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2002/09/16COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE AGENDA 1) NINTH MEETING Monday, September 16, 2002 From 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B Approval of the 2002 08 12 Community Services Committee Minutes 2) b) c) REPORTS BBS-2002-12 MW-2002-115 MW-2002-123 STAFF CONTACT 7009 Lundy's Lane Sign By-law Variance for Speedy International Inc. Ed Dujlovic Class Environmental Assessment Beaverdams Road (Lundy's Lane to Kalar Road) Preferred Alternative - Notice of Study Completion Ed Dujlovic Niagara Transportation Needs Assessment Ed Dujlovic 3) a) PRESENTATION Presentation of Three Alternatives for Fallsview Boulevard MW-2002-121 .- Fallsview Boulevard Widening - Issues Brief Ed Dujlovic 4) NEW BUSINESS 5) ADJOURNMENT MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING, Monday, August 12, 2002, CITY HALL, ROOM 2 at 4:30 P.M. PRE/ENT: Chairman Victor Pietrangelo, Mayor Thomson, Alderman Paisley Janvary- Pool, Alderman Shirley Fisher, Alderman Selina Volpatti, Alderman Janice Wing, Alderman Carolynn Ioannoni, Alderman Art Federow, Alderman Klm Craitor, Alderman Judy Orr, Alderman Norm Puttick, Alderman Wayne Campbell, Alderman Ken Feren J'I'~FF: John MacDonald, Tony Ravenda, Adele Kon, Ray Kallio, Ed Dujlovic, Dean Iorfida, Lee Smith, Ken Burden, Sue Forcier, Darrell Smith /~BJENT: PREf$: Cyndy Upshall, Niagara Falls Review GUEIT': Members of the Main Street BIA and Members of the Civic Committee, Tim Stuart (TSH) and Gary Pappin (TSH) 1) MINUTEF IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FISHER, seconded by Alderman Craitor that the minutes of the July 15, 2002, meeting be accepted. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 2) CORREfPONDENCE a) Niagara Falls Public Library re: Operating Budget IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN VOLPATTI, seconded by Mayor Thomson that the correspondence from the Niagara Falls Public Library re: Operating Budget increase be approved. Motion: Conflict: Action: Carried Alderman Ioannoni Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 b) Ontario Early Years Centre - Request for 2003 Budget IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Federow that the correspondence from Ontario Early Years Centre - Request for 2003 Budget be referred to staff for the 2003 budget discussion. -2- Motion: Action: Carded Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 3) REPORT./' a) R-2002-47 - The Centennial Celebration Alderman Fisher advised that the Civic Committee had brought forward two recommendations which are listed in the above report. The Lundy's Lane BIA will financially partner with the City to enhance the Battlefield Retaining Wall and the second recommendation, the Centennial History Book, which has no set cost at this time. The Civic Committee would like to set a celebration date of July 1, 2004 when Niagara Falls becomes 100 years young and hopes this will encourage other organizations to carry on a year-long celebration. Mr. Sherman Zavitz of the Civic Committee advised that they do not have any figures on this matter yet. Tonight's report was submitted in hopes of passing the concept that a historical book would be first approved and then the Civic Committee would look into further details; Mayor Thomson advised that it would be nice to plan ahead and carry out both ideas. Renovation to the Battlefield Retaining Wall would be a great addition to the works already carried out in that area. The history of Niagara Falls has to be written. Therefore the Civic Committee should come back to Council with some definite cost to be budgeted in for 2004. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN VOLPATTI, seconded by Alderman Craitor that the Community Services Agenda be adjusted to included report R-2002-47- The City Centennial Celebration. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 - further REPORT R-2002-47 WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Campbell that staff prepare a cost analysis of both options presented. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 b) -3- F-2002-37 - 2003 Budget Alderman Puttick advised that further along in the agenda is a report regarding weed cutting. Alderman Puttick would like staff, starting in the Spring of 2003, to put the City in quadrants and put some money and staff out there and get this City looking beautiful once again. Alderman Puttick did not see in the above budget anything relating to weed/grass cutting. John MacDonald responded that this would allow us to ensure that this is approved before Spdng with this new schedule. These changes in scheduling will actually do exactly what you would like to see done in that we will have a chance to discuss this before the end of the year and make that kind of decision. Alderman Craitor advised that most residents are afraid to turn on their water, resulting in the poor grass we have seen throughout the City. Alderman Craitor agreed that Alderman Puttick's suggestion is a good one but, how do we convince the public to turn on their water and also keep up the City boulevards. Alderman Volpatti and Alderman Pietrangelo both agreed that Committee was told when the