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                                                                                                                           M I N U T E S

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

2003-04-28

Meeting No. 4

 

Attendance

 

Chair:                  Councillor J. Virgilio

Members:            Reg. Councillor T. Wong

                           Councillor A. Chiu

                           Councillor G. McKelvey

                           Councillor E. Shapero

Others:                Councillor S. Daurio

                           Councillor D. Horchik

                           Mayor D. Cousens

 

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development         Services

A. Brown, Director of Engineering

P. Loukes, Director of Operations &

        Asset Management

A. Mukherjee, Manager, Transportation/

        Engineering

A. Arbuckle, Manager of Infrastructure and

        Capital Works

D. Smarrelli, Engineering Technician

J. Kee, Committee Clerk

 

 

The Transportation Committee convened at the hour of 1:05 p.m. with Regional Councillor T. Wong in the Chair.  Councillor J. Virgilio assumed the Chair at 1:15 p.m.

 

 

 

            DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

None declared.

 

 

 

1.         GLENN BARON - 251 HELEN AVENUE
            RE: NORTHBOUND KENNEDY BUS STOP
            AT HELEN AVENUE (5.14)

 

Mr. Glenn Baron, 251 Helen Avenue, was in attendance to request the re-location of a northbound bus stop from the south-east corner to the north-east corner of Kennedy Road and Helen Avenue for the benefit of pedestrians.  In addition, Mr. Baron expressed concern that there are no sidewalks in front of BMW, even though it is one of the conditions of Site Plan approval.

 

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong

 

That the deputation of Mr. Glenn Baron, 251 Helen Avenue, regarding the relocation of a bus stop from the south-east corner to the north-east corner of Kennedy Road and Helen Avenue, be received;

 

 

And that the Region of York Transit Department be requested to review the location of the bus stop at Kennedy Road and Helen Avenue;

 

And that an on-site meeting be arranged at Kennedy Road and Helen Avenue with Mr. Glenn Baron, Region of York Transit Department staff, and Town of Markham Engineering staff;

 

And that if the relocation of the bus stop is deemed appropriate by the Region of York, Town of Markham staff be requested to consider the matter of the installation of the sidewalk at the BMW/Kennedy Road/Helen Avenue location.

CARRIED

 

 

 

2.         URBAN TRANSPORTATION SHOWCASE PROGRAM
            (5.10 & 5.14 & 13.4)

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

 

That staff continue to participate with the City of Toronto, York Region, Town of Richmond Hill, City of Vaughan and other GTA partners in preparing a stage two application to Transport Canada for the "Greater Toronto Area Travel Demand Management Program" as an Urban Transportation Showcase Program (UTSP) initiative;

 

And that staff report back to the Transportation Committee when key program and cost elements of the "Greater Toronto Area Travel Demand Management Program" have been determined in consultation with other GTA partners in the program, for consideration by Committee and Council before confirming Markham's ultimate participation in the program;

 

And that the Town Clerk forward copies of this report to the Clerks of the Region of York, City of Vaughan, Town of Richmond Hill, City of Toronto, City of Mississauga, City of Brampton, City of Hamilton, Peel Region, Halton Region, and Durham Region.

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         APPROVAL FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD TRANSPORTATION
            COMMITTEE 2002 - TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECTS
            WILLOWBROOK ROAD AND AILEEN ROAD (5.12)

 

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That Council approve construction of the following traffic calming projects for the 2002 Traffic Calming Programme:

 

 

                                                                                                                                    TRAFFIC

                                                                                                                                    CALMING

            COMMUNITY          WARD            STREET NAMES                             DEVICES

 

            Thornhill                       2                      Willowbrook Road/Aileen Road           12

 

And further that funding for this project in the amount of $105,000 (including 7% GST) be withdrawn from Project No. 4878 - New Traffic Calming Initiatives, in the 2002 Capital Budget (Account Number 065-5350-4878-005).

CARRIED

 

 

 

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Other matters considered by Transportation Committee on April 28, 2003:

 

 

4.         SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS)
AND WEST NILE VIRUS (11.0 & 13.4.4)

 

The Mayor reported that a SARS Economic Summit had been held earlier this date in the City of Toronto and that he had attended with Town staff, GTA politicians and government officials.  The purpose of the Summit was to develop an action plan to respond to the effects of the economic impact of SARS on the business community.

 

He advised that a resolution will be presented to Markham Council at its meeting on April 29, 2003 with respect to the establishment of a Town task force to deal with issues relating to SARS.  He noted that he would also be requesting staff to bring forward a detailed report on the mandate and activities of the task force.

