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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLN 18-17644 ErziNG Report to Planning & Development Committee Report Number: PLN 18-17 Date: December 4, 2017 From: Kyle Bentley Director, City Development & CBO Subject: Metrolinx's Draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan City of Pickering's Response File: T-2500-004 Recommendation: 1. That the comments on Metrolinx's Draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan, contained in the Letter from the City's Manager, Policy & Geomatics to the Chief Planning Officer Planning and Policy, dated November 16, 2017, and provided as Appendix I to Report PLN 18-17 of the Director, City Development & CBO, be endorsed; and 2. That a copy of Report PLN 18-17 be forwarded to Metrolinx, the Ministry of Transportation, Transport Canada, VIA Rail Canada, and the Region of Durham. Executive Summary: In 2006, Metrolinx brought forward its first Regional Transportation Plan, entitled "The Big Move". In accordance with the Metrolinx Act, 2006, Metrolinx has undertaken a review of its Regional Transportation Plan, and released the "Draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area" for comment (see www.metrolinx.com/theplan/). Notice was posted on the Province's online Environmental Registry and comments were solicited fromagencies, stakeholders and the public by November 17, 2017. To meet this deadline, staff prepared and submitted comments directly to Metrolinx. This report seeks Council endorsement of the comments submitted to Metrolinx on this matter. Financial Implications: No direct costs to the City are referenced within the Draft Plan. Once the Plan is adopted, one of Metrolinx's next steps is to prepare an Investment Strategy for this Plan, and to complete, individual business case analyses for specific projects. Staff will prepare a report to Council on the Investment Strategy, and the business case analyses that impact the City, once they have been released. Discussion: 1. Metrolinx is undertaking a review of its Regional Transportation Plan In 2006, Metrolinx brought forward its first Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), entitled "The Big Move". The Big Move guides the work being done to transform the transportation network in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (the GTHA). It provides a vision and set of goals for the GTHA transportation system, and was developed with diverse partners and stakeholders from across the region. The Big Move articulates how the transportation system will provide travellers with convenient and reliable connections and support a high quality of life, a prosperous and competitive economy, and a protected environment in the GTHA. Report PLN 18-17 December 4, 2017 Subject: Metrolinx's Draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan Page 2 In accordance with the Metrolinx Act, 2006, Metrolinx has undertaken a review of The Big Move. The review is necessary to ensure that the RTP continues to reflect the transportation priorities of the region, and can do so within a twenty-five year timeframe to 2041. On October 4, 2017, Metrolinx released the "Draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area" and posted notice on the Province's online Environmental Registry. The notice solicits comments on the Draft Plan which are due no later than November 17, 2017. The Draft Plan builds on the success of The Big Move, recommending strategies and priority actions that will help achieve the original vision for a reliable and high quality regional transportation system, supporting a high quality of life, a prosperous and competitive economy, and a protected environment. The Plan is organized around the following five strategies: Strategy #1: Complete the Delivery of Current Regional Transit Projects A major focus of the Draft Plan is the development of GO Regional Express Rail to transform the existing GO rail system from a commuter -focused service into a regional express system with frequent all -day and two-way service. The completion of 15 other transit projects that are "In Delivery" (under construction or in the engineering design stage) and 13 projects that are "In Development" (in the planning and design stage) will extend the reach of convenient transit via subway, Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit and GO Transit. In Pickering, this includes the Durham — Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit project along Kingston Road. Strategy #2: Connect More of the Region with Frequent Rapid Transit The Draft Plan designates a Frequent Rapid Transit Network that will connect more people in the region with the places they want to go and provide an attractive alternative to driving. Priority Bus Corridors and Regional Express Buses will provide fast and frequent transit services to the parts of the region that are remote from rail, Light Rail Transit, Bus Rapid Transit and subway service. Meeting travellers' needs to 2041 will require further expansions to GO Regional Express Rail, other surface transit systems and subways. In Pickering, this includes frequent regional express bus service on Highway 401 and Highway 407, and priority bus service on Bayly Street, Taunton Road, Whites Road and Brock Road. Strategy #3: Optimize the Transportation System The third strategy focuses on optimizing the transportation system in the GTHA. This includes: integrating fares and service across the region so travellers can move seamlessly from one transit system to another without paying double fares; enhancing transit services that are provided for the "first and last mile" of every trip; and, integrating mobility services which will allow travellers to access a fully coordinated