MINUTES of a regular meeting of COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE of the Municipal Council of The Corporation of the District of Oak Bay, held in the Council Chambers, Oak Bay Municipal Hall, 2167 Oak Bay Avenue, Oak Bay, B.C., on Monday, June 4, 2007 following the Special Meeting at 7:30 p.m.

PRESENT:	Councillor H. Braithwaite Councillor S. F. B. Carson Councillor J. Herbert Councillor N. B. Jensen (Acting Mayor)
STAFF:	Municipal Clerk, L. Hilton Confidential Secretary, K. Green Director of Engineering Services, D. Marshall

Acting Mayor Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.

PUBLIC WORKS SECTION: (Chairman – Councillor Herbert)

1.

2007-164 2007-164-1

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, May 30, 2007 LEFRANK LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE LIMITED, May 18, 2007 Re Boulevard Encroachment Application – 3280 Uplands Road

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That it be recommended to Council that approval be given for a boulevard encroachment adjacent to 3280 Uplands Road for the purpose of installing irrigation and landscaping, subject to the new plantings west of the Garry Oak tree (#15 on the plan from the applicant) be maintained at a height of 450 millimetres (approximately 18 inches) or less, subject to the owners entering into a boulevard encroachment agreement on terms set by the Municipality.

CARRIED

2.

2007-165

VICTORIA GOLF CLUB, May 30, 2007 Re Boulevard Encroachment Application – 1110 Beach Drive

Paul Robertson, Victoria Golf Course Superintendent, confirmed that the Golf Club would be responsible for the cost of the topsoil and installation of the irrigation system on the boulevard, and that those costs were included in the estimate provided in correspondence item no. 2007-165.

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That it be recommended to Council that approval be given for a boulevard encroachment adjacent to 1110 Beach Drive for the purpose of installing irrigation and landscaping as shown on the landscape plan attached to correspondence item no. 2007-165, subject to the Victoria Golf Club entering into a boulevard encroachment agreement on terms set by the Municipality.

CARRIED

3.

2007-166

UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA, May 30, 2007 Re Request to Erect Temporary Signs on Public Property

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That it be recommended to Council that approval be given to the University of Victoria to erect temporary signs on public property for the months of July and August 2007 for the purpose of advising that the University’s Ring Road will be partially closed and to redirect traffic from the Cedar Hill Cross Road entrance.

CARRIED

TRAFFIC SECTION: (Acting Chairman – Councillor Jensen)

4.

2007-167 2007-167-1 2007-167-2 2007-167-3 2007-167-4 2007-167-5 2007-167-6 2007-167-7 2007-167-8 2007-167-9 2007-167-10 2007-167-11 2007-167-12 2007-167-13 2007-167-14 2007-167-15 2007-167-16 2007-167-17 2007-167-18 2007-167-19 2007-167-20 2007-167-21 2007-167-22 2007-167-23 2007-167-24 2007-167-25 2007-167-26 2007-167-27 2007-167-28 2007-167-29 2007-167-30 2007-167-31 2007-167-32 2007-167-33 2007-167-34 2007-167-35 2007-167-36 2007-167-37 2007-167-38 2007-167-39 2007-167-40 2007-167-41 2007-167-42 2007-167-43 2007-167-44 2007-167-45 2007-167-46 2007-167-47 2007-167-48 2007-167-49

