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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO 05-22 Pl(KERJNG Report to Council Report Number: CAO 05-22 Date: April 25, 2022 From: Fiaz Jadoon Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects Subject: High Frequency Rail –Development of a Business Case and Concept Plan for a Pickering Station -File: A-1440 Recommendation: 1.That Council approve the proposal submitted by WSP to develop a strategic business case and concept plan for a High Frequency Rail (HFR) station stop in Pickering inaccordance with Purchasing Policy 10.03 (c); in the amount of $107,734.20 (HSTincluded), and that the net project cost of $97,018.00 (net of HST rebate) be accepted; 2.That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the net project cost of $97,018.00 as follows: a.The sum of $48,509.00 to be funded from Property Taxes per the 2022 CurrentBudget; and b.The sum of $48,509.00 to be funded by the Regional Municipality of Durham; 3.That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report; and 4.That the City Clerk forward a copy of Report CAO 05-22 to the Region of Durham’s Officeof the CAO and Planning & Economic Development Department. Executive Summary: The Joint Project Office (JPO), a team assembled by VIA Rail Canada (VIA) and the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), is exploring the opportunity for a High Frequency Rail (HFR) service between Toronto and Quebec City. This rail service is expected to travel along the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) Havelock line, which passes through the northern area of Pickering, however, the JPO is also exploring other existing track options that pass through the eastern Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In collaboration with the Region of Durham, the City of Pickering is interested in developing a strategic business case and concept plan for an HFR station stop in Pickering. Over the last six years, VIA has advocated for an HFR line along the eastern GTA corridor as a solution to passenger train delays and inefficiencies. VIA, Metrolinx, Canadian National (CN), and CP currently share the existing rail line infrastructure located near Highway 401 between Toronto and Quebec City for the movement of passengers and goods, causing further inefficiencies for VIA to meet passenger demands. As a solution, VIA is proposing an HFR line to reduce congestion and create a more sustainable and rapid operating system. The most up to date plans by VIA and the JPO do not identify any proposed stations within Durham Region. CAO 05-22 April 25, 2022 Subject: High Frequency Rail Page 2 City and Regional staff met with VIA and the JPO in December, 2021 as part of their pre- planning work to engage with local communities. Staff discussed the potential opportunity for an HFR station stop in Pickering and received positive feedback from VIA and the JPO. At the March 28, 2022 Council Meeting (Report Number CAO 03-22, Resolution #844/22), Council endorsed staff recommendations to hire a consultant and submit a strategic business case and concept plan to the JPO by June 2022. Due to the aggressive timeline, staff are seeking Council’s approval to single source the consulting services. In accordance with Purchasing Policy 10.03 (c), where the estimated cost of the consulting engagement is expected to be above $50,000.00, additional Council approval is required. The study will also include potential ridership forecasting for an HFR station stop in Pickering. WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firm. Their degree and quality of expertise in sustainable transportation networks will benefit the City of Pickering and Region of Durham’s position in the JPO’s planning process. WSP holds extensive experience in developing travel demand models used by Metrolinx and has previously provided consultation services on High Frequency Rail projects to VIA. It is therefore recommended that the proposal submitted by WSP for the total amount of $107,734.20 (HST included) be accepted, and that WSP be retained to develop a strategic business case and concept plan for an HFR station in Pickering. In support of this initiative, the Region of Durham is prepared to fund 50 per cent of the project cost, up to the budgeted upset limit of $60,000. Financial Implications: 1.Proposal Amount WSP Proposal $95,340.00 HST (13%) 12,394.20 Total Gross Proposal Cost $107,734.20 2.Project Costing Summary WSP Proposal $95,340.00 HST (13%) $12,394.00 Total Gross Project Costs $107,734.00 HST Rebate (11.24%) (10,716.00) Total Net Project Costs $97,018.00 CAO 05-22 April 25, 2022 Subject: High Frequency Rail Page 3 3.Source of Funds SAP GL Account Source of Funds 2022 Budget Required 502230.10000 Property Taxes $75,000.00 $48,509.00 502230.10000 Third Party Contribution-0.00 