1. Addressing Gridlock and Rapid Transit

Seven action items were identified as priority to address gridlock and rapid transit. The status of those actions is as follows:

Implement the Quick Start Program (VIVA)

Ø York Region’s rapid transit bus service, Viva, started in the fall 2005 along Yonge Street, Warden Ave and Highway 7. It features automatic ticket and payment features.

Ø The entire network (Phase I) was operational in January 2006. In all, there are six service routes, including three north-south links to and from Toronto.

Ø Environmental assessments have been completed for future dedicated bus lanes running down the centre of Yonge Street, Highway 7 and along Warden Avenue to the Sheppard and Finch subway stations.

Ø York Region reports that total transit boardings grew by more than 20% between September - November 2004 and September - November 2005.

Ø Phase II of VIVA, including dedicated transitways, is subject to senior government funding.

Integration of Rapid Transit into Communities

Ø In 2006, the Town continued to coordinate with the Region of York for Yonge Street, Hwy 7 and Warden Avenue Rapid Transit Environmental Assessments and land use intensification.

Ø The Hwy 7 Corridor Study, Langstaff Study, Yonge Street Study, Markham Centre and Cornell Centre were all advanced in 2006.

Advance the Municipal and Regional Road Program

Ø Enterprise Drive opened in November 2005.

Ø Rodick Road grade separation completion is anticipated by the end of November 2006.

Ø Warden Avenue widening is currently under construction, completion is expected in July 2006 (final topcoat asphalt to be applied).

Ø A number of Environmental Assessments and designs for road widening have been advanced in 2006. Please see the following:

o Birchmount design – 14^th to Enterprise Boulevard

o Clegg Road design – Town Centre Boulevard to Warden Avenue

o Hwy 404 Grade Separation design – North of Hwy 7

o Hwy 404 Grade Separation EA – Cathedral Community

o Hwy 404 ramp extension EA – Cathedral Community

o Main Street Markham EA – Hwy 407 to Major Mackenzie Drive

o Rodick Road design – Miller Avenue to 14^th Avenue

o Woodbine Avenue By-pass design – Major Mackenzie Drive to Elgin Mills Road

Ø Markham By-pass Link (Town arterial road) and Box Grove By-pass are under construction with completion anticipated by December 31, 2007.

Ø Agreement has been negotiated with the Province for the transfer of the jurisdiction of Markham Road from the Province to the Town and the truck ban was in effect June 1, 2006.

Develop Travel Demand Management Initiatives

Ø Smart Commute 404-7 Transportation Management Association (TMA) has operated under contract with the Town by the Markham Board of Trade (MBOT) to deliver “commuter option” programs and services to Markham businesses. Some results to date include:

o Outreach and networking events hosted

o 34 companies are participating in the program and have completed the survey, (this represents approximately 17,000 employees).

o 350 employees registered in Carpool Zones since the launch of the program in November 2005.

Ø GO Transit Markham Stations –access studies have been completed and a pilot program will be developed over the summer in conjunction with GO transit. The pilot program will be implemented in November 2006.

Ø Active Kids and Safe Routes to School (AKSRS) program is being delivered as a complement to School Safety Zone program. Over 30 Markham schools participated in the International Walk to School Day.

Ø Sustainable Transportation Education Program (S.T.E.P.) for high school students’ is being implemented. Three Markham secondary schools participating by hosting anti-idling and transit awareness campaigns and car-free day challenges.

Ø Initiated research and development of a Community Based TDM program.

Ø Telework investigation has been undertaken in 2006 for Town employees.

Develop a Bicycle Path System

Staff presented a Cycling Study Update to Development Services Committee on June 13, 2006. Some highlights of this initiative are outlined below.

Ø Phase I Plan has been completed and will be implemented in the summer of 2006. For this phase, staff reviewed routes that had been identified in the 1998 Town-wide bicycle system study and other background material.

Ø A Cycling Pedestrian Advisory Committee was established in May 2005 and has met on a monthly basis to review Town bicycle and pathway initiatives.

Ø The Cycling Master Plan has been initiated and is anticipated to be completed in the fall 2006. This phase will build on the Phase I Spine Network to develop a long term strategy for bicycle facility implementation. A public meeting is scheduled to be held June 29, 2006.