MUNICIPAL CLERK, May 29, 2007 ALYSON HAWKSWORTH, [Undated] PAUL ROTHE, April 18, 2007 JIM AND VIVI DOERSAM, [Undated] SAFER CYCLING OAK BAY, April 10, 2007 JOHN KELL, April 24, 2007 RICHARD GORDON, May 8, 2007 EILEEN AND BILL PANGMAN, May 8, 2007 NELSON WANG, May 11, 2007 TOM FYLES, May 13, 2007 DOROTHEA BREALEY, May 19, 2007 BETTY AND SPENCER PARKER, May 20, 2007 ROSS CHAPMAN, May 24, 2007 ALAN PENTY AND PAMELA SLYTH, May 24, 2007 DON AND DONNA FLEMING, May 24, 2007 EVAN AND YVONNE OAKLEY, May 25, 2007 NORTH HENDERSON RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, May 27, 2007 ED AND NORMA SILVA-WHITE, May 28, 2007 MICHAEL WILMUT, [Undated] STUART AND SYLVIA RESTALL, May 28, 2007 DARLENE LI, May 28, 2007 OAK BAY GREEN COMMITTEE, May 29, 2007 B. MCLAUGHLIN, May 29, 2007 TOM AND JILL CROFT, May 30, 2007 GREATER VICTORIA CYCLING COALITION, May 31, 2007 DENISE SEFTON, May 31, 2007 KELLY CHOO, May 31, 2007 LIOR MALKA, May 31, 2007 BILL LEE, May 31, 2007 RICHARD WEBBER, May 31, 2007 JOHN HOLLAND, May 31, 2007 JANET SIMPSON, May 31, 2007 SIOBHAN DOYLE, May 31, 2007 CHRIS FOORD, May 31, 2007 JOAN MCINTOSH AND TOM SUTTON, June 1, 2007 MARK GABAS, June 1, 2007 JOHN SHIPLEY AND NANCY CAMPBELL, June 1, 2007 BRITT KARLSTROM AND JOHATHAN SWOVELAND, June 1, 2007 SPUD VANCOUVER ISLAND, June 1, 2007 JOHN AND JANICE BLANCHET, June 1, 2007 CAPITAL BIKE & WALK, June 1, 2007 HU WALLIS, June 1, 2007 JAMES HOLTZ, June 1, 2007 DEAN GOARD, June 1, 2007 TERRI HUNTER AND DAVID GODFREY, June 1, 2007 HUGH AITKEN AND SYLVIE ARGOUARCH, June 1, 2007 CLAIRE AND BRIAN DOLSEN, June 1, 2007 ANDREW CRIPPS, June 1, 2007 MIKE STACEY, June 1, 2007 IAN GRAEME, June 1, 2007 Re Public Consultation on Cycling Lane Design Concept – North Henderson Road

Acting Mayor Jensen provided an overview of the proposed cycling lane design concept proposed for the North Henderson Road corridor saying that at its February 5, 2007 meeting the Committee of the Whole reviewed three design concepts with respect to the possible installation of cycling lanes along Henderson Road between Gibbs Road and Cedar Hill Cross Road. At that time, support in principle was given for the design concept estimated at $80,000 that would add bike lanes on the east and west side of Henderson Road, pedestrian islands at crosswalks, and a traffic island at the south end of the North Henderson Road corridor. This concept would not include widening of the road nor would street parking be permitted, however, said Acting Mayor Jensen, parking bays could be installed at a cost of $14,000 each, with each bay being able to accommodate three vehicles.

It was agreed at that time that interested groups and individuals should be given an opportunity to write letters and to attend a public meeting to provide input on the cycling lane design concept for North Henderson Road.

A member of the Committee drew attention to previous discussions with respect to funding for the proposed cycling lane design concept and it was acknowledged that it would have to be a 2008 project, should it go forward, as no funding for the capital project is included in the current budget.

Discussion followed regarding possible alternate sources of funding the Province’s LocalMotion capital grant program and various other funding opportunities that may be available. It was also suggested some components could possibly be achieved through funds contained in the traffic calming account.

Acting Mayor Jensen then invited input from members of the public.

Lesley Ewing, Safer Cycling Oak Bay, 3041 Westdowne Road, read out from her letter attached to the agenda (correspondence item no. 2007-167-4) noting her comments with respect to the differences from the Municipal cycling lane design concept for North Henderson Road and the designs submitted by Safer Cycling Oak Bay.

Ms. Ewing drew attention to the road widths along the North Henderson Road corridor being slightly wider than noted in the Engineering Department report. As for the vehicle lane widths (3.3 metres and 3.5 metres) proposed by the Municipality, Ms. Ewing stated that in Greater Victoria the arterial corridors have been successfully narrowed to 3.0 metres, and furthermore, she said, the Transportation Association of Canada recommends lane widths of 3.0 metres where speed limits are less than 50 kilometres per hour.

With regard to parking, Ms. Ewing suggested the north portion of the road is wide enough for street parking on one side and that two parking bays should be added to the south portion of the corridor.

Regarding the subject of sidewalk remediation, Ms. Ewing said that the issue of narrow sidewalks was not addressed by the Municipality in the proposed design concept, noting that she would suggest rebuilding the rolled curbs to 90 degree angles which would reclaim .4 of a metre for an increase in the road or sidewalk. Further, she said, sidewalk expansions could also be provided for on public property.