 

In response to a query regarding the West Nile Virus situation, staff advised that a report has been prepared for presentation to the Community Services & Environment Committee meeting on May 12.  Members requested that this report be brought forward to the May 5 Finance & Administrative Committee meeting.  In addition, it was requested that information regarding the steps being taken to help reduce the health risk associated with the West Nile virus be placed on the Town Page of the local newspapers within the next week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.         WOODBINE AVENUE - TRANSPORTATION AND CLASS
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY (VICTORIA SQUARE BY-PASS) (5.10)

 

Mr. Loy Cheah, Manager of Transportation Planning, Region of York, was in attendance and made a presentation with respect to the Transportation and Class Environmental Assessment study which was undertaken to address increasing traffic volumes along Woodbine Avenue between Major Mackenzie Drive and 19th Avenue, and to address concerns about traffic impacts within Victoria Square.  Members were advised that of the options considered, the long westerly alignment, both south and north of Elgin Mills Road, is being recommended.

 

Mr. Neil Mortson, 11491 Leslie Street, was in attendance to express concern that the owner of the service centre on Woodbine Avenue in Victoria Square would loose all passing trade if the option being recommended were approved.  He advised that a petition against this option is being circulated.  Committee suggested that Mr. Mortson meet with representatives of the Victoria Square Ratepayers Association and the local Councillor to discuss the matter further.

 

Moved by Councillor G. McKelvey

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

That the presentation by Mr. Loy Cheah, Manager of Transportation Planning, Region of York, with respect to the Woodbine Avenue Transportation and Class Environmental Assessment Study, (Victoria Square By-Pass), be received;

 

And that the deputation of Mr. Neil Mortson, 11491 Leslie Street, in objection to the option being recommended, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

6.         RAPID TRANSIT UPDATE (5.14)

 

The Director of Engineering advised that Ms. Mary-Frances Turner, Executive Co-ordinator, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, had been unable to attend the meeting to present an update on the York Region Rapid Transit, and the matter was deferred.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.         PUBLIC MEETING UPDATE - ENTERPRISE DRIVE
            ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MARKHAM
            CENTRE/SOUTH UNIONVILLE STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
            ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (10.8.1, 5.7 & 7.12.1)

 

The Director of Engineering distributed copies of a memorandum updating Committee on the status of the Enterprise Drive/Helen Avenue Extension and the South Unionville Stormwater Management Class Environmental Assessments.  He noted that the final Public Information Centre had been held on April 24, and approximately 35 attended.  Comments received will be incorporated into the environmental study reports, which will be filed for the mandatory 30-day review period on May 27, 2003.

 

Members received copies of email correspondence from Mr. Brian Roman, dated April 25, 2003, expressing concern regarding the option of connecting Main Street Unionville to Enterprise Drive.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the email correspondence dated April 25, 2003 from Mr. Brian Roman in objection to connecting Main Street Unionville to Enterprise Drive, be received;

 

And that the presentation by the Director of Engineering with respect to the Enterprise Drive Environmental Assessment and the Markham Centre/South Unionville Stormwater Management Environmental Assessment, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

8.         ACCELERATION OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
            IN SUPPORT OF MARKHAM CENTRE (10.8 & 5.10)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the following resolution be referred to the Committee of the Whole meeting on April 29, 2003:

 

"Enterprise Drive

 

That staff be authorized to accelerate the design and construction of the Enterprise Drive/Helen Avenue extension from Warden Avenue to Kennedy Road including the construction of the GO rail line grade separation for completion by late 2004/early 2005;

 

 

 

 

Enterprise Drive -Warden Avenue to GO Transit rail line

 

And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into a Development Charge credit agreement with Remington Homes for the construction of Enterprise Drive from Warden Avenue to the GO Transit rail line;

 

Enterprise Drive - GO Transit rail line to Kennedy Road

 

And that the Engineering Department be authorized to retain the engineering consulting firm of McCormick Rankin Ltd to undertake the detailed design, tender preparation and coordination of approvals for the Enterprise Drive/CN grade separation for an upset fee of $ 570,000 plus GST to be funded from Development Charges;

 

And that a contingency amount of $ 40,000 be authorized to cover the potential cost of GO Transit’s peer review and expedited approval of the proposed grade separation to be funded from Development Charges;

 

And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement with Go Transit/CN Rail for the rail crossing to the satisfaction of the CAO and Town solicitor;

 

And that Engineering Department be authorized to pre-qualify contractors for the tendering of the construction contract for the Enterprise Drive/Helen Avenue extension including the rail grade separation;

 

And that the Engineering Department report back with the construction tender award and final financing plan for Council’s approval;

 

And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement with Markham Centre East Precinct land owners for the dedication of land required to construct the roadways and the grade separation and if necessary the front-end financing of the construction of the Enterprise Drive/Helen Avenue extension and local services to the satisfaction of the CAO and Town solicitor;

 

And that the Engineering Department’s 2003 Capital budget funded by development charges be amended accordingly;

 

Birchmount Road – Enterprise Drive to 14th Avenue

 

And that staff be authorized to accelerate the design and construction of Birchmount Road from Enterprise Drive to 14th Avenue including the construction of a CN rail line grade separation for completion by late 2005/early 2006;

 

And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into a development charges credit agreement with Remington Homes for the construction of Birchmount Road from Enterprise Drive to Hwy 407;

 

 

