CITY OF VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER TRAFFIC COMMISSION
June 12, 1996
A Regular meeting of the Vancouver Traffic Commission was held on
Wednesday, June 12, 1996, at approximately 7:30 p.m. in the Council
Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Bellamy, Chair
Councillor Chiavario
Councillor Clarke (Items 2, 3 and 5)
Councillor Sullivan
MANAGER'S
REPRESENTATIVE: Dave Rudberg, General Manager of
Engineering Services
CLERK: Denise Salmon
POWER TO ACT
On January 19, 1994, the Council, by the required majority,
granted this Commission Power to Act on all unanimous decisions. All
decisions of the Commission contained herein were unanimous and,
therefore, stand approved.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Vancouver Traffic Commission meeting of May 16,
1996, were adopted as circulated.
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The order of the Agenda was varied to
consider Item No. 4 first.
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4. Mt. Pleasant Traffic Plan File: 8023
The Commission had before it an Administrative Report dated May
30, 1996, (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering
Services recommends a number of proposed traffic calming measures which
were supported by a public opinion survey and are intended to address
traffic concerns of residents in the area.
Clause No. 4 Continued
Mr. Mark Zaborniak, Transportation Design Branch Engineer, advised
the purpose of the report is to seek approval for the implementation of
a trial traffic calming plan, which will be implemented in conjunction
with traffic signals at Cambie/10th and Quebec/Broadway, and the
completion the Ontario Bikeway north of 14th Avenue.
It was also noted if the two partial closures on Columbia do not
significantly reduce traffic volumes, a trial full closure will be
considered. A report back to the Commission will follow the six-month
trial of the temporary measures, and a follow-up resident survey.
In answer to questions from a Council member, Engineering staff
advised pavers for Columbia Street are expected to be installed by late
summer, and the signals will be installed some time in the fall after
those for schools.
The following motions by Councillor Chiavario were put and
CARRIED. The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED
A. THAT the following traffic measures be installed on a
temporary basis in conjunction with traffic signals at
Cambie/10th and Quebec/Broadway:
1) Yukon and 10th, closure to eastbound traffic
2) Alberta and 11th, traffic circle
3) Alberta and 12th, westbound No Right Turn 7:00Ÿ9:30
a.m., Monday-Friday
4) Columbia and 12th, westbound No Right Turn 7:00Ÿ9:30
a.m., Monday-Friday
5) Columbia at lane south of Broadway, closure to
southbound traffic
6) Manitoba at lane south of Broadway, closure to
southbound traffic
7) Ontario Street, full closure between 11th and the lane
north of 11th, with a bicycle lane
8) Manitoba and 12th, closure to northbound traffic
9) Quebec and Broadway, closure to southbound traffic
10) Quebec and 10th, closure to westbound traffic
11) Quebec and 11th, 4-way stop signs
12) Quebec and 12th, closure to northbound traffic
13) Columbia and 11th, closure to northbound traffic
14) Allow left turns from westbound Broadway to southbound
Main Street, between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
15) "Traffic Calmed Area" signs at between six and ten
strategic locations in the area.
Clause No. 4 Continued
B. THAT the pedestrian signal at Manitoba and Broadway be
upgraded to a vehicle signal, and the installation of
pedestrian/vehicular signals proceed at 10th and Cambie, and
at Broadway and Quebec.
C. THAT following the trial period, area residents be
re-surveyed and traffic counts be taken and the results be
reported to the Traffic Commission to determine the permanent
plan.
D. THAT the estimated cost of $158,000, for the following:
i) Traffic calming measures (including the temporary trial
and conversion to permanent)
ii) The upgrade of the traffic signal at Manitoba and
Broadway
iii) Before and after traffic counts, be provided from
Streets Basic Capital Accounts:
12/31/9801/999
Arterial Local Improvements $109,000
13/32/9801/999
Local Area and Other Improvements $32,000
13/01/6846/999 June 1993,
Court of Revision
Residential Street Program $17,000
$158,000
E. THAT a mid-block curb bulge or alternative paving material be
discussed with the Principal of St. Patrick's school, if the
proposed traffic calming measures do not address the concerns
of the school.
