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2009/03/23FOURTH MEETING Monday, March 23, 2009 4:30 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B 1) Approval of the March 9, 2009 Community Services Minutes. 2) REPORTS: STAFF CONTACT: a) TS-2009-11 Karl Dren Transit Strategic Business Plan and Ridership Growth Strategy Phase 4 -Long Term Strategic Plan and Phase 5 - Short Term Business Plan Final Report Presentation by: Chris Prentice, I81 Group Consultants b) TS-2009-20 Karl Dren St. Michael Avenue at Brittany Court St. Michael Avenue at McGarry Drive Intersection Control Review c) TS-2009-18 Karl Dren Main Street Parking Review d) MW-2009-15 Basement Flooding Ed Dujlovic 3) NEW BUSINESS: 4) ADJOURNMENT: a) Resolution to go into Closed Meeting. __ Niagara,~'c~lls MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE Third Meeting Monday, March 9, 2009,'Committee Room 2, 5:00 P.M. PRESENT: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair; Mayor Ted Salci, Councillors: Jim Diodati, Shirley Fisher, Vince Kerrio, Bart Maves, Wayne Thomson Janice Wing and Victor Pietrangelo. STAFF: Ed Dujlovic, Todd Harrison, Geoff Holman, Dean lorfida, Ken Beaman, Lee Smith, Denyse Morrissey, Dave Stuart, Alex Herlovitch, Trent Dark, Karl Dren, Steve Norris, James Sticca and Marianne Tikky -Steno. GUEST: Claudia Rudky - 6992 Oxford Street. PRESS: Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review 1. MINUTES MOVED on the motion of Councillor Kerrio, seconded by Mayor Salci that the minutes of the February 23, 2009 meeting be adopted as recorded. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 9, 2009. 2. REPORTS a) PD-2009-06 Land Supply and Development Phasing Assessment MOVED on the motion of Councillor Wing and seconded by Mayor Salci that the Committee recommend that Council; 1. adopt the evaluation criteria to assess new development in greenfield area's 2. authorize staff to proceed with developing Official Plan policies; and 3. accept the information contained within this report regarding the City's short term land supply. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 9, 2009. -z- b) MW-2009-11 Fruitbelt Parkway, Road and Drainage Improvements Project MOVED on the motion of Mayor Salci and seconded by Councillor Diodati that staff be authorized to commence the Engineering Design Phase of this project and commence cost-sharing negotiations with the benefitting land owners. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 9, 2009. c) MW-2009-10 Street Tree Planting Policy and Procedures, New Subdivision Developments MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson and seconded by Councillor Wing that City Council adopt the new policy and procedures for the planting of street trees in new subdivisions. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 9, 2009. d) TS-2009-15 Supply of Four City Buses -RFP#P44-2008 MOVED on the motion of Councillor Pietrangelo and seconded by Councillor Maves that RFP #P44-2008, for the Supply of four City Buses be awarded to NOVABUS at an upset limit of $1,874,988.00. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 9, 2009. e) R-2009-15 Outdoor Pools, Small Pools and Cost Reductions 2009 Budget MOVED on the motion of Councillor Kerrio and seconded by Councillor Wing; 1. That due to the park redevelopment and site construction schedule, the outdoor pool at Niagara Falls Lions Park be closed for the 2009 season. 2. That the small pool located at Mitchelson Park be closed for the 2009 season. Motion: Carried Opposed: Councillors: Thomson, Fisher, Diodati and Pietrangelo Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 9, 2009. -3- f) TS-2009-01 Oxford Street Parking Review 1. That a "No Stopping, 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, Excluding Holidays" zone be implemented on the north side of Oxford Street between Dorchester Road and Varsity Avenue; and, 2. That a "No Stopping" zone be implemented on the south side of Oxford Street between Dorchester Road and a point 22 metres west of Dorchester Road. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 9. 2009. 4) ADJOURNMENT: MOVED by Councillor Maves seconded by Councillor Diodati that the Committee adjourn to an In-Camera session at 6:45 p.m. Motion: Carried March 23, 2009 .~~~~~ Niagara~alls c:~~ tnn Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: TS-2009-11 Re: TS-2009-11 Transit Strategic Business Plan and Ridership Growth Strategy Phase 4 -Long Term Strategic Plan and Phase 5 -Short Term Business Plan Final Report RECOMMENDATION: 1) That Phase 4 -Long Term Strategic Plan and Phase 5 -Short Term Business Plan of the final report for the Transit Strategic Business Plan and Ridership Growth Strategy be adopted by Council. 2) That the financial recommendations of the Phase 5 -Short Term Business Plan be forwarded for consideration as part of the 2009-2013 Capital Budget deliberations. BACKGROUND: On January 14, 2008, Council approved hiring the IBI Consulting Group to undertake a Transit Strategic Business Plan and Ridership Growth Strategy for the City's newly amalgamated transit operation. Council's Strategic Priorities for the 2007 - 2010 period identified the need to 'develop and implement a comprehensive transportation plan' that addresses transit operations, including interregional transportation requirements in an effortto relieve congestion. The strategywill ensure that an effective, responsive, and sustainable transit system will be provided to the residents of Niagara Falls. The completed strategy has reviewed all aspects of the current operations of Niagara Transit, analyzed growth needs, developed policies to achieve goals and objectives, reviewed infrastructure facilities, source possible Provincial and Federal funding opportunities, and provides a recommendation and implementation plan. The final two phases of the Transit Strategic Business Plan and Ridership Growth Strategy were completed. Working Together to Serve Our Community ~iCOmmunity Services Department 'I. Transportation Services v{ March 23, 2009 TS-2009-11 -2- Over the last 14 months, the study was overseen by the following Project Team: Dave Stuart, Geheral Manager, Transit Ray Desormeaux, Manager of Transit Operations Harry Van Dyke, Manager of Transit Fleet and Facility Monica Chambers, Bus Operator and President of ATU, Local 1582 Rick Frederick. Transit Maintenance Mechanic Karl Dren, Director, Transportation Services Geoff Holman, Director, Municipal Works John Barnsley, Manager of Policy Planning In addition, Councilor Bart Maves, Transit Liaison, provided ongoing consultation throughout the study process. Benefits of an Improved Public Transit Service for the City Support for the City's growth plan by: 7) Attracting and retaining businesses Business growth will be essential to the City's future economic viability and vitality. Enhanced transit service can help attract and retain these businesses by improving accessibility and reducing costs for companies. For example, construction and maintenance costs can be significantly reduced for a business along a transit line if there was no need to construct a parking lot. 2) Attracting and retaining residents An efficient transit system enhances the image of a city to potential new residents, by providing options and choices in how to get around a city. The added option of transit can help families reduce costs and young professionals to avoid the burden of car ownership. 