TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
2004-06-21
Meeting
No. 6
Attendance
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J. Livey, Chief Administrative
Officer
J. Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
A. Taylor, Commissioner of
Corporate Services
A. Brown, Director of
Engineering
A. Mukherjee, Manager,
Transportation/
Engineering
K. Bavington, Committee Clerk
C. Raynor, Committee Clerk
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The Transportation Committee convened at the hour of 1:10 p.m. with
Councillor K. Usman in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None disclosed.
1. WILCLAY AVENUE ADULT SCHOOL CROSSING
GUARD
SERVICE AT WILCLAY PUBLIC ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL (5.12)
Weblink 1
2 3
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the staff report entitled “Wilclay
Avenue Adult School Crossing Guard Service at Wilclay Public Elementary
School,” dated June 21, 2004 be received;
And that the Engineering Department be
authorized to establish an adult school crossing guard service on Wilclay
Avenue at the west entrance of Wilclay Public Elementary School at a cost of
$6,000.00 less 3% G.S.T.;
And that the funding of the additional adult
school crossing guard service in 2004 be absorbed in the existing 2004
Operating Budget, account #640 998 5642;
And that the Operations and Asset Management
Department be directed to install school crossing signs and crosswalk pavement
markings on Wilclay Avenue at the west entrance of Wilclay Public Elementary School,
upon approval.
CARRIED
2. CLEGG
ROAD EXTENSION
SOUTH TOWN CENTRE BOULEVARD TO WARDEN AVENUE
CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (5.10) Weblink
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the report entitled “Clegg Road
Extension, South Town Centre Boulevard to Warden Avenue, Class Environmental
Assessment,” dated June 21, 2004 be received;
And that the preferred alternative for the
Clegg Road extension from South Town Centre Boulevard to Warden Avenue as
detailed in the Environmental Study Report (as attached to the original Council
minutes kept on file in the Clerk’s Office) be endorsed;
And that Engineering Department staff be
authorized to file the Environmental Study Report for the 30-day public review
commencing June 23, 2004.
CARRIED
3. UNIONVILLE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN
(5.12) Weblink
The Committee thanked Mr. A. Brown, Director, Engineering and Mr. A.
Mukherjee, Manager, Transportation for their work in connection with this
matter.
**Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the staff report entitled “Unionville Traffic Management Plan,”
dated June 21, 2004 be received;
And that the planned future road connections to Highway 7 from Markham
Centre be aligned opposite Verclaire Gate, Village Parkway and Sciberras Road,
subject to ongoing monitoring and transportation management strategies as
outlined below;
And that when the intersections are constructed, the north leg of the
intersections include appropriate geometric and landscaping treatment to
reflect the residential character of the roads on the north side of Highway 7;
And that upon completion of the road connections, staff implement the
transportation management strategies as outlined in the report entitled
“Unionville Traffic Management Plan” prepared by BA Group dated May, 2002,
including the Markham Centre road improvements;
And that the roads identified by the Unionville Coalition, where there
are concerns about speeding and safety, be considered by the Markham Traffic
Safety Committee as part of the Markham Safe Streets Programme;
And that an appropriate reserve (the money for the reserve to come from
the Markham Centre Developers’ Group) be established for improvements on
internal streets that may be necessary;
And that staff review the recommendations of the Unionville Coalitions
and report to the Transportation Committee on the commitments made to the
Unionville Coalition regarding internal streets, their identification,
solutions and potential funding sources.
CARRIED
____________________________________________________________
**Amended by Council on June 22, 2004 as follows:
That the words “including the Markham Centre
road improvements” be added to Clause 4;
And that the following paragraphs be added:
“And that an appropriate reserve (the money
for the reserve to come from the Markham Centre Developers’ Group) be
established for improvements on internal streets that may be necessary;
4. MIDDLEFIELD ROAD, SOUTH OF ELSON STREET
GUIDE RAIL (5.12) Weblink 1
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the report entitled “Middlefield Road, South of Elson Street Guide
Rail,” dated June 21, 2004, be received;
And that the Operations and Asset Management Department be directed to
implement the recommended sign plan;
And that the York Region Chief of Police be requested to provide
immediate enforcement of speeds on this roadway;
And that this section of Middlefield Road be considered as a candidate
for the Markham Safe Streets Programme.
