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Please Note: If you cannot attend the meeting or if you have added agenda items please contact Karin Stieg-Drobig: 519-621-0740 Ext. 4816 or by e-mail: [email protected] or Secord Room: 519-623-1340 Ext. 4224
Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee
No 2 - 18
AGENDA Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Secord Room, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 50 Dickson Street 7:00 p.m.
Meeting Called to Order
Presentations
Delegations
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting PP.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Recommendation:
THAT the decisions contained in the January 24, 2018 minutes be considered for errors or omissions.
Reports
Subcommittee Reports
1. City Green Subcommittee Meeting Notes PP.
Recommendations:
THAT the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) receives the meeting notes from the February 5, 2018 meetings of City Green;
AND FURTHER THAT they be appended to the CEAC minutes for distribution.
2. East Boundary Road Class EA Subcommittee PP.
Recommendation:
THAT the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee forward Report No. CEAC-02-18 to the Project Manager as its comments on the information presented at Public Consultation Centre No. 3 on February 1, 2018 for the East Boundary Road Class Environmental Assessment.
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Agenda – February 28, 2018
Correspondence
Information Items
3. Cambridge Trails Advisory Committee (CTAC) PP.
- January 11, 2018 minutes and February 8, 2018 agenda
4. Regional Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee (EEAC)
- No updates since previous CEAC meeting
Other Business
Next Meeting
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Secord Room, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 50 Dickson St.
Close of Meeting
THAT the CEAC meeting does now adjourn at __ p.m.
Distribution:
Alison Fraser, Allison Robson, Ashley Gibson, Brad Hall, Connie Cody, Craig McLeman, Jonas Duarte, Kelly Pritchard, Nicole Semper, Tom VanAarsen and Councillor Wolf
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MINUTES
Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee No 1-18
Wednesday, January 24, 2018 City Hall, Secord Room, 2nd Floor
Committee Members in Attendance: Alison Fraser, Brad Hall, Connie Cody, Craig McLeman, Kelly Pritchard and Nicole Semper
Regrets: Allison Robson, Jonas Duarte, Tom VanAarsen and Councillor Wolf
Staff in Attendance: Kathy Padgett, Senior Planner – Environment; Karin Stieg-Drobig, Recording Secretary
Meeting Called to Order
The regular meeting of the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) was held in the Secord Room, 50 Dickson Street, Cambridge, Ontario. Kathy Padgett welcomed everyone present and called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for 2018
Kathy Padgett explained the reason for the annual election for Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Kathy then called for nominations for Chairperson.
Election of Chairperson for 2018
Brad Hall nominated Craig McLeman
There being no further nominations;
Moved by: Kelly Pritchard Seconded by: Nicole Semper
THAT the nominations for Chairperson be closed.
CARRIED
Craig McLeman agreed to stand.
Election of Vice-Chairperson for 2018
Craig McLeman called for nominations for Vice-Chairperson.
Craig McLeman nominated Brad Hall
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Minutes – January 24, 2018
There being no further nominations;
Moved by: Connie Cody Seconded by: Alison Fraser
THAT the nominations for Vice-Chairperson be closed.
CARRIED
Brad Hall agreed to stand.
Craig McLeman assumed the chair.
Disclosure of Interest
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest.
Presentations
Kate Daley, Plan Manager, ClimateActionWR gave a presentation on the proposed long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target for Waterloo Region. The current plan for the Region is 6% below 2010 levels by 2020 which translates to a reduction of 842,000 tonnes of GHGs. After consultation with community groups and local organizations, the proposed long-term target is 80% below the Region’s 2010 levels by 2050, which aligns with provincial, federal and international targets. Kate acknowledged that this ambitious target will require changes in energy consumption, transportation and land use planning to name a few. The changes will be implemented through incremental goals set locally and provincially. ClimateActionWR will be presenting their targets to City and Township Councils in April/May 2018.
Delegations NIL
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Moved by: Brad Hall Seconded by: Kelly Pritchard
THAT the decisions contained in the December 20, 2017 minutes be adopted as written.
