CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON

TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC

FEBRUARY 3, 1998

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, February 3, 1998, at approximately 12:00 noon, 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 Jennifer Clarke Councillor Alan Herbert Councillor Lynne Kennedy Councillor Daniel Lee Councillor Don Lee Councillor Gordon Price Councillor George Puil
ABSENT:	Councillor Don Bellamy Councillor Sam Sullivan (sick leave)
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:	Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL:	Denise Salmon

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert,

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

February 3, 1998

Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in the following clauses of the attached report:

Cl.1: Parking Enforcement Electronic Hand-Held

Equipment Trial

Cl.2: Traffic Signal at Cambie and 59th

Cl.3: Proposed Sunrise Bicycle Route

Cl.4: Discussion Item - Granville Street Revitalization

Clauses 1, 3 and 4

MOVED by Cllr. Price,

THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 1, 3 and 4 of this report, be approved.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Traffic Signal at Cambie and 59th

(Clause 2)

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,

THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clause 2 of this report, be approved.

- CARRIED

(Councillor Price opposed to Recommendation A.)

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert,

THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Council adjourned at 12:02 p.m.

* * * * *

REPORT TO COUNCIL

STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

ON TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC

FEBRUARY 3, 1998

A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Transportation and Traffic was held on Tuesday, February 3, 1998, at approximately 9:30 a.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:	Councillor Gordon Price, Chair Mayor Philip Owen Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario Councillor Jennifer Clarke Councillor Alan Herbert Councillor Lynne Kennedy Councillor Daniel Lee Councillor Don Lee Councillor George Puil
ABSENT:	Councillor Don Bellamy Councillor Sam Sullivan (sick leave)
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:	Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK TO THE COMMITTEE:	Denise Salmon

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic meeting of January 6, 1998, were adopted.

RECOMMENDATION

1. Parking Enforcement Electronic Hand-Held

Equipment Trial File: 5654

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated December 1, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services reviews the parking enforcement ticketing process, with particular focus on the potential use of electronic hand-held parking enforcement equipment, and recommends a trial of such equipment.

Ralph Yeomans, Manager, Parking Enforcement, and Ian Adam, Assistant City Engineer, Transportation, reviewed the main points of the report with the Committee and responded to questions from Council.

During discussion the following points were raised:

·the equipment is expected to provide better service, more legible tickets, and a faster response time; data collected during the day will be downloaded at the end of each shift

·no cellular network currently exists in the Province to permit direct communication with various databases, i.e. Police; however, such technology is anticipated in the near future

·an equipment trial is necessary to determine the batteries' reaction to wet weather; Vancouver staff work the entire day outside, unlike smaller adjacent municipalities where equipment is generally used inside vehicles

·the need for a report back six months after the proposal call for equipment is complete

Paul Faoro, First Vice-President, CUPE 15

·noted no time frame for the trial was set out in the report

·requested the Union be given the opportunity to come back to Committee after the trial and prior to equipment becoming permanent

·recommended all staff affected by the new technology have the opportunity to test it

·noted CUPE members from Ontario had tested similar equipment, and experienced problems with moisture entering the units

·expressed concern with the durability of the units and staff's ability to carry the unit with their radio and other supplies for an entire eight hour shift

·noted CUPE is strongly opposed to any reduction in staff from re-engineering or technological change projects

cont'd

Clause 1 Cont'd

The following motion by Mayor Owen was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,

RECOMMENDED

THAT a trial of hand-held parking enforcement equipment be undertaken with required funding of $50,000 provided from the Strategic Initiative Fund.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Traffic Signal at Cambie and 59th File: 5761-1

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated January 20, 1998 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services recommends a signal be installed at Cambie and 59th Avenue based on the results of the public consultation regarding safety improvements at the intersection of Cambie and 59th.

Doug Louie, Transportation, Engineering Services, using visual aids, provided Council with an overview of the report, and illustrated those in favour of the full signal.

Graham Nixon, Principal, Sexsmith Elementary School

·advised the recommended traffic signal at 59th and Cambie would increase traffic volumes and the potential for serious problems at the intersection, as well as compromise the safety of children who attend Sexsmith Elementary School

·noted the need to address excessive vehicle speeds around the school, adjacent park, and two private hospitals, and offered support for the proposed speed hump program

·stressed the need for better parking enforcement in the area

·questioned why the City will not consider overhead amber flashing lights adjacent schools, similar to those used in adjacent municipalities

Wayne Soon, area resident (brief circulated)

·proposed a pedestrian/cyclist only actuated signal without diverters, which would maintain reasonable access to the neighbourhood

·advised this would address safety concerns at 59th and Cambie, as cars could cross Cambie or make turns during peak hours when pedestrians and cyclists activate the signal to cross

cont'd

Clause 2 Cont'd

·noted students from Sexsmith, Laurier, Churchill, and Ideal schools as well as residents at the Pearson Rehabilitation Centre and long term care patients would benefit from a safe intersection

