CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE ON
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
MARCH 25, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Tuesday, March 25, 1997, at approximately 12:35 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.
PRESENT: Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Don Bellamy (Civic Business - Dedication
of plaque in memory of Mr. Wilf Greensill killed
last week while at work for the City)
Councillor Jennifer Clarke (Leave of Absence)
CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
Dave Rudberg, General Manager, Engineering Services
Ted Droettboom, General Manager, Community Services
CLERK TO THE
COUNCIL: Denise Salmon
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor
Owen in the chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee
on Transportation and Traffic
March 25, 1997
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as
contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl. 1: Policy Discussion Item - BC Transit LRT
Cl. 2: Maintaining Trolley Service in Vancouver
Cl. 3: Waterfront Pedestrian/Bicycle Pathway Widths -
Coal Harbour, Bayshore and False Creek North Developments
Cl. 4: The Vancouver Trolley Company -
Renewal of Licence Agreement
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses
1 to 4 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Leave of Absence - Councillor Bellamy File: 1251-1
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert,
THAT Councillor Bellamy be granted Leave of Absence for the
scheduled March 25, 1997, evening Public Hearing to enable him to attend
a meeting of the PNE Board.
The Council adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
MARCH 25, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on
Transportation and Traffic was held on Tuesday, March 25, 1997, at
approximately 9:30 a.m., in the No. 1 Committee Room, Third Floor, City
Hall.
PRESENT: Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Don Bellamy (for part of Clause 1 then
Civic Business)
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Jennifer Clarke (Leave of Absence)
CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
Dave Rudberg, General Manager, Engineering Services
Ted Droettboom, General Manager, Community Services
CLERK TO THE
COMMITTEE: Denise Salmon
RECOMMENDATION
1. Policy Discussion Item - BC Transit LRT File: 5560-1
The Committee had before it a memorandum dated March 18, 1997 (on
file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services responded to
Council direction of March 11th, to provide an outstanding list of
Council requests for conventional transit service.
Mr. Derrek Corrigan, Chair, BC Transit, presented Council with a
brief overview of Transit s new public consultation process, including a
LRT video which introduces the concept of light rail transit. Transit s
Ten-Year Plan\LRT presentation schedule and video distribution report
(on file) were provided to Council at the meeting.
The video noted Vancouver s transportation system is one of the
best integrated systems in the world, combining SeaBus, SkyTrain, West
Coast Express, electric trolleys, clean air articulated buses and
specialized vehicles. In 2005 LRT will be added. The route will follow
the Broadway, Lougheed and Coquitlam corridors and link several town
centres. In 2008 an extension is planned to New Westminster, with
SkyTrain connection to West Coast Express and RapidBus to Richmond via
Granville.
Mr. Doug Hino, Director, Capital Projects, BC Transit, referred to
three consultant studies completed in 1994, and noted Transit is
currently working with the Province and G.V.R.D. on governance
agreements. After sign off from the Province work will commence on the
engineering and planning phase of the project. This detailed two-year
work plan will take into consideration alignment, station locations,
ground conditions, underground services, contaminated sites and property
issues. The final document will then be submitted to the appointed
steering committee for presentation to the G.V.R.D. and Province for go
ahead on the LRT implementation phase.
Ms. Karen Leitch, Director of Communications, BC Transit discussed
the public consultation process to date and referenced the video
distribution work plan. She noted three community liaison offices have
been set up at Broadway and Granville, Commercial and Lougheed Mall.
Schools, neighbourhood associations, and adjacent municipal governments
have also had presentations on Transit s Ten-Year Plan and LRT.
In response to a questions from Council, Mr. Corrigan advised:
It is intended the public process be a joint effort of
the transit team and each municipality;
There are currently no plans for narrowing sidewalks
along the Broadway LRT corridor,
Opportunities exist for creative developments, including
tying transit into the False Creek ferry system; however
a commitment on resources and agreement of the Province
and municipalities is needed;
Decisions on the city s utilities would be an important
part of the consultation process;
Stops were originally planned at half mile spacing along
Broadway, but a quarter mile is now under consideration,
although this would slow travel times;
Studies indicate the system s electronic control signals
and at-grade crossings help speed traffic movement; and
The need to consider potential off-street parking sites
for business affected along the route.
* * * * *
(Councillor Bellamy left the meeting at this point in the proceedings.)
* * * * *
Commissioner Laura McDiarmid, Park Board, made reference to the
Board s proposed jitney service and its anticipated connection to
Transit s proposed West End Loop service.
Trustee Sandy McCormick, School Board, advised the city s original
streetcar network was killed in the 1950s rails to rubber movement.
She noted the City s largest land owner is not particularly interested
in bringing a transit system downtown, but rather to students, night
school attendees and employees moving between neighbourhoods. She
suggested shuttle buses to serve residential neighbourhoods, and
indicated a desire to continue this dialogue with the City and BC
Transit.
Mr. Nathan Davidowicz, speaker, noted a number of requested transit
items still outstanding since 1986, including a First Avenue bus route,
West End fare zone, and Marpole service. He advised an improved bus
service to connect to the proposed LRT was needed. He suggested more
articulated and double decker buses with frequent service would help
make the system work.
Mr. Don Buchanan, speaker, commented on the computer rendering of
the Broadway corner bulges, and the good pedestrian environment
portrayed. He was encouraged by the public consultation process -- and
suggested Council and staff involve the public in the design process,
especially seeking their thoughts on important design criteria for
people at street level along Broadway. Mr. Buchanan also urged the LRT
terminus be extended to Arbutus, which is an important link to the
Arbutus rail right-of-way and nearby Carling Brewery Lands development.