CARRIED
Reports
Subcommittee Reports
1. City Green Subcommittee
a) Subcommittee Meeting Notes
Kelly Pritchard reviewed the meeting notes for the Committee. She advised that City Green members are proposing to host potentially two Jane’s Walks. Two planting events have been
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arranged for May (Dumfries Conservation Area) and October (TD Tree Day). City Green is also looking to better establish their presence online via the City’s website or with a City Green dedicated website.
Moved by: Nicole Semper Seconded by: Connie Cody
THAT the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) receives the meeting notes from the January 8, 2018 meeting of City Green;
AND FURTHER THAT they be appended to the CEAC minutes for distribution.
CARRIED
b) Appointments
Moved by: Connie Cody Seconded by: Brad Hall
THAT the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) appoints the following members to the City Green Subcommittee (minimum 1, maximum 5):
Allison Robson and Kelly Pritchard
AND FURTHER THAT CEAC appoints the following volunteers to the City Green Subcommittee in addition to the CEAC members: Aiysha Lalva; Andrew Ramsaroop; Bonnie Wheeler; Dennis Samulak; Heather Dearlove; Laura Rourke; Linda Simpson; Sandy Forsyth; Tammy Bellingham and Tammy Emm-Pietrkiewicz.
CARRIED
2. Biosolids Strategy Subcommittee
Craig McLeman provided an overview of the report. The subcommittee is supportive of Alternative #3 to Produce Dried, Low-Volume Fertilizer as the Preferred Strategy. This option was clearly the most aligned with the evaluation criteria.
Moved by: Nicole Semper Seconded by: Connie Cody
THAT the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee forward Report No. CEAC-01-18 as its comments on the Biosolids Strategy as presented at Public Consultation Centre No. 2 on December 14, 2017, to the Project Manager.
CARRIED
Correspondence
3. The response from David Roewade, Sustainability Specialist, Region of Waterloo in response to CEAC report CEAC-07-2017 entitled “Draft Community Energy Investment Strategy (CEIS)”
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was shared for information. The subcommittee comments were addressed and David advised that they will be included in the final CEIS where applicable. The subcommittee had no further comments.
4. The response from Nicole Sapeta, Project Engineer, Region of Waterloo in response to CEAC report CEAC-09-2017 entitled “West Cambridge Water System Upgrades Class Environmental Assessment Public Consultation Centre No. 1” was shared for information. She provided a response and thanked the Committee for their comments indicating they will be important in helping to complete a detailed evaluation of alternatives. The subcommittee had no further comments at this early consultation stage.
Information Items
5. Cambridge Trails Advisory Committee
November 9, 2017 minutes and January 11, 2018 agenda were shared for information.
6. Regional Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee
No updates since previous CEAC meeting
7. Code of Conduct for Local Boards and Advisory Committees
Kathy Padgett reminded members to review the Code of Conduct.
8. Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for the Cambridge West Collector Road Network
The Public Information Centre on January 10, 2018 was shared for information. The draft Environmental Study Report will be provided to the subcommittee for review and comment when it is available.
9. ClimateActionWR
Two documents were provided in support of the presentation.
Other Business
East Boundary Road Corridor Study Class Environmental Assessment
Kathy Padgett advised the Committee that she received notification of Public Consultation No. 3 on February 1, 2018. Kelly Pritchard is currently the only subcommittee member and is not able to attend. Kathy asked if any members were interested in joining the subcommittee and member Connie Cody expressed interest.
Moved by: Alison Fraser Seconded by: Brad Hall
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THAT the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee appoints additional members to the East Boundary Road Corridor Study Class Environmental Assessment subcommittee:
Connie Cody
CARRIED
Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment
Kathy Padgett advised the Committee that the Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment is scheduled to be brought before General Committee on March 6, 2018. Kathy will remind the Committee closer to the date if they wish to attend and/or make a delegation in support of naturalization.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of CEAC is scheduled for February 28, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Secord Room.
Close of Meeting
Moved by: Brad Hall Seconded by: Nicole Semper
THAT the CEAC meeting does now adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________ _______________ Craig McLeman Karin Stieg-Drobig Chair Recording Secretary
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CAMBRIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Cambridge CITY GREEN
Meeting Notes Monday February 5, 2018 6 – 7:30 p.m.