F. THAT upon individual requests from residents, driveways in
the area bounded by Yukon Street, Main Street, 12th Avenue
and Broadway be reviewed and clearance lines be painted where
needed.
G. THAT the Ontario Bicycle route be completed north of 14th
Avenue.
H. THAT paving on Columbia Street be done before the end of
September, 1996; and
FURTHER THAT the above-noted temporary traffic measures be
implemented before the end of September, 1996.
1. Joyce - Aberdeen Crest Walk Design Report File: 5701
The Commission considered an Administrative Report dated May 29,
1996, (on file) in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
recommends upgrading of the pedestrian link atop the ridge east of
Joyce Street.
Mr. Paul Pinsker, Transportation Engineer, advised during the
mid-1980s a local area transportation plan was approved for the Joyce
Station Area as part of the SkyTrain preparations. Since commencement
of the Collingwood Village development, staff have been working with
the Joyce community to resolve new and outstanding transportation
issues. As Greystone Development is preparing to develop its two
pedestrian links with the community north of SkyTrain, it is timely to
proceed with the Joyce-Aberdeen Crest Walk so all the pedestrian
improvements can be implemented together.
With the aid of schematics, Mr. Pinsker reviewed the following
deficiencies to be addressed:
- poorly drained, unpaved sections
- need for curb ramps, abrupt changes in grade
- poor to non-existent lighting
- litter, lack of landscaping and eroding slopes
Two additional items were also noted - Engineering staff will include
this area in their list of public access walks for snow removal, and a
section of the lane east of Payne Street suffers from an excessive
crossfall, which could be remedied for an additional $3,000.
The following motions by Councillor Sullivan were put and CARRIED.
The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED
A. THAT the design and construction of the pedestrian corridor
improvements collectively referred to as the Joyce - Aberdeen
Crest Walk be approved according to geometric YYD-827,
illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B of the Administrative Report
dated May 29, 1996, with funding from Streets Basic Capital
Unappropriated Accounts 12/31/6901/999 - New Sidewalks
($25,000) and 13/32/9801/999 - Other Improvements ($152,000).
B. THAT the Sanitation Operating Budget be increased by $2,300
annually for the emptying of added litter receptacles along
the route.
C. THAT the Streets Operating Budget be increased by $6,000
annually for the maintenance of the landscaping of "A" above.
Clause No. 1 Continued
D. THAT staff conclude arrangements with B.C. Hydro to secure
the necessary right-of-way for the improvements in "A" above.
E. THAT B.C. Transit be requested to complete the landscaping of
the Joyce SkyTrain Station to the same standard as other
stations.
F. THAT the crossfall in the section of lane east of Payne
Street be remedied by partial paving for an additional cost
of $3,000, funding from existing Capital Accounts.
2. Left Turn Bays on
57th Avenue at Knight Street File: 5761-3
The Commission had before it an Administrative Report dated May
29, 1996 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering
Services recommends approval of the design and construction of
left-turn bays on 57th Avenue at Knight Street to improve safety and
reinforce use of the arterial network instead of local streets.
Mr. Pinsker, Transportation Engineer, reported this intersection
is one of the top twenty-five in the City for accidents, and has higher
left-turn volumes than either 41st or 49th Avenues. It lies at the
southern end of the Clark-Knight Corridor and provides access to
southbound trips on Knight. As such, the intersection acts as both a
gateway and exit for the City.
It was noted access would be reduced to both Roger's Video and the
South Van Market, located in the 1300 Block East 57th Avenue, due to
installation of a raised median.
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Councillor Clarke arrived at this point in the proceedings.
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Dr. Birgit Otto, owner of the two-storey building housing the
South Van Market, advised she felt the west side left-turn bay was not
necessary, and removal of street parking would adversely affect her
business.
In response to a question from Council, Mr. Pinsker advised the
South Van Market was approved as a mixed use development in 1958, and
according to the District Schedule, parking is not permitted in front
of this building, although the owners have enjoyed this privilege for
over thirty years. It was suggested a 30-minute parking zone be
installed in this block, and Engineering staff agreed this could be
done in all but rush hour periods.
