CITY OF VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER TRAFFIC COMMISSION
July 25, 1996
A Regular meeting of the Vancouver Traffic Commission was held on
Thursday, July 25, 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 (leave of absence)
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 Regular Vancouver Traffic Commission meeting of
June 12, 1996 and Special Meeting (Cypress/Angus Bike Route) dated June
13, 18 and July 9, 1996, were adopted.
2. Pedestrian Connection Under Beatty Street
To SkyTrain Stadium Station File: 5702-3
The Commission had before it an Administrative Report dated July 9,
1996, (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
discusses BC Transit's plan to fill the west entrance stairwell to the
pedestrian connection under Beatty Street. The connection is presently
closed.
Mr. Wayne Pledger, Engineering Services, advised due to security
concerns the stairwell would be filled with sand to the level of the
sidewalk, and the surface would be finished with paving stones in order
to maintain the look of the surrounding plaza. The tunnel would remain
open. He further noted once a plan is developed the City could work
with BC Transit and future developers on reopening the connection as
more residents move into the area, new buildings are developed, and
traffic and transit volumes increase.
Clause No. 2 cont'd
Mr. Pledger informed Commission members additional security
measures including cameras and enhanced lighting had not proved
effective in the past. The following suggestions were made to
Engineering staff to enhance the safety of the west entrance stairwell
and area adjacent to the pedestrian connection under Beatty Street:
- talk with the Safer City Commission;
- involve the Public Art Committee; and
- talk to Permits and Licenses (possible vendor location).
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and CARRIED.
The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED
THAT BC Transit be urged to develop a plan in consultation with
local residents, businesses, transit users and City staff, to
reopen the underground connection to SkyTrain Stadium Station under
Beatty Street in the context of increased security provided by
greater pedestrian volumes and potential new developments with the
understanding that the filling in of the stairwell cavity is a
temporary measure and not a permanent closure.
3. 8th Avenue at Grandview Highway North, Partial Closure
The Commission had before it an Administrative Report dated July
10, 1996, (on file) in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
seeks the Commission's approval to make the temporary partial closure of
8th Avenue at Grandview Highway North permanent and to address other
related measures.
Mr. Paul Pinsker, Transportation Engineer, advised the partial
closure would be as narrow as possible to permit safe passage by
westbound motor vehicles, while accommodating a contra-flow bicycle
lane. The increased length of the choked section and permanent
treatment as a whole will assist in deterring wrong-way violators. He
further recognized the need for speed humps in the lane south of 8th
Avenue as a necessary complement to the partial closure. Staff will
review traffic volumes on 7th Avenue within six months and continue to
work with residents on further calming measures if required.
Mr. Gerry Stafford, area resident, supported making the temporary
partial closure of 8th Avenue permanent. He also agreed 7th Avenue
should be monitored but felt a one-way lane option would be less
nuisance and more effective than lane speed humps.
Clause No. 3 cont'd
Mr. Brian McRae, area resident, noted the lower traffic volume
resulting from the temporary partial closure of 8th Avenue has
contributed to the neighbourhood's ambiance. However, he expressed his
frustration at traffic which speeds down the lane adjacent his back
yard. He further stressed the need to monitor traffic conditions in the
neighbourhood.
Engineering staff advised speed humps generally prove effective and
are well signed to alert motorists.
Mr. Andrew Reiter, area resident, supported the recommendations of
the General Manager of Engineering Services. He also requested signs be
installed at Commercial and Grandview Highway eastbound indicating no
left turn into lane and no access to Victoria Drive. A sign is
currently posted on a utility pole at Broadway and Commercial; however,
it is difficult to see, and not a deterrent to motorists. Comment was
also made on the excess garbage which accumulates around the temporary
barriers.
Engineering staff advised they would look into the sign visibility
issue and added the permanent partial closure would be landscaped to
help address the litter problem.
Mr. Rod Russell, area resident, was in favour of making the
temporary partial closure of 8th Avenue permanent. Since installation
of the partial closure he feels the neighbourhood's ambiance has
improved considerably. The one drawback to the temporary closure has
been the continual illegal eastbound traffic. Mr. Russell suggested
enforcement is required to ensure the one-way designation is adhered to.
