CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2007

YORK ROOM, MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE

 

MINUTES

 

Attendance:

 

Committee:

Robert Hunn

David Rawcliffe

Dwight Richardson

Rachael Woodroffe

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

Regrets:

Sandra McEleney

Marcia Guthenberg

Monica Goodfellow

Anne Marie Lee

 

Consultants:

Robert Grimwood, Consultant, MMM Group

Dave McLaughlin, Consultant, MMM Group

 

Staff

S. Saiyed, Manager, Transportation/Engineering

L. Mele, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator

S. Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban Design

M. Barrow, Program Coordinator, Recreation Services

T. Shirazi, TDM Intern

J. Kee, Committee Clerk

 

The Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee convened at the hour of 7:10 p.m. with Mr. Dwight Richardson in the Chair.

 

 

 

1.               INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS

 

Mr. Dwight Richardson, Chair, introduced Mr. Martin Barrow, Program Coordinator, Thornhill, who will be working with the Committee on behalf of Recreation Services.  Other members in attendance introduced themselves.

 

 

2.               ABSENTEEISM – ADVISORY COMMITTEES

 

The Chair read the contents of a memorandum from the Town Clerk, dated October 2, 2007 respecting the regulations for meeting attendance requirements.  Specifically, the memorandum indicated that advisory committees must adhere to the Town’s Procedural By-law which directs that if a member is absent from meetings for three successive months without being authorized, a vacancy is to be declared.

 

 

 

3.               EXEMPTION OF RETAIL SALES TAX ON BICYCLES

 

The Chair noted that in a recent edition of Cyclometer, a monthly newsletter which keeps cyclists informed about cycling issues and programs in the City of Toronto, there had been an article advising that starting on December 1, 2007, the Ontario government will exempt bikes costing $1000 or less from retail sales tax (RST).  Bike helmets and other safety equipment will also be exempted.

 

 

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY

            COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 11, 2007

 

Moved by David Rawcliffe

Seconded by Rachael Woodroffe

 

That the minutes of the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting held on October 11, 2007 be adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

 

5.         ‘PUTTING ONTARIO ON TWO WHEELS’ - CONFERENCE REPORT

 

Members were advised that the “Putting Ontario on Two Wheels” Conference had been held on November 2nd at the Region of Waterloo offices in Kitchener.  Mr. Dave McLaughlin, Consultant, MMM Group, provided highlights and a brief summary of the event.  He noted that the Conference had been well attended by representatives of various municipalities, and issues discussed included: advocacy; networking; the funding of cycling infrastructure, training and promotion; how to engage cycling clubs; cycling skills development; and cycling lifestyle promotion.

 

The current roles and activities being undertaken by the various cycling associations were raised, including those of Cycle Ontario Alliance; the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada; and

the Ontario Cycling Association.

 

 

 

Mr. Mele noted that the Town of Markham is in the right track, and funding is available.

 

 

 

6.         CYCLING MASTER PLAN AND PATHWAYS AND TRAILS

MASTER PLAN – FINAL REVIEW

 

Cycling Master Plan

 

Mr. Mele advised that staff are in the final stages of the preparation of the Master Plans, and both will require the endorsement of Committee prior to presentation to Council.  Due to its size, copies of the Pathways and Trails Master Plan has been put on CD.  This, and copies of two maps will be distributed to all members of Committee. 

 

Mr. Mele highlighted the following areas relating to the Cycling Master Plan and the Pathways & Trails Master Plan:

·        Background

·        Role of the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

·        Project Scope

·        Vision for Both Studies

·        Process to Determine Draft Network

·        Public Consultation

·        Public Comments

·        Actions Resulting from Public Input

·        Cycling Network, Facilities, Cost (including assumptions used to develop budget)

·        Education and Awareness

 

Committee raised the importance of advising the Region of York that the Town of Markham is currently preparing a Pathways & Trails Master Plan, and a Cycling Master Plan, and that the Region should take these plans/studies into consideration in conjunction with the Region’s Class Environmental Assessment Studies to widen Bayview Avenue, 16th Avenue, Kennedy Road and McCowan Road from four to six lanes.  The Clerk was requested to ask Mr. Allan Arbuckle, Manager of Infrastructure and Capital Works, to coordinate with the Region on this matter.