Communication on Gridlock and Rapid Transit Issues

Ø The Town prepared a supportive response to the provincial initiative related to growth management in a report to Council on January 31, 2006 entitled “Comments on the Proposed Growth Plan for the Great Golden Horseshoe”.

Ø The Town’s leadership in land use and transportation planning has been expressed in the media and at conferences and seminars. Presentations were made in 2005 to the GTA Forum, and in 2006 to the Smog Summit and Urban Development Institute (UDI).

Region’s Intersection Improvement Program

Ø In 2006, the Region has identified intersection improvements for Kennedy Road/Birchview Lane, 14th Avenue/Birchmount Road, 9th Line/Elgin Mills Road, Kennedy Road/Elgin Mills, 9th Line/Major Mackenzie Drive.

2. Creating a better quality of community

A number of action items were identified as essential to creating a better quality community. The following provides a status of those items:

Development of community facilities and walk-to commercial centres

Ø The Neighbourhood Commercial Strategy was approved in 2005 by Council.

Ø The Strategy is being implemented in 2006 though changes to secondary plan policies and zoning in the communities of Angus Glen, Minto/Legacy, Greensborough and Wismer.

Ø In addition to Yonge St. and Hwy 7 Nodes and Corridors, plans were approved by Council in 2005 for Milliken Main Street, Markham Road and Hwy 48 intensification nodes.

Ø A new draft Secondary Plan for the Cornell Community, incorporating provisions for commercial and community facilities, was endorsed for public review in 2006.

Ø Remington’s “Downtown Markham” plan, containing destination retail core, will begin to be marketed in June 2006.

Residents’ satisfaction in new development areas

Ø The Town has approached the delivery of neighbourhood commercial in Cornell though the introduction of the “corner store”. Staff is also pursuing the “main street” model for retailing instead of the conventional “hierarchy” model.

Ø Tours of successful examples of Lifestyle Retail Centres were undertaken in the spring of 2005. Principles are being applied Town wide, most notably in Markham Centre, Cornell Centre and Hwy 48.

Knowledge Community Sub-Committee

A detailed report was presented to Council on January 31, 2006 on the Knowledge Committee Sub-Committee. Some highlights of this initiative are outlined below.

Ø Terms of Reference and 2006 implementation program were approved in January 2006.

Ø The sub-committee is made up of both internal and external members (external members are from variety of institutions and industry).

Ø The first Creativity & Innovation Week was held April 15 – 21, 2006.

Ø Markham Board of Trade “Leaders Committee” engaged to provide ideas and input into the Town’s Economic Development “Competitiveness Strategy”.

3. Improving environmental protection and management

The six action items that were identified related to improving Markham’s environmental protection and management are as follows:

Environmental Initiatives:

Ø Clean Air Community –Idling Control By-Law was approved by Council in June 2005. The Town is currently participating in a case study with funding from the Federal Government for by-law enforcement. A public information campaign has been undertaken. The Study will be completed in the fall 2006.

Ø Green Roofs –All Requests for Proposal for Town facilities (new construction and major renovations) will include evaluation of a Green Roof. Council has authorized an RFP for Green Roof and/or solar panels on the Centennial Community Centre.

Ø Solar Thermal District Energy Project - Council has authorized preparation of an RFP for a feasibility study with funding from various sources.

Ø Pesticides – Turf Maintenance Assessment Review to be completed in June 2006. It will propose a standard of care (pesticide-free/cultural practises) for various classifications of parks, sports fields, boulevards, etc. for short and long term maintenance.

Ø Light pollution – A new program was endorsed by Council in May 2005. In 2006, staff is reviewing existing streetlight systems, developing a plan for facility upgrades, and undertaking a public education and communication program regarding light pollution.

Ø Demand side management – all six programs of the Markham Energy Conservation Office are fully underway.

Ø Communities in Bloom – Preparations are underway for 2006 National Communities in Bloom competition.

Ø Hydro Corridor – Town leadership in successful campaign to oppose overhead transmission in residential neighbourhoods. Ontario Power Authority has recommended alternate local generation solution. Town is monitoring progress on implementation (generation plant vs. transmission line solution).

