MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, November 21, 2007, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DECISIONS / ACTIONS (1 ITEM)

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

2.

SUBMISSION TO PROVINCIAL 2008/09 CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM – CYCLING CONNECTIONS TO CANADA LINE BRIDGE

(Report:  Nov. 14/07, File No.:  03-1087-18-01) (REDMS No. 2296011)

Mayor Brodie remarked that Vancouver’s Council is discussing cycling facilities that will connect with the Canada Line Bridge over the North Arm of the Fraser River, and that some Vancouver Councillors have expressed disappointment that engineers have advised that it would be costly to construct an overpass, or a bicycle bridge, to take cyclists over the tracks and directly to Marine Drive.

In response to a query Victor Wei, Director, Transportation advised that at the Bridgeport Station cyclists could take advantage of bicycle racks as well as the bicycle storage feature. He added that, at peak travel times, the CanadaLine train cars can accommodate up to four bicycles, if there are no wheelchairs already on board.

In response to a further query, Mr. Wei reported that the cycling facilities along Van Horne Way, Charles Street, Smith Street and Beckwith Road will feature signage. He stated that the signage will be consistent throughout the cycling facility corridors and will be easy to identify and to follow.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the submission for 50/50 cost-sharing to the Province’s 2008/09 Cycling Infrastructure Partnership Program to provide cycling facilities along Van Horne Way and Charles Street-Smith Street-Beckwith Road to connect with the Canada Line Bridge over the North Arm of the Fraser River, (as described in the report dated November 14^th, 2007, from the Director, Transportation), be endorsed.

(2)

That the designation of Smith Street (Charles Street to Beckwith Road) and Beckwith Road (Great Canadian Way to No. 3 Road) as planned cycling routes be added to the City’s On-Street Cycling Network Plan to support the above bicycle facility improvement submission.

(3)

That should the above application be successful, the General Manager, Planning and Development, or his delegate, be authorized to execute the funding agreement.

CARRIED

3.

MANAGER’S REPORT – No report given.

Councillor Steves noted that for seven days at the end of December, 2007, it is predicted that tides will be higher than usual, and could reach 16 feet. He asked that Engineering and Public Works staff be aware of the predicted unusual height of tides, especially in the neighbourhood of the Britannia Heritage Shipyards.

Councillor Barnes expressed thanks to Jim Young, Manager, Engineering Design and Construction, for his update on the December 13, 2007 meeting of Lower Fraser River Mayors. The meeting was an opportunity to identify common flood management issues and priorities.

In response to a query regarding the City’s flood forecasting initiatives and activities, Jeff Day, General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, advised that Mr. Young would attend the B.C. Flood Forum, scheduled for January 18, 2008. It is anticipated that the Forum will feature an opportunity to exchange ideas and strategies to strength flood hazard management in Richmond and other Lower Fraser River municipalities. 

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:27 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Wednesday, December 19, 2007.

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Councillor Derek Dang
Chair

Sheila Johnston

Committee Clerk