June 2013 Workshops

K.R. Wianecki, Facilitator

Planning Solutions Inc.

June 20th, 2013

City of Burlington Transportation Master Plan

Technical Agency Committee & Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

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Contents _Toc360003015

Workshop Proceedings – Techncial Agency Committee ............................................................................. 3

1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Meeting Purpose & Objectives ..................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Setting the Context ........................................................................................................................... 3

3.0 Walkability Audit – Overview of Preliminary Observations .............................................................. 4

4.0 Techncial Agency Committee Terms of Reference ........................................................................... 4

5.0 Global Café Conversation .................................................................................................................. 5

6.0 Recap, Wrap Up & Where to From Here ........................................................................................ 10

Workshop Proceedings – Stakeholder Advisory Committee ............................................................... 12

1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 12

1.1 Meeting Purpose & Objectives ................................................................................................... 12

2.0 Setting the Context ......................................................................................................................... 12

3.0 Walkability Audit – Overview of Preliminary Observations ............................................................ 13

4.0 Stakeholder Advisory Committee Terms of Reference................................................................... 14

5.0 Global Café Conversation ................................................................................................................ 15

6.0 Closing Remarks .............................................................................................................................. 20

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Workshop Proceedings – Technical Agency Committee The following captures the key points of discussion that emerged during the Technical Agency Committee (TAC) meeting. 1.0 Introduction Jenny Setterfield took the opportunity to welcome all attendees to the workshop. She noted the importance of the dialogue and the value of the discussion that will unfold and shared with participants, the overriding imperative to focus on issues and opportunities associated with the Transportation Master Plan.

1.1 Meeting Purpose & Objectives Jenny Setterfield welcomed all in attendance to the Technical Agency Committee inaugural meeting and introduced members of the Consulting Team and key City staff. Jenny outlined the importance of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) and expressed her thanks to those in attendance for their support. She provided an overview of the meeting purpose and objectives, noting the meeting would allow participants to obtain additional information about the TMP, study scope, timing and deliverables. She also indicated however that the meeting would allow those in attendance to share their views and to offer additional suggestions and comments in the form of small working group style café conversations. The café conversations would enable participants to share their ideas around issues and challenges as well as areas of opportunity associated with the TMP. Following a brief overview of the meeting structure, participants were invited to introduce themselves and their organizational affiliation.

2.0 Setting the Context Suzette Shui provided an overview of the purpose of the Master Plan. She spoke about the importance of thinking sustainably about transportation in the City of Burlington and the need to consider the selection of a variety of transportation modes. Suzette referred to the need for Burlington to create an integrated transportation network to accommodate safe movement and the development of a balanced transportation system that considers all users and advances a sustainable plan. The TMP, as Suzette noted, will be coordinated with City growth and will address the needs of cyclists, pedestrians, public transit users as well as automobiles and goods and service transportation. Suzette suggested that the focus of the Burlington TMP has been captured in the motto – ‘Go Your Way’ – which acknowledges the need to recognize the range of uses and users. The Vision for the Go Your Way TMP has been developed as follows:

“To develop a sustainable and integrated transportation system that provides safe and efficient options for multi-model travel and increased accessibility, while contributing to creating a vibrant community and preserving the natural environment in a cost-effective manner.”

Suzette took the opportunity to sketch the process, noting that the development of the TMP will engage in the first and second phases of an Environmental Assessment. As she noted, it will identify the issues and opportunities; evaluate solutions and allow for the identification of a preferred solution.

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Throughout the process, members of the TAC, SAC and the public will be engaged. In her presentation, Suzette made reference to a number of key documents including:

Metrolinx – Regional Transportation Plan – The Big Move

Halton Region Transportation Master Plan and Active Transportation Master Plan

City of Burlington (Official Plan Review, Capital Expenditure Plan, Strategic Plan) As Suzette indicated, the TMP that emerges will have to align with and reflect the key principles that are outlined in these key documents and in turn, the key principles that emerge from the TMP will also be reflective of and in turn reflected in these key documents. Suzette took some time to provide an overview of the four key components of the TMP:

- Active Transportation (cycling, etc.) - Public Transit (GO Transit, local transit, transit focused development) - Travel Demand Management (reducing traffic congestion during peak hours) - Road Network (network connectivity; linkages within the road system; congestion

management)

3.0 Walkability Audit – Overview of Preliminary Observations Jenny Setterfield spoke about the walking audit completed by Dan Burden on June 3rd. Dan Burden is the Director of Innovation & Inspiration of the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute. Jenny provided an overview of Dan’s visit and shared a number of preliminary observations and suggestions made by him, as follows:

- The City of Burlington is on the right track - Vehicles have the right of way - Discontinuous sidewalks - High volume of pedestrians and cyclists - High volume of truck traffic - Retail front doors open to parking lot - Reconstructed intersection – Maple Avenue/Fairview Street - Land use – Appleby Line/Harvester Road

Questions & Comments: Q: Where was Dan Burden taken in the City. What areas were profiled? A: There were a number of locations that were profiled. One area that was critical was Plains Road

and Harvester as this is a gateway to the City of Burlington. Dan made a number of suggestions for quick fixes (e.g. address the issue of side friction; use pavement markings to control velocity and improve buffers, etc.) Dan was also taken to the Orchard and to a number of key destinations around the City – all presenting different issues and challenges.

