Moving Forward 2031 | Regional Transportation Master Plan (RTMP)

[UrbanWaterloo]

Moving Forward 2031
Regional Transportation Master Plan
Waterloo Region
http://www.movingforward2031.ca/
Report (Passed June 22, 2010): http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/AB487A489BD086708525774600577521/$file/P-10-059.pdf?openelement

http://www.movingforward2031.ca/images/back_02.gif


Public Workshop Presentation - Transportation Network Development June 2009: http://www.movingforward2031.ca/downloads/Workshop3pdf/Workshop3_%20Presentation_June2009.pdf
Existing Transportation System - Context Overview - DRAFT - April 20, 2009: http://www.movingforward2031.ca/downloads/30_04_09/RTMP_EXISTING_TRANS_SYSTEM.pdf
Region of Waterloo TMP Launch Event Video: http://www.movingforward2031.ca/video_1_large.html
Draft Reports: http://www.movingforward2031.ca/doc_reports.htm

[UrbanWaterloo]

NOTICE OF STUDY COMMENCEMENT
Moving Forward 2031
Regional Transportation Master Plan

The Region of Waterloo is initiating a study to develop a new Regional Transportation Master Plan (RTMP) to guide the development of the transportation system in the region for all modes to the year 2031.

The RTMP addresses all aspects of the transportation of people and goods within the region. In the course of producing a new RTMP, the study will incorporate a consultative public process to scope issues, develop a transportation vision, forecast future travel demands, identify deficiencies, recommend new transportation facilities, establish priorities and develop an action plan for implementation.

A key component of the study will be public consultation through five rounds of Public Forums. These Public Forums will provide members of the public with an opportunity to meet the Project Team, review the study scope and discuss issues related to the project including the policy framework, environmental considerations, travel demand management, transit strategies and network deficiencies. Watch for details regarding the upcoming Public Forums and other project events on the project website www.movingforward2031.ca.

Information requests or questions may be directed to:
The Moving Forward Team
Region of Waterloo
150 Frederick St., 8th Floor
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3
Phone: 519-575-4572
Fax: 519-575-4449
Email: movingforward@region.waterloo.on.ca

[UrbanWaterloo]

WATERLOO REGION: What Moves You?

Where : Delta Kitchener, 105 King St. E., Kitchener

When: Thursday, November 22, 2007

Who: Open Invitation, including Regional and Municipal Councilors, area residents, local
employees, and business owners (RSVP will be requested)

Evening Agenda:
6:00 p.m. Registration and Open House
6:45 p.m. Welcome and Multimedia Presentation
7:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker – Glen Murray (former Mayor of the City of Winnipeg and Chair of
the National Round Table on the Environment and Energy )
7:45 p.m. Panel Discussion
Jody Decker, WLU (Cultural Heritage)
Glenn Ferguson, Intrinsik (Human Health)
Graham Vincent, Region of Waterloo (Transportation)
8:15 p.m. Roundtable Discussions
8:45 p.m. Closing Remarks

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa262/AndrewEH/MovingForward2031-WhatMovesYouPubli.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Transportation review travels down the road to 2031
November 24, 2007
JEFF OUTHIT - RECORD STAFF
http://news.therecord.com/article/273892

Local politicians have launched another major review of how we get around, just eight years after completing the last one.

Moving Forward 2031 is critical to economic success and quality of life.

We are all on the move every day. Communities thrive or falter, based on how effectively people and products can get from A to B.

Transportation reviews are often conducted every 15 years. A study done here in 1984 was followed by one completed in 1999.

But the pace of change is faster now. The last review is already outdated.

The 1999 plan looked to 2016. It concluded that the car is king here, that this is not going to change soon, and that trying to force drivers from their cars, by not building more roads, would not work.

Accordingly, it recommended:


Various road expansions.
Doubling the number of people taking transit, riding bicycles and walking, in order to limit automobile growth to 32 per cent. Otherwise, traffic would soar 43 per cent.


This was a sensible plan and it's been working.

Road upgrades have been completed or are underway, to handle increasing traffic. Transit ridership is on track to double by 2016.