·a pedestrian/cyclist actuated signal would encourage pedestrian and bicycle movement, consistent with the principles of the future Greenway on 59th Avenue

·a full traffic signal at this intersection would exacerbate traffic volumes and speed

·speed humps may address vehicle speed, but not volume

Antone Brooke-Hart, area resident

·expressed concern with the safety of children attending Sexsmith Elementary School

·advised of his support for a pedestrian activated signal; a full signal will create more traffic

·supports Greenway and Bicycle Route initiatives,but discouraged by recommendation for safety of vehicles over that of pedestrians, cyclists and children

Fred Katz, area resident

·spoke in support of a full signal as recommended in the report, which the majority of those surveyed favour

·noted those living on the east side of Cambie, who must cross the street on a daily basis, will now be able to do so safely

·urged Council move ahead on the signal's installation

Sandy Magid, area resident (diagram on file)

·noted her main concern was for the safety of the more than 300 children attending schools on the west side of Cambie and 59th

·suggested raised pavement on the boulevard section on Cambie to alleviate the poor visibility

Enrico Diano, area resident

·noted the restaurant located at the southeast corner of 59th and Cambie as a major contributor to accidents at this intersection due to parked trucks and passenger drop-offs adjacent the restaurant

·requested Council eliminate parking on 59th and sign it as a loading zone, with bollards similar to those used in Gastown to discourage passenger drop-offs

·urged Council to proceed with speed humps now

cont'd

Clause 2 Cont'd

In response to questions from Council, staff advised:

·Transportation Association standards are used to determine what type of signage is used, and research indicates overhead flashing lights adjacent schools do not improve safety

·The full signal recommended in the report controls vehicle and pedestrian movement in all directions, and can be actuated by pedestrian/cyclists, or vehicles by means of a loop detector in the roadway; if pedestrians fail to push the walk button a signal will not be indicated

·Engineering staff will work on synchronized lights at 57th and 59th Avenues

Comments from Council members included:

·the proposed light will increase traffic on 59th Avenue and result in increased danger to students of Sexsmith School, as well as residents of other facilities in the area

·to assist parent school patrols staff was requested to ensure sufficient 30k/h speed limit signs are visible well in advance of all area schools along 59th Avenue, and similarly ensure clearly marked signs indicate the nearby park and hospital, to allow for quick police enforcement

The following motion by Councillor Herbert was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,

RECOMMENDED

A.THAT a full traffic signal at Cambie and 59th Avenue be installed as previously approved in the 1995 Traffic Signal Program and as supported by the neighbourhood survey; and that the additional $20,000 required be included in the 1998 Annual Traffic Signal Program.

B.THAT the Vancouver Police Services be requested to increase enforcement of speed limits on 59th Avenue east of Cambie.

C.THAT staff monitor traffic volumes on 59th Avenue east and west of Cambie to determine whether any diversion of traffic occurs.

D.THAT further traffic calming measures on 59th Avenue be evaluated as part of the speed hump trial report and future Greenway Corridor.

cont'd

Clause 2 Cont'd

E.THAT Engineering staff be requested to pursue the installation of a loading zone along 59th Avenue and the installation of bollards and chains along Cambie Street adjacent the Flamingo Restaurant to address parking and loading concerns in the area.

FURTHER THAT if difficulties arise from investigation of the foregoing, staff report back on same.

- CARRIED

(Councillor Price opposed to Recommendation A.)

3. Proposed Sunrise Bicycle Route

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated January 20, 1998 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services recommends approval of implementation of the Sunrise Bicycle Route.

Doug Louie, Transportation, Engineering Services, provided Council with an overview of the report.

Bill Waldron

·referenced his letter dated January 27, 1998 (previously circulated)

·noted vehicle counts were done prior to opening of the Fraserview Golf Course in July 1998, and inside a traffic barrier on Vivian, which would not reflect the streets' true traffic pattern

·advised on the need for traffic calming devices where Vivian enters into Elliot Street

·expressed his concern regarding the portion of the route south of 45th Avenue, which is heavily travelled at high speeds, the potential for increased traffic volume once the Fraserview Golf Course opens, and possible safety issue for cyclists and pedestrians along the route

* * * * *

Councillors Chiavario and Puil left the meeting during discussion of this item.

* * * * *

Nancy Knight

·expressed support for the Sunrise Bike Route, and the need for bicycle routes on Vancouver's east side

cont'd

Clause 3 Cont'd

·would like to see more north/south routes connecting schools along Slocan and other destinations from Burrard Inlet to the Fraser River

·advised the route is important to the Clinton Park neighbourhood traffic program due for completion in the near future

Federico Fuoco

·suggested bicycle routes are not needed in the City

·noted diverters used along various bike routes cause traffic congestion and pollution

·expressed concern with traffic being diverted to the lane adjacent the Adanac diverter between Renfrew and Rupert

A member of Council requested staff investigate the traffic situation in the lane adjacent the traffic diverter.