water meters were installed that residents would hold back on watering until they were comfortable with their billing. Alderman Pietrangelo also mentioned the rain barrel program would have a positive effect. Alderman Janvary-Pool advised Committee that it behoves us as a Council to get that kind of information and PR out to the public. Alderman Janvary-Pool feels staff should be working with the Hydro to figure out how much the public spends for one hour of watering a day and it is up to Council to inform the public. John MacDonald advised that staff conveyed exactly that type of information to Council when the water meter discussions were brought to Council. The Mayor has brought to your attention some additional conservation brochures and suggestions that we will be looking at and working with Hydro in terms of interests, as we need to have more exposure along those lines. Alderman Janvary-Pool advised that a picture in the paper with a caption, "This is how much it would cost you to water your lawn for one hour a day," would help get the message across. By doing this type of PR more than once through the newspaper and radio, we should get our message across. Mayor Thomson advised Committee that for the past year and half the City has been sending out brochures, information and conservation material in the hydro bill and posting in public areas, such as the Library that very carefully explains all of this information. The City is not unique. Other Municipalities are in the same condition due to the lack of rainfall for most of the summer. -4- IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Janvay-Pool that the Community Services Communittee approve the revised 2003 schedule for budget preparation. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 c) F-2002-48 - Major Receivables Quarterly Report IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FEREN, seconded by Alderman Volpatti that this report be received for the information of the Community Services Committee. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 d) F-2002-49 - Municipal Accounts IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN VOLPATTI, seconded by Alderman Fisher that the Community Services Committee approve the Municipal Accounts totalling $4,375,483.47 for period ending August 12, 2002. Conflict: Alderman Craitor Cheque #269182 Regional Municipality of Niagara #269460 Regional Municipality of Niagara #269028 Regional Municipality of Niagara #269488 Regional Municipality of Niagara #268985 Regional Municipality of Niagara #269324 Regional Municipality of Niagara #269292 Regional Municipality of Niagara #269055 Regional Municipality of Niagara #269461 Regional Municipality of Niagara #269344 Regional Municipality of Niagara Alderman Federow #269157 #269435 #269302 Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 Niagara Falls Humane Society Niagara Falls Humane Society Niagara Falls Humane Society e) MW-2002-106 - Niagara Peninsula Transportation Corridor Mayor Thomson advised that there will be a report at the next Committee meeting which is being prepared at the present time. The Mid Peninsula Corridor is intended to compliment the widening of the QEW through Niagara and not to replace it. Part of the problem is some people at the Region want to stop the widening of the QEVV and just proceed with a Mid Peninsula Corridor. -5- Alderman Craitor advised that the last month and half residents have complained about the traffic backed up heading toward the bridge to the United States. Alderman Craitor looks forward to staff coming up with some sort of solution to resolve this problem. Alderman Fisher added that if you view the bridge traffic it is moving slowly across which is adding to the traffic problems on the highway. Alderman Puttick advised that Niagara Falls does not have enough clout at the Provincial level and suggested that the City invite Mr. Maves to attend out next Council meeting. Alderman Pietrangelo advised Committee that Council was given a report at one time and Ministry of Transportation (MTO) came in and did a presentation on the schedule from St. Catharines to Highway 420. Alderman Pietrangelo asked Ed Dujlovic if the MTO was still on schedule. Ed Dujlovic advised that he was unsure of the exact time line, but the MTO has been proceeding on with the work. There was an Environmental Assessment filed for the widening of Sand Plant Hill a couple of months ago. The MTO is working on the widening through St. Catharines. As a matter of fact the MTO has preceded to buy up homes in St. Catharines along the highway. The MTO wanted the repairs to the St. Catharines Skyway completed before starting work on the other approaches. The Skyway was just completed in the Spring and the next phase is the widening through St. Catharines, then Sand Plant Hill. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FEREN, seconded by Alderman Fisher that the Niagara Peninsula Transportation Corridor status report be received and filed. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 * An Amendment by Alderman Puttick to invite the members of the legislation to the next Council meeting was moved with no seconder. MW-2002-104 - Tender #2002-118-02 - Victoria Avenue, Simcoe Street and Bellvue Street - Watermain Replacement IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Fisher that the unit prices submitted by Alifdome Construction Limited be accepted. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 -6- g) MW-2002-105 - Tender #2002-122-02 - Montrose Road and Kalar Road - Watermain Replacement IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Fisher that the unit prices submitted by Volsci Construction Co. Inc. be accepted subject to approval of cost sharing agreements with each benefiting property owner. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 h) MW-2002-108 - Main Street Closure Environmental Assessment Update Alderman Craitor advised that he and Alderman Wing had an opportunity to attend a Main/Ferry Street BIA meeting. Alderman Craitor stated that he supported the proposal that was presented at the last Committee meeting. The members of the BIA were not notified there was going to be a meeting at City Hall and had they been notified would have attended to express their views and concerns. Alderman Craitor noted that there was a motion that this Council goes on record as opposed to any closure of Main Street. Alderman Craitor did expect that there would be one proposal that would be NO CLOSURE of Main Street and here's how it will be proposed. Members of the Main/Ferry Street BIA addressed the Committee individually to express their concerns and noted a few ideas they wished to express to Council. The BIA was under the impression that all the people who attended the Public Information Session (PIC) would be informed of the final decision. The BIA would like to try Option #1, just staggering the traffic signals much like the Five Corners in Stamford Centre for one year to see how that works before puffing in islands. Rename that portion of Murray Street to Main Street so that traffic will be directed down Main Street off Stanley Avenue. Then people will not lose that connection between Stanley Aveue and Main Street. Change the designation of Main Street from Commercial to Tourist/Commercial so it can be included in the Streetscape Master Plan. o The BIA noted traffic statistics provided by Darrell Smith, that between 1995 - 2001 the total accidents at the Dixon/Stanley intersection was 43. Accidents between Stanley/Kitchener and North Street totalled 76. What is being done at that end of Stanley Avenue to improve these statistics? -7- Alderman Volpatti advised that this report before us seems to be in conflict with some of the things that we have said. It says that Council invited the Main/Ferry Street BIA to the Committee Services Meeting. Alderman Volpatti questioned staff if the BIA was invited or not and who would have notified them from staff? John MacDonald advised that Darrell Smith can fill us in on the notifications and also on Aldermen Craitor's point regarding the options because the option of keeping Main Street open was certainly considered in detail by not only our own consultants who are represented here tonight, but by two other consultants. While there were only two proposals put forward there were numerous proposals, every possible configuration you could think of was considered by the consultants and what it comes down to, is there are only two options that even came close to solving the problem. He recalled the consultants and staff at the last meeting made it clear that are is no one solution for this that really solves all the problems. This is sort of a best of a bad situation that we are dealing with here. John MacDonald advised that Darrell Smith could respond to those questions and notifications as pointed out at the last meeting. Darrell Smith advised that the notifications of the previous meeting were hand delivered to a representative of the Main Street BIA by a member of his staff to Mr. Morgan of Morgan Funeral Home. (Mr. Morgan was not present at tonight's meeting, but his brother has no knowledge of him receiving the notification). With respect to the options before you, in the last presentation, all the options are still here but these are the two that scored the highest and that's why only these two were brought forward and neither of these options satisfied everybody. In fact, there is no one option out there that will satisfy everybody. Staff have come forward with two solutions, again, making the best of a bad situation. What we are trying to find is a solution that solves the problem with the least amount of impact. John MacDonald clarified that the point of the motion that was passed at Council to keep Main Street open was passed at the request of Falls Management Company (FMC), relative to the Casino. As you recall FMC was present at the last meeting when we discussed the Main Street Closure, when we had the Environmental Assessment and were quite adamant that Option #'!. that was approved by Council comes as close as possible in doing that. FMC felt that Committee passed the motion in support of their request and they were quite content the motion that you passed would support that option. Darrell Smith advised Committee that there are a couple points he would like clarify: -8- The option before you is not a closure but a diversion of traffic. Access to