Located in York Region immediately north of Toronto and a part of the Greater Toronto Area
(GTA), Markham is one of the fastest
growing communities in Canada. Being the fourth most populous municipality in the GTA, the Town is also known as Canada’s Hi-Tech Capital and
boasts of many global corporations in addition to being a home to a number of
vibrant residential communities.
Markham has been a leader in
developing high quality liveable communities with a strong focus on economic
development. In order to continue this
success, a state-of-the-art
transportation plan
needs to be developed and updated to respond to the changing dynamics and current
thinking on reducing urban sprawl and promoting sustainable growth.
Markham’s first Transportation
Master Plan will set forth a transportation vision for the future, and will
guide the Town over the next twenty five years (to 2031) as a blueprint to
manage growing transportation demand in ways that reinforces Markham’s values and aspirations.
The framework for the Transportation
Master Plan, based on the unique transportation issues facing the Town of Markham, is presented here. It also provides information on substantive
and administrative issues including: consultation and outreach, communication
tools, major tasks, timelines, resource availability/requirements, outcomes, deliverables,
RFP evaluation and consultant selection criteria.
Markham has historically been a rapidly
growing municipality in terms of both population and employment. In addition, the surrounding regions in the
GTA have also been growing steadily. Due to the tremendous growth, Markham residents and businesses are
experiencing increased traffic congestion, infiltration,
economic loss, and environmental degradation, all of which negatively affect quality of life.
The Provincial
Growth Plan is changing the way we grow and is directed towards utilizing
resources more efficiently. Our traditional transportation vision needs to
realign to support the new growth. Additional, more
efficient and effective transportation infrastructure
is required, including alternative modes of transportation to meet future transportation needs
and to maintain continued
high quality of life and economic competitiveness for the Town’s residents and businesses.
A TMP is the transportation vision
for the future. It will ensure that future transportation needs for an
integrated framework of highways, roads and transit, cycling, and pedestrian
facilities can be planned and budgeted for as the Town moves into new growth
pattern (intensification). It will assist the Town reach its goals of sustainable
development, better natural environment, economic vitality and healthy communities,
while providing safe, affordable, and efficient transportation for people and
goods. In addition, it will support and
contribute policies to a new Official Plan and accurately assess the
transportation growth management scenarios in consultation with the Steering
Committee and the Planning Department.
The guiding policies and discussion
papers of the TMP will provide directions to the various transportation
programs, and provide basis for developing capital and operating budgets and
other long-range strategic planning studies. Results of the Transportation
Master Plan will be used during the future Development Charges By-law review.
All of these will complement the development of new policies for incorporation
into the new Official Plan.
Several transportation related
issues will be addressed in a comprehensive and integrated manner, in order to
find effective, timely, and affordable solutions. Also, since transportation facilities and
services are provided by many agencies, i.e.
Town of Markham, the Region, the Provincial and
Federal governments and
the private sector (e.g. 407 ETR), an
overall vision and a co-ordinated strategy is required. It is therefore imperative that the Town,
with active participation of all key transportation providers, develop a short, medium and long-range transportation
plan. Such a plan is essential to ensure that
transportation initiatives affecting the Town support the Town’s emerging vision related to Healthy
Communities, Sustainable Development, and the Natural Environment.
The 2002 Markham
Transportation Planning Study (MTPS 2002) outlined a four-point transportation strategy which focused
primarily on non-auto related initiatives to reduce the increasing vehicular
demand for future growth. MTPS 2002 will still be considered valid until completion of the
2007 Markham Transportation Master Plan.
Now that the Town, the Region and the Province have made substantial progress toward
the development of transportation demand management and transit plans, the TMP will provide the public and other stakeholders with the opportunity to comment
on directions
for updating the MTPS 2002.
The TMP will assess
several transportation growth management scenarios in consultation with the
Steering Committee and the Planning Department, and contribute policies to a
new Official Plan which will involve substantial consultation with the general
public and other stakeholders.
The following issues will
be addressed in the Transportation Master Plan:
¨ Rapid population and employment growth in Markham,
York Region and in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has resulted in growing
congestion and increasing travel times.
Time wise demographic and transportation impacts are shown in the
following slides.
Population and Employment are increasing rapidly in Markham
(Source: York Region)
Daily trips have increased by almost 100% since 1986
(Source: Transportation Tomorrow
Survey 2001)
(Source: Transportation Tomorrow Survey 2001)
Peak period trips have increased by over 105% since 1986
(Source: Transportation Tomorrow Survey 2001)
Transit modal share is declining
(Source: Transportation Tomorrow Survey 2001)
¨
The need to achieve a more
sustainable and balanced transportation system in the future to address not only the impending population and
employment growth anticipated under the current and projected Official Plan
policy, but also the prospect of reduced availability of non-renewable
resources.
