2008/02/11 COMMITTEE SERVICES COMMITTEE AGENDA
Third MEETING
Monday, February 11, 2008
4:00 p.m.
City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B
1) Approval of the January 28, 2008 Community Services Minutes.
2) PRESENTATION: STAFF CONTACT:
a) PD-2008-15
Appeal of Intention to Designate All Saints Anglican Church
5680 Robinson Street
(It is expected that representatives from the Dioceses and former
parishioners will be in attendance.} Alex Herlovitch
b) MW-2008-09
Morrison Street -Victoria Avenue to Stanley Avenue
Detour Routing and Heavy Vehicle Restriction Geoff Holman
c) MW-2008-12
Ontario Municipal Infrastructure Investment
Initiative (MITI) Application for Funding
Resolution Drummond Road Reconstruction
Lundy's Lane to Murray Street Geoff Holman
d) TS-2008-06
Fallsview Tourist Area Traffic Count Comparison Karl Dren
e) MW-2008-14
Niagara Convention and Civic Centre Ed Dujlovic
3) NEW BUSINESS:
4) ADJOURNMENT:
IN-CAMERA SESSION
a) Resolution to go into Closed Meeting.
MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, January 28, 2008, CITY HALL, ROOM 2 AT 6:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Acting Chair Vince Kerrio Mayor Ted Salci, Councillors:, Jim Diodati,
Bart Maves, Wayne Thomson, Janice Wing and Shirley Fisher
ABSENT: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, John
MacDonald
STAFF: Ed Dujlovic, Ken Burden, Ken Beaman, Denyse Morrissey, Lee Smith,
Alex Herlovitch, Dean lorfida, Geoff Holman, Karl Dren, Todd Harrison,
Marianne Tikky- Secretary
GUEST: Rebecca ludiciani -Crawford, Smith & Swallow, Erin Patrick Hickey -
Willoughby Manor
PRESS: Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review, Rob Lapensee, Niagara This
Week
It was ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wing and seconded by Mayor Salci, that
Councillor Vince Kerrio be appointed Acting Chair in Councillor loannoni's absence.
MINUTES
It was ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Fisher and seconded by Mayor Salci, that
the January 14, 2008 minutes be approved.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2008/01/28
REPORTS
a) F-2008-06
Audited Financial Statements -Niagara Falls Transit Commission
It was ORDERED on the motion of Mayor Salci and seconded by Councillor
Fisher, that
1. The report be received and filed.
2. That Councillor Bart Maves act as a liaison between staff and
out of town bus operators to promote transit services.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2008/01/28
b) MW-2008-03
2008 New Sidewalk Program
It was ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Fisher and seconded by Councillor
Maves, that the report be received and filed.
-2-
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2008/01/28
c) MW-2008-05
Winter Maintenance Update -January 2008
It was ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Thomson and seconded by Mayor
Salci, that
1. Council approve the updated Winter Maintenance Policy Plan (Jan. 2008)
2. That the sidewalk on Bridgewater from Willoughby Manor to Cummington
Square be plowed.
3. That the sidewalk on Carlton Street between Lundy's Lane and Culp
Street and Corwin Crescent to Ash Street be plowed.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2008/01/28
ADJOURNMENT
It was ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Maves and seconded by Councillor Wing
that the regular meeting of the Community Services Committee be adjourned at 7:05
p.m.
Motion: Carried
February 11, 2008 PD-2008-15
Nia ara ails
CANAD
Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: PD-2008-15
Appeal of Intention to Designate
All Saints Anglican Church
5680 Robinson Street
RECOMMENDATION:
1. That Committee recommend, for ratification in open Council, that the settlement
proposed by the Diocese of Niagara be accepted.
2. That staff be directed to draft minutes of settlement, a new Notice of Intent to
Designate and by-law to designate.
BACKGROUND:
Chronology
• April 16, 2007: a communication from former parishioners of All Saints Anglican
Church is on the Council Agenda. The communication requests that All Saints
Anglican Church be designated as per the Ontario Heritage Act. Staff's
recommendation, as per usual practice, is to refer the matter to the Municipal
Heritage Committee for comment and to staff for a report back. Despite the
recommendation, Council passes a motion that the property be designated under
the Ontario Heritage Act and that staff expedite the designation process for external
and internal features. The discussion at the time is that anyone opposed to
designation could avail themselves of the appeal process through the Conservation
Review Board (CRB).