So what's changed in just eight years, and why do we need to look at this again?

The underlying premise is still sound. The car still rules.

We own more cars than people in most Canadian cities and we drive them more often. Looking to 2031, people will not accept a plan that ends road-building.

However:


There's a heightened awareness that driving damages the environment, in particular air quality.
There's new interest in rapid transit, which is being studied after being ruled out as premature in 1999.
There's a stronger recognition that how we get around has an impact on how we use land, which in turn shapes our quality of life.
Senior governments have started funding roads and transit again, and the province has ordered the region to become more compact.
The takeover of public transit by regional government, in 2000, opens the door to a more co-ordinated and vigorous transit expansion.


The latest transportation review, launched last Thursday at a splashy public event, is expected to conclude in 2009. You can find details at www.movingforward2031.ca.

What's likely to emerge is a measured road expansion, plus a stronger push to make public transit faster and more convenient, to lure more drivers from their cars.

This will be expensive. But more people will choose transit if it meets their transportation needs.

The wrong approach would be to stop building roads, force more gridlock, and lecture drivers about how they're killing the planet.

People don't deserve to be hectored about how they choose to get around. They deserve better options.

[UrbanWaterloo]

In the region, car is king, but that should change
February 09, 2008
JEFF OUTHIT, RECORD STAFF
http://news.therecord.com/article/306819

Luring residents from their cars is a worthy goal. It helps to curb air pollution, fight global warming, and improve public health.

How to achieve this will be tackled at transportation workshops held this month by regional government.

Planners are seeking public advice on "how walking, cycling, transit, roads and highways will fit into our vision" for 2031.

Note how roads are mentioned last. The reality is they always come first, because the car is king.

The latest proof comes in a new study by Statistics Canada. It found 81 per cent of local adults travelled by car for every trip they made, on a day in 2005 when their travel habits were recorded.

This is one of the highest driving rates in Canada.

Among eight bigger cities, the closest was Edmonton, where 77 per cent drove everywhere.

In eight mid-sized cities that are more our size, 75 per cent drove everywhere, on average. This group includes Hamilton, London, and Windsor.

Statistics Canada has also found that in 2006, 86 per cent of local households owned or leased a motor vehicle.

This is the highest ownership rate in Ontario, matched by Windsor and St. Catharines.

In only three Canadian cities are residents more likely to have cars: Saskatoon, Abbotsford B.C., and Gatineau Que., which is near Ottawa.

Why are we so addicted to driving?

Many local residents live in suburban neighbourhoods, where homes are segregated from faraway jobs and shops. People can't reasonably walk or cycle to work or to the store.

Buses are just too infrequent to be useful.

This is partly because the community is too sprawling to support an efficient transit system.

Also, getting around by car remains fairly easy. People gripe about traffic, but this community is not plagued by widespread congestion.

Rather, it has pockets of congestion in Cambridge, where the road network is underbuilt, and it has a few bottlenecks in Kitchener.

Ontario benchmarks show local roads carry fewer cars than many comparable Ontario cities, including Windsor, Hamilton, London, Mississauga, Thunder Bay, Toronto and York.

Looking ahead to 2031, let's hope reasonable ways can be proposed to get people out of their cars.

For more information on the upcoming workshops go to www.movingforward2031.ca

But remember, Waterloo Region residents drive everywhere, almost all the time, more than almost anybody else in Canada.

It's wishful thinking to expect them to stop any time soon.

Road Ahead is a weekly column on traffic and transportation issues. Jeff Outhit can be reached at 519-894-2250 ext. 2654 or jouthit@therecord.com

INSIDE

MORE ON THE FUTURE OF TRANSIT IN THE REGION - B2

[UrbanWaterloo]

MOVING FORWARD 2031 - REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN UPDATE AND JUNE 2009 PUBLIC WORKSHOPS
June 2, 2009
http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/F9E1FB94C3DFA5D6852575C5004DE58F/$file/P-09-053.pdf?openelement

SUMMARY:
The Region of Waterloo’s “Moving Forward 2031 – Regional Transportation Master Plan” Study (RTMP) is continuing with additional public input at the next series of public events. These events are specifically designed to gain feedback on the proposed study direction for transit ridership targets, future preliminary transportation alternative networks, along with the proposed evaluation criteria.