4.0 Techncial Agency Committee Terms of Reference Jenny Setterfield took some time to provide an overview of the role, responsibilities and level of commitment associated with Techncial Agency Committee (TAX) members. She indicated that the commitment required from members of the TAC will require attendance at two (2) meetings this year –

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one in September and a second in December. In addition, she indicated that there would be an opportunity to become engaged using digital platform MindMixer. The first survey will be carried out in July and there will be an opportunity to share views and perspectives on a series of specific topics. Third, members of the TAC will be asked to review and provide comment on key documents including the Transportation Demand management Paper and the Draft Alternatives to the Transportation Network. Project Timelines are as follows:

Key Milestones Date

Agency/Stakeholder engagement June – February Alternative solutions to network July – September Public engagement July – February Preferred solutions for network October 2013 Report to Council – draft December 2013 Report to Council – final March 2014

5.0 Global Café Conversation Participants were invited to join one of five café conversation groups. Each café conversation focused on a specific theme or topic, as follows: Table 1: Governing Fundamentals Table 2: Specific Issues Table 3: Areas of Opportunity Table 4: Challenges & Obstacles Table 5: What Can You Do & What Can the TMP Do For You? Detailed notes have been appended to these proceedings and may be found in Appendix A. The following captures the salient points raised at each café rotation.

5.1 Table 1: Governing Fundamentals Table Host – Vito Tolone Table 1 focused on the identification of governing fundamentals – critical principles that should be part of the TMP. Participants suggested a number of governing fundamentals be incorporated in the TMP as follows: Efficient

Travel Time: Travel time? (Maintain it or let it congest and apportion capital dollars to other initiatives and modes?)

Plan for peak hours? (yes/no?)

SOV: Reduce

Smart Growth: Support for compact communities Effective

Travel Demand: Meet travel demands by 2031

Multi-Modal: Advance multi-modal/integrated transportation

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Targets: Achieve modal split targets as set out in RTMP

Focus on opportunities that we have identified today Integrated

Coordinated Approach: Coordinate with Metrolinx and the Regional TMP

Consider the bigger community? (inter-regional travel)

Ranking: Rank Needs – pedestrian, cyclists, public transit, goods management, automobile Affordable

Impact on business/investment Balanced

Environmental impacts Safe Representative

Based on the needs of Burlington Reflective

Of public opinion

5.2 Table 2 – Issues Table Host – Laurella Chadee, Cole Engineering Table 2 focused on the issues/challenges that must be addressed by the Transportation Master Plan. Participants began the dialogue by identifying a number of important TMP priorities. Those in attendance suggested the critical priorities include:

connectivity

accessibility

relevance (and understanding) of road purpose and design

understanding of travel patterns (e.g. points of origin and destination)

safety

the relationship to ancillary issues and concerns (e.g. parking supply, environmental concerns and the impact of traffic and congestion on human health and air quality and the need for synchronization with other transit modes – Go Transit for example).

Those in attendance noted that the TMP will address a number of transit-focused issues but must also take into account, a number of ‘bigger issues’ that include not only the inter-relationships between land use and transit, but the important issues of political buy in and fiscal/funding support. One of the key issues that was identified by members of the TAC included the notion of behavioural change. Some suggested the need to consider social marketing to enact behavioural change and a number of issues/concerns were identified in relation to changing public perception and behaviour. Ontario’s climate frequently acts as an impediment to greater public transit usage. Simply put, our climate

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presents a number of challenges and in turn, supports travel by automobile. The TMP must factor weather into the decision making process and provide adequate shelter from the elements. The notion of behaviour change must also be addressed from the lens of public perception. Some are of the view that the only people who take transit are those who have no other transit options (e.g. they do not own a car). Others are concerned about safety (e.g. cycling to school; cycling/walking to the store). The perceptions and fears associated with public transit must be addressed. The TMP will have to address Travel Demand Management as well as public education and outreach. In addition, the TMP should consider the interplay between transit and land use and should incorporate specific elements that encourage for example, design elements that promote easy street access (e.g. front door access to retail, etc.)

5.3 Table 3 – Areas of Opportunity Table Host: Rudy Sooklall Table 3 focused on the areas of opportunity provided by the TMP. Participants identified a range of opportunities, as follows:

Optimize the Existing Road Network by focusing on lane and intersection enhancements at critical locations (Guelph Line; Lakeshore Road; Fairview Street) and review truck routes to determine if improvements can be made for good movement through Burlington and beyond

Accommodate all users and promote active transportation by identifying needs and implementing measures to ensure a safe modal mix

Work with key partners (Region and MTO) to advance consistent design standards for active transportation

Advance better and more integrated services by strengthening connections to various transit modes (Burlington Transit, Go Transit) through service and fare pricing

Better integrate transit and land use planning

Consider ancillary opportunities to advance the TMP objectives including parking strategies to promote modal shifts, working with partners including the school boards and private sector as well as business/employment sector through Smart Commute, carpooling, safe school bike routes, and the like).

Identify and address critical connectivity issues facing the City of Burlington (e.g. north/south connectivity; connectivity in North Burlington).

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5.4 Table 4 – Challenges & Obstacles Table Host: Lynn Robichaud, City of Burlington The conversation at Table 4 focused on the identification of specific challenges and opportunities – elements that must be addressed in the TMP. Nine key challenges and obstacles were identified by members of the Techncial Agency Committee as follows:

Infrastructure – Roads – Standards. The TMP will have to address the demand for road widening to accommodate more vehicular travel (as well as the associated costs and safety issues), the implications and impacts associated with prescribed engineering standards and the need to balance uses and users.

Public Opinion & Behaviour: The TMP will have to address the need for fairness and equity as well as the need for behavioural change among the public as a whole.

Planning: The TMP will have to address the important shift that must take place – away from the car and toward people. The TMP will require internal champions of change.

Accessibility: The TMP will have to address accessibility issues. Road widening can present impediments for the disabled and identifying opportunities to create ease of arterial crossing for pedestrians – particularly those who may be mobility challenged – will also have to be addressed.

Environment: Streetscaping will have to be considered from a multi-faceted lens. While it can offer tremendous benefits from a visual and aesthetic lens, plantings can reduce sight lines and can also increase costs. Climatic considerations will also need to be taken into account.

Cost & Funding: The cost of infrastructure improvements, particularly over the long term will have to be addressed. The issues associated with fiscal matters are many – the source of long term sustainable funding, priority setting, etc.

