively with municipalities to reach agreement on planning, design and/or construction of this type of infrastructure. S. The construction of trail related infrastructure should be considered as a necessary consequence of double tracking. The double tracking, apart from the many positive effects, carries with it negative cultural and socio-economic consequences that must be mitigated to the highest degree possible, and must be paid for out of the budget of the project. Metrolinx will continue to work cooperatively with municipalities to reach agreement on planning, design and/or construction of any possible trail related infrastructure. ME The Socio-economic and Land Use Characteristics Study will identify potential socio- economic impacts associated with the Project and recommend applicable mitigation measures to minimize any negative impacts. Part of the preliminary design for the expansion will accommodate and maintain any existing trails connecting to existing GO Stations, where feasible. In some cases, existing trails will be improved accordingly to accommodate the proposed additional tracks. 6. Trail usage is a desirable mode of transportation, of human mobility. That is especially so when the stated goal of the Ontario Government to decarbonize transportation, is taken into consideration. Shifting transportation modes to the non -motorized side wherever at all feasible is the best way to achieve such goal, even more so than switching to public transit. Metrolinx thanks you for your efforts to promote active transportation to help shift transportation behaviours. We promote active transportation and work collaboratively with local transit providers and municipalities to improve access to GO stations by encouraging cycling, walking, car sharing and local transit connections. As part of the BRCE project, a Traffic Impact Study is being prepared which will identify opportunities for improving active transportation along the Barrie rail corridor. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, L Georgina Collymore Senior Advisor, EA Communications and Community Relations Capital Projects Group Dec 15, 2015 Re: Comments, Barrie Rail Corridor Expansion Environmental Assessment Introduction Relative to the above, I have received coloured hard copies of the display material from the Nov 5 Public Meeting #1, in Newmarket, a meeting which I attended. My comments will concentrate on how trails meant for non -motorized recreational and commuter traffic should be accommodated in the planning and construction of double tracking the Barrie Rail Corridor. Planning Context Aurora's rail corridor was established when Aurora was a village, with farming country around it. Neither today's heavy road traffic, nor the current emphasis on opportunities to reduce motorized traffic, were foreseen, and hence not embodied in the planning of the original rail corridor. There were, however, provisions for cattle crossings, via so-called 'cattle crawls', and for waterway crossings, including even smaller streams. So there are underpasses which are utilizable for foot and bicycle traffic, which have largely been ignored as potential traffic infrastructure assets, to this day. Cattle have disappeared from Aurora's open spaces; waterways remain. So do people who would like to be able to cross rail tracks safely. During the early days of Metrolinx, studies were carried out, re mobility and traffic infrastructure needs. The non -motorized traffic, while part of the needs assessment, and most certainly the environmentally most benign mode of traffic, ended up taking a back seat to motorized transit when it came to automobile alternatives. To some degree, bicycle traffic was respected, but only as part of the road infrastructure. In the more recent past, off -road trail traffic has entered the mobility' picture, for commuting purposes, but just barely. In Aurora, the recognition of trails formally dates back to 1985, when a 'Trails Network Plan' was introduced to Council, and was accepted in principle. The main purposes of that 1985 Plan were to link Aurora's natural environment into the active fabric of life of Aurora; to increase opportunities for walking and cycling trails; and to increase safety for walkers and cyclists, by separating the motorized and non - motorized traffic. Those purposes and the conceptual trail route map of that Plan were later incorporated into the Official Plan of Aurora. In 2011, Aurora Council adopted an Aurora Trails Master Plan (ATMP), which was rooted in the 1985 Trails Network Plan. In the meantime, the Provincial Government has launched major initiatives relative to trails, and to reducing reliance on the automobile, including an Ontario Trails Strategy (2010), and major expansions of transit infrastructure, such as the Barrie Corridor double tracking. However, a lack of recognition of trails as commuter traffic arteries remains, in spite of such trails representing a very low-cost infrastructure asset from the perspectives of mobility resilience and of public health, and as a facilitator for shifting traffic away from roads. Trails and the Rail Infrastructure Expansion The impending widening of the rail corridor offers an opportunity to improve on the trails network of Aurora. The Trails Master Plan, Aurora's blueprint for where rail track crossings are needed, provides for seven crossings of trails, all off -road. One of these crossings is where a cattle crawl exists, but has been filled in (NW of end of Ridge Rd W, east of curve of McClellan Way). Another crossing is where a level crossing once did exist, but is currently being blocked with chain link fencing (Cousins Drive). The ATMP calls for a grade separated crossing in this location, along with a tandem underpass across the road that parallels the tracks, Industrial Parkway South. A third grade separated crossing is marked north of St John's Sideroad, through the stream underpass, to allow a very direct commuter connection to/from Newmarket. The above three underpasses will require lengthening of the basically existing crossings, to be functional after double tracking has been installed. The other four crossings set out in the ATMP are in various locations, with two of them of grade separated nature. Of those four the one between Wellington St and St John's Sdrd is of highest priority, as no crossings exist in a 1.9 km stretch, and commuting time could be substantially reduced, with a trail crossing in place. To best sort out the pros and cons, and priorities, of all trail crossings called for in the Aurora Trails Master Plan, it is recommended that there be an inclusion of trail crossings in the System -Wide Grade Separation Analysis which appears to be focused on only road (= motorized traffic) crossings, or there should be a separate analysis for trail crossings, for all of the Barrie corridor. Formal recognition of all trail crossing locations, and the enabling form of