There have been several public events to confirm our workplan and major goals and objectives to guide the development of the remainder of the plan. A future preliminary network analysis shows that, without further enhancements to our transit system, at least 100 additional lanes of traffic will be required, which would be equivalent to 16 six-lane arterials (similar to Hespeler and Fairway Roads) to accommodate our future travel demands. This amount of road construction is impractical for the following reasons:


Construction, rehabilitation, maintenance and land costs would be extensive;
A limited ability to widen or build new roads within narrow existing road allowances;
Social impacts, including neighbourhood division by wider roads;
Impacts on the natural environment and cultural heritage resources;
Impacts on health by decreasing air quality and discouraging active travel, including cycling and walking;
Large amounts of valuable land would be needed for widening and building new roads; and,
Extensive road construction that encourages outward growth.


Therefore, the Regional Transportation Master Plan is proposing a more focused transit oriented network with strategic road improvements, while encouraging more cycling and walking. It is recognized that the automobile will continue to be a prominent mode of travel and this approach will not eliminate the need for road improvements, but will reduce the amount of road construction required to about 34 lanes to accommodate future travel demands. Several preliminary alternative networks have been developed along with a set of evaluation criteria to assess the effectiveness of each network. A series of workshops are planned to gain public input on these preliminary alternatives and evaluation criteria. The workshops will be held on June 9, 11, and 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, respectively. Notifications of these workshops have been placed in all local newspapers. Input received from these events will be key when continuing the development and assessment of our preliminary alternative transportation networks.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Public Workshop #3
http://www.movingforward2031.ca/consult_pw3.htm

Public Workshop #3 will be held on:


Tuesday, June 9, 2009 (Cambridge)
Thursday, June 11, 2009 (Kitchener)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 (Waterloo)


For more information see Public Workshop Notice


Public Workshop #3 Notice (http://www.movingforward2031.ca/downloads/ROW-RTMP_Record1.pdf)
Public Workshop #3 Comment Sheet (http://www.movingforward2031.ca/downloads/Workshop3pdf/Workshop3_Comment_Sheet_June2009.pdf)
Public Workshop #3 Goals & Objectives (http://www.movingforward2031.ca/downloads/Workshop3pdf/WORKSHOP_3_GOALS&OBJECTIVES_JUNE_2009.PDF)
Public Workshop #3 Presentation (http://www.movingforward2031.ca/downloads/Workshop3pdf/Workshop3_%20Presentation_June2009.pdf)
Public Workshop #3 Booklet (http://www.movingforward2031.ca/downloads/Workshop3pdf/WORKSHOP_3_BOOKLET_JUNE_2009.pdf)

[RangersFan]

Big plan, big costs, big questions

April 09, 2010

Road Ahead column by Jeff Outhit

Regional council is expected to vote this spring on a 20-year plan to get more of us out of our cars, at a cost of $4 billion funded by regular tax increases.

The price tag includes $1.5 billion to expand and maintain roads and $2.5 billion to expand and operate rapid transit and regular buses.

This estimate does not include $790 million to build a proposed rapid transit system, consisting of trains in Kitchener and Waterloo and fast buses in Cambridge. Senior governments have yet to agree to pay most construction costs.

The transportation plan is meant to guide the community until 2031, when the regional population is expected to reach 729,000. Details are online at www.movingforward2031.ca

Public input is welcomed April 13 in Kitchener (St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 54 Queen St. N.) and April 15 in Waterloo (First United Church at 16 William St. W.) Both information sessions are from 6 to 9 p.m. Cambridge had a session April 8.

The plan asserts the community will eventually choke on traffic congestion unless we ease up on driving.

To generate $4 billion, regional taxes would rise about 1.2 per cent a year for the first five years, and then by 1.5 per cent a year for the next 15 years.