48,509.00 Region of Durham Total Funds: $75,000.00 $97,018.00 Discussion: VIA’s proposed development to Transport Canada for an HFR line between Toronto to Quebec City is a transformational project that will enhance transportation along the eastern GTA corridor. The City of Pickering, in collaboration with the Region of Durham will be developing a strategic business case and concept plan for an HFR station in Pickering that will be submitted to the JPO for consideration. On July 6, 2021 the Federal government announced plans to begin pre-planning work for an HFR line between Toronto and Quebec City. City and Regional staff met with the JPO in late December 2021 as part of their consultation process to provide valuable feedback regarding the project. In this meeting, City staff outlined the need for an HFR station stop along the Federal Pickering Lands, in order to broaden future connectivity for Durham and adjacent communities. At the March 28, 2022 Council Meeting (Report Number CAO 03-22, Resolution #844/22), Members of Council endorsed staff recommendations to hire a consultant and present key findings to the JPO by June 2022. Due to this short timeline, staff are not able to issue a formal RFP and have decided to single source consulting services in accordance with Purchasing Policy section 10. Through preliminary discussions, City and Regional staff have determined the services of WSP are required to develop a strategic business case and concept plan, which includes ridership forecasting for a potential station stop in Pickering. WSP will work alongside City and Regional staff in order to be prepared and meet the defined timeline for a proposal to the JPO. The firm brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and resources, which will be key in preparing a comprehensive submission. In addition to working on high profile projects, WSP also brings experience specific to High Frequency Rail through their previous work with VIA. WSP is a specialized engineering enterprise that designs sustainable transportation networks, conducts environmental remediation & urban planning, develops future energy sources, and finds innovative ways to extract essential resources. WSP is able to draw upon the assets and experiences of an international firm while simultaneously providing localized personal knowledge. Considering the aggressive timeline and lack of internal resources and expertise, the consulting services of WSP would assure that a detailed and quality proposal is submitted by the City of Pickering and Region of Durham. CAO 05-22 April 25, 2022 Subject: High Frequency Rail Page 4 WSP will be focusing on five main areas: 1.Development of a strategic business case;2.Forecasting potential ridership from Durham, York and surrounding regions; 3.Concept plan identifying a potential area and design of an HFR station;4.Provide advice and best practices regarding its development of a strategic businesscase and concept plan for an HFR station in Pickering to enhance the City’ssubmission to the JPO; and5.Present the final study to Council and the JPO. The total cost of retaining WSP to develop a strategic proposal for the City is $107,734.20 (HST included) and the total net project cost is $97,018.00 (net of HST rebate). The City will share the cost of the consultant with the Region of Durham. The Region has confirmed their 50 per cent funding up to a budgeted upset limit of $60,000.00. Attachment: 1.WSP Proposal Letter Approved/Endorsed By: Original Signed By: Fiaz Jadoon MPM, Ec.D.. CEcD. Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects Stan Karwowski, MBA, CPA, CMA Director, Finance & Treasurer Prepared By: Original Signed By: Taaha Javed Economic Development & Strategic Projects Associate FJ:la Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer Original Signed By: Attachment #1 to Report CAO 05-22 2022-04-14 (Revision 1) Confidential Taaha Javed Economic Development and Strategic Projects Department Phone: 905-420-4660 Email: tjaved@pickering.ca Subject: High Frequency Rail Station -Scope of Work Dear Sir: Pursuant to our discussions, we are delighted to submit a work plan and quote for services to complete a business case and concept plan for a potential High Frequency Rail station in Pickering. This letter proposal outlines our understanding of the City’s requirements, our experience and qualifications, proposed work plan, schedule, and fee. PROJECT UNDERSTANDING A 2016 study from VIA Rail established the need for a High Frequency Rail (HFR) service between Toronto and Quebec City. Two primary objectives defined the need for an HFR; first, improving connectivity and accessibility of large and small urban centres in Eastern Ontario through sustainable travel; and second, spurring economic development in the catchment areas of the HFR. Achieving such an HFR service requires