2001/04/09 MEETING
Monday, April 9, 2001
From 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B
1)
Approval of the 2001 02 05 Community Services Committee Minutes
2)
DEP UTA TION:
3)
a)
b)
e)
REPORTS:
MW-2001-42 - O'Neil Street - Traffic Review Update Report
MW-2001-45 - Hiring of a Transportation Planning Technologist
Development Section
MW-2001-46 - AM-39-2000- Zoning By-Law Amendment
Legalization of a Four-Unit Dwelling (N. McKinnon)
MW-2001-48 - Niagara Peninsula Transportation Needs Assessment
Study Update
MW-2001-49 Consultant Selectisn Policy
Staff Contact:
Ed Dujlovic
Ed Dujlovic
Ed Dujlovic
Ed Dujlovic
Ed Dujlovic
4)
S)
INFORMATION ITEMS:
Memo - PCB Destruction
IN-CAMERA ITEMS:
CS-2001-03
Ed Dujlovic
6)
NEW BUSINESS:
7)
ADJOURNMENT:
MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, February 5, 2001, CITY HALL, ROOM 2 AT 4:30 P.M.
PREFENT:
Chairperson Victor Pietrangelo, Mayor Wayne Thomson,
Alderman Gary Hendershot, Alderman Judy Orr, Alderman
Wayne Campbell, Alderman Klm Craitor, Alderman Shirley Fisher,
Alderman Art Federow, Alderman Janice Wing, Alderman
Carolynn Ioannoni, Alderman Norm Puttick, Alderman Selina
Volpatti
AB/ENT:
Alderman Ken Feren, Tony Ravenda, Woody Wagg
STAFF:
Ed Lustig, Ed Dujlovic, Adele Kon, Ken Burden, Lee Smith, Doug
Darbyson, Ray Kallio, Tom Mussari, Marianne Tikky (Steno)
PRE/J:
Mr. Corey Larocque - Niagara Falls Review, Rob McGregor - CHRE
1) MINUTEf
IT WAS MOVED BY Alderman Craitor, seconded by Alderman Ioannoni that
the minutes of the November 20, 2000 Community Services Committee Meeting
be approved with an amendment referring to Report item 2(a) - Alderman Fisher
advised Council that the minutes should read, "the reconstruction of Weaver
Road and Reixinger Road," not to Reixinger Road.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 02 05
2) REPORT./
a) BBS-2001-04 - Proposed Fee Increase Sign By-law
It was moved by Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Craitor that the fees for
sign permits be increased to $65.00 minimum fee and $1.50 per square foot after the first
25 square feet and that Sign By-law No. 6661, 1964 be amended accordingly.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 02 05
b)
R-2001-03 - Additional Information on Heating & Cooling System -
Fralick's Tavern
Community Services Committee
2001-02-05
2
It was moved by Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Craitor that Council
approves the attached report R-2001-02.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 02 05
c)
MW-2001-14 - Regional Contract RN 0044 - Montrose Road Reconstruction,
City's Share of Project
Alderman Craitor advised Council that he spoke to Ed Dujlovic earlier in the day
and had three concerns regarding the above report. 1) Is some type of lighting
being installed at Chorozy Street and Preakness? 2) With the widening to four
lanes had the Region look at any traffic calming measures? 3) Has the Region or
Ministry of Transportation (MTO) looked at the intersection of Highway 420 and
Montrose Road?
Alderman Puttick addressed Staff inquiring whether the Region had looked at
any traffic calming measures without adding additional cost to the project.
Ed Dujlovic advised Council that the Region had a consultant investigating the
intersection of Highway 420 and Montrose Road. Staff would investigate the
lighting and traffic calming measures being taken by the Region.
It was moved by Mayor Thomson, seconded by Alderman Fisher that the City of
Niagara Falls confirms to the Region, the City's share of the funding for this project,
estimated at a cost of $1,121,810.00.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 02 05
d)
MW-2001-13 - Waste Collection Contract - Enhanced Level of Service
Alderman Campbell requested clarification from Staff on the wording in the
above report, sections a, b, and c.