Three preliminary issues to keep in mind:

Are costs affordable? Planners have proposed easing into heavy transit costs. This delays some transit upgrades and advances some road expansions in the first five years.

This is useful fine-tuning but the big question remains: Is it smart to spend two-thirds on transit and one-third on roads? This could be a hard sell.

Are transit goals wishful thinking? A survey found 90 per cent of us agree people should drive less often. But half of us see this worthy goal as unachievable, while half think it could actually happen.

The plan aims to make us more than three times more likely to ride transit by 2031. Transit would carry 17 per cent of all trips taken, compared to five per cent today. That’s a lifestyle revolution, and then some. It may be far-fetched.

Are politicians ready to lead? The plan calls for better sidewalks to encourage walking, yet councillors balked at completing sidewalks on regional roads. The plan calls for higher parking fees to discourage driving, yet councillors provide free parking for regional employees at public expense.

If you want to lead, it helps to practise what you preach.

Jeff Outhit can be reached at 519-895-5642 or jouthit@therecord.com

[RangersFan]

Big plan, big costs, big questions


Public input is welcomed April 13 in Kitchener (St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 54 Queen St. N.) and April 15 in Waterloo (First United Church at 16 William St. W.) Both information sessions are from 6 to 9 p.m. Cambridge had a session April 8.



Did anyone go to any of these meetings? It would have been an interesting discussion, I would have gone except for work commitments.

[Spokes]

I didn't make it.

We have articles about what seems like the same thing in a couple different threads, two were just merged yesterday, am i wrong? Are these the same things? (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/376-Waterloo-Region-Road-Transit-Plans)

[UrbanWaterloo]

Upcoming Public Meetings with Council
From: ROW Transportation Planning | E-mail Received: May 4, 2010

You are receiving this email because of your expressed interest in transportation in Waterloo Region. Regional Council would like to invite all community members to come and share their thoughts on the Implementation Guidelines for the Design of Context-Sensitive Regional Transportation Corridor Guidelines and the Regional Transportation Master Plan at separate public meetings on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.

The Regional Transportation Master Plan(RTMP) will determine investment priorities and supporting policy for transportation over the next 20 years. The RTMP has been conducted as a multi-step process, and results from each step have been shared with the public for input and brought to Regional Council.

Please see below for all information regarding times, registering to appear as a delegation in front of Council,and how to find out more about these projects.

Moving Forward 2031: Preferred Regional Transportation Master Plan
Date: May 18, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Regional Council Chambers - 150 Frederick St., 2nd Floor, Kitchener

If you wish to speak at either of these meetings on May 18, 2010, please register in advance by calling the Regional Clerk’s Office at 519-575-4420 by noon on Thursday, May 13, 2010.

For more information about the Regional Transportation Master Plan, see the website here: http://www.movingforward2031.ca/

Thanks again for your continued interest in the future of transportation in Waterloo Region.

[RangersFan]

Is anyone planning to attend this meeting?

[UrbanWaterloo]

http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/646992a6b2d4dea085256e590071a3e9/4eea981c89932bf2852577220071a650/Body/0.FA!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=gif

Public invited to comment on two key transportation planning initiatives
May 13, 2010 | http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/$All/4EEA981C89932BF2852577220071A650?OpenDocument

Waterloo Region - The Region of Waterloo is hosting two public meetings on May 18, 2010, to hear the public's thoughts on two planning documents that will shape the future of transportation in Waterloo Region: the Draft Regional Transportation Corridor Guidelines and the Regional Transportation Master Plan.

The public meetings will take place in Regional Council Chambers at 150 Frederick Street. The first one is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. when members of the public can appear as delegations before the Region's Planning and Works Committee and provide their input on the Draft Regional Transportation Corridor Guidelines. The second meeting is at 7 p.m., when the public can provide their input about the Regional Transportation Master Plan. The purpose of these meetings is for the Planning and Works Committee to hear from the public and discuss the recommendations contained in each document. No decisions will be made at either meeting.