Ø Environmental Sustainability Fund - Community Projects – Funding for three projects already provided. Staff will report to Council recommending additional projects for funding by year end.

Ø Small Streams Study advanced in 2006, including extensive public and agency input. Update presentation was made on this Study to Development Services Committee on June 13, 2006.

Prepare an Environmental Management Plan

Ø Environment Management Plan has been prepared with the assistance of CH2MHill that will establish an overall corporate environmental direction.

Ø The EMP draft final report went to General Committee on June 12, 2006 with a recommendation to receive the report and hold a future workshop with Council on the EMP report.

Complete the Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation

Ø Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation study (Official Plan) was commenced in 2005. Base information was gathered, however, the study has been held in abeyance pending finalization of Provincial policy requirements (Growth Plan), and how these will need to be addressed in the Town’s environmental policies; the study will recommence in 2006/07.

Ø The Town has advocated and shown support for the Provincial Greenbelt Plan. The Province was guided by Council’s recommendations in the East Markham Strategic Review.

Ø The Town recognized the Greenbelt boundary through adoption of OPA No. 140 in 2005.

Ø Special Policy Area update was completed in 2006.

Ø The Small Streams study is scheduled for completion in 2006, and the Town continues to coordinate with TRCA on environmental policy initiatives.

Environmental Land Acquisition Fund Program

Ø In 2004, Council created the Environmental Land Acquisition Fund to secure environmentally significant properties throughout the Town of Markham.

Ø In 2006, Council endorsed a program to prioritize sites for land acquisition. A presentation was made to Part A - Development Services Committee on February 21, 2006 regarding this program.

Water resources policy initiatives and watercourse improvements

Ø The Pomona Mills Creek Task Force and implementation plan is underway.

Ø An Erosion Implementation Plan will be completed in the fall 2006.

Ø A Flood Emergency Response Plan - Phase I (Regional Storm Event) will be completed in 2006.

Implement 3 stream waste management system

Staff made a presentation to General Committee on April 24, 2006 providing an update on the Mission Green initiative.

Ø Phase I of “Mission Green” was successfully launched in September, 2004.

Ø Since the program started, the Town wide diversion rate from landfill has increased to 68% compared to 35% prior to the program.

Ø Phase II of “Mission Green” was implemented for the rest of the Town in July 2005.

Ø Focus group research has been completed in preparation for introducing Phase III to include the high-rise multi residential sector.

Ø Expanded the Mission Green @ Work program to all Town community centres, arenas, libraries and operation yards.

Ø Staff is investigating the feasibility of an organic collection program at fairs and festivals starting with a pilot at Unionville Festival and Ribfest.

Ø Staff is implementing a multi-year litter prevention strategy starting with a strategy to control abandoned shopping carts and litter at Community Mailboxes.

4. Implementation of Markham Centre Downtown

In 2006, the Markham Centre implementation continued with major construction of infrastructure and land development projects such as the YMCA, Remington’s “Downtown Markham”, Tridel’s “Circa” and, Liberty. Action items identified for the 2004 to 2006 term of office with respect to the Markham Centre downtown are identified below.

Status of urban park “central amenity” design

Ø Inter Commission Park Technical Committee was established in June 2005, and the Committee meets on a regular basis.

Ø Detailed design commenced in 2005, with phasing options and design endorsed by Council in February 2006.

Ø A Public Open House was held in February 2006 in conjunction with an on-line survey of the design. Survey results will be used to direct priorities during implementation where appropriate.

Ø Final park design and phasing program to be considered by Council in 2007.

Ensure downtown core draws people

Ø Ongoing media, professional and public focus on Markham Centre through articles, presentations and publications.

Ø The website was redesigned and will be launched in June 2006 in conjunction with the Remington Visualization Centre Opening. The website is moving from the planning stage to lifestyle living with a community based focus.

Ø Reviewing Markham Centre Sign By-law to better reflect the marketing programs being developed.

Ø A street pole banner program identifying Markham Centre was rolled out in May/June 2006.

Enact the Markham Centre Zoning By-Law

Ø The by-law was enacted without appeal in June 2004.

