Plan for the Town of Ajax Recommended Plan

581 Pages·2015·12.92 MB·English

The Corporation of the Town of Ajax
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND PLANNING COMMITTEE

Monday, June 1, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, Town Hall
65 Harwood Avenue South

AGENDA
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[email protected] or 905-619-2529 ext. 3347
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S. Collier, Chair

1. Call To Order

2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

3. Adoption of Minutes

3.1 May 4, 2015 ........................................................................................................................ 2

4. Public Meeting

4.1 Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan, P. Allore, Director of Planning &
Development Services / E. Leung, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator ....... 5
~ Gene Chartier, Consultant, Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd

4.2 Zoning Our Future – Town of Ajax Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review: Release of
Discussion Papers and Public Consultation Program, P. Allore, Director of Planning &
Development Services / G. Muller, Manager of Planning / S. Andis, Senior Policy
Planner ............................................................................................................................232

5. Presentations

None

6. Reports

None

7. Adjournment
Minutes of the
Community Affairs & Planning Committee Meeting
Held in the Council Chambers, Ajax Town Hall,
At 7:00 p.m. on May 4, 2015

Alternative formats available upon request by contacting:
[email protected] or 905-619-2529 ext. 3347

Present: Chair - Regional Councillor C. Jordan
Regional Councillor S. Collier
Councillors- M. Crawford
R. Ashby

Regrets Councillors J. Dies
P. Brown
Mayor S. Parish

1. Call to Order

Chair Jordan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. It was noted that Mayor Parish,
Councillor Dies, and Councillor Brown had sent their regrets.

2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest.

3. Adoption of Minutes

Moved by: S. Collier
Seconded by: M. Crawford

That the Minutes of the Community Affairs and Planning Committee Meeting held on April
20, 2015, be adopted.
CARRIED

4. Public Meetings

4.1 Miller Creek Developments Inc. (Esquire Homes)
Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z6/07
Draft Plan of Subdivision Application S-A-2012-01
Draft Plan of Condominium Application C-A-2012-04
Site Plan Application SP16/12
(south side of Taunton Rd. West, west of Hardwood Avenue North)

Geoff Romanowski, Development Approvals Coordinator presented in respect to several
development applications submitted by Esquire Homes. An overview was provided of the
proposed development and the applicable planning policies, with a particular focus being
placed on vehicle and pedestrian access and parking, streetscape and landscaping, and
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Community Affairs & Planning Committee May 4, 2015

various reports and studies completed by the applicant and reviewed by Town staff. Public
consultation efforts to date were highlighted.

Committee members expressed concerns about potential difficulty exiting the subdivision
by turning left, to head west on Taunton Road, particularly during rush-hour. Staff noted
that a painted median exists on Taunton where cars can queue until it is safe to enter
westbound traffic. Further discussion surrounded noise concerns that may potentially arise
from Taunton Road traffic, and the CP Rail line (specifically, the train whistle). The
proponent agreed to honor a request from the Committee to clearly indicate the nearby
rail line on site maps at the Sales Centre, and to take any other necessary steps to ensure
that buyers are aware of the potential for some noise. Committee members also indicated
that all units should be equipped with air conditioning, whereas the current proposal only
requires some of the units to have air conditioning installed.

Chair Jordan declared the meeting to be a public meeting and invited comments. There
being none, Chair Jordan closed the public meeting. The proponent responded to various
inquiries from the Committee.