Ms. Ewing expressed her appreciation for the proposed traffic island and landscape island saying they will contribute to increased road safety particularly at the Henderson and Foul Bay Road section.

Ms. Ewing pointed out that the addition of cycling lanes would conclude the missing link to facilitate the downtown to the University of Victoria cycling lane and would contribute to the Capital Regional District’s Travel Choices regional transportation strategy and the Urban Transportation Showcase Proposal. The latter of the two, Ms. Ewing said, has identified the University as having the highest level of bicycle use per capita in the region but notes that none of the access routes to the University is bicycle friendly.

Following the reading of her letter, Ms. Ewing expressed her dismay in seeing the bicycle stencils painted on Henderson Road saying it is disrespectful and untimely just prior to the public consultation regarding cycle lanes. Ms. Ewing commented that the stencils are not in the best place as they are not typically placed in the middle of the road and could pose a danger for cyclists.

In speaking with Minister Ida Chong, Ms. Ewing noted that Minister Chong indicated she would be supportive of projects that get people out of cars and would encourage Oak Bay to apply for available funding to see the project through.

Noel Parker-Jervis, 3549 Cardiff Place, member of the North Henderson Residents Association (NHRA), drew attention to his letter (correspondence item no. 2007-167-16), saying the mandate of the NHRA is to support the concerns of residents of the area. Mr. Parker-Jervis said a survey was distributed to approximately 600 residents with 22 responses. Mr. Parker-Jervis said that of the residents that responded to the survey the majority opposed to cycling lanes was slight, but that at the resident’s meeting it was clear most continue to oppose bike lanes and support the implementation of traffic calming measures by way of impeding open sightlines and narrowing or pinching Henderson Road at crossings places. He also emphasized the need for Council to address traffic speeding along North Henderson Road and he pointed out that sufficient parking should be available for residents and their visitors.

Further, said Mr. Parker-Jervis, when municipal signs were erected notifying traffic of upcoming paving on Henderson Road some years back, it created a traffic calming effect, which helped to reduce speed. This, he said, demonstrated that traffic calming measures, such as pinch points, will have the desired effect of reducing traffic speeds.

Reference was made to the success of the Finlayson Road project, which gives the sense of slower traffic and sufficient parking through parking bays. However, the magnitude of that project in comparison with the much smaller project being contemplated for Oak Bay was pointed out.

The Director of Engineering Services responded to questions from Committee members with respect to previous traffic counts and data accumulated for North Henderson Road with Mr. Marshall noting that counts have been ongoing.

Concerns were raised on what appears to be the number of vehicles traveling over the speed limit and it was noted that the counts may be skewed by those vehicles found to be traveling just one kilometre per hour over the speed limit.

There was further discussion regarding traffic speeds and any past accidents involving cyclists, and it was noted that no accidents had been reported on Henderson Road involving a cyclist.

Chris Rivers, 19-1742 Newton Street, said he moved to Victoria from Nova Scotia to attend the University of Victoria and was enticed by the Victoria’s “Green” views that welcomed cyclists.

Mr. Rivers noted he could see that all in attendance seem to agree that the traffic problems on Henderson Road need to be addressed. He said the corridor should meet the needs of all users and safety for cycling should be recognized and improved on by adding cycling lanes for students and residents.

Dean Goard, 2175 Kendal Avenue, said he has lived on Kendal Avenue for 32 years and has biked on Henderson Road for 30 years. Mr. Goard commented that according to the statistics, Henderson Road is not unsafe for cyclists but safety could be improved upon if cyclists paid more attention to safe practices such as cycling with a light and helmet.

With respect to parking along North Henderson Road, Mr. Goard said he performed an informal survey over a period of time noting there would be zero to one vehicle parked on the street during the day (which was usually a trade vehicle for a gardener, etc.) indicating to him that there are no parking problems currently.

However, said Mr. Goard, speeding is a problem and an appropriate speed limit should be decided upon and then enforced. He questioned the need for a school zone and the traffic light at the crosswalk now that Uplands School is closed. He suggested the constant flashing overhead traffic light be replaced with the pedestrian activated flashing amber lights situated on both sides of the street at the crosswalk as in other areas of Oak Bay.