• April 21, 2007: as per the Act, a Notice of Intention to Designate was published in
the Niagara Falls Review and sent to the property owner, the Diocese of Niagara.
• May 2007: the Diocese appeals the Intention to Designate to the CRB.
_ Community Services Department
Planning & Development
Working Together to Serve Our Community
r
~ .i. i • •1 • .
February 11, 2008 - 2 - PD-2008-15
• Throughout 2007: Staff meets on a number of occasions with representatives of
the Diocese and the group of former parishioners to try to obtain a mutually
agreeable solution to the appeal. The Diocese, as noted in the attached letter, has
compromised by agreeing to the designation of the property, and listing the building
exterior and portions of the interior including the altar area, as well as elements
such as the pulpit, font and roof timbers as significant features within the
designation by-law. The only remaining point of contention is the pews.
• January 9, 2008: Staff and the lawyer for the Diocese participated in apre-hearing
tele-conference with the CRB. This conference was to set out the issues related to
the appeal and to determine if a settlement could be reached. The CRB indicates
that only the property is subject to designation, however, certain attributes can be
highlighted for preservation. With both parties agreeing to all outstanding items, the
only remaining issue is whether to highlight the pews as an attribute. Unfortunately,
there appears to be no agreement on the pews, which would necessitate a full
hearing before the CRB.
Positions Regarding the Pews
Diocese: Wants to remove the pews but are willing to retain a few to be possibly located
on the perimeter. By listing the pews as an attribute, the Diocese feels that their ability for
the adaptive re-use of the church will be severely compromised. Maintaining all of the
pews in their existing placement and configuration will make the church a "museum" piece.
Preservation of the pews will not lead to the Diocese resuming traditional Sunday services
at All Saints. Their former parishioners have dispersed to other churches.
Former Parishioners: are only willing to have some of the pews being removed at this
time and want them retained in their current configuration and placement. The pews are
thought to be original (1863}. It should be noted that this is a group of former parishioners.
At meetings attended by staff there was about a half a dozen individuals present.
From a planning perspective, it is desirable to have heritage properties actively reused.
In this way, these properties can be enjoyed and be maintained into the future. The
proposal by the Diocese allows the heritage character of the property to be conserved and
will allow for an adaptive re-use of the church. It is the opinion of staff that the pews are
not integral to heritage character of the church and removal to allow for an adaptive re-use
will not compromise the building. Designation of a historical property should not sterilize
the property to the point where it cannot evolve in its use. Also, the Diocese has
demonstrated a willingness to compromise by consenting to the designation and allowing
various other attributes to be highlighted.
What Are Council's Options
Once again, the issue rests with the preservation of the pews. If Council feels that the
Diocese has gone a long way toward compromising and should have some flexibility on the
pews, then staff, in association with the Diocese's lawyer will draft minutes of settlement
and they will be submitted to the CRB. Anew notice of Intent to Designate will be
advertised. In light of the pews not being a listed attribute, the former parishioners will now
have an opportunity to appeal designation.
February 11, 2008 - 3 - PD-2008-15
If Council feels that the pews are integral to the designation, then staff will have to notify
the CRB to set a hearing date. If so, the City Solicitorwill have to defend Council's position
on the designation. Expert testimony will be needed to substantiate the original intent to
designate the whole of the interior. Staff investigated the hiring of a heritage consultant
to defend this position at the hearing. A quote from a heritage planner has been submitted
estimating the cost of approximately $2,800.00 to undertake additional background work
and to attend the hearing on behalf of the City.
CONCLUSION:
Staff assisted negotiations regarding All Saints Church has lead to a compromise in which
both parties should take some comfort. The former parishioners will receive the
designation of the property that they sought. In addition, a number of interior property
elements like the altar area, the pulpit, font and roof timbers will be preserved and
recognized as historical attributes. The Diocese of Niagara will be able to facilitate the
adaptive reuse of the Church, in a manner that will be sensitive to the building's esteemed
history but enable the evolution of the type of mission work witnessed in many other
churches in the 21St Century.
By accepting the proposal set out by the Diocese, City Council would achieve virtually all
of the intent of its original motion, possibly avoid a costly hearing at the taxpayers' expense
and facilitate the adaptive reuse of the building, which is currently laying fallow.