Alderman Craitor requested Staff clarify that the $1.5 million is requested by the
contractor not the Region and the $0.5 million increase is to have the contractor
keep the same level of service the residents are currently being provided.
Alderman Craitor further questioned if the rates for waste collection will
increase.
Community Services Committee
2001-02-05
3
Mayor Thomson advised Council that we have a two-year contract with the
Region and we need the enhanced services especially in the tourist sector during
the height of tourism.
Alderman Pietrangelo questioned Staff if Council wishes to improve enhanced
services in 2002 would we pay the same tendered amount as quoted. Alderman
Pietrangelo requested further clarification on the container size that residents
may place curbside.
Ed Dujlovic advised Council that they have the option of refusing the enhanced
service, therefore, saving $0.5 million, but these services are currently being
provided to the residents of Niagara Falls. The number of containers does not
mean garbage bags. A standard trash barrel could contain 1 tA - 2 bags of
garbage and be considered one container.
Mayor Thomson advised Council that as of April 2001 the City's trash limit
would be reduced to three containers per household. Trash tags may be
purchased at any local convenience store for additional trash pickup.
It was moved by Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Hendershot that
Committee approves the recommended enhanced levels of service as indicated in the
report.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 02 05
e) MW-2001-09 - Waste Management User Fee
Alderman Volpatti addressed Council that, "when is a user fee not a user fee but
a tax." If you compare Residential and Commercial sectors you may or may not
be a user. Just looking at residential, does eVery resident have an alternative, if
not, than the user fee is mandatory and should be considered a tax.
Alderman Volpatti questioned Staff if a user fee could be implemented legally
and she would like to see the 2001 Budget as a whole before making a decision.
Ed Dujlovic advised Council that we have the right to implement a user fee for
services rendered. If you go with a tax rate than it would be across the board
and the properties which received a credit in past years would now be charged
for a service they do not receive.
Community Services Committee
2001-02-05
4
Ed Lustig advised Council that the Budget as a whole would be presented at the
next Council meeting. Mr. Lustig further advised Council that the Regional
government took over waste management in 1997. The Region charges the City
of Niagara Falls for collection and disposal. The closure of the Mountain Road
landfill site means Niagara Falls has to pay the Region to put its garbage in other
landfills around Niagara. The bottom line is there is a charge here of $4.5 million
and it's not going to go away. Despite the cost, having the Region run waste
disposal, is advantageous to the City.
Alderman Volpatti would like Staff to investigate the cost involved in the City
carrying out garbage collection.
Mayor Thomson reminded Council of the past history of the Mountain Road
Landfill and advised Alderman Volpatti that for Niagara Falls to reproduce a
landfill site would take 10-15 years and millions of dollars. All past discussions
have lead Council up to this current situation. Alderman Volpatti asked, "how
much would it cost to handle the garbage collection ourselves"; the reason waste
collection has stayed within acceptable parameters is due to the fact we
contracted out the service.
Ed Lustig advised Alderman Volpatti on the issue of taking back waste collection
and having the Municipality handle it would be highly unlikely. The Niagara
Region was the only Region that had area Municipalities handle waste. Call it a
tax or user fee the Municipalities cost to dispose of waste is a costly issue.
Mayor Thomson advised Council that the City has limited choices and someone
has to pay. We can use a Regional Tax Levy as other Municipalities or a User
Fee. Mayor Thomson reminded Council that the City is also trying to keep the
industrial sector in the City and that by implementing a user fee the City would
not be charging those businesses that take care of their waste on their own.
Alderman Craitor advised Council to impose a 0% tax increase would result in
funds being drawn from other areas of the City. No matter how you look at this
situation, by saying no to a user fee other areas of the City will suffer.
Ed Dujlovic advised Council that the user fee works out to approximately $2.00 a
week for waste collection including the enhanced services.