¨
Consideration of the needs of the entire GTA region, as well
as links between Markham, York Region and the rest of the GTA and surrounding
areas.
¨ Creating a framework to optimize transportation and
land use policy integration and mutual support.
¨ Developing supportive policies and programs to
maximise use of existing transportation facilities and services.
¨
Effective and efficient movement of both people and
goods.
¨
Integrating all modes of transportation.
¨
Addressing unique concerns about urban and rural transportation
issues.
¨
Addressing transportation growth management scenarios and
creating appropriate transportation policies and strategies.
¨
Understanding the impacts
of transportation on the natural environment (e.g. climate change and air
quality) and the need to reduce auto dependence.
¨
Responding to the growing use of trucks for the
transportation of goods.
¨
Growing needs to access long distance mass transit interface
accesses including airports, sea ports, and railway stations.
¨
Addressing the transportation needs of various sectors of
the community (e.g. people with special needs).
¨
Demographic, technological, and other trends should be
addressed to meet the future challenges and take advantage of opportunities to
make transportation more efficient, environmentally sustainable and socially
equitable.
¨
Need to address special transportation “hot spots” such as
Highway 7, Yonge Street Corridor and Highway 404.
¨
Need to strengthen the Safe Streets Strategic Plan to
address speeding.
¨
Reducing accidents and improving traffic safety.
¨
Need to review and update intersection control methodologies
to suit current traffic conditions.
¨
Ensuring consistency between transportation policies and
broader Town goals of Sustainable Development, Healthy Communities, Economic Vitality,
and Natural Environment.
Markham TMP will include an
extensive consultation program that will involve various stakeholders and the
public. The study will follow the
“Master Planning Process” as set out in Ontario legislation for Municipal
Class Environment Assessments (EA). The
Master Plan process integrates the planning of municipal infrastructure
requirements for existing and future land use with the principles of
Environment Assessments Planning and includes the following:
- Consultation with stakeholders and public
- Consideration of reasonable range of alternatives
- Identifying and considering the effects of each alternatives on all
aspects of environment
- Evaluating the alternatives systematically to determine their cumulative
environmental effects
- Providing clear, precise and complete documentation of the planning
process
The preparation process of the TMP
will also meet the requirements of the Ontario Environmental Assessments (EA)
Act and the Planning Act. The Master
Plan will be used to support the future environmental assessments for specific
transportation infrastructure improvements especially for Phase I and II of the
Class EA process, identifying needs, opportunities and alternatives.
The TMP will not require approval
under the Environmental Assessment Act. However, individual projects
recommended by it must fulfill all appropriate EA requirements. It will also be
based on principles of “Universal Accessibility” for compliance with the Ontario
Disabilities Act.
The TMP will be conducted in two
parallel streams: Technical Analyses and Public Consultation. It must take into account the Town’s emerging
sustainable growth aspirations, and should also be compatible, where possible,
with initiatives undertaken by York Region including the Region’s
Transportation Master Plan. The TMP should also examine and consider where
appropriate the best practices in transportation master planning from other
places around the world.
The major tasks for the preparation
of the TMP are as follows:
¨ Review of
existing transportation plans and policies of the Town, Region, City of Toronto,
surrounding Regions, Province and Federal Governments, MTO, GO Transit, CN,
TTC, GTTA etc.
¨ Review of
the best practices in transportation.
¨ Preparation of background
and policy papers on relevant issues, namely: transportation trends in Markham
and their implications, transportation and the environment, transportation and
the economy, transportation and the community, transportation and energy, and
other background reports.
¨ Development/Update
of transportation models/tools and collection of data to fulfill identified
needs including a recalibration of the Markham Transportation Model based on updated
data.
¨ Develop and
evaluate rapid transit options for various corridors in Markham.
¨ Based on the
availability of the latest Transportation Tomorrow Survey data, current and
projected population and employment growth information, consider 2006 as the
base year, develop and evaluate several road and transit scenarios for future
years 2011, 2016, 2021 and 2031.
¨ Conduct Markham
Transportation and Transit Needs Study that will also provide input to an
integrated Regional and Provincial studies (Growth Plan, GTAA, etc.) and road
network.
¨ Further
develop and update the existing Transportation Demand Management/HOV policies
based on a review of progress made and consultation with stakeholders.