3) Serving new areas Providing quality transit into newly developed areas sooner, rather than later, has proven to increase transit usage in residential and commercial areas. In addition, transit lines will influence how a community develops by encouraging transit-oriented development. Supporting local business and the tourism industry by providing access for residents in the region to work opportunities, particularly for lower wage earners that work in the service industry who may not have access to a private vehicle. Support the tourism industry by providing transit access to key attractions and trip generators. This would make the city more attractive to tourists who do not have access to a car or for those unfamiliar with the city. Mobility options forthe aging population whose demands for a high quality of life will require a level of mobility equal to what they experience today. March 23, 2009 TS-2009.11 -3- Reduction in the cost of living by reducing reliance on the automobile Reduction in pollution (GHG's) resulting in improved air quality Financial support for public transit by a municipality should be viewed as an "investment in the community", in the infrastructure and an ongoing commitment. At the same time, the service is valuable to those using it and it is appropriate that users contribute to the cost providing the service in addition to general support by the community. Local PolicyActions City Council has increasingly recognized the importance and benefit of public transit and has adopted a number of policies in support of transit. These include: - Anti-idling by-law (Green House Gas Reduction) - Sustainable development principles - Transit-supportive planning guidelines - Increased densities and in-fill developments Supported the Provincial policies on development and reduction in auto use as set out in the "Places to Grow" strategy. Staff is also in the process of updating the Transportation Master Plan with an emphasis on alternative modes of transportation (Transportation Demand Management) to lessen dependence on the automobile. NIAGARA TRANSIT TODAY For the past decade, Niagara Transit has tried to be everything to everybody. The past focus has been on minimizing net City costs by pursuing niche services such as out-of-town bus maintenance services, the Falls Shuttle, and university/college routes. These ancillary services became the focus of the operation at the expense of the core municipal services. The conventional transit system is underutilised and does not meet the needs or travel patterns of the community. Service levels are below those of comparable municipalities such as St. Catharines, Peterborough and Kingston who offer 30 minute service or better, compared to Niagara Transit's 60 minute service levels. Many of our routes are circuitous as a result of adding to existing routes rather than creating new ones. STUDY PHASES 1 TO 3 Phases 1 to 3 identified, in detail, the needs and opportunities of our transit system. The priority needs for improving the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of Transit services provided to the community are: 1) The transit facility (garage) is beyond its economic life and is no longer suitable for the present and future needs of the City's transit operation; 2) A total of nine (9) buses will need to be purchased over the next three years to renew the vehicle fleet. Vehicles required for service expansion would be additional; March 23, 2009 TS-2009.11 -4- 3) The fare collection system requires replacing and should include smart card technology; 4) The transit route network requires restructuring and service levels improved to 30 minute frequencies from 60 minute. The Falls Shuttle service needs to be integrated with the regular route network for improved connectivity; 5) The design and structural deficiencies of the maintenance area will further limit any opportunities to service and promote to the out-of-town bus servicing market; 6) The key transit markets in future include students (high school and post-secondary), people working in the hospitality and tourism sectors and seniors; 7) Enhanced inter-municipal links to surrounding communities are needed to facilitate access to employment, education and healthcare services; 8) The marketing and communications activities of Niagara Transit need to be expanded with emphasis placed on renewing the,corporate image ofthe City's transit services and community outreach; and 9) As complementary public transit services, there should be improved links and integration between the Niagara Parks Commission People mover service and Niagara Transit in terms of route connections and fares. The opportunities to improve and enhance public transit in Niagara Falls are as follows: 1) The growth of Niagara Falls as both ayear-round tourism centre and a residential and employment growth centre for the Region of Niagara will accentuate the need for improved public transit services; 2) The planned Municipal People Mover project. This presents an opportunity to enhance the level and quality of transit service provided to the important tourist/hotel/casino market and to provide a high quality service integrated with Niagara Transit service; 3) Greater integration of the Niagara Parks Commission service and Niagara Transit services in terms of connections, transfers and fare integration would simplify and enhance the use of public transit within the City and the park and reduce automobile use which is one of the key objectives for enhancing public transit use; 4) The university/college servicesprovideabasisforimprovingtheinter-municipallinks. Expand inter-municipal links to St. Catharines, Welland, Fort Erie and Niagara-on- the-Lake; 5) Adopt a proactive marketing and communications plan to promote public transit in the community and to work with the tourism industry; 6) Adopt information technology systems to improve management and control of the transit system, passenger information and potentially transit priority; 7) Adopt transit supportive policies with respect to parking, planning, increased March 23, 2009 -5- densities, improved subdivision design to provide greater transit use. STUDY PHASES 4 AND 5 TS-2009-11 Phases 4 and 5 of the Strategic Plan focuses on meeting the City's transit needs now and in the future. Phase 4 and 5 recommendations: 1) Council receive the Phase 4 -Long Term Strategic Plan/Phase 5 -Short Term Business Plan report for information and refer to staff for implementation; 2) The short and long term transit plans form the basis for the long term planning of transit services in the city of Niagara Falls and with its municipal neighbours in the region; 