Alderman Ioannoni advised Council that residents know that a tax increase or
user fee is coming and most residents would see an increase as an investment
Community Services Committee
2001-02-05
into their City.
Alderman Puttick advised Council that in the past residents petitioned to dose
the landfill. To open a new one would result in polling the residents of Niagara
Falls and no one is going to want the landfill in their back yard.
Alderman Campbell advised Council that Alderman Volpatti's suggestion of
purchasing trucks and hiring more staff would still result in the costly issue of
where do we dispose of the waste as we have no landfill.
It was moved by Alderman Hendershot, seconded by Alderman Ioannoni that the City
implement a user pay system for waste management.
Alderman Volpatti's motion to defer was defeated.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 02 05
NEW BUSINESS
· Alderman Orr questioned Staff if we are consolidating our purchasing power by
budding up with other Municipalities.
Ed Dujlovic advised Council there is a Regional Purchasing Committee that all
Municipalities go through as a collective tender.
John MacDonald advised Council that the City has a fairly extensive list of items
purchased through the Regional Purchasing Committee and this list continues to
grow as new items are brought to the table.
Alderman Orr requested Staff provide her with a list of items being purchased
through the Regional Purchasing Committee.
Alderman Volpatti advised Staff that the condition of Portage Road between
Church's Lane and Mountainside Road is in disrepair and would like Staff to
investigate and report back.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned moved by Alderman Fisher, seconded by Alderman Wing at
5:30 p.m.
Community Services Department
Municipal Works
Inter-Departmental Memorandum
Niagara Foils
To:
Members of Council
April 2, 2001
From:
Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng.
Director of Municipal Works
Extension 4220
Subject: PCB Destruction
As some members of Council may be aware, the City has been storing PCB contaminated street light
ballast at the Stanley Avenue Service Centre. These ballast were gathered as part of the program to
convert the street lights from incandescent lamps to energy saving high pressure sodium lights.
Although we are several years away from when we have to have the PCB's destroyed, Staff felt it
prudent to have them destroyed now both from a cost point of view and the on going liability of
storing them.
As Staffbegan to inquire as to the cost to carry out the work, we were informed that there would be
a significant price increase come April 1, 2001 to have the materials destroyed at the plant located
in Alberta. Accordingly, Staff proceeded to obtain three quotes to carry out the work with the last
submission being made on Thursday, March 29, 2001. The quotes received were approximately
$45,000, $63,000, & $70,000, all of the quotes indicated that if the purchase order were to be
received after April 1, 2001 the prices would have to be adjusted upwards by approximately 15%.
Although it is City policy to bring quotes of this amount forward to Council for approval, Staff
decided it was best to proceed with the ward of the quote and advise Council afterwards in order to
avoid the increased costs. The low tender for the work is Hotz Environmental who currently carry
out the monthly household hazardous waste days for the Region.
Should Council have any further questions regarding the above please contact the undersigned at
your convenience.
Wor[dnl~ To0et~er to Seroe Oar Comm~.n. it~
The City of ~i~
Community Services Department
Municipal Works
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www. city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Ed Dujiovic, P. Eng.
Director
MW-200142
File G-180-1
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-maih munwks@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
April 9, 2001
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairman
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
RE: MW-2001-42
O'Neil Street - Traffic Review Update Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that this report be received for the information of Council.
BACKGROUND:
In 1996, an all-way stop control was installed at the request of area residents to alleviate a
speeding problem on O'Neil Street in the vicinity of Marlborough Place. Subsequently, a
petition was received for the removal of the stop signs on O'Neil Street in 1999. Prior to the
removal of the stop signs, the Community Services Committee requested staff to undertake a
neighbourhood traffic study on O'Neil Street. The following is a status of the neighbourhood
traffic study.
A public meeting was held at A.N. Myer Secondary School on Wednesday, November 29, 2000.
