Executive Committee - April 2

8/12/2019 Executive Committee - April 2

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 2, 201411:45 AM

Henry Baker Hall, Main Floor, City Hall


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Office of the City Clerk

Public AgendaExecutive Committee

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Approval of Public Agenda

Minutes of the meeting held on March 12 and 14, 2014.

Administration Reports

EX14-13 Regina Revitalization Initiative (RRI) - Stadium Project Delegation ofAuthority, Financial Model Update and External Financing

Recommendation 1. That the following delegation of authority be approved:

a. That all authority delegated to the Deputy City Manager & CFO,Corporate Services in City Council reports CR 13-6, CR 13-8 andCR13-96 be reassigned to the Deputy City Manager & COO or hisor her delegate.

b. That City Council authorizes the Deputy City Manager & COO orhis or her delegate to prepare, negotiate, review, amend and approveany additional documentation, instruments, assurances and auxiliaryclosing documents as may be necessary, to give full effect to theProject Agreement entered into with the successful proponentidentified and to complete the Project (the AdditionalDocumentation).

c. That City Council authorize the City Clerk to execute anyadditional documentation after review and approval from the CitySolicitor.

2. That the information contained within this report, updating the financialmodel estimates previously approved by City Council in CR 13-6, bereceived and filed.

3. That City Council authorizes the Deputy City Manager & COO tonegotiate external financing, including signing any necessarydocuments, to a maximum of $100.4 million to address the loanfinancing requirements of the RRI Stadium Project.

4. That a report summarizing the financing arrangements to be negotiated,to a maximum of $100.4 million, be forwarded to City Council with a

bylaw once the external financing has been arranged.


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EX14-14 SAMA Annual Meeting

Recommendation That the Executive Committee make a recommendation to City Council fora member of City Council to be the voting delegate for Regina at theSaskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) Annual Meetingon April 16, 2014.

Other Reports

EX14-15 Executive Committee: Downtown Transportation Study (DTS) PhasesTwo and Three and Direction for Downtown Transit in Regina

Recommendation 1. That the Downtown Transportation Study (DTS) Phases Two and Three

Report as outlined in Appendix A be APPROVED and theAdministration be directed to incorporate the specific initiatives in theDTS as outlined in Appendix B into the appropriate work plans as

budget and resources permit.

2. That, recognizing that 11 th Avenue is a major destination for transitcustomers, Regina Transit buses continue to serve stops on 11 th Avenueand measures be put in place to mitigate the impacts of these transitstops on businesses fronting 11 th Avenue, including:

Providing adequate transit stop amenities including wastereceptacles and attractive shelters to reduce littering and discourageuse of building entrances;

Relocation of eastbound bus stops from in front of Old City HallMall to the block between Lorne Street and Cornwall Street, withmodifications to Lorne Street to ensure appropriate turningmovements can be provided;

Design of a dual street transit hub that includes Lorne Street between 11th and 12th Avenues, reducing the number of transferson 11th Avenue;

Expanding existing security patrols over the entire business day on11th Avenue between Cornwall Street and Hamilton Street;

Adjusting schedules and timing points of transit routes to minimizelayover time on 11th Avenue;

Reviewing ridership patterns and adjusting bus route assignments tostops to reflect available sidewalk space; and,

Undertaking a passenger education and awareness program todiscourage loitering in private buildings and littering.


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3. That $200,000 in funding be allocated from the General Fund Reservefor the enhanced security patrol, transit stop amenities, increasingtransit activities on Lorne Street and the relocation of bus stops from in

front of Old City Hall and that opportunities for supplemental or sharedfunding from Regina Downtown Business Improvement District(RDBID) and others be explored.

4. That a downtown transit shuttle service, to replace regular transitservices is not feasible at this time, but that the City of Regina retain theconcept as a long-term option to support redevelopment and connect thedowntown with the new stadium, the Regina Revitalization Initiative(RRI), and the Warehouse District.

5. That the recommended plan for additional cycling facilities on

downtown streets as identified in the DTS be included in the City-wideTransportation Master Plan.

6. That Administration be directed to establish a DowntownTransportation Working group to provide open channels ofcommunication to address emergent issues related to downtowntransportation and that this working group include representation fromRDBID, Regina Transit, City Operations, and the AccessibilityAdvisory Committee.

7. That strategies for the management and supply of parking in thedowntown be finalized through the Downtown and Vicinity ParkingStudy.

8. That item MN13-4 Downtown Transit Shuttle Service be removedfrom the List of Outstanding Items for City Council.

9. That the Administration explore a partnership with other organizationsto build a new parking structure downtown.

10. That this report be forwarded to the April 14, 2014 City Councilmeeting for consideration.

Resolution for Private Session


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AT REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2014

AT A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEHELD IN PUBLIC SESSION

AT 11:45 AM

These are considered a draft rendering of the official minutes. Official minutes can beobtained through the Office of the City Clerk once approved.

Present: Councillor Bob Hawkins, in the ChairMayor Michael FougereCouncillor Bryon BurnettCouncillor Barbara YoungCouncillor Sharron BryceCouncillor John Findura

Councillor Terry HincksCouncillor Wade MurrayCouncillor Mike ODonnell

Regrets: Councillor Shawn FraserCouncillor Jerry Flegel

Also inAttendance:

A/City Clerk, Erna HallCity Manager & CAO, Glen DaviesSolicitor, Christine CliffordDeputy City Manager & COO, Brent Sjoberg

A/CFO, Pat GartnerExecutive Director, Planning, Jason CarlstonA/Executive Director, City Services, Neil VandendortDirector, Development Engineering, Kelly ScherrDirector, Planning, Diana HawrylukCoordinator, Social Development, Janice SolomonCommittee Assistant, Mavis Torres

APPROVAL OF PUBLIC AGENDA

Councillor Sharron Bryce moved, AND IT WAS RESOLVED, that the agenda for

this meeting be approved, as submitted, and that the delegations be heard in the orderthey are called by the Chairperson.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

Councillor Wade Murray moved, AND IT WAS RESOLVED, that the minutes for themeeting held on February 12, 2014 be adopted, as circulated.


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-2- Wednesday, March 12, 2014

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

EX14-8 City Administration Reorganization and Bylaw Amendments

RecommendationThat the City Solicitor be instructed to prepare the necessary changes toThe Regina Administration Bylaw to give effect to the organizationalchanges contained in the body of this report.

Chad Novak, representing the Saskatchewan Taxpayers Advocacy Group addressed theCommittee.

Councillor Terry Hincks moved, AND IT WAS RESOLVED, that therecommendation contained in the report be concurred in.

EX14-9 Homelessness Partnering Strategy 2014-2019

Recommendation1. That Council endorse, in principle, the Homelessness Partnering

Strategy and Housing First by continuing to complement the work ofthe federal government through existing City programs.

2. That the Administration continue to provide regular updates, includingany financial implications, to the Mayors Housing Commission andCouncil on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, Housing First andother homelessness issues.

3. That item E14-8 be removed from the list of outstanding items for theExecutive Committee.

4. That this report be forwarded to the March 24, 2014 meeting of CityCouncil.


Councillor Barbara Young moved, AND IT WAS RESOLVED, that therecommendations contained in the report be concurred in.

CITY CLERK'S REPORT

E14-10 Committee Structure Review

Recommendation1. That no changes be made to the existing structure, membership or

mandate of the following Main Committees of Council, as outlinedin Bylaw No. 2009-40, Section 5(1):

a. Community and Protective Services Committee;


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-3- Wednesday, March 12, 2014 b. Emergency Measures Committee;c. Executive Committee;d. Finance and Administration Committee;e. Mayors Housing Commissionf. Public Works Committeeg. Regina Planning Commission

2. That notwithstanding recommendation (1), that the Public WorksCommittee be renamed Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

3. That Administration undertake a review of items being submittedfor committee consideration to ensure that the item is placed on theappropriate committee agenda and provide a report back toExecutive Committee by March 31, 2015.

4. That no changes be made at this time to the existing structure,membership or mandate of the following Secondary Committees ofCouncil, as outlined in Bylaw 2009-40, Section 17(1):

a. Accessibility Advisory Committee b. Arts Advisory Committeec. Community Leaders Advisory Committeed. Community Services Advisory Committeee. Environment Advisory Committeef. Municipal Heritage Advisory Committeeg. School Board/City Council Liaison Committeeh. Youth Advisory Committee

5. That members of Secondary Committees of Council whose termshave expired remain as members of the committee until such time

as they are either re-appointed or a successor is appointed byCouncil.