3) The Vision, Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives and Service Standards in Section 3 be adopted; 4) The transit service improvements identified for implementation in 2009 to 2013 form the basis for the 2009 and 2010 Niagara Transit and Chair-A-Van operating and capital budgets, subject to the City's budget approval process, including the purchase of 8 new expansion and 13 replacement buses in the short term, acquire property (as necessary) for a new transit garage facility, expansion of transit terminals, hiring of necessary staff and increase in the marketing and communications budget. And, further, the first phase of the transit service improvements identified in the short term transit service plan for 2009, be implemented in the spring 2010 and, further, that the remaining service improvements be introduced by May 1 of each succeeding year; 5) The inter-municipal service improvements identified in the Long Term and Short Term service plans form the basis for the neighbouring municipalities and transit systems to work together to establish or expand the inter-municipal transit service links in order to provide seamless transit services between all municipalities in the region; 6) Discussions be held with the Region for the purposes of obtaining funding from the Region to implement enhanced inter-municipal services as proposed in the Long Term and Short Term plans; 7) Continued dialoguewith the Student Unions of Brock University and Niagara College to amended the agreement to permit these services to become fully public services and for the City to have flexibility to alter the service levels to meet the needs of the public as well as the students; 8) The City incorporate the recommended transit ridership and modal split targets into the updated Transportation Master Plan and include the policies related to transit service, transit oriented development, planning, parking and transportation into the City's revised Official Plan and all other applicable documents; 9) Governance and oversight for the Chair-A-Van service be transferred to the City, Transportation Division, on a progressive basis over2009-2010 on the basis thatthe Niagara Chair-A-Van Management Board be dissolved and an Accessible Transit March 23, 2009 6- TS-2009-11 Advisory Committee be established with the mandate to provide input into accessible transit planning and operations for both conventional and specialized transit services as outlined in this report; 10) The City undertake a Transit Priority Measures Study to prepare a suitable strategy for giving transit vehicles priority at traffic congestion points throughoutthe City; and, 11) With the construction of a new facility, consideration of amalgamation of the Transportation Services Division into one facility be reviewed to determine what staffing and other resource efficiencies could be realized. Five Year Capital/General Purposes Budgef Costs: The table below outlines the City's investment commitment for the next 5-year period. Exhibit 5.4: Total Operating and Capital Costs, 2009 - 2013 NelO eratin Costs' 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Niagara Transit "*?:~a-".~zik':~=;, $4.248,291 $4.214,636 $4.23Q98A $4.232,668 $4225.69? Chair-A-Vnn ~ - - - $440,447 8469,853 $494,596 $512,65? $585,240 Total ~" 54,688,738 SA,684,689 54,731.584 54,745,325 54,810,437 Capltal Costs Five-Year TOtol 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Buse& - Transit Replacamenl (9) Expanslan (N) $4.230.000 $3,760,000 $1.410,00 $470,00 $1.410.000 $1,ft80,000 $1,410,00 $1.410,00 Buses-Chair-A-V.mt (4) $360,00 $90,000 q.90.D00 $90.000 $90.000 Garage $7.600.00 $600,000 $4,500,600 $2,509,00 - Terminals" $900.00 $450,600 $4GO,W0 6hel[ere $6lliA0 $154,000 $154,000 $154,000 $154,000 Bus Stnp Upcgmdes $522.00 $150,500 $130,500 $130,500 $130,500 Benohes $42,00 $10,500 $10,500 $10.500 $10,500 Fareboxec $1.200,0 $600.09 $300.00 $360.000 ITS'iAVt.Fwun~y. TrxvHier. Mica Mgt 5cheaWinai $1,400.00 $160,000 $200.000 $200,(100 $854000 $6 Total Capital 520,530,00 52,480,000 55,075,000 58,355.000 53,085,000 51,535,00 Provincial Ga&Tax $5.705.0 $1.141.0 81.141,000 $1,141,00 $1.141,00 $1.141,000 MTO Bus Replacament i6% 1%31 $2,785.3:3 $ti26.C'<`>7 81.126.667 $970.000 $30-000 $30,000 Gas Tax Reserves $854.505 $92,470 $762,035 Develo ment Char eReseive $495,549 $470,000 $25.549 Capltal Renewal Haserve $650,110 $492,863 $207,247 Gen. Purp.Trans-Debt Repay (2003-081 5$1.513DOOi 11 3g,u0~q :~Y'30.nC'nt .R33~J iSDCq ($33v 0oC1 i9~:1.3. ~'mG; Net Cil Ca ilal Cost $11,654.502 SO $2,142,502 58,574.000 52,244.000 5694,090 * Excludes Out-of-sown bus maintenance costs and revenues *- Subject tocost-sharing with local malls Please Note: The above operating costs do not include debt financing or the impact of amortization. March 23, 2009 7- Summary of Short and Long term Capital Commitments: TS-2009-11 Existing Service (60 minute headways) with baseline improvements, requires an investment of15.7 million Short Term Improvement Plan (30/60 minute headways) requires an investment of an additional 4.7 million (20.5 million) Long Term Revitalization Plan (15/30 minute headways) requires an investment of an additional 8.0 million over short term (28.5 million) CONCLUSION A strong investment commitment is required by Council in orderto improve the City's Transit Operation to meet this Community's Employment, Tourism, Heath Care, Educational and Recreational transportation needs. The Consultant has recommended that improvement to -our system be implemented in two phases. First, embracing the Long Term Revitalization Plan and second, implementing the Short Term Improvement Plan. The Consultant's presentation slides are attached for your information. Therefore, Staff is recommending that Council adopt the Short Term Business Plan and Long Term Strategic Plan as presented by the IBI consulting Group and the financial component of the short term business plan be referred to budget deliberations for consideration. Recommended by: "/` ~arl Dren, Approved by: of Transportation Services Ed ®Gjlovic, Executive Director of Community Services D Stuart S:\General AdministrationlGA 1.01 Reports\2009 Community Services503 Mar 23\TS-20D9-11 Transit Strategic Business Plan Final Report.wpd .--, i ~' Niagara,F~Ils __ - '~:._ ~_~ TARANShT_STRATEGIC BUSINESS ~ ~~, PLAN ~ANDxRIDERSHIP GRQINTN r~.~~ ..ws a = 9 v ~ ~ ~ -_ -~~rr~nai,~~~reErv~r ~.,_ s„~„{ . a f -~ ~~ t I.. _ ~ c ~ lp, f Presentation to City Council March 23,,2009 IBI "s~:°~ 2 Background -Study~Wortk'Plan:~ ~'~ • KC•_ommenced January 2008 F-~ ``5~Phases, 5 Reports: `' ~",yr~r~~ ~ •~~_•~ DataoCollectionlPublic Outreach ate,. I ~r~ ~:_ ~~~ ~: Needsand~Opportunities ~ ~:',3 ~' ,~- ~ ~ r~~~ .a ~1 s ~W -.-., _ --~~.V.ision/Policy;Direction -.• • • Long Term Strategy t,;4.., • " ` ~`~~~ ~ • Short Term Business Plan ff.`s=~-~ ' ~ Up-date reports fo Coun. cil - April, November IBI "+ GNOVP ~: ~ ~:. f,e L ! B^{CSI" - 1 _ . Purpose .of_Presentat~on rr`y'-~ `'r - • tPresent F~ al Report: ' ~~~~_Pha. e~4Y= Long Term Strategy"~~ -'`---,Phase 5 Short Term Business ~~~~ ~""^.