Planning and Works Committee Minutes

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Council Chambers
Members Present:
  • K. Redman, 
  • D. Craig, 
  • R. Deutschmann, 
  • J. Erb, 
  • S. Foxton, 
  • C. Huinink, 
  • C. James, 
  • J. Liggett, 
  • D. McCabe, 
  • J. Nowak, 
  • N. Salonen, 
  • S. Shantz, 
  • B. Vrbanovic, 
  • K. Williams, 
  • and P. Wolf 
Members Absent:
  • M. Harris 

Should you require an alternative format or a copy of the official minutes please contact the Regional Clerk at Tel.: 519-575-4400, TTY: 519-575-4605, or regionalclerk@regionofwaterloo.ca


Start time is approximate. The Planning and Works Committee will start immediately following closed session

1.
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Chair C. James called the meeting to order at 2:14 p.m.

2.
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Chair C. James provided a land acknowledgement.

  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That the Planning and Works Committee reconvene into open session.

    Carried

C. James declared a deemed pecuniary interest on the report PDL-ECD-23-006, Entrepreneurial Grants 2023.

5.
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There were no presentations.

Danielle De Fields, Director, Community Planning and Meaghan Eastwood, Supervisor, Climate Transition and Sustainability provided a presentation on the corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They provided an overview of the collaborative approach to climate action, strategies and initiatives, including a regional official plan (ROP) amendment and corporate energy plan.

Responding to a question from the Committee, M. Eastwood noted that public health is closely watching the Region's air quality, and that there is a need for further research and adaption measures. 

This report was received for information. A copy of the presentation is attached to the minutes. 

R. Deutschmann joined the meeting at 2:28 PM. ()

6.
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Kyra Chisholm, Plan Manager, ClimateActionWR appeared before the committee with Tova Davidson, Executive Director, Sustainable Waterloo Region and Mary Jane Patterson, Executive Director, Reep Solutions to share the 2019-2020 Greenhouse Gas Re-inventory Report. K. Chisholm provided an overview of the organization and 2010-2020 progress, noting that the transportation of goods and people continue to be the highest emitting sector, followed by workplaces and homes. K. Chisholm shared that it is encouraging to see that the community's emissions are not growing at the same rate as the population. K. Chisholm concluded by sharing a few key takeaways and next steps, noting that it is everyone's strategy and everyone has a role to play in taking strong climate action.

A copy of the presentation is attached to the minutes. 

8.
Regular Agenda

  

8.3
Strategic Focus - Environmental and Climate Action

  

The report was received for information. 

6.
Delegations

  

Isaac Ransom, Head of Corporate Affairs for Neuron Mobility provided an overview of the organization, the benefits of E-scooters and E-bikes to the community, rates, and features of the E-scooters and E-bikes. I. Ransom noted that Neuron Mobility is a leader in technology, with geofence technology to control speed, parking, and riding areas. A copy of their presentation is attached to the minutes.

In response to a question from the Committee, I. Ransom confirmed that the E-bikes and E-scooters will only be available within the city centers of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, but that new opportunities are always welcome. They also shared that the riding age is 16, with parental permission, and 18 without. 

Responding to questions from the Committee, I. Ransom explained that the geofencing technology will inform riders if they are not parked properly, with the app showing riders the closest parking area. They also noted that there are penalties for not parking properly, which could include financial or account suspension or termination. Mathieu Goetzke, Commissioner, Transportation Services added that Neuron Mobility will be alerted if a scooter or bike is not parked properly and will rectify the parking situation within 30 minutes. 

In response to a question from the Committee, I. Ransom noted that ideally helmets will be worn while riding and that riders are highly encouraged to do so. They shared that this is encouraged through a helmet selfie verification system, but that the technology does not ensure someone will wear the helmet for the full ride, and that it is up to the rider to comply with the local by-laws. I. Ransom also noted that there are safety ambassadors and educational events to remind and encourage riders to use the helmets provided, or their own. 

The Committee directed staff to look into the possibility of allowing riders to go to the airport in the future, including the infrastructure required, such as a bike bay, as well as safety considerations. 

7.
Consent Agenda

  

7.1
Strategic Focus - Sustainable Transportation

  

Responding to questions from the Committee, M. Goetzke confirmed that E-scooters and E-bikes will not be allowed on highway 7/8 and that the by-law specifies where they are allowed to go. M. Goetzke also shared that it is anticipated that the micromobility program will be cost neutral for the 2023 season.

In response to a question from the Committee, M. Goetzke noted that references were received from other communities regarding Neuron Mobility and that the feedback has been quite positive, including that Neuron has been responsive to moving dumped E-bikes and E-scooters. 

