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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-22 Council Meeting Agenda and Reports9o4-co u-eIi4d o eAxck"- o6 2. b 4J ±i e o r uopn oJ 01 - o7 Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge CUNCIL MEETING A GENDA June 22, 2004 7:00p.m. council Chamber MEETING DECORUM Council would like to remind all people present tonight that serious issues are decided at Council meetings which affect many people's lives. Therefore, we ask that you act with the appropriate decorum that a Council Meeting deserves. Commentary and conversations by the public are distracting. Should anyone disrupt the Council Meeting in any way, the meeting will be stopped and that person's behavior will be reprimanded. Note: This Agenda is also posted on the Municipal Web Site at www.rnapleridae.org The purpose of a Council meeting is to enact powers given to Council by using bylaws or resolutions. This is the final venue for debate of issues before voting on a bylaw or resolution. 100 CALL TO ORDER 200 OPENING PRA YERS Pastor Les Warriner 300 PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL 301 Neighbourhood Traffic Management Policy and Practices Presentation by the Municipal Engineer and consideration of Item 911 302 Downtown Core Alternate Approval Process 400 ADOPTIONAND RECEIPT OF MINUTES 401 Regular Council Meeting of June 8, 2004 and the Special Council Meeting of June 14, 2004 Page 1 Council Meeting Agenda June 22, 2004 Council Chamber Page 2 of 7 500 DELEGATIONS 501 Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Bicycle Advisory Committee, Dr. Lorne Walton 502 Patient Bill of Rights, Helen Greenaway, Kathleen Wilding, Maxine Thompson 503 136 Avenue Rate Payers Association, Jay Mackenzie 600 UNFINISHED BUSINESS 601 Downtown Core Use and Occupancy Payment, July 2004 602 DVP/095/03, 11821 and 11789 232 Street Reduction in the building envelope width from 12 metres to 10.5 metres for proposed Lot 1 603 Federation of Canadian Municipalities, "A New Deal" 700 CORRESPONDENCE 701 City of Burnaby, Privatization of Personal Medical Records Letter dated May 11, 2004 from Mayor Derek Corrigan requesting support of a resolution opposing the agreement between the Province and Maximus Inc. 702 District of Mission, Highway 7 Letter dated May 25, 2004 from Abe Neufeld, Mayor, supporting the efforts of Maple Ridge to four-lane the remaining section of Highway 7 between the Mission border and 240th Street in Maple Ridge. 800 BY-LAWS 801 Maple Ridge Regulation of Untidy and Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 6239- 2004 To ensure that occupiers of property remove unsightly accumulations of filth, mbbish or discarded mateals within a reasonable amount of time Final reading Council Meeting Agenda June 22, 2004 Council Chamber Page 3 of 7 802 Maple Ridge Ticket Information System Utilization Amending Bylaw No. 6234-2004 To reduce ticket amounts for certain offences if payment is received within seven days and to include fines for inadequate garbage containers Final reading 803 Maple Ridge Highway and Traffic Amending Bylaw No. 6235-2004 To delete the section dealing with speeding tickets, to add a section dealing with the display of valid license plates and insurance and to update fees charged for towing and storing of vehicles) Final reading 804 RZ/112/02, 12450 264 Street Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 6155-2003 Staff report dated June 1, 2004 recommending that Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 6 155-2004 to permit subdivision into seven lots be reconsidered and adopted. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 900 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 901 Minutes - June 7 and 14, 2004 The following issues were presented at an earlier Committee of the 'Whole meeting with the recommendations being brought to this meeting for Municipal Council consideration and final approval. The Committee of the Whole meeting is open to the public and is held in the Council Chamber at 1:00 p.m. on the Monday the week prior to this meeting. Public Works and Development Services 902 Development Permit - 12450 264 Street Staff report dated June 1, 2004 recommending Municipal Clerk be authorized to sign and seal DP/112/02 respecting property located at 12450 264 Street. Council Meeting Agenda June 22, 2004 Council Chamber Page 4 of 7 903 CP/062/04, Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw No. 6245-2004 Staff report dated June 8, 2004 recommending that Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw No. 6245-2004 be given first reading and be forwarded to Public Hearing; and that the use of the Watercourse Integrity Classification Map and the Streamside Setback Classification Map as updated to reflect Phase 4 inclusions, be endorsed as a guide during the land use planning and development approval process. 904 AL/043/04, Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve, 11748 240 Street and one lot directly south Staff report dated June 9, 2004 recommending that application AL/043/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints. 905 AL/044/04, Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve, 23613 124 Avenue & 12349 237 Street Staff report dated June 9, 2004 recommending that application AL/044/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints. 906 AL/045/04, Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve, 12146 237 Street Staff report dated June 9, 2004 recommending that application AL/045/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints. 907 AL/046/04, Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve, 12212, 12230, 12296 248 Street, 12225, 12245, 12265 250 Street Staff report dated June 9, 2004 recommending that application AL/046/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official - - - CommunityPIanpolieyandseveiiiiistrviiits. Council Meeting Agenda June 22, 2004 Council Chamber Page 5 of 7 908 AL/042/04, Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve, 21743 128 Avenue Staff report dated June 9, 2004 recommending that application AL/042/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints. 909 AL/050/04, Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve, 21803 128 Avenue Staff report dated June 9, 2004 recommending that application AL/050/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints. 910 AL1053/04, Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve, 12987 210 Street, 12696 & 12766 203 Street; 21515, 21567, 21349, 21237, 21281, 21617, 21771 & 21903 128 Avenue Staff report dated June 9, 2004 recommending that application AL/053/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints. 911 Neighbourhood Traffic Management Policy and Practices Staff report dated May 12, 2004 submitting information on a proposed Neighbourhood Traffic Management Policy. Financial and Corporate Services c'ilzcludinR Fire and Police) 931 Special Occasion License, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Agricultural Association Staff report dated June 2, 2004 recommending that the application from the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Agricultural Association for a Special Occasion License to hold a Beer Garden as part of the 2004 Maple Ridge Fair be approved. Council Meeting Agenda June 22, 2004 Council Chamber Page 6 of 7 932 License Renewal for the Maple Ridge Recycling Property Staff report dated June 10, 2004 recommending that the license agreement with the GVRD for the premises situated at 10092 236th1 Street be renewed for a five year term. Comn:unitv Development and Recreation Service 951 Fraser Valley Regional Library Operating and Services Agreement Staff report dated June 9, 2004 recommending that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk be authorized to sign the Agreement for 2004. Correspondence - Nil Other Committee Issues- Nil 1000 STAFF REPORTS 1001 VP/033104, 12020 207A Street Staff report dated June 11, 2004 recommending that qualifying property owners be advised that VP/033/04 to permit construction of a four storey frame apartment building will be considered at the July 13, 2004 Council meeting. 1002 North Avenue Reconstruction (224 Street to 223 Street) Staff report dated June 16, 2004 recommending that Contract No. E02-010-079 to repave North Avenue, construct safety improvements and improve road drainage be awarded to Jack Cewe Ltd. / 1098 MAYOR'SREPORT Council Meeting Agenda June 22, 2004 Council Chamber Page 7 of 7 1099 COUNCILLORS' REPORTS 1100 OTHER MA TTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT 1200 NOTICES OF MOTION 1300 ADJOURNMENT 1400 QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD The purpose of the Question Period is to provide the public with an opportunity to seek clarification about an item on the agenda, with the exception of Public Hearing by-laws which have not yet reached conclusion. Council will not tolerate any derogatory remarks directed at Council or staff members. If a member of the public has a concern related to a Municipal staff member, it should be brought to the attention of the Mayor anchor Chief Administrative Officer in a private meeting. The decision to televise the Question Period is subject to review. Each person will be permitted 2 minutes only to ask their question (a second opportunity is permitted if no one else is sitting in the chairs in front of the podium). The total Question Period is limited to 15 minutes. If a question cannot be answered, it will be responded to at a later date at a subsequent Council Meeting. Other opportunities to address Council may be available through the office of the Municipal Clerk who can be contacted at (604) 463-5221. Checked by: - Date. ') £ 02 L:'4- •1 C British Columbia Nurses' Union L0 H Patient's Bill of Rights As Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses, we are committed to giving the best possible health care service and advocating for British Columbians when we see their health care needs not being met. We believe that residents of British Columbia have the right to an effective publicly funded and publicly administered health care system consistent with the Canada Health Act. We believe residents of British Columbia have the right to timely access to care appropriate to their needs from appropriately qualified health care professionals. We also believe residents both in the hospital and the community setting, have the right to choose their own physician. We recognize the health care system does not currently have the capacity to meet patients' needs in all cases, and that funding needs to be increased at both the Federal and Provincial level in order to provide better health care. We believe the provincial government should meet with providers and develop an implementation plan to improve the health care system over the next five years. This document describes the improvements Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses believe are needed in the system, and some of the health care rights the provincial government should be ensuring British Columbians receive. 5000,z. Patient's Bill of Rights Access to Hospital Services Residents of urban and rural communities have a right to access an emergency department within a maximum of half an hour's travel, and 98% of residents in remote communities must be able to access emergency care Within 1 hour's travel. Patients who access an emergency department have a right to be immediately assessed (triaged) and, consistent with national standards, assessed/treated immediately if requiring resuscitation, within 15 minutes for emergent cases, and within 30 minutes for urgent cases. Patients requiring hospital admission must not be held in emergency departments for more than six hours, and must be discharged, transferred to another hospital, or admitted to a hospital bed within that time frame. Patients have the right to agreed upon maximum wait times for diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical and rehabilitative treatment, based on whether their condition is life-threatening, urgent or non-urgent. Residents of British Columbia have the right to an open and transparent public process to establish maximum wait times, which includes input from the public and health care providers. Patients who cannot be provided with emergent hospital treatment in their community have a right to subsidized travel to and from their community, including when their surgery or treatment is cancelled. Patients whose operations are cancelled on the day of their surgery have the right to be re-booked for their operations within one month of cancellation. Patients who are being discharged from hospital have the right to have arrangements made to provide them with continuing nursing or rehabilitation care, including the provision of medications and equipment, prior to discharge, and their caregiver(s) have the right to be informed of these arrangements prior to discharge. Him BCNU Page 2 Patient's Bill of Rights Palliative patients have the right to decide whether they want to die at home, in a hospice, or in a hospital palliative care bed. Patients who require mental health care in a hospital or mental health institution have the right to access a psychiatric bed within sx hours of referral. Patients in hospitals and residents in long term care facilities, have the right to an environment which is clean and safe, and the right to a choice of meals suitable for their dietary needs with a choice of portion sizes. Access to Community Services Residents of rural and remote communities have a right to first care in their community by a physician, or where a doctor is not available, a nurse who is authorized to initiate medical evacuation. Parents have a right to subsidized pre-natal teaching. In addition, they have a right to pre-natal care and the right to post-natal nursing follow-up in their homes. Children have a right to fully funded, comprehensive health screening and education programs in their schools. These programs should include immunizations, dental, scoliosis, eye and hearing screening as well as reproductive, nutrition, and preventative health education from a school nurse. Addicted patients have a right to detox and addiction treatment in a treatment centre where they can receive physical and psychological support within 48 hours of them making a decision to detox. Patients who require mental health care in the community have a right to a visit from a mental health nurse within 4 hours in the daytime if referred as an urgent patient, and within 2 days if non-urgent. C' ,su,uuilsus,,lIuI.uuI.suhu,uss.suu•uuuIuIu•IIu•uuusI uuuuusiuuuuuii.....iu,s.uuIuuuIu.uIIIulIsuIuIIu•uuIuI BCNU Page 3 Patient's Bill of Rights Patients with persistent, serious mental ifiness who live outside an institution, have the right to a subsidized group home or supportive housing, and fully funded medication and psychotherapy services as required. Access to Seniors' Care Seniors have the right to Home Care services, including home support, occupational and physical therapy, and nursing care, to enable them to remain as independent as possible and reside in their home and in their community as long as possible. Seniors have the right to subsidized combination programs which allow older people to remain at home but link them with programs in the community, such as day health centres several times a week, where they receive meals, exercise and social contact. Seniors who need residential care have the right to access Long term Care in their community within 90 days of referral. They have the right to a residential facility with 24 hour registered nursing care, medical coverage and recreational opportunities. Seniors who need supportive housing (assisted living), have the right to access supportive housing in their community within 6 months of referral. They have the right to personal living spaces that allow for independence and privacy within a safe setting with adequate services as well as regular assessment by health care professionals. These forms of housing and care must be publicly regulated to ensure care standards. Seniors in assisted living or long term care facilities, have the right to security of tenure so they are only moved after appropriate plans, services and accommodation have been put in place, and the family and resident have agreed to the plan. Married seniors have the right to live together in the same long term care - osistedliving=fiity if they bothcquirc—eare. BCNU Page 4 Patient's Bill of Rights Access to Information Patients have a right to information about their patient records, their medical condition and their care. They also have theright to have their personal health information protected from inappropriate use and/or disclosure. Residents of British Columbia have the right to a health care system which is accountable and reports regularly on its performance through various mechanisms such as report cards. Patients have the right to know how well the health authority responsible for their treatment meets its performance contract with the Ministry of Health and how patient outcomes at the hospital to which they are referred, compare with those of other hospitals. Patients in hospitals and residents in long term care and their families have the right to know the registered nurse to patient ratio in the facility, the ratio of other health care professionals to patients and any proven contravention of care standards, which have been reported to regulators. 