CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009

YORK ROOM, MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE

MINUTES

ATTENDANCE

Committee: Sandra McEleney, Vice-Chair Carole Robertson, Accessibility Representative Rachael Woodroffe Gerald Corbett Agency Members: Ken Deering, Dornellas Yvonne Kazor, Region of York Megan Johnson, Catholic School Board Wincy Tsang, Smart Commute 404-7

Staff: Lorenzo Mele, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator B. Lee, Manager Development Engineering & Transportation N. Letman, Recreation Alida Tari, Committee Clerk Members of Council Councillor Erin Shapero Councillor Logan Kanapathi

The Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC) convened at 7:08 p.m. with Ms. Sandra McEleney presiding as Chair.

1. MINUTES OF THE CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON MARCH 5, 2009

Moved by Rachael Woodroffe

Seconded by Carole Robertson

That the minutes of the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee held on March 5, 2009 be adopted.

CARRIED

2. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR

Mr. Lorenzo Mele, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator, provided the Committee with some brief background information with respect to the duties of the Committee Chair. He also advised that there are some vacant positions that they anticipate filling in the New Year and suggested that the position of the Chair be elected next year. The Committee agreed to hold the Election of the Committee Chair in 2010.

Councillor Erin Shapero advised the Committee that a letter of thanks was sent to the past Chair.

3. ACCESSIBILITY ACT

Mr. Mele distributed a copy of “Accessible Customer Service” pamphlets and advised the Committee that he presented the Cycling and Pedestrian Master Plan to the Accessibility Committee a few months ago and was very well received.

Ms. Carole Robertson, Accessibility Representative addressed the Committee to briefly explain the purpose and function of the Accessibility Committee. She thanked Mr. Mele on behalf of the Accessibility Committee for presenting to them and advised that the Accessibility Committee would like to provide input to the Cycling and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Mr. Mele indicated that it is very difficult in ensuring that all the pathways and trails are all completely accessibly as a result, staff is considering accessibility based on a network approach.

4. 5 YEAR IMPLEMENTATION CYCLING & PEDESTRIAN PROGRAM

Mr. Mele distributed a document with respect to the Cycling, Pathways and Trails; 5 Year (2010-2015) Implementation Program outlining the scope of work. He indicated that staff anticipates that the draft 5 Year Implementation Plan will be presented to Development Services Committee in early 2010. Mr. Mele confirmed that this Committee will have an opportunity to review the program.

The Committee inquired of the relation between the Milne Park Multi-Use Pathways and the 5 Year Implementation Plan. Staff confirmed that the work completed to date with respect to the Milne Park Multi-Use Pathways will be incorporated into the 5 Year Implementation Plan and consultation process.

The Committee discussed bike lanes along Highway 7 and whether the bike lanes should be on-road or off-road. Councillor Shapero advised the Committee that the Town of Markham has requested the Region of York to consider some form of a barrier between the car traffic and bike lane along Highway 7. The Committee suggested that the proposed route in the Master Plan be reviewed at the next meeting.

The Committee discussed the importance of ensuring that the existing pathways are accessible and safe.

Moved by Gerald Corbett

Seconded by Carole Robertson

That the Town of Markham consider all accessibility issues during the implementation of the Cycling, Pathways and Trails Master Plan.

CARRIED

5. 2010 BUSINESS PLAN

Mr. Mele delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the 2010 Business Plan for the Cycling & Pedestrian Advisory Committee. He briefly reviewed the 2009 Business Plan and advised that he will e-mail the plan to the Committee members for their review. Mr. Mele suggested that the members e-mail him any ideas and/or suggestions they would like to see as part of the 2010 Business Plan.

The Committee discussed neighbourhoods within the Town that have sidewalks but have certain sections without sidewalks, and inquired whether those sections will eventually get sidewalks put in.

Mr. Ken Deering from the D’Ornellas Cycling Racing Team addressed the Committee and spoke about the very successful “2009 Markham Giro” bicycle race event. The Committee were pleased with the turnout and suggested that it be included as part of the 2010 Business Plan.

Moved by Carole Robertson

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

That the 2010 Business Plan include the “Markham Giro”.

CARRIED

The Committee briefly discussed the Bike to Work Day and suggested that consideration be made to expand that to include Bike to School Day. Ms. Robertson also suggested including tandem bikes (that can be rented) to blind or partially blind individuals. She mentioned that the City of Toronto has “Trailblazer Cycling Club” and suggested that they be invited to a future Cycling & Pedestrian Committee meeting.

6. OTHER BUSINESS

Councillor Shapero advised the Committee that the Markham Council has submitted comments to the Region of York with respect to on-road bike lanes along Highway 7 and other regional roads to consider having the bike lanes segregated from the car traffic.

7. ADJOURNMENT

The Cycling and Pedestrian Committee adjourned at 9:10 PM.