CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2008

YORK ROOM, MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE

 

MINUTES

 

ATTENDANCE

 

Committee:

Dwight Richardson

Robert Hunn

David Rawcliffe

Gerald Corbett

Sandra McEleney

Rachael Woodroffe

Anne Marie Lee

Paula Viscomi

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Councillor Erin Shapero (left at 7:45 p.m.)

 

 

Staff:

A. Brown, Director of Engineering

S. Saiyed, Manager, Transportation/Engineering

L. Mele, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator

S. Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban Design

M. Barrow, Program Coordinator, Recreation Services

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, welcomed everyone to the meeting, and all members in attendance introduced themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.         REPRESENTATION - REGION OF YORK HEALTH SERVICES

 

Ms. Anne Marie Lee advised that she has been reassigned and will no longer be attending meetings of the CPAC Committee, and introduced Ms. Paula Viscomi, who will be attending CPAC meetings in the future on behalf of Region of York Health Services.

 

 

 

3.         2008 COMMITTEE CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR

 

Mr. Dwight Richardson, Chair, advised Members that the election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2008 would be addressed at the next meeting of CPAC Committee, and those interested in putting their names forward could do so at that time.

 

 

 

4.         MINUTES OF THE CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY

            COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 22, 2007

 

Moved by David Rawcliffe

Seconded by Sandra McEleney

 

That the minutes of the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting held on November 22, 2007 be adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

 

5.         CYCLING MASTER PLAN AND PATHWAYS AND TRAILS

MASTER PLAN – FINAL STEPS REVIEW

 

Copies of an activity sheet explaining the Final Steps relating to the Master Plans were distributed.  Mr. Lorenzo Mele, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator, advised that staff and the Consultants are tentatively scheduled to present the Cycling, Pathways and Trails Master Plans to the Development Services Committee of Council on Tuesday, February 12.  Members of Committee were encouraged to attend the meeting, which will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Canada Room at the Markham Civic Centre. Once the date is confirmed, Members of CPAC will be advised.  Ms. Shirley Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban Design, advised that there will still be an opportunity for Members to provide comments after this presentation.

 

Mr. Mele noted that at the next meeting of the CPAC Committee, scheduled for March 6th, Members of CPAC will review and approve the 2008 implementation plan; and review and approve the Draft 5-Year Implementation Plan.  In addition, the 2008 sidewalk program will be presented for review.

 

 

 

 

It is expected that staff will present the final report for the Master Plan approval to the Development Services Committee in April, and the presentation of the Business Plan will take place in May.

 

 

 

6.         2008 BUSINESS PLAN – DRAFT REVIEW

 

Copies of the Draft 2008 Business Plan were distributed.  Mr. Lorenzo Mele, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator, presented an overview of the 2008 Business Plan, which included: Budget; Network Implementation; Promotion and Education (advertising and outreach, BIKEFEST 2008, CAN-BIKE Safety Program); Smart Commute; and Pedestrian Issues.

 

Mr. Alan Brown, Director, Engineering, advised that the Region of York has awarded the tender for the Major Mackenzie Multi-Use Trail from Woodbine Avenue to Prospector’s Drive, and financial details relating to Markham costs should be received shortly.  Mr. Mele reviewed the Budget amounts for the 2008 Sidewalk Program, the 2008 Network Implementation Program, and for Education and Promotions.

 

Members were advised that the 2008 Network Implementation would include: completion of the “Share the Road” sign installations; the completion of Phase One on the road network (signs and bike lanes); and the installation of bicycle racks in strategic locations.  It was noted that there are numerous areas across the Town that do not have bike racks, or require additional racks, such as Angus Glen Community Centre.  It was suggested that the matter of where the racks are to be installed be addressed at the Committee’s March 6th meeting. 

 

Concern was raised with respect to the profusion of signs, and it was requested that an effort be made to place any new signs on posts that have signage already.  Mr. Robert Hunn provided a copy of an article, from a publication in the Lake Simcoe area, relating to custom signage used in the area encouraging drivers to “share the road with pedestrians and cyclists”.  Mr. Mele noted that the Town of Markham currently uses standard MTO signage only.

 

Committee discussed the proposal for a multi-use pathway connection from Milne Park to Main Street Markham, at an estimated cost of $900,000.  It was noted, that due to environmental concerns, the path in general should be mostly granular or made with mulch, rather than being paved.  It was noted that other pathways have been identified, but there are issues related to property acquisition.  Committee suggested that it might be advantageous to establish a “wish list”, and also consider the feasibility of “partnerships” with land-owners.

