Agenda Index City of Vancouver

TO:

Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic

FROM:

General Manager of Engineering Services in consultation with
Manager of Building Management and
Director of Office of Cultural Affairs

SUBJECT:

Kits Point Access, Traffic, and Parking Study

 

RECOMMENDATION

POLICY

Council’s transportation policy places the highest priority on pedestrians, bicycles, and transit.

Council has a long standing policy of protecting residential neighbourhoods from intrusion of non-local traffic on local streets.

The City owns several building in Vanier Park, many of which house the City’s cultural institutions. Council has supported the cultural institutions (City of Vancouver Archives, Vancouver Museum, Vancouver Maritime Museum, and Pacific Space Centre) since their inception and approved annual operating grants in support of their ongoing operations since their formation as independent non-profit societies in 1971.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to discuss the findings of the consultant’s report regarding access, traffic and parking in Kits Point, and to recommend solutions that mitigate neighbourhood traffic impacts while satisfying the needs of the Kits Point cultural institutions and the general public.

SUMMARY

The scheduled bus tours into Kits Point, among other traffic and parking concerns, has long been an issue difficult to balance among the interests of local residents, cultural institutions, and the general public. As a result, IBI Group was retained by the City in 1998 to assess the access, traffic and parking impacts within Kits Point and to make short and long term recommendations to mitigate these impacts. Once the study was completed in early 1999, all stakeholders worked together in an effort to resolve their differences. This culminated in a long list of recommendations now brought forward for Council’s consideration.

While the key findings of the consultants study indicated that the cultural institutions did not account for either a high percentage of local area traffic or the primary source of parking conflicts within Kits Point, they did find that some residents held strong opinions on theeffects of the scheduled tour buses. The consultants measured opinions through a residents survey. The survey, distributed to every household in Kits Point (1842 total), netted a small return of 73 responses (3.9%). Notwithstanding this limited response, staff has developed recommendations for Council’s consideration.

The mitigation of the impacts of the scheduled bus tours in Kits Point to the satisfaction of all stakeholders hinges on the proposed extension of Fir Street into Kits Point. The proposal for a one-way eastbound road for buses only would provide a more direct bus access between Vanier Park and Granville Island and could reduce bus impacts in Kits Point by 50%. Other proposed measures which significantly contribute to balancing the interests of all stakeholders include:

- The Maritime Museum’s offer to forgo its scheduled bus tour stop,
- Upgrading the walkway between the Maritime Museum and the Pacific Space Centre, and
- The “good neighbour agreement” between the bus tour companies and the Kits Point Residents Association.

Several other measures are also recommended to further mitigate traffic and parking impacts or enhance pedestrian access within the neighbourhood. If approved, there remains much work to be done to pursue all the recommendations such as public consultation, detailed reviews, and reports back with funding sources. In any event, the basis from which the Kits Point stakeholders could work together cooperatively has been established.

BACKGROUND

Vanier Park is home to several of the City’s cultural institutions – the Vancouver Museum, the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the Planetarium (now Pacific Space Centre) have been permanent residents in the park since the 1950's and 1960's. The Vancouver Academy of Music, Vancouver Archives, Civic Marina, and Coast Guard are also permanent facilities in the park. Seasonal cultural uses include the Vancouver International Children’s Festival and Bard on the Beach. Kitsilano Beach Park also contributes to the seasonal activities.

Both the Vancouver Museum and Pacific Space Centre have recently embarked on renovation and revitalization programs to recapture former audiences and attract new visitors. Council has recently commissioned a review of the Vancouver Maritime Museum to assess its current operations and make recommendations with respect to its future. The City has a strong interest in ensuring that the cultural institutions are able to serve the public best in a cost effective manner.

The need to balance the interests of the local residents, cultural institutions, and general public has been the subject of studies and discussions since the 1970’s. In October 1992, Council approved the Kitsilano Traffic, Cycling and Parking Plan and the implementation of a number of traffic improvements. Many changes have been implemented as a result of this Plan and as a result of ongoing consultation. One feature of the Plan was the confirmation of the perimeter streets in Kits Point as the collector route (e.g., Arbutus, Ogden, and Chestnut), while keeping the interior streets for local traffic as much as possible (e.g., McNicoll, Whyte, Creelman, Laburnum, Maple, and Walnut).