Concern was also expressed at the high speed of motorists in the lane
south of 8th Avenue. Also, due to the adjacent temple's building wall,
oncoming traffic is not evident to those turning into the lane. He also
requested signage indicating children at play be installed at both ends
of the one-way portion of 8th Avenue.
Engineering staff advised the City in moving away from installation
of 'Children at Play' signs, as many would no longer be noticed by
motorists.
Ms. Caroline Fenez, area resident, supported the General Manager of
Engineering Services' recommendations. She also requested the City
install signage on Commercial indicating no access to Broadway eastbound
and Victoria Drive. She also had concerns with crossing to the island
located at the intersection of North Grandview Highway and Broadway.
Mr. Nou Dadoun, area resident, echoed the previous speakers'
statements, specifically reiterating the need for signage indicating no
access to Broadway eastbound and Victoria Drive. He further noted a
nearby temple's solid brick wall exacerbates the dangerous situation in
the lane south of 8th Avenue.
Clause No. 3 cont'd
Mr. Michael Iameo, area resident, supported making the partial
closure of 8th Avenue permanent. In addition, he requested the lane
located south of 8th Avenue be designated one-way westbound. He also
reiterated earlier comments on the need for improved signage, and looked
forward to completion of the project.
A Commission member requested additional information on the City's
use of "traffic calmed area" signs. The City Engineer advised he would
check with Mr. Adam, Assistant City Engineer, on types of signs
currently in use. In reference to illegal wrong-way use of the one-way
section of 8th Avenue, Mr. Pinsker advised Police enforcement is
standard for all new installations. Discussion also followed on the
importance urban design as it relates to evoking a "friendly" building
face to the street.
The following motions by Councillor Chiavario were put and CARRIED.
The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED
A. THAT the temporary partial closure of 8th Avenue at Grandview
Highway North be made permanent, according to geometric
YF-317, illustrated in Figure 1 of the Administrative Report
dated July 10, 1996, with funding of $10,000 provided from
Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account 13/32/9801/999 -
Other Improvements.
B. THAT construction of speed humps be approved for the lane
south of East 8th Avenue between Grandview Highway North and
Victoria Drive, with funding of $1200 provided from Streets
Basic Capital Unappropriated Account 13/32/9801/999 - Other
Improvements.
C. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services be requested
to monitor traffic on 7th Avenue between Commercial Drive and
Victoria Drive once the partial closure of 8th Avenue is made
permanent and the speed humps are installed in the lane south
of 8th Avenue, and meet with residents, as necessary, to
consider appropriate measures.
D. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services be requested
to liaise with Planning staff in regard to the Development
Permit process as it relates to urban design and a friendly
building attitude toward the street as discussed in the Safer
City's Task Force 'Eyes on the Street' recommendations.
E. THAT Engineering staff work with residents on developing
appropriate signage to deal with traffic calming in the area.
4. Traffic Plan - Arbutus to Burrard, Broadway to 16th
The Commission had before it an Administrative Report dated July 5,
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.
Mr. Doug Smith, Transportation Engineer, advised the traffic
calming plan, developed in collaboration with the community, should be
effective in addressing short-cutting and speeding concerns in the
neighbourhood. Further elements of the plan, including angle parking
and additional trees on Maple adjacent to Tennyson School, corner bulges
at various locations throughout the neighbourhood, the Greenway on 11th
Avenue between Arbutus and Maple Streets, and the bicycle route, will
proceed separately.
Mr. David Grigg, area resident, was generally not at variance with
the traffic calming measures recommended by Engineering Services.
However, he did express concern on the possibility of improving the
opportunity for short-cutting traffic offered by the through nature of
Cypress. He suggested the stop signs at 13th and Cypress be made
four-way. Mr. Smith advised Cypress was kept open to allow for the flow
of bicycles; if problems occur traffic calming measures can be
revisited.