Recommended b ~~~~6r~~-
Y
Alex Herlovitch, Director of Planning & Development
Approved by:
Ed o ic, cutive Director of Community Services
Respectfully submitted: ~ ~ -
~ .
Joh acDonald, Chief Administrative Officer
J. Barnsley/D. lorfida: mb
Attach.
V:12008COUNCIL\0802111PD-2008-15, Version 2.wpd
SCdfgl9d
a FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP OF NIAOARA
ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
July 11, 2007
Mr. John Barnsley
Manager of Policy Planning, City of Niagara Falls
4310 (~u.cen Street, Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Dear Mr Barnsley:
Thank you for your letter of July 4~ concerning our appeal of the blanket heritage
designation on the former All Sainte Anglican Church on Robinson Street.
I write now to confirm that the Diocese of Niagara has no objection to the heritage
designation being applied to the exterior of the church and to the cemetery, however,
we again insist that a full designation of the interior would seriously undermine our
ability to offer relevant ministry in that community today,
We can live with the designation being applied to the area behind the rood screen
where the altar is located and to the rood screen itself, to the roof trusses and to the
pulpit and font but we are not in favour of extending the designation to all of the pews.
'f~Ve could see retaining a few of the pews which might be moved into other locations
within the Havoc but would not be permanently attached to the floor in the present
mode.
I hope that this letter provides you with the kind of clarity that you need. I look
forward to healing how your meeting goes with Mr Ainslie.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours truly
The Venerable Marion Vincett
E~ecud"e R E~ E I V E D
/ad
1e JUL 1 ~ 2D0T
cc: Peggy Boy
PLANNING
& DEVELOPMENT
The Right Reverend Ralph D. Spence
Cathedral Place; 252 James St. N., Hamilton, Ontario L8R 2L3
Tel: (905) 527- l 316 Fax: (905) 527-1281
Email: adatri@niagara.anglican.ca
February 11, 2008 MW-2008-09
Nia ara ails
cA~ ~nA
Councillor Carolynn loannoni -Chair
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2008-09
Morrison Street -Victoria Avenue to Stanley Avenue
Detour Routing and Heavy Vehicle Restriction
Construction Project: 2007-185-08 MaplelThirdlHamilton
Storm Sewer Separation
RECOMMENDATION:
1) That Morrison Street between Victoria Avenue and Stanley Avenue be the
designated detour route for the duration of the construction, and,
2) That the existing "Heavy Vehicle" restriction currently in place on Morrison Street
between Victoria Avenue and Stanley Avenue be eliminated during the closure of
Bridge Street.
BACKGROUND:
Morrison Street between Victoria Avenue and Stanley Avenue is currently restricted to
"heavy vehicle" traffic due to the residential nature of the road. Instead, heavy vehicles
are encouraged to use Bridge Street.
Bridge Street will be under construction for the separation of storm sewers as part of the
Maple Street separation project and will necessitate the closure of the road between
Victoria Avenue and Fourth Avenue for a duration of approximately four weeks to allow the
placement of underground services. This closure will force all vehicles, including heavy
vehicles, to find an alternate route.
.Upon reviewing potential detour routes, the most feasible detour route was determined to
be Morrison Street. A route using Hwy 420 was considered, in addition to a route using
Stanley Avenue to Whirlpool Road and Niagara Parkway. Other alternate routes such as
the Niagara River Parkway and the QEW would require more extensive signage plans and
truck traffic on the Niagara ..River Parkway is prohibited.
F
Working Together to Serve Our Community Community Services Department
Municipal Works
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February 11, 2008 - 2 - MW-2008-09
Therefore, in order to allow for heavy vehicle access between Victoria Avenue and Stanley
Avenue, it is necessary to eliminate the heavy vehicle restriction on Morrison Street for the
duration of the construction. Homeowners on the road will be notified via a hand delivered
notice, in addition to a newspaper advertisement identifying the detour route.
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Recommended by:
Geoff Holman irector of Munici al Works
p
Approved by:
Ed Dujlovic, Ex ive Director of Community Services
Respectfully submitted:
J MacDonald, Chief A inistrative Officer
F. Tassone
S:IREPORTS12008 ReportslMW-2008-09- Detour Route for Maple Street .wpd
February 11, 2008 MW-2008-12
Nia ara ails
His Worship Mayor Ted Salci
and Members of the Municipal Council
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2008-12
Ontario Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative (MITI}
Application For Funding Resolution
Drummond Road Reconstruction - Lundy's Lane to McLeod Road
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Drummond Road (Lundy's Lane-McLeod Road) Reconstruction Project be
submitted forfunding underthe Ontario Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative (MIII)
and that the related by-law on the Council agenda be approved.