However some residents in Kits Point continue to express their concerns with respect to traffic and parking impacts, particularly from the scheduled bus tour services. On March 10, 1998, Council approved a consultant study to assess the traffic impacts of the institutions and to make recommendations to address the concerns of residents, meet the needs of the City’s cultural institutions, and provide public access to the City’s institutions, parks and beaches. In the meantime, tour buses were restricted to the same voluntary route used in previous years, which did not include a stop at the Maritime Museum. Council also requested a report back about the possibility of extending Fir Street from First Avenue into Vanier Park.

On June 16, 1998, Council approved a supplementary grant of $25,000 to the Vancouver Maritime Museum to compensate for lost revenues in 1997 resulting from reduced attendance and the cancellation of the scheduled bus tour stop at the Maritime Museum. In addition, Council approved a consultant study to review options for the future operations of the Vancouver Maritime Museum including options for relocation.

DISCUSSION

Consultants’ Study

IBI Consultants were retained in May 1998 to assess the traffic and parking impacts within Kits Point and to make short and long term recommendations to mitigate these impacts. To assess the traffic and parking impacts, the consultants have met with stakeholders, conducted an opinion survey, held two open houses, and completed extensive data collection including automatic traffic counts, manual intersection counts, vehicle classification surveys, parking surveys, video surveys, and traffic noise surveys. In addition, an ancillary study was commissioned from The ARA Group (KPMG) to assess the impacts of the scheduled tour buses on the Vancouver Maritime Museum.

The executive summary from IBI’s report is attached as Appendix A. The conclusions from the ARA study are attached as Appendix B. A complete copy of both of the consultants’ studies is on file in the City Clerk’s Office.

The highlights of the consultants’ studies are briefly outlined below:

* The consultant has attributed 45% of all traffic entering Kits Point to residents, 37% to beach, park and sightseeing traffic, and 18% to a combination of cultural institutions, archives, coast guard, civic marina and public boat launch.

* The parking lots within Vanier Park are adequate as they do not reach capacity during normal daily operations. However, on-street parking along Arbutus Street adjacent to the beach, and on streets just north of the commercial businesses along Cornwall Avenue are in high demand. The consultant has suggested increasing penalties for on-street parking violations and the provision of lower priced parking adjacent to beaches to mitigate some of the spillover parking onto residential streets.

* Resident and non-resident traffic should be separated to the extent possible. In the short term, improved signage and traffic control devices are recommended.

* A noise survey in Kits Point showed that noise levels generally do not exceed the limit recommended for residential neighbourhoods. It also found that the noise from the Trolley Buses was not any higher than that of a typical utility type vehicle (e.g., pickup or delivery truck). Double-decker type buses were noisier than the Trolley Buses.

* The consultant recommended that the Maritime Museum should again be serviced by the scheduled tour buses. To reduce the impact, a perimeter route was suggested to reduce the number of residences affected and to avoid additional bus noise generated while going up the steep driveway of the Maritime Museum’s parking lot.

* The consultant recommended the extension of Fir Street (one-way eastbound only) to alleviate some of the volume of traffic entering and exiting Kits Point. Although the road extension would not substantially decrease or increase the number of affected residents, it would help to minimize the overall impact by distributing it across a wider area. Residents living near Fir and First will need to be consulted.

* To address residents’ concerns with park and ride activities within the parking lot of the Vancouver Museum / Pacific Space Centre, pay parking was recommended by the consultant as a potential solution. Also, the relocation of bus parking within the parking lot is recommended to reduce the impact to neighbouring residents on Chestnut Street.

* To improve pedestrian access, an upgraded walkway between the Maritime Museum and the Pacific Space Centre, and a new sidewalk along the eastern extension of Whyte Avenue, between Chestnut and the Civic Marina, are recommended.

Staff note that the Kits Point Residents Association expressed a level of concern about a range of issues which was not strongly supported through IBI’s residents survey. The survey, dropped at every household in Kits Point (1842 total), netted only a 3.9% return. It asked for feedback on traffic, parking, and access issues within Kits Point. Of the 73 people (3.9%) who did respond, 22% (16 respondents) felt that parking was a problem, 21% (15 respondents) felt unsafe traffic conditions were a problem, and 18% (13 respondents) felt tour buses were a problem. Interestingly, some residents responded by indicating that there were no problems and to do nothing. Notwithstanding this limited response, staff has developed recommendations for Council’s consideration.