At the public meeting, residents had the oppommity to view various Neighbourhood Traffic
Management options available in reducing speeds on O'Neil Street and discussing the viability of
each option with staff and political representatives. A small percentage of residents attended the
meeting and, as a result, staff subsequently delivered an information package to each of the
homeowners and business owners on O'Neil Street. The package included the same information
that was provided at the public meeting; a questionnaire to be returned with comments and the
residents preferred alternative in addressing their neighbourhood traffic concerns.
Of the 93 property owners on O'Neil Street, only 23 responses (25%) were received. The
majority of these respondents preferred that no changes be made on O'Neil Street. Therefore,
based on the low response to the questionnaire, no modifications are being suggested to be
carried out at this time.
April 9, 2001 -2- MW-2001-42
Council's concurrence with the recommendation outlined in this report would be appreciated.
Prepared by:
Karl Dren, C.E.T.
Manager of Traffic & Parking Services
Edward P. Lustig
Chief Administrative'Officer
Recommc~led by:
Director of Municipal Works
/~proved by:
/,/' Executive Director of Co'tnmunity
Services
J. G-rubich/M.Carrick
S :\TRAFFIC'aREPORTSk2001 k2001 CouncilLMW2001-42.wpd
The CiN of
Niagara Falls
Canada
Community Services Department
Municipal Works
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-23~
Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng.
Director
MW-2001-45
April 9, 2001
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re:
MW-2001-45 - Hiring of a Transportation
Planning Technologist - Development Section
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City consider hiring a full-time Transportation Planning Technologist for
the reasons outlined in this report.
BACKGROUND:
Development section staff has completed a review of the numerous development applications
received over the past year and has identified a trend which requires immediate consideration.
While the water distribution, storm drainage and sanitary sewer collection systems have proactive
strategies in place to accommodate new growth and redevelopment, staff has not been able to
properly anticipate the demand these projects are having on our road network.
As a consequence, staffis losing opportunities to get issues such as adequate parking, road widenings
and off-site improvements addressed through the planning process.
Development section staff, with the assistance fxom the staffin the Traffic and Parking Services, has
to-date, done an admirable job in dealing with site specific impacts and their solutions, but it has
become very clear that a longer term vision is necessary so that timely improvements to the roadway
infrastructure are planned, built and monitored for performance.
In the past, the City has relied on the developer's traffic engineers to develop impact statements and
provide recommendations for any on-site or off-site improvements. Unfortunately, outside
consultants may not be in the best position to determine what is best for the municipality (especially
when trying to minimize the costs for their clients).
Municipal Works
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building and By-Laws
2001-04-09 -2 - MW-2001-45
The best solution would be to hire a transportation planning technologist who could impartially and
fairly represent the City's interest in its review of development applications.
In addition to the technical assistance provided during the review of new applications, duties could
include:
· the development of transportation models which could be used to plan for capital
improvements, signal warrants and additional signage
· development of transportation policies which would be incorporated into the
Transportation Master Plan, the Official Plan and other planning studies
· preparation of development standards and guidelines dealing with transportation
issues
· providing technical background with respect to parking rates, trip distribution data,
traffic calming, road widenings, on-site circulation and access points
· preparing in-house functional designs at intersections and key nodes in the road
network
· representation on Committees dealing with the Mid-Peninsula Corridor, People
Mover System, QEW improvements, international crossings and Regional road
transfers
Notwithstanding the benefits that a person with this training and experience could provide to this
municipality, the development community would also benefit from having access to a single source
of updated traffic data or even avoided costs and delays of having to prepare their own traffic impact
studies.
As you are aware, the five-year capital forecast is primarily driven by development-related
(and development-funded) projects and it is critical that the City considers this request now so that
it will be in a position to deal with traffic issues more effectively.
Council's consideration of this recommendation is appreciated.
Prepared by: ~'
GeoffH01man
Manager of Development
Approved by:
Donald
eCutive Director of Community Services
Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng.