BACKGROUND:
The Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative (MIII) is a $300 million one-time grant
funding program that will support investments in local infrastructure priorities in Ontario
communities. The program objective is to direct funding to support the construction and
renewal of municipally-owned infrastructure assets.
The deadline for the submission of applications is S:OOpm (EST) on Friday, February 15,
2008. Each application must be accompanied with a Council approved By-Law (which has
been prepared for Council's consideration and included in the Council Agenda}.Only one
project will be considered from each eligible municipality
The eligibility requirements for this funding program are quite broad in terms of the type of
infrastructure project. However, they must comply with the following criteria;
• Must be "Construction-Ready" (i.e., approvals in place but not already under
construction).
• Municipally-owned infrastructure (excluding public transit).
• Capital projects (excluding feasibility studies, EA's, vehicles and equipment).
• Provide economic or commercial benefit.
• Environmental or sustainability benefits.
• Health and Safety benefits...
• Social or community benefits.
• Align with Provincial policy objectives
• Project hel.~s #,o implement aCouncil-adopted plan or strategy.
WoYking TogetheY to SeYVe OuY Commu'tity Community Services Department
Municipal Works
i~ _ _
February 11, 2008 _2_ MW-2008-12
The criteria to be used by the Province will be as follows;
Projects will be selected forfunding through a competitive, merit-based evaluation process.
The evaluation will be based on the information provided in the application form. The
evaluation will be conducted in two stages.
The first stage of the valuation is a compliance review to determine if the application meets
the basic eligibility requirements of the MIII. The compliance review will be based on:
• Submission of a complete application
• Project is eligible for funding, as defined in these program guidelines
• Project has not already started construction
• Submission of a council or board by-law in support of the application
All applications deemed compliant afterthe first stage reviewwill be considered candidates
for funding and will be evaluated further. Non-compliant applications will not be given
further consideration.
The second stage of the evaluation process will be used to determine the applications that
will receive funding under the MIII. The criteria that will be used in the second stage of the
evaluation process are as follows:
• Construction readiness
• Alignment with provincial policy objectives
• Benefits of the project to the community, region and province, including:
- Economic or commercial benefits, including benefits to economically depressed
areas of Ontario
- Environmental or sustainability benefits
- Health and safetybenefits _
-Social and community benefits
• Demonstration that the project helps to implement acouncil-adopted plan or
strategy
• Regional distribution of projects around the province.
Particular consideration will be given to projects that have not previously received any
provincial government funding. Grants will not be awarded for costs which have already
been funded under a prior provincial program.
The review of applications will be coordinated by staff in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure
Renewal. A comprehensive group of other provincial ministries with relevant expertise will
also be involved in the review of applications.
Staff has considered a number of candidate projects particularly those which have tax-
based sources of funding and those projects which may require funding from debentures.
A summary showing how each project compares to the eligibility criteria is attached foryour
reference.
Drummond Road (Lundy's Lane-McLeod Road) Reconstruction Project
This project has a number of attributes that satisfy the eligibility criteria and by advancing
the construction schedule will help the City address some chronic transportation and
servicing problems.
February 11, 2008 _3_ MW-2008-12
The Drummond Road Class Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed in February
2007 and recommended the reconstruction of the roadway to atwo-lane cross-section with
bike lanes, sidewalks and turning lanes at Churchill, Dunn, Barker, Culp and Murray
streets. Other improvements on Lundy's Lane recommended in this study are currently
being reviewed by the Region of Niagara for construction within the next couple of years.
This section of Drummond Road also has a large diameter-combined sewer that serves
as a sewage and storm drainage outlet for many of the side streets. The separation of
storm drainage from the sanitary sewage by installing separate sewers will significantly
reduce the occurrence of basement flooding in the area and combined sewer overflows
(CSO's) into the natural environment at three locations downstream. Staff has received
notice that the Region of Niagara has approved a contribution of $410,000 under their
CSO-MAP Program in 2008 for this project. Other health and public safety benefits will be
gained by the replacement of the existing local watermain which is one of the oldest in the
City.