Developed to meet future transportation demand in Waterloo Region, the Regional Transportation Master Plan will determine investment priorities and supporting initiatives for transportation over the next 20 years. The preferred option presented in the plan features a transportation network with an integrated rapid transit and bus network and strategic road improvements to best meet the Region’s transportation goals and objectives.

The Draft Regional Transportation Corridor Guidelines have been developed as a tool to help the Region meet the transportation goals and objectives of the Regional Transportation Master Plan. The guidelines will provide design standards for planning and designing complete Regional roads that include space for all modes of transportation, as well as amenities like streetscaping.

For more information on the Draft Regional Transportation Corridor Guidelines or the Regional Transportation Master Plan, please visit www.region.waterloo.on.ca, click on the Living Here tab along the top of the page, choose the Transportation menu item, and then click on the Other Transportation and Related Projects link.

For more information, please contact:
Graham Vincent, Director of Transportation Planning | gvincent@regionofwaterloo.ca
Keren Adderley, Coordinator of Communications | kadderley@regionofwaterloo.ca

[taylortbb]

Is anyone planning to attend this meeting?

I am, and I very strongly recommend that everyone else does too. It's one of the most important meetings from a urban agenda perspective. I plan to endorse the Unmodified C plan.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Planning and Works Committee - May 18, 2010 Transportation Master Plan Public Input Agenda
7:00 p.m. | Region Council Chamber, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener
http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/7e3fe956f0021bb185257723005a77f1!OpenDocument

2. REPORT – PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
P-10-044 (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/7E3FE956F0021BB185257723005A77F1/$file/P-10-044.pdf?openelement), Moving Forward 2031 - Regional Transportation Master Plan (RTMP)

31976423&access_key=key-1zp3cieomjm3deqzv6fc&page


Planning and Works Committee - May 18, 2010 Transportation Master Plan Public Meeting Minutes
7:00 p.m. | Region Council Chamber, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener
http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/494ad61f5665ccb385257729006f3a9d!OpenDocument

Present were: Chair J. Wideman, J. Brewer, T. Galloway, J. Haalboom, C. Millar, J. Mitchell, K. Seiling, *B. Strauss and *S. Strickland, C. Zehr
Members absent: D. Craig, K. Denouden, B. Halloran, R. Kelterborn, W. Roth, and J. Smola

OPENING REMARKS
Chair J. Wideman provided opening remarks with instructions concerning purpose of the meeting with regard to procedure and decorum. It was emphasized the Committee Members role in the public meeting was for listening purposes only and no decisions would be made. An overview of the advertisement history of the meeting was provided.

REPORT – PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
a) P-10-044 (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/7E3FE956F0021BB185257723005A77F1/$file/P-10-044.pdf?openelement) Moving Forward 2031 - Regional Transportation Master Plan (RTMP)
Received For Information.
Graham Vincent, Director, Transportation Planning and Doug Allingham, Consultant from Aecom provided a presentation highlighting the background, study process, public involvement, the preferred alternative and the next steps. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes.

*B. Strauss left the meeting at 7:25 p.m.

DELEGATIONS

Paul Britton, MHBC Planning, Kitchener appeared before Committee in support of the Regional Transportation Master Plan and the proactive planning for transit as well as strategic road investment and hoped that the Region ensures the appropriate integration with the local level initiatives. He highlighted a few areas he felt needed attention; enhanced linkages to Highway 401 particularly the Fischer Hallman Road extension, timed internal transfer station at the Boardwalk, Strasburg Road extension and the west side of Kitchener at Ira Needles Blvd. have appropriate east west linkages. He requested that the Region allow the opportunity to revisit the Region’s Transportation Master Plan for west Kitchener following the completion of the south west Kitchener transportation study which is an initiative that the City of Kitchener has taken. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes. (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/494AD61F5665CCB385257729006F3A9D/$file/paulbritton.pdf?openelement)