26 Patients must be provided with complete information about the services available to them and how to access those services. To endorse the Patient's Bill of Rights, please sign the attached endorsement form and fax it to: Sharon Costello Toll Free Fax # 1-888-284-2222 Lower Mainland Fax #604-433-7945 To keep informed about the BC Nurses' efforts to improve patient care, check out our website regularly www.bcnu.org . IuIuIIIlsuuI.IIuuuIuIsusauII•suIIu•IuIII,uuuuIIlluuIIuuusIIs••• ,iuuiuuiiuiiuuuiis.ii..uuuuiiuusIuIaIuIuI 1001 BEffill BCNU Page 5 Patient's Bill of Rights Endorsement Form To endorse B.C. Nurses' Patient's Bill of Riahts, please sign below and fax back your signed endorsement to Sharon Costello at: Toll Free Fax # 1-888-284-2222 Lower Mainland Fax # 604-433-7945 Yes! I want to endorse the Patient's Bill of Rights. As a leader in my community/organization who believes in public health care, I endorse the Patient's Bill of Rights. Date: x signature Name (please print): Title: Your Support Is Appreciated! 0 Please keep me informed on nurses' efforts to improve patient care. My email address is (please print clearly):____________________________ 0 Call me if you need me to speak out about why I support the Patient's Bill of Rights. Phone: SC/Is opew 15 G:useTsCOMMUNIC/8iI1 of RightS_endorsabon copy.pd BCNU Page 6 Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge ZOOM 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 6A9 Telephone: (604) 463-5221 Fax: (604) 467-7329 .A.pLE jp-çE E-mail: enquiries@mapieridge.org www.mapleridge.org lrxxrporated 12 Sepmb. 1874 Office of the Mayor June 15. 2004 File No: 6700-01 Mr. Jay Mackenzie 22589 - 136 Avenue Maple Ridge, B.C. V4R 2P7 Dear Mr. Mackenzie: In response to your request dated June 11. 2004, the following an -angements are confirmed for the 136th Avenue Rate Payers Association to appear before Council regarding the impact of future development in your area: Council Meeting June 22, 2004 Council Chambers 7:00 p.m. Due to time constraints, it is necessary to limit delegation appearances to a maximum of ten (10) minutes. and we would ask that prior to the meeting. you ensure that your presentation will be completed within this allotted time. If we can be of any further assistance. please do not hesitate to call. Yours truly. G_"~ Ceri Mario Confidential Secretary /dd cc Genera! Manager: Public Works & Development Services 50$ "Promoting a Safe and Livable Community for our Present and Future Citizens" 100% Recyded Papeq June 11,2004 Mayor and Council members; The 136 ave Rate Payers Association request the opportunity to present the following requests to Council and City staff, as well as give a brief visual presentation at the next available council meeting. Thank you Jay Mackenzie 22589 136 ave Maple Ridge BC V4R 2P7 Dear Mayor and Council members The 136 Ave. Rate Payers Association which represents those residents who live on 136 Ave. east of 224 Street wish to bring forth concerns about future development at the east end of our street. The residents here are already concerned about the heavy traffic that is already a daily occurrence on our street. It is not safe for our children to ride their bikes or play on the streets anymore. It is not even safe to walk to the mailboxes at the corner of 224th and 136th Ave. Those who live on the north side of the street can no longer park on the street due to the increase in traffic. Residents at the east end of 136 ave have experienced more flooding than usual during heavy rain since the construction has began and we fear even more flooding should any more development take place. The ditch on the north side of the street is always full of water now due to extra run off from development and pumps from the new pump station which pump water into the ditch 24 hours a day. Even when it's not raining, in many places the water in the ditch is quite deep. This now is also becoming a danger for our kids and any driver who may accidentally drive into the ditch. Any future development aside from the Portrait Home development would drastically increase the danger in all of these things. Traffic, flooding and the danger of an open ditches are examples of all of these things. Should any future applications for development of any property at the east end of 136 street come to council, we would ask council to consider the problems and danger we already must now try to live with, and make sure it is not amplified any more. We are not asking council to turn, away development but rather have any new developer pay for improvements to the street that would make it safer for all rather than even more dangerous. We suggest: A culvert to replace the ditch, so no children end up falling into the ditch while playing, or while trying to avoid traffic where there are no sidewalks. Side walks so that all residents on the street can walk safely to the mailboxes. So our children can walk to their friend's homes without fear of being run over and so the parents can do the same. More streetlights so no one is run over at night. A stop sign at the end of 136 Ave where the Si4ver Valley Development begins for westbound traffic. This would discourage speeding westbound cars from racing down our street. We ask that any future developer pay for all of this since the increased traffic from their developments would be the factor that changed our Street from "already a little dangerous" to outright deadly". Thank you 136 Ave Rate Payers Association Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place, Xtaple Rge, B.C. V2X6A9 1 if A PLE R.DCE E-mail: enquinesmapieridge.org .LVLEL www.mapleridge.org Incorporated 12 Se her, 1874 June 9. 2004 File No: 3090-20.DVP095103 Dear Sir.'Madam: PLEASE TAKE NOTE that the Municipal Council will be considering a Development Variance Permit at the regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Municipal Hall. 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge. The particulars of the Development Variance Permit are as follows: APPLICATION NO.: DVP/095/03 LEGAL: Lot 36, Plan 24972 and Lot 1, Plan 3532; both of Section 17, Township 12, NWD LOCATION: 11821 and 11789 232 Street -- PRESENT ZONPG: RS-lb (One Family Urban (medium density) Residential) PURPOSE: The applicant is requesting the following variance prior to subdivision: • Reduction in the building envelope width from 12 metres to 10.5 metres for proposed Lot 1 AD FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that a copy of the Development Variance Permit and the Planning Department report dated May 25. 2004 relative to this application will be available for inspection at the Municipal Hall, Planning Department counter during office hours. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from June 9 to June 22. 2004. ALL PERSONS who deem themselves affected hereby shall be afforded an opportunity to make their comments known to Municipal Council by making a written submission (or e-mail) to the attention of the Municipal Clerk by 4:00 p.m.. Tuesday. June 22, 2004. Yours truly, Termry FP.Eng Municipal Clerk tfrver:map1eridge.org An. cc: Confidential Secretary "Promoting a Safe and Livable Community for our Present and Future Citizens" ? L 10 Occ. Re:vced Paoe' RP 15155 A 11892 37 38 LMP 17226 11870 1 P10448 11834 A I Subject Properties b 11812 /18 11804 19 P 70234 EP 10811 A 11776 11756 = ¶179: 1 71-2 , 3 e4 ¶1793 1L2532 2 - 11787 LMP 3749 5 164 11783 P46322 155 5 11757 11 166 U, 1 5 1611 L1.11345 r21 11696 32 11688 3 11682 4 11675 / / 11676 1667 //116706 30 7 — 11529 cli 29 8 a- 11011 11914 1 2 3 4 28 47 P1'1098 11902 1910 11865 i 27 P70911 46 1 11990 1992 26 1l875 •1955 1892 25 12 1187€ - t11666 m 24 Cl) Ct) 13 11965 2 uJ 1850 14 11865 23 a- 14 CL S 83 1 of 11925 i&3 C/) 11839 22 15 11823 1824 35 21 16 11831 11519 11818 IT clj 36 Rem. 11811 1810 17 F 36 18 11803 1804 11821 118 AVE. p Rem.1 11789 213 P 54676 r27 26 ZZ 11895 Cl) 11 8 1186 11$7C 24 23 — 1 1851 22 El _ 11837 11835 cv 20 13 - 11925 11932 19 14 18 11825. 15 ___________________ ¶1655 1909 22 P 75454 ¶1755/59 19 l74 20 21 1711729 L3. 22 BCP 327 8CP6321 16, 1 2 3 6 15 117AVE. 117AVE. 11697 - 12 26 The Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge 11689 27 makes no guarantee regarding the accuracy 17 11 11681 11682 or present status of the nformaton shown on 28 this map. 6 10 11672 __________ LMP 26440 LMS 2612 E F a- Rem, S 1981 11789 -11821 232 Street N SCALE 1:2.500 CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE MAPLE RIDGE ncorporated 12. Seoternber, 1874 PLANNING DEPARTMENT DATE: May 12. 2004 VP/0951103 BY: JV N 2004 rd . Nw flhiI A New Deal A Partnership for Quality of Life Fdin .fC-.di. n Mothipi a Executive Summary The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) calls on all federal parties to commit to a New Deal for Canada's communities. The federal election gives political leaders an opportunity to articulate and debate their vision for Canada. Partnerships among all orders of government will be critical to achieving their goals. A New Deal must deliver: I A new intergovernmental partnership Revenue sharing Targeted investments Capacity building for sustainable community planning S. Research A New Deal must also be based on principles of sustainable development to build communities that balance economic opportunity, social well-being and environmental conservation; that use resources efficiently: and that encourage participation in decision- making and long-term planning. Recommendations THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SHOULD: Intergovernmental Partnership • Commit to real consultation with municipal governments before decisions are made on issues affecting municipal responsibilities and finances and community quality of life. Establish a mechanism for formal pre-budget consultations and presentations to intergovernmental forums. • Ensure local priorities are considered fully in decisions involving investment in programs such as the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) and the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). • Establish a municipal lens for federal decision-making. • Build on existing bipartite and tripartite program coordination and community capacity building models to achieve national objectives. • Elaborate this new federal, provincial/territorial, municipal relationship in a formal resolution of Parliament. Revenue Sharing • Commit to a New Deal revenue-sharing agreement for a minimum of 10 years to support investments in municipal infrastructure, primarily transportation and transit. Other investments could include water and wastewater. The revenue-sharing agreement would provide municipal governments with five cents per litre of the federal fuel excise tax by the end of 2004. Targeted Investments Commit to new, targeted investments in five priority areas: municipal infrastructure not covered by revenue sharing; affordable housing; community and children's infrastructure; security, emergency preparedness and public health; and downtown revitalization. This funding will provide municipal governments with an initial ongoing commitment of $100 million per year in the 2005/06 federal budget, with $250 million of this amount dedicated to housing. Capacity Building for Sustainable Community Planning • Allocate $25 million in the 2005/06 federal budget to invest in development of a Sustainable Community Toolbox that supports training, capacity building, pilots, demonstration projects, and best practices. Quality of Life Collaborative Research Agenda • Allocate $25 million in the 2005/06 federal budget to develop a collaborative research agenda involving all orders of government, universities, and non-governmental organizations. hYA A New Deal: A Partnership for Quality of Life In this federal election Canadians will hear that cities and communities are the engines of economic growth. They will hear that attracting and retaining human and financial capital is key to international competitiveness, and that this requires our cities and communities to become more desirable places in which to live and work. On these points, there will be little debate among federal parties. But there will be debate and it will centre on partnership. To what degree, given our Constitution, should the Government of Canada partner with municipal governments to achieve national objectives? To what degree does the federal government need to partner with municipal governments to achieve national objectives? The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) welcomes and encourages this debate. We believe it is time for a New Deal for Canada's municipal governments. We believe it is time to put aside 19th century thinking and come together to give Canadians what they demand: responsible governments working together in partnership. Our vision: a new deal that supports a high quality of life for all Canadians Canadians want clean, healthy, well-run communities: cities with less congestion: towns, villages, and rural municipalities where young people don't have to leave home to find work: and remote communities that are connected to the rest of the country. We want communities with vibrant, local economies where people can realize their full potential. We want communities where streets, buses, bridges and water systems work and meet demands, where children have clean, safe, well-maintained parks and places to play, and young people have access to recreation centres and programs. We want communities that support those in need and that promote a fair and equitable sharing of common resources: communities that preserve and protect the natural and built environment and support arts and culture. In short, we want sustainable communities where quality of life is not a luxury. We need to invest where we live, because short-changing our communities comes at a price: damage to our quality of life and to our ability to compete in the global marketplace. Realizing the Vision Quality of life depends on the long-term sustainability of our communities, and that depends on our economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being. AA All four are interconnected and interdependent: • Economic well-being requires dynamic communities that are