City Hall, 2nd floor, Secord Room Attendance: Sandy Forsyth, Paul Willms, Andrew Ramsaroop, Linda Simpson, Dianne Day, Bonnie Wheeler, Dennis Samulak, Tammy Bellingham Welcome Guests / New Members:
• Dianne Day – with a community garden and looking for a change in volunteerism. Looking for a guest speaker for Preston Horticultural Society for first Wednesday of the month (for May) to speak about City Green.
ACTION: LS to speak to the group at the Allan Reuter Centre, Wednesday May 2nd 7:20 – 8 pm and follow up with Dianne on the details. PW to provide powerpoint to Linda and any other resources such as the invasive species brochure.
• PW noted the way City Green operates with respect to membership and new projects.
1. Review of January 8, 2017 Meeting Notes and Action Items (pages 2-5) • The group reviewed the Notes and Action Items • The group now has a “generic email address” [email protected]
ACTION: PW to forward LS edits on website to City staff to make changes.
2. Renaissance of City Green – Jane’s Walk(s)
• The group discussed potential ideas for Jane’s Walk. The Cambridge Natural Heritage Tour, Victoria Park Woodlot Management Plan, Archives are potential resources.
• http://janeswalk.org/canada/waterloo-region • PW offered to help with research, graphics, etc. as a “second” on a walk • Don’t have to be an expert, should be two people per walk, encourage others to
contribute and jump in during the walk • In this first year, perhaps limit to the Mill Creek and Victoria Park • Advertising – Friends of Mill Creek, locally, Meetup, Idea Exchange network, City
resources ACTION: KP to develop Victoria Park walk based on Woodlot Management Plan. (PW reported that the Plan will go to Council, but working on a local Information Night at Highland Public school where City Green can also offer the customized City tree report) ACTION: All walks (KP, AR, other CG members?) have the following timeline: - by February meeting = outline, - by March final version, - and “road-tested” and refined in April for - May 4-6 Jane’s Walk event ACTION: March meeting – schedule the different Jane’s Walks by CG members. ACTION: PW to connect with Sandra Sydor on Jane’s Walk as well as April 22nd event with litter clean up at Idea Exchange(s).
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ACTION: AR to develop Mill Creek walk http://www.millcreekgalt.ca/ (AR provided an outline, that it would take an hour – environmental and heritage side. PW noted that he could be the “second” on this walk, e.g. talk about the Soper Park naturalization versus the channelization downstream of the arena, etc.) ACTION: add iNaturalist Jane’s Walk? (City Nature Challenge is April 27-30 and Janes Walk May 4-6....would involve becoming familiar with the app, choosing a location with a variety of species of trees, birds, etc. (Riverside Park boardwalk?), and teaching people about the app and walking a route to document species. PW to follow up with “rare” staff on leading this.
3. Cambridge Community Clean Up
• “Next Year List” Review/Advancement of Actions (see list below) • Idea Exchange/City Green booth(s) at the branches
4. Cambridge Stewardship
• City Nature Challenge 2018 https://www.calacademy.org/citizen-science/city-nature-challenge – update (PW). We can add Cambridge this year for next year’s challenge (only Waterloo and Vancouver are in this year’s competition but we are participating together with rare, Kitchener, Waterloo, etc.).
• Holy Spirit School would like to discuss a similar project to Coronation PS (2017) • Workshops on how to use the iNaturalist app to be hosted (by Cambridge and others)
and perhaps events (e.g. host an event third week in May around migratory birds at Riverside Park boardwalk)
• Two planting events possible – Dumfries event in May and TD Tree Day in October
ACTION: PW to get Dumfries date
5. Information Items • Cambridge City Green Meetup www.CambridgeCityGreen.ca = 175 members to date • Cambridge City Green Calendar • Bonnie and Dennis to attend the Sharing Experiences Workshop
ACTION: PW to link with Community Associations to post www.CambridgeCityGreen.ca on their websites (Gwen Stott).
Cambridge Community Clean Up Next Year List
ACTION: SF to book mobile signs. ACTION: PW to follow up with Idea Exchange
1. come out on 21st to Community Clean Up 2. one booth (Queen’s Square) with City Green volunteer and supplies and with other
information about City Green ACTION: PW to ask Ancient Mariners to staff the booths along with one CG person ACTION: PW to count signs and report to SF and LS ACTION: PW - ordering pickers ACTION: PW – order white bags ACTION: PW – permits from Boards; Principals - newsletters; readerboards; e-newsletters; posters through Green Teams contacts; volunteer hours Locations:
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- Hespeler Tim Hortons - Victoria Park - St. Benedicts/Clemens Mill - Galt Arena Gardens - Preston Public School - Monsignor Doyle
- PW mentioned the online reporting piece to help CG booths (volunteer notes location of bags
left and reports directly to City staff picking up), and other changes - “upcoming events” piece of paper (MeetUP site, next tree planting, iNaturalist event, Jane’s
Walks, the next City Green monthly meeting if you like to plan stuff) - [email protected] is the email address for reporting bags - PW noted that an online signup can be created that asks questions of Organize Your Own
groups, determines the level of risk, and assigns Cambridge Ambassador Team members to the event if risk is high enough (other “steps” may be that they receive a sharps kit and organizer gets training video, online risk waiver to click, sign-out library system for pickers)
- Giveaway 700 pickers at CG booths (“library sign-out system” for collections of 30-50 pickers for Organize Your Own groups
- Should have some gloves on hand during the transition to pickers-only - Schools and pickers? – no, gloves/status quo (teacher does sweep, if needles bring someone
in, PW asks additional questions/City provides resources and support – litter clean ups should continue with schools)
- PW reached out to Region to see if they would fund pickers - One site for Preston – Preston Public School – follow up with permit - Sharps training session in March for City Green meeting following the meeting - location (Preston) needed – lady from Waste Management was at Hespeler booth and she
would be excellent at Preston booth with CG volunteer – need to think about location and keep it forever (schools).
- – if not we need to order 2. Preston Public School, Westminster Church, Dumfries, Coronation PS – can we have Dumfries and Coronation or Coronation and a Preston Heights location (Dumfries is a strong location as participants can clean up right there – and it is central.
- Ancient Mariners (?) for each booth - take extra coffee and food to Bridges - small signs need to be improved but should be used again - small sharps kits, training and kits for more groups, portable kit, kit to all OYO groups, shelter to
receive supplies and training - Laura’s chocolate eggs, Timbits, or other small treat for kids at booths (?) - Xtra small gloves needed - Efficiency in ordering Tim Hortons - Yellow signs with black ink small sign changes – larger font - Mobile signs – more location oriented closer to CG booths - PW to follow up on pickup plan with Savage Dr., CSD and TPW staff - Stickers on bags with [email protected] for bag pick ups - Sticker on sharps kits with phone numbers - Dennis noted Glad/Toronto clear bags. Clear bags for next year to measure recycling/blue box
blowout combined with photo/social media drive? - Corporate sponsorship “policy”? - Support for business champions, corporate challenge, etc.
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Meeting Date: 02/28/2018 Report #: CEAC-02-2018
To: Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC)
Report Date: 02/09/2018
Report Author: Kathy Padgett, Senior Planner – Environment on behalf of the East Boundary Road Class Environmental Assessment Subcommittee
Department: Community Development
Division: Planning Services
Report Title: East Boundary Road Class Environmental Assessment Public Consultation Centre No. 3
File No: E13(2).02.01.33
Ward No: 7 and 8
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee forward Report No. CEAC-02-18 to the Project Manager as its comments on the information presented at Public Consultation Centre No. 3 on February 1, 2018 for the East Boundary Road Class Environmental Assessment.
SUMMARY
• The Region is undertaking a Class Environmental Assessment study to determine the East Boundary Road route from Dundas Street (Highway 8) at the proposed South Boundary Road Intersection to Townline Road in the City of Cambridge.
• Public Consultation Centre No. 3 was held on February 1, 2018 to view the revised Preferred Alignment.