and enhanced suite of travel options from different providers. The transportation system will provide universal, barrier -free access. In addition, an enhanced HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) system will support faster, more reliable bus service and help make carpooling more attractive. Roads and highways will be managed to support transit use. HOV lanes on Highway 401 through Pickering are to be further studied. Report PLN 18-17 December 4, 2017 Subject: Metrolinx's Draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan Page 3 Strategy #4: Integrate Land Use and Transportation To achieve the vision for the region, land use decision-making must align with transportation planning and investment. The Draft Plan contains actions to better integrate land use and transportation planning, especially around transit stations and mobility hubs. Regional collaboration supported by appropriate regulatory measures will encourage the planning of communities and road networks to support transit, cycling and walking. Parking management will encourage car sharing and prepare the region for the arrival of autonomous vehicles. A Regional Cycling Network will make it easier for cyclists to commute to work. The cycling network in Pickering includes the Waterfront Trail, the Trans -Canada Trail, the Greenbelt Route, Highway 7 from the York -Durham Townline to Brock Road, Taunton Road, Whites Road south of Taunton Road, and Kingston Road. Strategy #5: Prepare for an Uncertain Future The fifth strategy focuses on establishing a provincial framework that will provide guidance for the evaluation and regulation of new transportation technologies, such as automated vehicles and shuttles. Regional coordination will produce a transportation system that is resilient to flooding and other impacts of climate change. Joint actions, including a transition to low -carbon transit vehicles, will reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions. Transit providers will partner with the private sector to drive innovation in mobility. 2. Council is requested to endorse Staff Comments The Draft Plan builds on The Big Move and Metrolinx's efforts to develop a more sustainable transportation for the future, while supporting the Province's vision for increased growth and intensification, as expressed through the new Provincial Growth Plan. While the Draft Plan provides a solid foundation for moving forward, Metrolinx recognizes there is still room for further refinement and improvement of the plan, and is seeking the input of municipalities and other stakeholders. During recent discussions at Metrolinx's Municipal Technical Committee, a large number of municipalities (including City staff) expressed concern that the November 17, 2017 deadline was not practical for receiving municipal Council comments. As a compromise, Metrolinx suggested that, for those municipal Councils that could not make the November 17th deadline, municipal staff submit comments by the deadline and have their comments endorsed by their Councils as soon as possible. Accordingly, staff are seeking endorsement of the comments submitted to Metrolinx on November 16, 2017 (Appendix I). Staffs comments focus on: • the recognition of a potential future airport in Pickering, in accordance with Council's recent position • the inclusion of high speed rail in the CP Havelock rail corridor, and the development of a joint VIA -GO rail station in Pickering's City Centre, in accordance with Council's recent position Report PLN 18-17 December 4, 2017 Subject: Metrolinx's Draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan Page 4 • the inclusion of appropriate transit and transportation infrastructure to support growth and development within Seaton prior to 2041, in accordance with the Central Pickering Development Plan and the Pickering Official Plan; and • the provision of additional connections for pedestrians, cyclists, transit and other road users, travelling across the 401 within the City of Pickering, including the connection of Squires Beach Road and Notion Road, and a Church Street interchange Appendix: Appendix I Letter to Leslie Woo, Chief Planning Officer Planning and Policy, Metrolinx dated November 16, 2017 Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By: Jeff Brooks, MCIP, RPP Manager, Policy & Geomatics JB:CR:Id Catherine Rose, MCIP, RPP Chief Planner Kyle Bentley, P.Eng. Director, City Development & CBO Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Tony Prevedel, P.Eng. Chief Administrative Officer 2062_017 Appendix No. 1 to Report No. PLN 18-17 Letter to Chief Planning. Officer Planning and Policy Metrolix, dated November 16, 2017 C44 P I C KE R] N G City Development Department Sent by email November 16, 2017 Leslie Woo Chief Planning Officer Planning and Policy Metrolinx 97 Front Street West Toronto, ON M5J 1E6 Subject: Metrolinx's draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan City of Pickering Comments File: T-2500-004 In response to Ontario Environmental Registry posting 013-1550, regarding Metrolinx's draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan, City of Pickering Staff offer the following comments: 1. Pickering International Airport On June 11, 2013, the Government of Canada announced a responsible and balanced approach for developing the federally -owned Pickering Lands. This approach sets aside land for a potential future airport and the creation of Rouge National Urban Park. To update the current airport site designation and to replace the current Pickering Airport Site Zoning Regulations, Transport Canada is following a regulatory process to: • Declare a smaller portion of the Pickering Lands an airport site, as defined in the Aeronautics Act, subsection 5.4(1); and • Propose Pickering Airport Site Zoning Regulations, under the Aeronautics Act, subsection 5.4(2). These regulations aim to protect a new, smaller Pickering Airport site for future aviation needs, by ensuring land use and development adjacent to and in the vicinity of the airport site does not interfere with safe aircraft operations. The current Regional Transportation Plan (the "Big Move") acknowledged and illustrated a future airport in Pickering. The development of a future airport is also recognized in both the Durham Regional Official Plan and the City of Pickering Official Plan. However, there is no acknowledgement of the proposed future airport in Metrolinx's draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan. It should be noted that on October 10, 2017, City Council adopted the following resolution: "That the Federal Government be advised that the City of Pickering supports the development of an airport in Pickering, subject to the results identified in the Aviation Sector Analysis — Pickering Airport Study and the appropriate Environmental Assessments." Pickering Civic Complex I One The Esplanade 1 Pickering, Ontario L1 V 6K7 T. 905.420.4617 I F. 905.420.7648 1 Toll Free 1.866.683.2760 I citydev@pickering.ca I pickering.ca City of Pickering Comments November 16, 2017 Page 2 of 5 The development of the proposed airport will play an important role in terms of both passenger and goods movement. This should be reflected within the Regional Transportation Plan accordingly. As such, it is recommended that the draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) be modified to acknowledge the development of a potential future airport, and that the RTP address the necessary surface transportation networks (roads, goods movement and transit) that would be required to support the development of this facility. 2. VIA Rail Service Improvements VIA rail provides rail services to business class passengers within and beyond the GTHA. However these services, as well as associated connections with GO, are not formally acknowledged within the draft RTP. The City has had discussions with VIA about improvements to their system that would benefit residents of the City and broader region. On June 12, 2017, City Council received report PLN 10-17 and adopted the following resolution: "That Council request VIA Rail and Metrolinx to move forward with identifying, planning and implementing a joint Pickering GO and VIA Rail station within the Pickering City Centre; and that Council support the efforts of VIA Rail in investigating the introduction of high frequency rail service in the CN Havelock rail corridor." As part of its bid for Amazon's second headquarters, on October, 10, 2017, Council reaffirmed its support for high speed rail services, by adopting the following resolution: "That Council request VIA Rail Canada and Metrolinx to move forward with identifying, planning and implementing high frequency rail service on the CP Havelock rail corridor, which in turn will help attract key investment to the Pickering Innovation Corridor and the Federal Pickering Lands site; and that the appropriate Environmental Assessment (EA) process for high frequency rail service on the CP Havelock rail corridor commence no later than September 30, 2018." It is recommended that the draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) be modified to acknowledge and illustrate a potential future high speed rail corridor within CP Havelock Rail Corridor, and a joint VIA -GO rail station in the Pickering City Centre. 3. Transportation Services to support growth in the Seaton community In 2004, the Province of Ontario released the Central Pickering Development Plan under the Ontario Planning and Development Act, 2004. The plan establishes a comprehensive new vision for - Central Pickering: that of a sustainable urban community in Seaton integrated with a thriving agricultural community in the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve and an extensive Natural Heritage System. The Central Pickering Development Plan regards a transportation network as including streets, roads and transit lines, pedestrian trails and bicycle paths. The plan seeks to establish a more effective balance among these various modes — one that reduces travel times and encourages walking. To realize this objective, it is the policy of this plan that the introduction of transit services be facilitated as development occurs. City of Pickering Comments November 16, 2017 Page3of5 The first phase of Seaton is currently being constructed, and it is anticipated that 1800 units per year will be constructed over the next 15 years. By 2031, the Seaton Community will be largely built -out. To ensure consistency with the Central Pickering Development Plan prepared by the Province, the Region's Transportation Master Plan, and the policies and designations of the City's Official Plan, it is recommended that the following transportation infrastructure and transit services be included in the RTP, within the 2041 timeframe: • Extend priority bus service on Whites Road north to Highway 7. • Extend rapid transit services along Highway 7 from the Town of Markham to Brock Road and Highway 7. This will provide transit services within the Pickering Innovation Corridor. • Extend GO rail services along the CP Belleville line to Seaton. • Include a Mobility Hub in the vicinity of Brock Road, Taunton Road, and the CP Belleville rail line. A Gateway Hub was illustrated in the 2008 RTP. • Extend the secondary bicycle route on Whites Road from Taunton Road to Highway 7. • Change the designation of the Highway 407 Transitway, from Kennedy Road to Brock Road, from "Frequent Regional Express Bus" to "Transitway". A separate transitway, parallel to Highway 407, has been planned for this location, as opposed to frequent bus service operating in mixed traffic conditions. The notice of completion of the Environmental Project Report for the "Highway 407, Kennedy Road to Brock Road, Transitway Transit Project" has been issued by the Ministry of Transportation. 