productive, competitive, innovative, diverse, and adaptive; • Social well-being requires inclusive commuhities that encourage everyone's participation and support the realization of personal potential and well-being; • Environmental well-being requires healthy communities with clean air, water and soil and a safe climate; • Cultural well-being requires creative communities that support diversity, heritage, and the arts. A New Deal: What's it all about? A New Deal will recognize the essential contribution of all orders of government in meeting national priorities. If we are flexible enough to accommodate the financial capacity of all partners to contribute, we have the opportunity to change the way governments do business for the benefit of all Canadians. The New Deal will need to respect jurisdiction and focus on cooperation, collaboration and consultation to achieve results for Canadians. It will require accountability and transparency, and ensure that municipal governments have adequate revenues and authorities to meet their growing responsibilities. It will support the development and implementation of long- term, integrated, sustainable community plans that have been supported by community- based decision-making. And it will encourage the efficient, effective, and equitable allocation of resources among communities. A New Deal must deliver: I. A new intergovernmental partnership Revenue sharing Targeted investments Capacity building for sustainable community planning S. Research VA The Context Growing Needs, Static Resources Our infrastructure deficit now stands at some $60 billion and grows by about $2 billion a year. The root of this deficit is embedded in outdated institutional arrangements and inadequate fiscal resources to match the growing municipal responsibility for services and programs. The numbers speak for themselves: out of every tax dollar collected in Canada, only eight cents goes to municipal governments, while provincial governments receive 42 cents and the Government of Canada, 50 cents. And, transfers to municipal governments from federal, provincial and territorial governments, as a percentage of municipal revenues, have been cut by 44 per cent over the last 10 years. At the same time, from 1999 to 2003, provincial/territorial revenues increased by 21 per cent, federal revenues by 16 per cent, and municipal revenues by only four per cent. Compared with other orders of government, municipal governments also have far fewer tools available to them to raise revenue. No municipal government in Canada levies an income tax, sales tax, or gas tax. They are also restricted in their ability to borrow for capital expenditures and they cannot borrow to cover operating costs. A More Equitable Sharing of the Fiscal Pie Property taxes remain the backbone of municipal finance—a backbone no longer flexible enough to support the growing responsibilities and infrastructure deficits faced by municipal governments. In the last decade, property taxes did not grow as fast as the economy. In addition, they are regressive, because all property owners—regardless of their income—must pay them. Families with an income of less than $20,000 paid more than twice as much in property taxes as they did in income tax. Families with an income of $100,000 or more paid just 1.8 per cent of their income toward property taxes and 29 per cent on income tax. And, by favouring sprawl, property taxes act as a disincentive to smart, sustainable growth. A 2002 report on Canada by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) concludes that Canadian municipal governments' high reliance on property tax lies at the root of their growing fiscal difficulties. Among OECD federations, Canadian municipal governments are the second most dependent on property taxes (after Australia). They also have limited ability to raise and spend money and suffer from a "fiscal imbalance" relative to provinces and territories. The report also states that Canadian cities have "relatively weak powers and resources" and should be given "some limited access to other types of taxes" to meet their increasing responsibilities. The current situation leaves municipal governments with no option but to seek additional revenues through ad hoc arrangements with provincial and territorial governments. It robs them of their ability to plan with confidence and develop long-term plans for sustainable community development. What is needed is not higher taxes but a more equitable sharing of the current fiscal pie among all orders of governments. This will help to reduce municipal dependence on property taxes and diversify municipal sources of income. In partnership with provincial/ territorial governments, this can best be achieved through a share of sales and income taxes, in addition to a share of fuel taxes and powers to levy user fees and hotel taxes. In partnership with the federal government, this can best be achieved through a new revenue-sharing agreement that ensures a sustainable, adequate and predictable source of revenue for investment in municipal infrastructure, primarily transportation and transit, but also water and wastewater. Also critical is a continued commitment to targeted investments in five priority areas: infrastructure not covered by revenue sharing (including broadband); affordable housing, community and children's infrastructure; security, emergency preparedness and public health; and downtown revitalization. Forging a New Partnership A New Deal is about more than finding sources of revenue for municipal governments. It is about re-imagining and re-inventing how governments serve Canadians to ensure sustainable, dynamic and competitive communities that support a high quality of life. At the heart of this new approach to government is partnership. While quality of life in our communities depends on each order of government fulfilling its jurisdictional responsi- bilities, it also depends on all orders of government recognizing the complex connections among themselves and the work that they do so that they can identify areas of shared interest and work together to achieve common goals. Municipal, provincial!territorial, and federal jurisdictions intersect every day. We share national interests when we work to ensure that Canadians have access to clean water; that greenhouse gases are reduced to protect the climate; that newcomers can find safe, affordable, and adequate housing and that children have access to the programs they need to realize their full potential. VA Elements of a New Deal I) A New Intergovernmental Partnership A core element of a New Deal must be recognition by the Government of Canada that municipal governments are essential partners in implementing the national agenda. This recognition must be complemented by new mechanisms and approaches aimed at ensuring enhanced consultation, collaboration, and coordination among all orders of government. The Government of Canada can send a powerful signal by spelling out the details of this new federal, provincial/territorial and municipal relationship in a formal resolution of Parliament. Without altering in any way the existing constitutional balance, a formal statement to this effect would provide a firm political grounding for a New Deal and a blueprint for a new relationship. To increase consultation among orders of government, the federal government should formalize consultations with municipal governments on policies, programs, and initiatives that affect municipal responsibilities and finances, and quality of life in their communities. Formalizing pre-budget consultations and presentations to intergovernmental forums would be a start. A commitment to full consultation on—and consideration of—local priorities in decisions involving investment in programs such as Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) and Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) is also essential. The Government of Canada currently spends billions of dollars directly and indirectly in communities across Canada. However, programs are not always well coordinated. Better strategic and horizontal coordination of federal policies, programs and services could result in more effective and resource-efficient results on the ground. Using a "municipal lens" to assess the affects of federal policies and programs on municipal governments and communities would be a welcome practice in federal decision-making. Improved coordination among federal programs and services in our communities is important, but more will be required. The federal government must also develop strategies to improve collaboration and coordination of programs and policies among all orders of government to ensure the most effective and efficient interventions. Municipal participation in First Ministers meetings and sectoral federal-provincial/territorial meetings would provide an excellent venue for improving intergovernmental coordination. Another option for enhancing intergovernmental collaboration and coordination is through bipartite and tripartite agreements; a number of models exist. Development Agreements in Winnipeg and Vancouver have been particularly successful in bringing all three orders of government to the same table to focus on commonly identified priorities. The federal Al Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative also offers an excellent community-based partnership model for increasing collaboration and coordination among governments and community-based organizations. Recommendations • Commit to real consultation with municipal governments before decisions are made on issues affecting municipal responsibilities and finances and community quality of life. Formal pre- budget consultations and presentations to intergovernmental forums must be included. • Ensure local priorities are considered fully in decisions involving MRIF and CSIF. • Establish a municipal lens for federal decision-making. • Build on existing bipartite and tripartite program coordination and community capacity- building models to achieve national objectives. • Elaborate this new federal, provincial/territorial, municipal relationship in a formal resolution of Parliament 2) Revenue Sharing A revenue-sharing agreement is needed to provide a new, net revenue source that is stable and predictable enough to address the large and growing infrastructure deficit faced by municipal governments. Revenue sharing is distinct from program spending, which tends to be more transitory, subject to review, modification and even cancellation. This jeopardizes municipal budgets, planning cycles, service delivery and, ultimately, local capacity to implement sustainable strategies. Revenue sharing is about putting municipal finances on the road to sustainability, so that municipal governments can do their share to improve infrastructure, primarily transportation and transit, but also water and wastewater. Any new intergovernmental agreements with provinces and territories will have to be protected from clawback. Maximum flexibility with respect to provincial/territorial and municipal matching contributions will also be essential. At a minimum, a revenue-sharing agreement should provide municipal governments with a net, new revenue source of five cents per litre from the federal fuel excise tax ($2.5 billion per year). Recommendations • Commit to a New Deal revenue-sharing agreement for a minimum of 10 years to support investments in municipal infrastructure, primarily transportation and transit Other investments could include water and wastewater. The revenue-sharing agreement would provide municipal govemrnents with five cents per litre of the federal fuel excise tax by the end of 2004. LVA 3) Targeted Investments Municipal governments are about more than just roads and sewers, although this is a critical aspect of their work. They are engines of economic growth, recreational services and public health-care providers, cultural and social institution builders, and community planners. They also provide the front-line workers and the first line of response in a crisis. The areas of shared federal/municipal interest are many. FCM has identified five priority areas for targeted investments in the 2005/06 federal budget: infrastructure not covered by revenue sharing; affordable housing; community and children's infrastructure; security, emergency preparedness and public health; and downtown revitalization. Infrastructure Not Covered by Revenue Sharing: Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), Green Municipal Funds Revenue sharing does not displace the need for ongoing capital grants to support large-scale strategic projects and to cover infrastructure investments not included in the revenue-sharing agreement. Investment in existing infrastructure programs must continue. CSIF and MRIF provide bipartite and tripartite funding to provincial/territorial and municipal infrastructure projects. The $4 billion currently allocated to (SIF is expected to be fully committed in 2004-2005. The $1 billion in MRIF will likely be committed fully in the next few years. The outcome of the revenue-sharing agreement will obviously affect these programs with respect to scope, funding levels and perhaps funding mechanisms. The Green Municipal Funds provide grants, low-interest loans, and innovative financing structures to accelerate investment in environmental technologies that deliver cleaner air, water, and soil, and climate protection. Established in 2000, the Funds have leveraged more than $1 billion in projects with $118 million in loans to communities investing in sustainable community development. The Green Municipal Investment Fund is on track to commit its entire $200 million endowment to projects in 2005/06. A New Deal focused on investments in sustainable communities inevitably must consider increased investment in the Green Municipal Funds as a mechanism for demonstrating municipal leadership and best practices. Two areas stand out as needing more integrated and expanded approaches to infrastructure investment: Kyoto implementation and brownfield redevelopment. Investment in distributed energy systems and renewable energy, landfill-gas capture, building retrofits and waste management can all help reduce greenhouse gas pollution, contributing to targets under the Kyoto Accord while increasing community security and resilience. Al Brownfields are vacant sites or orphan properties where past actions have caused real or suspected environmental contamination. These sites are in established urban areas or along transportation corridors where municipal services and infrastructure are readily available. Redeveloping brownfields reduces infrastructure costs and discourages urban sprawl. In addition to removing contaminants, redeveloping abandoned and contaminated sites can also revitalize rundown neighbourhoods. Brownfield redevelopment is essential to sustainable community development and is large enough in terms of potential that it should be considered for support through a range of programs and incentives, including the Green Municipal Funds, CSIF/MRIF, targeted programs or revenue-sharing agreements, brownfield-specific mortgage insurance, deductible remediation expenses, tax credits, and federal lien forgiveness. Affordable Housing Affordable housing is important because shelter is a basic human need, and it is the foundation upon which healthy, secure, socially inclusive communities are built. Secure housing also fosters stability in all aspects of life, particularly in school and work performance. It is critical to the successful settlement of new Canadians and to ensuring supportive environments for urban Aboriginal people. Despite its importance to the health and well-being of Canadians, some alarming trends in housing affordability and production have been identified by the FCM Quality of Life Reporting System. The data