• The Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee is providing comments to the Project Manager on the information presented at Public Consultation No. 3.
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BACKGROUND
The Region of Waterloo is undertaking a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study for the East Boundary Road from Dundas Street (Highway 8) at the proposed South Boundary Road Intersection, to Townline Road. The East Boundary Road Corridor Study Area includes land in the City of Cambridge, the Township of North Dumfries, and the Township of Puslinch (see Attachment No. 1). Several transportation studies have been completed (dating back to the 1960s) which have identified a future need for an arterial road connection on the east side of the City of Cambridge, connecting the south end of the City to Highway 401. The study has been completed to Phase 3 – Alternative Design Concepts for the Preferred Solution, which will be followed by Phase 4 – The Environmental Study Report documenting the study for public review.
ANALYSIS
Strategic Alignment: PLACE: To take care of, celebrate and share the great features in Cambridge that we love and mean the most to us.
Goal #4 - Environment and Rivers
Objective 4.1 Ensure that sustainability principles are a part of city decision- making processes.
Existing Policy/By-Law: Schedule ‘C’ project in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment.
Map 7A Major Transportation Facilities and Hydro Corridors of the 2012 Cambridge Official Plan shows a future conceptual transportation study area on the east side of the City.
Financial Impact: East Boundary Road is a Regional Road project, with the costs being borne by the Region of Waterloo.
Public Input: The Region of Waterloo has hosted three Public Consultation Centres (PCCs) for this project. Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) members Kelly Pritchard and Laura Rourke attended PCC No. 1 on April 3, 2014, and reviewed the information presented. Subsequently at the April 30, 2014 meeting of CEAC, the
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Committee endorsed Report No. CEAC-05-14 prepared by Kelly and Laura outlining the preferred route with the least impact to the natural environment. This report was submitted to the Project Manager.
PCC No. 2 was held on December 9, 2015 and was attended by Kelly and Laura (whose CEAC term ended December 31, 2015). The intent of PCC No. 2 was to present the Preferred Alignment to the public. The Natural Environment Report (December 2015) prepared by Savanta was made available, however, the Constraint Summary which was used to evaluate alternative alignments wasn’t made available for review until March 2016. Upon receiving the Constraint Summary, at the March 23, 2016 meeting of CEAC, the Committee endorsed Report No. CEAC-02-16 prepared by Kelly requesting further clarification as to how the overall ranking was conducted to select Route C1 as the preferred option even though Route B1 had a higher rank. This report was submitted to the Project Manager (see Attachment No. 2 for the Revised Alignment Options from November 2015). Furthermore, the Committee received a presentation by Dave Hallman, MTE Consultants Inc. at their May 25, 2016 meeting and had no further comments at the time.
PCC No. 3 was held on February 1, 2018 and was attended by CEAC member Connie Cody and member Kelly Pritchard reviewed the materials online. The intent of PCC No. 3 was to present the revised “Preferred” alignment identified by the Project Team (see Attachment No. 3 for the Preferred Alignment Concept from February 2018).
Internal/External Consultation: The “Project Team” consists of staff from the Region of Waterloo, City of Cambridge, Township of North Dumfries, Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Grand River Conservation Authority, and MTE Consultants, as well as Region of Waterloo Councillor Kiefer (Cambridge) and Mayor Foxton (North Dumfries), City of Cambridge Councillor Monteiro and Township of North Dumfries Councillor Ritchie.
Comments/Analysis: The Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) is pleased to see further evaluations were undertaken to refine the Preferred Alignment for the East Boundary Road, as CEAC had expressed concerns over the previous Preferred Alignment option (C1) proposed at Public Consultation Centre No. 2 in December 2015.
CEAC acknowledges that Route B4 has been proposed as the most ideal route option and is a considerable improvement over previous Route C1. CEAC would like to see the following concerns addressed:
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• The assessment appeared to be lacking a forecast on transport trucks. Transport trucks produce more noise and vibrations and will increase the amount of emissions in an environmentally sensitive area. Accidents pertaining to transport trucks (and all vehicles) could lead to contamination of the wetlands and water sources which would have a negative impact to the vegetation and aquatic life. To reduce emissions, transports are now moving towards long combination vehicles where one tractor will pull multiple trailers as compared to a standard 5 axle semi-trailer truck with one trailer. The roads and roundabouts should be assessed to accommodate these future changes.