Director of Municipal Works
Rest~¢tfully Submitted. ~y:
Edward P. Lustig
Chief Administrative ()ffleer/
The City of
Niagara Falls
Canada
Community Services Department
Municipal Works
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www. city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng.
Director
MW-2001-46
April 9, 2001
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
MW-2001-46
AM-39-2000 - Zoning By-law Amendment
Legalization of Four-Unit Dwelling (N. McKinnon)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that this information report be received.
BACKGROUND:
On December 11, 2000, the City Council considered and approved report PD-2000-137 which
amended the zoning by-law to legalize the existing use of the dwelling as four residential units. This
approval was subject to the following condition.
"The applicant is required to pay for the construction of future sidewalks along Church's Lane and
Stanley Avenue, provide the proper number of parking spaces and dedicate the required road
widening strips and daylighting triangle to the appropriate authorities throughout the Site Plan
Approval Process."
The applicant has indicated objection to the condition, of having to pay for the construction of
sidewalks along the frontage and tankage of the property. A copy of the applicant's letter dated
February 7, 2001 has been attached for your convenience. (See attachment)
Developmem Section staff has considered the applicant's request but feel that the staff
recommendation is justified based on the following reasons;
i)
The City's Official Plan and Site Plan Control Policies authorize the City to require
deficient components of the municipal infrastructure to be addressed and rectified
through the site plan process.
Municipal Works
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building and By-Laws
2001-04-09 -2 - MW-2001-46
ii)
The existing sidewalk along Church's Lane and Stanley Avenue is continuous
EXCEPT for the sections that front the subject property (see attachment "B").
iii)
Stanley Avenue (NR 102) and Church's Lane function as Arterial and Major
Collector Roads respectively which warrant consideration for sidewalks for
pedestrian safety reasons.
iv)
The two single family lots fronting Church's Lane were once part of the subject lot
and severed from the parcel in 1976 (B585/76 and B586/76). At that time the owners
of the day were required, as a condition of the severance, to pay for the cost of
constructing a sidewalk across the frontage of the severed portion.
v)
There are no other oppommities to fund the extension of these sidewalks without
relying on property tax revenues, reserves or a Local Improvement Act application.
The estimated cost of constructing the required 69 metres of sidewalk is approximately $5,097.00.
Given the circumstances, the condition of approval requiring this applicant to pay for sidewalks in
this area is consistent with our current policies and past practice. Council may wish to allow the
required payment to be made on an installment basis as a compromise at its discretion.
I trust that this information will be helpful in your consideration of the applicant's request.
Manager of Development
Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng.
Director of Municipal Works
Approved by:
John MacDonald
Executive Director of Community Services
Respectfully Submitted by:
February 7, 2001
N~ney McKinnon
P.O. Box 593
2907 Stanley Avenue
Niagara Falls, Onta~i,'?
L2E 6~
lit. E. C. W~
City Clerk
P.O. Box 1023
4310 Queen Street
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2E 6X5
Re: ~A/~.-~9~2t~00 Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Legalize Four-unit Dwelling
Dear Mr. Wagg:
I attended a council meeting, on December 11, 2000. The meeting was very short (five
minutes). Zoning was approved to legalize four-unit dwelling, but there was no mention
of me having to pay for the construction of sidewalks. I am in no £mancial position to
pay for sidewalks. I have been without sidewalks for the past 17 years. This is a
regional road, and there are very little sidewalks on this street, and it does not have
pedestrian traffic, mostly truck traffic. If this issue had been brought to my attention at
the council meeting, I would have discussed it at that time. Since I am new to the
procedures, and it was my £~rst time at a zoning request, I see now how this happened.
I am requesting that you consider my situation, location of my building, and advise me.
Sincerely,
' N~~c~Kinnon
Cc John Barnsley
RECEIVED
FEB 0 9 2001
NING
DEVELOPMENT
The City of
Niagara Falls
Canada
Community Services Department
Municipal Works
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagarafalls,on.ca
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 3..-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.~- 2354
Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng.