¨ Develop an Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS) plan for the Town of Markham.
¨ Further develop
and strengthen the existing Safe Street Strategic Plan
¨ Develop a Traffic
Operations Management Plan for the Town of Markham.
¨ Develop Access Management
measures for the Town of Markham.
¨ Develop
goods movement policies and plans in consultation with stakeholders, the
Region, Province and Federal Government; data collection and/or technical
analysis as needed, subject to feasibility; coordination of this work with a
GTA level work, which is expected to be initiated by MTO.
¨ Develop a
vision, implementation strategy, funding model and provide input to an
integrated GTA transit system and road network.
The above major tasks fall within
the individual components as shown in the schematic diagram titled Proposed Markham Transportation Plan
Process (see next page), following which, a brief description of each of these
components is provided.
Transportation is important in
defining our communities in Markham, as our travel patterns
and demands are links to the way we interact in our community, the Region, the
environment and the economy.
The
following discussion papers will provide information on how transportation
affects our travel patterns, environment, community, and energy
consumptions. These discussion papers
will assist us in better understanding the transportation system and its
impacts on health, community, sustainable development and natural environment.
Markham is growing at a pace
that far outpaces the growth many growing communities. To address the need of today’s and future
transportation demands, new roadways and interconnections are being built and are
being considered in addition to the higher order and more day long transit
operations. New and more intensified
communities will bring in more transportation in various forms. This paper will give directions to Markham so that new and
established residents and businesses are encouraged to use alternative modes of
transportation including public transit and other active transportation
modes. The paper will also investigate
on the future major links and mode mix (example HOV lanes etc.) that may
address the increasing congestions.
6.1.2 Transportation and the Environment
Over the past few years, the society
has heeded to the signs of Environmental pollution, global warming and noxious
emissions and is making more effort than ever before to go green in every way
possible. Several short and long term targets are being laid out in order to reduce
greenhouse gas and other emissions.
However, there is still a considerable gap between the target and our
achievement so far, mainly because of a lack of roadmap to reach the
target.
This paper will recommend
groundbreaking ideas on how Markham could develop an
environment-friendly transportation system compatible with land use. Markham has changed over the
years from an uptown rural community to a bustling urban atmosphere whereby new
opportunities and challenges have emerged over the years. Much of the decision
making process needs an overhaul to a more sustainable approach since many of
the development applications related requirements have not been reviewed for a
considerable amount of time. This paper would review these requirements with a
bias towards a transportation wise efficient and environmentally conscious
development application. With an
understanding that an efficient transportation system promotes an optimal
movement between the origin and destination, this paper would investigate the
ways to promote optimized transportation.
Things that would come under the review process would include building,
community and parking standards etc. which will be conducted in association
with various departments within the Town of Markham. A steering committee will be created
comprising members of each department to oversee this review process.
Considerable money is lost annually
because of traffic congestion and delays on our roadways. To maintain a competitive edge, Markham’s economy requires a
transportation system that can move people, goods, and services quickly and
efficiently. To meet this challenge, each transportation sector must work
effectively both by itself and as part of a larger, interconnected system.
Transportation technologies that reduce travel time in a reliable and
cost-effective manner will increase the competitiveness of Markham’s economy and its
ability to create more jobs. The subject study paper will suggest the lifestyle
and other changes that are needed from the Markham residents and the way
businesses should operate to make most of the available roadway infrastructure
to address the present and future challenges.
The paper will be prepared in coordination with the Town’s Department of
Economic Development.
Quality of life of the community
will be the centre of focus of this paper.
It will discuss equity of transportation access across the community. Individuals and groups should receive equitable
shares of transportation resources, bear equitable costs, and in other ways be
treated in equitable way.
Transportation should not be an
obstacle to self-sufficiency and a better quality of life either due to lack of
access to a viable mode or for lack of infrastructure and facilities to
accommodate transportation demand. The paper would discuss measures that the
Town’s policies should account for in order to ensure that individuals,
communities and groups across Markham are equitable in terms
of transportation needs and opportunities.
The paper will also investigate long term sustainable transportation
goals and how the community can, and should, contribute to these transportation
goals.
There is a growing expert opinion
indicating that the era of cheap fuel is ending and the implications of this
could be severe. Estimates are given
that the world supply will substantially decline sharply in next few years. The current transportation planning paradigm
does not have any concrete measures in place for managing, building and
operating the system under fuel constraint.