• The preferred route requires a crossing of the CP rail line. As indicated above, vehicular accidents are of concern and would be particularly exacerbated if train and hazardous chemicals or cargo is involved. As well, air pollution would be exacerbated if vehicles are backed up to wait for trains to pass. Thus, a road bridge versus a level crossing should be included in future road design.
• Was a transportation study completed that was cumulative and inclusive of future growth and the increase of traffic as well as the need to widen the scope to acknowledge more side roads and the additional transport truck traffic?
• Will a comprehensive noise and vibration study be undertaken? Will noise barriers be required?
• Will an archeological study be undertaken to ensure heritage and items of historical significance are preserved?
• Will a light study be completed? Plants and animals depend on the natural cycle of light and dark for life sustaining behaviours. Scientific evidence suggests that artificial light has negative and deadly effects that can disrupt an ecosystem. The constant need for bright lighting on these roads requires more research on the effect on these sensitive features and wildlife.
• A new crossing of Mill Creek (near dammed portion) near the rear lots of Grandy Lane is still required. As noted previously, the Region and consultants should be aware that Friends of Mill Creek with the City of Cambridge as a partner is focused on rehabilitating Mill Creek. A cold water stream in an urban environment is very unique. CEAC is very interested in ensuring any future road design minimizes any potential impacts to the Creek both during and after road construction.
• As well, given the high potential to remove trees with many of the options, the City of Cambridge urban forest canopy assessment and online mapping should be considered in the path forward. Similar to where a suggestion is made in regards to
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Moffat Creek, replacement tree plantings to compensate for the loss of any canopy should be considered in the project and costing.
• Road salt is a concern with this new road. The roads and bridges over and adjacent to the wetlands will increase road runoff and road salt contamination. Roundabouts also increase the amount of road surface and non-porous areas requiring heavy road salt on what will be a busy regional road. As this road is also within a low area, influence of nearby bodies of water will also increase icy conditions with the result being a need for increased use of road salt.
• Potential for flooding of nearby wetlands should be assessed and mitigated as part of the detailed drainage design of the road.
• Where and how does the road fit within identified source water protection zones, and how will road design address issues of potential contamination?
• Preferred Alignment B4 was also the route with the lowest cost. Does this cost include “environmental mitigation and/or rehabilitation” measures and costs?
SIGNATURE
Prepared by:
__________________________ __________________________
Kelly Pritchard Connie Cody
CEAC Member CEAC Member
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment No. 1 – Study Area Map
Attachment No. 2 – Revised Alignment Options (November 2015)
Attachment No. 3 – Preferred Alignment Options (February 2018)
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Attachment No. 1
Study Area Map
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Attachment No. 2
Revised Alignment Options (November 2015)
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Attachment No. 3
Preferred Alignment Options (February 2018)
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MINUTES Cambridge Trails Advisory Committee
Meeting of January 11, 2018 7:00p.m. – Erb Room A&B 3rd Floor
City Hall – 50 Dickson Street
Committee Members In Attendance: Chris Smith, Adam Metcalf, Ron Dorombozi, Councillor Nicholas Ermeta, Linda Cooke in the Chair
Staff Members in Attendance: Shane Taylor, Landscape Architect; Zita Tavares, Recording Secretary, Brian Geerts, Manager of Horticulture/Forestry
Regrets: Stephanie Bangarth, Cristina Berry
Meeting Called to Order The regular meeting of the Cambridge Trails Advisory Committee of the City of Cambridge was held in the Erb rooms A & B, City Hall, 50 Dickson Street, Cambridge, Ontario. Linda Cooke welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
1. Disclosure of Interest No disclosure of interest.
2. Delegations No delegations present for this meeting.
3. Approval of CTAC minutes of November 9, 2017 Motion #1 Moved by: Chris Smith Seconded by: Ron Dorombozi THAT the CTAC minutes of November 9, 2017 be adopted as printed. CARRIED
4. Follow-up from Previous Meeting • Eagle Street lands acquisition – There has been discussion regarding this stretch
of track as a possible alternative route for LRT line. Councillor Ermeta agreed to bring this issue back to City Council.
