The Corporation of the City of Kawartha Lakes

Minutes

Active Transportation Master Plan Task Force Meeting

ATMPTF2022-01
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Electronic Participation Meeting
Members:
  • Councillor Patrick O'Reilly
  • Daryl Broadworth
  • John Bush
  • Arthur Hornibrook
  • Barbara MacPherson
  • Melissa McFarland
  • Glenda Morris
  • Peter Petrosoniak
  • George Pineau
  • Mary Jean Porteous
  • Greg Scott
  • John Speirs
  • Bill Steffler
  • Pat Warren
  • Ellen Woodward
Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. The City of Kawartha Lakes is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Please contact [email protected] if you have an accessible accommodation request.

Task Force members in Attendance:  Councillor Pat O’Reilly, Daryl Broadworth, John Bush, Barbara MacPherson, Melissa McFarland, Glenda Morris, Peter Petrosoniak, George Pineau, Mary Jean (Gigi) Porteous, Greg Scott, Bill Steffler, Pat Warren, Ellen Woodward.

Absent Task Force members:  Arthur Hornibrook, John Speirs

Municipal Staff in Attendance:  Jonathan Derworiz, Planner II, Nancy Ord, Administrative Assistant

Absent Municipal Staff:  Richard Holy, Director of Development Services

Consultants in Attendance:  CIMA+ representatives Katherine Jim, Anushee Banerjee, Samantha Leger.

Additional attendees:  Councillor Pat Dunn, Jamie Morris.

The June 23, 2022 Active Transportation Master Plan Task Force meeting was called to order at 1:03 p.m.

 

J. Derworiz welcomed the Task Force, introduced himself and the City’s consultants CIMA+. Task Force members introduced themselves with brief comments on their backgrounds, volunteer and professional experience, interest in active transportation and links to established Trails groups.

CIMA+ representatives K. Jim, S. Leger, A. Banerjee introduced themselves noting background and involvement in the City’s Trails Master Plan.

J. Derworiz called for nominations for the position of Chair of the Active Transportation Master Plan Task Force.

J. Bush nominated B. Steffler and P. Warren nominated J. Bush. J. Bush declined the nomination and G. Morris seconded the motion to nominate B. Steffler.

A second call for nominations for Chair resulted in hearing none and seeing none.

A third call for nominations for Chair resulted in hearing none and seeing none.

B. Steffler accepted the nomination.

  • ATMP2022-001
    Moved ByJ. Bush
    Seconded ByG. Morris

    That Bill Steffler be appointed as Chair of the Active Transportation Master Plan Task Force.

    Carried

J. Derworiz called for nominations for the position of Vice Chair of the Active Transportation Master Plan Task Force.

P. Warren nominated G. Morris. G. Morris declined the nomination and nominated P. Petrosoniak. P. Warren seconded the nomination.

A second call for nominations resulted in hearing none and seeing none.

A third call for nominations resulted in hearing none and seeing none.

P. Petrosoniak accepted the nomination.

  • ATMP2022-002
    Moved ByG. Morris
    Seconded ByP. Warren

    That Peter Petrosoniak be appointed as Vice Chair of the Active Transportation Master Plan Task Force.

    Carried
  • ATMP2022-003
    Moved ByP. Warren
    Seconded ByB. Steffler

    That the agenda be adopted as presented.

    Carried

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest disclosed.

There were no minutes presented as this was the first meeting of the ATMP Task Force.

There were no deputations presented.

6.1  ATMPTF2022-06.1 Committee of Council Orientation Guide

J. Derworiz highlighted the Guide’s purpose and volunteered to provide a link to a digital copy of the Guide for each Task Force member.

Comments on meeting scheduling included:

  • New Business agenda items be emailed to J. Derworiz for scheduling with the Chair.
  • Plenty of notice will be provided for scheduling meetings.
  • A quorum of eight Task Force members was required for meetings.
  • The Task Force format does not allow for creation of sub-committees and all business such as seeking motions or making decisions shall occur at the Task Force level.

Comments on previously circulated Terms of Reference included:

  • The term “Project Team” refers to Staff members Jonathan Derworiz, Nancy Ord and CIMA+ representatives.
  • The definition of “Active Transportation” will be built out of the CIMA+ analysis, Task Force guidance and Master Plan.
  • The term of Task Force members runs with the term of City Council and the upcoming municipal election will require the new City Council to reappoint Task Force members. Reappointment of the current membership was noted as likely, would ensure continuity but would require re-advertising if any member did not wish to continue.