International dynamics play a major role in the fuel issue, yet many
potential solutions lie in changing our lifestyle and habits at home. Town of Markham has started implementing
several initiatives to conserve fuel; however more needs to be done to prepare
for a potential fuel crisis.
This paper will discuss key
considerations on trends in transportation energy issues and address the need
for an entirely new approach to transportation planning. It will also suggest incremental measures to
reach at the non-renewable energy independence goal.
6. 2 Markham Transportation Model (MTM) Update
Town of Markham created a TransCAD based
transportation model for its 2002 MTPS to assess the Town’s road network. With
1996 representing the base year conditions, the geographical area of the Town
was divided into a number of traffic zones, and available population and
employment forecasts for these zones were input. Horizon years were set at
2003, 2006, 2011 and 2021.
However, the MTM needs to be updated
and recalibrated based on most recent data available. An updated Regional transportation and
transit model will be obtained to assist in updating the Town transportation
demand model. The updated Town transportation model will have a calibrated base
2006 network and assess the future horizon years 2011, 2016, 2021 and
2031. The proposed update will take into
account many salient factors including the following:
¨ The 2006 Transportation
Tomorrow Survey results which is expected to be released by fall 2007
¨ Most recent population
and employment forecasts
¨ Reassessment of modal
splits targets from the 2002 MTM in light of currently available and proposed
transit facilities and present transit demand
The Region is considering several
transportation scenarios to coordinate their growth management initiatives and
to review the impact of the Province’s ‘Places to Grow’ growth forecasts. The
Markham TMP should review these development and growth scenarios to respond to
both the Region’s and the Province’s growth forecasts in consultation with
Council, the Steering Committee and the Planning Department. In order to
undertake this review, the Planning Department has to advance their growth
forecasts and land use scenarios.
Current and projected population and
employment forecasts will be obtained from the Planning Department and several
growth management scenarios will be developed in consultation with the Steering
Committee and the Planning Department.
Efforts will be made to coordinate with the Regional Transportation
Master Plan.
Goods movement is a key element of a transportation system.
Since there are currently no studies available with respect to goods movement
in Markham, a two phase approach is considered
appropriate:
Phase 1
¨ Research has to be
undertaken on goods movement in Markham at a strategic level,
which is expected to result in a discussion paper on issues, options and
recommendations related to goods movement in the Town.
¨ A stakeholder workshop
will be held involving presentations by experts followed by roundtable
discussions to discuss the issues and options presented in the discussion
paper. The workshop will shape the scope
for Phase 2.
Phase 2
¨ Subject to the findings
from Phase 1, Phase 2 will involve developing transportation policies on matters
related to goods movement in Markham.
¨ An operation/infrastructure
plan and network will be developed to enhance Town’s ability for safe and
efficient movement of goods.
MTPS 2002 set the stage for the Town of Markham to begin implementing a number of TDM
initiatives. The process began with the appointment of a TDM Coordinator in the
Engineering Department. The position is dedicated
to TDM research and development, and initially with the preparation of a
framework that would support the establishment of a Transportation Management Association,
(TMA). As a first step, a TDM Strategic Plan was prepared which outlined a
process to:
¨ Introduce TDM to the
residents and businesses of Markham
¨ Develop a commuter
options program for Town staff, and
¨ Establish the Smart
Commute 404-7 TMA.
Now that the objectives of the first TDM Strategic Plan have
been met, the Town is prepared to move to the next levels of TDM
implementation. Through the proposed TMP, Town staff, consultants and
stakeholders will chart a course to further integrate the principles of TDM
into the planning, development and operations of the Town.
The ultimate goal is to develop the ‘Made in Markham’ TDM Implementation Plan and the
effort will employ a two phase process as follows:
Phase 1
Best practices, from Canadian and International sources,
related to TDM implementation will be explored on the following fronts:
·
Policy
(land use planning and urban design)
·
Parking
management
·
Facilities,
infrastructure and services
·
Awareness
and education programs
This best practice review and associated report will form
the basis of consultations with four distinct stakeholder groups; residents and
ratepayers associations, developers, businesses and internal stakeholders
(Council and planning and operations staff). The research, feedback and
recommendations that result from the best practice review and stakeholder
consultations will allow for the preparation of ‘white papers’ on each of the
TDM topics: policy (land use and urban design), parking management, facilities,
infrastructure and services; and programs.
