CITY OF VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER TRAFFIC COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 8, 1996
A regular meeting of the Vancouver Traffic Commission was held on
Thursday, February 8, 1996, at approximately 7:30 p.m., in Committee
Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Bellamy, Chair
Councillor Chiavario
Councillor Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Clarke (Sick Leave)
CLERK: Marnie Cross
Power to Act
On January 11, 1994, Council by the required majority, granted
this Commission Power to Act on all unanimous decisions. The
decisions of the Commission contained herein are unanimous and,
therefore, stand approved.
Adoption of Minutes
The Minutes of the Vancouver Traffic Commission meeting of
January 11, 1996, were adopted as circulated.
1. Traffic Calming Plan - Yew and Vine Streets File: 5757-3
between 12th Avenue and 16th Avenue
The Commission considered an Administrative Report dated January
25, 1996 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering
Services outlined the results of a public opinion survey and studies
carried out regarding temporary traffic mitigation measures installed
for the period July to December, 1995, and recommended additional
mitigation measures.
Clause No. 1 Continued
The report recommends the temporary traffic circles at Yew and
13th, Yew and 15th, and Vine and 14th be made permanent, as well as
retention of the "no left turn" rush hour prohibitions. The report
recommends a "do not enter" restriction be installed at the lane south
of 12th at Arbutus, rush hour "no left turn" restrictions Monday to
Saturday northbound traffic on Arbutus at 13th, and a rush-hour "no
stopping" restriction both sides of Arbutus from 12th to 16th.
Ms. Bernie Monaghan, on behalf of the Yew Street residents,
supported the recommended permanent traffic circles and the "no left
turn" restriction for northbound traffic on Arbutus at 13th.
Ms. Monaghan suggested that a right-in, right-out diverter would
be more effective at 12th and Yew than the existing "no left turn"
restriction. She also suggested rather than a full time "do not
enter" restriction at the lane south of 12th Avenue, a "do not enter"
during the morning and afternoon rush hours would be sufficient, and
would allow residents access to their lane in non-rush hour periods.
Ms. Monaghan wished to extend the "no stopping" restriction on
both sides of Arbutus Street from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to
Saturday.
Mr. Alan Sheffield, resident of 14th and Yew area, supported Ms.
Monaghan's recommendations for further traffic mitigation measures for
the area. He has noticed the difference since the calming measures
were installed, and with the additional measures, it will be a first
step in protecting the neighbourhood when the industrial lands are
developed.
Mr. Bill Canning, Yew Street resident, supported the mitigation
measures proposed by Ms. Monaghan. He noted that the current
construction in the area is causing problems to some degree. The
mitigation measures should protect the neighbourhood from future
development construction.
A member of the Commission suggested that as discussions have not
yet begun with area businesses and residents with respect to proposed
"no stopping" restrictions on Arbutus Street, either during rush hours
as suggested by Engineering Services, or "7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m." as
suggested by the Yew Street residents, any decision be deferred until
the affected persons have been notified they have an opportunity to
speak to the Traffic Commission.
Clause No. 1 Continued
In response to questions from Commission members, Mr. Ian Adam,
Assistant City Engineer - Transportation Division, advised if a
diverter was placed at 12th and Yew, there would be no major problems
on Vine Street. He suggested given the ballot results, he would
recommend the "no left turn" signing remain rather than construction
of a right-in, right-out diverter at 12th and Yew. He agreed to
ballot the area with respect to the proposed "no parking" restrictions
on both sides of Arbutus Street from 12th to 16th.
The following motions by Councillor Chiavario were put and
CARRIED. The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED
A. THAT the temporary traffic circles at Yew and 13th, Yew
and 15th, and Vine and 14th be made permanent.
B. THATthe existing "No Left Turn 7:00 - 9:30 a.m., 3:00 -
6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday" regulations at Vine and
12th be retained.
C. THAT a right-in/right-out diverter be installed at the
south leg of the intersection of Yew and 12th.
D. THAT a "Do Not Enter" restriction, 7:00 a.m.- 9:30
a.m., 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., be installed at the lane
south of 12th at Arbutus.
E. THAT a "No Left Turn, 7:00 - 9:30 a.m., 3:00 - 6:00
p.m., Monday to Saturday" regulation be installed for
northbound traffic on Arbutus at 13th Avenue.
F. THAT consideration of "no stopping" regulations on
Arbutus Street, 12th - 16th, be deferred to the next
Vancouver Traffic Commission meeting.
G. THAT Engineering Services staff survey area residents
and businesses to obtain their input on a proposal to
install "no stopping" regulations on both sides of
Arbutus Street, Monday to Saturday from 7:00 a.m. -
7:00 p.m., and advise them the issue will be before the
Vancouver Traffic Commission if they wish to attend.
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes File: 5762-5
Councillor Chiavario advised she had attended a meeting of the
Northwest B.C. Motorcycle Association where she learned the Minister
of Highways has stated HOV lanes will be approved on the highways. It
was noted "Vancouver" has agreed if the Minister of Highways says OK,
Vancouver will follow suit.
Councillor Chiavario requested the Engineering Department to
investigate and report back. Commission members agreed.
2. Mount Pleasant Traffic Issues File: 5762-5
Councillor Chiavario requested a written status report on Mount
Pleasant traffic issues, i.e., diverters, signal lights, etc.
The Commission agreed.
3. "Toronto Experience" File: 5762-5
Councillor Chiavario requested when members of Council might
expect the requested information on the Toronto Experience. Mr. Ian
Adam indicated that information would be provided at the next
Commission meeting.
4. Clinton Park File: 5762-5
Councillor Sullivan requested a status report on Clinton Park
traffic issues.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:20 p.m.
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