This report was received for information.

6.
Delegations

  

Chris Moser, President, Hacienda Sereda appeared before the Committee to ask that Council look at other options before making any decisions regarding the closure of the Lancaster Street ramps. C. Moser noted that the ramps are conveniently located for ease of access to the event hall, and that there could be other options, such as closing the ramps using gates at peak hours, which would be cost effective and not permanent. 

In response to the Committee, C. Moser shared that they learned about the closure 3-4 weeks ago, and that these accesses are very important to the businesses in the area. 

6.4
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Peter Lehman of Waterloo appeared before the Committee to encourage Council to approve the closure of the Lancaster Street ramps. P. Lehman shared that they are an avid cyclist and that being forced to ride with traffic on each side while on Lancaster Street is unnerving. They stated that retaining these ramps would be another example of vehicle convenience being prioritized over cyclist safety. P. Lehman concluded by asking that Council make it safe now, no more excuses, and no more funerals. 

6.5
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Brooklin Wallis of Kitchener appeared before the Committee to share their support for the closure of the Lancaster Street ramps, noting that the area is confusing, uncomfortable to drive on, and extremely dangerous when on foot or bikes. B. Wallis noted that closing these ramps does not reduce a car's ability to reach anywhere on Lancaster, and that choosing to keep these ramps means that we are choosing 5 minutes of drivers' time over the lives of pedestrians. 

8.
Regular Agenda

  

M. Goetzke provided an update regarding the report, noting that staff presented the project to City of Kitchener Council and have received a notice of their opposition. 

The Committee discussed and deliberated the report, noting that there are other areas which are significantly more problematic, and that once the ramps are gone, they are gone forever. The Committee noted that the benefits of the ramp closures include environmental, accident reduction, and supporting active transportation. 

The Committee recessed from 4:10 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

B. Vrbanovic asked for a recorded vote.

J. Nowak left the meeting at 4:30 PM. ()
  • Moved byB. Vrbanovic
    Seconded byD. Craig

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take steps to not support moving forward with the proposed closure of the Lancaster Street ramps, that we proceed with the proposed Lancaster Street road, cycling and pedestrian construction work with the necessary adjustments in a manner that accommodates the continued operation of these ramps, and finally that we request the signalization of the northbound off-ramp at Bridgeport Road which was an area of concern that was identified during the process.

    In Favor (5)B. Vrbanovic, J. Nowak, S. Shantz, D. Craig, and N. Salonen
    Opposed (10)J. Erb, K. Redman, S. Foxton, D. McCabe, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Defeated (5 to 10)
  • Moved byJ. Erb
    Seconded byC. Huinink

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

    a) Endorse the permanent closure of both ramps at the Highway 85 and Lancaster Street interchange in the City of Kitchener as outlined in Report TSD-TRP-23-002, dated March 7, 2023;

    b) Direct staff to file the Notice of Completion of the Study and place the Environmental Study File on the public record for a period of 30 days; and

    c) Subject to final approval of the Environmental Assessment Study, forward a request to the Ministry of Transportation to include the removal of the ramps in an upcoming Highway reconstruction project.

    Carried

6.
Delegations

  

6.6
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Caitlin McIntyre appeared on behalf of the homeowners of 515 Sawmill Road, to share their concerns regarding the proposed expropriation and roundabout installation. C. McIntyre noted concerns regarding the property value, ability to access the property, re-location of the hydro pole, as well as speed and safety concerns. 

The Committee directed staff to look at the possibility of re-locating the hydro pole to a more favourable location. 

7.
This item has Video

 

Item 7.1.3 EES-DCS-23-003, Myers Road 2023 Interim Active Transportation Improvements and item 7.1.4 TSD-TRS-23-005, Update on Shared Micromobility Program Launch were removed from the Consent Agenda. 

 

  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byJ. Erb

    That the Consent Agenda items be received for information and approved.

    Carried
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byJ. Erb

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, upon completion of construction, amend the Traffic and Parking By-law 16-023, as amended, for the following three approved roundabouts, to:

    Line 86 (Regional Road 86) and Floradale Road (Regional Road 19) in the Township of Woolwich

    1. Remove from Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on Regional Road 86 (Church Street) from Wellington Country Road 86  to 30 m West of Eldale Road;

    2. Remove from Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on Regional Road 19 (Floradale Road) from 770 m South of Florapine Road to (Regional Road 86) Church Street;

    3. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on Regional Road 86  (Church Street) from Wellington Country Road 86 to 400 West of (Regional Road 19) Floradale Road;

    4. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on Regional Road 19 (Floradale Road) from 770 m South of Florapine Road to 400 North of (Regional Road 86) Church Street;

    5. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 60 km/h on Regional Road 86 (Church Street)  from 400 m West of (Regional Road 19) Floradale Road to 30 m west of Eldale Road;

    6. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 60 km/h on Regional Road 19 (Floradale Road) from 400 m North of (Regional Road 86) Church Street to Regional Road 86 (Church Street);

    7. Add to Schedule 10, Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover, Regional Road 86 (Church Street) at Regional Road 19 (Floradale Road), On All Entry and Exits.