Phase 2
A second series of stakeholder consultations will be carried
out using the ‘white papers’ and associated presentation materials as the basis
for the ensuing dialogue. The objective will be to review and discuss the
issues presented in the ‘white papers’, with the goal of reaching a consensus
regarding their direction and content, since they will form the basis for the
preparation of the TDM Implementation Plan. Once adopted by Council the
implementation plan will allow staff to translate the recommendations into Official
Plan amendments, bylaws and associated land use, urban design, transportation
and fiscal policies that allow Council to transform their vision of Sustainable
Development and Healthy Communities into reality.
Several transportation planning and operation initiatives
rely heavily on data collection programs such as current travel demand,
existing transportation infrastructure etc. Statistically reliable data are
crucial for the production of a dependable long term transportation plan. Data collection surveys that need to be
conducted for the TMP include:
¨ Link cordon count program
¨ Turning movement counts
¨ Accident data
¨ TDM surveys
¨ Average Daily Traffic
(ADT)
ITS is an essential component of any modern world class
transportation system. ITS makes transportation safer, efficient and more
environmentally friendly in addition to optimizing the existing transportation
infrastructure capacity. It is time that the Town initiated a comprehensive ITS
program to face the transportation challenges of tomorrow. A Town Strategic ITS
Plan will be developed that will cover different modes of land transport within
the Town including private auto, goods movement, emergency services, fleet
management, weather information for effective transportation decision making. A two phased approach is considered
appropriate:
Phase 1
A consultant will be retained to
carry out an investigation of the Town’s existing transportation system and
develop a strategic ITS plan for the Town. Improvised traffic signal systems
including centralized traffic control centre, signal timing progressions, speed
indicator displays and other new technologies will be considered. The strategic
plan will lay out the time wise investments for the next ten years and beyond
to address the current and future concerns.
This multi-departmental endeavour would include inputs from strategic
initiatives, asset management, emergency services in addition to Engineering
and Planning.
Phase 2
This phase will include monitoring
the implementation and effectiveness of the ITS investment plan. This is a long term phase lasting up to ten
years from the implementation of the plan.
The monitoring will be conducted by the internal staff to study the
effectiveness of the Plan and will set the groundwork for a more optimized
update of the Strategic Plan and its further investments for the future.
Traffic Operations Management Plan (TOMP) covers traffic
operational issues, some of which are already being addressed on an ongoing
basis. However, all relevant operational issues must be managed in a systematic
way in order to maintain safety and efficiency of the Town’s transportation
system. TOMP generally covers the following major areas:
Traffic control operations in Markham are unique and challenging. A systematic monitoring program of the
current traffic control measures will be implemented to clearly understand
these challenges based on various inputs from the public during the past few
years. Following that, current universally accepted guidelines, criteria and
standards for addressing various traffic control measures will be updated to
address the unique transportation operational challenges in Markham.
Markham’s Safe Streets Strategy has been in
existence since 2004 trying to address residents’ concerns about speeding and
aggressive driving on Town’s roads through education, enforcement and
engineering. However, success has been constrained due to, a lack of
enforcement by York Regional Police. Since enforcement is a critical component
for the successful implementation of the Safe Streets program, strategic new
ways will have to be found to resolve the issues.
Traffic safety, which covers the safety of all road users
including cyclists and pedestrians, is paramount. All available accident data
must be analyzed systematically with the sole aim of reducing the number and
severity of the accidents that occur on Town’s roads. An Accident Data Analysis
and Prevention Plan must therefore be developed to increase traffic safety.
Effective access management is essential for the safe and
orderly movement of traffic. Access to land development, both new and
redevelopment, must be carefully controlled so that the flow of traffic on the
surrounding public road network is preserved in terms of safety, capacity and
travel speed. There are several collectors within Markham for which the Town is responsible for
controlling access to adjacent land uses for the purpose of maintaining the
safe operation of the road system.
Studies have shown that there is a strong correlation
between access control and collision rates. Better access control measures
result in a reduction of collisions. The growing traffic on our road network,
the ongoing development of the Town’s bicycle network and intensifying land
development places a greater responsibility on the part of the Town to conduct
an access management study to determine effective and balanced access control
measures.
The access management study will entail reviewing current
access management practices in other jurisdictions and updating the Traffic
Impact Study and Internal Functional Traffic Design Study guidelines to
accommodate the updated access control standards.
The Transportation and Transit Needs Study forms the core
part of the TMP. This study will assess
current and future deficiencies in connectivity, capacity constraints and gaps
and will develop alternative scenarios for road and transit infrastructure to
address these deficiencies. The study
will include, but not limited to, the following:
¨ Review all relevant
transportation studies including MTPS 2002, Cycling Master Plan 2007, secondary
plans such as Cornell Secondary Plan, Milliken Main Street Secondary Plan etc.,
Markham Centre West and East Precincts study, studies related to Box Grove, Wismer Commons, Greensborough, and West
Cathedral etc. and, various Environmental Assessments and transportation studies.
¨ Review other relevant
transportation studies such as Yonge Street, Highway 7 and Steeles
Corridor studies.
¨ Review GTA wide
transportation strategies and studies.
¨ Review York Region
Transportation Master Plan and all other jurisdictional transportation studies
as applicable to Markham.
¨ Review of Markham’s Development Charges
study and related by-laws.
¨ The Transportation and
Transit Needs Study will assess and address transportation and transit
scenarios for horizon years 2011, 2016, 2021 and 2031 for input into the TMP.
¨ Based on the findings of
the Markham Transportation and Transit Needs
Study and other background studies, develop a roadway infrastructure plan.
¨ Develop policies for land
protections for roadway and transit improvements, land use optimization along
transit corridors and stations, pro mixed-use development criteria and policies
for major growth centres such as Markham Centre and Downtown Cornell.
¨ Develop a Markham transit
needs plan including bus rapid transit and subway/ LRT alternatives for input
into York Region Transit Master Plan and GTTA’s transit plan.
¨ Based on the above
reviews and updated Town and Regional model, identify connectivity issues,
capacity constraints and gaps.
¨ Conduct analyses to
assess transportation system performance and identify concerns.
¨ Develop Para transit plan to cater to
the needs of Markham’s ageing population as
well as for persons with disability.
¨ Review the draft Markham Cycling Master Plan, and
the Pathways & Trails Master Plan Study and include appropriate network and
policies.
¨ Review any existing and/
or develop a new pedestrian infrastructure plan.
¨ Develop action plan to
mitigate transportation problems.
¨ Develop phased
development plan where needed including property protection for Town roads and
carpool lots etc.
¨ Markham
Transportation and Transit Needs Study will also provide input to an integrated
Regional and Provincial studies and the road network.
¨ Develop
implementation strategy (phasing plan), funding model and provide input to an
integrated GTA transit system and road network.
A funding model will be prepared
that explores current methods of funding
infrastructure as well as provides adequate and secure funding for
transportation improvements identified in the Transportation Master Plan. The
model will determine the cost by years of implementing the recommended options,
and describe the objectives and challenges for funding transportation infrastructure.
The model will include, but not limited to, the following:
¨ Evaluation of the cost of
road and transit infrastructure implementation showing each sub-component in
implementation year dollar values.
¨ Identify the gaps between
what we currently have and the proposed services.
¨ If the infrastructure can
be implemented by different methodologies assessment of those methodologies by
their costs and benefits (example disruptions, maintenance etc.).
¨ Examination of current
policy framework that guides the funding of infrastructure: This will include
the federal, provincial and Town’s share of responsibility for funding
transportation
¨ Infrastructure.
¨ Description of the current
funding challenges as well as the outlook for transportation funding for Markham
and the GTA.
¨ Investigation of the
applicability of best practices in other jurisdictions.
¨ Definition and assessment
of policy options for increasing the effectiveness of current funding levels
and outlining of potential new revenue sources.
Policy initiatives to be investigated should include reducing spending
through resource sharing etc., major undertaking through public private
partnerships etc., imbibing efficiencies through user fees etc.
¨ Recommendation of steps
(including phased approaches) to address implementation issues in the Funding
Model.
The TMP will require numerous
improvements to Markham’s transportation
infrastructure, services and programs over the planning horizon. Key areas of implementation will include the
following in accordance to the time-lines as recommended in the proposed TMP:
¨ Adoption of
Transportation Master Plan and updated Official Plan policies related to
transportation that establish key priorities.
¨ Identification and
procurement of funding required to build, operate and maintain planned
transportation facilities and programs.
¨ Developing and
implementing processes for monitoring the transportation system changes and
progress towards objectives.
¨ Recommendations for
phased development and/or property protection (e.g. Town roads, car pool lots
etc).
¨ Recommendation of action
plan to mitigate transportation problems and assist in developing capital works
and operating programs.
The TMP study will result in a
number of products and deliverables, which will provide valuable information
and guidance for future transportation decisions in the Town. Key products will
include:
¨ Schedule for completion
of tasks, milestones, reports and the undertaking.
¨ Transportation vision:
goals and objectives.
¨ Development of
alternative solutions to address the employment and population growth. Growth management scenarios will be developed
in consultation with the Steering Committee and the Planning Department and
will address the Regional Master Plan recommendations.
