Vancouver City Council |
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFICFEBRUARY 11 AND 13, 2003
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Transportation and Traffic was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at 9:30 a.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall and was reconvened at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2003. The minutes have been consolidated for ease of reference.
PRESENT:
Councillor Fred Bass, Chair
Councillor David Cadman
*Councillor Jim Green
Councillor Peter Ladner, Vice-Chair
Councillor Raymond Louie
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor Anne Roberts
Councillor Tim Stevenson
Councillor Sam Sullivan
*Councillor Ellen WoodsworthABSENT:
Mayor Larry Campbell (Civic Business)
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:
Judy Rogers, City Manager
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:
Lori Isfeld, Meeting Coordinator
* Denotes presence for a portion of the meeting.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic meeting of January 14, 2003, were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Amendment to Vehicles for Hire By-Law No. 6066: Pedicabs (File 113)
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated January 23, 2003, in which the Chief License Inspector in consultation with the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Director of Legal Services sought Council's approval of amendments to the Vehicles for Hire By-Law No. 6066, which eliminate the requirement for pedicabs to operate only between 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., allow pedicab operation throughout the year, and introduce additional pedicab regulations. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Alena Straka, Policy Analyst, reviewed the report, responded to questions, and noted pedicab demand has grown since the By-Law was established in the 1980s and that the amendments would remove winter prohibition of pedicabs. Paul Teichroeb, Chief License Inspector, confirmed new routing regulations would be established by the Engineering Department in the near future.
Romi Ahluwalia, Westcoast Pedicabs, spoke in support of the recommendations, noted his company provides safe, reliable, environmentally friendly transportation in the downtown core, and urged Council to allow pedicab operation year-round and without time restrictions. Mr. Ahluwalia also spoke in support of removing routing restrictions to allow pedicab service on Granville and Robson Streets.
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council approve amendments to Vehicles for Hire By-Law No. 6066 which eliminate the requirement for pedicabs to operate only between 9:30 am to 2:00 am, allow pedicab operation throughout the year, and introduce additional pedicab regulations as outlined in the Policy Report dated January 23, 2003, entitled "Amendment to Vehicles for Hire By-Law No. 6066: Pedicabs"; and
B. THAT Council authorize the Director of Legal Services to bring forward the appropriate by-law amendments generally as set out in Appendix A of the Administrative Report dated January 23, 2003, entitled "Amendment to Vehicles for Hire By-Law No. 6044: Pedicabs".
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Proposed Windsor Bike Route (File 5553)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated January 7, 2003, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services sought Council's approval for the implementation of the Windsor Bike Route.
Jim Hall, Neighbourhood Transportation Engineer, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, provided an overview of cycling initiatives in Vancouver. Steve Brown, Neighbourhood Transportation, reviewed the proposed Windsor Bike Route which provides a north-south connection between Great Northern Way and the Midtown/Ridgeway Greenway as well as to the Inverness bike Route, and will complete the connection to the Knight Street Bridge. Mr. Hall distributed an additional staff recommendation "C" and explained it had been prepared in response to concerns expressed by the Windsor Way Bikeway Committee regarding short-cutting traffic. Messrs. Hall and Brown also responded to questions and explained traffic calming measures.
Liz Freyman, Chair, Windsor Way Bikeway Committee, spoke in support of the bike route and noted its construction would be a significant opportunity for the City's delivery of initiatives under the Kensington-Cedar Cottage City Plan process. Ms. Freyman also reviewed concerns and improvements to ensure the bikeway does not slow through-traffic or encourage traffic cutting through neighbourhoods, as outlined in the Committee's written submission. Ms. Freyman confirmed Recommendation C as put forward by staff satisfactorily addressed the Committee's concerns.
The following spoke in support of the proposed Windsor Bike Route and offered additional comments:
Phil Hall
John Buckberrough, Kensington-Cedar Cottage City Plan Committee
Richard Campbell, BESTThe following are some of the comments made by the speakers:
· suggestion was made to use aggressive traffic management such as diversions and blocking off streets, if necessary, to give priority to bikes;
· support expressed for the process used, i.e. City government, supportive staff and community working together; this has been a very effective model of constructive engagement and demonstrates how municipal level government positively impacts individuals and tax payers;
· Windsor bike route will benefit citizens from surrounding neighbourhoods and the entire city because Downtown to Knight Street Bridge is a critical cycling connection;
· concern was expressed regarding the intersections at Great Northern Way and 12th Avenue;
· suggestion was made that the City review all bikeways because many existing bike routes have sections with excessive traffic speed and fear of traffic is the main reason people choose not to cycle.MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT the Windsor bike route be constructed as detailed in the Administrative Report dated January 7, 2003, entitled "Proposed Windsor Bike Route", at a total cost of $600,000 to be provided from the 2003 Streets Basic Capital allocation for the Bicycle Network, subject to approval of the 2003 Streets Basic Capital Budget.