bypassing existing freight corridors in Eastern Ontario, which could be achieved by way of using CP’s Havelock line that spans from west of Smiths Falls to Toronto or along a different alignment. The original study limited stations to Smiths Falls and Peterborough, although the Joint Project Office (JPO) that is overseeing the HFR initiative has acknowledged the possibility of adding stations along the corridor provided they meet the objectives of the original study. The alignment of the Havelock line, forecasted growth patterns in Seaton, the City of Pickering’s vicinity to Toronto, capacity constraints in the Lakeshore East and Stouffville GO corridors, and the potential development of the Pickering Airport, presents a rather unique opportunity for the City to explore the feasibility of a HFR station along the western boundary of the City. The scope of work in the current RFP requires developing a business case for the two potential HFR station locations identified a priori by the City, including the creation of concept plans that will result in making preliminary recommendations for a preferred site. CORPORATE EXPERIENCE AND EDGES WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms and are proud of our origins in Canada. Our expertise ranges from engineering design to designing sustainable transportation network, to environmental remediation and urban planning, to developing tomorrow’s energy sources and finding innovative ways to extract essential resources and we continue to diversify. Transportation Planning is in our DNA. We would like to highlight a few characteristics that distinguish us from our peers. 100 Commerce Valley Drive West Thornhill, ON Canada L3T 0A1 T: +1 905 882-1100 F: +1 905 882-0055 wsp.com Click here to enter text. • WSP is Metrolinx’s trusted partner on engineering and planning services as seen by our track record on the Regional Express Rail 1,2, and 3 contracts; • We are internationally recognized professionals in transportation, transit planning and engineering; • WSP is a multidisciplinary, professional services firm recognized as an industry leader in the provision of quality, cost-effective and technically excellent multidisciplinary solutions for a diverse range of assignments; • We have deep local expertise combined with qualified field resources and office support staff across Canada; Our Edges We have a solid understanding of the subject matter required to complete the assignment in a short time horizon. • We have a deep knowledge of business casing for public transit projects and regularly work with Metrolinx to prepare and deliver business cases in the GTHA at all levels of the project development life cycle; • We have a head start over the competition due to the peer review several members of our proposed team completed of the original 2016 HFR study on the behest of Transport Canada; • WSP has developed the flagship travel demand models that are used by Metrolinx and the MTO for assessing GO Rail and Long Distance Rail potential in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area and the Province of Ontario; • WSP has extensive experience in conceptual, preliminary design and EA processes including station development and evaluation Project Experience We have identified three projects to highlight our expertise and suitability for this assignment. • High Frequency Rail Due Diligence Report (Client: CDEV, Federal Government, 2016-17). This project involved the review of VIA Rail’s proposed High Frequency Rail (HFR) service between Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal. This included a review of passenger travel demand forecasting, capital and operating costing, financial modelling and alternative financing and procurement (AFP) options. The goal of this assignment was to provide the Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), the federal Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Transport with guidance on the work completed to date by VIA in the development of their HFR business case and requests for funding. This project occurred over a six month timeframe and involved engagement of multiple project stakeholders including: Transport Canada, Finance Canada, and various potential industry participants. • Milton GO Corridor Initial Business Case (Client: Metrolinx, 2021-present). WSP is working collaboratively with Metrolinx on the development of an Initial Business Case for all-day service along the Milton GO Corridor. The business case is developed according to a standard Metrolinx format and includes chapters outlining the case for change, investment options, the strategic case, the economic case, the financial case, the deliverability and operations case, and a business case summary. • Greater Golden Horseshoe Model update (GGHMv4) (Client: MTO, 2015-18). WSP was involved in the most recent