Director
MW-200t-48
April 9, 2001
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re.'
MW-2001-48 - Niagara Peninsula
Transportation Needs Assessment Study Update
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that Committee receive and file this report.
BACKGROUND:
Recently Council expressed concerns with respect to the proposed Mid Peninsula Corridor and the
potential impact that it may have on the City of Niagara Falls. Firstly, there is no study underway
that specifically deals with the Mid Peninsula Corridor, but there is a study being undertaken by the
Ministry of Transportation entitled, "Niagara Peninsula Transportation Needs Assessment Study."
The objective of the study is to determine the need for transportation improvements in the Niagara
Peninsula. The first phase of the project has been to look at the socio-economic factors that
influence growth in transportation in the Niagara Region. An update that was presented to the
Public Works Committee of the Region on February 20, 2001 is attached for Committee's review.
As indicated in the update, the background information has been complied which among other things
included the identification of transportation constraints and oppommities inthe study area. Included
in the long list of issues and oppommities to be reviewed are new road corridors, expansion of the
existing highways such as the QEW and Highways 420 & 406, improvements to public
transportation such as VIA Rail or the introduction of a Commuter Rail Service, Niagara River
Crossings, Welland Canal Crossings, QEW Bridges, Escarpment Crossings and any other
oppommities that may present themselves during the assessment phase. All of these issues will be
reviewed and tested in order to determine the best transportation strategy to serve the needs of the
Niagara Peninsula. The final stage of the study will look at alternative implementation strategies
including a financial and partnership analysis.
Municipal Works
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building and By-Laws
2001-04-09 -2 - MW-200148
Based on the above information it is still premature for any discussion on the construction of the Mid
Peninsula Corridor until the study has been completed. Accordingly, staff will continue to monitor
the situation and report back to Committee when further information is available.
Committee's concurrence with the above recommendation would be appreciated.
Prepared.by:
Director of Municipal Works
Approved by:
~mmunity Services
Respectfully Submitted by:
Edward P. Lustig
Chief Administrative
S:~,.EPORTS~2001 Repo~ts~M~t-2001..48 bFmg~nt Perdnsula Needs Assessment.wpd
NIAGARA
PWP 19-2001
February 20, 2001
THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA
REPORT TO:
SUBJECT:
Chair and Members of the
Public Works and Utilities Committee
Niagara Peninsula Transportation
Needs Assessment Study Update
RECOMMENDATION(S)
That this Committee recommends to Regional Council:
That this report be received and further;
That a copy of this report be forwarded to all area municipalities.
PURPOSE
To provide Committee, Council and the area municipalities with an update on the
activities associated with the Transportation Needs Assessment Study and to
summarize the consultants' preliminary findings related to the Socio-Economic
component of this project.
BACKGROUND
As reported in PWP 54-2000, the objective of the Transportation Needs Assessment
Study is to establish the need for transportation improvements in the Niagara Peninsula.
The first phase of this project has been to look at the socio-economic factors that
influence the growth in transportation demand in the Niagara Corridor. On December 5,
2000, the consulting team presented their preliminary findings to the Advisory
Committee. Because the findings have a potential impact on a number of strategic
initiatives in the Region an overview of that work will be presented to the special
intergovernmental forum scheduled for March 7m, 2001.
PWP 19-2001
February 20, 2001
Page 2
REPORT
The consultant identified the following three socio-economic factors
potential to significantly influence traffic growth in the Corridor:
· Goods Movement and International Trade
· Tourism
· Land Use and Demographics
as having
the
Goods Movement and Intemational Trade
The analysis looks at the factors that will influence the groWth of goods movement
through Niagara and the potential to attract industries, related to that flow of goods, to
locate in Niagara. The analyses confirms the importance of the Niagara border
crossing, looks at the types of goods crossing the border, the destination of those
goods, the modes that carry goods and the factors that are fueling the growth of trade.
There was also an analysis of the factors that influence the choice of location by
industries and the importance of transportation and infrastructure in making those
decisions.