*S. Strickland entered the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Rob Martin, Pedestrian Charter Steering Committee, Kitchener appeared before Committee expressing concerns that the Regional Transportation Master Plan should be more ambitious with it’s target of 12% of trips at peak time by all active modes combined by 2031. He highlighted that this number should be increased in order for the Region to demonstrate commitment to a measurable goal that increases the percentage of citizens using active transportation modes over the next 20 years. He stated that they support a transit system but requested the Region pay careful attention to the design and location of transit stops. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes. (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/494AD61F5665CCB385257729006F3A9D/$file/robmartin.pdf?openelement)

Bart Forwell, Kitchener appeared before Committee regarding the cycling component of the Regional Transportation Master Plan. He stated that he felt cycling issues are being pushed further down the agenda and should be a priority and that there needs to be more focus on the 4 major modes of transportation. He presented a powerpoint presentation with pictures of Holland and how cycling is supported and facilitated there. He suggested to accommodate cyclists, a grade separation at the Homer Watson Blvd. and Block Line Road roundabout should be constructed. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes. (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/494AD61F5665CCB385257729006F3A9D/$file/bartforwell.pdf?openelement)

Taylor Byrnes, Waterloo expressed concerns with the preferred alternative C being modified because of cost and that modifying alternative C will provide the minimum required to meet the plan objectives of providing greater transportation choice, a higher quality transit service and a manageable level of service. He highlighted that the short term tax increases do not appear easy but is comparatively small pain for all that it will provide. A copy of his presentation is appended to the original minutes. (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/494AD61F5665CCB385257729006F3A9D/$file/taylorbyrnes.pdf?openelement)

Michael Drucker, Kitchener speaking on behalf of the Tri Cities Transport Action Group. He thanked staff for their work done on the Regional Transportation Master Plan. He stated they look forward to a restructured and upgraded transportation system with a new focus on frequent express transit service and active transportation. He highlighted that high quality paved multi use paths need to be provided outside urban boundaries to separate the pedestrians and cyclist from high speed vehicle traffic. He also stated that he feels the Regional Transportation Master Plan is aiming low with the 12% active transportation and 17% of transit mode share in 20 years and that they would like to see 40% combined transit and active transportation mode share. He indicated that they support alternative C but not the modified alternative C since deferring the investment only benefits the initial cost.

Jason Hammond, Kitchener appeared before Committee commending the remarkable public process over the last 3 years. He stated he was in support of unmodified alternative C and feels that alternative C provides the need for changes so why delay them. Earlier investment is cheaper, low interest rates we have today are certain to rise. Investing earlier also allows the Region to meet further demand in the future if necessary. The environmental and social needs for improved access to green and affordable transportation options are pressing today as are the needs for health promotion and protection of neighbourhood vibrancy. He also highlighted that increased taxes for alternative C is worth every dime to move forward in an ambitious way.

Mary Pappert member of the Friends of the North Mainline has volunteered many years to promote and encourage more passenger train service. She is concerned with intercity transportation and the impact it has on our local transportation. She highlighted that the Regional Transportation Master Plan listed a plan of action to work with the Province to undertake a strategic transportation study for the area west of GTA and work with the Province, Metrolinx, GO Transit and Via Rail to pursue improved inter-regional transit connections to the Region. She highlighted that when the Region widens Weber Street it would be essential for a railway grade separation to be located at Victoria Street and Weber Street. She stated that it is predicted that there will be at least 20 Via trains and 4 freight trains per day and the need for an under pass will be essential not only at that location but as well at Lancaster Street and King Street.

ADJOURN
MOVED by T. Galloway
SECONDED by J. Brewer
THAT the meeting adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
CARRIED

[plam]

Thanks to all the forum people here who showed up to make excellent points!

[taylortbb]

Taylor Byrnes, Waterloo expressed concerns with the preferred alternative C being modified because of cost and that modifying alternative C will provide the minimum required to meet the plan objectives of providing greater transportation choice, a higher quality transit service and a manageable level of service. He highlighted that the short term tax increases do not appear easy but is comparatively small pain for all that it will provide. A copy of his presentation is appended to the original minutes. (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/494AD61F5665CCB385257729006F3A9D/$file/taylorbyrnes.pdf?openelement)

It would be nice if they gave way for me to submit electronically, that file is a horrible quality and completely inaccessible scan of my speech.