Mutual Agreement - Vanier Park Stakeholders

Upon completion of the consultant study, representatives of the Kits Point Residents Association, representatives of the cultural institutions, the schedule bus tour operators, and Engineering staff have worked toward reaching a mutual agreement that addresses most of the concerns and conflicts to the extent possible. This mutual agreement is represented in recommendations A to N. All of the recommendations should be considered as a package since many reflect a number of tradeoffs and compromises made by the various stakeholders. Of particular significance is the Fir Street Transit Route extension (recommendation A), the scheduled bus tour stop at the Vancouver Museum / Pacific Space Centre only (recommendation B), the upgraded walkway and signage system between the Maritime Museum and the Pacific Space Centre (recommendation D), and the “good neighbour agreement” between the scheduled bus tour operators and the residents (recommendation L).

A brief discussion of each recommendation and what it achieves for the stakeholders follows.

Recommendation A - Pursue Fir Street Transit Route Extension

The northern extension of Fir Street from First Avenue into Vanier Park has been identified as a possible solution to address the traffic concerns within Kits Point. This solution is not new as the 1992 Kitsilano Traffic, Cycling and Parking Plan also identified the Fir Street extension as a long-term recommendation to provide access to Vanier Park, and the adjoining False Creek development was planned with a new street connection as an option. Any Fir Street extension would require traversing land owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), commonly referred to as the Kits Wye (this land is currently the subject of dispute). As instructed by Council in 1998, we have pursued the potential extension of Fir Street with CPR. Recent discussions with representatives of CPR have resulted in CPR grantingapproval in principle for the use of their land, subject to working out the details of an agreement. CPR’s approval is appreciated given the contentious nature of the lands. To-date, discussions have revolved around a license agreement for a bus roadway only with a 30-day cancellation clause.

Several route options for the Fir Street extension have been explored and a preferred routing is shown in Figure 1. Based on a conceptual design, the road extension is estimated to cost about $300,000. Further geotechnical analysis and detailed design would be required to provide a more accurate estimate.

The Fir Street extension is recommended by the consultants, IBI Group, as a solution to provide some traffic relief to Kits Point. As a one-way bus route only, the road extension would potentially reduce the bus impacts in Kits Point by 50% and would provide a more direct bus access between Vanier Park and Granville Island. This extension is supported by the Kits Point Residents Association, the Vanier Park cultural institutions, and the bus tour operators. Safety concerns about the bus route through the parking lot at the Academy of Music have been raised and would need to be reviewed during the detailed design process. The Fir Street Transit Route extension is recommended in principle subject to further public consultation (particularly with residents near Fir Street and First Avenue), concluding an agreement with CPR, and a report back with details about cost and funding sources. A report back later this year is anticipated. If approved by Council, construction may begin this year and the roadway could be opened in the Spring of 2000.

Recommendation B – Scheduled Bus Tour Stop at the Vancouver Museum / Pacific Space Centre (VM/PSC) Only

In past years (prior to 1997), the scheduled bus tours into Kits Point stopped at both the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the VM/PSC. The ARA Group study did find that the scheduled bus tours have had an impact to the institutions, directly through earned revenues and equally important, through indirect impacts - donations, fundraising, referrals, and repeat visits. Notwithstanding this, the Vancouver Maritime Museum has now offered to forgo its scheduled bus tour stop in an effort to resolve its differences with neighbouring residents. As a compromise, it has requested that the walkway between the VM/PSC and the Vancouver Maritime Museum be significantly upgraded to promote bus tour passengers to walk to their facility from the tour bus stop located at the VM/PSC. This improved walkway would also support a potential marketing campaign to promote the connection between the False Creek ferry system and the citywide bus tour operation.

The Kits Point Residents Association is very pleased with the response from the Vancouver Maritime Museum and is supportive of an upgraded walkway to promote walking betweeninstitutions (recommendation D). The Association has also encouraged a ferry/bus connection that would make the Maritime Museum the front door for entry into Vanier Park for some visitors.

Recommendation C - Scheduled Bus Tour Route to Remain on Cypress, Greer, and Chestnut.

IBI consultants have recommended a one-way perimeter bus route around Kits Point via Cypress, Greer, Chestnut, Ogden, Maple, and Arbutus as a potential solution to minimizing the effects on residents within Kits Point. Although the distance travelled around Kits Point would be greater, the total number of residents affected would be lower because the residents would generally be located on one side of the street only. As well, Chestnut Street residents would not be affected twice by the same bus entering and leaving along the same route. This solution would also help to service the Vancouver Maritime Museum with a stop on Ogden Avenue, thus avoiding the steep grade and additional bus noise while travelling to the Maritime Museum’s parking lot.