Amendment:

Moved by: R. Ashby
Seconded by: S. Collier

That the following condition be added to the Conditions of Draft Approval for both the
Subdivision and Condominium, and the Site Plan Agreement and all Condominium
documents:

That all townhouse units within the development have air conditioning units
installed by the builder/developer.
CARRIED

Motion as Amended

Moved by: S. Collier
Seconded by: R. Ashby

1. That Zoning By-law Amendment Z6/07, submitted by Miller Creek Developments
Inc. (Esquire Homes), be approved and that staff be authorized to prepare and
forward an implementing Zoning By-law to Council for its consideration at a future
meeting, as provided within Attachment 1 to this report;

2. That Draft Plan of Subdivision S-A-2012-01, submitted by Miller Creek
Developments Inc. (Esquire Homes), be endorsed and that staff be authorized to
grant draft approval of the draft plan, subject to the proposed draft conditions as
provided within Attachment 2 to this report;

3. That Draft Plan of Condominium C-A-2012-04, submitted by Miller Creek
Developments Inc. (Esquire Homes), be endorsed and that staff be authorized to
grant draft approval of the draft plan, subject to the proposed draft conditions, as
provided within Attachment 3 to this report; and

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Community Affairs & Planning Committee May 4, 2015

4. That Site Plan SP16/12, submitted by Miller Creek Developments Inc. (Esquire
Homes), be endorsed, and that staff be authorized to grant final site plan approval
subject to all drawings including detailed engineering, landscaping, and related
details being finalized, to the satisfaction of the Town of Ajax; and

5. That the following condition be added to the Conditions of Draft Approval for
both the Subdivision and Condominium, and the Site Plan Agreement and
all Condominium documents:

That all townhouse units within the development have air
conditioning units installed by the builder/developer.
CARRIED

4.2 Site Plan Application SP16/13
Rogers Telecommunications Tower
1748 Westney Road North

Sean McCullough, Development Planner, provided an overview of the application. The
policy and regulatory framework was reviewed. Public consultation efforts in respect to the
application were highlighted, and a summary of responses to various concerns about the
proposed location of the monopole was provided. It was concluded that staff are satisfied
with the proposed location and therefore the site plan application can be supported.

Chair Jordan declared the meeting to be a public meeting and invited comments. There
being none, Chair Jordan closed the public meeting.

Moved by: M. Crawford
Seconded by: R. Ashby

1. That Site Plan Application SP16/13, submitted by Summit Telecom Services on
behalf of Rogers Communications Inc., proposing to erect a 30 metre high
monopole (flagpole) telecommunication tower located at 1748 Westney Road
North be supported, subject to the proponent finalizing all required drawings for
the installation, to the satisfaction of the Town of Ajax.
CARRIED

5. Reports

None.

6. Adjournment

Moved by: M. Crawford
Seconded by: S. Collier

That the May 4, 2015 meeting of the Community Affairs and Planning Committee be
adjourned. (7:45 p.m.)
CARRIED

N. Wellsbury, Deputy Clerk
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TOWN OF AJAX
REPORT

REPORT TO: Community Affairs and Planning Committee

SUBMITTED BY: Paul Allore, MCIP, RPP
Director of Planning and Development Services

PREPARED BY: Elysia Leung, MCIP RPP
Transportation Demand Management Coordinator

SUBJECT: Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan

WARD: All

DATE OF MEETING: June 1, 2015

REFERENCES:
 Community Action Plan: Strategic Development and Economic
Prosperity, 2014
(prioritizes the TDM Plan and Transportation Awareness Campaign)
 Transportation Master Plan Update, 2013
 Walkable + Bikeable Ajax: The Ajax Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan,
2010

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. That the report entitled Transportation Demand Management Plan for the Town of
Ajax dated June 1, 2015, be received for information.

2. That Council endorse the Transportation Demand Management Plan for the Town
of Ajax prepared by Hatch Mott MacDonald Ltd, Lura Consulting and Paradigm,
dated May 2015.

3. That Council authorize staff to consider the recommended short and medium term
TDM measures as part of the 2016 Capital Budget and 2017-2020 Long Range
Capital Forecast.

1.0 BACKGROUND:

The Town’s Community Action Plan (2015 to 2018) provides strategic direction on how the Town
can facilitate population growth, economic development and improve traffic and transportation.
One of the key strategies in the Community Action Plan is to develop a TDM Plan. A
Transportation Awareness Campaign, also identified in the Community Action Plan, will be
supported through the TDM Plan initiatives. The Community Action Plan identifies the Town’s
goal of obtaining Silver Bicycle Friendly Community status. The initiatives and measures set out
in the TDM Plan, once implemented, will support the Town’s application for silver designation.

