Report to: Development Services                            Date Report Authored: March 29, 2011

 

SUBJECT:                         Smart Commute – Markham/Richmond Hill – Transportation Management Association (TMA)

PREPARED BY:              Lorenzo Mele – TDM Coordinator

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

1)                  That the Town of Markham continue to partner with the Town of Richmond Hill, Markham Board of Trade, Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce, Region of York and Metrolinx to facilitate efficient transportation, relieve traffic congestion and planning for transportation demand management (TDM) as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding dated the 1st day of September, 2008;

 

2)                  And that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into a one year contract for service agreement with Smart Commute Markham/Richmond Hill in the amount of $75,000 to provide commuter options and transportation demand management (TDM) programs and services to businesses in Markham and is to be funded from the Transportation Demand Management project (account 640-101-5699-9329) which has a current balance of $75,185.00;

 

3)                  And that Council confirm the re-appointment of Regional Councilor Gordon Landon to act as the Town of Markham representative on the Smart Commute Markham Richmond Hill Transportation Management Association (the TMA) Advisory Committee;

 

4)                  And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The Town of Markham first entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2005 with Richmond Hill, Markham Board of Trade, Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce, and the Region of York, to establish the Smart Commute 404-7 Transportation Management Association (the TMA). Metrolinx, as the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority, began their investment in Smart Commute on April 1, 2008, and in 2008 the MOU was revised to include Metrolinx as a partner and funding agency.

In 2010, the organization applied a naming convention consistent with other Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Smart Commute Associations and is now referred to as Smart Commute Markham Richmond Hill – Transportation Management Association. The MOU outlines the intent of the partners to join together to perform the functions of a transportation management association that develops transportation demand management solutions within geographic area of Markham and Richmond Hill – Attachment A.

 

The 3 fold purpose of the TMA is as follows;

·                                                     Help employers in Markham and Richmond Hill improve their productivity; improve the quality of life for their employees, customers, and visitors; have a positive impact on the environment, i.e. air quality;

·                                                     Be a single source of information to show members how to use commuting options to save time and money;

·                                                     Represent the interests of our business community on transportation issues to relevant bodies.1. Purpose               2. Background        3. Discussion         4. Financial          

 

5. Others (HR, Strategic, Affected Units)                                   6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to update the Mayor and Council on the Smart Commute Markham Richmond Hill Transportation Management Association; to re-affirm the partnership between the Towns of Markham and Richmond Hill, Markham Board of Trade, Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce, the Region of York and Metrolinx to participate and invest in the local Smart Commute Association; and to confirm the 2011 contract for service agreement for Smart Commute-Markham/Richmond Hill.

 

BACKGROUND:

The Smart Commute-Markham/Richmond Hill Transportation Management Association is a component of a GTA-wide joint municipal undertaking that had been supported in part by Transport Canada through the Urban Transportation Showcase Program. Beginning in April 2008, the TMA partners across the GTA and Hamilton each entered into a funding agreement with Metrolinx. The agreement defines the terms and conditions of the Metrolinx financial contribution to the operation of the transportation management association. Metrolinx currently provides Smart Commute MRH with $180,000 annually.

 

The CEOs of the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Markham Board of Trade are also committed to ensuring that Smart Commute Markham Richmond Hill moves towards self-sustainability within a reasonable time period.

 

Markham’s obligations as outlined in the MOU include;

  • Provision of annual funding in the amount of $75,000
  • Support the effective operation of the TMA by collaborating with TMA staff to identify new members
  • Participation of staff and Council on the Smart Commute-Markham Richmond Hill Advisory Committee

 

Markham Council has invested $75,000 annually since 2006 with a one time increase of $25,000 (to $100,000) in 2007. The expenditure is funded through Town-wide Development Charges and to ensure value for this investment Smart Commute invoices the Town on a monthly basis with detailed invoices and activity reports which record the level of effort and corresponding results for the invoice period.  Staff and Council are represented on the advisory committee and the current Council representative is Regional Councilor Landon.

 

Businesses in Markham are eligible to participate in the Smart Commute program at no direct cost and businesses are required to sign the ‘Employer Acknowledgement’ agreement – Attachment B. Participating businesses are offered a program that aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and take action on climate change by encouraging commuters to choose sustainable transportation options like carpooling, transit, cycling, walking and telework. 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE: (external link)

The Engineering Department has budgeted $75,000 in Capital Account 640-101-5699-9329, which has a current balance to $75,185.00 to support the operation of the Smart Commute – Markham/Richmond Hill in 2011.

 

HUMAN RESOURCES CONSIDERATIONS

Not applicable.

 

 

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

The Town’s on going involvement with Smart Commute Markham/Richmond Hill supports the objectives of the Markham Transportation Strategic Plan and Green Print by shifting the transportation focus away from the private automobile to walking, cycling, public transit and ridesharing or carpooling. Smart Commute works with the business community in Markham to ensure they become fully aware and engaged in the transit and transportation demand management initiatives happening today and in the future.

 

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Legal Services have reviewed this report, and the attached memorandum of understanding (MOU) and ‘Smart Commute-Employer Agreement’; and the Finance Department has received this Report.

 

 

RECOMMENDED

                                 

 

 

BY: ________________________                      ________________________

       Alan Brown, C.E.T.                                      Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.

       Director of Engineering                                Commissioner of Development Services  

                                     

 

ATTACHMENTS:

A. Smart Commute – 2008 Memorandum of Understanding

B. Smart Commute - Employer Agreement Waiver

 

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