    Trussler Road (Regional Road 70) and Cedar Creek Road (Regional Road 97) in the Township of North Dumfries

    1. Remove from Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on Trussler Road (Regional Road 70) from New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12) to Highway 401;

    2. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on Trussler Road (Regional Road 70) from New Dundee Road (Regional Road 12) to 400 metres north of Cedar Creek Road (Regional Road 97);

    3. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on Trussler Road (Regional Road 70) from 400 metres south of Cedar Creek Road (Regional Road 97) to Highway 401;

    4. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 60 km/h on Trussler Road (Regional Road 70)  from 400 metres  north and south of Cedar Creek Road (Regional Road 97);

    5. Remove from Schedule 17, Rates of Speed 80 km/h on Cedar Creek Road (Regional Road 97) from Oxford County Boundary to 100 metres west of Grand Ridge Drive;

    6. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed 80 km/h on Cedar Creek Road (Regional Road 97) from Oxford County Boundary to 400 m west of Trussler Road (Regional Road 70);

    7. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed 80 km/h on Cedar Creek Road (Regional Road 97) from 400 metres east of Trussler Road (Regional Road 70) to 100 metres west of Grand Ridge Drive;

    8. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed 60 km/h on Cedar Creek Road (Regional Road 97) from 400 m east and west of Trussler Road (Regional Road 70);

    9. Add to Schedule 10, Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover, Trussler Road (Regional Road 70) at Cedar Creek Road (Regional Road 97), On All Entry and Exits.

    Sawmill Road (Regional Road 17) and Ebycrest Road (Regional Road 17)

    1. Remove from Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on Regional Road 17 (Sawmill Road) from 1080 m South of Snyder’s Flats Road to Regional Road 20 (Bloomingdale Road);

    2. Remove from Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on Regional Road 20 (Bloomingdale Road) from Kraft Drive (Westerly leg) to Regional Road 17 (Ebycrest Road);

    3. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on Regional Road 17 (Sawmill Road) from 1080 m South of Snyder’s Flats Road to 400 m North Regional Road 17 (Ebycrest Road);

    4. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 80 km/h on Regional Road 20 (Bloomingdale Road) from 400 m South of Regional Road 17 (Ebycrest Road) to 25 m East of Kraft Drive;

    5. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 60 km/h on Regional Road 17 (Sawmill Road) from 400 m North of Regional Road 17 (Ebycrest Road) to Regional Road 20 (Bloomingdale Road);

    6. Add to Schedule 17, Rates of Speed, 60 km/h on Regional Road 20 (Bloomingdale Road) from 400 m South of Regional Road 17 (Ebycrest Road) to Regional Road 17 (Ebycrest Road);

    7. Add to Schedule 10, Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover, Regional Road 17 (Sawmill Road)  at Regional Road 17 (Ebycrest Road), On All Entry and Exits

    Carried
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byJ. Erb

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct and authorize the Regional Solicitor to take the following actions with respect to the expropriation of lands for improvements at the intersection of Sawmill Road (Regional Road No. 17) and Ebycrest Road (Regional Road No. 17), Township of Woolwich, in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, as detailed in report PDL-LEG-23-018, dated April 4, 2023.

    1. Complete application(s) to the Council of The Regional Municipality of Waterloo, as may be required from time to time, for approval to expropriate land, which is required for improvements at the intersection of Sawmill Road (Regional Road No. 17) and Ebycrest Road (Regional Road No. 17), Township of Woolwich and described as follows:

       

    Fee Simple Partial Taking:

    1. Part of Lot 70, German Company Tract, being Part 1 on 58R-21638, (Part of PIN 22710-0126 (LT)), Township of Woolwich, Regional Municipality of Waterloo (629 Sawmill Road, Woolwich);

       

    2. Part of Lot 70, German Company Tract, being Parts 2 & 3 on 58R-21638, (Part of PIN 22710-0130 (LT)), Township of Woolwich, Regional Municipality of Waterloo (515 Sawmill Road, Woolwich);