Transit Efficiency: The issue of efficiency was also discussed in relation to several factors. Land use intensification is needed to support transit. In addition, in order to be attractive to existing and new riders, public transit must be both cost and time efficient when compared with the automobile.

Businesses Objectives Differ: The TMP will have to recognize that some businesses are dependent on bike and pedestrian traffic while others rely on the automobile. Advancing a TMP that acknowledges the importance of a range of travel modes will be important. The needs of the business sector vary.

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In addition to the key obstacles referenced above, a number of additional matters were noted by those in attendance, including the potential for increased conflict between user groups as demands and use increase; the importance of the City of Burlington leading by example and the additional implications that must be considered around weather and in particular snow clearing.

5.5 Table 5 – What Can You Do & What Can the TMP Do for You? Table Host: Allison Enns, City of Burlington Table 5 allowed participants to focus on their relationship to the Transportation Master Plan. Participants were asked in particular to identify how they could advance the TMP and in a reciprocal way, what the TMP may be able to do to advance critical and strategic priorities from their own perspective. The salient points of discussion are captured in the table below:

What Can You Do? What Can the TMP Do for You?

Collaborate, partner and network with others; promote engagement at all levels

Identify connections to other agencies, groups and departments.

Share public health data Injury prevention – develop age friendly communities and consider the determinants of health.

Advance public engagement and widen the circle of involvement

Identify needs

Look on the TMP as a ‘living’ document; Share an action plan – work on implementation together

Assist in program development. Set the City up to be a leader in active transportation.

Support a ‘people first’ vision in all we do Allow us to engage in carpooling and other smart commute initiatives.

Review engineering design standards It may mean higher capital costs but it could also allow very unique places to be developed and interesting curb materials to be used.

Draw a stronger connection between land use and transportation planning

Support the TMP in the Official Plan – where are we going; where are we growing

Uphold and advance the TMP vision Build excitement about a vision for the future. Develop goals and share those goals Communicate long term goals with the City Build consistency by working together to identify expectations

Support behaviour change.

Consider shared cost models

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4.0 Recap, Wrap Up & Where to From Here Karen Wianecki took the opportunity to highlight a number of key thoughts and observations that were shared during the first TAC meeting. Important Work This is important work – important for the City of Burlington and its partners. Partnerships Partnerships and collaboration are critical moving forward. Real opportunity to

partner with Metrolinx and with the Region to advance integration and strategic thinking.

Evolution We need to think not about what is, but what is possible. Focus on behaviour

change through social marketing and focus on putting people not cars first. Innovation There is a real opportunity to think and act strategically and to consider the

range of impacts on transportation (land use, community services, demographics and social demands, the need to be timely and cost competitive).

Governing Principles Efficient Effective Integrated Affordable

Balanced Safe Representative Reflective & Supported By the Public

Issues: Connectivity – of the system and of the uses and users Safety Build Out & Maintenance Accessibility Understanding travel patterns from the lens of point of origin

Looking at the ‘whole street’ (landscaping, planning, building and structural environment, etc.) Need to acknowledge different travel needs (e.g. inter-City; intra-City travel; connectivity beyond the City to the Region and beyond) Real Need to Shift the Public Persona of who Transit Users Are and a Real Need to Promote the Advancements in Transit Comfort and Accessibility that have evolved over the years – Public Awareness Campaign

Opportunities: Accommodation of Pedestrian through the Interchanges – Real Challenge One Common Standard to guide AT is needed

Bike facilities at destination is needed – think strategically about cycle commuters and ease of inter-modal transit Use ancillary levers to advance the TMP (e.g. parking strategy; workplace commuting strategy; integrated pricing strategies; education curriculum)

Better understanding of travel patterns

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Need for public engagement and early buy in and support. Think outside the box – e.g. water based travel, bike sharing, etc. as well as P3 opportunities.) Make better use of existing opportunity days and events (e.g. Earth Day) Learn from others (e.g. Maximize Toronto).

Challenges/Obstacles: Social & cultural challenges (Need to ensure the public understands why

changes are being made – be certain we are explaining why we are doing what we are doing; Behavioural challenges – road rage; Public perceptions (some more important/valuable than others) Demographic challenges (Continued demographic growth pressures; Need to consider the whole lifecycle needs of residents (changing demographics, etc.) Environmental and Regulatory Challenges (Smart Growth and intensified urban development creates additional pressures and challenges; Coordination between different agencies and different transit users; Engineering standards are sometimes challenging to change; road widenings to accommodate more cars) Legal Challenges (legal liability vis-à-vis standards; operational safety Fiscal Challenges (Funding – always a challenges)

Your Connection: Continuing the connection and work together. Promote public engagement – cast a wider net. Follow through with implementation – ensure the TMP continue to live…evolve! Promote the TMP and its philosophy with interesting facts…

Could be connected to human health determinants and overcoming barriers to enhanced wellness Foundation for an exciting City vision.

Other Thoughts: Rural Burlington matters!

The TMP could hold real promise for all of us…where we are going but also how we are growing!

Jenny thanked all for attending. She indicated that the information forthcoming from the TAC and SAC will be developed in the form of a Proceedings document. The next point of contact will be an invitation to join Mind Mixer and it is expected that this contact will come in the next month. Meeting Concluded: 4 pm.

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Workshop Proceedings – Stakeholder Advisory Committee The following captures the key points of discussion that emerged during the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting. 1.0 Introduction Jenny Setterfield took the opportunity to welcome all attendees to the workshop. She noted the importance of the dialogue and the value of the discussion that will unfold and shared with participants, the overriding imperative to focus on issues and opportunities associated with the Transportation Master Plan.

1.2 Meeting Purpose & Objectives Jenny provided an overview of the meeting purpose and objectives noting the purpose was to provide for a two-way information exchange with City staff offering an overview of the scope of the TMP, timing and deliverables and the meeting providing a forum for the exchange of insight and wisdom among participants. Participants were invited briefly introduce themselves.