all the points within the Main Street BIA area and the Fallsview BIA area will be maintained. How the traffic flows will be slightly different, it is not a closure, you'll still be able to use that road it is just a diversion. A comprehensive signing program will be done in conjunction with this diversion. a. To use signage to show people how to get to the Main/Ferry Street area; b. To show them how to get to the areas within the Main Street portions; c. Where the accesses are controlled. The controlling of that intersection will not remove that excess traffic from going down Main Street. It will still be there. Alderman Volpatti questioned staff that in the third paragraph of report MW- 2002-108 staff requested from the Main Street BIA their new proposal. What new proposal? John MacDonald explained that it was mentioned by Alderman Wing or the impression that we perceived was that the BIA had questions that were not answered and that they had an alternative that was not properly considered. Staff approached the BIA for that proposal and was advised there was no proposal. Alderman Wing advised that she had mentioned ideas and maybe that is what got misconstrued. Darrell Smith advised that the Environmental Assessment (F_A) process has specific points of public contact that is listed at PIC meetings. When the final PIC meetings are over and a solution is published that is when notification is mailed to every single person that is on the list. Alderman Pietrangelo noted there is not a sign as you come down Lundy's Lane as it changes over to Ferry Street Why not have an overhead sign saying Alternate Route to the Falls. Then people could turn right on Main Street and hit Murray Hill. This would increase traffic flow on Main Street. Perhaps the BIA could ask for that type of signage. Darrell Smith went over his presentation from the previous Committee meeting to refresh the Council's memory. As requested by the residential neighbourhoods, separated the Tourist/Commercial traffic from the residential traffic put in cul-de- sac's at Murray Street and at Dixon Street with emergency access only. There seemed to be quite a strong consensus from the public in this area that they liked that separation. -9- If we move forward today we will be in a position to publish the EA shortly. Once the EA is published, every single person that signed in at one of the Public Information Session will get a letter saying the EA is published and this is where you can review a copy of the EA. At that point, a thirty day appeal period starts. The appeals are done through the Ministry of the Environment. Alderman Wing advised Committee that residents and businessman alike are upset that the through movement of a century old road is being diverted. The first choice is to keep Main Street open to through traffic and if that cannot happen the Main/Ferry BIA would like adequate signage to compensate for that loss of through traffic. It is not just the BIA that is upset, there are a lot of residents that feel it is a closure and not a diversion. Alderman Fisher advised Committee that after the last meeting all the concerns that are documented in the minutes were not printed in the Review, so it appeared that she had nothing to say. The minutes express all the concerns she had from the Chippawa people. This seemed to be the best solution. Alderman Puttick asked if a person come down Main Street under the new proposal if it would be easier to go to Chippawa then if a person came north from Chippawa to go to Main/Ferry. Is it easier to get to the Casino or easier to get to the businesses? Why do you not inconvenience the tourist going to the Casino as opposed to the local residents? Darrell Smith responded that it's not a question of convenience but safety. Alderman Puttick is concerned about the number of lanes and that there is three sets of lights in a relative short distance. Darrell Smith responded this is all part of our comprehensive sign program. The angle of the intersection makes it an unsafe intersection and with the increase traffic on Stanley Avenue and the widening of Stanley Avenue, it will get worse. Alderman Puttick questioned whether staff had looked at the circle he suggested, that the City buy up the land, the restaurant where the Marineland sign is and put a circle in there. Darrell Smith responded that staff did not really pursue that options because it would require more land. Alderman Puttick believes that having a 75-year plan as opposed to a 5-year plan would be a better way to go. Alderman Wing advised Committee that she believes the only link between the Fallsview Tourist Area and the Lundy's Lane Tourist District is via Stanley Avenue and Ferry Street which she believes is going to get too congested, so perhaps we should look at putting up some sort of signage via Main Street to redirect traffic. It would be a good way to relieve the congestion at the Stanley/Ferry intersection. Alderman Volpatti advised Committee that she is satisfied with the alternative chosen, that we are not closing Main Street but diverting traffic and we should go ahead with the process. -10- Mayor Thomson advised Committee that we have been working on this project for about a year and half now and staff, consultants and Council have been working without exception to try to find a solution to this situation that is going to be meaningful and work. Once it is in place there will be some alternative suggestions as we go through the situation. Mayor Thomson invited some of the members from the Main/Ferry Street BIA to the Fallsview BIA meeting to see if anything can be implemented. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN VOLPATTI, seconded by Alderman Federow that staff meets with the Main Street & Fallsview BIA's to discuss improvements to Main Street Changes. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 - and - IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN VOLPATTI, seconded by Alderman Federow that the City of Niagara Falls proceeds with the filing of the Environmental Assessment for the Main Street Closure. Opposed: Alderman Wing, Alderman Ioannoni, Alderman Orr Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 i) MW-2002-101 - Grass Cuffing within the City of Niagara Falls IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FEREN, seconded by Alderman Fisher that the information be received and further staff report back after the meeting with the other agencies. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 J) R-2002-48 - Response to Ice User Group Concern on Loss of Ice Time Due to Tournaments Alderman Craitor indicated some sports groups called and questioned why Parks, Recreation and Culture was asking for information with regards to names and addresses. Alderman Volpatti also inquired why they needed the names and addresses from those individuals. Adele Kon stated that staff is trying to determine a trend, who the users are, are they residents of Niagara Falls or are they nonresidents, are the male or female. We feel we need the actual address to determine these trends. Alderman Pietrangelo asked Adele if this is done in other cities. Adele Kon confirmed that this is done in other cities as well. -11- Alderman Volpatti advised Committee that she would support the motion as the reasons are excellent for obtaining the information. Alderman Pietrangelo further noted that especially in terms of expansion for soccer fields or hockey arenas, we would know the trends. Adele noted that all information collected is kept in confidence for staff use only. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN FEREN, seconded by Alderman Volpatti that this report be received and that staff be directed to undertake a more detailed review of ice hours and that all major ice users be required to submit a full list of registrations. Opposed: Alderman Wing, Alderman Craitor, Alderman Orr, Alderman Ioannoni Conflict: Alderman Federow Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2002 08 12 4) NEW BUJlNF~$ Alderman Orr questioned staff that the fireworks on the weekends is causing a tremendous revibration that goes down the gorge. Could staff find out if that has any effect on the rock formation. 5) ADJOURNMENT MEETING WAS ADJOURNED, MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Fisher at 6:30 p.m. The City of Niagara Falls Canada Community Services Department Building and By-law Services 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 374-7500 E-mail: melb@city, niagarafalls.on.ca BBS-2002-q2 Mel Brown, Director September 16, 2002 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chair and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: BBS-2002-12- 7009 Lundy's Lane Sign By-law Variance for Speedy International Inc. RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve a variance to Sign By-Law 6661, as amended, to permit the area of an existing ground sign to be increased to 166 square feet (15.42 sq. m.) at 7009 Lundy's Lane. BACKGROUND: The Speedy Auto Service operation at 7009 Lundy's Lane, currently has an existing 126 sq. fl. ground sign and would like to add a read-o-graph changeable lettering section on which they can advertise seasonal specials. The read-o-graph is an additional 40 sq.ft, thereby making the sign a total of 166 sq.ft., whereas the by-law pemiits a maximum of 150 sq.ft.. This would appear to be a reasonable request which co~ld eliminate the need for any portable signs. Manager of By-law Services Approved~: Ed Dujlovic Director of Municipal Works ReCommended by: Mci Brown Director of Building and By-law Services spectfully submitted.' · John MacDonald Chief Administrative Officer YForking Together to Serve Our Community The City of Niagara Falls~ Canada Community Services Department Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tek (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng. Director MW-2001-115 September 16, 2002 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2002-115 Class Environmental Assessment Beaverdams Road (Lundy's Lane to Kalar Road) Preferred Alternative - Notice of Study Completion RECOMMENDATION: That the City adopts the recommendations to incorporate specific traffic calming measures along Beaverdams Road between Lundy's Lane and Kalar Road as identified in the study as the preferred alternative and further that staff be directed to prepare design and construction estimates for this project for consideration in the 2003 Capital