Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item as related to the Markham Centre Auto-mobility Demonstration Zone, which is resulting from funding received from the Province. Commissioner Prasad advised that the City would be undertaking 10 auto-mobility projects, with a current focus on implementing an e-scooter pilot in Markham Centre, which will connect Markham Centre, York University, and the Unionville GO Station.
Randy Peddigrew, deputant, representing Remington Group, advised that he has been in conversation with the Economic Development Team and expressed support for this pilot project. Mr. Peddigrew expressed the importance of reviewing all options for different modes of transportation throughout the City to reduce the reliance on vehicles. With respect to reducing parking ratios in condominiums, Mr. Peddigrew noted that if maximum parking continues to be provided, transportation habits will not change, adding that reduced parking standards lends to affordability. Mr. Peddigrew confirmed that Remington Group would be willing to offer any possible support as this pilot project evolves.
The Committee provided the following feedback:
- Asked if the agreement with the provider includes provisions with respect to costs to the user. Director Rickett advised that the provider being considered will have an exclusive agreement with Metrolinx to place docking stations for the e-scooters at GO Stations and payment for the use of the e-scooters will be integrated with the Presto app. Director Rickett added that the e-scooters will include geo-fencing to ensure the e-scooters slow and stop outside of the geo-fenced area, which will also allow for the e-scooters to be located. Director Rickett advised that the geo-fencing will also allow for restriction of the e-scooters in certain areas of the GO Stations where they will not be permitted.
- Expressed concerns with the traffic lane reduction on Enterprise Blvd. and the impact it could have on vehicular traffic. Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering, explained that the road capacity has not yet been analyzed to establish feasibility, but noted that Enterprise Blvd. is ranked as one of the City's highest priority roads for safety improvements. Director Clarizio emphasized the need for a buffered bike lane and added that a lane reduction could redirect cut through traffic back to arterial roads and rededicate Enterprise Blvd to residential traffic.
- Emphasized the need for thorough communication with residents, should the lane reduction move forward.
- Asked if e-scooters being restricted on multi-use pathways is a Provincial requirement, noting that they eventually would need to be considered as part of the overall transportation system. Director Clarizio clarified that the restriction of e-scooters on multi-use pathways is a result of feedback and concerns from Council and concerns expressed with respect to conflicts between e-scooters and pedestrians.
- Expressed interest for expansion of the pilot or consideration at the next stage of the pilot to see expansion to Main Street Unionville to allow individuals to go from the GO Station to Main Street Unionville.
- Asked to clarify funding from the Province. Director Rickett advised that funding from the Province can be used on bike lanes and other required infrastructure as well as required staff support but cannot be used to pay the provider.
- Asked if the lane restriction could be phased in considering there is not yet data on the impact on vehicle movements in the area. Director Clarizio advised that in other municipalities bike lanes have been introduced on roads with speeds of 50 km or less, noting that Enterprise Blvd would qualify. Director Clarizio added that Staff are concerned with current speeds along Enterprise Blvd which was identified through the Road Safety Audit, particularly as new uses are introduced. Director Clarizio confirmed that if Council chooses not to proceed with the lane closure, the pilot project could proceed with other parameters remaining unchanged.
- Expressed support for the pilot project area being expanded to include First Markham Place and the Markham Civic Centre. Director Clarizio and Director Rickett confirmed that there are no issues with this change and noted that the pilot would continue to evolve as well.
- Asked why the focus of the pilot is mainly on e-scooters, not on e-bikes. Director Rickett advised that within the pilot there would likely be 70 e-scooters and 30 e-bikes but explained that as e-bikes are already permitted, by-laws need to be changed to permit e-scooters, noting that the pilot will assist in establishing data.
- Asked about locating and docking of the e-scooters. Director Rickett confirmed that Staff would work with Operations, Metrolinx, and the provider to track where e-scooters are being used and adjust the docking and distribution of the e-scooters accordingly.
- Inquired about any update surrounding autonomous shuttle transportation. Director Rickett advised that 10 pilot projects would be conducted in the open demonstration zone, which could potentially include autonomous shuttles, or a four-wheel single-rider vehicle currently being explored by York University. Director Rickett confirmed that Staff continue to look at different modes of transportation and different technologies.