CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON

TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC

DECEMBER 9, 1997

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, December 9, 1997, at approximately 12:40 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: Deputy Mayor Gordon Price

Councillor Don Bellamy

Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario

Councillor Jennifer Clarke

Councillor Alan Herbert

Councillor Lynne Kennedy

Councillor Daniel Lee

Councillor Don Lee

Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT: Mayor Philip Owen (Civic Business)

Councillor George Puil (Civic Business)

CLERK TO THE

COUNCIL: Denise Salmon

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,

SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,

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

December 9, 1997

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

Cl.1: Policy Discussion - Richmond Rapid Bus

Cl.2: Vancouver Transportation Plan - Review of Action Items

Scheduled for Completion Within Three Years

Cl. 3: Upgrading the Seaside Bike Route along English Bay Beach

Clauses 1 and 3

MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,

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

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Vancouver Transportation Plan - Review of Action Items

Scheduled for Completion Within Three Years

(Clause 2)

MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,

THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 3 of this report, be approved.

- CARRIED

(Councillors Bellamy, Clarke, Price and Sullivan opposed to Recommendation F.)

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

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. Chiavario,

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

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS

1. Leave of Absence - Councillor Chiavario

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke

SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert

THAT Councillor Chiavario be granted Leave of Absence for the Public Hearing on December 11, 1997.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Leave of Absence - Councillor Puil

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy

SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert

THAT Councillor Puil be granted Leave of Absence for Thursday, December 11, 1997, due to his recent bereavement.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Council adjourned at 12:45 p.m.

* * * * *

REPORT TO COUNCIL

STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

ON TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC

DECEMBER 9, 1997

A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Transportation and Traffic was held on Tuesday, December 9, 1997, at approximately 9:30 a.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT: Councillor Gordon Price, Chair

Mayor Philip Owen (Portion of Item 1)

Councillor Don Bellamy

Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario

Councillor Jennifer Clarke

Councillor Alan Herbert

Councillor Lynne Kennedy

Councillor Daniel Lee

Councillor Don Lee

Councillor George Puil

Councillor Sam Sullivan

CLERK TO THE

COMMITTEE: Denise Salmon

RECOMMENDATION

1. Policy Discussion - Richmond Rapid Bus File: 5559

The Committee had before it a status report dated December 1997, on the Richmond-Vancouver Rapid Bus, prepared by the BC Transit. The status report set out the following:

·400·Background·400

·400·The Planning and Preliminary Design·400

- Customer Service and Operating Plan

- Traffic Management and Signal Plan

- Functional Design and Cost Report

- Preliminary Design/Specification

cont'd

Clause No. 1 Cont'd

·400·Marketing·400

·400·Preliminary Design Recommendations·400

- Preferred Alignment

- Station Stops

- Proposed Priority Measures

·400·Financial·400

·400·Customer Service Features·400

·400·Branding and Positioning·400

·400·Next Steps·400

Wayne Pledger, Strategic Transportation Planning, Engineering Services, provided a brief introduction and introduced Fred Cummings, Project Manager, and Teresa Watts, Consultant to BC Transit.

With the aid of overheads, Ms.Watts provided an overview on the Richmond-Vancouver Rapid Bus proposal, and advised September 1999 is targeted for introduction of the service. The intent is to provide a reliable, frequent service, including off-peak hours, with a 35-40 minute target for route travel time. To accomplish this goal, the following would be required:

·400·dedicated bus lanes·400

·400·peak hour parking restrictions·400

·400·signal priorities·400

·400·queue jumps·400

·400·adjustment to pedestrian crossing phase patterns on side streets·400

·400·left turn restrictions during peak hours, and some all day·400

·400·deletion of parking at selected locations·400

In response to questions from Council, BC Transit representatives advised:

·400·Rapid Bus Airport connections would be coordinated with a shuttle service provided by the Airport Authority, with service intended primarily for employees. However, luggage storage and exchange could also be geared to tourists, although bus alternatives currently exist for this group·400

cont'd

Clause No. 1 Cont'd

·400·Normal fares are anticipated for the service, although final decision rests with the Vancouver Regional Transit Commission; the clean diesel buses will sport an identifying colour scheme and are now on order for delivery summer 1999; bike racks are currently under consideration·400

·400·Stations will have distinct names and exhibit visual readout signs advising of wait times; maps and transfer information will also be available; buses will display information readouts and provide audio stop announcements·400

·400·Construction of a new bus counter-flow lane is envisaged for Smithe Street, as passengers have indicated the importance of the route's proximity to Robson Street·400

·400·Next steps include consultations with business and property owners in the Downtown, South Granville and Marpole; open houses and public displays will continue through February, with March targeted for Council approval·400

·400·According to market research Granville Street, not Cambie, is the highest demand corridor from both Vancouver and Richmond; it also has the advantage of a Richmond/UBC connection, and is consistent with the City's Transportation Plan as the city's prime north/south corridor·400

·400·BC Transit representatives will include a review of anticipated bus noise at their next Council presentation, as it relates to the City's Noise Task Force report·400

·400·In addition to material received for information by Council in May, a public brochure on Rapid Bus has been available at BC Transit's information offices, and distributed to libraries and communities centres along the corridor; a mail drop will follow to residents and property owners along the route·400

Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, noted today's presentation was an initial orientation. BC Transit's proposals are subject to public process and staff review, with downtown counterflow lanes and some parking restrictions still in need of further discussion.