~.Plan s ~~~ c :~ l i b .~ ~~~;~~ 4 °~~ ~ i These'-nclude ~-~=s.~s z ~ a °* `•Transit,Serv~ce Plansfor: ' ~'r ''`°, •`• Niagara Trarisd'`y?; '', .,~~ ti,;~ . -Chair-A4-Van.. , ,r r °~ ''`~ ~' Financial Plan ~, ,~ . ~ ~ ' • Out-of-Town Bus Servicing Review ~" Transit Supportive Policies 8~•GHG-Analysis • Recommendations jgj Implementation Plan;'` rxouY A. ~ =' ~~ __._ Study Purpose :,, ~ . 1~Prepaie a newvs~ategic role'#or Niagara Transit and ~ ' (TCha~i';4"Van ~ _ r .. ~ w' `~ ~ ~` '' : Review and:'assess current fransif se[vices - -- ~cohveritionaParid specialized -Determine transit demand and needs Y ua Mk' i ,Assess.res uo ee~needs (stalling) ° ~~il~ ~ ~~.; Review, analyze out of=town bus maintenance b ~ a ~.,. Provide advice, input on'TDMi 7OD, TMP and OP `~ ~ ~ tr ~-, :regarding transit role "r,', c ,{s r ~• Prepare long ferm,(10uYear) strategic direction for ~~c _'",°~.,;~+;,,~~j~ -Transit .- ~sr Prepare short term (5 Year) business plan ,^-~"- Overal/Objective: _ Revitalize transit, increase effectiveness; increase ridership; better serve needs of Niagara Falls jBI community GHOUY ,=~:..~. 2 Key Conclusions from Needs : ~ ~ ~ {{r '~ ~ _~ _ -Assessment: ,~ ';~ . t Traiisrt viewed as ineffective. and dated 4,~~ ~-:,~; ~~. Sen%icer%evels!below peer communities --~-`~-----:=Ridership is !ow -> route structure, service ~~'~' - levels-not-suifable .. C 'j..f'.t -~~. "~ -~~f~, :~ ;.'j Qpportu"nlfies to increase transit ridership and ~~ „ ~".+ ; • ~. importance~rn commun-ty -Tourism, r,,, ~ corrriechons, employment ~° b . Population -,1~10,000ay 2031. New growth r ~ ? ~"'A ; areas - northwesf~'west/southwest '~ ~ "•'° Garage%ffice facility in poor condition --Bus Fleet - 8 buses overage ~" ~~~ . Stops and Shelters - inadequate . ,_ Staffing resources are insufficient Marketing -has been limifed IBI r~~~:_.~:~` _ . Needed Act~on• `~~ ~~~ ~, ~ ~ - - ,~ _ . ~ , Re structure route network/~ncrease `~------=~ service levels ~ r. Integrate~Falls Shuttle into regular route , ~ 2.~,; °<'~~+ ~ ~ t .~ Fr'°~F r s 'network - An ~' -" ;~ ~a. ~ ~ a - ~ ~ , ,,.Enhance rnter municipal services ~, ~~t~, , ~ "Replace, ezpanol~Tra sit Centre/Garage -- - .; ..~i,.;,: , ~~Enhance/improve transitferminals , ~; - , Continue Fleet renewal Additional staff resources needed • Enhance marketing program IBI cxour „ ? Si 3 Pol~cyF .ramework - Visron .. , f. ~t, . -Three Investmenf:Levels (Outlined rn November) ~, ~~ -t - !• . ` Base Line ~ ~~,,.. _:.w, -`= - '-- '"- Mihirnum~level=of~investment to continue operating transit ~-- -Annu_ al Operating Cost- $3.4 million; Capital: approx.- $15.7 M !"S , ,aTransd use would slowly decline "s-' ~ ~ ay • Short Term Improve nt~(S,years) _ .~,, 1 -`Restructure routes into gnd/feeder concept v ' _,, 'Annual Operating~cost approx-_$3.76 million; Capital: approx. ~ $20;5millio`n(+$47amilhon[oveVr.BaseLevel) z}',`~ ~^Ridership•increase~to 1 4~million (+26%) '`f"~C•' Long,TermRevitalization{10years) . i... ~-_~`^`:,I` ~~'1x Tiered gridlfeeder concept -. . 30_minute base service including evenings and weekends - -•' Introduction of enhanced services, including BRT _ ,,....=s" Annual Operatingg cost: approx. $4.7 million; Capital: approx. $28.5 million (+$g.0 million over Short Term Level) • Ridership increase to 1.8 million (60%) IBI ~'~ L~':: .Recommended Strategy, . ~--, T ,~' ~ ,'t - ,~ °t ' ~~ - ~: ~- Long~,Term~Revitalization =Long--'=-`~~- a ~,~,;;~;; • Short°Term~lmprovement =first 5 ;z L~ ~ ~- ~ :years fowarials!}Long Term ,, o: ` ~„ -Strategy goa1,~= ,~ - ~~ ~~-`=`<~";!':~;,,v Short Terrri includes Base Line Investment IBI cxom~ ~j'~ y 4 _ _.. Strategic .Plan for Transit; . ~' r-,- ~'"'i ~ i s, _. - r` - ~ •~~Long Term'Stxategy. _ Ty. `"~ ; ,~:.' ~~~ f _ ~ ._ i, ~ ,~ : ~ 7 . , r_ _x.:, __ -__._~,~,.~ ~- • tmproved'~gridsystem -more direct outes: coveraae to E c"~r' ~~;emptoymenviounsi7area ' •'dServtce ~to growing residential ' ~ o s8 ~' .Er' .. yid'{ "+f3 ~ ! w ~ ~ R aE areas ~ -~ =f~~, ~t n ~ , u ' 'e ` ° ~' ~ ~ ' Standard30-rnin te f quencies t - _ •"Jmproved span of service ~ ~- •"Sttandard Sunday routes ~ • Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service ~~ Strategic..P_lan for Transit . , ~ • Goals & Standa[ds (by 2018) ~ ; r ~ - ~ . _t ~ a ~ Ridership estimates based on implementaGOn.ofalf "'^r'. ' recomrrFended improvements, including inter-municipal --ys`erv` ices~ex'pansion`and marketing 1 ~~::~z~ '~ .~iLn ~, ~: ~, qi y, s ~~r: GG ~ !'~ ',- -_C.. J °~r. (~ ~~ ~' .'. mss'- " j BI • . ,..; ~, P'"~~.v. .r . ~ ~2008 2018 Change Q ~ ` ' h J , e t ~ ~ + vi.~ fem. iService :, , ,. `65 800 his 1D5;000 his T 58% ;Ridership ~,- `,~ .1 M °kl~i~ y ~1 81V1 T 60% _ , i !ModalSplit' ~ 1.9%'~• ~ 3.2% T1.3 l,l Y Overall Cost 40% (below 49% T 9% 'Recovery standard) Net Operating $3.4M Approx. $4.7M ± 38% Costs 5 ,_- ,_ Strategic_Plan for Transit . ,.,_ . I 'ShortTerm~'l ..wJ I ; - ~ ~w~~~ ,:#~' / ~. , 'Service-Plan ~"; ~ i i I~~~E I~ ~ ~• Base~andLocal=~ ,~ ~ I~J~,~,~,. ~~ routes - I ,; ,, ~f~: +".a [ J_ - t, ' r, `" ~,~ x Inte~'mumcipaC' l~ ~ ~,.~~ ,~~~ -' I i. change'but make r J,~ a ~ ~_ ~%y~J~~f'rp - ~• Additional , ~~ 1 G ~"f,t~ + ~*`+' '~ Services ~ ~ ~ --•~ 4~ ~ 'i ~ + '~ `~ ~Convenhonr ~ ~ , s~ t 'h--~ C i y~CentreExtras ~ ~ I ~ ~ ~ ~ u 4tv ' t~~ ° :.... I regular routes ! ~ II ' ~ ~° ' ~~` ~ ~ - - ~•"" Transcab ~_ ~J.__ 1 ~ ~ • Late night 2AM ~ ~±`/~,~`~v° r'fJ.~ L-. _ ~ f-~_ rxoov T ~.r_T ` i~ I~ i 1 Strategic Plan for Transit...: , ,~ _ x r~ "~ -_~ ~' _ e c 4 `` i Gha~r a=Van='" ~ , °,a _ ii ~_ , ~~Q'~ ~ nan"restructure -Mgt ~Irriprovedkgover .t v ; ~ Brd~,>tiAdv iso ry~ Comrnittee •, j ,~ ,. =~ , , : Increased ~oversight~ by Transit ~J ',,;'it;~ Increase system capacity -taxis ;;:..'1 .Improve customer service -more ~,,;~ _ efficient booking procedure • Revise eligibility criteria and ISI emphasize use of Niagara Transit w' 3"5t'n_ 6 .Strategic. Plan, for Transit: ; , -, r, J • ~ Infrasf fucture~Plan _ ~ i~~` ---,~ ~~ • =Fleet-(2009=2018) ,~~-~. -""^11.conventional and 9 specialized ~~" ' ;vehicle: - ~.~.. ,-expanse ;s~~~t.,~,: ~ Clean d c IBI for service u (optional in future) 7 _ . _. Strategic. Plan_ for Transit : , rr ,--~ _ r ., . N ~ r G~~ • lnfrastrucfure~Plan _ ,,;,, ,~ -> Refurbishdow`ntown.terminal _ ~ ~-`~ ; ,~". Upgrade Walinart, ~ I'~ ~' `` °' ~!- s1~k r v ~~ 4 .rs , _ t : K ..Fa a Enhance Mamand Ferry transfeupoin ~ ~ , a t. '~f~f1~f ~; °,.~-~i.`'~i'+°~~ ~-'iJew,~largerfacility ~~4Pbuscapacity •~: StopslShelters ©~ ,~- . _ ~ - ~''~ `Replace stops with distinct and visible - design - Upgrade stops for AODA -Increase shelter inventory to 25% of IwBj stops = +162 shelters .. .: # ~~ , } 7 .__ Strategic_.Plan for Transit; .. ,: -' .!"Managem nt PI'a`n~~ ~ _ ~ ~t "~ ~ ~ ~~ =~~~ ,~' • _Ope~at, ions' - -~--""'---~On-road supervision of service ~o c~ R~' i Training~<` `~~`,(7J '~.~ 4 M$rketingi°and promotion ~~ ,~Plamm~ggand reyv. iewdof`transit services ~.: y. i. .. .. )~R44is,.l `~~~_ , y §upervision:of~maintenance staff ,~_ ., _ ~„:?Gs~.