A Commission member questioned the type of signs planned for the
traffic circles as well as landscaping. Mr. Smith noted there are two
options for landscaping traffic circles -- the neighbourhood can adopt a
circle or the Park Board will do a low-maintenance planting. He added,
six volunteers have already come forward with offers to maintain circles
in the neighbourhood. Height and style of traffic circle signs are
dependent upon the circle's visibility to approaching traffic.
Mr. Rudberg also advised he would look into the timing of the
special treatment project planned for the 2600 block Maple Street.
The following motions by Councillor Sullivan were put and CARRIED.
The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED
A. THAT a Traffic Plan consisting of two traffic circles, two
right-in/right-out diverters, four new stop signs, and
reversal of stop signs at one intersection be installed as
outlined in the Administrative Report dated July 5, 1996.
B. THAT funding of $35,000 for the installation of these measures
be provided from the Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated
Account #13/32/9801/999 - Local Area and Other Improvements.
Clause No. 4 cont'd
C. THAT funding of $500 per year per traffic circle, for a total
of $1,000 per year, be added to the Operating Budget for
maintenance, reduced to $100 per year per circle if neighbours
agree to adopt the circles.
* * *
The order of the Agenda was varied to consider
Other Business Item 5 b) first.
* * *
5. OTHER BUSINESS
b) Carnegie Bus Stops File: 5554-3
Circulated for information were three communications relating to
the relocation of bus stops outside the Carnegie Centre. The Police, in
a memorandum dated December 7, 1995, suggest relocating the bus stops.
However, the Director of the Carnegie Centre, in a letter dated July 24,
1996, and the General Manager of Community Services in a memorandum
dated July 25, 1996, recommend deferral pending further discussion.
A Commission member expressed the opinion that removal of the
transit stops adjacent the Carnegie Centre at Hastings and Main will not
rectify the unsafe and uncomfortable nature of this location. Meetings
are being planned to address the drug-dealing and loitering problems
encountered in this vicinity. Sgt. Kash Heed was available to answer
questions, however, as the following motion was carried, no further
discussion ensured on this item.
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and CARRIED.
The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED
THAT decision on the request to relocate the bus stops at Hastings
and Main be referred to a process that involves the community, i.e.
businesses, transit, police, and local residents.
a) Vancouver-Lougheed Express Bus Route File: 5554-3
Mr. Wayne Pledger presented the Commission with an update on BC
Transit's planned Broadway express bus service scheduled to commence on
September 3, 1996. The route travels from U.B.C. to Lougheed Mall,
Monday through Saturday, from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. He further
advised this matter was brought before the Commission, as Council would
not have an opportunity to discuss this issue prior to establishment of
the service. Articulated diesel buses would be used and some areas
along Broadway would require removal of additional parking. A report
will be prepared for Council in early September.
Clause No. 5(a) cont'd
A Commission member asked if Transit had met with the community
impacted by this new bus route, noting diesel buses, particulary when
stopping, are extremely noisy. Mr. Pledger advised surveys of transit
riders had been done, but no extensive community meetings have taken
place. Commission members expressed frustration with BC Transit's lack
of notification to the City on this issue. In the past Transit has been requested, and agreed, to forward any surveys to the City for
information. Mr. Pledger offered to make details of the survey
available to Council members. Discussion followed on options for
notifying the public of the proposed new bus service.
A further question arose on the possibility of Transit phasing out
their trolley buses. Mr. Rudberg advised a report on Transit's
five-year operating plan was expected to go before Council in September,
for referral to Committee for further discussion. He also noted Transit
is, at this time, committed to trolley buses unless a better i.e.
"electric" bus is found.
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and CARRIED.
The Commission, therefore,
RESOLVED
THAT the Vancouver Traffic Commission contact the BC Transit
Commission to advise that the VTC is highly disappointed BC Transit
does not appear to have conducted an appropriate consultation
process with affected communities in terms of location of bus stops
and types of buses being used along the Broadway express route.
* * *
The Commission adjourned at approximately 9:40 p.m.
* * *