This project is located, in part, near the Battleground of the War of 1812, and the
completion of these works will prepare the site in advance of the two-hundredth
anniversary festivities of this famous battle which had historical implications for the
development of our country. This project will also enhance access and provide economic
benefits to the adjacent commercial districts.
In May 2007, Council authorized DelCan Corporation Engineering Consultants to
commence the detailed design for the section of Drummond Road between Lundy's Lane
and Murray Street. This allowed Niagara Falls Hydro to complete an overhead power line
relocation which will be completed this Spring. The remaining engineering work can be
completed over the next couple of months with construction commencing later this
Summer.
This project was originally planned to start in 2010 and funded over three years however
by taking advantage of the MI II Grant the project can be constructed and funded by 2009.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Proiect Costs
Road Works $1,740,000
Storm Sewer $ 750,000
Watermain $1,100,000
Eng. (Mist) $ 240,000
Sanitary $ 450,000
TOTAL $4,280,000
Funding Sources
Capital Holding $2,620,000
CSO-MAP (Region) $ 410,000
Development Charges $ 50,000
Ontario Mlll Program $1,200,000
TOTAL $4,280,000
February 11, 2008 _4_ MW-2008-12
Prepared by:
Geoff Holman, irector of Municipal Works
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Approved by: '
Ed Dujlovic, Executive Director of Community Services
Res ectfull submitted: ~
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Jo MacDonald, Chief Administrative fficer
R.Volpini
S:IREPORTS12008 ReportslMW-2008-12- MIII Application for Funding Resolution-Drummond Rd Recon..wpd
S:IREPORTS12008 ReportslMW-2008-12-MIII Application for Funding Resolution-Drummond Rd Recon..wpd
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February 11, 2008 TS-2008-06
Nia ara aII
.g ~~z~s
Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: TS-2008-06
Fallsview Tourist Area
Traffic Count Comparison
RECOMMENDATION:
That no further action be taken.
BACKGROUND:
Further to a motion executed at Council's January 22, 2007 meeting, Staff has conducted
a traffic volume comparison in the Fallsview Tourist Area related to the reconfiguration of
the Main Street/Stanley Avenue intersection. The purpose of this comparison is to assess
the effect that various modifications to the road network have had on the area traffic
patterns.
The Main Street Environmental Assessment study identified several operational and safety
deficiencies at the Stanley Avenue and Main Street intersection including:
• insufficient capacity to handle future growth;
• lack of left turn lanes on Stanley Avenue;
• complexity of operations with six approach legs;
• severe intersection skew angle and sight distance issues;
• mix of signal control for Main Street and stop controls on the Dixon Street
approaches; and,
• an exclusive pedestrian phase was required across the whole intersection. This
meant that all vehicular traffic faced a red signal indication while pedestrians
were afforded their own crossing time diagonally across the intersection.
The resulting intersection design resolved each of these issues.
A series of road improvements were carried out in the general area in conjunction with the
aforementioned intersection reconfiguration. Most of these modifications took place
between 2003 and 2005 to increase the road capacity and improve traffic operations in the
vicinity of Fallsview Casino Resort. The modifications include the reconstruction of
Community Services Department
Transportation Services
Working Together to Serve Our Community
~ • . •1 . •
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February 11, 2008 - 2 - TS-2008-06
Fallsview Boulevard, Stanley Avenue, Murray Street, and Dunn Street. Main Street was
realigned such that it no longer continued as a through road at Stanley Avenue. Instead,
Dixon Street was signalized to form a standard cross intersection as noted earlier.
Furthermore, Murray Street and Dixon Street no longer continue as through roadways,
terminating immediately west of Allendale Avenue. The purpose of these closures was to
divert tourist traffic away from residential subdivisions. The overall reason for the various
road works was to ensure that the road network will support the additional traffic generated
by the Fallsview Casino Resort and future developments, i.e., the Niagara Convention and
Civic Centre in a 20-year horizon period.
At present, each intersection in the Fallsview Tourist district is operating at optimal levels
of service.
For the assessment purposes, 2005 and/or 2006 traffic volume data at four (4)
intersections and ten (10) mid-block locations were compared to that of 1999, which was
the base year analyzed in the Main Street Environment Assessment. The traffic volume
data in each case is represented by the afternoon peak hour volume.