update of the Province’s primary travel demand model for the GTHA. The GGHMV4 was designed from the ground up as an advanced, microsimulated regional travel demand forecasting model. It is the flagship transportation model for both MTO and Metrolinx, who continue to invest in the model’s ongoing improvements and development. The GGHM reflects the complexity of travel in the Page 2 PICKERING Project Lead Razi Chagla Strategic Advisor Deputy Project Manager Mausam Duggal Jeremy Finkleman Task 1: Business Case Task 2: Concept Design Task Lead: Jeremy Finkleman Task Lead: Travel Demand Modelling: Patrick Malloy Nemanja Radakovic Junior and Intermediate GIS, Analytical and Technical Support Team Region with advanced transit forecasting capabilities. Five transit sub-modes are explicitly modelled in a four-level nested formulation, including a multi-part virtual-path- building feature for subway and commuter rail sub-modes, differentiated by mode-of- access (walk, drop-off, or park) and egress. The model was developed on the Emme Modeller platform, customized to work with advanced software developed in-house in Python and FORTRAN. The model has already been used widely to provide insight into the ridership and benefits (travel time savings) across a number of transit forecasting studies, including light-rail expansion, regional express rail services, land-use studies, and tolling scenarios. TEAM AND QUALIFICATIONS The organizational chart for our proposed team is noted below: Core team member bios are as follows: Razi Chagla, MBA Years of Experience: 16 Proposed Role: Project Lead Razi is a Director of Real Estate and Infrastructure Advisory WSP Canada. He has 16 years of experience in assessing, planning, and implementing major real estate and infrastructure projects. He is well versed in business case and business analysis, including economic, strategic, and financial analysis, quantitative modelling and risk analysis. Page 3 Razi has provided strategic advisory on a wide array of assets related to commercial viability, financial modelling and cost-benefit analysis for decision making purposes. Razi recently completed projects, on both provincial and federal levels, related to carrying out detailed market analysis, grant funding applications, bottom-up costing analysis and land value uplift for major transit and transportation related improvements. Relevant Project Experience: • NJDOT Rt 40 Cost Benefit Analysis (2022) • TTC Yonge North Subway Extension Procurement Options Analysis (2019) • Via HFR Due Diligence (2016-2017) Jeremy Finkleman, MCIP RPP Years of Experience: 12 Proposed Role: Deputy Project Manager, Task 1 Lead Jeremy is a Senior Transportation Planner focusing on transit in WSP’s Transportation Planning and Science Department. Jeremy has a strong background in transportation analytics, network planning, transit service planning, and multi-modal integrated planning studies. His experience includes work in public transit, new mobility, planning for transit facilities, corridor planning, highway planning, business casing, and transportation master planning. Relevant Project Experience: • Milton GO Corridor Initial Business Case, Metrolinx (2021 – present) • 15+ business cases for BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (2012-2021) Patrick Malloy, P.Eng. Years of Experience: 14 Proposed Role: Task 2 Lead Patrick is a Project Manager in WSP’s Transportation Planning group with a focus on transit. He has over 14 years experience in civil and transportation design, including planning, preliminary design, detailed design and construction support. He has completed detail design for linear and site infrastructure projects including roadway, utility design and coordination of utility designs with railway. Experienced in transit corridor enhancement, station / land development including site plan development, grading designs, site servicing designs, construction staging and constructability reports. Has experience in leading and coordinating large multi discipline design teams for transit and infrastructure projects. Relevant Project Experience: • Waterloo ION LRT Stage 2 EA and TPAP, Region of Waterloo (2018 – present) Page 4 • Confederation GO Station (2016 – present), Guildwood GO Station (2014 – 2018), Eglinton GO Station (2013 -2015), Metrolinx • GTA West Transportation Corridor Route Planning and Environmental Assessment Study, Stage 2, MTO (2021 – present) Nemanja Radakovic, B.A.Sc. (Civil Engineering) Years of Experience: 11 Proposed Role: Transportation Modeller Nemanja is a transportation modeller in WSP’s Travel Demand Modelling and Data Science Centre of Excellence. He has worked extensively across the GTHA and Canada on transportation planning projects including travel demand modelling, mesoscopic modelling, microsimulation, traffic impact studies, corridor