~ Opportunity w~fh new facility to ~,~t consolidate Transportation Division '~ - ~ functions -> possible staffing_ efficiencies IBI r : ,. ; ..a;~ , #NI .. , Str._ategic .Plan for Transit . -`~ ,,. 4 , • ;- (41nto'rmatii n Technology Plan; ~ .~ ~ , ~L '~--_~_ _~__ = ~ %CAD/AUL"=Vehicle Communications --~- ~'On-board security (cameras) '~ r-wgi ` ~ ~~Trip Rlanner website " ~ : wMamtenanceGm'an Bement system ~ a ~" .~:: 4. "`..,/ _. • Scheduingrand~~uncutting software ' ' ~ ~~-~= °{':i;;` ~ =~ s~ •-Next-stop announcement systems - ,c k711f~ : a °.~_ _ - IBI '. i ' ~ y ~~) . P f iyj 8 _.. Strategic..Plan for Transi#:, . t =h z •~'Commun'icaf~ons and Marketing ~~,,:y~ --~-___,~Plan--~ _--a- °- ~~ ;Adopt.marketing plan, increase ~; ~`~~ ~ expenditures to:2\5% of operating ' ~ ~% ~ ~~ btadget ~q~~„ ~~°~ ; Y << ~hrt{ , ~, En"hance branding, use new image I,-`~ ~ i ~':; •~Increase customer service hours and "~'~'~~'}t~M! ` availability ~. ~~;..~- -"~~ • Partner with tourism industry • Add staff resources IBI ,. , ~, ,.., , ,- : _, _ Strategic Plan for Transit . ~' ~ ~~, ~ ,l .~, _ a = "Fare Stra'fegy, ~ ;~` P ~ ~i lncreaseaverage,fare 5°/9 annually - _ _: t' P~ -~~ ' - :Monthly~passes~== 30x adult cash fare '~-~`~Keep'Day'pass - 2.5 x adult cash fare --~, _ ,;•3 ;Discuss implementation of Presto smart cards with Y.=:,`I. PRESTO .yy-.• IKBI Fen CHpxy Fen Nele Ly Year zoos x9te 1m9 ton mlz ~ 10i3 usK ~ _- --. _ __-- aaw #2s n5s seas nss sees a5.aa swe~blKq~Ynwl ua4 ulo sz.z4 u.3o sx 9o #m 9eron #.CO #.lo #.M 533J a2 ao 3260 TICKELS .bMS 52.111 #.20 32x0 f2.60 32W 52.&5 Slltlxib 5195 51.95 #05 52.15 3225 32]5 %mcre f1g Et.95 #!i #.15 S3 Yv 31.]5 MONKEY Pa38 (]O rlaes~ Milt ~ SSS CO 369m #2m S16.W S9J.W 58e 0n Slutlenb SS000 ~- 559.00 f5BA0 5#.00 355.40 34.00 Seliara L t50.C0 LX.f4 55800 %1.W fE8.f0 SIO.00 ~ KIGKBCHaat 6EYESSEF ~~ f180.o0 Ei91.00 S1W O0 #1e00 sx3]OO uaA.00 ~~Y PASS E6.00_ _ _56.00 SG.00 SiAO 5]00 f> W 9 «Strategic. P_ lan for Transit. . " • I Friiancra! Plant' ~ ~ ~ ,~ . ~'? ~, f=_- ~ - {~~ ~o ~G~( ~ ~ f;~v n , , ~Y l [ ~~ i r 0 ' ~~~ ~ \ ~j-.'r."'n if.SE~SL.f 1?i:y •- p ~ IBI P.IY -. Str._ategic.P/an for_Transt :, ~ r'~ ~~y ~ tf ~ .. ~ ~ ~_ ., c ...,, ..~. - ---"-~ • Funding Options for Capifal Projects ~ ~ i~~ ~ `P;rovmc I:'Gas~tax~ ~ ~ r ~ OntanoiBus Replacement Program a~ < ncl e4+i ` ~~~a;xl = ~;Pr,rovmcial'grantsr,~ ,, I ~ _. `Federal~grants~,~"(S, h^~ "~~~~~ • •Development"Charges icy d;5";~s;a~i ~__ ., ., . . ~~ IBI "~ rxour A 3A~ A.~ "~ t t 4 M ~ -.. b .. S7 I 5 SN3b F6fl6 b9f S6Rb5] Sf06R Ha i3 E AIt toll Bu®IT~".S.~r f m. IA V pRbrlal^~ "4 "~V u. N s~n¢ ~in4 s<fo Lm4m swo Aefo W n10 l~ SYO ij 1 ; ~ 580 SW iID ,y,~, aP ~t. f "-^Y;. St SO !tR ) ~. ~i WSm St.`M. .ii ~_~ J^ v o ~rn`t ~~: :rL'IuEO. ub in r~',T~n ~ 315a, bb 5151 E1N sp LppNee ~ i51; S1 J], lf3), b1 Et30,5W &Nm ~ bt, Ef45fO 51 ID], SH4 SD] SYO, RS N'A SnnX, i~a.ar,urcu} 51 M. b1m, SN4, StW SSO, •CyXal 330.A4.1W 53,b0, gA140 F,lfs,Op bA~AA b6]5,U fAA3 St.faf, it t<f,Dl it tat, Et,bt, Sl,fel, rr.ml391f~ satal irRa~ sllta® _ sem, sv,oao iloo " o ~ a mo m iaa .. wei .. s ffo z E 51.61][d EH3.m0 S.V9Ab SM 10 I .. , _Qut-of--Town Bus Servicing- -,; 5 -, . _.Netsurpfus,in operations ~ 4,l J~ ,;:~• ~._R r... _No mumcipal/taxpayersupport forservices wasinvofved'~~-.-,^ ~'=~~~= '.-~Rena~rwork:a•fow=yield area of income but rounds out' irovi'din`g OTBservice -focus on storage and f f~T~ :. _rY ~~ ~.T J S n N .. _ IL v _ dlti 9~Y/i ~~~_I /.~. 1(f: ~~ Q PDT' IBI c.n A„, c..1 s.~rM. x.1 .Ill sr. arvn..9 sL+aw s++la un sl:~mx MMfs 51543L fRI?M P4a[[' V<Milt Gkarvn9 xeRW1 SI 0)1 $IOi,B$0i $?/,~i H12 veN[.e CManuu/15f<:.YI SIW 6•-11 SIPS/9t SSe~4 rfM1Vlry ~ml 0 5.1>,paS 51}WS vpe(On r0.vl. ArtmE5uti791 SIP 66l $11 ]Sl 5?)!.Je A4YnfrmmLRm 543,9T0 bY,J41 59x,561 Vflrtk~ any P.~5N 319!,18/ Stl 3YB fuE-TMAL ifAM.OSI iS.]f1.115 ~ i315AT ~f[-GS1GS1.a5! f+61,6/4 TOTAL f].fI0.H9 - T_,ransit~Supportive Strategies,, 5 e' ~5 . ' • ~~Transft Oriented~Development `'r-~° .~ ,~_, `~. ,,-`..Encourage°density ~--- =~-Desig munities to be walkable gx" ~ !Promote site design for sustainable ~`ebcztl~~•F ~,t[ansportation~modes\ '~ `~ ~ t ~ca/~~ndhf ~ ~'~5. f~~h Y~"~COnvonllunel AUSOOtlerrtetli .PotleeMenBTreneH~0Aen5eA ~y, N ~ _ ~.. ~ 6't ~;fk' ~ ~~ ~ i ~~l.. sly. r~.i` ^, ~] ; bA" IBI 5 r t ., 1 Y~~ 11 . _ Transrt~Supportive S#irateg~es,, . ; . ~ ~Transportatfon Demand Management~µ~, `~ 1~ r,,~ ' Twain-approaches: '" '"'-=-- Education, promotion, and outreach 2-~„ • ,Incentives and disincentives y ~ ~ 1, Transd management associations ~'~ `p ^H~' ~~ +~ •"„Onli~e',trip planne[s T T ' a` %TDM,program's~forcolleges/universities ~ "~~~ -`~ ~" Smart Cards for'easler a ment /„t. l~~~^,=lea, t : ~t Active and Safe Routes to School , , ~ • High Occupancy Vehicle lanes I °-~'~ TDM Plans in Development Applica_tioris • Parking Management • Volume Incentive Plans for Bus Passes " IBI rxow <~ d t° ~1 ' :. T..ransit~.Supportive Strategies; ~:: f C?Z rte", Z~ t ~l {. ''-'L , •,y < - ~ ~'Mtidal~Integratiofi` ~ _ 'r`~ ' u`;; ,:=' ~__ "~ -- !~ a ~•:_:Integrate~bikes and transit - - "` '"'- -- -~•~Bik ks on buses -new buses have ,, .racks _~ ~~s ~`~' P,lan~for con enn ctions to GO Rail services ' si ~'~ M ' t yp. ~. Crt~l ~-1 4y S, ~. ' k l~ - ~ 1 k~L ~ I ~., > ~ti .- _~ '~~.~ ~?... -~ L " P ~ c -i Cvl r `~. ~ .~ L.-~ - 'I~v ._._ _ ... IBI tlµ~.~ . I~ ....~, .. , ~-~ . ,-Transit _Ri :~ •-.FYamnln~ ortive Strateg~es_ ,, . ,_ ,~_ ... ~ ` r~; Lundy"s~Lane/Ferry"Strei 4` i°~ ~"~~ Route 6.Cornd~o`~">~ ''' ~-`' "~~'~"' Hotetand6asinodistrict _3~ri g° 0 IBI Transi#~Supportive Strateg~es,~ i -,.. , M - -.-~---- -'---- -_..._Transportation Master Plan x~ L no"• g'Term Vision -Quality of Life, Sustainability ~~l~;e ~ , ~ ? •and,Economlc Development ~ `~ ~ 5 ~ Incr ased service'arid ridership levels <-s~ fi •";Set modal'split~fa~gets:for Transit 's \ ~~~• Offlclal?Plar%„~fll,~r~- !~", ,~j54, lt ,a .. Update section in Official Plan pertaining to • 4c' ~.3, •;~( .Public Transd ~' - Establish enhanced role for transit c' v I-~'"__~ IBI GPUUP .~ "+ '~' • ~ yy ~ P'1P13 13 Transi#~Supportive Strategies; __ I e `~ ~~ ~ . ~,,, ,~ w . ,~ Gr-_-., Community Planning Process "`col' ;. j '~ ""'processbto encqurage~transit-supporti ` % ~' ' ~communities l~'now,tieing done 1 ~~ *J~' g~~. >~~- ~ : r ~~ ~~,u, •, Shree Rey~conside~ations: ~ I . r ' ! 1 G~ x,U~a ~ k~ ~; l design~ofithe?street network to and within )._, l~ iU"~>,.,;i_, -subdivisions; `'~'~~, ~, location of new subdivisions; and c; ~ _ i"~ ~ ' ~' ~ timing and staging of new subdivision ,-- development _ . . _ IBI dour 1 F k.`"- GHGs:.andCiiimate Change . _~ __.I1Pofent~alreduction•ofGHGEm~ss~ons.byd i t, ~wr .~ ~ ~~_ a overwfuture'base-case ' ~ - ---_ ~w r. =----`~=- i '~ ~~y (li 7~ ~ ~'4r ~, fI~'~. 6~rk3 '~ ~ ~'~~3 ~'t f ~ ~~. ar G~ P:~- .~~ IBI Annual GHC Emisaicns BunBHa ~_ (CO]Equiveknt tonMa) ~ - - W~v'`J / 1 p ~ 4~ ' T~ c/~~j^ y1 lwlm Tlemll iclHl l f 1 ~,• s~ Y~ C ~ ' ~ `M Fs ti 9(2888) ~y~ ~ < 165,100 2,835 161,]3] " ~~~' j h" Polure BeseC ^~ ~ ida,888 2,5<B 1{8,318 v change rcom exrson9 nl .9s% -ae% .as•.t ' FuMe Long Term %an 135,9 W 6,08] 139,96] %chan9e hem vistin901 63% 562%' -6.3k %chan9e fiam NWrehaseceae S.5% `-596% ~ ~dA% hllndWes imOaIXS olcM1Shges In hchnobgy es eetimafed5y IIIEL Afodef J. `~~ ~xJ; .1 P . t~~ Yf;~~'.