MARKHAM PARKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2008

YORK ROOM, MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE

 

MINUTES

____________________________________________________________________________

Attendance:

Regional Councillor T. Wong

Regional Councillor G. Landon

Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Councillor A. Chiu

 

Regrets:

Councillor J. Virgilio (Chair)

Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

Guests:

Mr. Ralph Bond, BA Group

 

Staff

A. Brown, Director, Engineering

M. West, Manager, Strategic Initiatives

L. Mele, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator

Richard Kendall, Planner

J. Kee, Committee Clerk

 

 

The Markham Parking Advisory Committee convened, without quorum, at the hour of 2:10 p.m. with Regional Councillor G. Landon as Acting Chair.  Quorum was reached at 2:30 p.m.  Deputy Mayor J. Heath assumed the Chair at 3:55 p.m.

 

 

1.         MINUTES OF THE MARKHAM PARKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

            MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 18, 2008

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong

 

That the Minutes of the Markham Public Advisory Committee meeting held on August 18, 2008 be approved.

CARRIED

 

2.         REVISED DRAFT PARKING MANAGEMENT BUSINESS PLAN

 

Members had before them a copy of the revised draft report of the Parking Management Business Plan, dated November 2008.  Mr. Ralph Bond, of the BA Group, was in attendance and gave a presentation on the revised draft plan which incorporated the direction provided by the Committee on August 18, 2008.

 

Markham Centre Parking Strategy

 

Mr. Bond highlighted the three objectives outlined in the Markham Centre Parking Strategy, as follows:

  • to support the urban design vision by minimizing surface parking and encouraging higher density through the use of parking structures that are well located and integrated with primary development
  • to implement Transportation Demand Management by influencing commuter mode choice
  • to foster Economic Development by assisting the private sector in achieving

 

 

Existing Parking Program

 

The existing municipal parking program was reviewed, which includes a total of one hundred and fifty-eight (158) on-street parking spaces in the Allstate Parkway area, Cox Boulevard, and the Ferrier-Acadia area.  Seventeen (17) spaces have also been recently implemented on YMCA Boulevard.  A table summarizing the existing parking program financial history was presented.  It was suggested that in order to increase revenue and reduce operating costs in future, the following operational modifications could be made to the existing program:

  • remove paid parking from Frontenac Drive (21 spaces and 2 machines), and
  • extend the hours of operation on Allstate parkway

 

 

Potential Expansion Opportunities – Phase 1

 

Mr. Bond reviewed potential expansion opportunities, designated as Phase 1.  Areas being considered are:

  • Civic Centre (60 visitor spaces)
  • Civic Centre (240 employee spaces)
  • Markham Theatre (150 spaces)
  • Unionville High School (120 spaces)
  • Clegg Road (95 spaces)
  • Cedarland (50 spaces)

 

 

 

 

Staff advised that both Markham Stouffville Hospital and Seneca College currently charge their employees for parking, and the rates vary from $40 to $50 per month.  It was noted that discussions would have to be held with representatives of the York Region District School Board with respect to negotiating a profit-sharing agreement, and that the proposal would also be discussed with Members of the Markham Theatre Advisory Board. 

 

Committee discussed the feasibility of offering incentives to employees, such as transit passes and free or reduced cost of car pool spaces.  It was noted that staff surveys have been conducted in the past to ascertain transit habits, and it was suggested that staff also look into the home locations of employees.

 

Committee queried the parking situation at the Hilton Suites Hotel, and staff was requested investigate the current status there.  Members were advised that once the parking signage is installed in the Clegg/Cedarland area, staff will conduct a communications strategy with respect to taxis and limos.  Mr. Bond also noted that numbers will have to be verified on Cedarland because of a proposed transit line relocation.  It is expected that approximately 11 new pay and display machines would be installed in this area.

 

 

Potential Expansion Opportunities – Phase 2

 

Mr. Bond reviewed potential expansion opportunities, designated as Phase 2, in the following areas:

  • Cornell Village (51 spaces)
  • Remington Area (Rouge Valley Drive, Verdale Crossing & Birchmount Road) (110 spaces)

 

It was noted that the commercial/retail strip in Cornell Village is located on Bur Oak Avenue between 16th Avenue and White’s Hill Avenue, and paid parking would ensure that visitors and customers were able to use the most desirable on-street spaces.  Committee suggested that as an incentive, the local businesses there could buy tokens from the Town to offer to their best customers, and that the machines could be programmed to take these tokens.  Staff noted that they would have to monitor the impacts of paid parking on the adjacent residential streets.

 

Mr. Bond noted that machines would not be installed until the town homes are occupied in the fall of 2009.  Committee advised that it is very important that residents are made aware of paid parking before installation, and it was suggested that the developer, Remington, and the builders be requested to provide such information to potential buyers.  It was noted that public consultations would be conducted prior to any action, and staff also advised that the Town’s Home Buyer’s Guide could be updated to include this information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potential Expansion Opportunities – Phase 3

 

Mr. Bond reviewed potential expansion opportunities, designated as Phase 3, in the following areas:

  • Markham East Community Centre (300 spaces)
  • Centennial Community Centre (227 Town of Markham spaces, and 540 GO Transit Garage Spaces)

 

Mr. Bond noted that the Markham East Community Centre will be adjacent to Markham Stouffville Hospital, which has paid parking, (at $3.00 per half hour, and $12.00 daily maximum), and it is expected that hospital visitors and staff will attempt to use the free parking at the community centre.  As the BA Group is recommending that the Town consider options for paid parking to capture revenue from hospital users, (at less than hospital rates), there was considerable discussion regarding the issues to be resolved, including:

  • How should paid parking be implemented?
  • How should the parking rates be set?
  • What are the impacts to the users of the Community Centre/Library?