Mr. Goard drew attention to the Mayor’s letter sent with the tax notices, which talks about Council’s overriding objective of maintaining a disciplined fiscal policy. As a first step, then, he said, the case to install bike lanes needs to be shown necessary by those who have proposed them.

Responding to questions from the Committee, the Municipal Clerk advised that a Traffic Control Order to change the school zone on Henderson Road to a playground zone has been made and the signs should be erected very soon.

John Luton, 22 Phillipa Place, introduced himself as the Executive Director of the Capital Bike and Walk Society, noting he had previously submitted a letter regarding this subject. Mr. Luton agreed with many of the concerns and comments brought forward in the meeting, adding he accepts that safety is not a significant issue, however, he said that incorporating bike lanes will cost little and will increase the appeal for cycling along Henderson Road. As well, he said, it is proven that bike lanes, (i.e. on Blanshard Street), placed next to vehicle travel lanes visually narrow the travel corridor and increase safety for all modes of transportation and have been known to reduce speeds on Victoria streets.

Mr. Luton said he looks forward to Oak Bay adding to the safe cycling routes throughout Victoria, saying the project will appeal to cyclists along North Henderson Road.

He said in addition to previously mentioned potential grant opportunities, the Municipality could look at the Capital Regional District’s Gas Tax monies to assist in funding the proposed project.

Mr. Luton responded to questions from the Committee comparing Finlayson Road and the changes proposed for Henderson Road, noting that the scope of the projects are very different, which is reflected in the much larger cost of the Finlayson Road work.

Darren Marr, Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition, said that the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition’s Board of Directors is in favour of the cycling lane design concept noting that bike lanes will increase bike use and encourage traffic calming. Mr. Marr went on to say that this section of Henderson Road would provide the link between the University of Victoria, Foul Bay Road and Fort Street.

As noted in his letter, Mr. Marr questioned why the proposed cycling lane narrows to 1.2 metres along the south section between Gibbs Road and Kendal Avenue, as it is below the Transportation Association of Canada’s minimum standard width of 1.5 metres, which he felt should be adhered to.

In conclusion Mr. Marr commended Council and the Engineering Department on the overall proposed concept.

It was noted by a member of the Committee that he understood there were no legislated requirements for a certain cycling lane width. Responding to questions, the Director of Engineering Services confirmed he is aware of the standards Mr. Marr referred to, however, the region has varying widths of cycling lanes currently in place. On Henderson Road, the reduced width is necessary to maintain an appropriately wide traffic lane, he said.

Betty Parker 3540 Henderson Road, commented that the proposed changes will affect the residents of Henderson Road. Ms. Parker questioned why the topic has come forward to Council again with no new reason to implement the plan than heard seven years ago when the plan for cycling lanes was first defeated.

Referring to comments that very few vehicles park along Henderson Road during the day, Ms. Parker said this is a gesture of goodwill by residents to the daytime commuters. Further to the parking issue, she asked if Council would permit unrestricted parking on the side streets to accommodate those displaced from Henderson Road should parking be eliminated.

Ms. Parker drew attention to the numerous times that speed reader boards had been set up along Henderson Road often finding the majority of motorists are traveling over the speed limit.

Ms. Parker said the funds would be better sent on reconfiguring the intersection at Cedar Hill Cross Road and Henderson Road.

Responding to a question from the Committee, Ms. Parker said she does not favour cutting back the boulevard to create more parking.

Alan Batten, 2987 Westdowne Road, said he walks and drives this area frequently and does not see an issue. He noted that most commuters observe the speed limit to less than 50 kilometres per hour. With the exception of the danger of crossing at Lansdowne Road, he expressed that the corridor is fine the way it is.

John Shipley, 3489 Henderson Road, agreed with the previous speaker, Mr. Batten. Mr. Shipley said in 27 years, the only traffic problem is speeding and he would welcome traffic calming measures being implemented. He felt that there is no need for cycling lanes as the parking regulations that restrict parking on the east side in the early part of the day and the west side of the road in the later part of the day provides a wide enough corridor for cyclists and motorists. In conclusion, Mr. Shipley questioned the need to spend money on parking when that is not the issue.

Responding to a member of the Committee asking if he agreed with the point brought up earlier that cycling lanes calm traffic, Mr. Shipley said he did not agree.