Works Budget. BACKGROUND: In the Spring of this year, the City engaged the services of McCormick Rankin Corporation to conduct a field investigation, identify problems and evaluate alternatives in order to address a speeding problem within the study area. The study team arranged meetings with the area residents and presented the preferred alternative at an Open House on June 25, 2002. This strategy involves the following; · To reclassify Beaverdams Road between Lundy's Land and Kalar Road from an arterial road to a collector road. · To install two raised medians ('gateways') at the west and east end of Beaverdams Road. · To construct two speed humps between Booth Street and Hodgson Avenue and four road narrowings with textured pavement between Cardinal Newman Way and Hodgson Avenue. · To curb the Rysdale Street/Magnolia Drive intersection and replace the 4-way stop signs with 2-way stop signs on the side streets. · To pave the shoulders between Cardinal Newman Way and Booth Street. · To place a school area sign identifying the walkway to the Cardinal Newman Catholic Elementary School at Booth Street. Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works Fire Services Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development . Building and By-Law; September 16, 2002 -2 - MW-2001-! 15 To place temporary curbs in advance of road resurfacing at the locations where permanent speed reduction devices are being proposed. A graphic representation of the traffic calming strategy is attached for your reference. The estimated construction costs for the traffic calming devices total $110,00.00 however; at the workshop and open house many residents indicated their preference to closing in the roadside ditches and reconstructing the road. way to a full urban road cross-section (ie: curbs, gutters, storm sewers). While these works are not specifically required to address the speeding problems, it would be cost effective to combine the two initiatives into one larger project. Staff is presently developing costs estimates for both alternatives (i.e., traffic calming and road reconstruction) and will include these alternatives in the upcoming budget deliberations for 2003. With the Committee's concurrence on the preferred traffic calming altemative staff will proceed to file the Notice of Study Completion as required under the Environmental Assessment process. Full copies of the project file are available from the Municipal Works Department. Recommen~ ~man, C.E.T. ~ Manager of By-Law Enforcement Approved)y: Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng. Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: Attach: S:XREPORTS~002 ReportskMW-2002-115 - Preferred Alternative - Beaverdams Road.wpd The City of Niagara Falls Community Services Department Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 3562354 Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng. Director MW-2002-123 September 16, 2002 Aldemsan Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: MW-2002-123 Niagara Transportation Needs Assessment RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City support the recommendations as contained in the report entitled "Niagara Peninsula Transportation Needs Assessment Study" and that the Province proceed with the widening of the QEW through St. Catharines and Sand Plant Hill as soon as possible. It is further recommended that the City of Niagara Falls support the initiation of the Environmental Assessment for the Mid Peninsula Corridor. BACKGROUND: In 2001, the Province of Ontario in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Niagara and the City of Hamilton released the report entitled. "Niagara Peninsula Transportation Needs Assessment Study." The purpose of the study was to assess the operation of the transportation systems within the Region of Niagara and the City of Hamilton and to identify long range problems, opportunities and transportation improvement options. The study provides a transportation development strategy for a thirty year planning horizon. Although the study focussed on International, Inter-Provincial and Inter-Regional travel, the need for Municipal transportation related initiatives were also identified. As a result of the study various short, medium and long term recommendations were provided. The attached tables provide a listing of the needed improvements and their timing. One of the main conclusions of the study was that a new Mid Peninsula Corridor was required along with strategic upgrading of the QEW from Hamilton to Niagara Falls. This recommendation is of particular importance as it indicates that even with the Mid-Peninsula Corridor, widening of the QEW would be required. This is an important fact to consider when dealing with positions taken by various YForking Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works Fire Services Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development , Building and By-Laws September 16, 2002 -2 - MW-2002-123 groups/individuals who are opposed to widening of the QEW to eight lanes, from Hamilton to St. Cathadnes, in order to protect the tender fruit lands in the Niagara Region. As indicated in the Needs Assessment Study, the current QEW corridor between