CARRIED
5. VALHALLA DRIVE AND COCHRANE DRIVE
(5.10) Weblink 1
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the report entitled “Valhalla Drive and Cochrane Drive,” dated
June 21, 2004, be received;
And that the existing one-way traffic flow for Valhalla Drive and
Cochrane Drive at the Highway 7 intersections remain in place;
And that the Region of York be requested to implement a southbound
double right turn lane at the Allstate Parkway-Valhalla Drive/Highway 7
intersection;
And that staff defer the tender and construction for the permanent
improvements on the south leg of the Allstate Parkway-Valhalla Drive/Highway 7
intersection until 2005 to finalize the streetscape requirements.
CARRIED
6. CHURCH STREET PARKING PROHIBITION
BETWEEN NINTH LINE AND BUR OAK
AVENUE (5.12.4) Weblink 1
2
The Committee suggested that a length of Church Street may be an
appropriate location for on-street parking for hospital patrons.
**Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the staff report entitled “Church Street Parking Prohibition,
between Ninth Line and Bur Oak Avenue,” be received;
And that Schedule 1 of Parking By-law 336-88 be amended to include a
Parking Prohibition on the north and south side of Church Street, between Ninth
Line and Bur Oak Avenue;
And that the attached amending By-law be approved;
And that the Operations and Asset Management Department be directed to
install the appropriate signs upon approval of the attached amending by-law;
And that staff report back to Council in Fall 2004, with
recommendations concerning the parking conditions on Riverlands Avenue, and the
southern two (2) or three (3) blocks on Country Glen;
And that staff
consider as part of its Town-wide parking strategy, the possibility of
implementing on Church Street, east of Ninth Line, on-street pay parking for
use by hospital patrons.
CARRIED
_____________________________________________________________
7. 14th AVENUE SIDEWALK -
2004 CAPITAL BUDGET ALLOCATION
(5.18) Weblink 1 2
**Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the staff report entitled “14th Avenue Sidewalk – 2004
Capital Budget Allocation,” dated June 21, 2004, be received;
And that a sidewalk on 14th Avenue, between Boxwood Crescent
(east intersection) and Legacy Drive not be constructed in 2004;
And that the Engineering Department report back this Fall with a
10-year sidewalk implementation plan for the Town of Markham;
And that the $140,000 allocation in the 2004 Capital Budget be assigned
to the highest priority location as determined by the implementation plan for
sidewalk construction to be considered in Fall 2004;
And that the matter be referred to staff for the Ward Councillor to
hold an Information Meeting with the residents before September, 2004;
And that authority be granted to the Chief Administrative Officer to
proceed with a solution during the summer recess.”
CARRIED
_____________________________________________________________
**Amended by Council on June 22, 2004 as follows:
That paragraphs
2, 3, and 4 be deleted and the following paragraphs be added:
“And that the matter be referred to staff for
the Ward Councillor to hold an Information Meeting with the residents before
September, 2004;
And that authority be granted to the Chief
Administrative Officer to proceed with a solution during the summer recess.”
8. SOUTH
THORNHILL COMMUNITY
VEHICULAR INFILTRATION (5.12) Weblink 1
There was considerable discussion surrounding the problem of traffic
infiltration on Town roads. The Committee suggested that the problem has been
reviewed many times but that no local solutions were found to be acceptable to
residents. It was stated that a broader review of the problem will be
necessary.
The Committee was advised that the Safe Streets Task Force will review
stop sign and speeding violations in the area.
Moved by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the staff report entitled “South Thornhill Community Vehicular
Infiltration,” dated June 21, 2004, be received;
And that a working group consisting of staff from the Town of Markham,
the Region of York, the City of Toronto, the City of Vaughan, one member of the Grandview Avenue Residents’
Association, one member of the Ward One South Residents Inc., Deputy Mayor F.
Scarpitti, Councillor S. Daurio and YRTP be formed to undertake a
comprehensive traffic data collection study, document travel patterns, review
operations on arterial roads and intersections and recommend measures to
address the vehicular infiltration issues in the South Thornhill area.
CARRIED
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Other matters
considered by the Transportation Committee on June 21, 2004
9. SEAN LECLAIR
HEATHFIELD AVENUE SIDEWALK
(5.18)
Mr. S. Leclair made a presentation,
requesting that the sidewalk be removed from in front of lots # 79 to 86 on
Heathfield Avenue. Five other property owners were in attendance in support.
