CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 5, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Wednesday, February 5, 1997, at approximately 5:00 p.m., in the
Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing
Committee on Transportation and Traffic meeting, to consider the
recommendations of the Committee.
PRESENT: Deputy Mayor Gordon Price
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Mayor Philip Owen (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Daniel Lee (Civic Business)
Councillor Don Bellamy (Civic Business)
Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Civic Business)
Councillor George Puil (Civic Business)
CLERK TO THE
COUNCIL: Denise Salmon
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole,
Deputy Mayor Price in the chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic
February 5, 1997
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as
contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl.1: Policy Item - Regional Issues
Cl.2: Parking for Co-operative Auto Network
Cl.3: Ontario Bikeway/Langara Area Traffic Calming
Cl.4: Langara College - Pay Parking Proposal
Cl.6: South West Marine Drive Bike Route
Cl.5: Heather/Lakewood/Nanton Bikeway Links
Clause 1
Policy Item - Regional Issues
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clause 1
of this report be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Clause 2
Parking for Co-operative Auto Network
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clause 2
of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Price opposed)
Clause 3
Ontario Bikeway/Langara Area Traffic Calming
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT recommendation A of the Committee, as contained in Clause 3 of
this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
B. THAT the Streets maintenance budget be increased by $1500
without offset, for the maintenance of the three traffic
circles proposed in this design, starting in 1997.
C. THAT the Traffic Operations maintenance budget be increased by
$300 without offset, for the maintenance of the signs on the
three traffic circles proposed in this design, starting in
1997.
- LOST (tie vote)
(Councillors Chiavario, Herbert and Lee opposed to B and C)
Clause 4
Langara College - Pay Parking Proposal
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the recommendations of the committee, as contained in Clause 4
of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * *
Order of Agenda Varied
* * * * *
Clause 6
South West Marine Drive Bike Route
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 6
of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Clause 5
Heather/Lakewood/Nanton Bikeway Links
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 5
of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Council adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 5, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on
Transportation and Traffic was held on Wednesday, February 5, 1997, at
approximately 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Gordon Price, Chair
Councillor Don Bellamy (Clauses 1 and 2)
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Clause 1)
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Mayor Philip Owen (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Daniel Lee (Civic Business)
CLERK TO THE
COMMITTEE: Denise Salmon
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic
meeting of January 15, 1997, were adopted.
* * * * *
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the Mayor be granted Leave of Absence and Council officially
express its sympathy to the Mayor on the loss of his brother.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * *
RECOMMENDATION
1. Policy Item - Regional Issues File: 5551-1/5560-1
The Committee had before it for information a Policy Report dated
February 6, 1997, (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering
Services, in consultation with the Director of City Plans, outlined the
history leading to current direction and policies for regional
transportation planning.
Ken Cameron, G.V.R.D., with the aid of slides and background
material (distributed at the meeting and on file), provided Council with
an overview on regional transportation issues, focussing primarily on:
Regional Growth Management
Livable Region Strategic Plan
Transport 2021 Strategy
Current Initiatives
- Transportation Demand Management
- Highway Planning
- Transit Expansion
Transportation Governance and Funding
Light Rail Transit Development in Greater Vancouver
Regional Objectives and Vancouver s Draft Transportation
Plan
Council members questioned the loss of trolleys, noise pollution
and governance/financing issues. Mr. Cameron advised an Air Quality
Management Plan has been done, and BC Transit, not the GVRD, is more
closely involved in the trolley issue. He also noted improved
governance would hopefully provide for a more direct, increased level of
co-ordination by the city. He further cited financial livability and
auto dependency as possibly the most important issues in the
transportation strategy. The 1995 Growth Strategies Act was also cited
an important improvement to the Livable Region Plan.
In reference to the Light Rail Transit project, Mr. Cameron advised
appointments to the Steering Committee are now being made and the
agreement has been approved by all parties. It is expected the project
will be completed within 18 months, leading to a decision on whether to
proceed with LRT.
The following motion by Councillor Bellamy was put and carried.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT both the Policy Discussion on Regional Issues, presented
by Mr. Ken Cameron of the G.V.R.D., and the report of the
General Manager of Engineering Services dated February 6, 1997
(circulated at the meeting), on Regional Transportation
Policies, be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * *
(Councillor Kennedy left the meeting at this point for Civic
Business and did not return for the remainder of the meeting.)
* * * * *
2. Parking for Co-operative Auto Network File:5560-1/5650-1
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated January 20, 1997
(on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
explained the concept of cooperative car ownership and submitted for
Council s consideration a request from the local organizers of the
Co-operative Auto Network (CAN) to provide them with four reserved
on-street parking spaces. The General Manager of Engineering Services
recommended Consideration Item B, which allows for parking of vehicles
by users in the vicinity of their homes.
Also before Council was a memorandum dated February 4, 1997
(distributed at the meeting and on file) from the Director of City
Plans, supporting new initiatives to reduce travel by car. The memo
noted the most important precedent set by supporting this initiative
would be as a demonstration of the City s desire to encourage community
transportation initiatives where practical. The memo recommended
support of both Consideration Item A, which allows for storage of
vehicles not in use; and Consideration Item B.