• MTO Franklin Blvd overpass – The current ramp design was viewed and a discussion took place. A 4-metre wide separated bike lane crosses highway 401 on the east side of the Franklin bridge, but then intersects with the 401 on-ramp, requiring users to cross the road at an unsignalized location. The group agreed the proposed design is not a safe option for pedestrians looking to cross the 401
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on-ramp, into Hespeler. Several alternative options were discussed including crossing under the ramp, adding traffic signals at the crossing point, or pushing the crossing further down the ramp. It was agreed that an engineered crossing under the ramp would be the safest and best approach, as long as good sightlines were maintained from Franklin Blvd. Chris will push for a meeting with City, Region and MTO staff to try and progress discussions towards an acceptable solution. Chris also noted that City Council passed a motion at their meeting on December 12, 2017 to open the current ramp/crossing design back up for discussion. Motion #2 Moved by: Chris Smith Seconded by: Nicholas Ermeta That CTAC endorse the position of the City of Cambridge with respect to the proposed design for the Franklin Blvd multi-use trail crossing of the Hwy 401 westbound on-ramp, as set out in the Council motion adopted on Dec 12/17.
• Active transportation discussion – A brief discussion took place around a potential name change. Ron suggested a name that includes the term “Active Transportation” may be more appropriate for our group, and may indicate a clearer message for the type of work we do, and should be doing. Chris added that CTAC might have been more likely to be approached for comment on the MTO Franklin Blvd overpass project if the committee had “Active Transportation” in its name. Chris also suggested it would be helpful to have a comprehensive active transportation map. Brian showed a mapping system in the City’s GIS database, but suggested there is still a need for better integration with active transportation. It was suggested the committee members spend some time considering “Active Transportation” further, and come to the next meeting prepared to discuss a potential name change.
5. City Updates – Maintenance Report and Items – Brian Geerts Brian noted not a lot of items to report; his staff has been regularly doing general minor maintenance on trails, as well as keeping up with snow plowing and the beaver dam issues. Needle cleanup is still ongoing, but has slowed down somewhat due to snow cover.
6. City Updates - Project Update and Schedule – Shane Taylor Shane Taylor provided the following update on projects for 2017:
i. Curb Cuts to Various Trails – Installing accessible ramps at various trail locations throughout the City. P-gates are installed, concrete ramps are completed.
ii. Melrose St. Trail to Lawrence Park - Asphalt trail is complete. Service gates and topsoil/seeding will be completed in spring 2018.
Progress Update on 2018 Projects:
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i. Bridge Replacement ‘A’ on Mill Run Trail – replace wooden pedestrian bridge on Mill Run Trail close to Speedsville Rd. RFP to be prepared, combining work with Soper Park bridge work.
ii. Soper Park Bridge Repairs – look at simple structural solutions to ongoing rotting out problems with the two pedestrian bridges in Soper Park near tennis courts/play grounds. RFP to be prepared combining work with Bridge A.
iii. Boxwood Trail and Dog Park Trail Improvements – Create dog-walking loop around storm ponds behind Dog Park, investigate future trails leading from storm ponds heading west and north; future pedestrian refuge island on Maplegrove in this location. Design phase to occur in February/March, tender in spring.
iv. Fraser Woodlot new trail – Blaze new trail to connect Culham Dr. and Grand Ridge Dr. through the Fraser Woodlot behind Tait Street School. Chris offered to approach the principal of Tait Street school to gauge interest from the school. Potential to partner with one of the classes to mark the trail.
v. Otto Klotz Park Trail – new trail through Otto Klotz Park adjoining to existing trail off Montrose Street, also improvements to the trail entrance off Montrose St. Drawings to be prepared & tendered in spring. Brian suggested the trail be installed as asphalt instead of stonedust, which would allow the City to maintain the trail in winter.