The Director of Engineering Services estimated that the cost to paint the cycling lanes alone would be approximately $15,000-$18,000.

Jane Van Hoorn, 2965 Oakdowne Road, stated she was in attendance to support the proposal saying cycling lanes would encourage more cyclists, reduce the number of vehicles using Henderson Road, and cause less emissions. Ms. Van Hoorn commented that from personal experience, cycling lanes do calm traffic. 

In response to a comment that a University of Victoria report on transportation indicating that less people are cycling to the University, Ms. Van Hoorn said she would not be surprised if the number of cyclists is at a saturation point but that Council should never the less go to the next level to promote cyclist’s safety through creating safe cycling infrastructure as proposed.

Evan Oakley, 3484 Henderson Road, stated that he has been a resident in the area for 40 years and during that time he has observed many changes including repaving of Henderson Road, which seems to have increased the number of speeding motorists.  He added however, that he has never witnessed an accident involving a cyclist along the North Henderson Road corridor.

Mr. Oakley suggested that an increase in police presence, frequent use of the speed reader board and the implementation of traffic calming measures would have a profound result on speeding vehicles and cyclists. 

With respect to the topic of parking, Mr. Oakley felt the parking regulations in place work fine leaving evening and weekend parking unrestricted for residents and visitors along the north portion of Henderson Road.

Mr. Oakley agreed with previous comments made that the school speed zone adjacent to the former Uplands School was no longer necessary. 

Don Bailey, 3034 Henderson Road, remarked that the Henderson corridor is part of his daily commute and that he is in favour of the proposed cycling lane design concept.  In particular, he said, with the number of pedestrians using the corridor, he appreciates that pedestrian safety and traffic calming would be addressed with the installation of pedestrian islands at the busy “pinch” zones.

Mr. Bailey said he did not understand the division of the attendees at the meeting, saying that adding low cost cycling lanes with the pedestrian islands would be a good start on modifying the traffic trend along the North Henderson Road corridor.

Ed Silva-White, 3393 Henderson Road, stated that non-residents are unaware of residents’ road habits and use of Henderson Road. Mr. Silva-White felt that the Lansdowne and Foul Bay Road intersection requires more attention, saying that cycling lanes should be discouraged there as there is no protection for cyclists along this section of the road, particularly on the Foul Bay Road hill.

Members of the Committee discussed the possibility of reconfiguring the Foul Bay/Lansdowne Road intersection, possibly by eliminating the left turn off Foul Bay Road onto Lansdowne Road heading east, and possibly eliminating the yield on to north Henderson Road where it meets Foul Bay Road at Gibbs Road, and it was felt staff should provide information on those possibilities.

Paul Rothe, 206-1270 Beach Drive, said that he has lived in Oak Bay all his life and that as a cyclist he has always felt comfortable traveling this section of Henderson Road. Mr. Roth drew attention to the section of Henderson Road north of Lansdowne Road saying it is more of a concern as it is too narrow to accommodate lanes for cyclists, and likely discourages cyclists from using the corridor.

Arnold Stewart, 3360 Gibbs, commented that he did not see much of a problem with Henderson Road as it is now. He said he felt that the current parking regulations seem to do a good job and that he does not see the need for the parking bays.

Mr. Stewart also mentioned that the pedestrian crossing light and school speed limit zone is unnecessary at the former Uplands School location.

Regarding funding, Mr. Stewart said he was curious about the source of funding that might be used, and hoped it was not a case of “funding looking for a project”.

Following the public participation, there was discussion amongst the members of the Committee regarding the proposal. The view was expressed that a decision on the proposal should be deferred until a greater number of Committee members were in attendance to express their views, and also, that further information should be obtained from staff.

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That staff be directed to provide additional information with respect to possible changes to the Lansdowne/Foul Bay Road intersection and the Henderson/Foul Bay Road yield to the Committee of the Whole at its July 16, 2007 meeting, and that a breakdown of the cost of individual components of the proposed cycling lane concept plan be brought forward again for review.

CARRIED

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That correspondence items no. 2007-167 to 2007-167-49 be received.

CARRIED

Acting Mayor Jensen thanked everyone for coming out and attending the meeting.

ADJOURNMENT:

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the meeting of Committee of the Whole be adjourned.

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Certified Correct:

Municipal Clerk	Chairman, Public Works Section
A/Chairman, Traffic Section