There are a number of preliminary findings based on the analyses:
· The Toronto golden horseshoe is well positioned to compete in the North
American market.
· There has been considerable growth in trade since NAFTA and this growth
should continue even if there is a slow down in the American economy.
· .Trade has been and will continue to grow faster than the Gross National
Product, accounting for a larger share of the overall economy.
·Approximately $51B worth of goods cross at the Niagara border every year.
·65% of the value of goods crossing at Niagara are by truck.
· Rail accounts for 31% of goods crossing_at Niagara, this is twice the average
(17% by rail for all trade between U.S. and Canada)
· 80% of trade crossing at Niagara is with Amedcan northeast, with
approximately 10% with each of the southeast and the west.
· Automotive and related industries account for a significant part of the existing
trade.
· ' Ontario is also well positioned in a number of areas with large growth
potential including: aerospace, plastics, computers, electronics,
biotechnology, health industries, information and communications services, e-
commerce, shared service centers, and call centers.
PWP 19-2001
February 20, 2001
Page 4
Even with increased population and employment growth, the designated
employment lands in Niagara are likely large enough to accommodate the increased
growth.
Overall Findings
The following are the conclusions drawn from the December 5, 2000 presentations and
the discussion that ensued.
The analysis shows that traffic growth in the east west corridor is related to
intemationa! trade and shows a new corridor could serve federal and provincial
economic interests.
Attracting new industry to the Niagara area will depend on more than just a new
road. The analysis identifies a number of other factors affecting location decisions
that could be addressed by Niagara.
Tourism growth depends on transportation and infrastructure improvements as well
as retaining unique features and qualities such as fruit lands wine industry,
agricultural nature of the Region, quality of life factors, etc.
· Higher than expected population and employment growth could occur if Niagara
implements an improved transportation infrastructure system.
· The employment lands already designated in the Policy Plan and Official Plans
should be sufficient to accommodate the additional growth.
Based on the preceding overview, the output from the socio-economic analyses will be
compiled as one component of the study. This will be used as the basis of developing
alternative development scenarios and forecasts of travel in the corridor. The need for
transportation improvements will be determined based on these forecasts.
Study Progress
The study is on schedule and is still expected to have a draft report available by the
summer of 2001. To date the consultants have: · Reviewed all previous studies,
· Conducted the socio-economic base studies,
· Developed a travel forecast model for the study area,
· Compiled information on development alternatives,
· Identified transportation constraints and opportunities in the study area,
· Consulted with key stakeholders, and
· Developed an assessment and evaluation framework.
The City of
Niagara Falls~
Canada
Community Services Department
Municipal Works
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-mail: bdarrall(~city, niagarafalls.on.ca
Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng.
Director
MW-2001-49
April 9, 2001
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re:
MW-2001-49
Consultant Selection Policy
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the limit for direct appointment under the Consultant Selection Policy be
increased to $60,000.
BACKGROUND:
On May 9, 1994, Council adopted the Consultant Selection Policy. That policy allowed for the
direct appointment of consultants for work with a total fee of no more than $50,000. In the
opinion of staff, this policy has worked well, allowing staff to respond more quickly to the needs
and direction of Council. Further, by keeping a Consultant database, Staffcan compare
Consultant's areas of expertise with the requirements of each project, allowing for a better fit.
Since this policy was adopted, the amount of work obtainable has decreased due to inflation and
the increase in engineering fees. Therefore, staff is recommending that the limit of the policy be
increased to $60,000. By increasing the limit, the City will be able to maintain its current levels
and be more in line with the Region of Niagara which has a direct appointment limit of $75,000.
Council's concurrence with the above recommendations would be appreciated.
Darrell Smith, P.Eng.
Manager of Engineering Services
r~pproved by:
~~Reco ded by: uj ovic, P. Eng.
Director of Municipal Works
Respectfully submit~d by:
Chief Administrative Officer
Municipal Works
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