2.0 Setting the Context Rudy provided an overview of the purpose of the Master Plan. He noted the need to think about sustainable transportation for the City of Burlington and the opportunity to consider the Importance of selecting a variety of transportation modes. Rudy made reference to the responsibility of the City to create an integrated transportation network to accommodate safe movement and the development of a balanced transportation system that considers all users and advances a sustainable plan. The TMP, as Rudy noted, will be coordinated with City growth and will address the needs of cyclists, pedestrians, public transit users as well as automobiles and goods and service transportation. Rudy noted that the focus of the Burlington TMP has been captured in the motto – ‘Go Your Way’ – which acknowledges the need to recognize the range of uses and users. The Vision for the Go Your Way TMP has been developed as follows:

“To develop a sustainable and integrated transportation system that provides safe and efficient options for multi-model travel and increased accessibility, while contributing to creating a vibrant community and preserving the natural environment in a cost-effective manner.”

Rudy took the opportunity to sketch the process, noting that the development of the TMp will mirror the process largely prescribed for an Environmental Assessment. As he noted, it will identify the issues and opportunities; evaluate solutions and allow for the identification of a preferred solution. Throughout the process, members of the TAC, SAC and the public will be engaged. Rudy made reference to a number of key documents including:

Metrolinx – Regional Transportation Plan – The Big Move

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Halton Region Transportation Master Plan and Active Transportation Master Plan

City of Burlington (Official Plan Review, Capital Expenditure Plan, Strategic Plan) The TMP that emerges will have to align with and reflect the key principles that are outlined in these key documents and in turn, the key principles that emerge from the TMP will also be reflective of and in turn reflected in these key documents. Rudy took some time to provide an overview of the four key components of the TMP:

- Active Transportation (cycling, etc.) - Public Transit (GO Transit, local transit, transit focused development) - Travel Demand Management (reducing traffic congestion during peak hours) - Road Network (network connectivity; linkages within the road system; congestion

management)

3.0 Walkability Audit – Overview of Preliminary Observations Jenny Setterfield spoke about the walking audit completed by Dan Burden on June 3rd. Dan Burden is the Co-Founder of Innovation and Inspiration with the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute. She made reference to a number of specific observations made by Dan. In particular, he noted:

- The City of Burlington is on the right track - Vehicles have the right of way - Discontinuous sidewalks - High volume of pedestrians and cyclists - High volume of truck traffic - Retail front doors open to parking lot - Reconstructed intersection – Maple Avenue/Fairview Street - Land use – Appleby Line/Harvester Road

Questions & Comments: Q: Will a video of Dan Burden’s walkability audit be available for others to see? A: The City is confirming the availability of the Cogeco clip. Q: Will the TMP address the issue of pedestrian crossing and timing? A: The TMP will address this and it will be something that we need to address moving forward. Q: Is there any thought to timing the lights to allow for freer flow of transit? A: Yes, we do routinely try to update signal timing to provide for a ‘green wave.’ The drawback and

challenge is that if you improve it in one way, you create impediments for cross traffic. In addition, there are solutions that must reflect the unique requirements of each intersection and the needs of all users, including pedestrians.

Q: In areas where it can be done, is there any thought being given to closing roads within specific

school areas for designated periods of time? A: This is an issue that could be explored.

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Q: Are we looking at the maintenance of paint on our roadways? In some cases it is fading or faded. Will these considerations be part of the TMP?

A: This is an issue that could be explored in the TMP. In a way, this is a little bit more detailed than the TMP – the TMP would identify the need for good markings but would not specify the markings…

C: There is a need for proper engineering standards. Many standards are designed for failure.

Look at the Dutch Engineering Manual as this will offer some insight for the City.

4.0 Stakeholder Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Jenny Setterfield reviewed the level of commitment required from members of the SAC. She noted that members of the SAC will be required to attend several meetings –a second SAC meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 2013. Jenny noted that additional meetings may be required and that in addition to the face-to-face meetings, there will also be an opportunity for engagement using a digital platform called MindMixer that provides for interactive mapping and collaborative dialogue using technology as the platform for engagement. Jenny indicated that the Stakeholder Advisory Committee will be making decisions about the disclosure of information to the public as a whole and will be asked to provide direction regarding information disclosure and release (e.g. should all information be shared with the public or should specific elements of the TMP be shared). In addition to employing the use of social media and technology for SAC dialogue, Jenny noted that there will also be a public component that will be supported by a MindMixer platform as well. Members of the SAC will be invited to participate in a survey in July and there will be an opportunity to share views and perspectives on a series of specific topics. Members of the SAC will be asked to review and provide comment on key documents including the Transportation Demand Management Paper and the Draft Alternatives to the Transportation Network. Project Timelines are as follows:

Key Milestones Date

Agency/Stakeholder Engagement June 2013 – February 2014 Alternative solutions to network July 2013 – September 2013 Public engagement July 2013 – February 2014 Preferred solutions for network October 2013 Report to Council – Draft December 2013 Report to Council – Final March 2014

Jenny also advised that in addition to the process specifics, there is an opportunity to convene a meeting one-on-one with any group that may be interested in meeting with City staff. Anyone interested is asked to contact Jenny directly.

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5.0 Global Café Conversation Led by facilitator Karen Wianecki, participants were invited to participate in an open café conversation, focusing on five key topics as follows: Conversation 1: Governing Fundamentals Conversation 2: Specific Issues Conversation 3: Areas of Opportunity Conversation 4: Challenges & Obstacles Conversation 5: What Can You Do & What Can the TMP Do For You?

5.1 Conversation 1: Governing Fundamentals Those in attendance were asked whether there were specific governing fundamentals that should be part of the TMP. The following reflects the comments and suggestions that were raised by members of the SAC:

Safety – 20% mode shift will result in increased pedestrian traffic.