¨ Conducting stakeholder
and public consultations, address concerns and associated reports
¨ TMP final report and
associated studies.
¨ Policies, guiding
principles and performance targets dealing with such matters as coordination of
land use and transportation, transit modal split, Transportation Demand
Management, asset management and development phasing.
¨ A framework for priority
setting of activities to reach the TMP goals.
¨ Short (2011), medium
(2016 and 2021) and long term (2031) transportation networks, needs and
alternative solutions to address those needs.
¨ Short and medium term (5
and 10 year) priorities and action plans.
¨ A full list of
infrastructure needs including roads, transit etc.
¨ Funding requirements to
ensure sustainable development for transportation.
¨ Process for performance
monitoring, review and assessment.
The Transportation focus area will
make use of communication tools such as the Town website, newsletters, and
public notices to inform the public and stakeholders about information and
updates pertaining to the Transportation focus area.
At this point we envisage three public consultation sessions
conducted separately at four Markham communities in addition to the Mayor’s
Town Hall meetings (total 15 public meetings) for this undertaking to attain
the following goals:
- Project
commencement and review of the problems and opportunities
- Problem
opportunities and alternative solutions
- Notice of
completion, preferred solution and roadmaps to achieve the goals and
notice of report review by the public
Aside from consultation with the
surrounding municipalities, the Region and other levels of government, it is
intended that there will be both general and targeted consultation
opportunities with members of the public and interested stakeholders. Workshops/symposia will be held where
appropriate to engage experts and stakeholders with the objective of
identifying key issues and strategies.
At this time we envisage a
councillor workshop prior to each public consultation session (totalling three
councillor workshops).
Statutory public meetings on Town
Official Plan amendments related to the Transportation focus area will
incorporate a separate round of consultation to receive comments from the
public on future draft plans.
A working group comprised of staff from various
Town departments and the Region and politicians will be formed to plan, direct and manage the Markham
TMP.
An organization chart of the working group is shown below.
Steering
Committee
The Steering Committee will be
responsible for primary planning, direction and management of the
Transportation Master Planning process.
The Committee will report and receive feedback from the Town Council on
regular basis.
The Steering Committee will act
individually and collectively as a vocal and a visible Transportation Master
Plan champion in Markham; approve project
deliverables, help resolve issues and policy decisions, approve scope changes,
and provide direction and guidance to the undertaking.
The Steering Committee will be
chaired and co-chaired by the members of the Council appointed by the Town
Council. Members of the Committee will
be comprised of councillors, senior staff from various departments of the Town
and the Region, consultants’ Program Manager and other key members of the
consortium of consultants. Regional and
inter-regional transit staff will be included on as needed basis. The final selection of members will be
decided upon discussions with the Council and after selection of the successful
consultant.
The roles and responsibilities of
the Steering Committee are as follows:
¨ Set overall project
priorities and approve the project character.
¨ Guide the direction of
the planning process.
¨ Provide directions to the
Project Team and other committees formed by the Town (including the Technical
Advisory Committee) or other resources engaged by the Town in formulating
recommendations for approval by the Council.
¨ Coordinate
cross-department/group working on relevant issues.
¨ Advise on all aspects of
the Master Plan contents and make recommendations to be included in working
drafts of documents available for public inspection.
¨ Review inputs at each milestone
and provide input to consultants as needed.
¨ Communicate with Mayor's
office, council committees, commissions, community, and consultants as relevant.
¨ Advise, approve and
participate in all public forums during the planning process - coordinate public
meetings and
workshops.
¨ Follow ground rules for
meetings: post meetings, set agenda for each meeting, take minutes, and
disseminate minutes and other relevant information as agreed.
¨ Responsible for the
prioritized implementation plan and coordinating presentations to the Town
Council, Public Information Centres and stakeholder workshops.
¨ Provide resolutions to
issues that cannot be addressed within the project team.
¨ Review reports produced
by the staff/consultants and provide its comments and guidance thereon. It will finalize the
TMP for endorsement by the Government.
A
Technical
Advisory Committee will be formed for each major project in the TMP to provide technical
advice and ensure necessary coordination with other agencies, transportation
providers and surrounding regions. For
example, the advisory groups may include City of Toronto, Province, Federal Government, GTTA, GO Transit, etc.
The Project Team will consist of the core working members of the
project and will involve Town staff and consultants. Responsibilities of the Project Team members
include:
¨
Identify areas of needed research through a work plan.
¨
Develop and implement a strategy, as required, to engage in
required research.
¨
Discuss issues and build consensus.