•. 14 ~. ,~ Fw~. I \GYVI/I//I~i/IMQHVIIJ .,~i _ • !L Short na d L noL g~Ter'm~Service Plans as basis.for `'~, n ~ ~ ~Iong term•plannmg ~ __ ; ~';+k_,_; ~, l~- ~'.a - ,.. ----~ -°A'do~ p h Vis or n, Mission Statement, Goals and s° ~~s1~ eY • ~ ~ShorY terms ev mprovements as basis for ~ -. , ea ~ ~ ;~,~2009-2010 operatmg;and~capita/ budgets -routes, ' ° ' " ~ ,r - ? r ~ se_rvrce levels„vehrcle_ s, to rmmals, tare collection ntst fh m kefi & i ti ; equipme a ng,~ ar ng commun ca ons - ~ 3 ~, „emu-~:; --'L.~..,Y,~+~IYf~~r-~ ~~~'`~~ ~ i^"• c=~ t ° Proceed to select location and construct new " ' ~~.``~~ , replacement transit facility i t f ° '"' "~~ . ~-- Inter-munici al routes - artner with s n municipalitie /Region, i crease servicemake, services (8rock, NC) fully open to public IBI a . . t\y i M ~ 3 I~~V.VV/I11 ^IVIIMMiIVLfV r ~ • ~ Adopt recommendations regardiny~ Charr a=Van , ~l n , J~ 4~goye rnan~Ce :oversight and, operations ""' ; ` - ? n _ s `--~_. •---Update City`'s TMP and Official Plan to reflect '-`trensrt servrce policies, modal split targets and '` ` ''infiastructurennvestments 2: O ~~F.`. ~ i ...:.fi F ~~-~~~ ws~ n "f~ = •~ Commence servrce rmplemenfation May 2010, final '~ ~ ~t` i sfage m Apri12011(~, ~ ? e . } i. ` `1e1. Introduceservice~imp"rovements in May 2010 and ~~.~..-~--an (^ A ri12011 '' ~i.o ~~~: j~~ p_ ~ - "p; ' ~~ ~ ~_~ •' ~ Considedinvestigate consolidation of ~-s Transportation Services functions in new.building Undertake a Transit Priority Measures study IBI yp j), ~~ r ~Nl f 15 March 23, 2009 .~~~~~ Niagaraaaaaaaaa~alls c ~~nun Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: TS-2009-20 St. Michael Avenue at Brittany Court St. Michael Avenue at McGarry Drive Intersection Control Review RECOMMENDATION: TS-2009-20 That an all-way stop control is installed at the intersection of St. Michael Avenue and McGarry Drive. BACKGROUND: City Staff has been requested to investigate whether an all-way stop control is warranted at two intersections along St. Michael Avenue. Area residents have raised concerns of motorists speeding along St. Michael Avenue. St. Michael Avenue is a two-lane collector roadway that is 9 metres in width. Sidewalks are provided on both sides of St. Michael Avenue for pedestrian use, separated from the travelled portion of the road by boulevards. St. Michael Avenue is a through roadway for its entire length between McLeod Road and Forestview Boulevard. McGarry Drive is also a two-lane collector roadway that is 9 metres in width. Sidewalks are present on both sides of McGarry Drive. Stop signs are present facing eastbound and westbound motorists on McGarry Drive at St. Michael Avenue. Brittany Court is a cul-de-sac with 39 lots. A stop sign faces eastbound motorists on Brittany Court at St. Michael Avenue. The study area is predominantly residential, with St. Michael Secondary School located on McLeod Road, east of St. Michael Avenue. Technical studies have been carried out at the two intersections to determine whether an all-way stop control is warranted at these locations. The studies include observations, manual speed studies, a visibility study, a collision review and a traffic volume count at the intersections which were applied to the City of Niagara Falls Residenfia! All-way Stop Warrant. A speed study was completed on St. Michael Avenue between Brittany Court and McGarry Working Together to Serve Our Community (Community Services Department Transportation Services :~ March 23, 2009 Page -2- TS-2009-20 Drive. The operating speed was found to be 55 km/h (southbound) and 54 km/h (northbound) during the morning, and 53 kmih (southbound) and 51 km/h (northbound) during the afternoon. Typically a speeding problem exists when the operating speed is at least 10 km/h above the legal speed limit. Given the 50 km/h speed limit of St. Michael Avenue, a speeding problem was not identified. A traffic count was carried out at both intersections. The volume split at St. Michael Avenue and McGarry Drive is relatively even. As the neighbourhood continues to develop, the traffic volumes are expected to increase on both roadways. The traffic volumes are considerably higher on St. Michael Avenue than on Brittany Court. This is due to the fact that Brittany Court terminates in a cul-de-sac and has consistently low traffic volumes throughout the day. There is minimal future traffic growth expected to occur on Brittany Court. The intersection carries only 60 vehicles per hour during the peak periods, which is below the minimum threshold of 100 vehicles required. During the traffic count, it was noted that pedestrian traffic is light. Very few secondary school students were observed crossing at the study intersections during school hours. A three-year collision review revealed that one collision occurred during adverse road and weather conditions on St. Michael Avenue between Brittany Court and McLeod Road. There have been no collisions reported at the two study intersections. Observations revealed that the existing stop signs are in good condition and clearly visible to motorists approaching the intersection. As part of the intersection control review, questionnaires were delivered to all residents within a 75-metre boundary of both study intersections to solicit the homeowner's opinion pertaining to the traffic control devices they would prefer. The following results were obtained: 5t. Michael Avenue at McGarry Drive Number of Questionnaires Delivered 29 Number of Responses Received 17 59% Prefer to Maintain Intersection Control 2 12% Prefer to Implement an All-way Stop 15 88% St. Michael Avenue at Brittany Court Number of Questionnaires Delivered 29 Number of Responses Received 8 28% Prefer to Maintain Intersection Control 3 38% Prefer to Implement an All-way Stop 5 62% The results identify that more than half of the homeowners in the St. Michael Avenue at McGarry Drive study area responded to the questionnaire, with a majority preferring to have an all-way stop control installed at the intersection. Less than one third of the homeowners in the St. Michael Avenue at Brittany Court responded to the questionnaire without a consensus reached. The technical information and residential preferences were incorporated into the City of Niagara Falls Residential All-way Stop Warrant. The results identify that an all-way stop March 23, 2009 Page -3- TS-2009-20 control is warranted at the intersection of St. Michael Avenue and McGarry Drive. Conversely, an all-way stop is not warranted at the intersection of St. Michael Avenue and Brittany Court. This is due to the fact that the technical criteria were not fulfilled and a low response rate was received from the neighbourhood. Although this part of the subdivision has been recently built, the developer received approval before speed control devices were required within all new subdivisions. For example, a traffic circle is