studies, PPPs, safety assessment studies, master plans, and environmental assessments. Relevant Project Experience: • Greater Golden Horseshoe Model v4, MTO (2017-18) • Eglinton West Extension LRT Ridership Forecasting, Metrolinx (2019) • GTAA Regional Transit Passenger Centre Study, GTAA and Metrolinx (2019-2020) Mausam Duggal, MCIP RPP Years of Experience: 17 Proposed Role: Strategic Advisor Mausam is the National Director of WSP’s Transportation Planning and Science division that includes seven Centres of Excellence that span all facets of transportation planning. Mausam’s technical expertise lies in the development of large scale and complex travel demand models for municipal and provincial for infrastructure and policy evaluation. He has supported several transit business case studies, including the technical peer review of the original 2016 HFR study. Mausam is the Project Manager of the Province of Ontario’s passenger model and Metrolinx’s Greater Golden Horseshoe Model (GGHM) that are used for undertaking transit business case analysis and are expected to be the foundation tools for the recently released HFR proposal by the Government of Canada. Relevant Project Experience: • Greater Golden Horseshoe Model v4, MTO (2017-18) • Eglinton West Extension LRT Ridership Forecasting, Metrolinx (2019) • GTAA Regional Transit Passenger Centre Study, GTAA and Metrolinx (2019-2020) Page 5 Team resumes for the above professionals are appended. PROPOSED WORK PLAN AND DELIVERABLES Task 1 and 2: Project Management -Create and maintain a list of project action items and pursue to closure -Create, distribute and maintain weekly meeting notes and records of project decisions -Coordination of project team member activities Deliverables: Project action items list, comments registers, meeting notes and other records of project decisions. Monthly project status reports. Task 1: Development of a Business Case 1.1 Project Initiation and Data Transfer -Meeting #1: Kick-off meeting -City of Pickering provides background context and reviews scope of work; together we will discuss the work plan, responsibilities, communications, schedule and deliverables. -Receipt of background reference documentation from City within 1 week of project launch. -Also identified during the kick-off meeting will be the tools and assumptions the team will use for undertaking the study. Deliverable: Meeting minutes and an action list for all participants 1.2 Background Review -Background data and document compilation, and familiarization with documents. -Preparation of GIS mapping 1.3 Scenario Identification and Confirmation -Identify general station location option(s) in collaboration with the City. -Define two land-use scenarios (with new international airport, without new international airport) in collaboration with the City. -Define service scenario and operating assumptions. -Initiate technical analyses. Deliverable: Table of options 1.4 Problem Statement and Investment Options -Meeting #2: Problem Statement and Option Confirmation -Meeting with City Project Team to discuss the Problem Statement and Options. -Draft section for problem statement and investment options. Deliverables: Draft Context Review, Case for Change, and Investment Options chapters; meeting notes 1.5 Travel Demand Modelling -Code improved scenario into the 2041 regional travel demand model (GGHM) or alternate simplified model. The alternate modelling approach will rely on the GGHM’s outputs for developing a sketch model type analysis based on catchment areas and elasticities. This approach will allow the team to rapidly develop and test scenarios to gain confidence in the Page 6 forecasts rather than getting bogged down in the intricate theory of forecasting HFR ridership this early in the business case. The sketch model will be especially relevant for capturing the synergy between the HFR and the proposed Pickering Airport. -Estimate ridership and travel impacts of providing a station in Pickering along the proposed HFR corridor (improved scenario) versus a base scenario which assumes an HFR corridor with no additional stations between Peterborough and Toronto Union. -Provide ridership estimate ranges for both servicing scenarios -Highlight reduction in vehicle kilometres travelled, vehicle hours travelled, and related GHG impacts of a new Pickering HFR station. 