HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLN 18-17644
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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."
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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