Efficiency

Effectiveness

Taking a Holistic approach

Transit Oriented Development – taking a strategic approach and a more integrated and aligned approach to planning and transit is needed. Plan for intensification and then align transit objectives to support land use planning and policy. Stick to the Official Plan – do not permit minor variances to the zoning by law. Stand Firm on the Things That Matter.

Affordability – cost to build; maintain and the costs of what we are doing now (e.g. health costs) – perhaps the TMP could take some of the current expenditures to health and reduce our funding – focus on prevention through transportation – connection between human health and wellness - $210 million/year (health care costs associated with treating those who have been poisoned by pollution). 31 people die each year.

Integration & Alignment – Looking at the ‘system’ as a whole; making an investment in Secondary Infrastructure (e.g. crossings and access for seniors, etc.)

Sustainability – the plan and the approach must be sustainable; we need to escalate our efforts and focus on increasing our efforts; economic sustainability and also we don’t want to look back and reflect on a system that is anything but resilient and long lasting and relevant.

Flexibility -- Demographics Will Dictate Consumer Demands – reflect the needs of users.

Incorporate changes in technology – ecobikes; need for electric charging stations for electric cars

Vision - things will change and the way we move about will change

Adaptable --

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Defined Urban Form – we know Burlington has a defined urban boundary – work with this to advantage

Innovative – be leading edge; innovative and learn from others.

Value – there has to be value to this Plan – everyone must buy in. Public engagement and support is essential.

5.2 Conversation 2: Specific Issues Participants suggested there are a number of specific issues that should be addressed in the TMP.

Maintenance of all infrastructure (on and off road)

Physical barriers (QEW, Confederation Park Bridge)

Two components of The Big Move that do not make sense: - Connect to the Dundas Highway by coming down Brant Street – not sensible should come

down Appleby line an dcreate an east/west access - Create more east/west connectors rather than use money to bring rapid transit from

downtown

Rigidity of Halton Region (road widths) and Dundas (lack of cycling infrastructure and reconstruction) – some poor planning on that side – look at the TMP to create opportunities

Ease of Accessibility: Every contact point in the transportation system must be accessible to the least accessible individual – e.g. senior/disabled child. We need to plan for those who have the most difficulty getting around. Design with consideration for others in mind. Considerable discussion about accessibility and street access.

Tie TMP to zoning and planning.

Engineering Standards need to be enabling not problematic.

5.3 Conversation 3: Areas of Opportunity The members of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) identified a number of specific opportunity areas for the TMP. The following reflect the salient points raised:

Encouraging greater public transit use.

Changing the public perception of public transit. - Consider use of incentives (reduced fares, etc.)

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Pedestrian Mall - Consider turning Brant Street into a pedestrian mall - Brant Street is closed down for Ribfest - Look at the Spark Street Mall in Ottawa and the advantages that this could bring

Make it easier for Commuters to use Transit - Efficient and reliable transportation to parking lots

More Aggressive & Expanded Revenue Generation Program - Signs on bus shelters – currently run by a private company; could the City take control of

advertising opportunities - Bicycle Licenses - Fees for Use Funding of the System – Some are of the view that transit should be paid from the general tax base and not by the general user; others are of the view that there should be a subsidy. If we want to advance a big vision, 20% modal shift is a huge (almost unbelievable) change – we need to support that remarkable change with some remarkable change.

Public Education – Social Marketing that will produce different behaviour – need to consider a social marketing approach that will result in modified behaviour. Educate the Young – there is a program called Safe Routes to School. This program is operating and the Halton School Board is participating. It would be very effective to get the Citizen Advisory Groups to take up the charge.

Traffic Limitations in School Areas During Designated Peak Periods – e.g. Glenview School near Aldershot (e.g. from 9 – 9:30 and 4 – 4:30) – streaming of traffic - is this possible?

Downtown Car Free

Partnerships & Collaboration – consider the opportunities to deliver a consistent and key message.

5.4 Conversation 4: Challenges & Obstacles Members of the Stakeholder Advisory Panel were invited to share their ideas around challenges or obstacles associated with the TMP. Comments, suggestions and insights emerged as follows:

Resources – funds to pay for the Plan

Lack of a Vision – need to have a huge education piece and an integrated and coordinated approach; need to focus on a 20 year vision; there are many people with similar ideas – need to coalesce all of these ideas.

Demonstrable results of walkability and transit improvements that are tied to economic advantage (an increase in property value; and an increase in business).

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ACTION; JENNY TO FOLLOW UP WITH DAN BURDEN TO SECURE SOME STATISTICS ABOUT THE CORELATION BETWEEN AN EFFICIENT & EFFECTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM AND ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE.

Reverse Engineering.

Mindset Shift & Public Attitude – our urban form is auto-focused. Need to find a way to promote different choices about transit.

Focus on the Fact that Change Will be Long Term – target the next generation.

Target the Fear – encourage children to ride their bikes and walk

Stay Focused on What Can Be Achieved – Deliver on Key Objectives

Profile the Opportunities – educate the public about the possibilities – you can make the Presto Card more flexible so that you can integrate public transit and parking (provide flexibility) – consider what we have and the options to increase our flexibility between various modes of transit (e.g. I can’t afford both a monthly transit pass and a monthly parking pass) – recognize the need for flexibility but also balance as users will vary in terms of the modes of transit that they rely on

Recognize that Burlington is a bedroom community – how can we install transit if we don’t have the population to support it.

Availability of Certain Data:

ACTION: SHARE SOME DATA THAT DOCUMENTS TRAVEL PATTERNS (E.G. THE PROPORTION OF TRIPS THAT ARE UNDER 5 KM. CITY STAFF TO UPLOAD DATA TO THE WEBSITE). CITY HAS SPOKEN WITH INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS BUT COULD PURSUE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE SCHOOL BOARDS BY SURVEYING SCHOOL COMMUNITIES.