1.6 Strategic Case -Tabulate outcomes and strategic objectives and define qualitative metrics for each. -Analyze ridership and movement patterns for two improvement scenarios (with new international airport, without new international airport) 1.7 Economic Case (Benefit-Cost Ratio) -Calculate high-level economic benefit ranges due to changes in travel behaviour between the improved and base case scenarios -Incorporate high-level conceptual cost ranges from Task 2 work -Generate a project strategic level benefit cost ratio and net present value for the improved scenario (Pickering HFR station) relative to the base scenario (no Pickering HFR station) -Meeting #3: Strategic and Economic Results Deliverables: Meeting notes 1.8 Deliverability and Operations Case -Incorporate Task 2 siting review and conceptual design memorandum 1.9 Draft Business Case -Update all sections of the business case and compile into a complete draft document -Identify key risks and next steps Deliverable: Draft Full Business Case 1.10 Client Review -Focused period for client review and comment -Meeting #4: Discuss Business Case draft and desired revisions 1.11 Finalize Business Case -Finalize Business Case to reflect the City’s comments -Project close-out Deliverable: FINAL Business Case Task 2: Concept Plan Identifying a Potential Site and Design of an HFR Station 2.1 Project Initiation, Background Data Delivery and Background Review -Meeting #1: Kick-off meeting -City of Pickering provides background context and reviews scope of work; information for data request confirmed. City to provide location of 2 preferred sites, CAD/GIS of Page 7 topographic area, parcels, aerial imagery, road network, green belt, sensitive lands, watercourses etc. -Receipt of background reference documentation from City within 1 week of project launch. 2.2 Background Basemaps, Development of Site Concepts -Assembly of background data and development of basemaps. Input data will be identified for use in high level evaluation matrix. -Two (2) concept station layouts will be developed for each of the two (2) sites. Platforms and station site layout will be based on Metrolinx guidelines. -Meeting #2 and 3: Two (2) progress meetings to discuss concept options are included. 2.3 Draft Station Memo, Draft Concept Package -Development of Draft Station memo, project statement, project background, evaluation criteria and high level evaluation (eg. Harvey Balls). Comparative evaluation of two (2) sites will be based on provided information/data from Client. -Summary of Concept designs and potential limitations and opportunities. Deliverable: Draft Station Memo, Draft Concept Package 2.4 Client Review -Focused period for client review and comment -Meeting #4: Review meeting to discuss desired revisions 2.5 Finalize Station Memo / Concept Package -Finalize Station Memo and Concept Package to reflect the City’s comments Deliverable: Final Station Memo, Final Concept Package SCHEDULE We have developed the schedule based on the City’s requirements for a 5 week completion beginning April 25, 2022. We note, however, that this is a VERY AGGRESSIVE schedule for this type of work, with similar assignments taking 4 months to a year to complete. The compressed schedule necessarily limits the overall depth of analysis which can be conducted in this assignment. The schedule assumes a one-week turnaround for the City’s provision of GIS and other background data and a limited 2-3 day review period at the close of the assignment. A Gantt chart outlining steps to completion for both tasks is shown below. Both tasks will progress concurrently. Our team is committed to dedicating substantial resources to prioritizing this important project in order to complete the scope of work as defined in this letter proposal within the City’s deadline. Page 8 '''11 11111111111111111111111 ------------------------------------------- _________ ______, Task Description 25 26 27 28 29 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 24 25 26 27 Task 1 Development of a Business Case 1.1 Project initiation and data transfer M 1.2 Background review 1.3 Scenario identification and confirmation D 1.4 Problem statement and investment options M D 1.5 Travel demand modelling 1.6 Strategic case 1.7 Economic and financial case (BCR)M 1.8 Deliverability and operations case 1.9 Draft Business Case D 1.10 Client review M 1.11 Finalize Business Case D Task 2:Concept Plan Identifying a Potential Site and Design of an HFR Station 2.1 Project initiation, background data delivery, and background review M 2.2 Background basemapping, Development of Site Concepts (2 sites)M M 2.3 Draft Station memo, Draft Concept Package D 2.4 Client review M 2.5 Incorporation of comments, finalization of Station Memo / Concept Package D Project Management Ongoing throughout project M Team Meeting D Critical Deliverable City of Pickering High Frequency Rail Station - Scope of Work April May Page 9 100 Commerce Valley Drive West Thornhill, ON Canada L3T 0A1 T: +1 905 882-1100 F: +1 905 882-0055 wsp.com FEE The above work plan can be completed for a fee of $95,340 excluding all applicable taxes. CONCLUSION We trust that the above letter proposal aligns with your expectations. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Yours sincerely, Razi Chagla Jeremy Finkleman cc: Mausam Duggal Click here to enter text.