Hamilton and St. Catharines is of sufficient width to construct an eight-lane cross section. In fact when the QEW was widened from four to six lanes in the 1990's, the bridge crossings over the various creeks were built to accommodate an eight-lane cross section. As there is sufficient width in the corridor to accommodate eight lanes, additional tender fruit land would not be required. The issue of protecting the tender fruit land is a land use issue and can be best protected by the Region of Niagara and affected Municipalities by implementing appropriate planning controls. The protection of the tender fruit lands is an issue that needs to be dealt with as there is and will continue to be development pressures on these lands as a result of the existing QEW and urban infrastructure located in this area. City staff is supportive of the Mid Peninsula Corridor initiative as it has been shown that only widening the QEW to eight lanes from Hamilton to Niagara Falls would not address the transportation needs beyond 2011. In regard to the other recommendations outlines in tables 1, 2, and 3, the City agrees that the widening of the QEW to six lanes through St. Catharines and Sand Plant Hill plus a truck climbing lane at Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake needs to be carried out as soon as possible as these areas are now becoming congested as tourist travellers make their way to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. In conclusion, staff is supportive of the recommendations and implementation strategy identified in the Needs Assessment Study. Staffis opposed to any suggestions that the QEW not be widened to eight lanes, between Hamilton and St. Catharines, as it is clearly indicated in the Needs Assessment Study that this work will have to be carried out in the future even with the Mid Peninsula Corridor in place. Committee's concurrence with the above recommendations would be appreciated. Recommended by: Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng. Director of Municipal Works ~Respectfully submitted: [ John MacDonald ~/Chief Administrative Officer S:hREPORTSL?.002 Reports~lW-2002-123- Transportation Needs Assessrnent.wpd Niagara Peninsula Transportation Needs Assessment Executive Summary Report TABLE 1: SHORT TERM RECOMMENDATIONS - NOW TO 2005 ROADWAYS QEW widening - S~d Plant'Hill Hwy 405 to Hwy420 Implementation - 4 to 6 lanes Hwy 406 to Garden f~ity Skyway Bridga - 4 to 6 la,es QEW widening - St Catharines Implementation Province Provinbe QEW widening - Burlington to Oakvillc Burlington-lo Oakville - 6 to 8 lanes Province Implementation Highway 6 New - Hwy 403 to Hamilton Intematienal Implementation Airport - 2 lane highway Province Highway 6 Widening - Highway 403 to Highway $ Implementation - 4 to 6 lanes Province Beaverdams Rd. to Port Robinson Highway 406 Widening (Thoroid)- 2 lanes to 4 hne-Controiled - Implementation Access Highway Mid Peninknda Highway - Initiate FA Study Province Niagara (QEW) to Halton (Hwy 4~7) 4 lane highway Highway 420 Extension Hwy 420 (Niagara Falls) to Hwy 58 (Tho~old Tunnel) Province - Initiate EA Study 4- lane Controlled Aoeea$ Highway Highway 3 Corridor L Study Fort Erie to SL Thomas Province Red Hill Creek Expressway Lincoln Alcxande~ Parkway to QEW - 5 lanes Hamilton Implementation* Improved Aflerial Connection fxom Niagara Falls to Hwy Link Connecting Niagara Falls to Niagara W¢lland/Pelhnm area 406 - Municipal Needs Study SL Catharines Improved Arterial Improvement to municipal roads to Roads - Municipal alleviate QEW traffic problems SL Catharines Needs Study Niagara Regional Escarpment Crossing Assessment of Regional Escarpment Study crossing requirements Niagara 17 Niagara Peninsula Transportation Needs Assessment Executive Summary Report TABLE 1: TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT Niagara Crossir~s - ] Develop Strategic Plan Fora Niagara Bridges and roadway access T.B.D. TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT AND TRANSIT Regio~ of Niagara- Azse~m~t of trinet and travel demand TramflffDM/~udy manag _c~-nt oppot~fi~s Niagara City of Hamilton - Assessment oftranait and travel demand Transiffl'DM Study management bpportunitiez Hamilton PASSENGER RAIl. SERVICE Regional Rail Service - Tourism (Weekend/Seasonal) Rail Fe~bilily Study Niagara Region to GTA FERRY SERVICE T.B.D. Ferry Se~'~iee - Opportunities Study Niagara Region to GTA T.B.D. 18 Niagara Peninsula Transportation Needs Assessment Executive Summary Report TABLE 2: MEDIUM TERM RECOMMENDATIONS - 2006 TO 2011 ROADWAYS Mid Peninsula Corridor - Staged Implementation Highway 403 Widening - Implementation QEW i~ Niagara to Hwy 407 in Halton - 4 lane highway Province/Private Sector QEW to Main St. (Hamilton) - 6 to 8 QEW Widening - Burlington Bridge to Freeman Freeman Interchange Implementation Interchange - 6 to 8 lanes Province Highway 6 New- Hamilton International Airport to Implemeatation* Caledonia Province Highway 406 Widening Port Robinson (Thorold) to Fast Main St. (Welland) - 2 lanes to 4 lane Conlrolled Province - Implementation Access Hwy Highway 406 Extension East Main St. (Welland) to Hwy 58 or Mid-Peninsula Hwy- 2 lane Controlled Province - Implementation* Access Major Arterial