¨
Determine desired outcomes and products.
¨
Prepare and review Terms of References for required studies.
¨
Establish staff/consultant teams to carry out the studies.
¨
Direct studies to ensure that they are well focussed and
completed on schedule.
¨
Ensure that appropriate connections between focus areas are
identified and acted upon.
¨
Prepare any required reports and presentations to Council,
Committees and TAC and implement their directions.
¨
Guide the preparation of any required Town OPA’s.
¨
Consult the public on important issues and decisions.
¨
Respond to and appropriately address issues/concerns raised
through the Public Consultation focus area.
The overall budget
will depend on how the studies are scoped in consultation with the Town
departments, the Region and the province.
Certain major tasks will be carried out in phases. In such cases, the scope and the resource
requirement for the second and subsequent phases will be determined during the
previous phase.
Staff from the
Town will carry out project planning, management, public and stakeholder
consultation and reporting. Consultants
will be retained as required to assist with major projects to provide
specialized expertise, to prepare certain technical reports and to provide
other assistance as required.
Consultants are
encouraged to form consortiums in order to meet the multi-faceted aspects of
the TMP. Proposals will be assessed on
the basis of information provided by the Proponent at the time of submission as
well as any additional information provided during subsequent meetings with the
Proponent. The evaluation of Proposals
will be conducted by an evaluation team led by the Town of Markham Engineering
Department and facilitated by staff from the Purchasing Department. The evaluation process will entail a two step
selection procedure. The first step will entail proposal evaluation and
short-listing two or three proposals, followed by a personal interview and
presentation by the short-listed proponents.
The final selection will be based on evaluation of both the proposal and
personal interview. The Town will
personally contact the short-listed proponents to arrange for personal
interviews and presentations. The Town reserves the right to select one or
multiple proponents for conducting separate elements of the undertaking.
Evaluation
Criteria
In recognition of
the importance of the procedure by which a Proponent may be short-listed, the
following criteria outline the primary considerations to be used in the
evaluation and consequent awarding of this project (not in order):
Proposals meeting
the mandatory criteria will be assessed against the following criteria. The Town of Markham
reserves the right to shortlist firms for further evaluation and interviews
which may alter the final ranking results.
Proposals will be scored based on meeting or exceeding the expectations
of the established evaluation criteria.
The Town of Markham
reserves the right to negotiate with the highest ranked proponent.
|
Evaluation Criteria
|
Weight
|
|
1.
Past experience of
consulting firm
|
20%
|
|
2.
Qualifications of
lead Consultant and Project Team
|
20%
|
|
3.
Project Delivery
and Quality of Work
|
30%
|
|
4.
Price
|
30%
|
|
Grand Total
|
100%
|
Short-listing of the
proposals will be based on all the above criteria (but not solely limited to
the above) and any other relevant information provided by the Proponent(s). Short-listed proponents will be further
evaluated based on combined criteria for evaluation of original proposal
submission and the evaluation of final interview and presentation. The Town of Markham
reserves the right to prioritize and weigh the importance of each criterion
confidentially. The proponent is advised that the specific qualifications and
experience of the individual project team members and firms will be significant
factors in the evaluation and scoring of the proposals. Any changes to the
members of the Consultant’s staff from those identified in the proposal will
require the written approval of the Town of Markham and
may, at the Town’s sole discretion, be sufficient cause for the Town of Markham to
terminate the contract.
The Town of Markham will
not be liable for any costs incurred by Proponents in the preparation of
proposals, site inspections, interviews, or any other services that may be
requested as part of the evaluation process.
Selection Process
Proposals will be
assessed on the basis of information provided by the Proponent at the time of
submission as well as the final interview and presentation and any other additional
information provided during subsequent meetings with the Proponent.
The Town of Markham
reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to enter into
negotiations with one or more submitting firms and to waive irregularities and
omissions if in so doing the best interests of the Town of Markham, will
be served.
The Proponent is
encouraged to ensure that their proposal is submitted in the most favourable
terms in order to reflect the best possible potential, since less than best
potential could result in exclusion of the proposal from further consideration.
Proponents are
encouraged to provide any additional information, which may be relevant in the
evaluation of their proposal.
Contract Award
The Town of Markham
reserves the right to negotiate with the preferred vendor at their sole
discretion.
On approval of the
evaluation committee’s recommendation by the Councils of the Town of Markham, the
Successful Proponent may be required to enter into a formal contract agreement.
By responding to
this RFP, Proponents agree that the decision of the evaluation team is final
and binding, and will not be subject to review.