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In February 2013, Council approved the Transportation Master Plan Update (TMPU). The TMPU
is a strategic document that seeks to address future population and employment growth within
the Town of Ajax and the Region in a manner that is sustainable with respect to the environment,
the economy and the community. Achieving a balanced transportation network is vital to the
prosperity of the Town of Ajax and to the overall quality of life of Ajax residents. The plan set a
goal to increase modal share of transit, cycling and walking trips during the weekday a.m. peak
period from approximately 20% today to 30% by the year 2031.

The TMPU took a multi-modal approach for the Town, one of which future travel demand is
managed through a combination of new infrastructure, transit strategies and a network of active
transportation facilities. Through the multi-modal approach, it was recommended that the Town
develop a Transportation Demand Management Plan to alleviate traffic congestion and
encourage the use of more sustainable travel modes as alternatives to the single occupant
vehicle.

In 2010, Walkable and Bikeable Ajax: The Ajax Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan documented
a series of strategies and infrastructure improvements to create more walkable, accessible and
bicycle-friendly infrastructure throughout the Town focusing on key destinations, barriers and
areas of need. One of the key components of this plan is the promotion of active transportation
by encouraging and rewarding walking and cycling with the help of advocacy and commuter
groups, which is also a key component in TDM. To date, the Town currently has 95km of trails
and over 35km of on-road bicycle facilities.

The Town of Ajax Official Plan has a number of policies that support the development and
implementation of a TDM Plan. These policies include the following:

 Promote the development of an integrated transportation network that safely and
efficiently accommodates various modes of transportation including trains, automobiles,
trucks, public transit, cycling and walking in a sustainable manner;
 Promote the increased use of public transit, cycling and walking as energy efficient
affordable and accessible forms of travel;
 Reduce auto dependency by supporting opportunities for multi-modal use such as
carpooling, active transportation and increased transit use over single occupant vehicles;
and,
 Support Transportation Demand Management initiatives that promote alternative modes
of transportation and increase transit ridership, walking and cycling.

Smart Commute is an initiative of Metrolinx and the Cities and Regions of the GTHA to reduce
traffic congestion and take action on climate change through the promotion of sustainable modes
of transportation. Smart Commute Durham helps local employers and commuters explore and
promote different commuter choices, such as carpooling, teleworking, transit, cycling, walking or
flexible work hours. The Town currently works with Smart Commute to promote events such as
Bike to Work Day and will continue to leverage any opportunities through the Town’s TDM Plan.

The Hatch Mott MacDonald (HMM) consulting team (LURA Consulting, and Paradigm
Transportation Solutions Limited) was retained by the Town of Ajax in May 2014 to develop the
TDM Plan. The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the findings from the TDM Plan
and to seek Council’s endorsement of the report. The TDM Plan and subsequent appendices are
provided in Attachment 1.

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2.0 DISCUSSION:
2.1 Introduction to TDM:

Transportation Demand Management is the application of strategies and policies to influence
travel behavior, with the objective of both reducing overall demand, especially from single-
occupant vehicle use, and seeking to influence when and where this demand occurs. TDM
concentrates on changing the behaviour of the end user to encourage greater use of sustainable
modes of transportation and trip decision making that reduces, combines, or shortens vehicle
trips, and can therefore be considered either in tandem with, or distinct from, infrastructure or
services developments.

There are numerous TDM strategies using various approaches to influence travel decisions. The
different strategies are typically summarized into four categories:

 Options – Improve and/or expand the range of viable transportation options available;
 Incentives – Provide incentives to change travel mode, time or destination;
 Accessibility – Improve land use accessibility to facilitate greater use of more sustainable
transportation modes; and
 Policy – Introduce and/or reform transportation policies and programs to foster travel by
sustainable transportation options.