Highway 6 Province Improvements - Corridor N~is Study Highway 6 or Highway 8 and 24 Improvements - Corridor Needs Study* Caledonia to Lake Erie Operational / Local bypasses Highway 5 to Highway 401 Province Improved Regional Road 20 Link Connecting Pelham to Hwy 406 Niagara Implementation Hamilton Noflh/South Links Municipal Needs Link connecting the Mid-P~ninsula Study* Highway to Red Hill Creek Expy. Hamilton * Need ! Function depeudeat of Mid-Peninsula Highway Route Location TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT QEW ITS - Develop Hamilton to Fort Erie including Strategic Plan Highways 405, 406 and 420 Province Bi-National ITS integration - Roadways QEW, Mid-Peainsula Highway, and Bridges Develop Municipal roads, U.S. roads, T.B.D. Strategic Plan Niagara Bridges 19 Niagara Peninsula Transportation Needs Assessment Executive Summary Report TABLE 2: MEDIUM TERM RECOMMENDATIONS - 2006 TO 2011 TRAVEL DEMAND MA.N'AGEMENT AND TRANSIT Regioa of Niagara - . TDM and Transit TDM and Trannit Strategies to support Strategy planning objectives Niagara Implementation City of Hamilton- TDM and Transit TDM and Trannit Strategies to SUplX~ Strategy planning objectives Hamilton Implementation PASSENGER l~II. SERVICE Rcgi(xtal Rail Service- Tourism (Weekcad/Seasonal) Implcmentalion Niagara Region to GTA T.B.D. Commuter Rail Service - Rail Feasibility Study Niagara Region to GTA T.B.D. FERRY SERVICE Few] Service - ~"' ] Implementation Niagara Region to GTA [ Private Sector 20 Niagara Peninsula Transportation Needs Assessment Executive Summary Report TABLE 3: LONG TERM RECOMMENDATIONS - BEYOND 2011 ROADWAYS QEW Strategic Implemc, ntafion* Highway 403 wideafing Implementation* Niagara Falls to Hamilton Province Main St..Hamilton to Lincoln Alexan.de~ Parkway Province Highway 407 Widening Implementation Halton Regi.'on Private Sector Hwy. 420 Extension - Hwy. 420 (Niagara Falls) to Hwy. Implemerdafion (Thorold.Tmmel) - 4 lane C.A.H. Provinc~ h.~n~ed Arterial Connection from Lint- Cormecting Niagara Falls to Niagara Falls to Hwy W¢lland/P¢lham area Niagara 406 - Implementation Hamilton North/South Link Connecting Mid-Peainsula Link- Highway to Red Hill Creek Hamilton Implementation* Expressway PASSENGER RAH. SERVICE Commuter Rail Service - Implementation Nia~_ra Region to GTA TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT T.B,D. QEW ITS - Implementation Bi-National ITS integration 7 Roadways and Bridges Hamilton to Fort Erie including Highways 405, 406 and 420 QEW, Mid-Penin.ea~ Hwy Municipal roads, U.S. roads, Niagara Bridges T.B.D. Need / Function dependent of Mid-Peninsula Highway Route Location 21 Niagara Falls Community Services Department Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.nlagarafalls.on.ca Tel.: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-mail: darrells@city.niagarafalls.on.ca Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng. Di~'ctor MW~2002-121 File S-60-13 September 16, 2002 Members: RE: M'W-2002-121 Failsview Boulevard Widening - Issues Brief RECOMMENDATION: That this report be received for information. BACKGROUND: As Committee is aware, the City is undertaking a Schedule "C" Class Environmental Assessment to widen Fallsview Boulevard, Murray Street, Dixon Street and Dunn Street in conjunction with the opening of the new permanent casino. As part of the process, staff and the consultant have met with several stakeholders for their input. There are two divergent points of view regarding the extent of the road widening. The Falls Management Company would like to see a five-lane cross section to allow for as many vehicles as possible to access, their site. The Fallsview BIA would like to allow more room for pedestrian and streetscaping. Their preference is that the road be widened to three lanes. They believe that this congestion would help to get people out of their cars and walking through the district. The consultant has prepared a model of the road network. This model has three variants, a three, four, and a five-lane cross section on Fallsview Boulevard. The model will show the expected traffic and congestion for each variant. Obviously, the five-lane option would only allow a minimum area for sidewalks and streetscaping. In fact, if the four or five-lane option is adopted, it will be impossible to implement Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-Law September 16, 2002 -2- MW-2002-121 the Streetscape Master Plan. The three lane options would allow for wide pedestrian walkways and streetscaping. The trade off is the traffic congestion. At this point, we are bringing this forward to keep Committee up to date on the issues. Prior to making a recommendation, there will be another Public Information Center (PIC) near the end of this month. Once the comments have been received from the PIC, staff will be bringing a recommendation back to Committee for adoption. Committee's concurrence with the recommendations outlined in this report would be appreciated. Prepared ~t: Manager of Engineering Services Respectfully submitted: John MacDonald Chief Administrative Officer Appro~ Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng. Director of Municipal Works S:~REPORTS~2002 Reports\MW2002-121 Casino Roads.wpd