being constructed at the intersection of Forestview Boulevard and St. Michael Avenue within the Edgewood Estates subdivision. Based on this information it is recommended that an all-way stop be installed at the intersection of St. Michael Avenue at McGarry Drive. The existing stop sign control on Brittany Court at St. Michael Avenue is recommended to remain as is. Recommended by: Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Approved by: Ed Dujlovic, Executive Director of Community Services B. Skiba S:SGeneral AdministrationlGA 1.01 ReportsV2009 Community Services\03 Mar 23\TS-2009-20 St Michael Avenue at Brittany Court and McGarry Drive -Intersection Control Review.wpd March 23, 2009 ~~~~~ Niagara~alls c~n~aon Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: TS-2009-18 Main Street Parking Review RECOMMENDATIONS: TS-2009-78 1) That the "No Parking, except by Permit and on Sunday's between 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m." restriction located on the south side of Main Street between Robinson Street and a point 145 metres west of Allendale Avenue be removed to allow unrestricted free parking; and, 2) That the "No Parking, except on Sunday's between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m." restriction located on the north side of Main Street between Robinson Street and a point 155 metres west of Allendale Avenue be removed to allow unrestricted free parking; and, 3) The paid parking on Main Street adjacent the hydro corridor revert back to unrestricted free parking. BACKGROUND: Staff has conducted a parking review in reply to concerns from property owners on Main Street between Robinson Street and the hydro corridor. Main Street is a major collector roadway that is 12 metres wide and consists of one travel lane in each direction. Sidewalks are present on both sides, separated by a boulevard and a curb from the travelled portion of the roadway. Light standards are present on both sides providing illumination during nighttime hours. The study section is predominantly residential with apartment buildings, two institutions (churches), small scale commercial properties and undeveloped lands. Almost every property in the study area can accommodate at least three vehicles. The parking lot at Main Street Baptist Church is unmarked, but it appears that it can accommodate approximately 15 vehicles, while the Ukranian Catholic Episcopal Church can accommodate about 35 vehicles on the property. At this time, on-street parking, is prohibited on the south side of Main hydro corridor and Robinson Street except for permit holders, and on Together to Serve Our Community Street between the Sunday's between 6ommunity Services Department Transportation Services March 23, 2008 Page -2- TS-2009-18 the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. On the north side of Main Street between the hydro corridor and Robinson Street, parking is prohibited with the exception of Sunday's between the hours of 9:00 a.m, and 1:00 p.m. North of Robinson Street, there are transit stops on both sides of Main Street, and then metered parking commences. Metered parking is also available on both sides of Main Street adjacent to the hydro corridor close to Murray Street. Stopping is prohibited on both sides of Main Street from Murray Street/Allendale Avenue to the hydro corridor (70 m west of Murray Street/Allendale Avenue). Four side streets intersect Main Street within the study area. There are no parking prohibitions on Symmes Street. Parking is restricted at all times on the north side of Robinson Street, east of Main Street, as well as the north sides of Culp Street and Delaware Street, west of Main Street. Corner restrictions are present on the south sides of Culp Street and Delaware Street, west of Main Street for transit stop locations. Permit parking was introduced on Main Street in 2004 as a method to deter employees and patrons of the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort and the tourist district from infiltrating the neighbourhood in search of free all day parking. Only vehicles that display a valid parking permit are eligible to park in the permit zone, which are only issued to abutting homeowners/tenants, at no charge. In the absence of the permit control signs, parking would be available to anyone as long as they comply with all applicable parking bylaws. Seven homeowners/tenants on Main Street have applied for daytime parking permits in 2008. As part of the parking review, questionnaires were delivered to each property in the study area requesting the owner's or tenant's input regarding the parking control that would most benefit their situation. The following results were obtained: Number of questionnaires delivered: 78 Number of residents that responded: 11 14% Number of residents that did not respond: 67 86% Number of responses received: 11 Prefer to maintain the existing restrictions: 2 18% Prefer to remove existing restriction on one side only: 1 9% Prefer to remove existing restriction on both sides: 6 55% Prefer to revise the time exemption on one side only: 1 9% Prefer to revise the time exemption on both sides: 1 9% The results reveal that the majority of respondents prefer to have the existing restrictions removed. There were few responses received from the tenants of the three apartment buildings which consist of 38 units. In addition, 87 questionnaires, in favour of removing the restrictions were received from individuals who do not reside on Main Street, but attend church service or visit the businesses within the Main Street study area. These respondents were not included in the survey results, but their comments and preference for removing the parking restrictions were taken into consideration in determining the preferred parking plan. Discussions with church staff ind icate that in addition to the regular Sunday morning church services, numerous other activities are held throughout the week. Although some of the activities are scheduled, many activities are unscheduled, occur on short notice, and occur beyond the hours of the available parking. The parking restriction has caused concern for the church patrons, as the available parking times are too limited. March 23, 2008 Page -3- TS-2009-18 Given the width of the road, the fact that the majority of respondents prefer the removal of the parking restriction, the inconvenience to church patrons and commercial establishments, it is recommended that the parking restrictions be removed on both sides of Main Street between the Hydro corridor and Robinson Street. Furthermore, a review of the parking activity adjacent the hydro corridor, where the parking machines are located, indicate that these spaces are used infrequently. Therefore, it is suggested that this area also revert back to free parking. The parking machines may be better utilized in more suitable areas to encourage parking turnover where there is a high parking demand. Therefore it is recommended that: • the restriction on the south side of Main Street between Robinson Street and the hydro corridor be removed. This would provide approximately 27 on-street parking spaces. • the restriction on the north side of Main Street between Robinson Street and the hydro corridor be removed. This would provide approximately 43 on-street parking spaces. • the paid parking, and parking machines on both sides of Main Street adjacent the hydro corridor be removed. This would provide approximately 22 on-street parking spaces. Should it be necessary to implement restrictions at a later date due to future parking problems, restrictions will be considered at that time. Recommended by: Approved by: Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services Ed Dujlovic`Executive Director of Community Services B. Skiba S:1General AdministrationlGA 1.01 Reports\2009 Community ServicesV03 Mar 23\TS-2009-18 Main Street -Parking Review.wpd March 23, 2009 MW-2009•15 .