The following results were obtained from the intersection analysis:
Inter- Intersection Name 1999 PM Peak Hour 2005106 PM Peak Hour %Growth
section Intersection Volume Intersection Volume
1 Main Street at Murray 620 478 -23%
Street/Allendale Avenue
2 Stanley Avenue at 1099 1788 63%
Murray Street
3 *Stanley Avenue at Main 1146 1421 24%
Street/Dixon Street
4 Fallsview Boulevard at -717 1047 46%
Main Street/Portage Rd
* The intersection of Stanley Avenue at Main Street/Dixon Street is now configured differently than it was in
1999. Therefore, the signalized intersection of Stanley Avenue at Main Street represents 1999 data, while
the signalized intersection of Stanley Avenue at Dixon Street represents 2006 data.
The results obtained from the intersection analysis indicate that traffic volumes have
increased at most locations. The general growth in intersection traffic volumes throughout
this tourist sector may be attributed to additional roadway capacities and the opening of
the Fallsview Casino Resort. The only location where the traffic volumes have decreased
is at the intersection of Main Street at Murray Street/AllendaleRvenue. The lower recorded
traffic volumes at this intersection may be attributed to the closure of the west approach
of Murray Street and the turn restrictions that are now present at Main Street and Stanley
Avenue intersection.
February 11, 2008 - 3 - TS-2008-06
The following results were obtained from the mid-block analysis. These values are
illustrated in the accompanying study area labeled Diagram #1:
Afternoon Peak Hour Volume
Mid- Change (from 1999 to 2006)
Block Mid-Block Name
North or East South or West
Bound Bound
A Allendale Ave between Dixon St and Murray St +40 -48
B Dixon St between Allendale Ave and Stanley Ave +2 +43
C Main St between Allendale Ave and Symmes St -63 -49
D Main St between Allendale Ave and Stanley Ave -160 +32
E Main St between Dixon St and Fallsview Blvd +52 -17
F Murray St between Allendale Ave and Stanley Ave +78 +72
G Stanley Ave between Robinson St and Murray St +214 +218
H Stanley Ave between Murray St and Main St +254 +153
I Stanley Ave between Main St and Dunn St +113 +122
J Allendale Ave between Murray Stand Robinson St +2fi +5
The results obtained from mid-block analysis indicate that most of the locations have
experienced growth in traffic volumes. Murray Street and Dixon Street, west of Stanley
Avenue, have experienced the most significant increases in vehicular traffic volumes. On
Murray Street, the increase is significant in both directions (88% in westbound, 236% in
eastbound). On Dixon Street a marginal increase of 10% occurred in the eastbound
direction, while an increase of 159% occurred in the westbound direction. This increase
may be directly attributed to the shift in traffic patterns due to the signalization of Dixon
Street and the previously mentioned inability of northbound motorists on Stanley Avenue
to carry out a left turn onto Main Street.
Several mid-block locations have experienced a decrease in traffic volumes, highlighted
by the red values. The most significant decrease in traffic volume occurred on Main Street
between Allendale Avenue and Stanley Avenue. The introduction of the raised median
island on Stanley Avenue has restricted northbound left turn movements onto Main Street
and thus reduced northbound traffic on Main Street by 91 It is however noted that the
northbound and southbound through traffic on Stanley Avenue has increased by 61 % and
31 % respectively.
Northbound motorists on StanleyAvenue are directed to access Main Street by proceeding
north to Murray Street and carrying out a left turn. Decorative directional signs have been
installed facing northbound motorists on Stanley Avenue prior to both Dixon Street and
Murray Street intersections to direct motorists northbound to the Main Street Business
District and southbound to the Lincoln Motor Inn and the Traveller's Restaurant. Motorists
also have the option of turning left onto Dixon Street, which connects one block west to
Allendale Avenue. At this point, motorists have no other option than to proceed north to
the signalized intersection with Main Street and Murray Street. Thus, the directional
signing improvements may have contributed to the increase in traffic volumes for the
February 11, 2008 - 4 - TS-2008-06
westbound direction on Murray Street and on Dixon Street.
The left panel of Diagram #2 illustrates the two predominant patterns of traffic accessing
Main Street before the reconstruction of the Stanley Avenue/Main Street intersection.