* * * * *

During discussion of the foregoing the Mayor left the meeting on Civic Business.

* * * * *

cont'd

Clause No. 1 Cont'd

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

RECOMMENDED

THAT the verbal presentation and Richmond-Vancouver Rapid Bus Status Report dated December 1997, from BC Transit be received for information.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Puil not present for the vote.)

* * * * *

Prior to discussion of Item 2 Planning and Engineering Services staff provided Council with copies of the newly printed Vancouver Transportation Plan booklet.

* * * * *

2.Vancouver Transportation Plan - Review of Action

Items Scheduled for Completion Within Three Years File: 5560

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated November 20, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services and Director of City Plans recommended an implementation program for inclusion in 1998-2000 work plans based on actions items scheduled for completion "within 3 years" as outlined in the City's Transportation Plan, approved by Council on May 27, 1997.

Wayne Pledger, Strategic Transportation Planning Engineer, reviewed the main points of the report with the Committee and noted the majority of items can be completed within the next three years with existing staff resources; however the following would require additional staff and/or funding or a significant reallocation of staff from existing work programs: Broadway LRT, Downtown Transportation Plan, and Plan monitoring.

Ann McAfee, Director of City Plans, noted the recommended action items constitute a substantial program of work, and a number of items would be set up as pilot projects, with report back to Council with proposals for further detailed work. Of particular interest to Planning would be transit and its relationship to land use, traffic calming and prioritizing, and the Downtown Transportation Plan.

cont'd

Clause No. 2 Cont'd

Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, advised it was not the intent to have the original Transportation Plan Project Team continue on the project, but rather integrate the various tasks into departmental work programs.

Emma Dal Santo, Bicycle Advisory Committee:

·400·relayed the Committee's support for most of the implementation plan as set out in the report·400

·400·stressed the importance of a report back early in 1998 on a plan to collect data and monitor changes to the transportation system (Rec. D)·400

·400·felt doubling of the modal shift every five years a more realistic goal than a 2-3% increase in bikes and pedestrians by the year 2021·400

·400·the next important step for developing an integrated bike network in the City is downtown bike lanes as part of the Downtown Transportation Plan, and secondly, working on a better arterial bicycle environment·400

·400·queried if implementation of bike lanes downtown is intended to move into the 1-3 year time frame in conjunction with development of the Downtown Transportation Plan·400

·400·expressed the Committee's desire to offer its expertise and contribute to development of the Plan through continued consultation with Engineering Services staff·400

Liz Haan, South West Marine Drive Ratepayers Association (brief filed):

·400·stated the report before Council this day does not meet objectives as set out in the Transportation Plan report approved by Council on May 27, 1997·400

·400·stated priorities are not ranked, and work plans are not yet integrated into existing work programs, with no delivery dates provided·400

·400·noted the need for public involvement at an early stage·400

·400·was in the support of Action Item R2 - Review of Building Lines - and offered her neighbourhood as a pilot site·400

·400·suggested Plan responsibility be given back to the Transportation Planning Team·400

·400·pointed out no major road network is identified·400

Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, advised Recommendation D contained in the Administrative Report does state staff will report back early in 1998 on a plan to collect data and monitor changes to the Transportation System. It was also noted only actions emerging directly from the Plan are listed. Discussion on the major road network has evolved since plan preparation, with the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority has just completing its review of same. In response to a question from Council,

Mr. Rudberg advised it would be possible to bring the Transportation Planning Team back together periodically to monitor the Plan's progress.

cont'd

Clause No. 2 Cont'd

Robert King, Chair, Building Line Committee, South West Marine Drive Ratepayers Association (brief filed):

·400·advised impact of building lines in his neighbourhood would be much greater than on most city building lots, with up to 20% of some lots involved; requested Southwest Marine Drive be selected as a building line pilot project along with 41st Avenue·400

·400·noted South West Marine Drive west of Granville is first and foremost a residential street·400

Margaret Eberle, Clinton Neighbourhood Committee

·400·expressed concern that a major initiative such as the regional transit proposal is not discussed in the implementation plan·400