Recognize that Transit is Impacted by Ancillary Factors…

Safety Factors Impact Traffic Congestion – some schools prevent cars from pulling into school property at certain times and this causes a backup on local roads, etc.

Cookie Cutter approach doesn’t work in the City of Burlington. There are new communities that are planned (Halton) and communities that have a long history. Plan needs to be flexible and adaptable to reflect the very unique attributes of the communities but also to recognize that change will come.

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5.5 Conversation 5: What Can You Do & What Can the TMP Do For You? Those in attendance were asked to consider the connections that do currently exist as well as the potential for greater integration and alignment that could be possible. SAC members were specifically asked what they could do to advance the TMP and, in turn, how the TMP could assist each of the SAC members in achieving their critical priorities.

Get the Word Out: Put the TMP on the Agenda of different user groups and special meetings. Can you help us get the word out to educate and increase awareness. Provide some materials and resources. Happy to distribute this material to their constituents. Consider the opportunities to partner with the City. (e.g. work with cycling committee; Aldershot BIA, bicycle safety tips, etc.). Carry out opinion surveys (e.g. what would have to be done to allow your child to walk or ride your bike to school?).

ACTION: JE to look at his data

Cast A Wide ‘Public’ Net: Consider running a Design Charrette at the Burlington Mall.

SAC as Liaison: Use the SAC as liaison with the broader community. Consider the opportunities for members of the SAC to connect and distribute a common message in Newsletters and the like.

Broker Connections with Others: Consider incentives and tie the TMP to other initiatives (e.g. hospital expansions – wellness; exercise) – BIA has a Guest Speaker Breakfast program. Use this as an opportunity to profile the TMP.

Engage the business community – MacMaster paid for painting of bike lanes on Brant Street – businesses will donate funds and engage to promote the objectives – tie in with existing fundraising initiatives that may be ongoing with specific groups and organizations (e.g. BIA in Aldershott will be contributing to improvements along Plains Road)

Use existing media – e.g. Newsletters (Aldershott BIA) – include an article on the TMP.

Look to the City to facilitate the connections..MindMixer website…could be a superb platform to allow for the exchange of information and ideas. Use Social Media to advantage. Facebook, Twitter…

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5.0 Closing Remarks Karen Wianecki took the opportunity to highlight a number of key thoughts and observations that were shared during the first SAC meeting. Important Work This is important work – important for the City of Burlington and its partners. Partnerships Partnerships and collaboration are critical moving forward. Real opportunity to

partner with School Boards, special interest groups to advance integration and strategic thinking.

Common Message Needed There must be a common message about the importance of balance and

sustainable transportation options. Evolution We need to think not about what is, but what is possible. Focus on behaviour

change through social marketing and focus on a range of uses and users. We also need to be mindful that our needs will change (e.g. technology and demographics will dictate consumer demand) – need to think about what is possible and what is coming (e.g. charging stations) not just what is.

Innovation There is a real opportunity to think and act strategically and to take a more

aligned and integrated approach to land use planning and transportation planning.

Governing Principles Efficient Effective Integrated & Aligned Sustainable Affordable

Balanced Safe Flexible & Adaptable Strategic Innovative

Issues: Connectivity – of the system and of the uses and users Safety Build Out & Maintenance Accessibility

Understanding travel patterns from the lens of those with the greatest challenges Looking at the ‘whole street’ (access, planning, building and structural environment, etc.) Need to acknowledge different travel needs (e.g. inter-City; intra-City travel; connectivity beyond the City to the Region and beyond) – what are the opportunities to improve service offering for commuters and reduce parking Real Need to Shift the Public Persona of Transit

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Opportunities: Learn from others (e.g. Dutch Engineering Standards). Encourage greater public transit use Change public perceptions Commuter ease More aggressive revenue generation Public education and awareness Pedestrian Mall Engage with partners to get out a consistent message Challenges: Public perception Resources & funding Focus on the need for a strategic and long term vision Recognize the longer term achievement of the plan – the next generation Target what is achievable – Deliver Advancing the TMP Work through others to get the message out Use social media to advantage Take advantage of the networks of others Car Free Sunday this Sunday…Come Out – Get the Message Out! Jenny thanked all for attending. She indicated that the information forthcoming from the TAC and SAC will be developed in the form of a Proceedings document. The next point of contact will be an invitation to join Mind Mixer and it is expected that this contact will come in the next month. Noted by Vito that some suggestions will require direction from Council and as part of adopting the TMP, there will be series of staff directions that will go to Council for direction. Meeting Concluded: 9:20 pm.

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Appendix A

Transportation Master Plan – Techncial Agency Committee – June 20th, 2013

Burlington Art Centre – Shoreline Room

Global Café Conversation Summaries

Table 1: Governing Principles

Meet travel demands by 2031

o Based on needs of community – larger community?

Multi-modal transportation

Reduce single occupancy vehicle

Reach modal split targets as set out in Regional Transportation Master Plan

Co-ordinated with

o Metrolinx

o Regional TMP

o Official Plan (Region and City)

Concentrate on nodes & Corridors

Travel time

o Maintain or let it congest?

Plan for peak hour?

Support for compact community

Rank needs o Pedestrian o Cyclists o Transit o Goods and service o Auto

Public opinion

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Affordability – all modes

Environmental impacts

Safety

City building/built form

Impact on business/investment

Reliable and convenient alternative modes

Balanced approach

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Table 2: Specific Issues To Be Addressed

Main needs and priorities – Participants think that it would be worthwhile to identify the main needs and priorities of the City’s transportation system.

Lack of connectivity – Participants noted lack of road connectivity is an issue, not only for cars, but also cyclists, pedestrians, and those using mobility devices.

Lack of accessible infrastructure – Participants noted that people using mobility devices need continuous facilities to get from one point to the other.