 

Mr. Mele advised that another 2008 project could be the Major Mackenzie Boulevard Trail, from Prospectors Drive to Highway 48.  The design for this trail has been done and would be approximately 4.4 KM.  Staff will review this further and report back to Committee in March.  Committee suggested that the Castlemore Avenue area be considered as a connecting route through to the Mount Joy GO Station.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Mele reviewed two draft priority projects identified in the Master Plan for the next five years, namely, the Hydro Corridor Pathways (East West), and the Hydro Corridor Pathway (North South).  Issues related to these projects include: discussions required with Hydro One, and Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC); potential concerns with electromagnetic fields; liability issues; and the crossing of main collector roads (Kennedy, McCowan, etc.).  Staff will provide more information on these proposed projects at the March meeting.  Members briefly discussed the Region’s involvement, and some concern was expressed regarding the proposed number of traffic and bike lanes from a health point of view.

 

Members were advised that $25,000 has been budgeted for Advertising and Outreach in 2008.  Staff are in the process of preparing a network map, which will include cycling trails and pathways, and the estimated cost is $15,000.  Distribution outlets, such as bicycle shops, will also be established.  It was suggested that staff work towards completing the map in time for Earth Day, which is usually held at the end of April.

 

Mr. Mele noted that advertising for the CAN-BIKE Program could be another major advertising/outreach cost.  This Program provides courses on all aspects of cycling safety. 

Members discussed related matters, including: the involvement of local school boards, police, and York Region Health on cycling safety programs; and the feasibility of reallocating Town funds for such programs.

 

Mr. Mele noted that BIKEFEST was held on June 9th last year, and events included a community ride, barbeque, bike safety demonstrations and information displays.  At this time, no date has been set for 2008.  Members exchanged various ideas for a future event, including: holding it on a Sunday or a week-day; being part of the Unionville Festival, Markham Festival, or other previously scheduled festival; concerns with bicycle access and parking if held on a Saturday; holding event at the Markham Civic Centre or Milne Park; tie BIKEFEST into announcement of new trails and pathways; and the possibility of postponing event until 2009 so there would be more cycling information to announce.  After considerable discussion, Committee directed that Sandra McEleney would Chair a sub-committee to discuss the organization of a bike event and look at options.  She advised that she would send an email to all Members inviting them to be involved, and the sub-committee would meet and report back at the March 6th meeting.

 

Mr. Mele advised that through the Promotion and Education budget, CAN-BIKE Courses are being offered again this year.  Mr. Martin Barrow, Program Coordinator, Recreation Services, noted that they will be advertised in the Spring Recreation Guide, which will be available at the end of January, and also the Summer Recreation Guide, which should be available at the end of April.  Courses being offered are: Instructor Workshop, CAN-BIKE 2, Kid CAN-BIKE, and Adult Learn to Ride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members were advised that in 2007 a free Kids CAN-BIKE Festival was held at the York Region Community Safety Village at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area in May.  The matter of offering this event again this year was discussed, and Committee raised the following: event is more generic and appeals to more people; it promotes safe cycling skills with qualified CAN-BIKE instructors; feasibility of charging a nominal fee such as $5-$10; t-shirt or coloring book could be a take-away gifts.  Staff will check the availability of the Safety Village and report back at the March 6 meeting.

 

Mr. Mele explained the mandate of Smart Commute 404-7, noting that it is a non-profit association to help employers and employees in Markham and Richmond Hill with Smart Commute options relating to traffic congestion.  Such options would be taking public transit, and sharing rides with others.  He advised that the Town is planning to partner with Smart Commute 404-7 on a Bicycle User Group (BUG) pilot program, and in addition, the promotion and participation in a Commuter Challenge and Bike to Work Week is being considered.  More information will be provided at the March meeting.

 

Members were advised of the process followed by staff when requests for sidewalks are received.  All requests are documented and reviewed by staff with respect to issues, such as property requirements, topography and drainage.  Copies of the current list will be made available to Members of Committee.

 

 

 

7.         NEW BUSINESS

 

Policing and Patrolling of Parks and Trails – In response to a query, Mr. Mele advised that the Town’s By-Law Enforcement Officers are equipped to patrol the parks on bicycles, and that York Regional Police often patrol the parks in their vehicles.  It was suggested that the Police be requested to patrol the parks on bicycles also.

 

CAN-BIKE Learn to Ride Event for 2008 - In 2007, a Markham Kids CAN-BIKE Learn to Ride event was held at Central Park Public School in June and was very successful.  The location for a similar event in 2008 was briefly discussed, and also the suggestion to carry out evaluations following future events.  Staff advised that requests received from interested schools would be reviewed and more information will be presented at the next meeting.

 

Ontario Cycling Association Mentoring Program – Mr. Mele advised that he is working with Michael Trigiani of OCA with respect to the program of having older children mentor younger children and will report back on this at the next meeting.

 

Studded Tires for Bikes - The Chair advised that there had been a recent article in Cyclometer, that you can purchase studded tires for bicycles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.         DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

The next meeting of Committee will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the York Room.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.