HomeMy WebLinkAboutOES 04-03
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REPORT TO
FINANCE & OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Report Number: OES 04-03
Date: January 6, 2003
From:
Richard W. Holborn, P. Eng.
Division Head, Municipal Property & Engineering
Subject:
Safer Streets Traffic Management Strategy
Recommendation:
1. That Report OES 04-03 be received by Council; and
2. That the Safer Streets Traffic Management Strategy Final Report (January 2003)
be endorsed as a planning and technical tool and
3. That staff market and communicate the Strategy to stakeholders involved in the
process and the general public.
Executive Summary: The City of Pickering has developed a Safer Streets Traffic
Management Strategy to guide the municipality on the implementation of traffic control
measures to better manage the safe and efficient movement of traffic on City Streets.
The strategy is a "toolkit" of traffic control measures that are designed to improve and
balance traffic flow and safety on City streets. It sets out processes by which traffic
control requests can be fairly and consistently reviewed. These processes are based
on sound traffic engineering principles and technology, and include community
involvement.
The strategy is not an implementation document. It does not empower staff to
implement changes but is the mechanism to bring forth recommendations for the
consideration of Council. All traffic control measures will still require a resolution of
Councilor by-law to be implemented or altered. The information contained within the
Strategy will assist in educating and guiding the public to foster a better understanding
of traffic operations.
Financial Implications: All costs for the Marketing Strategy and completion of the
Traffic Management Strategy were incurred in 2002. Costs incurred for printing and
distributing will be incurred in 2003 and will depend on demand. Future financial
implications resulting from the implementation of related traffic control measures will be
reported when a specific recommendation is brought forward to Council for
consideration.
Report OES 04-03
Date: January 6, 2003
03
Subject: Safer Streets Traffic Management Strategy
Page 2
Background: The Safer Streets Traffic Management Strategy has been prepared
for the Council of the City of Pickering by the Operations & Emergency Services
Department by direction of the CAO following the regular Council meeting held
December 18, 2000.
The Draft Strategy was produced in March 2001 and was received by Council by
Resolution #57/01, Item #3 on April 17, 2001. Council authorized a three-month public
consultation process, which in actuality was carried out for the balance of 2001 as
follows:
1. Copies of the Draft Strategy were circulated to all community organizations in the
City, concerned residents or any other stakeholder that may have interest in the
content and/or development of the document. To date, responses have been
received from a number of residential areas and also from City and emergency
services such as fire, police, ambulance, roads, etc. It is estimated that well over
a hundred copies of the strategy were sent out for review and comment.
2. Staff retained the services of SRM Associates, a local Traffic Engineering
consultant to review the Draft Strategy and to provide professional comment on
its organization and content. A number of the comments received through the
peer review are reflected in the final draft of the document.
3. Public information meetings were held on the evenings of Wednesday, July 25th
and Wednesday, September 19th, 2001. An overview of the Draft Strategy was
provided at these meetings using a PowerPoint presentation following which the
forum was opened for a question and answer period. Comments were received
both in support and in opposition to specific sections of the Strategy with
particular emphasis focused on our past traffic calming pilot projects. Both of
these meetings were very well attended with total attendance exceeding 90
people having both a keen interest in the existing format and the future direction
of the proposed Strategy.
In 2002, after comments had been received by residents and stakeholders, it was
decided that the document needed a marketing strategy in order to be presented in a
more concise and user-friendly manner. The marketing strategy would include the
creation of brochures for each component of the Traffic Management Strategy, and a
communication plan. The services of ABA Inc. were retained and over a six month
period this work was undertaken and is now being presented.
The Safer Streets Traffic Management Strategy includes the following components:
1. Classification of Streets
2. Rationalization of Speed Limits
3. Programs and Policies
a. Neighbourhood Traffic Watch Program
b. 40km/h Reduced Speed Policy
04
Report DES 04-03
Date: January 6, 2003
Page 3
Subject: Safer Streets Traffic Management Strategy
c. All-Way Stop Sign Policy
d. Traffic Calming Policy
e. Community Safety Zone Policy
The components are to be received and endorsed by Council as a means for staff to
receive, review, investigate and report on traffic management issues on City of
Pickering streets.
The Safer Streets Traffic Management Strategy is a living document, which can be
revised to reflect future issues, technology and initiatives. Such initiatives could include
the recently adopted Road Watch Program or the consideration of the use of Yellow-
Green Fluorescent School area signs.
The Safer Streets Traffic Management Strategy has been updated and is in Final
Report format and shall be marketed and communicated to stakeholders and the
general public. The Strategy will be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure that
the policies remain current and relevant. The strategy reflects Pickering's commitment
for community out reach and input and provides that opportunity through its policies.
Attach ments:
Not Applicable
Prepared By:
RWH:ds
I:\COUNCIL\OES 04-03.docJan-O3
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
Recommended for the consideration of
Pickering City Council
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