4. New connections across Highway 401 Highway 401 presents a significant obstacle for those travelling north and south of the highway. Presently, there are limited routes (i.e., 3 highway interchanges — Whites Road, Liverpool Road and Brock Road, 1 flyover — Rougemount Drive, and 1 Pedestrian bridge) that pedestrians, cyclists, transit and other road users can take. To improve connections and travel options for pedestrians, cyclists, transit and other road users, it is recommended that Metrolinx, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Region of Durham collectively work with the City to explore and implement opportunities for additional Highway 401 crossings, including: • An additional pedestrian bridge at Valley Farm RoadlSandy Beach Road and the Highway 401 to facilitate pedestrian connections between the north and south halves of Pickering's urban growth centre. • A new Highway 401 interchange at Church Street and Highway 401, which would serve the new tourist destination (Durham Live) south west of the interchange. • New Highway 401 flyovers associated with: the extension of Notion Road to Squires Beach Road; and, a new arterial road crossing in the vicinity of the Ontario Hydro corridor on the western edge of the City's urban growth centre. City of Pickering Comments November 16, 2017 Page4of5 5. Other Matters In addition, to the comments above, City staff offer the following comments for consideration: Other Transit Network improvements • The Bayly Street priority bus route designation from Liverpool Road to Brock Street should be changed to LRT/BRT designation. The Region's TMP review shows that this segment is to have rapid transit in exclusive lanes by 2031. There is a large confluence of transit routes at this location as they enter the Pickering GO station. Exclusive lanes and a bus only access to the Pickering GO station will ensure the rapid delivery of transit services. • To facilitate priority bus service in the Taunton. Road/Steeles Avenue corridor, Steeles Avenue will need to be improved east of Regional Road 30. It is recommended that Metrolinx take a lead role in bringing together the various parties (i.e., City of Toronto, York Region and Region of Durham) to advance this project in a timely fashion. Other Cycling Network improvements • Although Sideline 12 is being used as a cycling route within the Proposed Regional Cycling Network, it is a gravel road and does not meet the standards of Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18. Instead City staff propose that Westney Road from 7th Concession to 9th Concession be identified as a proposed route. Westney Road is proposed to be hard surfaced in our 5 year plan. • It should be noted that all of the On and Off Road routes identified in the Proposed Regional Cycling Network will need to be constructed or brought up to the standards identified in the Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18 standards. Addressing the Movement of Hazardous Goods • Although Metrolinx highlights the need to promote integrated planning for rail corridors, there is no mention of rationalizing the movement of hazardous goods through populated areas. As part of this initiative, Metrolinx should engage the freight industry and other stakeholders to examine goods movement alternatives and measures to reduce the risk of a future incident occurring. Monitoring and Plan Performance • The draft RTP sets a•number of lofty targets, but does not always provide a clear indication of what measures will be put in place to achieve these targets (e.g. achieving Vision Zero, achieving an increase of 60% of school trips by walking or cycling). The key performance indicators listed within the Plan need to be correlated with associated programs and deliverables. This should be undertaken in concert with preparation of a "regional transportation big data strategy", as outlined in the Plan. City of Pickering Comments November 16, 2017 Page 5 of 5 Financing and Implementing the Plan It is our understanding that following the adoption of this Plan, Metrolinx will endeavor to prepare a more detailed Investment Strategy, as well as business case analyses for future projects. The strategy and associated business case analyses must take into account local and regional facility and operational improvements needed to support the Plan's implementation (e.g. eliminating level rail crossings to facilitate new GO rail services, providing local cycling connections and new bus laybys to facilitate access to GO stations, acquiring new rolling stock to support a 24 hour regional transit network, etc.), as well as the funding mechanisms and partnerships needed to achieve the Plan's goals. Please note that these comments will be presented to the City's Planning & Development Committee on December 4th for endorsement by City Council on December 11 th Yours truly Jeff Brooks, MC1P, RPP, AMCT Manager, Policy & Geomatics JB:jc JADocumentslTranaportatton1T-25001T-2500-00412017 Draft RTP\Comments on draft 2041 RTgtlocu Copy: Jacques Fauteux, Director of Government and Community Relations, VIA Rail Canada Perry Papadatos, Regional Manager, Pickering Site Operations, Transport Canada Katerina Minaeva, Senior Policy Analyst, Ministry of Transportation Susan Siopis, Commissioner of Works, Region of Durham Brian Bridgeman, Commissioner of Planning & Economic Development, Region of Durham Director, Engineering Services Director, City Development & CBO Chief Planner