This perimeter bus tour solution was not received well by some Kits Point residents. In fact, the scheduled bus tour route in years past did follow a perimeter route until residents requested that it be changed to its current route via Cypress, Greer, and Chestnut for inbound and outbound buses. Given the offer from the Vancouver Maritime Museum (recommendation B), and its acceptance by the KPRA on behalf of area residents, staff believe that it is unnecessary to change the current routing. It is recommended that Council request that the Motor Carrier Commission confirm the current routing by excluding Chestnut Street between McNicoll Avenue and Ogden Avenue.

Recommendation D - Upgrade the Walkway Between the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the VM/PSC.

The Vancouver Maritime Museum, as a condition to agreeing to the elimination of their scheduled bus tour stop (recommendation B), has requested that the walkway between their building and the VM/PSC be upgraded. The existing walkway is a two metre wide asphalt path that only connects to the Maritime Museum’s driveway entrance. From there, pedestrians must walk through the parking lot to reach the main entrance of the Maritime Museum. The drainage and surface conditions along parts of the walkway are poor. The walkway is not particularly friendly to persons using a wheelchair. Existing signage is confusing and the Vancouver Maritime Museum is not visible from the tour bus stop.

The walkway could be upgraded by widening it to about three metres, installing curbs and catch basins where necessary, installing low level lighting and additional benches, and extending it to the main entrance of the Maritime Museum along the southern edge of the parking lot. The use of the walkway could be further promoted with the installation of prominent directional and programming signage. The cost of the walkway improvements is estimated to be $65,000.

If approved by Council, staff will work with the Park Board and in consultation with Vanier Park stakeholders to report back as soon as possible with details for Council’s consideration for possible construction this year.

Recommendation E - General Pedestrian Improvements within Vanier Park.

During stakeholder consultations, a need for a sidewalk along the eastern extension of Whyte Avenue, from Chestnut to the Marina was identified. Currently, pedestrians walking from Chestnut Street to False Creek have limited choices. They can use a gravel pathway at the north or south end of Vanier Park, or they could walk through the grass of Vanier Park. Many pedestrians simply walk along the existing roadway between Chestnut Street and the Marina. Visibility and safety are of particular concern for students walking in the dark to the Vancouver Academy of Music.

A sidewalk, as recommended by the traffic consultant, could be constructed along the south side of the existing road joining Chestnut Street with the Marina. This sidewalk would provide a pedestrian connection from existing city sidewalks to several institutions within the park, connect the existing parking lots, enhance pedestrian safety, and improve pedestrian access to the waterfront. This upgrade is supported by all stakeholders.

A need for a pedestrian access between the VM/PSC parking lot and the Vancouver Academy of Music was also identified. Many patrons going to the Academy of Music park across the road in the VM/PSC parking lot. There is no formal pedestrian access between the two facilities and safety concerns for pedestrians crossing the road have been raised. The provision of this pedestrian access and the sidewalk through Vanier Park are recommended subject to a report back from the Manager of Building Management, in consultation with Vanier Park institutions.

Recommendation F - Modification of the VM/PSC Parking Lot.

Currently many unscheduled buses park on the northwest side of the parking lot adjacent to Chestnut Street. Residents living along the street have complained about noise and pollution. To reduce these impacts, bus parking spaces should be moved away from the west side of theparking lot, as recommended by the traffic consultant. Moving the bus parking may result in the loss of some parking spaces, but this should not be a significant problem since the parking lot has excess capacity.

In light of the potential extension of Fir Street for buses exiting Vanier Park, tour bus access through the parking lot would also help to further reduce bus traffic on Chestnut Street. However, bus access through the parking lot must be planned carefully to reduce potential conflicts within the parking lot and to ensure the safety of parking lot patrons, many of whom are school children.

If approved in principle, the Manager of Building Management will provide a report back in consultation with the Vanier Park cultural institutions. The reassignment of the bus parking spaces within the VM/PSC parking lot could be implemented in the short term.

Recommendation G - Funding to pursue recommendations D, E, and F.

Funding of $15,000 from the Contingency Reserve is requested to enable the Manager of Building Management to carry out the preliminary work necessary to seek project approvals.

Recommendation H - Right-in-right-out Diverter on Whyte Avenue at Chestnut.