Mr. Leclair stated that, in his opinion, it is the unanimous request of the
property owners on Heathfield Avenue, and that at the time of purchasing their
homes, the builder, Aspen Ridge, had advised them that there would be no
sidewalk on their side of the road.
Committee discussed the Town's sidewalk
policy, similar developments without sidewalks, the risk of setting a precedent
for other requests, the responsibility of the builder to inform purchasers, and
the feasibility of relocating the sidewalk to the other side of the road. Staff
advised the steep slope to the pond precludes relocation to the other side.
Committee directed that staff meet with
Heathfield Avenue homeowners and the builder, Aspen Ridge, over the summer to
discuss solutions, and that staff report back to Committee in the fall.
Moved by: Councillor G. McKelvey
Seconded by: Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the presentation by Mr. S. Leclair
regarding the sidewalk on Heathfield Avenue, be received;
And that staff, homeowners, and the builder, Aspen Ridge, meet during
the summer to try to resolve the issue of sidewalks being installed in front of
lots No. 79 to 86 Heathfield Avenue, and that staff report back to
Transportation Committee in the fall, 2004.
CARRIED
10. MS.
J. HOWARD AND MR. W. MORSE
MITIGATING TRAFFIC INFILTRATION
ON RESIDENTIAL ROADS (5.12)
Ms. J. Howard, Grandview Area Residents Association, and Mr. W. Morse,
Ward 1 (South) Thornhill Residents Inc. gave a brief presentation on the issue
of traffic infiltration in South Thornhill. They advised that there has been
increased congestion and pollution, as well as a greater hazard to pedestrians
and other drivers, as a result of the infiltration.
Moved by Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the presentation by Ms. J. Howard, Chair, Grandview Area Residents
Association and Mr. W. Morse, Ward One South Residents Inc, regarding the mitigation
of traffic infiltration on residential roads, be received.
CARRIED
11. TRAIN WHISTLES UPDATE
STATUS OF REGION OF YORK
PARTICIPATION (5.13)
Staff advised that a possible miscommunication with York Region
regarding the anti-whistling program had been rectified. Staff expect to
receive a letter of authority from the Region, upon receipt of which, staff
will proceed with the audit of rail crossings.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the presentation by Mr. A. Mukherjee, Manager, Transportation,
regarding train whistles, be received.
CARRIED
12. TOWN OF MARKHAM
10 YEAR ROAD CAPITAL PROGRAM -
TIMING OF RODICK ROAD AND
BIRCHMOUNT EXTENSIONS (5.10)
Weblink
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the staff report entitled “Town of Markham 10 Year Road Capital
Program – Timing of Rodick Road and Birchmount Extensions,” dated June 21, 2004
be received;
And that staff report back in the Fall of 2004 with the 2005 and 10
Year Capital Programs for hard services and funding requirements for Council’s
review and endorsement.
CARRIED
13. YORK REGION
SCHOOL ZONING SIGNING (5.12)
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the letter from York Region, dated May 21, 2004, supporting a
petition by the Town of Richmond Hill requesting the Ministry of Transportation
to amend the Highway Traffic Act to permit the use of fluorescent strong yellow
green signs for school zones, be received.
CARRIED
14. YORK REGION
SMART COMMUTE INITIATIVE
FUNDING AGREEMENT (5.7, 5.12)
Moved by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the letter from York Region, dated May 21, 2004, indicating that
York Region will enter into the contribution agreement with Transport Canada
for the Smart Commute Initiative, and will enter into the Memorandum of
Understanding with the municipal partners of the project, be received.
CARRIED
15. YORK REGION
TRAFFIC OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT
BAYVIEW AVENUE AT ROYAL
ORCHARD BOULEVARD
TOWN OF MARKHAM (5.12.1)
The Committee was advised that York Region are now engaged in reviewing
the traffic operational issues in the Bayview Avenue/Royal Orchard Boulevard
area, and that a report will be forthcoming next year.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor S. Daurio
That the letter from York Region, dated May 21, 2004, indicating that a
traffic control signal at the intersection of Bayview Avenue and Royal Orchard
Boulevard will not be considered at this time, and that the Region supports the
future extension of Royal Orchard Boulevard onto the Shouldice Hospital
entrance opposite Green Lane, be received.
CARRIED
16. YORK REGION
SPEED LIMIT REVIEW – WARDEN
AVENUE
TOWN OF MARKHAM (5.12.2)
There was considerable discussion surrounding the need to reduce the
speed limit on part of Warden Avenue from 70-km per hour to 60-km per hour.