infrastructure, should be part of the study outcomes, with at least all trail underpasses being constructed as part of the double tracking construction project. In order for off -road trails to become a major component of commuter traffic, the trails infrastructure must be built before any shift to non- motorized modes can be expected. Such infrastructure must be inviting. In Aurora, when it comes to trails - off -road foot and bicycle traffic crossing the rail tracks - that has not yet become reality. As of now, the three basically 2 km stretches of non- crossable rail tracks, between regional roads, divide Aurora to a degree that just about no east -west active transportation is taking place. This is the time to change that scenario, at relatively low cost, with tremendous potential for payoff. The task at hand, double tracking, will involve track construction that will make it possible to change the current deplorable situation. Now construction costs will be of an incremental nature, as opposed to having to face stand-alone costs. Later, when it will perhaps become politically more expedient or even compelling to provide for trail crossing infrastructure, costs will indeed be of a stand-alone nature, and any construction activity will greatly inconvenience the planned frequent train passages. Future Rail Crossings It is recommended that the conditions that will govern later trail crossing implementations be set out now. That way, not only will it become clear now what is entailed in delaying the relevant infrastructure until later, but the consequences of delays will be very evident - the hurdles, the inconveniences, and the additional costs that will have to be faced. Liability All trails related rail crossings will be on property owned or controlled by Metrolinx. As far as liability for what happens within the level or grade separated crossings, that will be Metrolinx's. In other words, insurance related to the crossings must be carried by Metrolinx, or whoever operates the tracks. In the past, there were unresolved disagreements relative to a potential level, controlled crossing at Cousins Drive, for active transportation uses. That scenario resulted in the absolute closing of the crossing, which had been used by non -motorized traffic participants, without incident, for decades. It is recommended that the liability issue be dealt with in a transparent manner, during the Environmental Assessment stage, and that Metrolinx carry the necessary insurance. Costs for Trail Crossing Infrastructure The construction of trail related infrastructure should be considered as a necessary consequence of double tracking. The double tracking, apart from the many positive effects, carries with it negative cultural and socio- economic consequences that must be mitigated to the highest degree possible, and must be paid for out of the budget of the project. Trail usage is a desirable mode of transportation, of human mobility. That is especially so when the stated goal of the Ontario Government to decarbonize transportation, is taken into consideration. Shifting transportation modes to the non -motorized side wherever at all feasible, is the best way to achieve such goal, even more so than switching to public transit. In order to facilitate the shift, the alternate transportation infrastructure must be made very enticing, even enjoyable. A minimal component of enticing infrastructure for commuters is that commuting must be via routes that are as direct as possible, which is what does not exist now, in Aurora. Moreover, to reach public transit, the provision of a comprehensive trails network could, to some good degree, eliminate the need to commute to transit hubs by car, especially if trails are placed with transit access in mind. In Aurora, progress has been made in this respect, but much needs to follow. The Trails Master Plan with its long term horizon is a key instrument for achieving such objective. But co-operation from Metrolinx is needed, when it comes to trail infrastructure within the rail corridors. With wholehearted support from Metrolinx, who have not only been charged with bringing progressive approaches to the table, but have considerable seed funding as well as technical and administrative capacity at their disposal, Aurora can become an urban mobility model for not only the Greater Toronto Area, but for Ontario. Few other communities in Ontario, if not anywhere, offer such extensive networks of existing and formally planned trails, and of road and rail based transit, to offer anywhere near the opportunity to decarbonize transportation. This scenario should be considered favourably when it comes to funding any rail corridor related infrastructure for trail crossings. Aurora's Trails Master Plan has laid the groundwork. It should be noted that in Aurora, in the very near future, commuter trail underpasses under a Regional Road, Leslie Street, are going to be constructed, as part of the widening of the Regional Road. These underpasses will be considered as part of the hard services, in the category of roads. Funding for the underpasses will be 50 % by the Region, and 50% by Aurora funds (45% out of hard' services development charges, and 5% out of soft service development charges). The development charges are being paid for by the developers whose future adjacent residential and employment oriented developments are located on the west and east sides of Leslie Street, respectively, and were the reason the underpasses were eventually included in the road widening project - to connect people to jobs. Inclusion of the underpass construction during the widening of Leslie Street was found to considerably reduce estimated construction costs of such trail infrastructure, due to only incremental construction costs being incurred. The principles of trails underpasses representing hard services, and their construction as add-ons during a major road widening project, also hold true for the double tracking project for the Barrie Rail Corridor. The above sets out my trails related comments which I ask you to respect during the Environmental Assessment stage of the project. A single track is already a barrier, and dividing the Town. With dual tracks that separation will worsen. Apart from reducing noise complaints (related to whistle blowing at all level crossings), grade separated trail crossings will ensure safe and un- interrupted commuting for the non -motorized cycling and pedestrian traffic, as well as for the rail traffic. Klaus Wehrenbe Aurora, Ont PS: Relevant to my comments: I have been ongoingly involved in community planning and trails advocacy since the late 60's; have been co-founder of the Oak Ridges Trail Association; and am proud that my one -person NGO achievements have been recognized by having an Aurora trail named after me, in 2005. Additional Items for Trails and Active Transportation Committee Meeting Friday,June 17,2016 Delegation (b)Page -1 -2 -