B. THAT the annual streets operating budget for horticulture maintenance be increased by $5,500 and the sign maintenance budget be increased by $2,000; without offset, subject to 2004 Budget Review, for the maintenance of 11 new traffic circles, two sets of curb extensions, a centre median and approximately 61 new bicycle route and traffic control signs along the new bike route, starting in 2004.
C. THAT staff monitor traffic patterns to ensure there are no adverse traffic impacts. In particular, staff should monitor the Glen/Broadway and Windsor/12th intersections to ensure there is no southbound through-traffic, the Windsor/25th intersection to determine if a signal is required, and the Windsor/37th intersection to ensure there is no increase in accidents. If traffic impacts are detected, staff will consult with the affected neighbourhood on solutions, (such as a right-in-right-out diverter), to deal with the identified traffic impact, and report back to Council.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Independent Review of the Richmond/Airport/Vancouver Rapid Transit Project (RAVP)
(File 5559)
The Committee had before it a Memorandum dated February 5, 2003, entitled "RAV - Project Update", in which the General Manager of Engineering Services outlined a proposed schedule of key dates for the RAV Project.
Mary Jo Porter, The Underhill Company distributed a report dated February 2003, entitled "Richmond/Airport/Vancouver Rapid Transit Project Independent Review: Phase I". Ms. Porter and provided a PowerPoint presentation that reviewed the context and background of the project planning and analysis, transit modes and transit riders, TransLink's financial situation, and the private public partnership approach.
Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, noted that while the Underhill report posed some good questions, there were also errors, assumptions, misleading statements and missing information. Mr. Rudberg advised Engineering and Planning staff would provide errata information to Ms. Porter for incorporation in a revised report. Mr. Rudberg also pointed out that the bigger issues such as whether Cambie is the most appropriate corridor need to be addressed, and that staff will be reviewing upcoming RAVP reports as they become available.
Pat Jacobsen, CEO, TransLink, advised various technical reports will be coming forward that cover information such as ridership vs. costs and revenue options, and that TransLink will be providing reports on a fully optimized bus option and impacts of rapid transit on the bus system. Ms. Jacobsen noted that if a revenue gap occurred with the RAV project, it would not come back to TransLink by default, and that fares would need to be integrated fairly without negatively impacting the ridership.
Jane Bird, Project Director, RAVP responded to questions regarding greenhouse gas emissions and the project time frame, and reviewed some of the issues faced by Council in making a decision on the RAV Project. Ms. Bird explained the technical reports would be reviewed at the Planning and Environment Standing Committee meeting on February 27, 2003. In response to concerns expressed by Council regarding the tight schedule, Ms. Bird confirmed a revised schedule to allow more time for information review and public process will be developed in conjunction with staff.
* * * * *
On February 11, 2003, the Committee recessed at 1:00 p.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. After hearing from the five speakers, the Committee recessed at 2:30 p.m. and
agreed to reconvene at 2:00 p.m. on February 13, 2003.* * * * *
The following spoke in support of a review of the RAV Project, raised concerns and offered additional comments:
Phil Le Good
Ron Stromberg, Transit Specialist
Malcolm Johnston, Light Rail Committee
Marion Town, Executive Director, BEST
Don Buchanan, West End Residents Association
Graeme Lamson, Transport 2000 BC
Bev Ballantyne, Putting Pedestrians First (brief filed)
Ken BregmanThe following are some of the comments made by the speakers:
· need to revisit the Arbutus corridor and Rapid Bus options;
· financing issues must be looked at as part of the public process; this is an opportunity to engage and educate the public on transit decisions and how transit is paid for;
· concern was expressed regarding the lack of bus priority in the city; the bus option must be developed as much as the other options;
· because rail transit is the largest project a city can undertake, impact on urban environment and exposure to property taxpayers must be taken into consideration;
· a seamless system draws riders more than speed;
· Skytrain is too expensive for ridership which was predicted to be 20,000/day by 2000 and at present is only 7,200/day;
· light rail is being used worldwide, is very successful in Calgary, and is much better value than subway;
· concern was expressed that the light rail option is being ignored;
· rapid transit between Vancouver and Richmond is needed, especially long term;
· Council was commended for conducting the study; a full evaluation of all of the options and issues needs to be conducted before any signification decisions are made;
· concern was expressed that more time is needed for public process;
· support was expressed for the expenditure, but the most cost effective system should be used; in addition the project must be environmentally sound and serve the greatest number of people for the longest period of time;
· concern was expressed regarding the invasive disruption and pollution related to the construction phase;
· preference was expressed for using dedicated bus lanes on Cambie and the Arbutus right-of-way for a combination of light rail, cycling and walking;
· the Cambie subway decision was made with too little ridership and financing data.Ethel Karmel (brief filed) and Brian Buchanan, Cambie Boulevard Heritage Society, spoke in opposition to using Cambie Heritage Boulevard for a rapid transit system and urged Council to preserve the beautiful boulevard and view corridor. Ms. Karmel noted ridership figures are guesstimates only, and that Cambie residents are happy with the free emission trolley system. Mr. Buchanan noted there are holes in the project such as ridership, demand, funding and timing details, and suggested it is really about the Olympic bid.