Rob Hodgins, Transportation Engineer, and Brian Riera, on behalf of
the Transportation Plan Team, described the Co-operative Auto Network
and highlighted their departments recommendations.
Tracey Axelsson, Executive Director of the Co-operative Auto
Network (brief filed), advised the General Manager of Engineering
Service s report goes directly against key proposals in the Draft
Transportation Plan. She noted the Network was advised by Engineering
in April 1996 parking would be available for CAN. Ms. Axelsson
highlighted the differences between a car co-op, which shares its cars,
and for profit car rental agencies, and noted the two serve different
clientele. She further noted statistics indicate those who join a car
co-op decrease their car use by 75%, and this serves to reduce
vehicular kilometres travelled.
Some Council members voiced concern with the precedent being set if
the staff recommendations were approved. Note was made of possible
community resentment due to the present shortage of on-street parking
space in both the West End and Kitsilano, as well as enforcement costs.
A member of Council advised he could not see justification for providing
free parking for a privately-owned automobile. It was also noted both
Montreal and Quebec currently charge car co-ops operating in their
cities for similar privileges. Other Councillors felt this was the
opportune time for a show of support for the city s Draft Transportation
Plan and urged support of staff s recommendations. In response to a
question from Council, Ms. Axelsson, advised all co-op members must pass
a credit check, and have exemplary driving record before becoming a
co-op member.
After lengthy discussion, Councillor Bellamy made the following
motion:
RECOMMENDED THAT the Policy Report of the General Manager of Engineering
Services dated January 20, 1997, be received and no further
action be taken.
- (not put)
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and carried.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT the foregoing motion be deferred pending further staff
discussions, for report back.
- CARRIED
(Councillors Bellamy, Price and Puil, opposed)
3. Ontario Bikeway/Langara Area Traffic Calming File No.5553-1/8024
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated January
7, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
recommended approval of traffic calming measures related to the Ontario
Bikeway in the Langara College area.
Doug Smith, Structures Engineer, reviewed the main points of the
report. He advised in 1995 Council approved funding for implementation
of the Ontario bikeway. However, the portion of the route between 49th
and 59th Avenues was deferred pending consultation with Langara College
and local residents on high traffic volumes and proposed changes to the
College. Engineering staff now seek approval of the design.
In response to a question from Council, Engineering staff advised
if the $1,500 suggested for maintenance of the three traffic circles was
not approved, there would likely be complaints from the neighbourhood.
In response to a question from Council, the General Manager of
Engineering Services advised funding is set aside for area traffic
calming along the Bicycle Network. Only when a neighbourhood
independently seeks traffic calming does it proceed as a local
improvement. It was also noted the cost of ramps would be similar to
traffic circles, without the advantage of adding green space to the
street.
* * * * *
(Councillor Bellamy left the meeting during discussion of the
above item for Civic Business and did not return for the
remainder of the meeting.)
* * * * *
The following motion by Councillor Clarke was put and carried. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT three traffic circles, a series of stop signs
and four corner bulges, as detailed in this report,
be installed in the area bounded by 49th Avenue,
59th Avenue, Ontario Street and Main Street, at a
capital cost of $45,000 with funding available in
accounts 14/02/5772/999, 14/02/5774/999, and
14/02/5777/999.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Puil opposed)
The following motions by Councillor Clarke were put and lost:
B. THAT the Streets maintenance budget be increased by
$1500 without offset, for the maintenance of the
three traffic circles proposed in this design,
starting in 1997.
C. THAT the Traffic Operations maintenance budget be
increased by $300 without offset, for the
maintenance of the signs on the three traffic
circles proposed in this design, starting in 1997.
- LOST
(Councillors Chiavario, Herbert, Lee and Puil opposed to B and C)
4. Langara College - Pay Parking Proposal File No. 5653-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated January
7, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
revisits a request by Langara College to charge for parking on their
parking lots. The report reviewed the public consultation process,
provided information on Traffic Demand Management (TDM) initiatives
taken by the college, and discusses the need for expanded resident
parking regulations in the adjacent community.
Bob Macdonald, Parking Engineer, reviewed the main points of the
report, noting community support for the project. It was also noted the
college will fund the costs of implementing a resident parking program
to a maximum of $20,000 prior to occupancy of the parking structure.
The following motion by Councillor Puil was put and carried. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the City rescind its agreement with Langara
College that restricts the College from charging for
parking on its property. The City will no longer be
responsible for a portion of the maintenance costs
on the College s parking lot (estimated to be $7,000
in 1997).
B. THAT City staff be authorized to expand the Resident
Parking program in the residential neighbourhood
adjacent to the College to restrict over-spill
parking generally in accordance with Appendix A.
This work is estimated to cost $20,000 (including
$6,000 already completed to convert and expand the
existing resident parking zones) and the College
will reimburse the City for these costs.
C. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services
continue to monitor the area and make any necessary
adjustments to the regulations after discussions
with residents.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * *
The order of the agenda was varied at this point.
* * * * *
6. South West Marine Drive Bike Route File No. 5553-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated January
8, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
sought approval for stencils, signs and pavement improvements long the
shoulders of SW Marine Drive, between Granville and Camosun Streets.
Doug Smith, Structures Engineer, provided Council with an overview
of the report, and advised although SW Marine Drive has been used by
cyclists commuting to UBC for years, the narrow shoulders, poor pavement
and pinch points make it unacceptable as a modern cycling facility.
He further noted 64% of those surveyed were in favour of Marked Bike
Lanes. There are no plans to change parking regulations, but it would
be discouraged on the bike lane.
Dianne King, area resident, spoke in favour in the plan as long as
no additional boulevards or asphalt expansion is planned.
A Council member noted the benefit to local area residents , as the
bike route would help delineate and narrow South West Marine Drive and
reflect a more residential feel.
Clause No. 6 Continued
The following motion by Councillor Clarke were put and carried.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the shoulders on SW Marine Drive between
Granville and Camosun be improved for cyclists, as
detailed in this report.
B. THAT $60,000 from approved Provincial funding and
$15,000 from the Streets Basic Capital
Unappropriated Account #12/31/6903/999, Bicycle
Network, be allocated for the above work.
C. THAT the signing maintenance budget be increased by
$500 without offset, for the maintenance of the
signs and stencils proposed in this design, starting
in 1998.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Puil opposed to A, B and C)
5. Heather/Lakewood/Nanton Bikeway Links File No. 5553-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February
5, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
recommended implementation of the Heather Street and Lakewood Drive
bicycle routes and that the Nanton Avenue bicycle route not proceed at
this time.
Doug Louie, Transportation Engineer, with the aid of schematics,
reviewed the main points of the report. He advised 85% of those
surveyed supported the Heather and Lakewood links. He further noted
this bikeway is slated for funding from the Provincial Cycling Network
Program, and if not built this funding could be lost.
Jared Curtis, area resident, highlighted two safety concerns
associated with the Heather Street Bicycle Route. He advised his wife
uses an electric wheelchair, and the ramp adjacent the traffic circle on
14th Avenue places her wheelchair directly in the path of cars
travelling along Heather. He suggested a four-way stop as a safer
alternative. The other safety issue raised was the traffic situation
between 12th and 16th, with high traffic volumes and congestion caused
in part by school children being picked up and dropped off and hospital
activities. Engineering s report offers no means to calm traffic along
this portion of the route.
Ian Adam, Assistant City Engineer, Transportation, suggested staff
meet with Mr. Curtis to discuss design options for the Heather and 14th
intersection.
Lionel Hannestad, area resident, was not in favour of the Lakewood
Drive Bicycle Route. He suggested diverting bicycle traffic south of
1st Avenue to Templeton to allow crossing at the existing light. He
also advised Lakewood and Williams are not aligned, and the heavy
parking combined with the down hill and high pedestrian use of Adanac
creates a safety hazard. He suggested the route be shifted to Garden
Drive. He did note the the Adanac Bicycle Route works well.
Doug Louie noted Templeton and Garden Drive were not considered as
part of the Lakewood Drive Bicycle Route because Engineering s goal is
to create a straight/direct route, as requested by the majority of
cyclists.
Ian Adam advised once 37th Avenue and Kent Avenue routes are
finalized the Network will be complete and a Council member suggested
monitoring use of the completed Bicycle Network with a report back on
the results. Doug Louie advised Bike Routes are currently being
monitored, and Adanac use continues to grow. Note was also made of the
possible future traffic problems once motorists become aware of this
Network. It was further suggested upon completion of the Network an
official announcement be made, with final note once complete the entire
Network will be much more powerful than any single section.
The following motions by Councillor Clarke were put and carried.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the Heather Street and Lakewood Drive Bicycle Routes be
constructed as detailed in this report.
B. That $164,000 from the Provincial Government funding and
$136,500 from a reallocation of the Georgia Street Improvement
project 12/01/4838/999 (to be reimbursed upon approval of the
1997 Streets Basic Capital Budget) be allocated for the above
work.
C. THAT the Nanton Avenue Bicycle Route not be constructed at
this time, due to neighbourhood opposition.
D. THAT the annual signal maintenance budget be increased by
$4,000, the annual streets maintenance budget be increased by
$3,000, and the sign maintenance budget be increased by
$1,100, all without offset, for the maintenance of two new
cyclist/pedestrian signals, six new traffic circles and
approximately 50 new bicycle route signs proposed along the
new bike routes, starting in 1998.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Puil opposed to A, B and D
and not present for the vote on C.)
The following motion by Councillor Sullivan was put and carried.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
E. THAT staff be requested to work with Mr. Jared
Curtis on design options for wheelchair access at
the Heather and 13th Avenue traffic circle.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(No action was taken on Consideration Item E contained in the
General Manager of Engineering Services report dated February
5, 1997.)
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
* * * * *