A right-in-right-out diverter on Whyte Avenue on the west side of Chestnut is recommended by the traffic consultant to discourage non-local traffic through the interior streets of Kits Point. Traffic exiting the VM/PSC parking lot has been observed shortcutting through the neighbourhood by proceeding west along Whyte Avenue and unscheduled tour buses have been observed accessing the VM/PSC parking lot via Cypress Street and Whyte Avenue. The installation of the proposed right-in-right-out diverter would prevent such movements from occurring and encourage the appropriate use of Cypress, Greer, and Chestnut streets to access the institutions.

The net impact of the diverter to other streets is not expected to be significant. Vehicles exiting from Vanier Park would likely turn left onto Chestnut and right onto Greer toward the traffic signal at Cypress and Cornwall. A survey of affected residents about the proposed diverter and a report back this year is anticipated. This diverter would be installed for a trial period to allow changes as necessary.

Recommendation I - Review of the intersection of Cornwall and Chestnut.

Comments from stakeholders and field observations from the traffic consultant suggest that the intersection of Cornwall and Chestnut be reviewed to enhance safety. A bike lane alongCornwall will be installed this Spring and should enhance the cycling environment at this intersection. However, Chestnut Street at Cornwall is relatively wide, making pedestrian crossings uncomfortable. The lack of a sidewalk along the east side of Chestnut Street between Cornwall and Greer adds to the difficulties experienced by pedestrians. As well, the right turn approach from Burrard Street Bridge to northbound Chestnut is awkward for motorists due to its geometry. The need for better pedestrian facilities, corner bulges or a right turn deceleration lane will be reviewed and implemented, where appropriate, and reported to Council as necessary.

Recommendation J - Installation of additional traffic and directional signs to Kits Point.

The installation of directional and information signs has been reviewed and installed on an ongoing basis. Most recently, with the completion of the left turn bay at Burrard and Cornwall, additional signs along Burrard and along Cornwall have been installed to further guide traffic to destinations within Kits Point. The recommendations of the traffic consultant will be reviewed and implemented, where appropriate, to further guide traffic and reduce unnecessary traffic circulation within the internal streets of Kits Point. A total of 20 signs are anticipated at a total estimated cost of $5,900.

Recommendation K - Restrict Park and Ride activities and Overnight Parking at the VM/PSC Parking Lot.

A source of complaints from residents is the use of the VM/PSC parking lot for purposes unrelated to the Vanier Park cultural institutions or events occurring at Vanier Park. There is evidence that the parking lot has occasionally been inappropriately used and may be generating unnecessary traffic into Kits Point. Therefore it is recommended that the Manager of Building Management and the Vanier Park cultural institutions take measure to reduce such activities. This would include the immediate installation of signs or other controls, notification to all bus companies, and enforcement. The implementation of pay parking (recommendation J) could contribute to a longer term solution.

Recommendation L - Pay Parking at Vanier Park Parking Lots.

Pay parking has been suggested by stakeholders as one method of further controlling the use of the parking lots at Vanier Park. Currently, the only free parking lots within Vanier Park are the parking lots at the VM/PSC, the Vancouver Academy of Music, and the City Archives. The parking lots are currently under the jurisdiction of the City and thus could be a source of revenue to offset any cost of improvements to the parking lot. The cultural institutions have expressed an interest in receiving any net revenues to offset their operating costs. Kits Point residents may benefit with the potential reduction in traffic because ofeither a reduction of the inappropriate use of the parking lot or the increased incentive for motorists to carpool. One drawback could be the added pressures on the existing unrestricted on-street parking spaces within Kits Point. Another could be the price sensitivity of VM/PSC patrons who may not be willing to pay an additional parking charge to visit the institutions. However, given the strong interest expressed by the stakeholders, it is recommended that staff review and report back on any proposals by the interested cultural institutions to develop a joint business plan to institute pay parking at all the Vanier Park parking lots.

Recommendation M - Good Neighbour Agreement.

Scheduled bus tour operators require a license from the Motor Carrier Commission to operate as a limited passenger service with individual fares. This license controls the routing of the bus tour, but the frequency and hours of operation are not controlled. The City can influence the routing of the bus tours by forwarding requests for changes to the Motor Carrier Commission; but, like the Motor Carrier Commission, the City cannot directly control the frequency or hours of operation of the scheduled bus tours (short of banning all buses altogether). Rather than pursue indirect mechanisms, the best solution is for all parties to resolve the situation cooperatively. To this end, a “good neighbour agreement” is recommended to establish reasonable operating conditions for the scheduled bus tours in Kits Point. This agreement would form the basis for future cooperation between the residents and scheduled bus tour companies.