Staff advised that the speed reduction is necessary in order to limit the
extent of the bridge widening at the Highway 407 intersection.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the letter from York Region, dated May 25, 2004, indicating that
the speed limit on Warden Avenue from 100 metres south of the south limit of
Highway 7 to the south limit of 14th Avenue will be reduced from
70-km per hour to 60-km per hour, be received.
CARRIED
17. GO TRANSIT
TOWN OF MARKHAM REQUEST FOR
SINGLE GO TRANSIT FARE ZONE
(5.14.2)
Staff advised that they will pursue further the matter of a single GO
Transit fare zone for the Mount Joy and Markham stations with GO Transit.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the letter from GO Transit, dated May 12, 2004, indicating that GO
Transit will not incorporate a single fare zone for the Mount Joy and Markham
GO stations, be received.
CARRIED
18. TRAFFIC CALMING UPDATE
REGION OF YORK – JUNE 17, 2004
TRANSIT COMMITTEE (5.12)
Staff advised that the recommendations in the York Region report will
enable the Town of Markham to proceed with all sixteen (16) traffic calming
projects. There was some discussion surrounding the compatibility of speed
humps on Transit routes.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the copy of a report from York Region Commissioner of
Transportation and Works, dated June 17, 2004, providing an outline of the
Region's policy for traffic calming on public transit routes, be received.
CARRIED
19. YORK REGION
STRATEGIC APPROACH TO MANAGING
IMPACT OF
INFRASTRUCTURE APPROVAL DELAYS
(13.4.3)
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the letter from York Region, dated May 26, 2004, outlining the
Region’s strategic approach to managing the impact of infrastructure approval
delays, be received.
CARRIED
20. GO TRANSIT
NOTICE OF PROJECT -
LANGSTAFF GO STATION, BUILDING
RELOCATION (5.14.2)
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the letter from GO Transit, dated May 31, 2004, advising of GO
Transit’s intention to relocate the ticket facility at the Langstaff GO Station
from the existing building to a new station building in the north parking lot,
be received.
CARRIED
21. TRAFFIC BARRIER AND SIGN (5.12)
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the letter from Mr. D. Shah, Ms. J. McLeod, Mr. S. Mahapooranam,
Mr. A. Emmanuel, Dr. P. Shah, and Mr. B. Parekh requesting a barrier and sign
to be erected on Middlefield Avenue in order to prevent future car accidents,
be received and referred to staff.
CARRIED
22. PARKING
SITUATION AT ALMA WALKER PARK (5.12.4)
An email from Mr. B. Edwards to Regional Councillor J. Heath was
distributed to the Committee advising of difficult parking conditions around
Alma Walker Park as a result of soccer activity.
The Committee was advised that the matter is being examined and was
also addressed at the Building and Parks Construction Committee meeting on June
18, 2004.
**Moved by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the email from Mr. B. Edwards to Regional Councillor J. Heath
advising of difficult parking conditions around Alma Walker Park, be received;
And that the matter be referred to staff to report to Development
Services Committee on June 28, 2004 with a recommendation as to how it can be
resolved as soon as possible.
**Amended by Council on June 22, 2004 as follows:
That the
following paragraph be added:
“And that the matter be referred to staff to
report to Development Services Committee on June 28, 2004 with a recommendation
as to how it can be resolved as soon as possible.”
23. SAFE
STREETS STRATEGY (5.12)
Mr. A. Brown, Director, Engineering advised that there is a public information
meeting to provide an overview of the Safe Streets strategy scheduled for June
21, 2004. Subsequently, there will be a meeting of the Safe Streets Task Force,
and a report will be presented to the Committee in the fall, detailing the
implementation plan.
Moved by Councillor S. Daurio
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
That the update from Mr. A. Brown concerning the Safe Streets strategy,
be received.
CARRIED
24. SMART
COMMUTE 404-7 (5.12)
Mr. A. Brown, Director, Engineering distributed documents pertaining to
the launch of the Smart Commute 404-7 program. The kick-off event is scheduled
for July 7, 2004 at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel, Richmond Hill. The event will
start at 8.00 a.m.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor G. McKelvey
That the documentation presented by Mr. A. Brown, Director,
Engineering, pertaining to the launch of the Smart Commute 404-7 program, be
received.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Transportation Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 2:15 p.m.