Drivers on Main Street could continue through the intersection without having to make a
turn. This is shown by the yellow line. Stanley Avenue motorists would make a left turn
at Main Street, .which was signalized. This is shown by the blue line. After the
reconstruction, both of these movements could no longer be made. Motorists on Main
Street had two feasible options as shown in the right panel of Diagram #2. The first,
motorists may continue through on Dixon Street toward Allendale Avenue and turn right,
continue north toward Main Street/Murray Street and make a slanted left turn. The second
option is to turn right from Dixon Street to Stanley Avenue, continue north to Murray Street
and turn left and proceed toward the Main Street/Allendale Avenue intersection. To
proceed northwest bound, drivers would turn right into the second outlet. The first right
turn would have .drivers continue north on Allendale Avenue.
North and northwest of the Murray Street/Main Street/Allendale Avenue intersection, an
increase in northbound traffic has actually occurred on Allendale Avenue as opposed to
Main Street. In fact, the data comparison analysis identified a 29% decrease in the
northbound vehicular traffic volume on Main Street north of Murray Street. These results
may be attributed to confusion amongst northbound motorists on Allendale Avenue and
westbound motorists on Murray Street approaching Main Street. Given the unconventional
five-legged intersection design, Main Street bound motorists may unintentionally turn onto
Allendale Avenue.
A 20-year analysis of future road operations was carried out. Traffic projections for the
Niagara Civic and Convention Centre, Hilton Hotel expansion, and other hotel proposals
were included in a traffic operations model. The results identified that Stanley Avenue will
be capable of handling the additional traffic. The road expansions that have taken place
are to accommodate future growth demands projected over 20 years, not specifically to
satisfy current traffic patterns.
A subsequent analysis was carried out using the projected future traffic volumes but
assuming the former Stanley Avenue/Main Street configuration intersection would have
been maintained. It was concluded that the former intersection design could not
accommodate the anticipated future growth safely and efficiently. Both the northbound and
southbound movements would operate well above capacity. This would result in long
delays and backups.
The Region of Niagara is not supportive of reopening the intersection of Main Street and
Stanley Avenue to allow full movements, and has no desire to reexamine the intersection
at this time. The Region identified that closing a portion of Main Street was their preferred
option, and that the existing configuration is a compromise between their preference and
the mitigating measures taken to accommodate City and business owner's needs. If there
is an interest to re-evaluate the Environmental Assessment then all costs associated with
the study and construction would be borne entirely by the City. The estimated cost for the
study is approximately $100,000.00 with additional construction costs.
February 11, 2008 - 5 - TS-2008-06
CONCLUSION:
• The Main Street Environmental Assessment was initiated to assess current and
future issues related to traffic capacity and intersection safety due to the
unconventional intersection configurations.
• Changes included the construction of an island on Stanley Avenue prohibiting
northbound left turns onto Main Street, the closure of the west leg of Murray Street,
and the realignment of Main Street at Dixon Street.
• Additional signing has been installed on Stanley Avenue directing motorists to the
Main Street business district, as well as several businesses.
• All intersections in the Fallsview District are currently operating at satisfactory levels
of service.
• The afternoon peak hour traffic volumes have increased for most intersections and
road segments since the opening of the Fallsview Casino & Resort.
• Traffic volume decreases have been noted on Main Street and Allendale Avenue.
• The intersections in the Fallsview District were designed to handle 20-year traffic
projections.
• Future traffic growth could not be handled with the former intersection configuration.
Long queues would form on Stanley Avenue.
• A 20-year analysis of future road operations identified that with traffic from the
Niagara Civic and Convention Centre, Hilton Hotel expansion, and other hotel
proposals, Stanley Avenue will be capable of handling the additional traffic.
• If there is an interest in revisiting the Environmental Assessment, then all costs
associated with the study and construction will be borne entirely by the City.
• The Region of Niagara is not supportive of reopening the Stanley Avenue at Main
Street intersection to allow full movements and has no interest in re-evaluating the
situation at this time.
Z~~
Recommended by:
Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services
Approved by:
Ed D 'lovi xecutive Director of Community Services
Respectfully submitted:
John ; Donald, Chief Administrative Officer
J. Grubich / T.Burshtein
S:1General AdministrationlGA 1.01 Reports12008 Community Services102 Feb 111TS-2008-06 Fallsview Tourist Area Traffic Count Comparison.wpd
From: "Hughes, Brian" <Brian.hughesC~regional.niagara.on.ca>
To: "Marzenna Carrick" <mcarrickC~niagarafalls.ca>
CC: "Cousins, Joe" <joe.cousins C~regional.niagara.on.ca>, "Rizzo, John" <john...