The following motion by Mayor Owen was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,

RECOMMENDED

A.THAT the Sunrise Bicycle Route be constructed as detailed in the Administrative Report dated January 20, 1998.

B. THAT $326,500 from the BC/Canada Infrastructure Works Program and $158,250 from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account 12/31/6903/999 (Bicycle Network) be allocated for the above work.

C. THAT the annual signal maintenance budget be increased by $4,000, the annual streets maintenance budget be increased by $4,000, and the sign maintenance budget be increased by $1,850, all without offset, for the maintenance of two new cyclist/pedestrian signals, eight new traffic circles and approximately 75 new bicycle route signs proposed along the new bike route, starting in 1999.

D.THAT the Mayor write to the BC/Canada Infrastructure Works Program expressing thanks for the 1997/98 program contribution towards the Sunrise Bikeway.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillors Chiavario and Puil not present for the vote.)

4. Discussion Item - Granville Street Revitalization

Stuart Swain, Chair, Granville Street Task Force, noted the Task Force came together almost a year ago to investigate options to revitalize Granville Street. Owners, Tenants, City Staff, Transit, Community Policing, BOMA, Tourism Vancouver and related organizations are represented on the Task Force.

Norm Hotson, Hotson Bakker Architects, assisted by a slide presentation, provided Council with a review of the Granville Street Revitalization study. Mr. Hotson noted Granville Street is historically recognized as the backbone of Downtown Vancouver; however, with the development of Pacific Centre and the transit mall in the seventies people moved underground, and the street's vitality diminished. Many North American cities are now reopening their malls to traffic, with a corresponding increase in retail, safety and downturn in vacancy rates.

The following were highlighted as necessary elements of a great street:

·Comfort - larger bus shelters, more continuous rain protection

·Safety - better lighting, illuminated window displays, community Police office

·Scale - new infill must be sensitive

·Definition

·Animation - i.e. sidewalk cafes

·Transparency - important on ground level

·Accessibility - for all people, including those travelling by private auto

·Linkages - Granville should be gateway to Downtown

·Democracy - street important for SRO housing, youth and homeless services

·Density - large number of people on sidewalks, people living nearby ensures lively street

·Diversity - of retailers adds life to the area

The following four options were considered for Granville Street's revitalization:

Option 1 - Existing Street Configuration

This option would retain existing geometry of street, with reconfiguration of curb returns, signage and traffic signalization at intersections to permit private vehicular traffic to access the existing mall between Dunsmuir and Georgia.

cont'd

Clause 4 Cont'd

Option 2 - Four Lane Configuration

Full four lane operation would be introduced between Smithe and Hastings Streets, with design similar to 900 Block Granville. This option would result in 5.2 metre sidewalks.

Option 3 - Four Lanes Calmed

Modification of four lane proposal. Two full movement lanes with two multi-use curb lanes pinched at mid-block with a 5 metre pedestrian cross-walk. Resulting bulge would be location of transit stops, including potential rail corridor for new street car line.

Option 4 - Three Lane Configuration

Two northbound full traffic lanes and one southbound bus-only lane. Northbound curb side lay-bys would allow for passenger drop-off, taxis, couriers and service vehicles.

* * * * *

Councillor Puil returned at this point in the meeting.

* * * * *

Mr. Hotson concluded his remarks noting the next step would be the public process, under the leadership of the City of Vancouver, with a feasibility study, funding strategy and initiation of implementation through detailed design and construction, if Council so agreed.

* * * * *

Councillor Chiavario returned at this point in the meeting.

* * * * *

The following points were raised during discussion:

·approximately 800 cars in total, both directions (less than Pender) is anticipated if Granville is reopened to traffic

·bus transit should not be compromised, and is expected to increase by 50% in the near future

·increased business sales would offset potential rent increases

·the potential for a four lane Lions Gate Bridge to add another 2,000 cars to the downtown grid, with the majority looking to turn left onto Georgia

·Granville is seen primarily as a drop off street, not a feeder, with anticipated left turn restrictions

cont'd

Clause 4 Cont'd

·the Task Force feel there is momentum for change, offer their collaboration, and seek leadership from the City, with continuity between Departments

·different solutions for different blocks are possible; however, the Task Force does not see one block remaining closed, while others are opened

·adjustment would be required to design guidelines and the Sign By-law to bring back the possibility of neon in Granville Street's design

·no study has been done on opportunities for lanes behind buildings that face Granville

The following motion by Mayor Owen was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,

RECOMMENDED

THAT Engineering Services and Planning staff be requested to prepare a joint report back on a process proposal for Granville Street's Revitalization;

FURTHER THAT all parties wishing to speak on this item be given the opportunity at that time.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Committee adjourned at 12:00 noon

* * * * *

(c) 1997 City of Vancouver