showed that between 1991 and 2001, the proportion of renter households spending over 30 per cent of their income on shelter in the 20 major municipal governments studied had increased from 35 to 41 per cent. On average, in these same communities, low-end rents had increased over 20 per cent more than low-end individual incomes, with a difference of 45 and 60 per cent in Vancouver and Toronto respectively. At the same time, the production of rental housing in these communities fell from 31 per cent of housing starts in 1991 to eight per cent in 2001. In 2001, a Federal-Provincial/Territorial Affordable Housing Framework Agreement was signed. This agreement has been slow to produce investment in affordable housing units. It also focuses solely on the creation of market-rent units that are still beyond the reach of many working-poor households. For example, using 2002 data, a single parent making minimum wage in Toronto earned $1,010 per month, while the average market rent for a bachelor or one bedroom apartment was $100 per month. This leaves $310 for all other household expenses, including food, clothes, and transportation. Market-rent units are not the answer for working-poor households. kAdA In addition, by focusing on market-rent units, the current program does not address the need for transitional and supportive housing for those who are moving from the streets into more stable housing or for those who require supportive housing environments, such as persons with disabilities. FCM calls for a balanced approach on housing—one that recognizes the need for solutions that address both supply (new housing units) and demand (financial support). In the short term, this means new money for a dedicated funding stream that will both deepen current funding commitments under the existing Affordable Housing Agreements and expand the range of investments to include units that will meet the needs of working-poor households and those requiring transitional and supportive housing. This new money should not be tied to matching provincial dollars. Over the long term, this means developing a National Housing Strategy that will include new capital investment, income support, regulatory change and environmentally sound planning. Community and Children's Infrastructure FCM recognizes the benefits of recreation, culture, and family community engagement as a means of improving the quality of life for at-risk children and youth. It is equally important to increase the participation of children and youth who are under-represented in traditional, structured recreation, such as persons with disabilities, urban Aboriginal people, newcomers and visible minorities. We propose a National Community Children's Infrastructure and Community Engagement Fund to provide long-term funding for non-exclusive recreation and cultural facilities, such as green spaces, playing fields, multi-use indoor facilities, universal play structures, skateboard parks, family community centres, and, where appropriate, community childcare facilities. Priority for the development of facilities and open spaces should be given to at- risk communities. This fund will be different from previous infrastructure investments in that resources will be provided not only for capital, but also for engaging the community in the planning, imple- mentation, and ongoing management of facilities and programming. This component of the program is designed to support a process that allows communities to identify needs, define priorities, and develop community-driven solutions. Engagement will be most effective where all parts of the community participate, including citizens, business, the voluntary sector, and government. kVA Security, Emergency Preparedness, Public Health The ice storm of 1998; September II, 2001; and the blackout and forest tires of 2003 demonstrated that emergency management systems must be appropriately funded and coordinated across jurisdictions. Recent disease outbreaks, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, West Nile Virus and Avian Influenza, have demonstrated that local public health authorities must be included in strategies to protect Canadian communities. As first responders, municipal governments must participate fully in the planning and implementation of security and emergency preparedness initiatives, including the development of a comprehensive national security strategy. We also support cooperative co-location of emergency coordination services and suggest that the tripartite agreement among the governments of Nova Scotia, Canada, and the Halifax Regional Municipality is a good model to follow on emergency preparedness. This is the only agreement of its kind in Canada. A central office is maintained with staff from all three orders of government, which ensures daily communication and encourages the sharing of resources. Enhanced security and emergency preparedness can also be supported through investments in distributed energy systems. The Green Municipal Funds has assessed the opportunity for municipal governments and their partners to invest in landfill-gas capture and utilization, municipal operations, wind power, community energy systems and low-impact hydro. There is potential for up to 680 million watts (MW) of electric power production with 3.1 million MWh of output per year from these municipal investments (enough electricity to supply the needs of about 100,000 homes or emergency backup power for municipal services). The figure does not include the potential from energy conservation. Downtown Revitalization Thriving downtown cores are key to the economic, social and cultural sustainability of Canada's urban and rural communities. Many communities have properties of significant heritage value. Preservation and redevelopment of these sites can act as a powerful catalyst to downtown revitalization. Adaptive re-use, such as property conversion for business, residential, and cultural usage, is critical to the success of this approach. Granville Island in Vancouver and the Gooderham and Worts complex in Toronto provide excellent examples of neighbourhood revitalization efforts. We propose that the Commercial Properties Heritage Incentive Fund (CPHIF) be converted to a tax credit and that funding for the cost-shared program for non-commercial, non- federal sites be expanded using the funds currently allocated to the CPHIF. We support creating a special class of heritage properties for which there would be a flat deduction for capital investment. In addition, we urge the federal government to expedite work on federal investment in federal properties and on legislation directing federal departments to rehabilitate and use federal properties rather than selling or demolishing them. Recommendations • Commit to new, targeted investments in five priority areas: municipal infrastructure not covered by revenue sharing: affordable housing: community and children's infrastructure: security, emergency preparedness and public health: and downtown revitalization. This funding will provide municipal governments with an initial ongoing commitment of $700 million per year in the 2005/06 federal budget, with $250 million of this amount dedicated to housing. 4) Capacity Building for Sustainable Community Planning Stronger partnerships, enhanced collaboration, revenue sharing and targeted investments represent important steps forward, but they are not enough to ensure the sustainability of Canada's communities. Investment in capacity building for sustainable community planning will be essential to the success of any New Deal. New tools, training and development of best practices and pilots are needed to move toward more cost-effective and environmen- tally sustainable infrastructure decisions and to create the capacity to undertake long-term and integrated community and regional planning. Investment in a Sustainable Community Toolbox would support efficient allocation of resources and the development of indicators and targets to support New Deal outcomes. Tools, training, best practices, pilots and demon- strations are needed to support: i. Awareness and knowledge-building ii. Long-term, integrated sustainable community planning: integrated into official planning process - iii. Municipal decision-making I. Lifecycle assessment Full-cost recovery Asset management Public/private partnership assessment Alternative financing assessment Pollution prevention Environmental Management Systems iv. Demand management v. Regional coordination Community development pilots Innovation The Green Municipal Funds and InfraGuide currently support activity in these areas through feasibility studies, pilots, projects and best practices, but do not yet have a mandate to provide the training and capacity building needed to support municipal governments moving to the implementation stages. Recommendations • Allocate $25 million in the 2005/06 federal budget to invest in the development of a Sustainable Community Toolbox that supports training, capacity building, pilots, demonstration projects. and best practices. 5) Quality of Life Collaborative Research Agenda We are only beginning to understand the complex interactions and interdependence among jurisdictions that play out at the community level. FCM proposes a partnership to develop a collaborative research agenda with a particular focus on identifying the determinants of success in achieving a high quality of life through sustainable community development, including indicators for tracking progress toward outcomes. Recommendations • Allocate $25 million in the 2005/06 federal budget to develop a Quality of Life collabora- tive research agenda involving all orders of government, universities and non-governmental organizations. VA For more in formation on FCM and a New Deal for Canada's communities, contact: Massimo Bergamini Director, Communications Federation of Canadian Municipalities 24 Clarence Street Ottawa, Ontario KIN 5P3 (613) 241-5221 ext.241 infonewdeal fcm.ca or visit our Web site at: www.fcm.ca Al Page 1 of 2 Canadian MzJnICipaIit/s FCM Home Page I Francais I Commum*que, FC1 l-'.-orauc.'s of Canadia' Mayors want leaders' debate to clarify parties' cities agenda Letter to Party Leaders Letter to Consortium MONTREAL, june 10 - If the mayors of Canadas largest cities have their way, next weeks leaders' debate should give Canadians the answer to the question: what kind of city do we want to live in. The mayors, in Montreal for the Forum on Economic Growth in the Big Cities in Canada, are asking the broadcasters consortium organizing next weeks leaders debate that questions on the cities agenda be put on the roster. "Elections are about choosing. This election should be about choosing what kind of city Canadians want to live in," said Regina mayor Pat Fiacco, chair of the FCM Big City Mayors' Caucus. "But to make that choice, Canadians need to know exactly where the parties stand. The leaders debate provides the perfect opportunity to clarify their positions." Ottawa mayor Bob Chiarelli said: "Canadians need to know where each party leader stands on the urban agenda. The future economic health of our country and our quality of life depend on their choices." FCM president, New Glasgow Mayor Ann MacLean said she will be writing to the consortium and to the party leaders to get cities' and communities issues debated next Monday and Tuesday. "1 would expect the party leaders to welcome this opportunity. Addressing the state of our cities and outlining a vision for our communities would go to the heart of their vision for Canada." "When we talk about traffic gridlock, public transit or homelessness or clean water, these are not abstractions. They are real and their cost is measured in opportunities lost and reduction in the well-being of our citizens" said Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay who is hosting the conference. "When Canadians head to the ballot boxes in two weeks, they have the right to know exactly how their federal government plans to work with its other partners to build prosperity and quality of life." Mayor Fiacco said the mayors were proposing five questions to the leaders: - What is your party's position with respect to the New Deal for Canada's cities? - Will your party as a priority allocate 5 cents/litre of the federal fuel excise tax to support urgently needed investment in municipal infrastructure, primarily for transportation and public transit by the end of 2004? - Will your party enter into agreements with cities and the provinces/territories to create financial sustainability that would include sharing revenues that grow with the economy by the end of 2005? - How will your party involve cities as partners in federal and provincial policy, program and budget deliberations on issues that have a direct impact on urban centres? - What other actions will your party take to strengthen the competitiveness and quality of life of Canada's cities? The questions were adopted at an earlier meeting of the big city mayors' FCM - Campaign FM FderaUon of Home FCM New Deal Platform Media Room Members Toolkit http://www.fcm.ca/elections/pjunel02OO4.html 6/11/2004 FCM - Campaign Page 2 of 2 caucus and are being used to suey local candidates in the election. I For further information: Massimo Bergamini, Director, Communications, (613) 295-3678 http://www.fcm.ca/elections/pjune102004.html 6/11/2004 RIMEDWED I,iIrIL MAYORAND COUNCIL 4 &c CITY OF BURNABY OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 2004 May 11 DEREK R. CORRIGAN MAYOR District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 6A9 Dear Mayor and Councillors: Burnaby City Council, at the open Council meeting held on 2004 May 10 received a report from our Director Finance prepared in response to the City of North Vancouver's resolution requesting the Provincial Government not privatize the personal medical records of B. C. Citizens through agreements with American companies. Following consideration of the staff report Council adopted the following resolution: "THAT the Provincial Government be requested to abandon the execution of a contract with Maximus Inc. until certainty over the privacy of the Medical Services Plan and PharrnaCare personal information is obtained." This letter and a copy of our staff report are being sent to the Union of B. C. Municipalities and its membership with the request that you join the City of North Vancouver and City of Burnaby in opposing the agreement between the Province and Maximus Inc. The pervasiveness of the U. S. Patriot Act and the uncertainty surrounding the release of inlormation about private individuals, without their knowledge and consent, affects all citizens of B. C. I believe it is extremely important for us to advise the Provincial Government we do not support this course of action. Very truly yours, Derek R. Comgan MAYOR 4949 Canada Way, Burnabv, British Columbia, \15G 1M2 Phone 604-294-7340 Fax 604-294-7724 mavor.corrigan@ cftyburnabv.bc.ca 70 ./ Item • 01 Manager's Report No . 14 Council Meeting ..........O4iO/IO TO: CITY MANAGER 2004 May 05 FROM: DIRECTOR FINANCE SUBJECT: PRIVATIZATION OF THE MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN ADillNISTRATION PLTRPOSE: To provide Council with background information on the provincial government's decision to use Maximus. Inc. for the administration of the Medical Services Plan and PharmaCare. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Provincial government be requested to abandon the execution of a contract with Maximus Inc. until certainty over the privacy of the Medical Services Plan and PharmaCare personal inThrmation is obtained. 