Aiyanas Ormond, Bus Riders Union (brief filed), spoke in opposition to the Richmond/Vancouver/Airport Skytrain line and such a large expenditure on a rapid transit system when 80 percent of transit riders rely on buses. Mr. Ormond noted the Bus Riders Union believes that the needs of the transit dependent must be at the centre of transportation planning, and put forward several alternatives including an immediate moratorium on the study and planning and development of costly rail mega-projects, and restoration of night owl bus service seven days a week.
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT the Committee recommend to CouncilA. THAT staff answer as completely as possible the 17 questions posed on Pages 7-10 of the Independent Review: Phase I on the Richmond/Airport/Vancouver Rapid Transit Project prepared by the The Underhill Company, and that staff report back to City Council within two weeks of release of the RAVP reports.
B. For those questions that cannot be answered in a timely fashion, staff should indicate a research plan and estimated cost to obtain the information.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
At 3:15 p.m. on February 13, 2003, Councillors Green and Woodsworth declared Conflict of Interest for the item "Elimination of Free Parking for City Hall Employees", as Councillor Green's wife and Councillor Woodsworth's partner are members of CUPE 15. They left the meeting did not return until after the agenda item.
4. Elimination of Free Parking for City Hall Employees (File 1301)
At its meeting on February 11, 2003, Vancouver City Council referred the following motion to the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic meeting on February 13, 2003, in order to hear speakers.
"MOVED by Councillor Ladner
SECONDED by Councillor Louis
WHEREAS the City of Vancouver has adopted a transportation policy that puts a priority on pedestrians, transit, cycling and transportation choices;
AND WHEREAS the City should be setting an example consistent with its own policy;
AND WHEREAS free parking is an incentive that encourages the use of automobiles;
AND WHEREAS free parking is a subsidy that is not available to employees who use other forms of transportation;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Vancouver City Council request staff to come back with a report on the best way to eliminate free parking for city hall employees, subject to the following conditions:
· there be no extra cost to the City of Vancouver;
· staff expected to use their cars for work on a regular basis should be exempted;
· any allowances for transportation should be equitable to all employees;
· special consideration may be given to car pool vehicles."The following spoke in opposition to the Motion:
Paul Faoro, President, CUPE 15
Jim AndersonThe following is a summary of comments made by the speakers:
· the motion singles out City Hall employees and does not take into consideration those who work at other City of Vancouver work locations such as Manitoba and Cambie Yards, Park Board, Community Centres, Fire and Police Departments;
· the matter should be sent to the bargaining table;
· if approved, the Motion will force City Hall employees to park in neighbouring streets;
· CUPE 15 is prepared to look at reinstating the compressed work week and a comprehensive trip reduction strategy as a package;
· statistics show the compressed work week reduces car trips and emissions;
· a well-thought-out trip reduction strategy includes elements such payroll deduction bus passes and adequate employee lockers for cyclists.Bev Ballantyne spoke in support of eliminating free parking, but noted it must apply to all City employees. Ms. Ballantyne pointed out that free parking is paid for by taxpayers, contributes to pollution, and penalizes transit users and cyclists.
In response to a Council request, Judy Rogers, City Manager, confirmed a report back would be prepared with information from prior years on employee trip reduction strategies and the compressed work week.
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the Motion on "Eliminate Free Parking for City Hall Employees" be amended by adding the words denoted in italics and by striking the words "eliminate free parking for City Hall employees" and inserting the words "in consultation with their employees, and without prejudice to existent contracts" in the first paragraph of the motion, as follows:
Whereas the City of Vancouver has adopted a transportation policy that puts a priority on pedestrians, transit, cycling and transportation choices;
And whereas the City should be setting an example consistent with its own policy;
And whereas the Livable Region Strategy, Clouds of Change and the City's Transportation Plan, all endorsed by Council, highlighted the need to minimize the demand for travel through Transportation Demand Management (TDM);
And whereas free parking is an incentive that encourages the use of automobiles;And whereas free parking is a subsidy that is not available to employees who use other forms of transportation;
Therefore be it resolved that Vancouver City Council request staff in consultation with their employees, and without prejudice to existent contracts, to come back with a report on the best way to reduce vehicle traffic to and from all municipal locations and worksites, subject to the following conditions:
· there be no net extra cost to the City of Vancouver;
· staff expected to use their cars for work on a regular basis should be exempted;
· any allowances for transportation or parking should be equitable to all employees;
· special consideration may be given to car pool vehicles;
· that all employees provided with a City of Vancouver owned vehicle be required to reimburse the City for all mileage of a personal nature, including the commute to and from work;
Be it further resolved that City Council request staff to enter into discussions with TransLink's On board Program for volume discounts, such as the Upass, on transit passes for the City's 8,000 employees and do so in conjunction with the Cambie Corridor Working Group and other municipalities in the GVRD for increased volume discounts;
And be it further resolved that Vancouver City Council ask staff to review and bring forward the trip reduction strategies contained within the June 1990, and October 16, 1990, Clouds of Change reports.