Ø Zoning has been applied to approved development applications (Remington, Tridel, Hilton Hotel, Liberty, Times and Stringbridge).

Parking and Financial Strategies

Ø The Town established an On-street Paid Parking Programme in October 2005.

Ø The Town is providing leadership in advancing the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) review at the Province.

Ø Markham’s TIF Business Case is being prepared for review with the Province.

Expedite development approvals and advance construction of key infrastructure

Ø Enterprise Boulevard, Warden Avenue and Rodick Road projects opened in 2006.

Ø District Energy piping has been extended along Enterprise Boulevard to serve the YMCA and the future high school, as well as Phase I of the residential for Remington. It has also been extended up Town Centre Boulevard to serve the Tridel development.

Ø YMCA was completed and the opening is scheduled for June 2006. Tridel and Liberty development projects are under construction and the Remington sales centre is scheduled to open in June 2006.

Ø The site plan was approved in May/June 2006 for the Honeywell office building and Phase I apartments and townhouses in “Downtown Markham”.

Ø The Greenlands Implementation Plan had been identified in the 2006 capital budget.

5. Safe Streets

Markham continues to strive to develop a community that has a mix of uses; a central focal point, walkable destinations and a well designed and managed transportation system. Staff presented a detailed up-date report on this program to Council on May 23, 2006. The following provides an overview of status on the action items identified with respect to this strategic priority.

Approval by Council of Final report on Safe Streets

Ø Safe Streets Strategy and Implementation Plan was prepared and endorsed by Council in October, 2004.

Ø Safe Street Task Force was established in January 2005 to implement plan which includes education, enforcement and engineering activities.

Status of implementation Plan for Safe Streets

Ø Education

- Complete 2005 Top 5 Educational Plan in July

- Commence 2006 Top 5 Educational Plan in August

Ø Enforcement

- Summarized 2005 Top 25 Enhanced Police Enforcement Effectiveness Studies

- Implement 2006 Top 25 Enhanced Police Enforcement

Ø Engineering

- Commence Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Studies for 2006 Traffic Calming Project.

6. Improving standards of service and service delivery

Improving standards of service and service delivery is an ongoing task. The Town uses two key survey tools to help gage the satisfaction of its staff and customers.

Staff Satisfaction Survey

The Town completed its fifth Staff Satisfaction Survey in the spring of 2006, with a 76% response rate. The overall staff satisfaction with the Town was 78%, an increase of 8% over the 2004 results. After reviewing the survey responses, five areas for Town wide improvement have been identified:

· Quality of Performance management review meetings

· Workload and its impact, including unplanned priorities

· Increased use of customer satisfaction measurements

· Inter-Departmental communication and cooperation

· Leader’s communication

Citizen Satisfaction Survey

An integral part of the Town’s customer satisfaction measurement program is the Town-wide citizen satisfaction survey. This survey is administered every three years to approximately 1,200 residents, during the first year of a new Council term. Staff is already planning on undertaking the next Citizen Satisfaction Survey in the winter of 2007. The feedback from the survey gives the Town an indication of:

· how well it is doing in providing key services to residents

· where priority actions are required

The following shows the status of the action items related to improving standards and service delivery.

Ø Continue development and document key performance indicators and communicate these standards to stakeholders in the local newspaper, the “About Markham” publication and the Departmental Business Unit Profiles.

Ø 2006 Business Units now have identified KPI's in all four focus areas: Customer Satisfaction, Financial Performance, Operational Excellence and Staff Satisfaction.

Ø As part of the 2006 Business Planning process all Business Units were presented at the CAO and Commissioner forum and integrated into Budget deliberations.

Ø The 2006 BUPs have been posted on the intranet and are available for all Town staff to review.

Maintenance of Service Levels due to growth

Ø For the 2006 BUP, the Core Growth section expanded further to include a breakdown of growth items by growth type and funding source.

Ø National Quality Institute’s Progressive Excellence Program – Currently at PEP Level 2 (of 4 levels). Focus on next level includes: integration of quality and healthy workplace factors, cascading communications to enable staff to make links to strategic priorities and improving feedback in the performance management system.

Clarification of municipal and regional responsibilities

Ø A database has been created to track and report on on-going and relevant regional, provincial and federal issues.