·400·advised First Avenue traffic volumes are extremely high for a residential street and growing faster than any other east-west street in the City, with increases in off-peak times as well·400

·400·distributed invitation to Council and staff to attend a reception and presentation at a residents' home in early January to experience, first hand, traffic impact on the neighbourhood·400

·400·noted no reference to First Avenue is made in the Plan before Council this day·400

Marilyn Pollard, Neighbour to Neighbour

·400·expressed her desire for information on Transportation Plan impacts on the Main and King Edward area·400

·400·noted the lack of graphics and budget figures in the report·400

·400·supported continuation of an integrated Engineering/Planning team approach·400

·400·expressed the need for public input to ensure the Plan's accountability and progression·400

·400·advised land use planning and destinations must be considered in conjunction with review of the Transportation Plan·400

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

RECOMMENDED

A.THAT the Action Items contained in Appendix A of the Administrative Report dated November 20, 1997, be integrated into the work programs of Engineering and Planning.

cont'd

Clause No. 2 Cont'd

B.THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services and the General Manager of Community Services report back early in 1998 on options, timing and resources required to carry out a transportation and circulation plan for the Downtown.

C.THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services, the General Manager of Community Services, and others as required, report back, at the appropriate time, on the resources and strategy for participating in the planning and implementation of the Broadway LRT.

D.THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services and the General Manager of Community Services report back early in 1998 on a Plan to collect data and monitor changes to the Transportation System; the report back to include an implementation plan to measure compliance.

E.THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services in consultation with the General Manager of Community Services, undertake a review of the opportunities for improving transit services in the City, in the context of possible opportunities offered by a new regional transportation authority.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

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

RECOMMENDED

F.THAT the Initiatives (R1-M7) listed in Appendix A (Pages 12-33) of the Administrative Report dated November 20, 1997, be repackaged into booklet form for public information.

- CARRIED

(Councillors Bellamy, Clarke, Price and Sullivan opposed.)

cont'd

Clause No. 2 Cont'd

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

RECOMMENDED

G.THAT, to formalize the Vancouver Transportation Plan process, the original Transportation Plan Team have input on a regular basis.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.Upgrading the Seaside Bike Route along

English Bay Beach File: 5553

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated November 24, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services and the General Manager of Parks and Recreation recommended improvements to the Seaside Bike Route along English Bay Beach to address congestion and safety concerns among pedestrians, cyclists, in-line skaters, and motorists.

Doug Louie, Neighbourhood Transportation, Engineering Services, and Pieter Rutgers, Manager of Park Acquisition and Research, were present to answer questions from Council.

Joe Arnaud spoke in favour of the plan, with note the Park Board had approved its recommendations the day before, with 80% of the public in favour of the route.

Emma Dal Santo, Bicycle Advisory Committee, (comments made earlier, during her presentation on the Transportation Plan) advised of her support for the Plan as approved by the Park Board on Monday and requested Council support the recommendations. The Committee see the route as an extension of the Seawall and endorse its transition between recreational use and a buffer zone into the traffic.

In response to questions from Council staff noted no provision had been made for lost parking space; however, the parking lots in Stanley Park adjacent the Park Board office could be utilized by park visitors. Reference was also made to the Park Board's donation program which helped fund cost of benches and planters in the area. Staff also confirmed a 15km speed limit would be posted, as would signs indicating "faster bikes use roadway".

cont'd

Clause No. 3 Cont'd

* * * * *

During discussion of the foregoing Councillor Puil left the meeting on Civic Business.

* * * * *

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

RECOMMENDED

A.THAT the Seaside Bike Route along English Bay Beach be improved by constructing a new bike path from Stanley Park to Sunset Beach, as detailed in this report, at a total estimated cost of $855,000;

B.THAT the cost of the project be funded as follows:

i)$239,167 from the Park Board 1997 Capital Budget and $60,000 as an advance approval of the Park Board 1998 Capital Budget

ii)$282,167 in advance of the 1998 Streets Basic Capital ($17,000 has already been approved and allocated for preliminary work)

iii)$206,666 approved from the Canada/British Columbia Infrastructure Works Program

iv)$50,000 from the Streets Sidewalk Reconstruction Account #12/31/6902/999.

C.THAT the Mayor write to the Canada/BC Infrastructure Works Program thanking them for their 1997/98 program contribution towards the English Bay Bike Route.

D.THAT the City of Vancouver, Park Board and BC Transit be requested to work together to market the City's public bus system in the English Bay area for the convenience and awareness of potential users.

E.THAT both the Park Board staff and Commissioners, and City staff be complimented on their efforts on this project given its potential to be an extremely contentious issue.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Committee adjourned at approximately 12:40 p.m.

* * * * *

(c) 1997 City of Vancouver