 

Committee expressed some concern regarding the high unit costs for various features for the off and on road cycling facilities, and it was noted that the maintenance of these facilities will be addressed in the staff report and will have to be included in future budget planning.

 

Mr. Mele reviewed the proposed cycling network and it was noted that lots of opportunity and flexibility has been built into it.  It was also noted that the CMP Implementation Schedule should be updated by staff annually.

 

Committee discussed the importance of educating the public; including ways and means to encourage residents and staff to use bicycles in the workplace and in other parts of their everyday life.

 

 

 

As the Consultants from MMM Group had to leave the meeting at this time, Committee thanked Mr. Robert Grimwood, and Mr. Dave McLaughlin for all of their support and assistance over the past few months.

 

 

Pathways and Trails Master Plan

 

Ms. Shirley Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban Design, presented the Pathways and Trails Master Plan, and distributed colour copies of: Map 4 - the Facility Types and Networks Elements Map; and May 5 - the Priority/Phasing Plan Map.

 

Committee was advised that the Master Plan is a combination of a number of pathway and trail types, and sets out the means for improving and expanding Markham’s trail system.  In addition, the Plan also identifies a Town-wide off-road pathway and trail system.  Some issues of concern were raised, including: physical barriers, private property challenges and continued maintenance.

 

Ms. Marsh reviewed capital costs of the system, noting that they were estimated in 2007 dollars.  The estimates include an order of magnitude costs, design and engineering, and operations and maintenance costs, but do not include items such as private property acquisition, major utility relocation, and signage.

 

The proposed implementation strategy including action steps was reviewed which would lay the ground work for continuing to build pathways and trails based on a phased approach.  Committee was advised that Operations staff are recommending strongly that on-going maintenance of the system be addressed.  Due to budget limitations, a balanced approach is recommended with a few kilometers of trails being established in one or two Wards each year.  Ms. Marsh reviewed annual implementation factors, and advised that $1.6M has been proposed for the 2008 Budget, subject to Council approval. 

 

Committee discussed the major projects being recommended by the Project Team over the next five (5) years, which include those with minor barriers and no major property acquisitions or easements, which are:

 

a) Hydro Corridor Pathways – Primary East-West connections. Easy implementation process with Hydro One / ORC Estimated Cost: $2.0 million (including pathways, and major signalized crossings if required)

 

b) Hydro Corridor Pathways – Primary North-South connections. Easy implementation process with Hydro One / ORC Estimated Cost: $1.2 million (including pathway, and minor mid-block crossings)

 

c) Connection from Milne Park existing pathways to Main St. Markham, along north side of park. Estimated Cost: $900,000 (including 3 bridges and pathways/trails);

 

 

 

 

 

As there was no quorum present, the Committee was not able to formally endorse the Plans this date.  Members present were provided with a CD of the Pathways and Trails Draft Report and requested to review it and provide comments to Shirley Marsh by December 10th.  The date will be extended, if necessary to accommodate Members’ schedules.  Copies of the CD and the maps will be sent to Members not in attendance this evening, also requesting comments.  All comments from Committee and staff will be considered, and further discussion will take place at the next CPAC meeting scheduled for January 10th.

 

Mr. Mele advised that staff is planning to make a presentation of the Master Plans to the Development Services Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, 2008, and following that, a formal staff report will go forward.  

 

 

 

7.         NEW BUSINESS

 

CAN-BIKE Program for 2008

 

Mr. Mele distributed copies of a letter from Mr. Michael Trigiani, Past Chair of the Ontario Cycling Association, who had been involved in the CAN-BIKE and Learn to Ride programs held in Markham in 2007.  He commended Markham for the success of the programs and provided some comments and suggestions for improvements in 2008.

 

Members discussed the possibility of increasing fees next year to assist in the cost of the instructors.  Mr. Martin Barrow, Program Coordinator in Recreation Services, emphasized the importance of a good student and instructor balance and advised that he will work with Mr. Mele on instructor recruitment, and also ensure that the finalized dates are placed in the Town’s Spring Recreation Guide.

 

 

 

8.         DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

The next meeting of Committee will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the York Room.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.