1$S)1 At its meeting of 2004 April 19 Council endorsed the City of North Vancouver's resolution that, based on the implications of the U.S. "Patriot Act", requested: the Provincial Government to not privati:e our personal medical records to any American company or any affiliate of an American company;.." In July 2003 Health Services Minister Cohn Hansen announced that the government was in the process of identifying a suitable parmer to run the existing MSP system while building a new system that will improve customer services. The intent of the change was stated to be the need to provide timelier and more efficient MSP services and update the technology that supports the 1.4 million people covered by the plan. At the time of the announcement the province identified that the protection of personal health care information needed to be addressed. They stated that "under the new innovative service delivery model, government will continue to own all information, be accountable for services and ensure that British Columbians' personal privacy is protected." Also that, "Patient privacy will be the critical focus of any solution considered and compliance with all privacy requirements will be mandatory" and that "Proposed solutions will meet or exceed the requirements of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the successftil vendor will manage health-care information in accordance with the act." On March 31. 2004 the !\Iinistry of Health Services announced that they were entering into contract negotiations with Maxirnus, Inc. for the development of a new service delivery model for the medical 101 Services Plan and PharmaCare. Maximus is a government services company that provides program management, consulting and information technolo2y services. It is incorporated in the United States and employs 5.500 people in 280 offices in the U.S., Canada and Australial. It is expected that the contract will be finalized by the end of August this year. The B.C. Government Employe&s Union (BCGEU) is asking the provincial government to halt its privatization plans until legal concerns about privacy issues surrounding the MSP and PhaniiaCare patient information are answered. BCGEU is investigating the potential, under the U.S. Patriot Act, for the required release (to the Federal Bureau of Investigation) of the MSP and PharmaCare patient information that will be held under contract by Maximus Inc. The BCGEU have hired Mr. Jameel Jaffer, a staff attorney for the National Legal Department of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to provide his expert opinion on the potential impact of the U.S. Patriot Act on the B.C. Government's agreement with Maximus Inc. Mr. Jaffer's practice, at the ACLU is focused principally on the implications of new surveillance powers for privacy and other rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. He has litigated several cases concerning government surveillance and individual privacy rights and is counsel to the plaintiffs in the first constitutional challenge to the U.S. Patriot Act. The BCGEU have asked Mr. Jaffer's opinion on two questions: How does the USA Patriot Act affect the confidentiality of personal information, including personal health information, held by in possession of, or which can be accessed by a corporation which is subject to the Act? If a subsidiary of a United States company has possession of, or access to, health or other personal information of Canadian residents, will that information be subject to disclosure under the USA Patriot Act? The conclusion of Mr. Jaffer' s analysis provides a good overall impression of his opinion on the above questions: "The USA Patriot Act seriously compromises the privacy of sensitive records, including records containing personal health information. Section 215 of the Act is of particular concern because (i) it can be invóked against any person, business or organization in the United States; (ii) it does not include an individualized suspicion requirement; and (iii) those served with Section 215 orders are not afforded any opportunity to challenge the order before complyins with it. While a Section 215 order would not be served directly on a Canadian corporation. a Canadian affiliate of a United States corporation could be forced to disclose its records if a Section 215 order were served on the United States corporation. Whether a United States corporation would be required to produce the records of its Canadian affiliate in any particular case would likely turn on the specific legal relationship between the two corporations and on whether the United States corporation could access and obtain the records at issue." It appears that Maximus Inc. would, likely, not be exempt from the Patriot Act on the basis of its 102 Council also enquired into the provisions of the Sunset clause of the Patriot Act (section 224), other than specific exceptions, the provisions of the Act cease to have effect on December 31, 2005. However there is a bill, S. 1695 Extension and Clarficarion ofPatrior Sunset Provision, before the U.S. Committee of the Judiciary and several other initiatives at various federal government levels, actively working to extend the provisions of the Patriot Act. Many of the questions regarding the privacy of the information proposed to be in the hands of Maximus Inc. will only be answered in a court of law. The pervasive nature of the USA Patriot Act may preclude even knowing when or if information has ever been provided to the FBI. Also, the supremacy of federal law over contract law will make ensuring privacy through negotiated contract provisions difficult, at best, and likely impossible. Launching a court challenge, or enforcing privacy provisions in the legislated absence of information regarding the release of personal information virtually eliminates the ability to enforce or monitor contract provisions regarding information privacy. Therefore, it is recommended that the Provincial government be requested to abandon the execution of a contract with Maximus Inc. until certainty over the privacy of the personal information is obtained. Rick Earle Director Finance 103 ­~--)-00 '07 DISTRICT OF MISSION -- - OFFICE OF THE MAYOR May 25, 2004 R(g@[99T1910 - _ her MAY 2 B 2004 Action: Ms. Kathy Morse Mayor District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 6A9 MAYOR AND COUNCIL Dear Mayor Morse: Re: Highway 7 I'm writing to offer the full support of the District of Mission in the efforts to four-lane the remaining section of Highway 7 between the Mission border and 240 Street in Maple Ridge. This project has been a priority from the District of Mission's view for over 25 years, and while the changes made to-date have been an improvement, it is critical that the project reach 100% completion as soon as possible. The District of Mission supports all the efforts of Maple Ridge Council to ensure the completion of the project to provide for safe, convenient access between the communities. C;!2 ~ Abe Neufeld MAYOR FILE: INF.ROA.CON Lougheed Highway, Silverdale Section G:\CLERKDeLaetmayor 4-Iane.doc / ..i:.f I ;70a 8645 STAVE LAKE STREET BOX 20 MISSION, B.C. V2V41_9 604-820-3703 FAX 604-826-1363 and 604-820-3715 WEB SITE: www.mission.ca EMAIL: info@mission.ca THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE BYLAW NO. 6239 - 2004 A bylaw to regulate Untidy and Unsightly Premises in the District of Maple Ridge The Council of the District of Maple Ridge, in open meeting assembled, enacts as follows: Name of Bylaw - This bylaw may be cited as "Maple Ridge Regulation of Untidy and Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 6239 - 2004." 2. Definitions - In this Bylaw, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning hereinafter designated to them: "Bylaw Enforcement Officer" means a person appointed by the Council as a bylaw enforcement officer, building inspector, or a peace officer; "Council" means the Council of the District; "Discarded Materials" means derelict, discarded, or unused materials whether or not used for commercial purposes or as part of a trade or calling, including but not limited to paper products, crockery, glass, metal, plastics, plastic containers, wire, ropes, lumber, machinery, tires, inoperable vehicles, vehicle parts, appliances, and any other scrap or salvage; "District" means the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge; "Noxious Weeds" includes weeds designated as such under the Weed Control Regulation pursuant to the Weed ConfrolAct (British Columbia); "Occupier" means a person occupying a property within the District and includes the registered owner of the Property where the owner is the person occupying or if the Property is unoccupied, but does not include a person who is a boarder, roomer or lodger; "Order" means an order issued pursuant to section 7 of this Bylaw; "Owner" includes the registered owner in fee simple of a Property and those persons defined as "owner" in the Community Charter (British Columbia); "Property" means a parcel of land in the District upon which any building or group of buildings is located and includes strata lots and separately occupied or leased premises or dwelling units within a building; "Special Container" means a specially designed garbage receptacle fitted with equipment that enables it to be dumped mechanically by a garbage truck; and "Standard Container" means a metal or plastic container or plastic bag weighing no more than 751bs when full and not exceeding 3.5 cubic feet in volume. 00 2 3. Prohibition - No Occupier of Property shall allow property they own or occupy to become or remain untidy or unsightly. 4. Unsightly Real Property - Every Occupier of Property must remove, or cause to be removed, from the Property any unsightly accumulations of filth, rubbish, or Discarded Materials. 5. Adequate Containers - Every Occupier shall acquire and maintain in good order and repair a sufficient number of Standard Containers or Special Containers in which to store all rubbish generated on the Property. No Occupier may permit rubbish to overflow the Standard Containers or Special Containers on the Property. All Standard Containers and Special Containers must be kept lidded or closed and at all times secured against disturbance by animals. If a Special Container is used, the Occupier must ensure that the lid on the Special Container is locked at all times. Every Occupier shall keep the area on the Property used for the storage of Standard Containers and Special Containers clean, sanitary and free from ponding water and loose rubbish. 6. Overgrowth - No Occupier of Property may allow the Property to become overgrown with any brushwood or Noxious Weeds, or grasses in excess of 30 centimetres in height. 7. Removal Orders - A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may, by notice in writing sent by express mail or posted on the Property, order the Occupier of Property, at his or her expense and within fourteen days of the mailing or posting of the Order, to: remove any accumulation of filth. Discarded Materials, or rubbish described in the Order from the Property; clear any brushwood, Noxious Weeds, or other growths described in the Order from the Property; or, take any other measures described in the Order to remedy unsightliness on the Property. Upon any failure by the Occupier of the Property to comply with an Order under this section, and after the Occupier of the Property has been given an opportunity to be heard by the Council in respect of such failure, the District may, by its own forces or those of a contractor, enter on the Property and carry out the work described in the Order at the expense of the Occupier and, whether the Order was directed at the Owner or the Occupier of the Property, recover the costs in -- - the Cotnrn unity Charter. Should the Occupier wish to contest the Order, that person must give 5 day's notice to the District's Clerk that he or she will appear before the Council to contest the Order. Upon hearing the Occupier, staff and any other affected persons, the Council may affirm, vary or revoke the Order. Offence and Penalty - Every person who offends against any of the provisions of this Bylaw, or who suffers or permits any act or thing to be done in contravention or refrains from doing anything required to be done by any of the provisions of this Bylaw, or who does any act or thing which violates any of the provisions of this Bylaw shall be liable on summary convection to a penalty not exceeding the maximum penalty specified in the Offence Act (British Columbia) from time to time. Each day that a violation continues to exist is a separate offence against this Bylaw. Inspection - The Bylaw Enforcement Officer may enter on any Property at any reasonable time to ascertain whether the requirements of this bylaw, or any Order issued pursuant to this bylaw, are being observed. Severability - If any section or phrase of this Bylaw is for any reason held to be invalid by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Bylaw. IL Repeal of Existing Bylaw - Bylaw No. 952-1970 is hereby repealed. READ A FIRST TIME this 8th day of June, 2004. READ A SECOND TIME this 8th day of June, 2004. READ A THIRD TIME this 8th day of June, 2004. ADOPTED this - day of .2004. MAYOR CLERK MAPLE RILXJ THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE BY-LAW NO. 6234-2004 A By-law to further amend Maple Ridge Ticket Information System Utilization By-law No. 4432 - 1990 and amendments thereto. WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to further amend Maple Ridge Ticket Information System Utilization By-law No. 4432- 1990 as amended. NOW THEREFORE the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge in open meeting assembled, ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: This By-law shall be cited for all purposes as "Maple Ridge Ticket Information System Utilization Amending By-law No. 6234 - 2004". WHEREAS, Section 264 of the Community Charter empowers the Corporation to, by by-law, designate those by-laws for which Municipal Ticket Information may be used as means of by-law enforcement. "Maple Ridge Ticket Information System Utilization By-law No. 4432 - 1990" as amended is further amended by as follows: (a) All references to the Local Government Act are hereby referred to the relevant section(s) of the Community Charter as follows: Where Section 272 (1) (a) is stated, it is now replaced with Section 264 (1) of the Community Charter. Where Section 272 (1) (b) is referenced, it is now replaced with Section 264 (1) of the Community Charter. Where Section 272 (1) (c) is stated, it is now replaced with Section 264 (1) of the Community Charter. Where Section 272 (5) of the Local Government Act is referenced, it is now replaced by Section 265 (1) of the Community Charter. Where Section 274 (1) of the Local Government Act is referenced, it is now replaced with Section 267 of the Community Charter. (b) By amending Schedule 1 by changing or deleting the following titles: From Director of Community and Business Relations to Director Business Licences, Permits and Bylaws; Deleting Deputy Director of Community & Business Relations From Director of Inspection Services to Manager Inspection Services (c) Deleting Schedule 5 in its entirety and replacing it with the following: Highway & Traffic By-law No. 3 136-1982 Section Fine PayWithin 7 Calendar Days Upon Receipt of Municipal Ticket Information Material on highway(s) 7 (a) $50.00 $50.00 Fail to remove snow from sidewalk 9.1 $50.00 $50.00 1302'.. Fail to remove debris from sidewalk 9.1 $50.00 $50.00 Drive on horse trail 9.2 $100.00 $100.00 Park within 5m of hydrant 19(1) (d) $75.00 $50.00 Park contrary to prohibition 19 (1) (v) $50.00 S20.00 Overtime parking 19 (1) (w) $50.00 S20.00 Park contrary to restriction 19 (1)(x) $50.00 $20.00 Large vehicle parking prohibition 19 (1) (aa) $50.00 $20.00 Stopped on sidewalk 19 (1) (a) $50.00 S20.00 Stopped within 3m of driveway 19 (1) (b) $50.00 S20.00 Stopped within 6m of crosswalk 19 (1) (e) $75.00 S50.00 Selling on Highway 19 (1) (i), (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) $100.00 $100.00 Double parked 19 (1) (k) $50.00 $20.00 Stopped in bus zone 19 (1) (n) $50.00 $20.00 Obstructing alley 19 (1) (p) $50.00 $20.00 Obstructing driveway to alley 19 (1) (q) $50.00 $20.00 Stopped with left wheels to curb 19 (1) (r) $50.00 $20.00 Stopped over 30cm from curb 19 (1) (s) $50.00 $20.00 Stopped outside marked area 19 (1) (t) $50.00 $20.00 Parked over 48 hours 19 (1) (y) $50.00 $20.00 Parked in loading zone 21(a) $50.00 $20.00 Park in disabled zone 20 (2) $75.00 S50.00 Unattached trailer 26 $50.00 $50.00 Occupying trailer as living quarters 27 $75.00 $75.00 Skateboard on highway 7 (b) $50.00 S20.00 Obstruct vehicles on highway 7 (e) $75.00 $50.00 Damage to boulevard plantings and objects 12 (1) $250.00 $250.00 6234-2004 Place any fuel, lumber, merchandise, chattel or ware of any nature, which is in transit to or from the adjoining property, on any highway Deposit, throw, or leave any earth, refuse, debris or any other thing ona highway Obstruction Without proof of proper and valid number plates Without proof of proper and valid insurance Without proof of proper and valid insurance. 