6. That notwithstanding recommendation (3), that the Administration prepare a report outlining leading practices, inter-jurisdictionalcomparisons and options respecting civic engagement practices thatcould enhance, complement or replace the existing committeestructure and related practices and return to Executive Committee inQ3 2014.

7. That the City Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaw changes

respecting recommendations (2) and (5).

Dr. Greg Argue, representing the Strategy by Design addressed and answered questions ofthe Committee.

Mayor Michael Fougere moved, AND IT WAS RESOLVED, that therecommendations contained in the report be concurred in.


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RESOLUTION FOR PRIVATE SESSION

Councillor Sharron Bryce moved, AND IT WAS RESOLVED, that in the interest ofthe public, the remainder of the items on the agenda be considered in private.

RECESS

Councillor Sharron Bryce moved, AND IT WAS RESOLVED, that the meeting recessfor five minutes.

Meeting recessed at 1:30 pm

Chairperson Secretary


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AT REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

AT A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEHELD IN PUBLIC SESSION

AT 11:45 AM

These are considered a draft rendering of the official minutes. Official minutes can beobtained through the Office of the City Clerk once approved.

Present: Councillor Bob Hawkins, in the ChairMayor Michael FougereCouncillor Bryon BurnettCouncillor Sharron BryceCouncillor John FinduraCouncillor Terry Hincks

Councillor Wade MurrayCouncillor Mike ODonnell

Regrets: Councillor Jerry FlegelCouncillor Shawn FraserCouncillor Barbara Young

Also inAttendance:

A/City Clerk, Erna HallCity Manager & CAO, Glen DaviesExecutive Director, Legal & Risk, Byron WerryDeputy City Manager & COO, Brent Sjoberg

A/CFO, Pat GartnerA/Executive Director of City Services, Neil VandendortSolicitor, Mark YamenManager, Rod Schmidt, Stadium DevelopmentCommittee Assistant, Mavis Torres

APPROVAL OF PUBLIC AGENDA

Councillor Sharron Bryce moved, AND IT WAS RESOLVED, that the agenda forthis meeting be approved, after approving the addition of item EX14-12 ReginaRevitalization Initiative (RRI) Stadium Project Notification of Preferred Proponent.

The motion was put and declared CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.


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-2- Friday, March 14, 2014

CITY CLERK'S COMMUNICATIONS

EX14-11 RRI Stadium Project - RFP Notification of Preferred Proponent

RecommendationThat this communication be received and filed.

(Mayor Michael Fougere declared a conflict of interest stating that his previous work withthe construction industry may be viewed as a conflict. Mayor Fougere left the meeting)


Bill Clary, representing himself addressed and answered questions of the Committee.

Councillor Terry Hincks moved, AND IT WAS RESOLVED, that this communicationbe received and filed.

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

EX14-12 Regina Revitalization Initiative (RRI) Stadium Project - Notification ofPreferred Proponent

RecommendationThat this report be forwarded to the March 24, 2014 meeting of CityCouncil for information.

Councillor Sharron Bryce moved, AND IT WAS RESOLVED, that the

recommendation contained in the report be concurred in.

ADJOURNMENT

Councillor John Findura moved, AND IT WAS RESOLVED, that the meetingadjourn.

The meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.

Chairperson Secretary


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Tracking NumberApril 2, 2014

To: Members,Executive Committee

Re: Regina Revitalization Initiative (RRI) - Stadium Project Delegation of Authority,Financial Model Update and External Financing

RECOMMENDATION

1. That the following delegation of authority be approved:

a. That all authority delegated to the Deputy City Manager & CFO, Corporate Services in CityCouncil reports CR 13-6, CR 13-8 and CR13-96 be reassigned to the Deputy City Manager& COO or his or her delegate.

b. That City Council authorizes the Deputy City Manager & COO or his or her delegate to prepare, negotiate, review, amend and approve any additional documentation, instruments,assurances and auxiliary closing documents as may be necessary, to give full effect to theProject Agreement entered into with the successful proponent identified and to complete theProject (the Additional Documentation).

c. That City Council authorize the City Clerk to execute any additional documentation afterreview and approval from the City Solicitor.

2. That the information contained within this report, updating the financial model estimates previously approved by City Council in CR 13-6, be received and filed.

3. That City Council authorizes the Deputy City Manager & COO to negotiate external financing,including signing any necessary documents, to a maximum of $100.4 million to address the loanfinancing requirements of the RRI Stadium Project.

4. That a report summarizing the financing arrangements to be negotiated, to a maximum of$100.4 million, be forwarded to City Council with a bylaw once the external financing has beenarranged.

CONCLUSION

The Administration is nearing the completion of the procurement for the Regina RevitalizationInitiative Stadium Project (the Project). The identification of a Preferred Proponent from theRequest for Proposals (RFP) stage of the Project occurred on March 14 th. The next stage in the

process is for the City to enter into a design-build-finance agreement with the Preferred Proponent(the Project Agreement) and to achieve commercial close of the transaction. In order to facilitatethe closing of the transaction, the following items require City Council approval:

1) Due to organizational structure changes within the City, clarification is required to thedelegated authority previously provided by City Council;

2) Council report CR 13-96 provided the Administration the delegated authority to enterinto the Project Agreement with the Preferred Proponent. In addition to the ProjectAgreement, several other ancillary documents will be required to complete thetransaction. The Administration recommends that City Council authorize the Deputy


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City Manager & COO or his or her delegate to prepare, negotiate, review and approvesuch additional documentation, with the City Clerk authorized to execute such additionaldocumentation, as may be required to complete the Project.

On January 28, 2013 (CR13-6) City Council approved the financial model for the Project. Thefinancial model has been updated based on more recent information. There are no changes to theoverall financial commitment figures relating to the capital costs, total debt, or mill rate increases,as previously contemplated and approved by Council.

In addition to the process related recommendations related to the Project, this report is also seekingthe approval of Council to authorize the Deputy City Manager & COO to negotiate the remainingexternal financing required for the Project. This will include signing any necessary documents, to amaximum of $100.4 million. Once negotiated, this external financing must be approved by CityCouncil.

BACKGROUND

Since its inception in the spring of 2012, several elements of the Project have been before CityCouncil to provide information and receive approvals. A summary of the Council reports to date isas follows:

1) July 23, 2012 CR 12-102 City Council provided the Administration with thedirection to develop definitive funding agreements with the Province of Saskatchewan(the Province) and the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club Inc. (SRFC), basedupon the memorandum of understanding provided;

2) September 17, 2012 CR 12-134 City Council authorized the Deputy City Manager &CFO to proceed with a design-build-finance procurement approach for the Project,consisting of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and RFP process;

3) January 28, 2013 CR 13-5 City Council approved the concept design presented andauthorized the administration to proceed with the procurement phase of the Project;

4) January 28, 2013 CR 13-6 City Council approved the funding model for the Project,including the related borrowing amounts and other funding sources, and authorized theDeputy City Manager & CFO to negotiate and approve the funding agreements, with theProvince and the SRFC and the leasing arrangements with the SRFC;

5) January 28, 2013 CR 13-8 City Council directed the Administration to issue a RFQfor the Project, and delegated authority to the Deputy City Manager & CFO to award anopportunity to three successful proponents, identified by the RFQ process to participatein the RFP process for the Project;

6) July 8, 2013 CR 13-96 City Council directed the Administration to issue the RFP forthe Project, and delegated authority to the Deputy City Manager & CFO to award acontract to the successful proponent identified by the RFP process;

7) July 8, 2013 CR 13-97 City Council approved an offer to lease with SaskSport andauthorized the City Solicitor and Deputy City Manager & CFO to approve the final formlease agreement with SaskSport;


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8) January 27, 2014 CM 14-1 City Council passed The Regina Revitalization Initiative Debenture Bylaw, 2014 , which completed the borrowing of $100.0 million from theMunicipal Financing Corporation of Saskatchewan; and

9) March 24, 2014 IR 14-5 City Council received notification from the Administrationof the Preferred Proponent that was identified by the RFP stage of the Project.

With the initial $100 million borrowing from the Province completed, the remaining $100.4 millionin borrowing relating to the Citys contributions remains outstanding. The long-term debt of theCity is subject to the provisions of The Cities Act and the Citys debt limit as authorized by theSaskatchewan Municipal Board. The following are the applicable sections of The Cities Act :

"101(1) No Council shall delegate:(f) its power to borrow money, lend money or guarantee the repayment ofa loan pursuant to section 133 to 153;

133(1) The Saskatchewan Municipal Board may establish a debt limit foreach city, taking into account the factors set out in subsection 23(2) of The

Municipal Board Act .

(2) No city shall borrow money if the borrowing will cause the city to exceedits debt limit, unless the borrowing is approved by the SaskatchewanMunicipal Board.

134(1) A city may only borrow moneys if the borrowing is authorized by a borrowing bylaw.

(2) A borrowing bylaw must contain details of:(a) the amount of money to be borrowed and, in general terms, the

purpose for which the money is to be borrowed;(b) the rate or rates of interest, the term and the terms of repayment of the

borrowing; and(c) the source or sources of money to be used to pay the principal and

interest owing under the borrowing."

Legislation allows for cities to incur long-term debt without application to the SaskatchewanMunicipal Board, providing the debt does not exceed the amount authorized by the SaskatchewanMunicipal Board pursuant to Section 133(2). In 2013, the City requested and received approvalfrom the Saskatchewan Municipal Board for a debt limit of $450.0 million.

DISCUSSION

Delegation of Authority

The Administration requires clarification of City Councils previous approval authority for theProject that was provided in CR13-6, CR14-8 and CR13-96 due to the corporate reorganization thattook place on January 1, 2014. As the position of Deputy City Manager & CFO, CorporateServices has been realigned, the Administration recommends that City Council reassign theauthorities provided to the Deputy City Manager & CFO, Corporate Services to the Deputy CityManager & COO, or his or her delegate. This modification will allow the Project to continueforward toward delivery on the overall objectives.


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Additional Documentation

Following the notification of the Preferred Proponent, the City is working towards financial close ofthe transaction in May of 2014. As part of the financial close of the transaction, the City may needto enter into the additional documentation to give full effect to the Project Agreement. Theadditional documentation could include such items as agreements with lenders, warrantycertificates, undertakings, closing certificates and legal opinions, all of which are typical for large

commercial transactions of this type. Administration is seeking delegated authority for the DeputyCity Manager & COO to approve such additional documentation.

Financial Modelling

As noted, the commercial and financial close process is expected to be completed in May of 2014.To ensure the proper authorities are in place to enter into this contract, it is important to ensure CityCouncil is aware of the most current financial estimates related to the project.

On January 28, 2013 (CR13-6) City Council approved the financial model for the Project. As theProject is now at a more advanced stage, the model can be updated with more recent and accurateinformation. This report provides City Council with a financial model that has been updated with

the information known to date, and shows no changes to the overall financial commitment figuresrelating to capital cost, total debt, or mill rate increases, as previously contemplated and approved

by Council.

The financial model for the Project approved by Council (CR13-6) and contemplated belowincludes the pursuit of up to $200.4 million in debt over a period of 30 years. This represents the$100.0 million loan from the Province for capital that was approved by Council (CM 14-1) and anadditional $100.4 million City debt, which includes $67.4 million City debt for capital and $33.0million City debt for interim cash flow purposes in 2015.

As the procurement phase of the Project is nearly complete, the City (working with theSaskatchewan Roughrider Football Club Inc. and the Regina Exhibition Association Limited) hasobtained more accurate financial, costing and operational estimates from which it can update thefinancial model for the Project.

The following is the most up to date financial model as of March 2014:

Expenditure ExpenseAmount

(in millions $)

Funding Source FundingAmount

(in millions $)Capital Cost Capital FundingCapital Stadium 250.0 Provincial Grant 80.0Capital Site Preparation 28.2 Provincial Loan 100.0

SRFC 25.0City Land Contribution 3.3City Cash 2.5

City Loan 67.4Total Capital Cost 278.2 Total Capital Funding Sources 278.2

Maintenance & Debt Servicing Costs Maintenance & Debt Servicing FundingMaintenance 188.8 SRFC Facility Fee 104.6Provincial Loan Principal Payments 100.0 SaskSport Lease Agreement 75.0Provincial Loan - Interest Payments 76.1 Property Tax 308.9City Capital Debt Principal Payments 67.4 Interim Debt 33.0

Mosaic Cost Avoidance 23.8City Debt Interest Payments 56.7 Advertising/Sponsorships 15.0City Interim Debt Financing Principaland Interest Payments

59.3 Interest Earned 9.6

Total Maintenance & Debt ServicingCosts 548.3

Total Maintenance & Debt ServicingFunding Sources 569.9

Contingency 21.6Total 569.9


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All revisions made to the financial model for the Project were able to be accommodated through thevarious contingencies built into the financial model, previously approved by Council on January 28,2013 (CR 13-6). There are no changes to the overall financial commitment figures relating tocapital costs, total debt, or mill rate increases, as previously contemplated and approved by Council.The updated financial model simply reflects changes to the anticipated expenditures and revenueswithin the model, due to changing interest rates and assumptions that were clarified as the Projecthas progressed.

The contingencies built into the January 28, 2013 financial model are available to provide anadditional $47.5 million in revenue to offset additional costs. These contingencies were built intothe model to mitigate risks associated with the assumptions used in the model, as expenditures andrevenues are based on the best information available at the time they are projected. The changes toanticipated expenditures and revenues in the updated financial model are outlined below.

The revised expenditures in the updated model are:

1) Increased interest rates that were encountered in 2013. The interest rate for the$100.0 million Provincial loan that was approved by Council on January 27, 2014(Bylaw 2014-9) was 3.99% rather than 3.5%, which was the rate included within theJanuary 28, 2013 financial model.

2) As previously known and approved in CR 13-6, in order to fund the Citys portion of thecost related to the Project and to ensure appropriate funding is available for the City forthe Project and other matters, the City will be borrowing $100.4 million sometimeduring 2014-2015. As approved in CR 13-6, this amount included $67.4 million of Citydebt for capital and $33.0 million City debt for interim cash flow purposes. The exacttiming of the borrowing will be based upon the Citys cash flow needs as well as interestrate trends. The January 28, 2013 financial model assumed a rate of interest of 4.0%,

but due to market trends, it is now estimated that this interest rate will be 4.5%.

The revised revenues included in the updated model are:

1) Facility fees ($4.6 million increase) as a contingency, the City did not includeestimated revenue for CFL playoff games and additional revenue in expected Grey Cupyears in the January 28, 2013 model. These items have now been included within theupdated model.

2) Property taxes ($47.0 million increase) as a contingency within the previous financialmodel, a portion of the mill rate to be ear-marked for the Project was not allocated forthe last nine years of the model. The mill rate to be ear-marked for the Project is nowallocated for the entire term of the model, to specifically identify the availablecontingency within the projections.

3) Interest revenue ($4.1 million decrease) the City maintains a fund balance at certain points during the Project and is able to earn interest on these amounts. The anticipatedrevenue available from this interest earned has been decreased due to lower investmentinterest rates. The updated financial model assumes a rate of 3.2% versus the rate of3.5% that was used in the January 28, 2013 model.

The contingencies address the changes in market conditions and Project assumptions known to date,without altering the overall financial commitment relating to borrowing or mill rate as previouslyapproved by Council. The updated financial model shows an estimated contingency of


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$21.6 million. Of the $47.5 million in contingency available in the January 28, 2013 financialmodel approved by Council, $25.9 million has been allocated to mitigate the projected increasesrelated to the most up to date borrowing costs.

External Financing

On January 28, 2013, City Council approved the funding model for the RRI Stadium Project.Included in the funding model is up to $100.4 million of debt ($67.4 million of City debt for capitaland $33.0 million City debt for interim cash flow purposes). Due to the current market conditionswith low interest rates, coupled with projections of higher interest rates in the future, theAdministration is recommending that the City proceed with up to a $100.4 million debt issuance in2014.

While a debt issuance requires a bylaw approved by City Council, due to the nature of the capitalmarkets, it is necessary for the Deputy City Manager & COO to have the authority from CityCouncil to undertake the borrowing, with the details of the borrowing subsequently approved byCity Council by way of a borrowing bylaw. Similar to the recent issuance of the $100.0 millionProvincial loan, this approach to borrowing has been followed in the past and recognizes the need to

provide a quick response to the fiscal agents. The authority granted to the Deputy City Manager &COO is subject to the approval of a bylaw by City Council. Key points with respect to this processare:

City Council has the authority to not proceed with a debt issue on the terms conditionallyagreed to by the Deputy City Manager & COO. However, if City Council did not approve the

borrowing bylaw based on the details agreed to with the fiscal agents, there could beirreparable harm done to the City's ability to borrow externally.

The timing of external borrowing is dependent on market conditions. However, once theDeputy City Manager & COO authorizes the external financial institution to proceed, the debtissuance must be completed within several days to ensure that committed rates are obtained.Given the schedule of City Council meetings there is the potential a special City Councilmeeting would be required.

With a potential financing of up to $100.4 million, the City's position relative to the authorized debtlimit of $450.0 million is as detailed in the following table.

Water and Sewer Utility Debt(1) 56,075,904$General Debt(1) 21,124,096 Service Agreement Fee Credits - The Creeks(2) 1,000,000

Committed General Capital Borrowing (2010, 2011, & 2012 Budgets)(3) 15,000,000

Committed Utility Borrowing (2012 Budget)(3) 23,000,000 RRI Stadium $100 million Debt 100,000,000 Current Committed Total 216,200,000

RRI Stadium $100.4 million debt 100,400,000

Total 316,600,000$

Notes:


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(1) Outstanding balance at December 31, 2013.(2) The maximum debt that could be incurred by the City as per the borrowing bylaw agreements.(3) To date, this debt has been authorized but not issued.

As detailed in the above table, a proposed borrowing of $100.4 million is within the authorized debtlimit. It should be noted that the debt limit of $450.0 million was not intended to represent thetheoretical maximum debt that could be sustained by the City of Regina. The limit was requested

on the basis that it met the Citys projected maximum debt requirement for the foreseeable future.While the projected debt after issuance of the $100.4 million in debt is below the debt limit, it isimportant to note that in the next five years, debt is expected to be very close to the debt limit due tofuture debt related to the wastewater treatment plant.

RECOMMENDATION IMPLICATIONS

Financial Implications

The first five years of the financial plan, beginning 2012, has a substantial financial impact on theCity. A $2.5 million General Fund Reserve contribution was required in 2012 to fund projectmanagement and consulting costs. The Provincial contribution assists the City with its early yearcash flows. However, debt is required to manage cash out flows for construction progress

payments.

As previously contemplated and approved in CR 13-6, while the financial model shows the Projectfully funded over the 30 year time period, there are individual years where the cumulative cash flowis temporarily negative. These negative cash flows may need to be temporarily funded by the Citysavailable cash/reserves, which has no impact on the revenues or expenditures within the model.

As planned, repayment of debt principal and interest will begin in 2014. As such, a consecutive tenyear property tax mill rate increase of 0.45% which started in 2013 will be required to maintainfuture financing and maintenance payments. As a contingency within the financial model approved

by Council on January 28, 2013, a portion of the mill rate to be ear-marked for the Project was notallocated for the last nine years of the model. The mill rate to be ear-marked for the Project is nowallocated for the entire term of the model, to specifically identify the available contingency. Inaddition, a cumulative annual growth rate of 2% is assumed on the property tax revenueaccumulated annually. Interest earnings will accrue on any unspent stadium funding and beallocated to the Stadium Project.

As noted, if any of assumptions in the financial model change or do not come to realization,contingent revenue options will be required and brought forward in future budget requests.

In the updated financial model, the 30 year capital commitment to the Project is $278.2 million andthe projected financing and maintenance commitment in the financial model equates to $548.3million before contingency, and $569.9 million including contingency. At the July 23, 2012 CityCouncil meeting the financing and maintenance commitment was initially estimated at $675.0million. Therefore, the updated financial model remains more favourable than the initial Projectestimates. As noted, the financial projections contain various estimates and risks that are subject tochange until final contracts and/or pricing is achieved.

The revenue funding split is $180.0 million from the Provincial contribution and loan, $75.0 millionfrom SaskSport, $144.6 million from the SRFC and the remaining $448.5 million in funding fromvarious City revenue streams.


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Environmental Implications

None related to this report.

Strategic Implications

Having a funding model in place helps ensure the project can be paid for and the goals of the project

can be met, including the long-term asset management requirements.

The Stadium Project is the first step in completing the overall Regina Revitalization Initiative (RRI) plan. The next phases would include the Railyard Renewal Project and the Taylor Field Neighbourhood Project.

Other Implications


Accessibility Implications


COMMUNICATIONS

The RRI website, ReginaRevitalization.ca, was launched on September 19, 2012 to house and shareinformation relating to the Project. The website is regularly updated to include additionalinformation. Administration will continue to keep the public and other stakeholders informed of

progress and decisions related to the Project.

Public Notice has been given as required by Section 101 and 102 of The Cities Act and Bylaw2003-8.

DELEGATED AUTHORITY

This report requires City Council approval.

Respectfully submitted, Respectfully submitted,

Brent D. Sjoberg,Deputy City Manager & COO Glen B. DaviesCity Manager & CAO

Report prepared by:Curtis Smith, Manager Policy & Risk ManagementMark Yemen, Legal Counsel


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EX14-14

April 2, 2014

To: Members,Executive Committee

Re: SAMA Annual Meeting

RECOMMENDATION

That the Executive Committee make a recommendation to City Council for a member of CityCouncil to be the voting delegate for Regina at the Saskatchewan Assessment ManagementAgency (SAMA) Annual Meeting on April 16, 2014.

CONCLUSION

The Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) has scheduled its annual generalmeeting for April 16, 2013 in Regina. SAMAs Bylaws require that voting delegates be anelected official of, and be appointed by, a Municipal Council. Non voting delegates are alsoallowed to register and attend the meeting. Voting occurs on resolutions submitted to the SAMABoard.

BACKGROUND

The Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) is holding an annual generalmeeting on April 16, 2014 and City Council may appoint a voting delegate and other members ofcouncil and administration may register as non voting delegates.

DISCUSSION

SAMA has scheduled its annual general meeting for April 16, 2013 in Regina. SAMAs Bylawsrequire that voting delegates be an elected official of and be appointed by a Municipal Council.

Non voting delegates are also allowed to register and attend the meeting. Voting occurs onresolutions submitted to the SAMA Board.

The Bylaws of SAMA require that City Council appoint one voting delegate and other non-voting delegates for the SAMA Annual General meeting to be held on April 16, 2014 at theSaskatoon Travelodge.

Councillor Murray sits on the SAMA Board of Directors as the representative appointed bySUMA and as a SAMA Board member may be conducting business at the meeting on behalf ofthe board therefore City Council could appoint another member as the voting delegate.



The registration fees and costs for the SAMA Annual General Meeting are within the 2014 budget.


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None with regards to this report

Policy and/or Strategic Implications

SAMA is a strategic partner in providing advice and forwarding improvements to the assessmentsystem in the province.

Other Implications

None with regards to this report.


None with regards to this report.

COMMUNICATIONS

A copy of this report will be provided to SAMA.

DELEGATED AUTHORITY

This report must be considered by City Council.

Respectfully submitted, Respectfully submitted,

Don Barr, Director / City AssessorAssessment, Tax & Real Estate

Jason Carlston, Executive DirectorCommunity Planning and Development

Report prepared by: Don Barr, Director / City Assessor


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- 3 - Relocation of eastbound bus stops from in front of Old City Hall Mall to the block

between Lorne Street and Cornwall Street, with modifications to Lorne Street to ensureappropriate turning movements can be provided;

Design of a dual street transit hub that includes Lorne Street between 11th and 12thAvenues, reducing the number of transfers on 11th Avenue;

Expanding existing security patrols over the entire business day on 11th Avenue betweenCornwall Street and Hamilton Street;

Adjusting schedules and timing points of transit routes to minimize layover time on 11thAvenue;

Reviewing ridership patterns and adjusting bus route assignments to stops to reflectavailable sidewalk space; and,

Undertaking a passenger education and awareness program to discourage loitering in private buildings and littering.

3. That $200,000 in funding be allocated from the General Fund Reserve for the enhancedsecurity patrol, transit stop amenities, increasing transit activities on Lorne Street and therelocation of bus stops from in front of Old City Hall and that opportunities forsupplemental or shared funding from Regina Downtown Business Improvement District(RDBID) and others be explored.

4. That a downtown transit shuttle service, to replace regular transit services is not feasibleat this time, but that the City of Regina retain the concept as a long-term option to supportredevelopment and connect the downtown with the new stadium, the ReginaRevitalization Initiative (RRI), and the Warehouse District.

5. That the recommended plan for additional cycling facilities on downtown streets asidentified in the DTS be included in the City-wide Transportation Master Plan.

6. That Administration be directed to establish a Downtown Transportation Working groupto provide open channels of communication to address emergent issues related todowntown transportation and that this working group include representation fromRDBID, Regina Transit, City Operations, and the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

7. That strategies for the management and supply of parking in the downtown be finalizedthrough the Downtown and Vicinity Parking Study.

8. That item MN13-4 Downtown Transit Shuttle Service be removed from the List ofOutstanding Items for City Council.

9. That this report be forwarded to the April 14, 2014 City Council meeting forconsideration.

CONCLUSION

Downtown Regina is going through change. Several new developments have been completedand more are planned. While this is the sign of a successful, growing City, it comes withchallenges with respect to meeting transportation demands. Since road capacity is essentiallyfixed, it is critical that opportunities to promote walking, cycling, transit and ride-sharing to andfrom the downtown be maximized. At the same time, it is important to recognize that


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maintaining access and parking for automobiles and delivery vehicles is vital for businesses.Accordingly, the Downtown Transportation Study recommends a suite of short, medium andlong term improvements to facilitate multi-modal travel options in the downtown andsurrounding area.

Transit is particularly critical to the downtown. On a typical weekday, over 6,000 people usetransit to get to/from or around downtown, and this figure is growing. In the month of October,city-wide transit ridership had increased by 13.8% as compared to the same time last year(2012). This is after changes to routes and schedules were made in July 2013. These increaseswere achieved without increasing service levels but instead tailoring routes to better meetcustomer demands.

Notwithstanding the recent successes of transit, there are still many issues that exist due to thenumber of buses and passengers in a small area. These include lane interruptions on 11 th Avenue, sight-line issues at driveways and alleyways, crowding on sidewalks and use of privatelobbies by transit passengers. Most of these impacts can be mitigated by providing adequateshelters and amenities and through further changes to the route structure to reduce the number ofexpress buses using 11 th Avenue.

Various options for further reducing or eliminating buses from 11 th Avenue were examined,including options involving shuttle buses. One of the major challenges with moving buses orstops off 11 th Avenue is that the impacts are simply transferred to other streets. Introducing ashuttle service could facilitate the removal of some buses off 11 th Avenue, but the net cost to

provide this service is estimated at $550,000 annually plus start-up costs. The preferred option isto increase service on express routes and continue the transition to a multi-node system. Overtime, more transfers will occur outside the downtown core and at nodes in the periphery of thecity. Additionally, a future downtown transit terminal could alleviate some of the currentconcerns about transit.

While continued service on 11 th Avenue is recommended, there remains interest from adjacent businesses in relocating transit to other streets. Should transit service on 11 th Avenue berelocated, additional review would be required in order to ensure the costs and impacts of thenew routes and stops are appropriately identified and managed.

BACKGROUND

Upon the completion of the City Square Plaza, City Council directed the Administration toreview options for managing traffic not just on City Square Plaza, but throughout the downtown.The Downtown Transportation Study (DTS) was initially commissioned in response to Councilsdirection. The study area for the DTS is shown in Appendix A.

Phase One of the DTS specifically examined challenges facing all users on 11 th and 12 th Avenuesand identified options to improve the transportation system on these corridors. It also consideredthe future nature of traffic access to City Square Plaza. Recommendations from Phase One ofthe DTS were approved by City Council on July 23, 2012 and were implemented in 2012 and2013.


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Phases Two and Three of the DTS considered transportation options throughout the broaderdowntown, including traffic movement, transit services, and cyclist and pedestrianaccommodation. The Phase Two study area considered all streets as far south as 13 th Avenue.Consultant efficiencies also allowed for the completion of Phase Three without additionalfunding, which considered all streets as far south as College Avenue.

Additional work was included in the contract during the summer of 2013 to further exploreoptions for transit operations in the downtown, including the feasibility of a shuttle servicewithin the area. This report is located in Appendix C. All phases of the DTS, including theadditional transit review, are now complete. In addition, Council instructed the Administration toreview traffic operations on City Square Plaza and 11 th Avenue on an annual basis. The results ofthat review are included in this report.

DISCUSSION

The DTS identified a number of issues and potential solutions for improving transportation in thedowntown, which are discussed subsequently. Improvements and future studies would be donein collaboration with the City departments responsible for Traffic Operations, Open SpaceManagement, Transit Services, Transportation Planning, Parking and Roadway Preservation. Inaddition, the RDBID and other stakeholders will be a part of achieving the proposedimplementation plan included in Appendix B to this report.

Intersection Operations

The DTS included the modelling of traffic flows from Saskatchewan Drive to College Avenueand Osler Street to Angus Street. Overall, traffic volumes are acceptable within those

boundaries, although individual movements may be delayed by the presence of a turning vehicleor pedestrians. Most intersections on the boundary arterial roads, however, experience capacityand delay problems, with failing movements being observed at:

- Saskatchewan Drive and Albert Street, eastbound left-turn movement;- Saskatchewan Drive and Broad Street, all left-turn movements other than the northbound

direction;- 11 th Avenue and Albert Street, westbound left-turn and through movements;- Victoria Avenue and Broad Street, southbound left-turn movement and northbound through

and right-turn movements; and,- Broad Street and 13 th Avenue, southbound left-turn movement.

To address these issues, the following improvements are proposed:

Location Proposed ImprovementSaskatchewan Drive& Albert Street

Widen Saskatchewan Drive to create an additional westbound lanefrom Lorne Street, becoming a right turn lane at Albert Street

Convert the middle southbound through-lane on Albert Street to ashared through-left turn lane becomes double left turn at peaktimes

Extend the westbound left turn lane to McInytre Street Remove the right turn channels to improve pedestrian safety and

install audible pedestrian signalsSaskatchewan Drive Provide a shared through-left turn lane on eastbound Saskatchewan


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& Broad Street Drive during peak times; extend existing left turn lane by ~10metres

Provide a shared through-left turn lane on southbound Broad Streetduring peak times

Realign northbound and westbound left turns, and providewestbound left turn arrow during PM peak hour

11th Avenue &Broad Street

Provide a new eastbound right-turn lane Make the southbound curb extension permanent to facilitate

southbound right-turn bus movements12 Avenue &Broad Street

New eastbound right-turn lane plus an advanced eastbound left turn

Roadway Alternatives

There are limited opportunities to expand roadway network capacity in the downtown. Outsideof peak hours, downtown roadways generally operate with free-flow conditions. Therefore,alternatives explored as part of the DTS focused on options that could improve access while

contributing to more comfortable and safe environments for pedestrians and cyclists.

Conversion of one-way streets to two-way operation has the potential to improve circulation androuting options, reduce out-of-way travel, and slow traffic. However, the potential for two-waystreets to impact options for parking and bike routes must be considered. It is also recognizedthat the discussion of two-way streets is controversial given the lingering concerns about theconversions of 11 th Avenue and 12 th Avenue.

For Phase Two, traffic modelling was undertaken to examine if there would be merit inconsidering the conversion of Hamilton Street and Rose Street to two-way. A scenario involvingthe conversion of 11 th Avenue back to one-way was also examined at the request of the RDBID,

but was shown to have significant negative impacts on traffic movement.

Based on past studies, 13 th Avenue was identified as a candidate for two-way conversion andexamined as part of Phase Three. Lorne Street, Smith Street, 14 th Avenue and 15 th Avenue werealso identified as potential candidates, but it was determined that two-way operations on thesestreets would preclude the extension of bike facilities and provide no significant enhancement totraffic movement.

Based on the traffic modelling, it was shown that there would be little or no increases in trafficdelays as a result of the conversion of 13 th Avenue to two-way, but overall travel distances woulddecrease as a result of more direct travel routings.

The following three streets are considered candidates for two-way conversion:

Hamilton Street between Saskatchewan Drive and Victoria Avenue (and potentially south toCollege Avenue);

Rose Street between Saskatchewan Drive and Victoria Avenue (and potentially south toCollege Avenue); and,

13 th Avenue between Albert Street and Broad Street.


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Two-way conversion is recommended for 13 th Avenue in the medium term, while further studyof conversion is recommended for Hamilton Street and Rose Street. Prior to finalizing thedecision on the feasibility and timing of these conversions, conceptual designs will need to be

prepared and presented to area residents. It will also be necessary to confirm the preferred east-west cycling route or routes through the City-wide Transportation Master Plan.

The potential opening of F.W. Hill Mall to vehicular traffic and parking was also discussed withstakeholders and there was general interest in redeveloping Scarth Street between VictoriaAvenue and 11th Avenue to provide for wider sidewalks and patio spaces, parking andnorthbound traffic circulation. This project is complex and will require a scoping study in afuture budget year.

Parking

The DTS was integrated with the Downtown and Vicinity Parking Study to ensure both projectswere compatible with respect to parking issues in the area. The Downtown and Vicinity ParkingStudy is nearing completion and its results will be presented to City Council in the summer of2014.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians are among the key defining characteristics of Reginas downtown and thesurrounding neighbourhoods. Virtually all trips in downtown Regina include a pedestriancomponent, connecting destinations to transit stops, parkades, and other destinations. Recent and

planned growth in residential population in the vicinity of downtown will also increase pedestrian trips. Providing walkable and pedestrian-oriented environments is essential todowntown Regina, as reinforced in the title of the Downtown Neighbourhood Plan, Walk toWork.

The F.W. Hill Mall on Scarth Street and City Square Plaza both represent attempts to increasethe pedestrian priority downtown. Improvements in recent years, such as the rebuilding ofsidewalks on Albert Street and Lorne Street, are providing examples of how the downtowns

pedestrian environments can be improved. However, many of the challenges relating to pedestrians and walkability downtown are smaller in scale and the Downtown TransportationStudy identifies some of these emergent issues, including:

Built condition of sidewalks throughout most of the downtown, including deterioration anduneven surfaces;

Winter maintenance and inconsistent snow clearing of sidewalks; Outdated accessibility standards, particularly for curb ramp designs; Difficulty of crossing and safety along major arterials that border the downtown, particularly

Saskatchewan Drive, Albert Street, and Broad Street; Conditions through the Albert Street and Broad Street underpasses; Minimal streetscaping and weather protection; and, Lack of wayfinding and awareness of walking distances in downtown.

Key measures in the DTS related to pedestrians and walkability include:


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- 8 - Identifying 11th Avenue, Victoria Avenue, and Cornwall Street as key pedestrian corridors in

downtown on which to prioritize streetscape improvements, greening and other pedestrianamenities;

Improving pedestrian environments along arterial streets such as Albert Street and BroadStreet through sidewalk reconstruction, creation of boulevards where space permits to serveas buffers, and improved intersection and crosswalk treatments;

Reconstructing and extending the sidewalk on the north side of Saskatchewan Drive to provide a continuous walkway between Albert Street and Broad Street and improving pedestrian crossing opportunities at the Cornwall Centre Parkade access and other locationson this street;

Installing a curb extension and high visibility crosswalk at the intersection of VictoriaAvenue and Cornwall Street;

Addressing conditions under Albert Street and Broad Street underpasses through improvedlighting, widening where possible, and potential integration of public art;

Adopting a new standard for accessible sidewalk design and curb ramps with consultationwith accessibility groups;

Improving snow clearing on sidewalks under city jurisdiction and increasing enforcement on private properties, exploring implementation of municipal snow clearance on sidewalkswithin the downtown;

Continuing to install pedestrian countdown signals and accessible pedestrian signalsthroughout the downtown;

Developing a pedestrian signage and wayfinding strategy for downtown and surroundingareas;

Adopting a standard design for tree pits and plantings with guidance on alternative plantingsor streetscaping where tree growth conditions are not optimal; and,

Dedicating additional funding and resources to sidewalk maintenance.

Cycling

Phase Two of the DTS also looked at how to improve conditions to support cycling in thedowntown for both commuter and recreational travel. Utility cycling cycling to travel from

point A to point B is increasing in urban areas around the country, even in cities with harshwinter climates. The potential for cycling in Regina is significant, particularly to the downtown,where most of the city is within a 30-minute bike ride, which is competitive with driving times in

peak periods. Making cycling safer and more attractive can significantly increase cycling modeshare.

Several barriers to cycling in Regina were identified through the DTS and parallel activities inthe Transportation Master Plan:

Lack of cycling infrastructure to provide safe routes for cycling, particularly on-street bikelanes;

Conditions for cycling within the Albert and Broad Street underpasses; Minimal provision of short and long-term bicycle parking in the downtown; and, Lack of awareness of how cycling and other road users co-exist on roadways.

Creating the conditions to encourage cycling can be a cost-effective means to improve access todowntown Regina. Cycling commuters are also more likely to use transit, own fewer cars, andhave reduced transportation costs. The key measures recommended as part of the DTS related tocycling include:


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Extension of existing Lorne Street bike lane from Victoria Avenue to 11th Avenue; Implementation of a 12th Avenue bikeway to provide east-west connectivity through

downtown Regina and to adjacent neighbourhoods; Exploring potential of an east-west bikeway between Victoria Avenue and College Avenue

using 14 th Avenue and 15 th Avenue as one-way bicycle couplets; Improving signage for cyclists and pedestrians on the shared walkway at the Broad Street

underpass; Implementing signage and road marking improvements at the intersections of Broad Street

with Dewdney Avenue and Saskatchewan Drive to direct cyclists to the shared walkway; Expanding on-street short-term bicycle parking throughout downtown focused at major

destinations and along retail streets; Expanding and increasing awareness of off-street long-term bicycle parking options within

parkades and integrated within development; Encouraging end-of-trip bicycle facilities, such as change and locker rooms, in new

developments; and, Developing awareness and education programs for all road users to promote safe cycling

throughout the city and to downtown.

Transit

Transit is critical to the downtown. On a typical weekday, over 6,000 people utilize transit to getto, from and around downtown and this figure is growing. In the month of October, city-widetransit ridership had increased by 13.8% as compared to the same time last year (2012). This isafter changes to routes and schedules were made in July 2013. These increases were achievedwithout increasing service levels but instead tailoring routes to customer demands. A side benefitof the recent changes to the transit system has been the reduction of peak hour bus volumes on11th Avenue by 17%. The bus stops on 11th Avenue at Cornwall Centre continue to be the

busiest in the city and half of the passenger boarding activity is not from transfer activity, butworkers, residents, and shoppers from nearby destinations.

Notwithstanding the recent successes of transit, there are still many issues that exist due to thenumber of buses and passengers in a small area. 11th Avenue is a constrained corridor with theneed for multiple uses to co-exist, including businesses, pedestrian, transit vehicles andcustomers, automobile traffic, and deliveries. Some of the issues related to transit include:

Lane interruptions on 11th Avenue; Concerns regarding idling buses; Sight-line issues at driveways and alleyways; Crowding on sidewalks; Littering; Safety and security concerns; and, Use of private building entrances by transit passengers.

Various options for further reducing or eliminating buses from 11th Avenue were examined,including routing options on Victoria Avenue, Lorne Street, and Saskatchewan Drive, as well asthe elimination of full-sized buses from within the downtown in favour of a shuttle service.Other locations for the transfer nodes were also examined. One of the major challenges withmoving buses or stops off 11th Avenue is that the traffic and business impacts are simplytransferred to other streets. Full relocation of operations to boundary streets or to north-south


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streets within the downtown would also require structural improvements, changes to trafficcontrols and signals, and rescheduling of transit routes and stops. The following table providesinformation on the results of this review.

Alternative 1:11th Avenue(existing)

Alternative 2:New TransitCorridor on Lorne

Street and VictoriaAvenue

Alternative 3:Eastbound onSaskatchewan

Drive, Westboundon 11 th Avenue

Alternative 4:Transit ShuttleService

TransfersBetween Routes

GOODAccommodated on11th Avenue atCornwall Street

GOODAccommodated atintersection of 11thAvenue and LorneStreet

POOR No central location,customers mustwalk from Sask.Drive to 11th Ave.

POOR No central location,customers mustwalk or transfer toshuttle

Proximity toDestinations

GOODMost downtownlocations wellserved

GOODIncreases service tosouth end ofdowntown withadded service onVictoria Avenue

POORIncreases walkingdistance to EBtransit from southend of downtown

GOODMost downtownlocations wellserved

Route/SystemUnderstandability GOODAll routes servicesame corridor in

both directions

FAIRRoutes split betweentwo corridors, buton same corridor in

both directions

FAIRAll EB on Sask.Drive,all WB on 11thavenue

POORIncreasedcomplexity forriders

Ability toaccommodatefuture growth inservice

FAIRMay requireadditional priority(all-day

bus lanes)

GOODGreater capacity tohandle serviceincreases with twocorridors

FAIRMay requireadditional prioritydue to congestion(all-day bus lanes)

FAIRShuttles mustcontend withgrowing trafficwithin thedowntown

Traffic impacts FAIRCongestion atintersections is ofshort duration

FAIRAvailable capacityon Lorne Street butincreasedcongestion onVictoria Avenue

POORSaskatchewan Driveexperiences highlevels of congestion

FAIRCongestion onarterial streets

Transit delay GOODTransit operationsserved well

FAIRIncreased transittravel time versus11 th Avenue

POORHigh volumes onSaskatchewan Drivecreate delay

POORShuttles navigatecircuitously throughdowntown resulting

Business andproperty impacts

POORChallenges withaccess, transit

patrons in private buildings onimportant retailstreet

FAIRFewer businessesimpacted on LorneStreet; concerns onVictoria Avenue

FAIRBusinesses on northside of 11 th Avenueimpacted; loadingareas onSaskatchewan Driveimpacted

POORImpacts on

businesses onarterial roads and atmany shuttle stoplocations

The transit shuttle option explored at the direction of City Council warrants furtherconsideration. This option involves the introduction of a free downtown shuttle service toreplace bus services on 11th Avenue. At this time, it is not recommended for the followingreasons:

It would increase bus volumes on Victoria Avenue and Saskatchewan Drive and additionalturning movements would exacerbate congestion at major intersections on Albert and BroadStreets;


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Universal Design and Accessibility

Key overarching strategies under the section on pedestrians include creating an attractive pedestrian environment, and improving sidewalk maintenance. Each of these strategies includesa number of actions that will serve to improve accessibility.

Key actions include adopting a new standard for accessible sidewalk design, including therequirement for even and level walking surfaces, level sidewalks at driveways/alleyways, andadopting a new standard for accessible cross-walk design. Reviewing, updating and adoptingthese new standards is identified as a priority by the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

In addition, the plan recommends the continued installation of pedestrian count-down signals andaudible signals as covered by existing programs.

Maintaining transit on 11th Avenue is also important to minimize walking distances for peoplewith mobility challenges.

Other Considerations

There are many on-going initiatives in the City which will have an impact on downtowntransportation including the Regina Revitalization Initiative, the Transportation Master Plan, theDowntown and Vicinity Parking Study and downtown development in general. The DTS

provides an overall framework and recommendations to improve transportation in the downtownwhile contributing to broader City-building objectives. It should be reviewed and updatedregularly to account for changing conditions.

Review of Phase One Results

As part of the approval of Phase One of the DTS, City Council directed the Administration to

review traffic operations on City Square Plaza and 11th

Avenue on an annual basis. That reviewwas recently completed with the following results:

Traffic operations on the plaza are generally working well. Volumes and speeds appear to below and drivers are yielding to pedestrians and other active users;

Some drivers still appear to be confused about how to turn at Cornwall Street. Additional bollards have been added to help with traffic guidance;

A total of six Requests for Service (RFS) were received since the plaza was opened relatingto traffic operations and drivers not following roadway guidelines.

There have been a few safety problems associated with the introduction of traffic to the plaza. Regina Police Service notes two reported incidents since the plaza was opened, bothof which were minor in nature. One involved only property damage and a second involved a

pedestrian jumping into traffic and being struck by a vehicle resulting in minor injuries; and,

Increased traffic in the downtown and changes to transit operations necessitated a review oftraffic operations on 11 th Avenue. As a result of this review, modifications to traffic and

parking restrictions will be made to permit vehicles to utilized the curb lanes during peakhours, thereby avoiding back-ups due to left turning vehicles in the inside lanes. Eastboundleft turn arrows at the intersections of 11 th Avenue and Hamilton Street, Cornwall Street andSmith Street have also been added.


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The cost of implementing all of the proposed improvements recommended in this report andlisted in the implementation plan in Appendix B is estimated at $8,005,000 in todays dollars.Funding of these projects will be subject to the capital budget approval process.

Currently, projects in the downtown are only eligible for limited funding through servicingagreement fees (SAF), with utility and general capital budgets funding most of the cost ofimprovements. SAF are also not charged in the area.

The recently approved Official Community Plan included significant intensification in the centreof the City. This approach to growth, along with the recently completed DowntownServiceability Study and DTS, will be inputs into a comprehensive review of developmentcharges the Administration will be undertaking in 2014. The review is expected to providefunding options to support the redevelopment of existing areas of the City, including itsdowntown.


The DTS identifies improvements to encourage greater use of walking, cycling and transit modesfor travel to and from the downtown. This will reduce the amount of fuel consumed fortransportation and in turn, assist in reducing the Citys carbon footprint.

Policy and/or Strategic Implications

The overall strategy to maximize the capacity of the existing road network while planning for anincreased role for public transit supports the goals of the Official Community Plan and theDowntown Neighbourhood Plan. In particular, the measures identified in the DTS support thecommunity priority to create better, more active ways of getting around.

Some of the policies and actions in the DTS, in particular those related to walking and cyclingimprovements, will need to be confirmed, expanded on and incorporated into the City-wideTransportation Master Plan which is on-going and expected to be completed in early 2014.

Other Implications

The traffic, transit and streetscaping improvements identified in the DTS for 11 th Avenue can beincorporated within the existing streetscape with minimal disruption to traffic. However, 11 th Avenue will most likely require a full re-build from building face to building face within the next10 years. This will have impacts on traffic flow within the downtown and will requiresignificant advance planning.


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Since accessibility is an overarching goal to be achieved in all aspects of transportation planning,Phase Two of the DTS integrates recommendations to improve universal accessibility and designinto the recommendations for each mode. The recommendations are designed to improveaccessibility throughout the downtown. Specific recommendations to develop new standards foraccessible sidewalks and cross-walks will require input from the Accessibility AdvisoryCommittee and numerous departments.

COMMUNICATIONS

Phase One of the DTS included three public open houses and meetings with stakeholdersincluding RDBID, emergency service providers, transit officials, management at CornwallCentre, the owners and tenants of buildings adjacent to City Square Plaza, the AccessibilityAdvisory Committee, the blind and low vision community, and the Regina Chamber ofCommerce.

Phase Two and Phase Three consultation consisted of meetings with specific stakeholder groups.

A meeting and walk-about was held with the blind and low vision community representatives onSeptember 13 , 2012 prior to the opening of City Square Plaza to traffic. This meeting was usefulin identifying challenges beyond the Plaza. One of the requests from the representatives at thismeeting was to be given more advance notice of changes in streetscape or traffic control in thedowntown prior to implementation.

Three meetings were held with members of RDBID throughout Phase Two and Three. The firstmeeting, held on March 15, 2013 included a presentation on transit routing alternatives. Duringthis meeting representatives expressed a desire to look at options to reduce the number of buseson 11 th Avenue, but also recognized the importance of transit to the downtown. A secondmeeting was held on June 26, 2013 to discuss options to consolidate stops on 11 th Avenue as part

of the transit route restructuring plan. During this meeting concerns were raised by specific property owners about the location of bus stops and the impacts of waiting passengers. A thirdmeeting was held on August 26, 2013 to present interim findings on the transit shuttle feasibilitystudy, including reviews of experiences in other cities. Concerns around bus stops and transfer

points on 11 th Avenue were further articulated at this meeting.

An additional meeting was held with RDBID on February 28, 2014 to share the results of thestudy. At this meeting, RDBID expressed general support for the findings, especially movingmore transit activities west on 11th Avenue and onto Lorne Street.

The DTS was also guided by a Steering Committee and Technical Team. The SteeringCommittee include representation from RDBID, who in turn, provided study updates to membersthrough regular communications.


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DELEGATED AUTHORITY

This report will require City Council approval.

Respectfully submitted,

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Erna Hall, A/Secretary


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A

Final Report

Regina DowntownTransportation Study

Submitted toCity of Regina

February 2014


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IBI GROUP REGINA DOWNTOWN TRANSPORTATION STUDYPHASE TWO AND THREE REPORT: DIRECTIONS FOR DOWNTOWN TRANSPORTATIONPrepared for City of Regina

Table of Contents (continued)

FEBRUARY 2014

8 Parking and Loading ........................................................................................................ 42

8.1 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................ 42

9 Implementat ion and Cost ing ........................................................................................... 44

LIST OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1.1: Study Area ................................................................................................................... 2

Exhibit 2.1: Recent and proposed developments ........................................................................... 7

Exhibit 2.2: Approaches to allocating road space........................................................................... 8

Exhibit 4.1: Summary actions for transit improvements................................................................ 15

Exhibit 5.1: Broad Street underpass conditions for pedestrians ................................................... 16

Exhibit 5.2: Narrow sidewalk at arterial intersection and along arterial roadway ......................... 17

Exhibit 5.3: Examples of sidewalk degradation in downtown Regina........................................... 17

Exhibit 5.4: Current curb ramp design .......................................................................................... 18

Exhibit 5.5: Example streetscape enhancements suitable for narrow sidewalks (e.g., 11th Avenue).................................................................................................................. 19

Exhibit 5.6: Accessible curb ramp design (Source: Federal Highway Administration) ................. 20

Exhibit 5.7: Pedestrian count-down light....................................................................................... 21

Exhibit 5.8: Priority intersections for audible pedestrian signal installation .................................. 22

Exhibit 5.9: High visibility crosswalk.............................................................................................. 23

Exhibit 5.10: Curb extension ......................................................................................................... 23

Exhibit 5.11: Examples of way-finding pillars................................................................................ 25

Exhibit 5.12: Example of pedestrian-oriented signage ................................................................. 26

Exhibit 5.13: Rendering of pedestrian-oriented street signage for Regina ................................... 26

Exhibit 5.14: Summary actions for pedestrian improvements ...................................................... 27

Exhibit 6.1: Broad Street underpass allowing cyclists to ride on the sidewalk ............................. 29

Exhibit 6.2: Example section of Lorne Street looking north, between Victoria Avenue and11 th Avenue ............................................................................................................ 30

Exhibit 6.3: Example section of 12th Avenue looking east, between Hamilton Street andRose Street ............................................................................................................ 31

Exhibit 6.4: Examples of on-street bike racks............................................................................... 32


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Table of Contents (continued)

FEBRUARY 2014

Exhibit 6.5: Public display bicycle traffic counter .......................................................................... 34

Exhibit 6.6: Summary actions for cycling improvements .............................................................. 35

Exhibit 7.1: Recommended improvements at the intersection of Albert Street andSaskatchewan Drive .............................................................................................. 37

Exhibit 7.2: Recommended improvements at the intersection of Broad Street andSaskatchewan Drive .............................................................................................. 38

Exhibit 7.3: Recommended improvements at the intersection of Broad Street and 11 th Avenue................................................................................................................... 39

Exhibit 7.4: Summary actions for traffic improvements................................................................. 41

Exhibit 9.1: Recommended Actions and Costs............................................................................ 44

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A: Directions for Transit in Downtown Regina


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FEBRUARY 2014 1

1 Introduction

The Downtown Transportation Study (DTS) was initiated by the City of Regina in November2011 to analyze and propose alternatives to a number of transportation issues in Reginasdowntown (see Exhibit 1.1). The study was completed in three phases as follows:

Phase One focused on operations of 11th Avenue and 12th Avenue throughdowntown Regina, including providing a preferred operational plan for City SquarePlaza;

Phase Two expanded the study area north to Saskatchewan Drive, south to 13th Avenue, west to Angus Street, and east to Osler Street, addressing transportationissues for all modes and providing recommendations for transportation policy andoperational changes; and,

Phase Three expanded the study area to the entire downtown, southward to

College Avenue.This report presents the findings and recommendations from Phase Two and Three of theDowntown Transportation Study. A brief summary of the key issues from Phase One is alsoprovided.


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Exhibit 1.1: Study Area

1.1 Study ObjectivesThe Downtown Transportation Study is an opportunity to assess Reginas transportation systemand improve the way the city travels to, from, and within its downtown. An efficient transportationnetwork is a key to the downtowns existing and future vitality and growth.


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The overall objective of the Study is to identify and evaluate options to improve conditions for allusers including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, automobiles and delivery vehicles. PhaseOne of the DTS examined the key operational challenges and opportunities for the 11th and12th Avenue corridors and whether or not to make the closure to vehicles on City Square plazapermanent. Many of the short term recommendations from the Phase One study have nowbeen implemented, including the opening of City Square Plaza to westbound traffic.

Phase Two and Three are intended to expand on the work completed in Phase One and reach aconsensus that will best achieve the vision laid out in the Downtown Neighbourhood Planthatis: a seamless, supportive transportation network that benefits all modes. Phase Two andPhase Three also included the expansion of the downtown traffic models and subsequent use ofthese models to test different network scenarios. The analysis related to the expansion of thesemodels is documented in a separate technical background report. Recommendations fromPhase Two and Three address issues related to transit, mitigating downtown-wide traffic issues,and identifying improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.

During the completion of the Phase Two and Three studies, additional work was requested tofurther explore options for transit operations in the Downtown, including evaluating the feasibilityof a shuttle service within the area. This analysis is presented as part of the Directions forTransit in Downtown Regina report in Appendix A.

1.2 Report OverviewThe body of this report provides high level findings, analysis, and a package of recommendedtraffic, transit, cycling, and pedestrian measures for the downtown. Detailed and technicalanalyses are attached as appendices to this report.

Section 1: Introduction provides an overview of the study and study area;

Section 2: Key Issues and Future Condit ions summarizes findings from PhaseOne of the DTS and future conditions that may impact transportation in thedowntown;

Section 3: Downtown Transportation Directions presents overarchingtransportation directions for the downtown based on past city plans (DowntownNeighbourhood Plan, Official Community Plan, Transportation Master Plan);

Sections 4-8 provide an overview of existing conditions and present action plans toaddress issues related to each mode/issue of transportation including: Transit(Section 4), Pedestrians (Section 5), Cycling (Section 6), Traffic and Road (Section7) and Parking and Loading (Section 8);

Section 9: Implementation and Costing provides estimated costing of theidentified strategies and actions.


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2 Key Issues and Future Conditions2.1 Key Issues from Phase One

Phase One of the Downtown Transportation Study identified a number of issues impacting allmodes of transportation in the downtown with those issues relating to City Square Plaza and 11 th

Avenue, the focus of the Phase One report. The work completed in Phase One provideddirection for Phase Two. The following issues were identified to be addressed in Phase Two,and are discussed in more detail in later sections of this report.

Traffic:

Congestion and delay at 12 th Avenue and Albert Street

Congestion and delay along 11 th Avenue due to high bus volumes, vehicle turningmovements from shared lanes, and illegal parking during rush hour periods

Congestion and delay at the intersection of11 th Avenue and Broad Street

At 11th

Avenue and Scarth Street, operations hindered by no-parking violators and pick-up/drop-off activity

At 11 th Avenue and Cornwall Street, high pedestrian and traffic volumes and pooroperations

Transit:

Buses delayed by illegally stopped vehicles in bus lanes in peak periods

Buses delayed/slowed by movements around on-street parking and loading in off-peakperiods

Delayed turning movements at Broad Street and Albert Street

Lack of space for transit boarding and exiting on 11 th Avenue, and in turn issues relating

to waiting passengers and buses blocking alleys and drivewaysDesire for a central hub for transit in downtown

Saskatchewan Drive and Victoria Avenue underutilized as transit corridor

Lack of amenities for transit riders and visibility of bus stops

Walking:

Canyon effect on 11 th Avenue not ideal for pedestrians noise, wind tunnel, lack of light

Streetscape on several streets lacks visual interest and is dated

Lack of street furniture

Lack of wayfinding system

Inadequate number of audible pedestrian signals

Inconsistent/outdated design of curb ramps throughout downtown Regina

Poor condition of sidewalks and road surfaces with negative impact on accessibility

Cycling:

Lack of on-street, short-term bike parking

Cyclists using sidewalks on 11 th Avenue


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Gap in north-south bikeway linkages from Lorne and Smith Streets

Lack of east-west bikeway facility

Parking and Loading

Perceived lack of both on-street and off-street parking in downtown ReginaLack of loading area for numerous downtown businesses and challenges with the use ofalleys for loading

Low awareness of parking choices and options throughout downtown area

On-street parking seen as important for local businesses

Low cost of on-street parking encouraging long term stays

Inadequate enforcement and low fines relating to on-street parking abuse

2.2 Downtown Neighbourhood Plan NeedsThe need to improve transportation conditions for downtown users has been identified in anumber of key planning documents for the City of Regina. In 2009, the City developed theOfficial Walk to Work Downtown Neighbourhood Plan. The plan recommends increasingdowntown population and employment to support a vibrant downtown and provides both a builtform and public realm design framework. Improving and promoting active transportation (walkingcycling and rolling) is a foundation for both of these frameworks. Three of the Eight Big Movespresented in the plan relate to active tr

Documents

Executive Committee - April 2