SPC Committee on Transportation Decisions in Brief
From the June 13, 2016 meeting
7.1.1 On-Street Paid Parking Time Zone Change
Decision
*The Committee received the report as information and will recommend to City Council at its June 27 meeting that a 3-hour parking limit be implemented in the Downtown, Broadway, and Sutherland BIDS with a report back in one year.
Background
*Preliminary discussions took place with the BIDs to determine support for an increase to paid parking time zones.
*Additional discussions with the BIDs and other stakeholders are required before comprehensive implementation of three-hour time limits can be assessed.
*Consideration could be given to implementing three-hour time zones, in selected areas, as a first step.
7.1.2 Issuance of River Landing Parkade Request for Proposals
Decision
*The Committee resolved that the Administration issue a Request for Proposals for the River Landing Parkade based on the terms outlined in the report.
Background
*In November 2009, City Council approved, in principle, the development of the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan at the Destination Centre site in River Landing.
*In June 2011, City Council resolved that the underground parkade would pay its annual operating costs, contribute to the building costs for a portion of the first floor atrium, contribute to a portion of the land costs, and to fully fund the debenture.
*Within the new River Landing Parkade, there are approximately 155 public parking spaces.
*The City is seeking the services of an experienced parkade operator to run the parking program.
*The River Landing Parkade is mandated to eventually be self-sufficient through its operations.
7.1.3 North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge – Traffic Bridge South Pathways
Decision
*The Committee resolved that the report be forwarded to City Council for information.
Background
*The report is an update regarding the detailed design for the pathways on the south side of the Traffic Bridge into Rotary Park.
*The Project Agreement (PA) includes technical requirements to be met by the design being prepared by Graham Commuter Partners (GCP) for all aspects of the project, which includes a requirement to provide direct pathway connections from the Traffic Bridge down into Rotary Park.
*Based on GCP’s bridge concept, this will include 3.0 m wide pathways on each side of Victoria Avenue extending down the new bridge embankment at a maximum 5% grade and connecting to the existing Meewasin Trail.
*GCP has completed review of this design with the CPTED committee and is proceeding to the Meewasin Valley Authority to complete Development Review in July/August 2016.
7.2.1 Active Transportation Plan
Decision
*The committee recommended the following to City Council:
- That City Council recognize and approve, in principle, the long-term benefits of the vision, goals, targets, and key directions of the Active Transportation Plan (ATP);
- That the ATP be implemented in a phased, incremental approach, requiring specific implementation plans in five-year increments; and
- That the Administration report back with an implementation plan for the period of 2017 to 2021 with specific action items, funding and staffing resources identified.
Background
*The ATP was guided by community input, a vision, and goals; targets for active transportation have been developed, along with key directions and action items to improve active transportation facilities, policies and standards, support programs, and education and awareness initiatives over the next 30 to 40 years.
*Based on feedback during the early rounds of public engagement, the ATP includes a target to double the proportionate daily walking and cycling trips by the year 2045.
*The ATP contains an 80-point action plan organized around the themes of Connectivity, Safety and Security, Convenience, Land Use and Growth, Maintenance and Accessibility, and Education and Awareness. Actions have been prioritized in the short-, medium-, and long-term, and quick wins (actions that can be implemented in the next one to two years) have been identified.
*Following City Council approval in principle, a five-year implementation plan with specific action items, funding, and staffing resources will be created and brought to City Council for review.
7.2.2 Taxi Meter Rates
Decision
*The Committee recommended the following to City Council:
- That the Taxi Bylaw be amended to include the taxi industry’s request to increase the taxi meter rate by 6% effective August 1, 2016;
- That the Taxi Bylaw be amended to include a transaction fee of up to $0.90 per direct debit transaction;
- That the City Solicitor be requested to amend the Taxi Bylaw; and
- That at the time this report is before City Council, the Administration include information quantifying the rate increases.
Background
*Taxi meter rate increase requests come forward from the taxi industry based on its expertise which includes immediate and complete knowledge of the market, industry expenses and profit margins.
*The taxi industry is requesting a rate increase of approximately 6% which will amount to $0.75 per 5 kilometer ride.
*The last rate increase was approved by City Council in May 2011. The Taxi Cost Index has increased by an average of 6.3% over the past 24 months.