12 (a) $50.00 $50.00 12 (b) $50.00 $50.00 19(1)0) $75.00 S50.00 20 (4) (1) $50.00 S50.00 20 (4) (m) $50.00 S50.00 22 (1) (d) $50.00 S50.00 (d) Replace Schedule 20 with the following: 1 2 Regulation of Untidy and Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 6239 —2004 Section Untidy/Unsightly Premises 3 Inadequate Containers 5 (a) (b) (c) (d) -I Fine $100.00 $100.00 READ a first time the 8th day of June, 2004. READ a second time the 8th day of June, 2004. READ a third time the 8th day of June, 2004. RECONSIDERED AND ADOPTED the day of 2004. MAYOR CLERK i1 MAPLE RIIXE l..cr':.,nsc.l I2:,cu.a,I,c. lN?4 THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE BY-LAW NO. 6235 — 2004 A By-law to further amend Maple Ridge Highway and Traffic By-law No. 3136- 1982 as amended. WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to further amend Maple Ridge Highway and Traffic By-law No. 3136- 1982. NOW THEREFORE the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge in open meeting assembled, ENACT AS FOLLOWS: I. This By-law shall be cited for all purposes as "Maple Ridge Highway and Traffic Amending By-law No. 6235 — 2004". 2. Maple Ridge Highway and Traffic By-law No. 3136 — 1982 as amended is further amended by: Deleting Speeding Tickets Section 18.3 in its entirety. Adding Section 20 (4)1 and m: (4) No person shall park a vehicle: (I) on any municipal property or highway without proper or valid insurance displayed; (m) on any municipal property or highway without proper or valid number plates displayed. Re-lettering Section 22 (1)(d) to read Section 22 (1)(e) and inserting the following as Section 22 (1 )(d) without proof of valid insurance (d) Deleting Section 22 (3) in its entirety and replacing it with the following: The following fees, costs and expenses shall be paid by the owner of the vehicle removed, detained or impounded: Distance and Amounts Size and Weight Categories upto6.Okm 6.1 to 16.0 km Add per km 16.1 km and beyond, Add per km up to 32.0 km drop fee Autos, Vans, Medium Heavy P/Ups, Motorcycles Trucks & Trailers $61.70 $72.00 $120.05 $2.32 $2.68 $3.40 $1.96 $2.47 $2.88 $61.70 $72.00 $120.05 v) Storage of vehicle in contractor's $8.76 $8.76 $17.52 Compound rate per calendar day, or any part thereof. (e) Deleting Section 34 in its entirety and re-numbering Section 35 as Section 34. READ A FIRST TIME the 8th day of June, 2004. READ A SECOND TIME the 8th day of June, 2004. READ A TI-HRD TIME the 8th day of June, 2004. RECONSIDERED AND ADOPTED the day of , 2004. MAYOR CLERK CORPORATION OF THE MAPLE RIDGE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE incorporated 12 September, 1874 TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 1, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: RZ/112/02 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: COUNCIL SUBJECT: Final Reading: Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 6155-2003 12450 264 Street EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Bylaw 6155-2003 has been considered by Council and at Public Hearing and subsequently granted 2 nd and 3rd reading. The applicant has requested that final reading be granted. The purpose of the rezoning is to permit the subdivision into seven lots not less than 0.4 hectares (one acre) each. RECOMMENDATION: That Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 6155-2003 be reconsidered and adopted. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: Council considered this rezoning application at a Public Hearing held on November 18, 2003. On November 25, 2003 Council granted 2nd and 3rd reading to Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 6155-2003 with the stipulation that the following conditions be addressed: Preliminary approval from the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Water Management Branch; Road dedication as required; Preliminary approval from the appropriate authorities for septic disposal; Park dedication as required. The following applies to the above: Preliminary approval from the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Water Management Branch has been received; Road dedication will be achieved at the subdivision stage; The Fraser Health Authority have stated that the subdivision meets with the criteria for on site sewage disposal. The park dedication plan has been filed at the Land Title Office. CONCLUSION: As the applicant has met Council's conditions, it is recommended that final reading be given to the bylaw. Prepared by: App rovç(by: Frank Quinn I GM: PubJ orks & Development Services 9, Concurrence: /J. L. (Jim) Rule / Chief Administrative Officer Dc -2- CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE BY-LAW NO. 6155 - 2003 A By-law to amend Map "A" forming part of Zoning By-law No. 3510 - 1985 as amended. WHEREAS, it is deemed expedient to amend Maple Ridge Zoning By-law No. 3510 - 1985 as amended; NOW THEREFORE, the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge, in open meeting assembled, ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: This by-law may be cited as "Maple Ridge Zone Amending By-law No. 6155-2003." That parcel or tract of land and premises known and described as: South West Quarter of the North West Quarter, Sectionl9, Township 15, New Westminster and outlined in heavy black line on Map No. 1309 a copy of vvhich is attached hereto and forms part of this by-law, is hereby rezoned to RS-2 (One Family Suburban Residential). Maple Ridge Zoning By-law No. 3510 - 1985 as amended and Map "A" attached thereto are hereby amended accordingly. READ a first time the 141h day of October, A.D. 2003. PUBLIC HEARING held the 18th day of November, A.D. 2003. READ a second time the 25th day of November, A.D. 2003. READ a third time the 25th day of November, A.D. 2003. RECONSIDERED AND FINALLY ADOPTED, the day of , A.D. 200. MAYOR CLERK CO1U'ORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: August 27, 2003 and Members of Council FILE NO: RZ/112/02 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C of W SUBJECT: First Reading Bylaw No. 6155-2003 12450 264 Street EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This application requests to rezone the property located at 12450 2641h Street from A-2 (Upland Agricultural) to RS-2 (Suburban Residential). This will permit the subsequent subdivision of the Site into 9 residential lots with a minimum parcel size of 0.4 hectares (1 acre). RECOMMENDATIONS: That Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 6155-2003 be read a first time and be forwarded to Public Hearing; and That the following terms and conditions be met prior to final reading: Preliminary approval.from the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protétion, Water Management Branch; Road dedication as required; Preliminary approval from the appropriate authorities for septic disposal; Park dedication as required. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: Applicant: - Owner: Legal Description: OCP: Existing: Proposed: Zoning: Existing: Proposed: Surrounding Uses: North: South: East: West: Fraser Excavation Ltd. Ben Tuck John Bakker and Eileen J McLeod SW V4 of the NW ¼, Section 19, Township 15, NWD Suburban Residential Suburban Residential A-2 (Upland Agricultural) RS-2 (One Family Suburban Residential) Suburban Residential Rural Residential Rural Residential Suburban Residential Existing Use of Property: Rural Residential Proposed Use of Property: Suburban Residential Access: 264th Street Servicing: Municipal Water/On site septic disposal Project Description: The subject property, comprising of approximately 16.21 hectares (40 acres) is located directly south east of the Whispering Falls neighborhood. There is a watercourse which divides the property into two distinct development modules. This application requests to rezone the entire property from A-2 (Upland Agricultural) to RS-2 (Suburban Residential). The owners plan to phase the project, subdividing the north west portion of the site in Phase 1 into 9 residential parcels. The south east portion of the property will be developed in the future. Access to Phase 1 will be from the extension 0f264th Street south of 126 th Avenue. Planning Analysis: Official Community Plan: The subject property is currently designated Suburban Residential as illustrated on Schedule "B" of the Official Community Plan. Accordingly, an amendment to the Official Community Plan will not be required as a consequence of this application. Interdepartmental Implications: Engineering Department: Engineering has reviewed this proposed rezoning and concludes that a number of issues will be dealt with through the subdivision process. The area is served by a water distribution system, but not a sewage collection system. The District has received preliminary information from the Fraser Health Authority stating that the lots on the west side of 264th Street appear to have good capability for septic disposal. The lots proposed for the east side of 264th Street will be monitored through the winter to determine the suitability for septic disposal. Intergovernmental Issues: Respecting the watercourse bisecting the property, this development application was referred to the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Water Management Branch for their review. 1) Environmental Implications: There is a watercourse with associated tributaries identified for special treatment on Schedule "E" of the Official Community Plan on this site. The watercourse flows from the subject property, west, through the Whispering Falls neighborhood and then into the north arm of Kanaka Creek. As a consequence of the environmental significance of this watercourse and its associated habitat, a watercourse protection area averaging approximately 30 meters from the top of bank, will be dedicated as Park for conservation purposes. -2- 7 g) Geotechnical Considerations: Respecting the watercourse on the property, a geotechnical review was conducted to determine if there are any concerns with bank stability or location of buildings. The geotechnical report submitted concludes that construction within the lot boundaries is feasible. No additional geotechnical setbacks are required for development of single family residential lots on this site. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 6 155-2003 be read a first time and that application RZ/1 '1 2/02 be forwarded to Public Hearing. aredby: Stevenson PIangJechrcian Approved bji Frank Quinn, P.Eng., PMP GM: Public Works & Development Services Concurrence: J. L. (urn) Rule Chief/Administrative Officer . . . DS/bjc / 3. 35 37 _______ - / J I HT/ (J 0.599 h VA I2s95 (0 / i•__ t------------------/ PROPOSED LOT CONFIGIJRA1ION - - CONCEPTUAL LOT CONFIGURATION EXISTING LEGAL LINES EXISTING PARCEl. BOUNDARY 27 29 0.05 0.400 124 AVE. ITOP -, UCKflO9 \ 7 I <' Li / ,1 / ( I/I NW I/N S(C IN. 1P. IX r os ___________ 0-0 CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDCE LNSN(tRfll( OCPNI1I1/ENI SW 1/4 NW 1/4 SEC. 19 '15 PROPOSED / COINCEP1UAI.. LOT CONFI iN 0_ 4 • CORPORATION OF THE MAPLE RIDGE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE Incorporated 12 September, 1874 TO: Her Worship Mayor K. Morse DATE: June 01, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: DP/112/02 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C of W SUBJECT: Development Permit - 12450 264 Street EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A Development Permit XXX application has been received for the above noted property in support of a development plan for subdivision adjacent to a tributary to North Kanaka Creek. As required under Development Permit XXX a permit must be approved by Council and the required environmental security deposited with the District, prior to any on-site works being undertaken within 50 meters of the top of bank of the watercourse. RECOMMENDATION: That the Municipal Clerk be authorized to sign and seal DP/112/02 respecting property located at 12450 264 Street. DISCUSSION: Background Context: Applicant: Owner: Legal Description: OCP: Zoning: Existing: Proposed: Surrounding Uses: North: South: East: West: Existing Use of Property: Proposed Use of Property: Access: Previous Applications: Project Description: 628977 BC Ltd., Mark Monkman John Bakker And Eileen J McLeod S/W 1/4 Of the N/W '/4, Sec. 19, Tp. 15, NWD Suburban Residential A-2 (Upland Agricultural) RS-2 (Suburban Residential) Suburban Residential Rural Residential Rural Residential Suburban Residential Rural Residential Suburban Residential 2640' Street RZ/1 12/02, SD/I 12/02 A development permit application has been made in support of a development plan for subdivision application (SD/112/02). Five of the proposed lots are located within 50 meters of the tributary to North Kanaka Creek. qo;L c) Environmental Implications: The site has a watercourse identified on Schedule 'E' of the Official Community Plan and is included into Development Permit Area XXX that was established for the preservation and protection of the natural environment. A Development Permit is required under Development Permit Area XXX for all alterations of land, subdivision activity or building permits as applies to residential commercial, institutional and industrial development within 50 metres of a watercourse. Security must be posted in accordance with Council Policy for Performance Security for Environmental Protection to ensure that the Development Permit Area Guidelines are met. Staff have reviewed the Guidelines for development established for Development Permit Area XX)( and feel that these have been satisfied by the applicant as follows: Watercourse Protection Area Establishment Watercourse protection areas are to be established in accordance with their habitat value and the potential impacts proposed by adjacent development. The District of Maple Ridge, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Ministry of Water, Air and Land Protection must endorse the proposed watercourse protection boundaries. The water course protection areas are to be dedicated where possible into public ownership for conservation purposes. The boundaries of the watercourse protection areas are to be physically located on the ground by a B. C.Land Surveyor prior to site disturbance. Temporary barrier fencing is to be installed adjacent to watercourse protection areas prior to any construction activity and shall be replaced with permanent post and railfence upon development completion. All lots must provide the required minimum lot dimensions as set out in the Zoning Bylaw exclusive of the watercourse protection boundaries. • The setbacks from North Kanaka Creek have already been established at 30 meters from top of bank and will be dedicated as Parkiand in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Municipality as part of the rezoning application for this site. • A temporary barrier fence will be installed adjacent to the watercourse protectioll area prior to any construction activity. This will be replaced with a post and rail fence upon completion of the development. • All the lots meet the minimum lot dimensions as set out in the Zoning Bylaw. Erosion Control 6 All work is to be undertaken and completed in such a manner as to prevent the release of sediment to any ravine, watercourse or storm sewer. An erosion and sediment control plan that involves implementation prior to land clearing and site preparation and the careful timing of construction is to be provided. - Z. Siltene ud.