EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – NOVEMBER 14, 2018
The Committee adopted a resolution to concur in the recommendation contained in the report.
Recommendation #3 does not require City Council approval.
Mayor Michael Fougere, Councillors: Barbara Young (Chairperson), Lori Bresciani, Sharron Bryce, John Findura, Jerry Flegel, Bob Hawkins, Jason Mancinelli, Joel Murray, Mike O’Donnell and Andrew Stevens were present during consideration of this report by the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee, at its meeting held on November 14, 2018, considered the following report from the Administration:
RECOMMENDATION
1. That the Executive Director, City Planning and Development be delegated the authority to approve of and enter into an agreement with Transport Canada for the funding of the at-grade pedestrian crossing of the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) at Mile 0.88 of the Central Butte Subdivision (150 metres west of Dorothy Street).
2. That the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement upon review and approval by the City Solicitor.
3. That this report be submitted to the November 26, 2018 meeting of City Council for approval.
CONCLUSION
The City of Regina (City) is currently constructing a new at-grade pedestrian crossing for the existing Northwest Link Multi-use Pathway over the CN rail tracks, approximately 150 metres west of Dorothy Street. The City has received approval from Transport Canada for partial funding of the crossing under the Railway Safety Improvement Program.
Funding agreements, including grants from other levels of government, are revenue agreements that are subject to the approval requirements of Section 35 of The Regina Administration Bylaw. The agreement exceeds a value of $100,000, therefore, City Council approval is required.
BACKGROUND
The Northwest Link Multi-use Pathway is a segment of Regina’s 41 kilometres of multi-use pathway systems. The improvements related to this project are in direct alignment with the Transportation Master Plan (TMP), Direction 4: Promote Active Transportation for Healthier Communities. The promotion of active modes of transportation are integral for day to day travel and for recreational purposes. The completion of this link in this pathway will create a comfortable and safe connection of the existing Northwest Link Pathway and complete a link the Cycling Priority Network indicated in the TMP (Appendix A).
The Northwest Link Multi-use Pathway from Rink Avenue to Ritter Avenue (Appendix B) was completed in 2012. At the time, the City was not able to obtain approval from CN for an at-grade crossing. The pathway was constructed to route users to the existing controlled crossing on Dorothy Street.
Despite the crossing at Dorothy Street, pathway users continue to trespass across the tracks at the shortest distance between the two pathway segments. A safety assessment for the crossing was completed for the City in 2016 by AECOM Engineering Consultant. As a result of the safety assessment, CN has now agreed to permit an at-grade crossing. The proposed CN crossing (Appendix C) is located approximately 150 meters west of the street crossing on Dorothy Street. The new crossing will include wooden planks, flashing lights and bells as required by Transport Canada’s Grade Crossing Standards. In July of 2017, Administration became aware of Transportation Canada’s Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP). Administration took the initiative and prepared an application as it was determined that the Northwest Link Multi-use Pathway Project fit the criteria of the program. An application was made on behalf of the City and approval for funding up to $583,000 was granted through the program.
DISCUSSION
The Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) provides grant and contribution funding to improve rail safety and reduce injuries and fatalities related to rail transportation. The program funds:
· safety improvements to existing rail lines
· closures of grade crossings
· initiatives to raise awareness about rail safety issues across Canada
The program has two key components:
· The infrastructure, technology and research (ITR) component funds projects that address the immediate rail safety needs of communities
· The public education and awareness (E&A) component funds public education projects aimed at reducing railway-grade crossing collisions and trespassing incidents on railway property, particularly in high-risk areas
This program builds on Transport Canada’s Grade Crossing Improvement, Grade Crossing Closure and Operation Lifesaver Programs.
In July 2017, an application was submitted by the City for funding of the crossing under the infrastructure, technology and research (ITR) component. The project is to install an at-grade crossing at the Northwest Link Multi-use Pathway to create continuity and increase safety. Approval for funding up to 80 per cent of the cost of the crossing (or approximately $583,454) was provided by Transport Canada in May 2018.
Funding Agreements, including grants from other levels of government, are revenue agreements that are subject to the approval requirements of Section 35 of The Regina Administration Bylaw. As required by bylaw, City Council approval is required if the value of the agreement exceeds $100,000.
RECOMMENDATION IMPLICATIONS
Financial Implications
The agreement requires execution in order to receive the RSIP funding of up to $583,454, or, 80% of the cost of the crossing. The current approved funding is through the Parks Servicing Agreement Fees (SAF).
Environmental Implications
None with respect to this report.
Policy and/or Strategic Implications
Design Regina: The Official Community Plan Bylaw 2013-48 (OCP) provides the framework to guide the development of the City’s infrastructure to accommodate long term growth. This study is consistent with the policies contained within Part A of the OCP with respect to:
Section D3: Transportation
Goal 5 – Active Transportation: Promote active transportation for healthier communities.
5.25 Develop an inviting and efficient citywide bikeway network to expand on-street and off-street cycling infrastructure to connect key trip generators and destinations.
5.26 Maintain, enhance, and where feasible expand the city’s multi-use pathway network to new and existing neighbourhoods for all seasons.
5.27 Develop a citywide pedestrian strategy to provide a continuous high-quality, connected, safe, and universally accessible walking experience.
5.28 Develop processes and policy for neighbourhood traffic calming, including the use of road diets, to create safer, more walkable, and cycle-friendly streets.
Section D7: Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Goal 1 - Open Space and Recreation Principles: Maintain, enhance and extend an interconnected and accessible open space system.
9.4 Connect neighbourhoods, where possible, via active transportation routes to multi-use pathways, regional trails, and the natural system.
9.5 Integrate public safety considerations into the planning and design of parks and recreation facilities.
Accessibility Implications
The project will complete the Northwest Link Multi-use Pathway and provide a safer and more accessible crossing for pedestrians.
COMMUNICATIONS
The funding was announced by the Honorable David McGuinty on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Federal Minister of Transport on August 1, 2018. The funding was one of twelve approved RSIP funded projects in the province.
DELEGATED AUTHORITY
The recommendations contained in this report require approval of City Council.
Respectfully submitted,
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jim Nicol, Secretary