Date: 1/10/2008 11:37 AM
Subject: RE: Re: Main Street
Hi Marzenna
With regard to the intersection of Stanley /Main the Region would not
support opening this intersection up to allow full movement. The
original EA dealing with this intersection was handled by the City. The
recommended solution at this location was not our preferred option,
however we accepted it as it was the City's preferred option and we
believed that it would not negatively affect Stanley Ave traffic.
The Region has no desire to examine this intersection right now. If City
Council is interested in revisiting the EA, then it would have to be
carried out and paid for by the City. We would be glad to participate in
the process with you. You mentioned the previous option regarding
closing a portion of Main St. Our preferred scheme at this intersection
also involved closing Main St.
I hope that this information helps.
Brian
-----Original Message-----
From: Marzenna Carrick [mailto:mcarrick@niagarafalls.ca]
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2008 12:14 PM
To: Hughes, Brian
Subject: Fwd: Re: Main Street
Hi Brian
Will you be able to respond within the next week? I would like to
include comments into a Council report.
thank you
please call me at 905-356-7521 ext. 5204 if you wish to discuss
regards
Marzenna
The Regional Municipality of Niagara Confidentiality Notice
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delete the original and any copy of it from your computer system. Thank you.
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Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2008-14
Niagara Convention and Civic Centre
RECOMMENDATION:
1. That the firm of MHPM Project Managers Inc. be awarded the Project Management
assignment for the construction of the Niagara Convention and Civic Centre.
2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary agreement.
BACKGROUND:
On October 29, 2007, Council approved BDD-2007-05 which authorized staff to prepare
a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the selection of a Project and Program Management
consultant for the construction of a Niagara Convention and Civic Centre (NCCC).
As a result. of the public call for the submission of RFP's for the project, three firms
submitted proposals bythe Friday, January 18t"closing date. Following a committee made
up members of City staff and representatives of NCCC reviewed the proposals and
conducted interviews with two of three firms that were short listed. As a result of the review
of the proposals, the interview process and check of the references provided the
committee unanimously selected MHPM as the preferred proponent for the Project
Management assignment.
The fees for the assignment are $900,000 plus disbursement bringing the total estimated
costs to carry out the Project Management work to approximately $1 million. The funding
for the assignment will be provided from the funds provided by Federal/Provincial
governments and the private sector.
Next Steps
With the selection of a project management firm complete the next step is the preparation
of Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design/build
contractor. Before the RFP can be done a considerable amount of work will have to be
undertaken in order to ensure a proper proposal is received from the design/build
contractor.
Working Together to Serve Qur Community Community Services Department
•
~
February 11, 2008 - 2 - MW-2008-14
With the assistance of the project management firm the City in conjunction with
representatives of NCCC will be issuing RFP's to hire compliance consultants who will
assist in developing the scope of the project that will be included in the RFP document for
the retention of a design build contractor. The compliance consultants will assist in
preparing the facility specifications for such items as structural, civil, auto visual, etc. type
work. Based on the schedule that has been developed the specifications are to be
completed by June 2008 in order to issue the design/build RFP in July 2008. It is
anticipated that the RFP for the design/build contract will be awarded in November 2008
with construction beginning in early 2009 with anticipated completion of January 2011 and
official opening in April 2011.
The above schedule is very aggressive and will require quick turnarounds by the project
management firm, City staff and representatives of NCCC to meet the milestone dates
identified.
Recommended by: `
Ed Dujlovi ecutive Director of Community Services
Respectfully submitted: ~ `
John acDonald, Chief Administrative leer
S:\REPORTS12008 ReportslMW-2008-14 - iagar Convention and Civic Centre Appointment of Project Management.wpd
The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
No.
Moved by
Seconded by
WHEREAS all meetings of Council are to be open to the public; and
WHEREAS the only time a meeting or part of a meeting maybe closed to the public if the subject
matter falls under one of the exceptions under s. 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT on February 11, 2008, Niagara Falls Council will go
into a closed meeting to consider a matter that falls under the subject matter of 239(2)(c) of the
Municipal Act, 2001, a proposed or pending acquisition of land by the municipality.
AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed.
DEAN IORFIDA R. T. (TED) SALCI
CITY CLERK MAYOR