He also noted the importance of maintaining local bus service along
Broadway.
Mr. Corrigan advised the Granville terminus is open to discussion,
and significant additional costs would not be added by extending the
line to Arbutus. It is intended to move trolleys off Broadway to other
areas of the transit system, but the idea of alternative buses would not
be prohibited. Mr. Corrigan advised of his availability for further
discussion on this matter.
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and carried.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT BC Transit s LRT presentation and the General Manager of
Engineering Service s memorandum dated March 18, 1997,
regarding outstanding Council requests for conventional
transit service be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Maintaining Trolley Service in Vancouver File: 5551-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated March
17, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
provided information on the status of the BC Transit trolley fleet, and
recommended a new generation of trolleys be purchased to replace the
existing fleet.
Mr. Derek Corrigan, Chair, BC Transit, was unable to be present for
this item, and therefore provided his comments during the foregoing
discussion. He advised BC Transit is committed to the trolley system.
It is one of the best technologies in North America, environmentally
friendly and adds character to the city. He did note however, that
potential new technology must also be considered. Mr. Corrigan
further noted no decision will be made on new trolleys until the year
2000, and his staff have been requested to look into tagging onto orders
from other cities. A bulk order was not possible due to funding
uncertainties.
Mr. Shaugn Schwartz, Transit Users Group (brief filed), urged
Council support acquisition of replacement trolley vehicles and urged BC
Transit continue should its research of quiet alternatively fuelled
vehicles to replace diesel buses in Vancouver. He noted the following
initiatives the City could implement to help maintain the electric
trolley system:
Designate transit priority streets along trolley routes;
Return Robson Street to a bus mall between Howe and Hornby;
Develop trolley iconography by consciously using and
encouraging use of the trolley image on City
documentation and by the private sector.
and also recommended the City request BC Transit to undertake the
following transit initiatives:
Order 40 new trolleys immediately;
Consider the appropriate expansion of trolley service; and
Develop a long-term vision for trolley service.
In reference to making Robson a bus mall between Howe and Hornby, a
Council member noted the merchants would prefer this be left open.
However, at the request of Council members, Engineering Staff agreed to
examine prohibiting right turns on Howe, access to Eaton s parking
garage and the Howe\Robson\Hornby intersections, for report back to the
next meeting of the Committee.
Mr. Don Buchanan, B.E.S.T., agreed the traffic situation at Howe
and Robson needed resolution. He urged Council to consider promoting
trolleys as part of the city s image. It was further noted that
although diesels are being substituted for trolley busses to ease
traffic congestion, and allow freer movement along some downtown routes,
the diesels are rarely able to divert due to traffic congestion.
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and carried.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT in the absence of proven alternate fuel technology,
BC Transit, while conducting their review process for new
technologies, including European technology, acquire
replacement trolley vehicles to both maintain and augment
transit service on existing routes in Vancouver.
B. THAT BC Transit continue its research of quiet,
alternatively fuelled vehicles, for consideration on new
routes and express service applications in Vancouver,
with the understanding Council s preference is an
expanded trolley system where feasible.
C. THAT BC Transit be requested to come back to Committee to
discuss specifically the change over from trolley to
diesel buses on certain city routes due to traffic
problems.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Owen and Councillor Puil not present for the vote.)
3. Waterfront Pedestrian/Bicycle Pathway Widths - File: 5553-1/
Coal Harbour, Bayshore and False Creek 8007-25/
North Developments 8010-4
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February
28, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering
Services, in consultation with the Director of Planning and General
Manager of Parks & Recreation reported on pedestrian/bicycle widths for
the waterfront pathways in the Coal Harbour, Bayshore and False Creek
North developments, and recommended revised pedestrian and bicycle
pathway widths for the Quayside Neighbourhood, Beach Neighbourhood,
Bayshore and Coal Harbour developments.
Ms. Sheri Plewes, Project and Community Liaison Engineering,
provided a brief overview of the report. Discussion ensued on
accommodating roller bladders, the need for clearer definition of
bicycle and pedestrian paths and possible conflicts with pedestrian
cross-overs. It was also noted the Federal Fisheries Department is
unwilling to allow additional fill to widen paths adjacent the water s
edge. Ms. Plewes further indicated there are no plans to reduce the
median, as it allows for benches, landscaping and promotion of healthy
large trees. It was also noted Engineering Services is responsible for
litter collection and the Park Board for upkeep of landscaping.
The following motion by Mayor Owen was put and carried. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT the widths of pedestrian and bicycle pathways in Coal
Harbour, Bayshore and False Creek North be revised as
described in the Administrative Report dated February 28,
1997, and as shown in Appendices B, C and D attached thereto.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. The Vancouver Trolley Company - File: 1203-1
Renewal of License Agreement
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated March
11, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
recommended approval of a five year license agreement with The Vancouver
Trolley Company.
Mr. Ian Adam, Assistant City Engineer, Transportation, provided a
brief review of placement of the Company s kiosk, installation of
identification signs, operational concerns and proposed route changes.
Mr. Jim Storie, President, The Vancouver Trolley Company, advised
he was in agreement with the report.
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and carried.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Council approve a five-year licence agreement
between the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Trolley
Company (1996) Ltd. permitting the Company to operate a
sightseeing tour bus enterprise in the City of Vancouver.
B. THAT Council authorize the General Manager of Engineering
Services to negotiate and conclude a licence agreement
with the Company on the terms and conditions set out in
the Administrative Report dated March 11, 1997, and
others satisfactory to the General Manager and the
Director of Legal Services, it being understood that no
legal relations are created and none shall arise until an
agreement drawn to the satisfaction of the Director of
Legal Services is executed by her on behalf of the City.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m.
* * * * *