The TDM “toolkit” detailed below lists some of the more commonly used measures (primarily from
the Options category) to effect change in travel behaviour. The toolkit is utilized to help choose
the right package of measures that best suit local conditions, to have maximum impact and offer
the best value for money:

Walking and Walking is the simplest and most sustainable form of transportation. It
Cycling carries zero cost, is versatile and is impervious to issues of congestion or
delay on the roads. Except in the most extreme temperatures, walking is
a viable means of travel for all short trips (subject to the health and mobility
of the individual).

Across the globe, governments and societies are increasingly recognizing
the valuable contribution that walking and cycling can make in tackling
congestion, reducing journey time delays, improving air quality and
delivering health and fitness benefits.

Typical benefits from the standpoint of the pedestrian or cyclist include:

 Walking and cycling are very cost efficient forms of transportation
and require only modest expenditures (relatively) on equipment
like shoes, protective equipment and bicycles.
 Walking and cycling have the potential to replace many of the
shortest auto trips.
 Walking and cycling are the healthiest ways to travel. They
improve fitness and personal health, and increase opportunities for
social interaction, all of which provide wider societal benefits.
 It is statistically proven that people who have healthier lifestyles
have lower absentee rates from work.

Transit Public bus and rail services hold significant potential for organizations
looking at reducing the number of people driving to work. The newly
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integrated electronic fare system of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton
Area’s (GTHA) transit network (Presto Card) and accompanying
marketing offers a great opportunity to see a step-change in the Town’s
relationship with its transit providers.

Typical benefits include:

 No financial commitment required from the organization.
 No new vehicles or infrastructure required.
 Reductions in congestion and vehicle emissions and associated
improvements in air quality.
 Enables employees to use the time more effectively to work or
relax.

Carpooling Carpooling is an effective way of reducing traffic congestion. If everybody
in Ajax carpooled with one other person, the number of autos on the road
would be reduced by up to half, there would be substantial reductions in
fuel consumption (for private autos), congestion and delays and the costs
associated with such delays would vanish overnight. While this is not
likely to happen, it does illustrate the positive impact that can result from
carpooling.

Carpooling is most effective when it is undertaken on a company-wide or
office-wide/specific location basis, with formal monitoring and website
support to “match” appropriate people. Smart Commute has a ride
matching tool that can be used by Ajax employees and businesses
www.explore.smartcommute.ca.

Typical benefits include:

 Fuel cost savings.
 Reduced vehicle emissions, which means reduced pollution and
improved air quality.
 Fewer vehicles on the roads, which reduces congestion and
delays and helps the economy to prosper.
 Easy to set up and appropriate for all organizations, large or small.

Remote and The ability to change the way people work; whether by changing the hours
Flexible Working they travel (“Re-Time”) or enabling a certain level of remote working
(“Reduce”) is a very effective way of tackling congestion. After all, there
is no more effective way of reducing the number of autos on the road than
by reducing the number of trips made in them.

In today’s world, remote and flexible working is easier and more cost
efficient than ever. Provided staff have the tools they need to do their job
effectively – which these days usually only requires a laptop, a phone and
internet access – then they can be logged in almost anywhere. Of course,
there is no substitute for on-site presence for certain types of work, and
such a policy is not suitable for some sectors of employment such as shift
workers, and customer-service roles for instance. But for many who are
based in offices that do not require regular ‘face-time’ with customers or
co-workers, working remotely or making small changes to the hours
worked can have a real impact.
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Remote and flexible working arrangements:

 Support a healthy work/life balance;
 Reduce the number of vehicles on the road during the busiest
times;
 Provide fuel cost and vehicle depreciation savings;
 Reduce congestion and delay and help the economy to prosper
since there are fewer vehicles on the roads.
 May help in retaining high performing staff as a form of benefit.

Staff Shuttle Staff shuttle bus services are a very effective way of transporting large
Services numbers of people between fixed sites on a fixed rotation. They are most
effective at catering to staff that work fixed hours/shift patterns and are
very popular and widespread solutions that are applied to address the
transportation demands at the world’s busiest airports, manufacturing
facilities, power plants and other large scale, single site developments.