       

    3. Part of Lot 70, German Company Tract, being Part 4 on 58R-21638 (Part of PIN 22247-0059 (LT)), Township of Woolwich, Regional Municipality of Waterloo (544 Sawmill Road, Woolwich);

       

    4. Part of Lot 71, German Company Tract, being Part 5 on 58R-21638, (Part of PIN 22710-0155 (LT)), Township of Woolwich, Regional Municipality of Waterloo (5 Kraft Drive, Woolwich);

       

       

    2.Serve notices of the above applications(s) required by the Expropriations Act (the “Act”);

    3.Forward to the Chief Inquiry Officer any requests for a hearing that may be received within the time prescribed by the Act;

    4.Attend, with appropriate Regional staff, at any hearing that may be scheduled;

    5.Discontinue expropriation proceedings or any part thereof, in respect of the above described lands, or any part thereof, upon the registration on title of the required documentation to complete a transaction whereby the required interests in the lands are conveyed or if otherwise deemed appropriate in the opinion of the Commissioner of Engineering and Environmental Services and the Regional Solicitor; and

    6.Do all things necessary and proper to be done and report thereon to Regional Council in due course.

    Carried
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byJ. Erb

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the Baden – New Hamburg Water and Wastewater System Servicing Review EA – Project File Report as summarized in this Report EES-WAS-23-004 dated April 4, 2023; and

    that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo publish the Notice of Completion for the Baden – New Hamburg Water and Wastewater System Servicing Review and provide the Project File Report for a 30-day public review and comment period, in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process; and

    that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo direct and authorize staff to commence with required real estate acquisitions for easements as outlined in this Report EES-WAS-23-004 dated April 4, 2023.

    Carried

7.1
Strategic Focus - Sustainable Transportation

  

The Committee expressed their thanks to staff regarding the improvements proposed, but noted that there are still concerns, particularly around accessing the school when there is no parking. The Committee wanted staff to be aware of the ongoing parking situation. 

  • Moved byP. Wolf
    Seconded byJ. Liggett

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo:

    1. Approve the recommended interim active transportation improvements and traffic calming measures proposed on Myers Road as outlined in Report EES-DCS-23-003 dated April 4, 2023; and
    2. Amend Traffic and Parking Bylaw 16-023, as amended, to add to Schedule 10, Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover, on Myers Road at Gatehouse Road/Lisbon Pines Drive, on the west side, as outlined in Report EES-DCS-23-003; and
    3. Amend Traffic and Parking Bylaw 16-023, as amended, to add to Schedule 10, Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover, on Myers Road at Moffat Creek Public School, as outlined in Report EES-DCS-23-003.

       

    Carried

8.
Regular Agenda

  

8.1
This item has Video

 

Rod Regier, Commissioner, Planning, Development and Legislative Services, introduced the report, noting that it is a large and interesting re-urbanization project in Cambridge. D. De Fields and Amanda Kutler, Manager, Community Planning, provided a presentation which included an overview of the staff recommendation, noting that the City of Cambridge has approved their share of the joint tax increment grant.

A copy of the presentation is attached to the minutes.

  • Moved byP. Wolf
    Seconded byD. Craig

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions regarding the property municipally known as 130 Water Street North in the City of Cambridge, as described in Report PDL-CPL-23-008, dated April 4, 2023:

    1. Approve the new agreement terms for the Joint Brownfield Tax Increment Grant (TIG), with Cambridge Development Inc. and the City of Cambridge, for the remaining property at 130 Water Street North, originally approved by Council on April 12, 2011 (Report P-11-038 / F-11-018 / CR-RS-11-023 for the properties known as 130 and 170 Water Street North in the City of Cambridge), with the Regional amount not to exceed $6,801,489, net of any other future brownfield assistance, to be financed from the incremental tax revenue for the property following remediation, redevelopment and reassessment;
    2. Authorize the Region’s Commissioner of Planning, Development and Legislative Services and Commissioner, Corporate Services / Chief Financial Officer to execute any associated agreements, assignments, amendments or other related documents with Cambridge Development Inc. and the City of Cambridge, the form and content of such Tax Increment Grant agreement(s), any subsequent assignments of the agreement, or other related documents to be satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor; and
    3. Authorize the Region’s Commissioner of Planning, Development and Legislative Services and Commissioner, Corporate Services / Chief Financial Officer to execute a termination agreement for the Original TIG Agreement with the City of Cambridge, Haastown Holdings (Cambridge) Inc. and Cambridge Development Inc., to be satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor.
    Carried

8.2
Strategic Focus - Sustainable Transportation

  

Darryl Spencer, Manager, Transportation Engineering, presented the 2023 updates to the Region of Waterloo Road Safety Program. D. Spencer provided an overview of ongoing pilot projects, and new safety initiatives, including raised crosswalks and improved illumination. D. Spencer explained the 5 E's of the road user safety program, which are evaluation, engagement, engineering, education, and enforcement. They also discussed the automated speed enforcement program and how staff are exploring the acceleration of the program, including the feasibility of bringing the 175 schools into the program. 