Clause No. 2 Continued
The following motions by Councillor Chiavario were put and
CARRIED. The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED
A. THAT the design and construction of left-turn bays on 57th
Avenue at Knight Street be approved according to geometric
YD-627, illustrated in Figure 1 of the Administrative Report
dated May 29, 1996, with funding of $700,000 provided from
Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account 12/31/9828/999 -
57th at Knight.
B. THAT the Manager of Real Estate Services be authorized to
commence property negotiations for lands required, as set out
in the Administrative Report dated May 29, 1996, for report
back to Council.
C. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services be requested
to meet with residents to resolve local shortcutting problems
should these persist after construction of left-turn bays on
57th Avenue at Knight Street.
D. THAT a trial 30-minute parking zone be installed to serve the
South Van Market located on the south side of the 1300 Block
East 57th Avenue.
3. Request for Resident
Permit Parking (RPP) Zone:
Unit and 100 Blocks Alexander Street File: 5653-3/8012
The Commission had before it an Administrative Report dated May
27, 1996 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering
Services reviews the parking situation in Gastown and in particular the
unit and 100 blocks of Alexander Street, and submits for consideration
the extension of the Strathcona RPP system to improve the parking
situation for the residents in these blocks.
Mr. Bob Macdonald, Parking Engineer, noted Gastown is changing,
with the area to the east of Carrall emerging with a more residential
focus. The centrally located Woodward's parkade generally meets the
needs of business people, shoppers and club patrons of Gastown's main
retail and tourist area. However, with the loss of a number of surface
parking lots to development, residents are finding it increasingly
difficult to park on-street. He further advised the City parkade
located at Columbia and Cordova was developed to serve the area, and
with the partial removal of police staff parking, 50 additional spaces
are now available for use. It was also noted with continuous police
traffic utilizing the garage, this location may prove safer for cars
than on-street parking.
Clause No. 3 Continued
Completion of the Gastown Land Use Plan will also help determine
future parking requirements not likely to be met on privately-owned
sites. In answer to a question from the Commission, Mr. Macdonald
reported this plan is expected to be complete by year-end, with the
parking plan prepared by early 1997. He confirmed Engineering staff
would work closely with both the Gastown Business Improvement
Association and the Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee.
Ms. Sue Atherton, resident of the unit block Alexander, advised no
residential parking is currently available on this block. When she
purchased her dwelling it was understood the developer would provide
parking, which did not happen. Five spaces were requested to be made
available to area residents out of the twenty-three currently metered.
Mr. Milo Hicks, area resident, supported resident parking in the
100 block Alexander. When he purchased his residence he was led to
believe parking would be supplied. He also noted many Gastown
residents do not work nine to five jobs and would benefit from
on-street parking during the day. He urged the Commission to replace
fourteen parking meters with full-time resident permit parking (RPP),
as the loss of $14,000 to the City would be insignificant compared to
the benefit to residents.
Ms. Sue Bennett, area resident, agreed the unit and 100 block
Alexander Street should be added to the existing Strathcona RPP system,
with fourteen fulltime RPP spaces replacing metered parking, and
evening and Sunday RPP restrictions designated at nine other meters on
the 100 block. She further advised parking demands for this area often
come not from Gastown, but rather the two nearby major stadiums, and
Andy Livingstone playing field. The $3 per night, 800-stall parking
facility adjacent to the playing field is not fully utilized, as people
would rather walk a distance than pay for parking. It was also noted
the City has approved developments for the street parking lots
surrounding Gastown, thereby drastically reducing available parking for
residents. In response to the suggested use of the City's Columbia
and Cordova parkade, she noted it was a dangerous two block walk from
the parkade to her residence. In addition, she commented new
developments often locate residential at ground level, further
increasing the need for on-street resident parking.
Ms. Bennett also submitted a brief dated June 12, 1996 (on file),
from Ms. Janice Ball, who was unable to attend the meeting, expressing
many of the above concerns.