~d~.~ ~Y~~T~Y'~~a~~S Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2009-15 Basement Flooding RECOMMENDATION: ~ ~ ~"fe For Council's consideration. ~hc~-~ Sfay-~~~e~a~~ a r'[~JO~~ ~~'~f y~~~n~ ~c~yimQn~ (~~~~e~~~ ac,uners `fC'tcL~C~a~ BACKGROUND: 2x~r-len~d. ~iY1 Znf `~~'~d `~9 As a result of basement flooding on March 8, 2009 on Front Street, the attached email was forwarded to members of Council and staff for consideration. Staff is smpathic to the situation, we are however, concerned with the suggestion that the City pay for the clean up and repair costs. As of the writing of this report no claim, which is the usual course of action, has been filed with the City for damages caused by the basement flooding. Accordingly, an investigation by the City's claims adjustor has not been carried out. If Council were to make a payment, a number of questions come to mind and they are as follows. 1. On what basis would this payment be made? 2. Would this offer to pay also be extended to the neighbours in this same town house complex who also experienced basement flooding? 3. What of the other homes throughout the City also experiencing basement flooding due to the recent wet weather events? If it is Council's desire to make payment for basement flooding incidences then staff should be directed to prepare a policy. 7his policy, developed with the assistance of the City's insurer would set out the basis on which payment would be made. The City would also have to set aside funds in its budget in order to finance these payments. Workii~g Together to Serve Our Comneunity Community Services ~epartment Municipal Works l °ct L.. li'J~_ I ~ . . 9 . ' _ ~ J ~~~T (''.y:,~~~~,~~~~~yQ • - S' ~ r . . ~~~f~~~xa'^1_._. . 0 L . . ~ . . . ~ ~ . r. b-:°rTE:i(~ . March 23, 2009 - 2 - MW-2009-15 It should be noted that staff is in the process of developing a solution to the flooding that has occurred in the townhouse complex on Front Street. Staff has met with the property owners and is determining the costs to complete the work. This will be presented at a future date for Council's consideration. Council's direction on how to proceed with this matter would be appreciated. Recommended by: t °:~~- Ed Dujlovic, Director of Community Services S:\REPORTS520091MW-2009-15 -Basement Flooding.wpd (3/16/2009) Dean lorfida - Re. Sewer Backup at 3913 Front St. Page 1 From: Dean Iorfida To: Janice Wing; Ken Burden Date: 3/10/2009 10:43 AM Subject: Re: Sewer Backup at 3913 Front St. CC: Ed Dujlovic; Ken Beaman Hi Janice: Got your voice mail regarding the Booth matter and the City paying for her clean-up and repair costs. Tomorrow is our Council Review meeting and I will bring the matter forward for the March 23rd meeting. I do not believe this is an In Camera item. I know in the Burcuil (Beaverdams) situation you referred to, we went In Camera because the City was contemplating purchasing the property. The Booth scenario would seem to me to be more comparable to a grant in lieu of development charges or other such grant. Regardless, we will bring the matter forward for the 23rd. Thanks Dean »> "Janice Wing" <janice wingClacoaeco.ca> 3/8/2009 SD:02 AM »> Hi Ken, Thank you SO much for your reply and your understanding - "desperate" is indeed the word for her situation. Ianice ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ken Burden" <kburdenCa niaaarafalls.ca> To: <janice wingC~coaeco.ca> Cc: "Dean Iorfida" <diorfidaCla niaaarafalls.ca>; "Ed Dujlovic" <eduilovicCa niaaarafalls.ca> Sent: Sunday, March O8, 2009 9:54 AM Subject: Re: Sewer Backup at 3913 Front St. Hello Janice Ed and I are meeting this afternoon to discuss the capital budget We will also talk about your request to raise this desperate situation with the Council tomorrow As I will be away this coming week, Ed will carry out Council's direction. KEB -----Original Message----- From: "Janice Wing" <ianice winaColcoaeco.ca> To: <CouncilCa~niagarafalls.ca> Cc: Dean Iorfida <diorfidaCo~niaaarafalls.ca> To: Ed Dujlovic <eduilovic@niaaarafalls.ca> Cc: Geoff Holman <aholmanC~niaoarafalls.ca> Cc: Ken Beaman <kbeaman@niaaarafalls.ca> To: Ken Burden <kburdenCa~niaaarafalls.ca> Sent: 3/8/2009 9:41:30 AM Subject: Re: Sewer Backup at 3913 Front St. (3!16/2009) Dean lorfide - Re: Sewer Backup at 3913 Front St - Page.2 ~ It would be unconscionable for us to do nothing to help this lady. The reason she has no insurance is that she was cut off after previous episodes of the same. It is the failure of our infrastructure, and our failure thus far to adequately address the problem, which has led to this terrible dilemna. We helped the lady on Beaverdams whose house was rendered uninhabitable and unrepairable by an episode of Flooding entering her property from the road. It is incumbent upon us, I believe, to do what we can to alleviate this lady's suffering too. It will not break the bank, I think, for us to show enough compassion to pay for her clean-up and repair costs while we also take ASAP whatever steps are physically necessary to prevent this from happening again. Can we discuss this in camera on Monday? Janice -----Original Message ----- From: Linda Booth To: council(lo niaaarafalls.ca Sent: Sunday, March 08, 2009 6:43 AM Subject: Sewer Backup at 3913 Front St. To All, It is 6:30 am and once again the sewer has backed up into my basement. am sitting here, just beside myself. I have no insurance now, and no one to help me. All I have heard from different members of the City is that there are meetings being held and some sort of by-law being looked into. How does this help me now?? As a tax paying citizen and fellow human being, I do not deserve to live in this way. Please, Please help me.!!!! There is nothing else within my home that I can do. Respectfully, Linda Booth 905-295-1761 905-295-1802 The City of l~Tiagara Falls, Ontario ResoIlution 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 may be 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 March 23, 2009, 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 A~Iunicipal Act, 2001, proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality. AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed. DEAN IORFIDA R. T. (TED) SALCI CITY CLERK MAYOR