And that the Engineering Department be authorized to retain a qualified consulting engineering firm on a cost plus basis to provide Program Management Services to the Town for the construction of Birchmount Road from Highway 407 to 14th Avenue to an upset limit of

$85,000 plus GST;

 

And that the Engineering Department be authorized to enter into negotiations with and to retain qualified consulting engineering firms for the design and tender preparation of this project to an upset limit of $ 375,000 plus GST;

 

And that Engineering Department be authorized to pre-qualify contractors for the tendering of the construction contract for the Birchmount Road extension including the rail grade separation;

 

And that the Engineering Department report back with the construction tender award for Council’s approval;

 

And that the Engineering Department 2003 Capital budget be amended as required to include the Birchmount Road Program Management and consulting engineering fees to be funded from development charges;

 

And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into the necessary agreements with 407ETR, Ministry of Transportation, CN Rail, Hydro One and the Ontario Realty Corporation for the land acquisition and construction of the Birchmount Road extension to the satisfaction of the CAO and Town solicitor;

 

Capital Infrastructure Program

 

And that the 10 Year Road Capital Infrastructure program, including acceleration of Enterprise Drive and Birchmount Road (south of Enterprise Drive), be endorsed;

 

And that the Engineering Department update the 10 Year Road Capital Infrastructure program on a yearly basis for endorsement by Council;

 

And that staff be directed to provide the statutory notice of a public meeting required under the Development Charges Act, 1997to consider proposed area specific development charge by-laws for Markham Centre;

 

And that notice of the public meeting be provided in the Markham Economist and Sun;

 

And that the public meeting be scheduled for September 2003."

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.         MONARCH CONSTRUCTION LIMITED - WOODBINE
            AVENUE (VICTORIA SQUARE BY-PASS) TRANSPORTATION
            AND CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY (5.10 & 5.7)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the letter dated April 9, 2003 from Monarch Construction Limited, and memorandum dated March 5, 2003 from Ron Blake, Senior Project Coordinator, regarding Victoria Square By-Pass Environmental Assessment, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

10.       REGION OF YORK - SMART GROWTH PANEL
            REPORT "SHAPE OF THE FUTURE" (10.8.1)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the letter dated April 3, 2003 from the Region of York respecting the "Shape the Future" report prepared by the Central Ontario Smart Growth Panel, be received. 

CARRIED

 

 

 

11.       REGION OF YORK - URBAN TRANSPORTATION SHOWCASE
            PROGRAM GTA TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT
            PROGRAM UPDATE (5.10 & 5.14 & 13.4)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the letter dated April 17, 2003 from Region of York regarding the proposed GTA Travel Demand Management Program that is to be submitted to the Federal Urban Transportation Showcase Program for funding as part of a cooperative proposal from the regions and municipalities of the GTA, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.       REGION OF YORK - YONGE CORRIDOR ENVIRONMENTAL
            ASSESSMENT PRELIMINARY PREFERRED
            ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVE (5.10 & 5.7)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the letter dated April 17, 2003 from the Region of York requesting input from municipalities before May 15, 2003 with respect to the Yonge Corridor Environmental Assessment Preliminary Preferred Alignment Alternative, be received and referred to staff.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

13.       REGION OF YORK - TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS - 16TH
            AVENUE AND STONE MASON DRIVE/MINGAY AVENUE  (5.12)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the letter dated March 28, 2003 from the Region of York advising that the Region has included the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of 16th Avenue and Stone Mason Drive/Mingay Avenue in their 2003 Capital Improvement Program for Intersections, Bridges and Resurfacing, and that the Traffic Signal Warrant policy adopted by Regional Council on October 17, 2002 be maintained, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

14.       REGION OF YORK - MARKHAM NORTH-SOUTH
            RAPID TRANSIT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
            TERMS OF REFERENCE AND SUPPORTING NEED AND
            JUSTIFICATION REPORT (5.14 & 5.7)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the letter dated March 28, 2003 from the Region of York advising that the Executive Coordinator of the York Rapid Transit Plan has been authorized to formally submit the Markham North-South Rapid Transit Link Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference to the Ministry of the Environment for the Environmental Assessment Act statutory review, be received.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

15.       REGION OF YORK - NEW PROVINCIAL POLICY TO SUPPORT
            YORK REGION RAPID TRANSIT INITIATIVES AND
            DEVELOPING CENTRES AND CORRIDORS IN YORK REGION (5.14)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the letter dated March 28, 2003 from the Region of York with respect to requesting the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to prepare a new general Provincial Policy to support York Region rapid transit initiatives, be received and referred to staff.

CARRIED

 

 

 

16.       CITY OF VAUGHAN - URBAN TRANSPORTATION
            SHOWCASE PROGRAM GTA TRAVEL DEMAND
            MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (13.5.2 & 5.10 & 5.14)

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey

 

That the letter dated March 21, 2003 from the City of Vaughan regarding the establishment of GTA-wide travel demand management program for Transport Canada under the Urban Transportation Showcase Program, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Transportation Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 2:25 p.m.

 

 

 

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