MONDAY, JULY 30, 2007
YORK ROOM,
MINUTES
____________________________________________________________________________
Attendance:
Regional Councillor J. Jones
Regional Councillor J. Heath
Regional Councillor T. Wong
Regional Councillor G. Landon
Councillor J. Virgilio
Councillor A. Chiu
Staff
J. Livey, C.A.O.
A. Brown, Director, Engineering
L. Duoba, Project Coordinator
L. Mele, TDM Coordinator
M. West, Manager, Strategic Initiatives
B. Wiles, Manager, Enforcement and Licensing
C. Raynor, Committee Clerk
The Markham Parking Advisory Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.
1. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR
Moved by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Heath
That Councillor J. Virgilio be appointed Chair of the Markham Parking Advisory Committee.
CARRIED
2.
MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEE
There
was brief discussion surrounding the membership of the Committee.
3. STAFF
PRESENTATION – PARKING STRATEGY
Ms. Meg
West, Manager, Strategic Initiatives, and Mr. Lorenzo Mele, Transportation
Demand Management Co-ordinator, presented an overview of the Town’s current
policy and strategy on parking. Additionally, members were reminded of some of
the highlights and findings of the recent best practice tours to urban centers
such as
There
was brief discussion on the revenues generated by the pilot paid parking
program. It was noted that these revenues are lower than anticipated. The
Committee suggested that revenue generation should not be a major component of
any parking strategy although there was general agreement that the current
parking rates are too low to be effective.
It was also suggested that the system including payment options, i.e.
credit cards, needs to be as convenient as possible for users.
There
was discussion surrounding the next steps as well as the objectives of the
Committee.
The
Committee requested an inventory of current parking spaces and a projection of
future needs at various development milestones, such as at the next phase of
the VIVA rollout.
There
was discussion surrounding the hardware to be used. It was noted that the
public prefer meters that will take a credit card and where the customer pays
on exit, rather than having to estimate the length of time required. The
Committee suggested that staff consider alternative technology in order to
provide as much automation as possible. One suggestion was to work with YRT/VIVA
and GO Transit to consider some integration with their smart cards.
There
was some discussion around maintaining control of the process as the Town and
to look at parking requirements as they relate to transit. Further it was noted that we need to look at
a mechanism that can be used to move business to consider the provision of
structured parking.
It
was stated that options for parking be considered at some Community Centres
such as in Milliken Mills and Thornhill. Additionally it was suggested that in areas
where there are parking demand pressures alternative parking solutions should
be identified as candidates for structured parking.
It
was noted that private property owners (i.e. Mall owners) should be encouraged
to introduce paid parking for preferential parking spaces (similar to what GO
Transit has introduced in many of their parking lots at the stations).
The
Committee noted that the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation taxes
underground parking but not surface parking. It was suggested that this needs
to change.
4. MANDATE
AND TERMS OF REFERENCE
Staff
suggested that after the first few meetings a work plan can be developed for an
interim report in 2008. The report
should make recommendations to address parking needs and provide a complete
inventory of parking spaces we currently have in the Town. It was suggested
that public consultation will be more effective after the interim report has
been presented.
It was
noted that the parking plan will be part of an overall planning vision for
The
Committee agreed to monthly meetings following Development Services Committee.
Staff
agreed to provide the total parking-related revenues, including from permit
parking and parking violation tickets.
5. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The
next meeting will be
The
Committee suggested meeting immediately after Development Services Committee
with a working lunch.
ADJOURNMENT
The Parking Advisory Committee adjourned at