D. Spencer noted that staff are looking to launch a rural speed compliance program shortly, with a kick off meeting scheduled in early May with Township staff. They shared that this will include looking at problem areas and solutions for how some of the speeding concerns in the rural settlement areas can be addressed. 

The Committee discussed the report, stressing the importance of considering the accessibility needs of people in our community during the planning and design phases, as well as the possibility of exploring all way pedestrian crossings.

In response to the Committee, M. Goetzke confirmed that staff will be bringing options to Council in the summer regarding community safety zones, and that at this time, it is not possible to deem the whole Region a community safety zone, as certain criteria needs to be met. 

The report was received for information. A copy of the presentation is attached to the minutes. 

Matthew O'Neil, Manager, Rapid Transit Coordination provided a presentation on Stage 2 ION, outlining what has been completed to date, goals and benefits, next steps, and updated costing. 

A copy of the presentation is attached to the minutes. 

In response to the Committee, M. O'Neil shared that it is difficult to speculate if the provincial and federal governments are going to fund this project with the Region, but that the strength of the business case would be a factor.

The Committee expressed concerns regarding the costing, feasibility of the project, and the need for interim solutions, such as a rapid bus along the LRT corridor in Cambridge.

The Committee also requested that when stage 2 of the ION is revisited, detailed information regarding government relations and lobbying be included. 

S. Shantz left the meeting at 5:58 PM. ()
  • Moved byR. Deutschmann
    Seconded byD. Craig

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo defer the motion discussed under item 8.2.3 TSD-RTS-23-001, Stage ION Project Status Update to the Planning and Works Committee meeting on June 6, 2023.

    Carried

8.3
Strategic Focus - Environmental and Climate Action

  

Jennifer Rose, Commissioner, Environmental and Engineering Services and Mari MacNeil, Director, Water and Wastewater Services presented on the guiding principles and objectives of the water supply strategy. 

In response to a question from the Committee, J. Rose noted that there may be some policy work that Council will be asked to do. J. Rose shared that there is an opportunity for stronger links around industrial water efficiency and conservation. Craig Dyer, Commissioner, Corporate Services/Chief Financial Officer noted that staff are continuing to review the longer term impacts of Bill 23.

K. Williams left the meeting at 6:15 PM. ()
B. Vrbanovic left the meeting at 6:15 PM. ()
  • Moved byD. McCabe
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo endorse the guiding principles within the Water Supply Strategy as summarized in report EES-WAS-23-003 dated April 4, 2023

    Carried

D. Craig assumed the Chair. 

R. Regier introduced the report, noting that seven applications were received and five applications met the eligibility criteria. R. Regier noted that staff have recommended an allotment of $76,000 based on the 2023 budget for this program, and that to fully fund the five eligible applications would be $138,000.

K. Williams joined the meeting at 6:30 PM. ()
  • Moved byK. Redman
    Seconded byD. McCabe

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the full grant funding request from the five eligible applicants under 2023 Economic Development Grant – Entrepreneurial Initiatives funds in the amount of $138,000, as outlined in Report PDL-ECD-23-006, dated April 4, 2023.

    **C. James declared a Conflict of Interest

    Carried

9.
This item has Video

 

9.1
This item has Video

 

C. James assumed the Chair.

The Committee requested that a list of the roads that are going to be under repair in 2023 be shared with Council. 

Received for information.

10.
This item has Video

 

The Committee directed staff to look into the hill at Victoria Street and Weber Street for pedestrian access to the GO station. 

11.
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12.
This item has Video

 
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That a closed meeting of the Planning and Works, and Community and Health Services Committees be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 immediately following the Planning and Works Committee in the Waterloo County Room, in accordance with Section 239 of the “Municipal Act, 2001”, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

    1. Financial information, supplied in confidence to the Region from the Government of Ontario;
    2. Providing direction to staff on a plan to be applied to negotiations related to a potential acquisition of lands;
    3. Receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege related to a proposed disposition of lands

13.
This item has Video

 
  • Moved byD. McCabe
    Seconded byK. Redman

    That the meeting adjourn at 6:33 p.m.

    Carried