vi. Winston Blvd to Woodland Trail Improvements – improvements to the Woodland trail entrance north of Winston Blvd and to the woodlot south of Winston Blvd. Lowest priority of projects – only proceed with this work if budget allows in 2018.
vii. Other Items (Ongoing as budget allows) – Replacing u-channel signs with new timber signs; replacing old style p-gates with new style; installing new curb ramps and gates at trail roadway crossings and inaccessible areas; replacement of vandalized or worn out signage. Shane asked the group to keep an eye out and report any signs needing replacement, and also to identify some new locations for accessible ramp installations.
viii. Bridge Replacement ‘B’ on Mill Run Trail – replace wooden pedestrian bridge on Mill Run Trail close to Sheffield Street parking lot. This project did not get funding in 2018. Shane noted the ideal timing to replace the bridge is now, before the trail under highway 401 re-opens. Chris asked when the trail was set to re-open. Shane offered to follow up with MTO to confirm. Councillor Ermeta offered to discuss with Council the urgency behind replacing the bridge.
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POST-MEETING UPDATE: The City’s legal department requested the bridge be closed immediately due to unsafe conditions. City forces barricaded the bridge on January 26, 2018.
ix. RARE link Environmental Assessment for new trail/pedestrian bridge – Run Municipal Class EA for new trail and bridge. Funded by Region of Waterloo. RFP to be assembled and coordinated with Region of Waterloo, GRCA and RARE before being issued for proposals.
x. Wellington Street New Trail – continue moving forward with the new section of trail at Concession St and Ainslie St up to the Wellington Street cul-de-sac. Shane to complete drawings and continue discussions with the Region of Waterloo.
xi. Devil’s Creek Retaining Wall Replacement – continue moving forward with the replacement of Devil’s Creek at the George Street underpass. Assemble tender in spring, GRCA approvals by June; construction must occur in window of July through September.
xii. Trail connection at CanAmera/Conestoga – short trail connecting into existing condo – funded by developer, implemented by CTAC. Tender to be issued in spring.
7. Events/Tasks Update • Site Tour – This event should occur in late spring, when the weather is nice but
not too many leaves on trees yet. No date decided yet. Potential sites to include on our walk are Groff Creek, and the trail through Dumfries behind the YMCA.
• Fraser Woodlot event – Chris to approach the Tait Street School principal to discuss interest for School involvement for a potential trail blazing event. Date TBD.
• Trails Day Hike - The Cambridge Trails Advisory Committee will be offering a guided historical walk in Downtown Cambridge (Galt) on International Trails Day, Saturday, June 2, 2018. More information to follow.
8. Other Business No other business Close of Meeting Moved by: Chris Smith Seconded by: Adam Metcalf
THAT the Cambridge Trails Advisory Committee meeting does now adjourn at 9:15 pm.
CARRIED
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_______________________ ____________________________ Chair CTAC Committee Date
_______________________ _____________________________ CTAC Recording Secretary Date
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Cambridge Trails Advisory Committee Meeting
AGENDA FEBRUARY 8, 2018 – 7:00 PM
ERB ROOM A & B – 3RD FLOOR
CITY HALL – 50 DICKSON STREET
Meeting Called to Order
Introductions
Disclosure of Interest
Delegations
Approval of January 11, 2018 Cambridge Trails Advisory Committee Minutes
• Mover and Seconder • Corrections • Approval
Elect new Chair/Vice-Chair
Follow-up Items from Previous Meeting
• Eagle Street land acquisition • MTO Franklin Blvd overpass discussion – Chris • “Active Transportation” committee discussion • Follow-up with MTO on Mill Run Trail under HWY 401 - Shane
City Updates – Maintenance Report and Items – Brian Geerts
City Updates – Project Update and Schedule – Shane Taylor
• Update of 2017/18 project progress
Events/Tasks Update
• Discuss potential events for 2018
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o Site tour in Spring - Date and locations o Fraser Woodlot event – Chris o Trails Day hike – Downtown Galt historic walk, Saturday June 2nd.
Other Business
Communications
Next Meeting: THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2017, ERB ROOM A&B, 7:00 PM
Close of Meeting
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