Presentation by CIMA+, Consultants for the Active Transportation Master Plan

K. Jim presented a series of slides and commented on elements of the project:

  • Purpose and scope of the Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP); the results of the Pre-consultation engagement, the foundations of the ATMP and its approach, options and consideration and a discussion of the next steps and upcoming engagement activities.
  • The ATMP is currently in Phase 1, Setting the Stage with Phases 2 and 3 to follow to develop recommendations and priorities, implementation strategies and supporting tools and to document the Project outcomes.
  • Safety, equity and comfort are ATMP considerations

A. Banerjee summarized Pre-consultation Engagement results:

  • 145 responses, 44.8% use active transportation (91% walking).
  • Top five challenges to include lack of connectivity, not enough routes, busy roads, lack of information and poor design.
  • 93 % of commuters drive with less than 5% walking, taking transit or cycling.
  • Current observations (e.g. no bike lanes on streets), Improvement opportunities; preferred modes (e.g. desire to walk, cycle for day-to-day activities) and the importance of KL investing in Active Transportation.
  • Lack of safety, user conflicts and lack of amenities.
  • A sampling of individual profiles of users of active modes ranging from teenagers walking to school to longstanding cyclists.

Comments of Task Force members included:

  • Reference to canoes and kayaks be expanded beyond a focus to on-road facilities and connections to off-road and water trails.
  • Stakeholder Advisory consultation is less formal than the Task Force’s role and serves as connection to recognized local community groups such as Chambers of Commerce, Ratepayer Associations, members of local groups and business owners.
  • The Technical Advisory Group includes municipal and other commenting bodies/agencies typically involved in planning application review including School Boards, Engineering, Parks & Recreation, Durham Region, Conservation Authorities and others.
  • The definition of “active transportation” should not be a “fait accompli” and activities such as paddling, cross country skiing and snow shoeing be considered and not include just connections and links to the on-road systems.
  • The Environmental Action Bobcaygeon Plan of Action for Walking and Cycling and the Sustainability Plan have been incorporated into the ATMP work and proposed mapping.
  • More public input is required and concern expressed that the online survey responses seem low and have not included schools (including principals, classes), pedestrians trying to cross at street corners or encouragements to business owners to reward cycling cyclists who do not use vehicles and parking spaces. A hierarchy of users is not included and trails should include integration with housing and transit. 

The Task Force members were reminded that the ATMP was in an early stage, first consultations were preliminary, further and more robust consultation will occur, School Boards form part of the Technical Advisory Committee and gaps in the Project will be addressed (e.g. transit and integration with housing (including the homeless shelter)).

Additional Task Force comments included:

  • Multi-use trails be defined for non-motorized use only.
  • More emphasize be placed on the ATMP as a key issue in providing a vision to help in addressing climate change issues and reducing carbon footprints.
  • That CIMA+ representatives have been on the City’s trails and will continue to conduct site visits on the trails.
  • The importance of clearly defining the different types of trails and stressing the need for off-road multi-use paths especially for vulnerable users and in lieu of on-road facilities in urban areas that lump sidewalks, bike lanes and paths together and where connectivity and left-turning for on-road cyclists are problems.
  • Support for walking as a significant means for community building where walkers notice and greet each other and the Project be mindful of the slogan “walking builds communities step by step”.
  • Consider the “Active School Bus” as an initiative to encourage children to walk to school.
  • The consultant to the Bobcaygeon Active Plan, Dan Burden, and other studies in Kawartha Lakes, be consulted for information.
  • Greater emphasis be placed on people with mobility needs and not just walkers and cyclists.
  • The Task Force terms of reference include an added reference to promotional campaigns and outreach to encourage active transportation as an alternative to private motorized vehicles.
  • Task Force members were encouraged to review the Bobcaygeon EAB Plan of Action for Walking and Cycling, the City’s Sustainability and Active Transportation reports.

J. Derworiz indicated a copy of CIMA+ slide presentation, including a larger version of trail maps, would be provided.

Some discussion followed on potential refinements to the mission statement of the Task Force with J. Derworiz volunteering to consult with the City Clerk.  It was noted the Terms of Reference have been approved by City Council, are a good basis for the intent of the Project and refinements may be better addressed with the new term of Council.

Task Force members were requested to email potential agenda items to Planning Division staff for scheduling in consultation with the Chair.  Members would be canvassed using Survey Monkey or a Doodle poll in scheduling meeting dates.

Task Force member E. Woodward requested accessibility be included on the next meeting agenda.

Discussion continued on meeting scheduling and the importance of ensuring project momentum.  Scheduling of the next Task Force meeting with CIMA+ in attendance was planned to occur when milestones are reached or new deliverables prepared and was anticipated for September or October 2022 to enable research over the summer and to capture input in the early part of the school year.

J. Derworiz indicated a quorum of Task Force members could meet without CIMA+, that members can send comments/suggestions at any time and that the Chair would consult with Staff on holding another meeting during the week of July 18th which would enable Task Force members to review circulated material.

  • ATMP2022-004
    Moved ByJ. Bush
    Seconded ByP. Petrosoniak

    That the Active Transportation Master Plan Task Force meeting adjourn at 3:10 p.m.

    Carried
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