With the verbal concurrence of all stakeholders, the scheduled bus tour operations (Trolley Company and Gray Line) have been confirmed to be once only every 30 minutes with the minimization of overflow buses, and between the hours of 10:00 A.M. to 5:45 P.M. The scheduled bus tour operators have also agreed to provide driver education to respect the sensitivity of the community.

Finally, for this year only and without prejudicing future operations, the scheduled bus tour companies have agreed to restrict their operations to between April and October. The Vancouver Trolley Company has expressed a desire for a limited winter schedule this year (which it began last year), but has agreed not to enter into Kits Point this winter season only, in the spirit of cooperation and the hope that the potential Fir Street Transit Route extension may provide some relief next year. Because the Trolley Company markets its services to international tour operators, it is concerned that its failure to provide its advertised winter schedule (which includes the Vanier Park attractions), may lead to claims for reimbursements. The Trolley Company is looking to the Kits Point Residents Association or the City to hold them harmless from such claims. Staff do not support this request.

Further details would be included in the agreement, as necessary, to clarify the expectations and conduct of all stakeholders.

If approved by Council, the General Manager of Engineering Services would pursue a “good neighbour agreement” between all stakeholders with respect to the scheduled tour bus operations. The Motor Carrier Commission would be advised of these actions.

Recommendation N - Notification of Late Night Events or Programming at the Vanier Park Cultural Institutions.

The cultural institutions often host evening events and the Pacific Space Centre regularly programs weekend late-night laser shows. These activities are important contributors to the institutions’ programs and revenue base. On occasion, neighbours have complained about the resulting evening and late-night traffic. City staff will be working with the institutions to clarify hours of operations through new operating lease agreements. It is recommended that the institutions consult with City staff on late night events to ensure that they meet the terms of the lease, minimize late-night disruptions, and notify their neighbours in advance of any extraordinary late-night activities.

Recommendation O - Parking Enforcement

Like many other areas in Vancouver, on-street parking in Kits Point is regulated by a resident permit parking system. There continues to be a high number of parking infractions in the area and ongoing complaints by some residents. In fact a similar resident permit parking zone was recently implemented in Kitsilano, just south of Cornwall because of similar conditions.

In light of the recently expanded resident permit parking zone in the area, it is recommended that staff review the parking enforcement operations in Kitsilano, including Kits Point, to ensure that an adequate level of service is provided, with a report back if necessary.

Recommendation P - Thanks to All Stakeholders.

Despite the long-standing grievances in the last two years amongst Kits Point stakeholders and the sometimes publicly debated differences of opinion, the Kits Point stakeholders (Kits Point Residents Association, the Vanier Park cultural institutions, the Vancouver Trolley Company, and Gray Line) should be all be thanked for their efforts in reaching an agreement that achieves some balance amongst their competing needs. It is recommended that the Kits Point stakeholders meet regularly to continue to discuss issues of concerns and to work towards a mutually thriving and livable community.

Recommendation Q - Request for Park Board Support

Vanier Park is leased to the City from the Federal Government. It is being used for park, recreation and museum purposes and is being administered by the Park Board and the Manager of Building Management on behalf of the City. Vanier Park has never been dedicated as a permanent or temporary park by City Council mainly because of several utility right-of-way issues, sub-tenants, possible land claims, and access to the Coast Guard facilities. Park Board staff has been involved in the stakeholder discussions to date. Although Park Board approval is not officially required, staff recommends that the findings of this study process be forwarded to the Park Board with a request for their support.

Stakeholder Comments

The recommendations in this report are broadly supported by representatives of the Kits Point stakeholders.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Many of the recommendations will have significant financial implications and would be reported back to Council separately for approval. In this report, funding of $15,000 from Contingency Reserve is requested to enable the Manager of Building Management to complete preliminary work required to seek project approvals for pedestrian improvements and parking lot changes within Vanier Park (recommendations D, E, and F).

As well, funding of $5,900 for the installation of additional traffic and directional signs to direct traffic to and from Kits Point destinations is requested from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account # 30000326 (traffic calming). In addition to the capital costs, the sign maintenance budgets also needs to be increased by $800 annually, without offset, starting in year 2000.

CONCLUSION

After years of conflicts, discussions, studies and meetings, the recommendations outlined in this report provide the basis from which the Kits Point stakeholders can start to work together to balance their needs and create a mutually beneficial environment.

NOTE FROM CLERK: ELECTRONIC COPIES OF APPENDICES A AND B ARE NOT AVAILABLE - FULL COPIES OF REPORT ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK.

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