Lack of general understanding relating to road designation/use – Participants felt that road users need to understand the purpose of various roads, e.g. roads which accommodate truck traffic, quarry and farm vehicles (especially north of the City), and active transportation.

Safety issues – Participants noted that existing active transportation facilities can be enhanced and new facilities added to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

Understanding trip origins and destinations – Participants believe it is important to know where people are coming from and going to.

Streetscaping – Participants believe that streetscaping is important to encourage active transportation, e.g. sidewalks, shelters, trees, etc.

Land use planning and transportation – Participants pointed out that many schools are located on major arterials (e.g. Dundas Street), and this creates issues for parents who will not allow their kids to walk to school because of high volumes and speeds on these roads.

Cut-through traffic – Participants noted high volumes of cut-through traffic on City roads (off the QEW), especially during peak hours.

Parking supply – Participants would like to see parking supply balanced, especially in the downtown area, i.e. supply sufficient parking, but not excess. There were suggestions to revisit the zoning by-law.

Environmental concerns – Participants were concerned about the impacts of congestion on public health, as well as air/water quality.

Funding – Participants think one of the main issues is funding, but also pointed out the significance of benefit/cost.

North/south QEW crossings – Participants see the need for additional north/south QEW crossings, as a means of relieving major regional roads.

Public perception – Participants feel that the majority of residents are resistant to change. It was suggested that a behaviour change is needed, and this could be achieved by education and awareness, in the form of public meetings and focus groups. It was also pointed out that generally people have the wrong perception of transit users, e.g. lower class people.

Transit – Participants believed that local/GO transit schedules should be synchronized to encourage transit use.

Politics / Council / Champion / Developer support – Participants expressed the importance of support from various levels of government, and developer buy-in and participation (e.g. Appleby Mall).

Travel Demand Management (TDM) – Participants identified the importance of TDM, and believe that there should be more policies/programs to educate and encourage people to become involved.

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Implementation – Participants think that implementation of continuous links is important.

Retail frontage – Participants would like the front door of retail establishments to be open to the public to encourage active transportation. The chicken/egg issue was discussed.

Weather – Participants noted that weather was deterrent to cyclists and pedestrians for the majority of the year. It was noted that shelters could be part of the streetscaping to encourage active transportation.

Crime – Participants think that some parents do not allow their kids to walk or cycle to school because they are concerned about crime (e.g. kidnappings, etc.).

Goals of Growth Plan – Participants were interested in knowing how the City will be meeting the goals of the Growth Plan, and if it is close.

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Table 3: Areas of Opportunity

Optimize existing road network

Implement measures to improve lane and intersection capacities at critical locations (e.g., Guelph Line, Lakeshore Road, Fairview Street)

Obtain an understanding of trips origins and destinations by mode and transportation network connections (TTS data) – this will help highlight network connectivity issues for various modes

Accommodation of all users – Participants noted that this is an excellent opportunity to accommodate all

road users and promote active transportation:

Identify areas of need for active transportation Implement measures to ensure a safe mix of all modes Investigate ways to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists through interchanges Coordinate with the Region and MTO on the need to implement consistent design standards for

active transportation Provide facilities (racks, showers, etc.) for bikes at key destinations (schools, parks, public

places, etc.) Provide connected cycling lanes in school zones to increase the number of students riding to

school Include active transportation in the school curriculum (e.g. Maximum City program in Toronto) Educate the public on the benefits of active transportation The Burlington Cycling Committee can sponsor bike rodeos at schools Provide bike and car sharing services

Review truck routes to determine if existing routes can be improved to accommodate goods movement

through Burlington

Improve the transit network and service:

Provide improved service to designations such as GO stations to reduce auto use Provide connections to pedestrian and cycling network Strengthen the connections between Burlington Transit and GO Transit Fare pricing strategy to promote transit (Presto card, use of a single monthly pass for parking and

transit – this will provide person with the flexibility to use transit and still have access to an auto for certain trips)

Land use planning to increase transit use Consider transit priority measures to improve transit operations and reliability

Use of parking strategies to enable a shift in mode use, for example, increased parking rates and reduced

parking demand in the Downtown area may encourage people to use other modes to access the

Downtown

Engage the public in the development of alternative solutions to address transportation issues within the

City

Consider land use policies to develop an integrated transportation system including active transportation

around the identified mobility hubs. Provide connections to mobility hubs

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Consider the use of water transportation (e.g., ferries on Lake Ontario)

Involve the private sector in the development of transportation solutions through a private-public-

partnership (P3) process

Work with school boards to promote active transportation through the Active and Safe Routes to Schools

and implementing staggered schedule to distribute school traffic on the road network

Work with employers to offer incentives to use other modes than the auto (e.g. Smart Commute, Carpool

parking spaces)

Address the transportation requirements of AODA (e.g., currently Presto card is not accessible)

Address connectivity issues in North Burlington for all modes

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Table 4: – Challenges and Obstacles

Infrastructure – Roads – Standards:

Widening roads for more cars – it’s a challenge to safely accommodate all users – how to balance everything?

Difficult to accommodate road widenings in urban environments – buildings are an impediment.

Road widenings – property needs can be challenging – cost of acquisition and removal of buildings.

Engineering standards – sometimes difficult to change due to operational safety issues.

Improving interchanges with growth of traffic and balancing all user needs.

Public Opinion & Behaviour:

There is a public perception that the City is not trying to accommodate all users. Also a perception that one group is more important than other user groups. Difficult to satisfy all.

Public pushback – people don’t want change.

Your perception of issues can change depending on what user group you belong to at the time – some people belong to more than one group and can change day to day.

Behaviour change can come out of a crisis. Increased congestion may cause people to try other options, such as cycling.

People are busy (lifestyle) – creates a time challenge to try different options.

Educating new residents and employees on opportunities related to active transportation and transit.