Clause No. 3 Continued
Ms. Pierrette Winter, area resident, focussed her comments on the
quality of life currently experienced by residents of Gastown in
addition to the lack of on-street parking. She advised loud voices,
garbage and revving engines continued in waves until the small hours of
most weekend mornings. Resident parking in the area would help
alleviate this problem to some extent. She noted residents residing in
the inner-city are essential to the life of a city, and also contribute
to a safer environment.
Ms. Leanore Sali, Gastown Business Improvement Society, advised
she supported an area parking plan for Gastown in conjunction with the
development of the Gastown Land Use Plan. However, she also expressed
concern for the businesses in the area, as two additional surface
parking lots have just been lost. She noted the restaurants and clubs
in the Maple Tree Square vicinity are of vital importance to Gastown's
economy. She further noted the City's parking lot at Columbia and
Cordova was built in 1979 in anticipation of the need for residential
parking in Gastown. However, both the Police and Provincial Remand
Centre have been its key users. The need for on-street parking for
business customers was also highlighted, especially those parking for
short periods. She acknowledged the residents' liveability concerns,
while noting Gastown is an urban area, and the entertainment district
makes Gastown viable.
In response to a Commission member, staff reported on-street car
break-in statistics are comparable to both Robson and Commercial
Streets, however the City's parkade offers somewhat more protection for
cars due to Police activity in the area. Commission members requested
Engineering staff liaise with the Police Department in an attempt to
increase after hours on-street surveillance.
Discussion followed on the cost to residents if parking is secured
in the City's Columbia/Cordova parkade, which is operated by the
Parking Corporation of Vancouver. Staff agreed to pursue securing the
newly available 50 parking spaces as well as discuss a reduced rate for
residents with the Corporation. It was also noted the Provincial Remand
Centre had initially shared in the construction costs of the parkade
and was legally entitled to use the facility.
Mr. Rudberg, City Engineer, advised there are a number of issues
to consider as part of the parking review, and many other groups in the
Downtown area would want similar considerations if the unit and 100
block of Alexander Street were added to the existing Strathcona RPP
system. Staff also confirmed the Park Board is being consulted in an
effort to make users of Andy Livingstone Park aware of adjacent
parking. Engineering staff also agreed to consider the use of signs in
the unit and 100 block Alexander indicating a residential area.
Clause No. 3 Continued
The following motions by Councillor Clarke were put and CARRIED.
The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED
A. THAT a Gastown Area Parking Plan be done in conjunction with
the development of the Gastown Land Use Plan.
C. THAT the Vancouver Traffic Commission request the Parking
Corporation of Vancouver consider making the 50 newly
available parking spaces located in the City's
Columbia/Cordova parkade available, on a priority basis, to
area residents;
FURTHER THAT the Parking Corporation of Vancouver be
requested to consider a possible reduced resident permit
parking fee at this lot, after consultation with City staff.
D. THAT the matter of the request for resident permit parking in
front of Gastown buildings with reduced parking be made known
to the Development Permit Board for consideration when
reviewing future development proposals for residential
buildings in the Gastown area.
NOTE: The Commission took no action on Consideration Item B
contained in the May 27, 1996 Administrative Report.
5. Other Business
a) East Vancouver Farmer's Market File: 5303-3/5553-5
Councillor Chiavario enquired as to the availability of
bicycle parking racks at the East Vancouver Farmer's Market.
Engineering staff agreed to look into this matter.
b) Archimedes Club File: 3126
Councillor Chiavario noted this club was originally used by
the Vancouver Taxi Owners Association. However concerns have
recently been expressed by both the City's Permits & Licenses and
Police Departments.
Engineering staff were requested to report back on this
issue.
Clause No. 5 Continued
c) Sexsmith School File: 5762-5
Councillor Chiavario requested Engineering staff investigate
the use of Ontario Street by City trucks. Staff so agreed.
d) Clark Drive and Broadway Median File: 5762-5
Councillor Sullivan requested Engineering staff look into
various beautification options for the newly-installed median in
front of Queen Alexander School at Clark Drive and Broadway.
Engineering staff indicated they would follow up on this matter.
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The Commission adjourned at approximately 9:50 p.m.
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