Sidewalks on Lee Avenue:
Registered deputants in attendance at the meeting were commenting specifically on the planned construction of sidewalks on Lee Avenue only.
Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering, provided a brief presentation to detail the sidewalk planning and construction at Lee Avenue, as there were deputants wishing to speak to the inclusion of Lee Avenue to the Sidewalk Network Completion Program. Director Clarizio advised that sidewalk work on Lee Avenue is anticipated to begin June of 2023 and noted that the work has been awarded to a contractor. Director Clarizio advised that Staff have been meeting with the residents of Lee Avenue to look at mitigating some concerns. Director Clarizio provided an overview of risks and considerations with deleting the sidewalk on Lee Avenue and advised that Staff recommend that the sidewalk plans remain on Lee Avenue.
Mike Creta, Deputant, expressed concerns with the notification process for residents on Lee Avenue in relation to the proposed sidewalk. Mr. Creta noted that foot traffic is neglible on Lee Avenue but noted that speeding is a concern that Lee Avenue residents would prefer to see addressed. Mr. Creta asked to clarify who would be liable if someone were to fall on the new sidewalk and asked about the consultation process with residents. Mr. Creta stressed an issue with speeding on Lee Avenue and other concerns which he noted would not be remedied by a new sidewalk. Michael Toshakovski, Assistant City Solicitor, advised that the liability typically flows with the owner of the land, which would be the City in this case, not the adjacent resident. Director Clarizio advised that in 2020 and 2022 there were notices sent to the residents notifying of the design process as well as a meeting with the residents in April of 2023.
Nicholas To, Deputant, advised that his parents are longtime Lee Avenue residents who purchased their home knowing that the street did not have sidewalks. Mr. To noted the lack of foot traffic on Lee Avenue and suggested that if a sidewalk is installed, that it is done in conjunction with the installation of fiber-optic internet or other infrastructure.
Tom Gunlovski, Deputant, echoed the concerns of other deputants, noting that speeding is an issue on Lee Avenue and that a solution for traffic calming would be preferred. Mr. Gunlovski advised that the sidewalk was originally only meant to be a sidewalk on the North side, but at the community meeting in April 2023, residents were advised that a sidewalk is planned for the North and South side.
Doug Denby, Deputant, questioned future planning for the area, noting that he lives in a lot similar to the area in question and understands that there is not a desire from residents in the area for a sidewalk on Lee Avenue. Mr. Denby noted that when the lots are sold in the future, a number of different things could be done or altered to the properties.
The Committee provided the following feedback subject to the proposed sidewalks on Lee Avenue:
- Inquired about AODA compliance as related to the proposed sidewalks. Staff advised that the AODA does not speak specifically to the aspects needed for accessibility, but speaks to the need for City infrastructure to be accessible.
- Questioned if there is another project for the contractor who has been awarded the contract for construction of the Lee Avenue sidewalk, should the Lee Avenue sidewalk be deleted from the program. Director Clarizio advised that the Lee Avenue sidewalk was part of the contract awarded in June of 2022 and is the final street to be completed as part of the contract.
- Asked if the City has increased liability if a sidewalk is recommended by Staff and not approved by Council. Michael Toshakovski, Assistant City Solicitor, advised that the liability to the City would possibly increase if there were to be an incident or fatality due to the lack of sidewalk which was recommended by Staff.
- Requested that Staff explore traffic calming measures on Lee Avenue as Deputants have noted speeding concerns.
- Noted the issues reported by residents of Lee Avenue with notice of the proposed sidewalk. Staff confirmed they are looking at ways to improve the notification process, including possible physical signage at locations with proposed changes, to ensure residents are engaged early in the process.
Director Clarizio further clarified that the sidewalk on Lee Avenue is one element of the wider Sidewalk Network Completion Program which was designed to address sidewalk gaps throughout the City, which is a new standard passed by Council. Director Clarizio advised that as Lee Avenue is a minor collector road with no sidewalks on either side, the street was established as high priority. Director Clarizio advised that currently, the City is looking to install a sidewalk on one side of Lee Avenue to address the existing gap.
Sidewalk Network Completion Program Status (City-Wide):
Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item as a status update of the Sidewalk Network Completion program which he advised also presents an updated communication strategy. Commissioner Prasad briefly provided a history of this program, noting that Councillors had asked Staff to focus on arterial and collector roads.
The Committee provided the following feedback:
- Inquired as to the use of development charges for existing infrastructure. Commissioner Prasad advised that improvements to infrastructure are not isolated to one road or sidewalk, but rather to the overall road and sidewalk system. Mark Visser, Acting Treasurer, further clarified that the City's Active Transportation Master Plan is 65% DC-funded, considering the benefits to existing homeowners. Mr. Visser advised that the remaining amounts are funded through the Community Benefits fund and the non-DC related Growth Reserve fund.
- Asked why sidewalks would be added to streets where a sidewalk exists on one side of the street. Staff advised that sidewalks are being considered for both sides of residential streets to align with the City's policy with respect to new subdivisions, noting that the ability to safely cross a road to use a sidewalk on one side vary for each individual.
- Inquired about the timeframe for the sidewalk from the Box Grove by-pass to Sanders Drive. Staff confirmed that this section is scheduled for completion in Year 3, which would be presented for approval through the 2025 or 2026 budget cycle.
- Inquired about the process for having hydro improvements or fiber-optic installations coordinated with sidewalk construction to reduce impacts on residents. Staff advised that utilities are governed by an external agency and recommended that residents request fiber-optic installation through the telecommunication companies directly. Staff further advised that the sidewalk installation does not typically involve excavation.
The Committee consented to defer this item to confidential session subject to Municipal Act [Section 239] (f): Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose;
(See Item 10.1)
The Committee put forth the following recommendations for consideration: