Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee Minutes

Thursday, February 09, 2023 at 4:00 P.m. - 5:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

Whitby Town Hall

Present:

• Dr. May Daemi
• Ana Duff
• Liam Lacy
• Brad Mavins
• John Patte
• Peter Phillips
• Scott Templeton
• Lewis Williams

Regrets:

• Terry Boddington
• Gary Carroll

Also Present:

• Councillor Mulcahy, Mayor's Designate
• Tara Painchaud, Staff Liaison, Senior Manager of Transportation Services
• Lalita Thakali, Staff Liaison, Transportation Engineer
• Sean Malby, Senior Manager, Parks, Parks Planning and Culture
• Justin Malfara, Planner II, Long Range
• Heather Ellis, Council and Committee Coordinator (Recording Secretary)

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1.

Call to Order

2.

Declarations of Conflict of Interest

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

3.

Approval of Previous Minutes

• Recommendation:

  Moved by Lewis Williams

  That the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee minutes of June 9, 2022 be approved.

  Carried

4.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair

The Committee was advised that the appointment for Chair and Vice Chair of the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee for the January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 term would take place at this time.

Heather Ellis called for the nominations for the position of Chair of the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee.

Lewis Williams nominated Peter Phillips for the position of Chair of the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee.

Peter Phillips accepted the nomination.

There were no further nominations and the nominations were closed.

Heather Ellis called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee.

Peter Phillips nominated May Daemi for the position of Vice-Chair of the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee.

May Daemi accepted the nomination.

Peter Phillips nominated Scott Templeton for the position of Vice-Chair of the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee.

Scott Templeton accepted the nomination.

There were no further nominations and the nominations were closed.

• Recommendation:

  Moved by Lewis Williams

  That Peter Phillips be appointed Chair of the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee for a term ending December 31, 2023.

  Carried

• Recommendation:

  Moved by Peter Phillips

  That May Daemi be appointed Vice-Chair of the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee for a term ending December 31, 2023. 

  Motion Lost

• Recommendation:

  Moved by Peter Phillips

  That Scott Templeton be appointed Vice-Chair of the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee for a term ending December 31, 2023.

  Carried

  Peter Phillips assumed the Chair.

  
  

5.

Presentations

5.1

Alia Tulloch, Transportation Planning Analyst, Region of Durham

Re: Durham Meadoway Visioning Study

Alia Tulloch provided a presentation regarding the Durham Meadoway Visioning Study. Highlights of the presentation included:

• the area included in the Durham Meadoway Visioning Study;
• connecting the existing Durham Trail Network to other major GTA trails;
• an overview of the study including working with community partners to develop a coordinated vision and guiding principles to support decision making, confirming a functional alignment for a multi-use trail, and creating a destination experience;
• Phase 1, Community Engagement, which focused on the vision for the Durham Meadoway and the guiding principles that would support the vision, route options, and amenities and programming that could be incorporated into the design or be implemented over time;
• reviewing the Alternative Route options for five (5) segments of the Hydro Corridor;
• identifying enhancements and amenities along the multi-use path to make it a tourist destination;
• linking current focal points or destinations such as using the hydro corridor as an expansion opportunity for a future District Park or a connection to planned trails along Lynde Creek; and,
• next steps of the Durham Meadoway Visioning Study.

A question and answer period ensued regarding:

• whether Town staff were collaborating with the Region on the Durham Meadoway Project;
• reasons for ending the Durham Meadoway Project trail in Oshawa rather than continue to the east border of Clarington; and,
• whether there would be an ability to lease portions of the land for agricultural uses such as community gardens.

6.

Delegations

There were no delegations.

7.

General Business and Reports

7.1

Committee Member Introductions

Members of the Committee introduced themselves and provided a brief summary of their experience and interest in serving on the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee.

7.2

Active Transportation Plan

Tara Painchaud provided an overview of the Active Transportation Plan. Ms. Painchaud advised that the Plan includes existing and proposed trail maps, cost tables and phasing, consultation, proposed new policies, and strategies for downtown Whitby.

It was the consensus of the Committee to hear Item 9, Council Update, at this time.

7.3

2022 Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee (ATSRAC) Annual Report

Peter Phillips advised that the 2022 Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee (ASTRAC) Annual Report was presented to Committee of the Whole on December 5, 2022, and that he would circulate the report to the new Members.

7.4

2023 Budget Timelines and Active Transportation Elements

7.4.1

Engineering Services Division

Lalita Thakali provided overview of 2023 projects including:

• traffic calming initiatives including design and installation of traffic calming measures for ten (10) streets;
• the Traffic Calming Implementation and Action Program including developing a Traffic Calming Policy with the support from a consulting firm;
• the Multi-Use Paths and Cycling Facilities Program including improving active transportation connections for some streets such as Cochrane Street and Taunton Road, Byron Street South and the Lynde Creek Trail (Noise wall), and improving the existing bike facility along Mary Street; and,
• installing improved pedestrian crossings with rectangular rapid flashing beacons at eight (8) locations.

A brief question and answer period ensued regarding whether staff could provide a list of current and planned projects, and a list of deferred items at future meetings.

7.4.2

Community Services Department

Sean Malby provided an update regarding Community Services Department projects including:

• replacing the Corbett Creek Boardwalk;
• active transportation connections;
• rehabilitation projects for existing trails; and,
• adding safety and etiquette signs, and centre lines along the Waterfront Trail.

A question and answer period ensued regarding:

• whether Twin Streams Road would be connected to Des Newman Boulevard either via a roadway or a multi-use path as an interim connection; and,
• whether staff could provide a list of current and planned projects.

7.5

Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee Subcommittees

Peter Phillips advised that the Committee established two subcommittees during the 2018-2022 term including, the Development Review Subcommittee and a subcommittee that reviewed and provided feedback on a Draft Traffic Calming Policy. Mr. Phillips requested the Committee to consider establishing a subcommittee to focus on education, active schools, and downtown active transportation.

8.

Correspondence

There was no correspondence.

9.

Council Update

Councillor Mulcahy provided an update regarding the 2023 Budget and advised that funds were set aside for traffic calming measures.

It was the consensus of the Committee to hear Item 7.3, 2022 Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee (ATSRAC) Annual Report, at this time.

10.

Other Business

10.1

Durham Winter Commute Month

Peter Phillips advised that the Region of Durham was hosting ‘Winter Commute Month’ for February 2023. Mr. Phillips stated that the program encouraged residents to share their work commute story.

10.2

Cycle Tourism Conference - March 2, 2023

Peter Phillips advised that there was a Cycle Tourism Conference on March 2, 2023 in Toronto, hosted by Cycle Tourism Conference Canada. Mr. Phillips requested feedback from Town staff regarding whether the Town would send Members from the Committee to the conference.

10.3

Bike Month

Tara Painchaud requested feedback from the Committee regarding forming a Bike Month subcommittee to undertake Bike Month activities. Ms. Painchaud advised that Bike Month would be discussed at the next Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee meeting.

10.4

Food Truck Frenzy and Other Community Events

John Patte advised that the Rotary Club of Whitby was hosting a Gourmet Food Truck Frenzy event on May 27 to 28, 2023. Mr. Patte requested feedback from the Committee regarding promoting cycling at this event, such as a ‘Bike Ride with the Mayor’. He suggested that the Committee attend various community events to promote cycling and active transportation.

11.

Next Meeting

Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

12.

Adjournment

• Recommendation:

  Moved by John Patte

  That the meeting adjourned.

  Carried

  The meeting adjourned at 5:56 p.m.