Shuttle bus services are most appropriate for larger employment bases
where many people can be transported at once, and where the investment
in vehicles is offset by the benefits achieved.

Typical benefits include:

 Fuel cost savings.
 Reduced vehicle emissions, which means reduced pollution and
improved air quality.
 Reductions in unnecessary mileage as fewer drivers need to
search for a parking space – localized congestion is often caused
by such trips.
 Some sites offer additional benefits to staff, such as free car
washes or enabling staff to ‘clock in’ as they board the bus.

2.2 Key Issues and Trends Influencing the TDM Plan

Data from the 2011 Transportation Tomorrow Survey (TTS) were analyzed to provide a
“snapshot” of current travel behaviour within the Town of Ajax, and a baseline for benchmarking
and measuring future progress in TDM implementation. Some of the key trends include the
following:
 Vehicle ownership was higher in Ajax (1.8 vehicles per household) than in the GTHA as a
whole (1.5 vehicles per household), indicating a higher level of auto dependency than
average.
 Average daily trips per person was higher in Ajax (2.5 average daily trips per person) than
in the GTHA (2.4 average daily trips per person).
 Travel patterns in the Town of Ajax are currently dominated by the car (personal vehicle).
The current mode split for trips made by Ajax residents throughout the day is:
o Car 84%
o Transit 4%
o GO Transit 5%
o Walk/Cycle 5%
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Subject: Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan Pa g e | 6

o Other 2%
These findings were further confirmed through a public survey that was held from July 23 to
October 10, 2014 to capture resident travel behaviour. The key findings include the following:
 Single-Occupant Vehicle travel is by far the most common mode of transportation
 Walking is fairly common as an occasional mode or as part of a trip
 Cycling, Public Transit use and Carpooling are not widely utilized
This assessment confirms the challenges associated with the Town of Ajax residents travel
behaviour and their reliance on the single occupant automobile. The TDM Plan for the Town was
established to proactively promote, market and encourage the use of active modes of
transportation through provision of policies and programming together with the appropriate types
of infrastructure.

2.3 TOWN OF AJAX TDM PLAN

The Town of Ajax TDM Plan is meant to achieve the following goals:
 Provide a short and medium term strategy for TDM programs and measures in the
Town;
 Position the Town of Ajax as a leading example within the Region of Durham for
sustainable transportation programs;
 Reduce the use of single-occupant vehicle travel to, from and within Ajax;
 Increase the multi-occupant vehicle modal split within Ajax;
 Increase community use of transit, carpooling and active transportation modes (walking,
cycling);
 Provide leadership and expertise to area businesses to encourage them to develop TDM
programs;
 Support active and sustainable modes of transportation and associated infrastructure;
 Improve the quality of life of Ajax residents and workers;
 Effectively measure the benefits associated with TDM programs;
 Effectively communicate the need and benefits of TDM to staff, Council, and the public.
Chapter 8: Action Plan of the TDM Plan describes the recommended TDM strategy and
implementation plan for the Town of Ajax. This Action Plan details the proposed TDM initiatives
derived from the long list of potential opportunities identified throughout the TDM Plan and the
recommended timetable for their implementation, complete with estimated program costs.

The Action Plan details a set of Recommended Measures that, taken together, will raise
awareness, educate and support Town residents’ use of sustainable modes of transportation.
The recommended TDM measures have been selected and organized into short (0 to 3 years),
medium (3 to 5 years) and long (beyond 5 years) term time horizons based on implementation
considerations/ constraints, resource requirements, logical sequencing of activities and likely
effectiveness, as follows:

 The short term measures focus on raising awareness about TDM corporately (at the
Town) and within the community. Implementation of these measures will provide the Town
with a solid foundation for future TDM initiatives.
 The medium term measures build on the awareness initiatives set out in the short term
category. The measures in this group focus on policy and program initiatives needed to
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