carried
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT Councillor Cadman's amendment to the Motion be amended by striking the words "in consultation" and inserting the words "reach consensus", in the first paragraph of the Resolves.
LOST
(Councillors Bass, Cadman, Ladner, Louie, Louis, Stevenson, and Sullivan opposed)AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Ladner
THAT Councillor Cadman's amendment to the Motion be amended by striking the words "or parking" from the third condition bullet of the first Resolve.
LOST
(Councillors Bass, Cadman, Louie, Louis, Roberts, and Stevenson opposed)The secondary amendments to the primary amendment having lost, Councillor Cadman's amendment was put and CARRIED with Councillor Ladner opposed.
MOTION AS AMENDED
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
Whereas the City of Vancouver has adopted a transportation policy that puts a priority on pedestrians, transit, cycling and transportation choices;
And whereas the City should be setting an example consistent with its own policy;
And whereas the Livable Region Strategy, Clouds of Change and the City's Transportation Plan, all endorsed by Council, highlighted the need to minimize the demand for travel through Transportation Demand Management (TDM);
And whereas free parking is an incentive that encourages the use of automobiles;
And whereas free parking is a subsidy that is not available to employees who use other forms of transportation;
Therefore be it resolved that Vancouver City Council request staff in consultation with their employees, and without prejudice to existent contracts, to come back with a report on the best way to reduce vehicle traffic to and from all municipal locations and worksites, subject to the following conditions:
· there be no net extra cost to the City of Vancouver;
· staff expected to use their cars for work on a regular basis should be exempted;
· any allowances for transportation or parking should be equitable to all employees;
· special consideration may be given to car pool vehicles;
· that all employees provided with a City of Vancouver owned vehicle be required to reimburse the City for all mileage of a personal nature, including the commute to and from work;Be it further resolved that City Council request staff to enter into discussions with TransLink's On board Program for volume discounts, such as the Upass, on transit passes for the City's 8,000 employees and do so in conjunction with the Cambie Corridor Working Group and other municipalities in the GVRD for increased volume discounts;
And be it further resolved that Vancouver City Council ask staff to review and bring forward the trip reduction strategies contained within the June 1990, and October 16, 1990, Clouds of Change reports.
CARRIED
(Councillors Ladner and Sullivan opposed)Councillors Green and Woodsworth returned at 3:54 p.m.
The Committee recessed at 2:30 p.m. on February 11, 2003
and adjourned at 3:55 p.m. on February 13, 2003.* * * * *
CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFICFEBRUARY 11 AND 13, 2003
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at 2:30 p.m. and 3:55 p.m. on Thursday, 13, 2003 p.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic meeting, to consider the recommendations of the Committee. The minutes have been consolidated for ease of reference.
PRESENT:
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor David Cadman
Councillor Jim Green
Councillor Peter Ladner
Councillor Raymond Louie
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor Anne Roberts
Councillor Tim Stevenson
Councillor Sam Sullivan
Councillor Ellen WoodsworthABSENT:
Mayor Larry Campbell (Civic Business)
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:
Judy Rogers, City Manager
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:
Lori Isfeld, Meeting Coordinator
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Deputy Mayor Cadman in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic
February 11 and 13, 2003Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in the following clauses of the foregoing report:
Cl. 1: Amendment to Vehicles for Hire By-Law No. 6066: Pedicabs
Cl. 2: Proposed Windsor Bike Route
Cl. 3: Richmond/Airport/Vancouver Rapid Transit Project - Independent Review - Phase I
Cl. 4: Elimination of Free Parking for City Hall EmployeesMOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 1-3 of this report, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 4 of this report, be approved.
CARRIED
(Councillors Ladner and Sullivan opposed)RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Louis
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Leave of Absence - Councillors Stevenson and Woodsworth (File 1254)
MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts
THAT Councillors Stevenson and Woodsworth be granted Leave of Absence for the evening of February 12, 2003.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Council recessed at 2:35 p.m. on February 11, 2003
and adjourned at 3:58 p.m. on February 13, 2003.* * * * *