 

Members raised various issues and discussed possible options, as follows:

  • A gated system requiring a pass card or programmed parking pass
  • Community centre and parking garage should be planned and designed well to deal with all traffic/parking problems
  • Consideration of surface parking;
  • Large drop-off areas should be considered
  • Include parking fee in recreation course registrations
  • Take into consideration, free parking that may be available across the street at the Woodhaven facility; suggest that paid parking be implemented there
  • Credit card system; pay on foot; program machines accordingly
  • Staff at Community Centre and Library will  have to be educated to deal with various parking-related issues of the visitors
  • Number of staff that will need parking spots?  40-50 expected, plus part-time staff
  • For the convenience of seniors using the Seniors Room – have a Seniors Centre Club Card; frequent users; similar to Water Street Seniors Building
  • Buildings must be designed with proper systems
  • Parking payments for regular users should be different than occasional users
  • Concern re inequity; Town should not only charge parking at the East Markham Community Centre and Library, but also at other community centres, such as: Angus Glen Community Centre;
  • Some discussion regarding the feasibility of a parking structure at Angus Glen Community Centre
  • YMCA currently sells memberships with parking included, and others without parking
  • Having residents pay for parking may encourage people to take the bus; walk; or be dropped off at the community centre facilities

 

 

  • Installation of a coin-operated Rent a Bike stand
  • Consideration of “no parking” or “no stopping” on Bur Oak or surrounding areas; and
  • Feasibility of placing machines on one side of Bur Oak for short term parking as long as it does not disrupt traffic flow

 

Mr. Bond noted that GO Transit will be constructing a 600-space parking structure at the north end of the Centennial Community Centre site in 2009, and the BA Group is recommending that the Town implement paid parking at that location to capture revenue from GO Transit users.  Issues to be addressed are:

  • How should paid parking be implemented?
  • Discussions are required with GO Transit concerning paid parking

 

Members raised various issues and discussed possible options, as follows:

  • Staff was directed to investigate if there are design plans for a gate at the entrance to the GO parking garage;
  • Placement of parking machine at gate to parking garage?
  • Town could charge for parking after 1:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m., and all week-ends
  • Staff was also directed to investigate the terms of the Agreement with GO with respect to paid parking

 

 

Potential Other Opportunities

 

Mr. Bond reviewed potential other opportunities in the following areas:

 

  • Markham Village (367 spaces)
  • Unionville Village (327 spaces)

 

He noted that a well documented business plan and future parking expansion plan for both Markham Village and Unionville Village would be required in order to identify costs and benefits to the local businesses prior to implementing a paid parking program.  In addition, stakeholder consultation would be undertaken.

 

 

Financial Implications

 

Mr. Bond presented a table illustrating the financial implications of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Parking Program Expansion Plan and reviewed the cost projections.

 

Committee expressed some concern regarding the current economic climate and the potential impact of paid parking at the Markham Theatre.  It was noted that discussions would have to be held with the Markham Theatre Board and the York Region District School Board prior to any implementation of this program.

 

 

Mr. Bond presented some information on the current paid parking practices of other municipalities, including the cities of Toronto, Ottawa and Brampton.

 

 

Cash-In-Lieu Policy

 

Mr. Bond advised that Council, in June of 2005, endorsed a draft Cash-in-Lieu Parking Policy as an important funding alternative.  He noted that it might be a revenue source, if implemented with the developers and builders.

 

 

Stakeholder Consultation

 

Mr. Bond recommended that consultations be held with all of the stakeholders, and that one open house be held in January of 2009.  In response to a suggestion that staff meet informally with the stakeholders and report back to Committee, members agreed that this would be advisable, and also suggested that staff include the Region of York in the discussions. 

 

Committee noted that there was some unease regarding the rates being recommended, and requested Mr. Bond to report back on the reasons for charging different rates in different areas.  In addition, Committee requested details of what the rates would be in the new machines.  It was suggested that at least $2.00 per hour be charged, and the use of credit cards be offered as an option for payment.

 

Committee directed that additional bullets be added to the Stakeholder Consultation information presented, as follows:

  • Property owners
  • VIVA – respecting bus stops

 

A suggestion to speak to the owners regarding the placement of a parking structure at the “south-east corner of Markville Mall” was raised.

 

 

 

3.         MATTERS REFERRED TO THE NEXT MEETING

 

The following matter placed on the Agenda this date was referred to the next meeting of Committee:

 

  • Pay and Display Program Update

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.         NEXT STEPS

 

The Director of Engineering advised that staff will brief those Councillors not in attendance regarding the Revised Draft Parking Management Business Plan and discussion held this date.  In addition, staff will report back to Committee in January of 2009 on the Business Plan and next steps, and a presentation will be made to Development Services Committee early in the New Year regarding strategy.

 

 

 

5.         DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

The Committee Clerk will advise Members of the date of the next meeting, once confirmed.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Parking Advisory Committee meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.

CARRIED