Overall it was good though, I think I made solid points for Unmodified C and I hope council listens.

[DHLawrence]

Future transportation transit-oriented (http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news/local/article/834481--future-transportation-transit-oriented)

Waterloo Region transportation officials unveiled the final draft of their long-range plans to Cambridge council on Monday night.

Over the last year, regional staff have been working on the transportation master plan, which will guide road, rail, bikeway and pedestrian walkway development to the year 2031.

Called Moving Forward 2031, the plan pulls together the province’s Places to Grow Strategy with Waterloo Region’s growth management strategy, its official plan and the region’s rapid transit initiative.

“Waterloo Region is at a crossroads,” said Graham Vincent, Waterloo Region’s director of transportation planning. “There has been strong growth in the past decade that has outpaced our plans. We anticipate there will be a 50 per cent growth in traffic over the next 25 years and this will put tremendous pressure on our transportation infrastructure.”

Should the trend continue, many of the region’s four-lane roads will have to be expanded to six lanes, which could have a devastating effect on many neighbourhoods.

“We have to look at other ways to get around,” said Vincent.

Statistics show that 43 per cent of Waterloo Region residents live within five kilometres of work. A total of 95 per cent of those who responded to a regional survey support the development of more walkways, cycle paths and public transit. As a result, officials have developed a transportation plan which is “transit oriented”.

“The road-oriented plan has fallen off the table,” he said. “However, the car will always be there and we need to plan for that as well.”

While city council had no problem in supporting the preferred alternative for future transportation, councillors questioned future plans for Light Rail Transit and Bus Rapid Transit should the province delay or scrap funding for the project.

If rapid transit funding is delayed, Vincent said the region would take funding earmarked to cover operating costs and apply it to other transportation projects across the region.

Projects planned for the next 20 years in Cambridge include road improvements for Franklin Boulevard, Can-Amera Parkway (west of Franklin Boulevard), South Boundary Road, Townline Road, Eagle Street, Speedsville Road, Maple Grove Road, Fountain Street, King Street, and upgrades to Cedar Street, Edworthy Side Road, Dickie Settlement and the New Dundee Road.

Beyond the 20-year window, the region is looking to upgrade major roads north of Highway 401 in Cambridge Industrial Park, widen Pinebush Road, create a new connection between South Boundary Road at Water Street to St. Andrews Street, and link the east end of Maple Grove Road to Townline Road. Light Rail Transit would also snake its way across Highway 401, across the city to the Galt core.

The new transportation master plan will be presented to the regional planning and works committee June 22 and be considered by regional council June 30.

Rather sad that they still have to tell people where Can-Amera Parkway is even though they've talked about building it for years.

[mpd618]

It looks like we're moving forward! The RTMP was approved by the Planning and Works Committee this morning, without much fanfare. See the report (http://movingforward2031.ca/downloads/jun10/MOVING_FORWARD_2031_REGION.pdf) for details. One highlight is that the regional tax levy will increase by 1% each year to fund transit operations; currently that is around $3.5 million, or nearly 10% of GRT's current net operating subsidy. Staff are planning for serious transit improvements -- e.g. five new express routes within the next five years.

[Spokes]

Great news!! Glad to hear about the express routes too! Any idea when the first one will come?

[mpd618]

Great news!! Glad to hear about the express routes too! Any idea when the first one will come?

I'm not absolutely clear on this, but I would expect the new RTMP to take effect with the next budget cycle. Depending on the planning process for new routes, that might mean we would start seeing new service next year. I believe the first priorities are the Fischer-Hallman express and increased iXpress service.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Awesome to hear this passed! :D

Annual Ridership Targets
2009 = 16.4 M (Actual)
2016 = 20.2 M (adjusted for constrained service levels)
2021 = 28.1M (adjusted based on achieving 2016 peak ridership by 2021 + additional off peak ridership due to overall population growth to 2021)
2031 = 53.6 M

