North York OPA 447 (North York Centre Secondary Plan)
Willowdale Central Ratepayers' Association -
North York Centre
The North York Community Council recommends the adoption of the
following joint report (December 15, 1999) from the Director, Community
Planning, North District, Urban Development Services and Director,
Transportation Services, District 3, Works and Emergency Services:
Purpose:
This report outlines a strategy to address concerns put forward by the
Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association with respect to
transportation matters arising from the North York Centre Secondary
Plan (OPA 447). In particular, their objection deals with the
implementation and monitoring of the City's progress toward achieving
the Centre's targetted 60% non auto mode split.
This report recommends the retention of a transportation consultant to
conduct an independent review of these transportation matters, as well
as report on, amongst other things, the possibility of undertaking an
interim monitoring program in light of the Sheppard Subway
construction activity which is anticipated to continue into the year 2002,
and has curtailed the ability to conduct the full program.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Additional one-time funds in a total amount not to exceed $50,000 are
required to retain an independent consultant. These funds are to be
divided equally by the Works and Emergency Services and the Urban
Planning and Development Services Departments and added to their
Operating Budget submissions for the year 2000.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) staff in the Works and Emergency Services and Urban Planning and
Development Services Departments be authorized to retain an
independent transportation consultant to address transportation matters
which arise in part from North York Centre Secondary Plan (OPA 447),
and in particular, the implementation and monitoring of the City's
progress towards achieving the Centre's targetted 60% non auto mode
split, subject to the Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association
withdrawing their objections to North York Centre Secondary Plan (OPA
447);
(2) staff be authorized to prepare a Terms of Reference, which should
include amongst other matters, an interim monitoring approach in
light of the Sheppard Subway construction activity;
(3) the necessary funds in a total amount not to exceed $50,000 be
allocated in the respective Department 2000 Operating Budgets;
(4) staff be directed to bring forward a report on the findings of the
independent study; and,
(5) staff be authorized to undertake necessary actions to give effect
to these recommendations.
Background:
The Ontario Municipal Board has scheduled a Hearing, to commence
February 7, 2000, on the outstanding appeals to OPA 447 (the North York
Centre Secondary Plan ). The Willowdale Central Ratepayers
Association is not an appellant, but has filed an objection to parts of
OPA 447. Their main concerns deal with the transportation components
of the North York Centre Secondary Plan as it relates to the
implementation and monitoring of the City's progress towards achieving
the Centre's targetted 60% non auto mode split.
The Works and Emergency Services and Urban Planning and
Development Services Departments propose to fund and retain a
consultant to review these transportation matters and to subsequently
report on the issue of implementation and monitoring of the City's
progress.
Comments:
Due to the road disruptions and changes in travel patterns caused by
the Sheppard Subway construction in the North York Centre, the City
has not been able to undertake the bi-annual transportation monitoring
program - 1999 is the cycle year for the employee travel demand survey.
Any survey data or information collected during this unstable period will
not be representative of actual travel patterns and behaviour, and
therefore not comparable to previous surveys. Part of the consultants'
mandate will be to address the issue of a possible interim approach to
satisfy the requirement for ongoing transportation monitoring. This
program should take into account the limitations presented by the
Sheppard Subway construction and associated traffic disruptions.
The independent consultants' review of the transportation matters
arising from North York OPA 447 should be initiated in the first quarter
of the Year 2000 and be completed within the calender year. Staff will
bring forward a report to Council outlining the findings of the review.
Conclusions:
The approach proposed in this report will provide an opportunity for the City
to address the concerns put forward by the Willowdale Central Ratepayers
Association with respect to implementation of transportation matters in the
North York Centre. Furthermore, the consultant's independent review will
provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the Plan's transportation objectives
and the City's progress toward meeting the goals contained in OPA 447.
Contact Name:
Michael Mizzi, Senior Planner
Community Planning, North District
Telephone: (416) 395-7106
Marta Roias, Senior Transportation Planner
Transportation Planning, North District
Telephone: (416) 395-7461