Planning:

Focus on ‘people’, not the car.

Meeting targets, particularly aggressive ones, can be challenging (e.g. Region’s 20% modal split)

Defining needs for a TMP can be challenging.

Politics can create obstacles – everyone has a different agenda. Need champions.

Planning for regional vs local needs can be a challenge.

Determining priorities and scheduling improvements.

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Which user group are we planning for as needs and demographics change overtime? For instance a student taking a bus becomes a driver with a car. A person with a car becomes a senior who cannot drive.

Can’t always accommodate all users – but need to provide choice.

Aging population – challenge.

Schools – generate lots of traffic. Opportunity to involve them in planning.

Interconnections with other agencies such as MTO and GO can be challenging, depending on their schedules and priorities. Don’t always match.

Congestion.

Intensification and transportation growth.

Accessibility:

Accessibility for all in city’s transportation network. Although, city’s engineering staff are working on this and achieving results. However, people do not understand change (e.g. Why are sidewalks needed?)

Road widenings can create obstacle for the disabled – more lanes to cross, therefore, require more time at crosswalk.

Pedestrians crossing major arterials – challenging.

Environment:

Planting trees along the boulevard is a challenge due to hostile environment, although provide many benefits such as air quality, aesthetics, etc.

Stormwater and water quality – a challenge on roadways.

Cost & Funding:

Cost of infrastructure improvements – roads, buses, stations, etc.

Funding challenges – sources, priorities, timing to accomplish goals, etc.

Transit:

Need intensification to support transit.

Providing an efficient transit system to attract new riders. Needs to be more competitive with cars, particularly the time factor.

Businesses:

Different types of businesses benefit from different modes of travel – e.g. big box stores rely on cars; restaurants and bars can benefit from pedestrian and bike traffic. Some businesses

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provide infrastructure to support active transportation and transit (e.g. MEC supported local bike lanes).

Minimize out commuting (related to local employment); provide opportunities for telecommuting and shift changes.

Encourage developers to buy into TOD and TDM. Cost is a barrier.

Other:

Lack of enforcement of traffic rules – road rage over conflicts between user groups (e.g. cars vs cyclists)

City needs to lead by example (City does participate in TDM activities and is looking at Car Share program)

Snow clearing.

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Table 5: Your Relationship to the Transportation Master Plan

Table #5a - What can you do for the TMP?

Build a network of professionals from various agencies, departments and levels of government.

Public Health could potentially provide public health data (dependent upon a request from the TMP and upon their capacity). Exploit any public health data available to assist in justifying changes in terms of engineering design standards (space between benches, amount of time to cross etc)

Promote public engagement. Go beyond to attract more than the usual suspects

Make it visual (Mobility Hubs work and the Dundas Street EA in Oakville)

Make it a living document – build follow up actions. Share with the public how are we implementing? What are we achieving? Don’t let it sit on the shelf.

Review engineering design standards to meet the community vision articulated in the TMP. In other words make sure that in our day to day work we are supporting that people first vision.

Making the connection between engineering design standards, and land use and transportation planning to ensure that a cohesive approach is taken to develop solutions sensitive to the context (local road, busy arterial, rural road etc…).

At the time of implementing the TMP through large construction projects do our best to put people first.

Communications role is to demonstrate the value of a document like the TMP and emphasize the message that it does encourage behavior change but recognizes that changes are incremental.

Share / Communicate long term plans with the City – identify common goals and divergent goals

Build standard consistency and expectations (MTO wanting standard traffic design standards)

Identify funding shared cost models

Region will continue to plan for those intensification areas throughout the City

Continued and increased coordination between levels of government – encourage dialog with developers, school boards, BIAs etc.

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Table #5b - How can the TMP assist you?

Public Health can be assisted by discussion about injury prevention (accidents, mental health, personal injury); the development of age friendly communities and the consideration of the determinants of health. Progress in these areas through changes in the plan can be recognized and barriers to further changes could be highlighted.

Helps the City build their capital budget and helps engineering to prepare their work/ build plan.

Identifies needs – related to the Official Plan Where are we going and where are we growing. Helps to set priorities for action

Assists in program development

Builds excitement about a vision for the future.

Once you share your vision for the future of the transportation network it presents opportunities to identify connections to other agencies, groups, departments to work together

Timing is critical output that is helpful to others. It should be very easy for all to understand and interpret the municipality’s priorities set in the document.

Thoughtful consideration of the street furniture and infrastructure design. It may mean investing in higher capital costs and materials that have a certain feel and look that contributes to unique places. This could be interesting curb materials (granite curbs are everlasting – at reconstruction they are lifted out and reused again and again), paving materials, furnishings – clean lines that limit sidewalk clutter and create unintentional accessibility challenges.

Design Excellence in the public (beyond the ROW) and private realm need to work in a complementary fashion. The public buildings and the public realm need to be exceptional. Look at Metrolinx.

Provide understanding of your community better – building background on the community. The work we need to do to convince others to invest in us. Statistics, report card and clear communications.

MTO wants to see a plan that won’t adversely impact their facilities where safety, efficiency and function now and in the long term are important.

Promote carpooling and associated facilities to get people out of their cars.

Be absolutely clear about what you need from technical stakeholders. For example if asked Metrolinx can provide mapping of customer origins to a station.

Can help us distinguish priorities connected to timing / phasing

Assist in identifying opportunities for the coordination of improvements. Region and City and Prov. Present them together with the mutual benefits.

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Assist in identifying areas or identifying the potential to identify areas of the City with a unique Cultural Heritage. Plaques, embedded stone, interpretive elements. This is another way to create place in a manner that is sensitive to context.

Can set the City up as a leader to encourage bus passes, bike facilities, etc.

Set the discussion of the importance of investing and expanding transit

Be clear about time priorities but don’t lose sight of the critical importance of funding in the equation.

Better use communication tools including trip planning in order to support behavior change.