Attachment D: Transit Service Improvement Priorities
Service Improvement Priorities, 0-5 Years
Service Improvement | Description | Municipality

Limited Stop Express Routes
iXpress | Increase to frequency and service hours iXpress | Cambridge /Kitchener / Waterloo
Fischer-Hallman Road Limited Stop Express | Limited stop express service connecting U of W, RIM Columbia Campus, Sunrise Centre, Forest Glen Plaza Transit Terminal | Kitchener / Waterloo
Erb St West, University Ave, Bridge Street Limited Stop Express | Limited stop express service connecting Ira Needles Commercial Centre, Erb St W, U of W, WLU, Conestoga College Waterloo, Bridge Street, RIM Northfield Campus | Waterloo
Coronation Limited Stop Express | Limited stop express service connecting Ainslie St Transit Terminal, Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Preston, Sportsworld Crossing, Fairview Park Mall Transit Terminal | Cambridge / Kitchener
Highland-Victoria Limited Stop Express | Limited stop express service connecting Ira Needles Commercial Centre, Highland Rd employment and commercial areas, Downtown Kitchener, Victoria St E employment and commercial areas | Kitchener
Cambridge Limited Stop Express Phase 1 | Limited stop express service connecting Galt via Ainslie St Transit Terminal to Hespeler Rd, Cambridge Centre, and Lovell Industrial Park employment area | Cambridge

Local Routes
West Kitchener Phase 1 | New service to Sunrise Centre, improvements to service in Forest Heights, Victoria West, Laurentian, Alpine, Glencairn areas | Kitchener
West Waterloo Phase 1 | New north-south service on Erbsville Rd, additional service on Columbia St, additional service on Keats Way, additional service on Erb St W, service to Ira Needles Commercial Centre | Waterloo
East Waterloo | Improvements to local routes in Lincoln, Eastbridge, and Lexington, new service in Lincoln-Bluevale, improved connections to Uptown Waterloo | Waterloo
Preston and Cambridge Business Park | Additional service to Cambridge Business Park and King-Coronation corridor, new service to Conestoga College South Campus | Cambridge / Kitchener
South Cambridge Phase 1 | Additional service to Northview and Shades Mills, Galt, improved connections to Ainslie St Transit Terminal, Cambridge Centre, Lovell Industrial Park | Cambridge
East Kitchener Phase 1 | New service to Shirley Ave employment area, new service in Lackner Woods area, improved service on Victoria St E, Frederick St, River Rd, Lackner Blvd, and in Chicopee and Heritage Park | Kitchener
Westmount Road | New trunk route serving Westmount Rd between University Ave and Block Line Rd connecting destinations such as U of W and Forest Glen Plaza Transit Terminal | Kitchener / Waterloo
Doon/Southwest Kitchener Phase 1 | New service in Doon South, increased service to Pioneer Park, Brigadoon, Conestoga College Doon Campus | Kitchener
Additional service to townships | Improvements in service hours and addition of new routes | Townships
Improvements to minimum level of service on selected routes | Increases in frequency, span of service hours, level of service on evenings and weekends
Extra service required to meet increased student demand and improve schedule reliability


MOVING FORWARD 2031 - REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN (RTMP)
REGION OF WATERLOO PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES: Transportation Planning
TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee
DATE: June 22, 2010 | Report: P-10-059 (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/AB487A489BD086708525774600577521/$file/P-10-059.pdf?openelement)

RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the new Regional Transportation Master Plan as detailed in Report No. P-10-059, dated June 22, 2010;
AND THAT Regional Council proceed to initiate an Environmental Assessment for improving access to Highway 401 west of Homer Watson Boulevard; including in the study area the land bounded by Trussler Road, New Dundee Road, Homer Watson Boulevard and Highway 401.

33448794&access_key=key-22384vn1sl66cb0allo1&page

[KevinL]

Final report is online (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/c56e308f49bfeb7885256abc0071ec9a/b035cc0357b6e3e585256e440068bc7b!OpenDocument). Lots more specifics, like timelines on new support express routes, various road expansions and extensions, etc. Big read, but lots of info!