May 23, 2023 - Minutes (Special)
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Special General Purposes Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 |
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Place: |
Council Chambers |
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Present: |
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair |
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Call to Order: |
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. |
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PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION |
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1. |
STEVESTON HIGHWAY MULTI-USE PATHWAY PROJECT PHASES 1 AND 2 – UPDATE (File Ref. No. 10-6460-01) (REDMS No. 7195912) |
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Delegations from the floor: |
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Jessi Li, representative of HUB Cycling, Richmond’s Local Committee expressed his support for the Steveston Highway Multi-Use pathway (MUP) highlighting that this pathway will improve safety and make active transportation easy to use. |
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Derek Williams, Co-Chair of Richmond Active Transportation Committee expressed his and the Committee’s support for the Steveston Highway Multi-Use pathway project speaking to how this pathway is a vital link and will be used by many to access amenities. |
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John Roston, Richmond resident, expressed his concerns about air quality along Steveston Hwy in comparison to Williams Road. |
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Anna Chow, representative from HUB cycling, spoke to the MUP connecting a larger network of cyclists and that it can be used by a variety of users. |
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Jerome Dickey, Richmond resident, expressed his concerns with regard to the timing of the project and the need for more data on how many people will use the MUP. |
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Discussion ensued with respect to (i) traffic volume on Williams Road in comparison to Steveston Hwy, (ii) the loss of cedar hedges along Steveston Hwy, (iii) the future plans to take the network to other communities, (iv) the increase in costs if the MUP project is delayed further, (v) air quality concerns on Steveston Hwy in comparison to Williams Road, (vii) the necessity of a MUP on Steveston Hwy and the importance of building and planning for the future to increase active transportation use, (viii) safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians travelling along Steveston Hwy, (ix) concerns regarding narrowing of traffic lanes on Steveston Hwy, (x) the cost effectiveness of the program proposed for Steveston Hwy in comparison to the Williams Road proposal, (xi) connectivity to amenities via Williams Road, and (xii) the need for public consultation and a review of the effects of narrowing the lanes on Steveston Hwy. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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(1) |
That Option 1 as described in the staff report titled “Steveston Highway Multi-Use Pathway Project Phases 1 and 2 – Update”, dated May 10, 2023, from the Director, Transportation and the Director, Engineering be approved; and |
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(2) |
That the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2023-2027) be amended accordingly. |
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The question on the motion was not called as in response to queries from Council, staff advised that (i) on Williams Road the proposed removal of the centre two-way left turn lane would be required to reallocate the road space to protect and separate off-street bike lanes which will result in the reduction of road capacity and create traffic delays, (ii) on Steveston Hwy to maintain all the widths within the property constraints some areas do need to have the lanes narrowed, and (iii) Williams Road already has a bike route that serves the area, the creation of the MUP on Steveston Hwy would be adding to the network. |
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The question on the motion was then called and DEFEATED with Cllrs. Day, Gillanders, Heed, Hobbs and McNulty opposed. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (5:48 p.m.). |
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CARRIED |
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Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. |
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Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie |
Raman Grewal |