-be erected to reveut-thoo mapomont ofsiLLiito the prote prior to any disturbance to the soil on the site. I , I -2- Cutting and filling adjacent to watercourse protection areas is to be kept to a minimum incorporating appropriate structuralfill material and blending graded areas with natural slope, as supported by the Hillside Policies of the Official Community Plan. . A Plan has been provided for the entire site that: - Includes a temporary siltation fence along the Park boundary; and - Provides for the grading and direction of overland drainage. Vegetation Management Natural vegetation is to be retained wherever possible to ensure minimal disruption to the environment and to protect against slope failure. Land clearing adjacent to the watercourse protection areas is to be restricted to a phased construction schedule. Habitat restoration landscaping of all bare or sparse riparian areas within the watercourse protection area may be required. Vegetation species shall be native of the area and be selected for erosion control and fish and wildlife habitat values. • A significant amount of vegetation will be protected within the watercourse protection area that will be dedicated as park. Storm water Management Stormwater outflows to the stream or leave area shall have water quality and erosion control features so as to minimize their impacts on fish habitat and in compliance with the District's storm water management plans. - The applicant has proposed a storm water management plan that addresses the District's storm water management requirements. Ground conditions identified in the Valley Geotechnical report identify soil characteristics that will accommodate ground infiltration ofoverlandflows. In order to midigate additional runoff volume, detention was introduced in an oversized storm sewer system upstream of the existing 126M Avenue system. The control structure will mitigate the peak 10 year and 100 year flows topre development conditions. Monitoring The implementation of required environmental mitigative measures as designed and their maintenance is to be monitored by a qualified environmental monitor. Environmental monitoring will be a key element of the development of this site. Envirowest Consultants Ltd. will be the environmental monitors for the project and will ensure performance meets with the standards established by the Watercourse Protection Bylaw. Monitoring will be conducted by Eric Beaubien and will occur daily during construction in rainfall events, and weekly at all other times during the construction period to ensure compliance with the permit. A record of all monitoring data shall be made available to the District upon request. -3- Performance Securiti'. 13. As required under the District's Performance Security for Environmental Protection Policy, an environmental performance security will be collected prior to the issuance of the perm it to ensure compliance with terms and conditions described above. • A security totaling $7500.00 will be required for five lots which back on to the tributary to North Kanaka Creek. Interdepartmental Implications: Department of Fisheries and Oceans The setbacks for this watercourse have already been established and will dedicated as Parkiand in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the District as a condition of rezoning these lands. CitizenlCustomer Implications: Until Council has authorized a development permit the applicant will be unable to begin site preparation for subdivision SD/i 12/02. 1) Financial Implications: A refundable security totaling $7500.00 will be required for five lots which back on to the watercourse. CONCLUSION: The applicant has provided the information as set out in the Council Policy for Environmental Protection. It is recommend that DP/i12/02 be approved. Prepared by: DavidStevenson CIP Approved by: (Frank Quinn, P.Eng., PMP GM: Public)'orks & Development Services .4 '- Concurrence: J. (Jim) Rule Officer 1. -4- CID 126 AVE. 37 04 ) 10 Co Pitt A 12450 264 STREET \ 1!M':1 ock CORPOSRATOTNF OF N mJmh Ucorporated12 September, 1874 PLANNING DEPARTMENT DATE: May 4, 2004 FILE: DP/112102 BY: PC SCALE 1:3,531 I \ V EXS1D5cORTIRJRTlP\ \ IOn, WIN PEDEORAICU INLOT VV RIDER PIPE SURROUNDED %MIH \ l9n,In MINJS aVEAR EDUIN - / - / O4Oho 197 ha 20 V \ r V 7 V V \V\ \ PROP. 2OU PVC DRVJN C GRAVEL PROP IO. \ \ SEaIMENT IRM c aio ENUS CRAW 99ha 26 / 264\STREET V 0.400ho V V / : 0 4oho 0400ho \\ \ \ F\ ORAL \ — I. INSTALL ALL AELOODARY NFl 4C OOIMINT ORNFS VHS OOPINMT DITCHING PRIOR TO CONSITUL.110N PROVIDE TEMPORARY DITCHING, CCL1 LUTZ MITh (001104 I'RTVEN1TON V VVVVVVV...V V , MERSUREC AS REQUIRED ID DIREC SURFASE DRAINADE FROM WORK VVVVVV.VVV V' __V •-_ I '" ,V' MIENS DID 5(000(01 TRIP UI ALL DUES 000140 CORSTRUC11ONV - IRE CONTRACTOR INALL INSPECT A D DAINTAIN THE EOCUION MOD SEDIMENT CON1RD. WORKS MOD PERTOTU REM MIAL WOOLS AS RECUIITER. C..52 ho FEVEIIWIII.NI PEAMITVi'19A'Ei4i°1 .-. ' '. '' /. . 36 /9 V PROVIDE INSPECTiON MOO PREVENT MAINTETOARCE OURIIIC P00000 ,,V7V.V 391,V,LB0V9h.LV.5915C9,YRTEJ "\ .• 'V \ "-_. ..' . 1' OF WEVIPI RAINFALL. ". N. - -_ .. . -•, 0,404 ho ALL STOCIIPTVOO MATERIAL. ROMIE RE POI.Y COVERED DIJRINS PERIODS V V V I IRI.I101IUCIUIU SYRIOIDR LIP. OF RAIN TO PREVENT SEDIMENT FR EMITTING 0410 TOTE SITE LIRAINADE I - SYSTEM, . I 1301. 20330 OlIN AORnoe t010'YS B.C. All 203 CORPORATION OF THE DIS1RICT OF MAPLE RIDGE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT I T SILTATION CONTRO ,O IE- MA DUll 000MM CIII 00 _______ M' 264 STREET 10 MINOR II RO0RVI0O0 Al 1101 r' I 500 ,(fVVV_VV SOUTH OF 126 AVE. TO 126 AVE. I! NEUA eq, Lopm CORPORATION OF THE MAPLE RIDGE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor K. Morse DATE: June 08, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: CP/062/04 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C of W SUBJECT: First Reading Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw No. 6245 - 2004 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The District of Maple Ridge, in partnership with the Alouette River Management Society (ARMS) and the Kanaka Creek Education and Environmental Partnership Society (KEEPS) has recently completed the final phase of its GPS and GIS mapping and inventory project. The study areas included the watersheds of the Alouette River, Kanaka Creek, and Whonnock. This project, initiated in 2000, is intended to provide more up to date and accurate information on the location and characteristics of streams in the District to assist in the land-use decision making process. The attached Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw is designed to incorporate the stream mapping information collected in Phase 4 of this project into Official Community Plan Schedule E: Watercourses Designated for Special Treatment (Development Permit Area XXX). RECOMMENDATION: That, acknowledging that Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw 6245 - 2004 has been considered in conjunction with the Capital Expenditure Plan and Waste Management Plan, Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw No. 6245 - 2004 be read a first time and forwarded to Public Hearing; and That the use of the Watercourse Integrity Classification Map and the Streamside Setback Classification Map as updated to reflect Phase 4 inclusions, be endorsed as a guide during the land use planning and development approval process. BACKGROUND: In anticipation of the need for better stream mapping information the District of Maple Ridge initiated an evaluation of existing stream mapping and inventory data in 1998 to determine the adequacy of the information available for watercourse classification. This review, under taken by Scott Resources Inc., identified that much of the stream inventory information available to the District was incomplete and that a number of discrepancies existed in District watercourse base mapping. T03 At the time, the District's stream mapping was based on the interpretation of 1995 aerial ortho photo coverage. The method used - interpretation and mapping of streams using aerial photography - is difficult and rarely accurate without the benefit of ground-truthing because of complex terrain or topography, dense vegetation, bad weather conditions, and natural and man- made channel modifications. In order to verify the location and condition of the estimated 450 kilometres of stream needed to address the inadequacies in the available stream inventory, a phased mapping project involving the use of high end GPS (Global Positioning Systems) was adopted by Council in the fall of 1999. Using the current development patterns within the community as a guide the following phased approach to stream mapping was endorsed by Council: Phase 1: (2000) the inventory and mapping of the new emerging urban areas (Silver Valley, Albion and Cottonwood); Phase 2: (2001) the inventory and mapping of the Thornhill Urban Reserve and associated Kanaka Creek tributaries; Phase 3: (2002) the inventory and mapping of the existing Urban Area and the northern arm of Kanaka Creek, and the classification of all of the mapping data compiled from 2000 to 2002; and Phase 4: (2004) the inventory, mapping and classification of the eastern Whonnock tributaries, the tributaries along the Fraser River and the remaining rural areas of the community. The objectives of the project were identified as follows: to provide accurate geographic locations for known fish bearing or supporting streams within Maple Ridge in order to upgrade District watercourse base mapping; to design a data dictionary that will standardize data items collected in the field and to provide collection protocol for future inventory projects; to develop a database on stream features and characteristics that will aid in the future sensitivity classification of watercourses and the establishment of protection setbacks; to upgrade Schedule "B" of the Official Community Plan; to make available information on watercourse/environmental quality in more user- friendly format to customers and the public; and to produce a watercourse classification map that will assist in the development application review process. For the purposes of this project a stream has been defined as a watercourse which flows on a perennial or seasonal basis having a continuous channel bed, if the channel bed is (i) scoured by water; or (ii) contains observable deposits of mineral alluvium. Artificial channels or ditches have been defined as watercourses if they are known to contain fish, flow directly into fish bearing streams and are consistent with the characteristics of a stream as described above. These definitions are consistent with both federal and provincial legislation. -2- If either or both of these definitions applied to a waterbody encountered during the GPS stream mapping project, the watercourse was automatically included into the mapping and inventory project as a part of Schedule "E". PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The full length of streams (originally estimated to have been about 450 kilometers) have now been mapped in Maple Ridge: Phase 1: 110 kilometres (2000) Phase 2: 120 kilometres (2001) Phase 3: 90 kilometres (2002) Phase 4 105 kilometers (2003) The following stream information has been collected for the above mentioned stream lengths and is now available in a newly designed stream information system where it can be viewed, queried andlor analyzed using automated cartographic tools, GIS database systems or digital photo images: • Location of streams and associated waterbodies (e.g. springs, ponds, wetlands, etc.); • Stream characteristics e.g. morphology, substrate, size, complexity, bank material, etc.; • Natural obstructions to fish passage; • Man-made obstructions to fish passage; • Culvert location and condition; • Erosion, pollution, and problem areas; • Vegetation buffer characteristics; • Fish, wildlife and wildlife tree observations; and • Information collected by stewardship groups, including water quality test sites, aquatic invertebrate sampling sites, fish enumeration and release sites, and creek signage. This information has been previously presented for first reading to Council September 30, 2003 and May 28, 2002, and has been provided to the District's project partners (ARMS and KEEPS) on CD-ROM for their own project purposes. At their September 30, 2003 meeting, Council also passed a recommendation to endorse the use of the Watercourse Integrity Classification Map and Streamside Setback Classification Map as a guide during the land use planning and development approval process. -3- The project deliverables are as follows: Deliverable Start End Incorporation of Phase I & 2 stream location data into Aug 2001 June 2002 Schedule "E" of the Official Community Plan The collection of Phase 3 stream feature spatial data Feb 2002 Dec. 2002 The transfer of Phase 3 data from Trimble GPS database to Feb 2002 Dec. 2002 the District's GIS software program The interpretation, cleanup and creation of GIS map layers for Feb 2002 Dec. 2002 Phase 3 stream location and feature data Incorporation of Phase 3 stream location data into the March 2002 Dec. 2002 District's watercourse base maps Incorporation of Phase 3 stream location data into Schedule Sept. 2002 Sept. 2003 "E" of the Official Community Plan To make the information collected through entire project Dec. 2001 Feb. 2003 available in the user-friendly way to customers and the public To produce a watercourse classification map that will assist in Jan. 2002 Feb. 2003 the development application review process The collection of Phase 4 stream feature spatial data into the Feb 2003 Dec. 2003 District's watercourse base maps. To complete a watercourse setback and integrity classification Jan. 2003 Dec. 2003 map. Incorporation of Phase 4 stream location data into Schedule May 2003 July. 2003 "E" of the Official Community Plan PLANNING ANALYSIS: Official Community Plan: At the end of each project year, the stream location information collected by the consultant has been incorporated into the District's watercourse base mapping and desktop GIS system for internal use. In order to make this stream location information more widely available to the public, it is recommended that the mapping data collected in Phase 4 of the project be incorporated into Schedule E: Watercourses Designated for Special Treatment (Development Permit Area XAT of the Official Community Plan. A number of the unverified watercourse sections shown on the draft Schedule "E" have been reviewed and mapped during Phase 4 of the mapping project. Those areas still unverified at the end of Phase 4 will require the submission of a site specific survey information to verify watercourse location with any development application, as currently required under Development Procedures Bylaw No 5 879- 1999. INTERGOVERNMENTAL ISSUES: Local Government Act: An amendment to the Official Community Plan requires the local government to consult with any affected parties and to adopt related bylaws in compliance with the procedures outlined in Section 882 of the Act. The amendment required for this application is considered to be minor in nature. It has been determined that no additional consultation beyond existing procedures is required, including referrals to the Board of the Regional District, the Council of an adjacent municipality, First Nations, the School District or agencies of the Federal and Provincial Governments. The amendment has been reviewed with the Financial Plan/Capital Plan and the Waste Management Plan of the Greater Vancouver Regional District and determined to have no impact. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection/Department of Fisheries and Oceans: The mapping information compiled to date by the District is far superior to any mapping data currently available to either the Ministry of Water, Land, and Air Protection or the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Both of these agencies have been very supportive, recognizing the proactive nature of this work being undertaken by the District, and its planning implications. They have endorsed this stream mapping and stream setback classification program and also have provided funding to the project partners (ARMS and KEEPS) who have used those funds in their contribution to the mapping project. At the end of each project phase these agencies have been provided with hardcopy versions of the updated watercourse base maps. Local governments: Protected watercourses and wetlands as illustrated on Schedule "B" are identified as part of the Green Zone of the Livable Region Strategic Plan, an initiative of the Greater Vancouver Regional District. The Greater Vancouver Regional District will be responsible for amending the Green Zone accordingly and will therefore be notified of this Schedule "E" amendment. Notification and a copy of the draft Schedule "E" map will be provided for information to the District of Pitt Meadows and the District of Mission upon approval of this resolution. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: The first step in protecting streams is knowing their location. As previously presented to Council, during the course of this project a number of errors and gaps in the accuracy and coverage of the District's 1995 stream mapping have been identified and rectified as a result of this mapping project, including: • stream sections mislocated by anywhere from 10 to 90 metres, • stream sections that were found to be non existent, and • systems that were found to extend well beyond the existing mapping information. The inclusion of this new ground-truthed and updated watercourse mapping will assist the District and the public in their efforts to protect the community's valuable watercourse systems through policy development and conservation initiatives. This information will also have implications for the review of the Official Community Plan and the information it will convey in its map schedules. -5- CITIZEN/CUSTOMER IMPLICATIONS: The District will be able to provide citizens and customers with more accurate information on watercourse location. The endorsement of the setback mapping work by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has helped to expedite the development application process, which can greatly assist the development community. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This project has been included in the 2004 budget and has operated within close budget parameters. CONCLUSION: In order to make this stream location information more widely available to the public it is recommended that the mapping data collected in Phase 4 of the District's stream mapping project be incorporated into Schedule E: Watercourses Designated for Special Treatment (Development Permit Area XXX) of the Official Community Plan. The incorporation of this mapping data into the Official Community Plan will: • Make the data available to a wider audience than just District staff and our project partners; • Ensure that this information is available for public consideration during the Official Community Plan review being undertaken this year; and • Provide the backbone on which to establish or modify the Conservation Areas currently designated in the Official Community Plan during the course of the Official Community Plan review. OD /N~ Prepared by: DiarHall ane Pikej MCP, MCIP Approved by/ Frank Quinn, P. Eng, PMP GM: Public Works & Development Services Concurrence: Ji ule C dministrative Officer DH/bjc CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE BY-LAW NO. 6245 - 2004. A By-law to amend the Official Community Plan WHEREAS the Local Government Act empowers a local government to adopt or amend an Official Community Plan; AND WHEREAS it is deemed desirable to amend Schedule "A" to the Official Community Plan; NOW THEREFORE, the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge, in open meeting assembled, ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: This By-law may be cited for all purposes as "Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Amending By-law No. 6245 - 2004." Schedule "E" which forms part of Bylaw 5434-1996 as amended is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the attached Schedule "E". Maple Ridge Official Community Plan By-law No. 5434-1996 as amended is hereby amended accordingly. READ A FIRST TIME the day of , A.D. 200. PUBLIC HEARiNG HELD the day of A.D. 200. READ A SECOND TIME the day of A.D. 200. READ A THIRD TIME the day of ,A.D.200. RECONSIDERED AND FINALLY ADOPTED, the dayof 5 A.D.200. MAYOR CLERK CORPORATION OF THE MAPLE RIDGE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE Incorporated 12 September, 1874 TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 9th, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: AL/043/04 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C of W SUBJECT: Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve 11748 240 Street and one lot directly south. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: An application has been received under Section 30(1) of the Agricultural Land Commission Act to exclude approximately 6.3 hectares of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant's submission conforms with the notice of application requirements of the Agricultural Land Commission. RECOMMENDATION: That application AL/043/04 respecting property located at 11748 240tl Street and one lot south described as Lot 35, Section 15, Township 12, Plan 36606, NWD be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints on the property as outlined in the report dated June 9, 2004. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: Applicant: Owner: Legal Description: OCP Existing: Zoning Existing: Surrounding Uses North: South: East: West: Existing Use of Property: Access: 240th Street Donada Industries Ltd. Joseph J. Lepore Lot C, Section 15, Township 12, Plan 23322 & Lot 35, Section 15, Township 12, Plan 36606, NWD Agricultural RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) The two properties are located on the east side of 240th Street in the 11700 block. Application AL/043/04 has been received to exclude the subject properties from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant has satisfied all "notice of exclusion" requirements under Section 5 of B.C. Regulation 313/78 (Agricultural Land Reserve Procedure Regulation). The notice requests written comments be forwarded to the District of Maple Ridge. To date one letter was received, requesting an qot( adjacent property be included in this application. The Planning Department responded to this request by indicating the process to follow for exclusion applications. Rural Plan In October 1997 the Rural Plan Advisory Committee (RPAC) completed their final report. The subject site is in Sub Area C. There were no recommendations for proposed changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve in this area. In Part 7 Area Recommendations of the Rural Plan Report the committee recommends for Sub Area C, the overall use emphasis for this sub area, beyond the Smith Avenue subdivision, was for hobby farms/rural life style, with an agriculture emphasis north of 128th Avenue right through the next sub area. A further unresolved area includes the area noted on the sub area map as the Transition Area, that area south of 124 th Avenue, west of the Smith Avenue subdivision, and east to 240 01 Street, and north of 113 Avenue alignment. This is the subject of the following paragraphs. Sub area C Controversial Area: Transition Area (south of 124th Avenue, west of the Smith Avenue subdivision, and east to 240 th Street, and north of 113 Avenue alignment) The controversial area noted was unresolved by the RPAC and it was decided to present the reasonable options the Committee reviewed for Council consideration. Option 1: Remove from the ALR and designate for attachment to adjoining urban areas, or as future urban reserve, with appropriate buffering at the rural/ALR interface. Plan a comprehensive sewer system for the whole area and address the current septic system failures within this plan. Option 2: Remove from the ALR and designate rural residential. Plan a comprehensive sewer system for the whole area (including Academy Park and any other problem areas) and address the current septic system failures within this plan. Set a density for the area which makes a comprehensive sewer system both practical and economic (eg V2 to 1 acre density is indicated, substantially on a Local Improvement Program-L.I.P. —basis). Preserve the rural character by clustering residences where possible and utilize a variety of lot sizes (eg 1/2 to 2 acres). Provide for some retirement oriented residences (eg clustered, single family) and some compatible businesses. Make the area a model of transition from the urban to the outlying rural/ALR. Option 3: Retain in the ALR and adopt the following principles for the area: Preserve rural character with transition buffering. Need to establish a density with comprehensive L.I.P. sewer solution which is practical and economical. Variety of uses • Range of density and lot sizes • Clustering and consolidation • Retirement living opportunities • Business opportunities Emphasis on rural lifestyle and limitations on intensive agricultural possibilities. It was further resolved that the RPAC would endorse the clustering of dwelling units to make servicing easier and getting rid of problem areas over time, it will become a net - benefit to_agriculture;_use_a_Development_Permit_Area_to_protect_farming_and_enhance_it while achieving the proposed Area C (western part) principles. -2- Option 4: Retain in the ALR. Address the septic system failures by a minimal L.I.P. sewer system. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. The Committee voted and there was a split decision on Option 2 and Option 3. In January 1998 the Summary of Council Decisions on Implementation of the Rural Plan was issued. In this document the required action taken was, that Option 3 be endorsed and submitted to the Agricultural Land Commission for their comments and if they are unfavourable, that Council endorse Option 2. Upon implementation the Agricultural Land Commission was not in favour of Option 3 and it was suggested switching to Option 4, which is to retain the area in the ALR, but with emphasis on clustering and consolidation of properties. In the final action required, Council agreed to accept Option dfor Sub area C with the inclusion of the clustering/consolidation principle. Project Description: The applicant has not stated any redevelopment plans. Planning Analysis: On March 11, 2004, a report for processing exclusion applications was received by Council outlining land use considerations. Council resolved to continue their current practice of referring all applications to the Agricultural Land Commission with the provision that applicants and the Commission be advised that land use decisions will continue to be directed by Council. The following land use implications of the proposed exclusion need to be considered: The Applicant has not explicitly indicated the owner's redevelopment plans for the subject property, should it be excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve. However, once excluded, its permitted uses will no longer be restricted by the Agricultural Land Commission Act. It is anticipated that the owner's intention is to use the land for uses other than rural residential or agricultural. Although adjacent to urban residential development to the west in the Cottonwood neighborhood, this subject property is currently designated for Agricultural Use. Under the existing Official Community Plan, the land is not considered available for urban residential use. • The proposed exclusion of this property from the ALR and its potential residential redevelopment is inconsistent with the goals of the Livable Region Strategic Plan and the Regional Context Statement adopted by the District in the Official Community Plan. This application is in an area which lies outside the urban area boundary and is designated as Green Zone in the Livable Region Strategic Plan. Maple Ridge must consider the four fundamental strategies of the Livable Region Strategic Plan (LSRP) when considering future development: Protection of the Green Zone; Building of complete communities; Achievement of a compact metropolitan region, and Increased transportation choice. • The Official Community Plan is currently under review. 'While designations may change as a result of that review there is no guarantee that this property will be designated for urban residential development upon conclusion of the Official Community Plan. -3- • The land use implications and development pressures that will occur for excluded properties that do not become designated for urban purposes during the process of the Official Community Plan review may be a consideration. Although disappointed at this outcome, many applicants will still have expectations for redevelopment in the longer term. Both properties are eligible for sewer connections under Policy No. 9.02, which was adopted in November, 1993. This policy grants permission for sewer connection to all property owners within the Agricultural Land Reserve whose property abuts an existing lateral sewer line. It also makes provisions for extending services where public health is a concern and Agricultural Land Commission permission is granted. This policy is intended to provide a single connection to each existing parcel, and should not be considered a means to facilitate further subdivision. Both properties would require an application to the Greater Vancouver Sewer and Drainage District Board for inclusion in the Fraser Sewer Area to allow servicing to an urban standard. Similarly, an application to the Greater Vancouver Regional District to amend the Green Zone boundaries would be required for both properties prior to permitting an urban style of development. There is no guarantee that such applications would be approved. CONCLUSION: Based on the recommendation contained within the report titled Processing of Applications for Exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve during the Official Community Plan Review, dated March 1 1 th, 2004 and the resolution from Council dated March 23 w, 2004, it is recommended the application AL/043/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission. 4v Prepared by: Bruce McLeod Technician by:kne PicJrtn1'cIMCIP Approved by: / Frank QuinnP.Eng., PMP / GM: P blic Wo & Development Services Concurrence: J. L. (Jim) Rule Chief Adrbinistrative Officer -4- a, 11829 46 11825 A 950 51 11805 .11830 EP 11375 P123165 52 1181 53 11787 8 39 27 I38 I P1973 11773 11 40 PO4 11765 11793 41 30 P 20411 C 11711 P 23322 B P13265 Subject Properties 11693 A D 35 i. . Iml K°- 65 (0 (0 P66257 0 F 36 11623 PARK 11630 I I 1 11596 5 1 I 1i597 11592 C.0 1.011591 Z 6 00 W 2 iisosj 11587 Pt.8 77( District of ., Pitt Meadows / iIJ saervaHeY ' 11748 — 240 St — - CORPORATION OF / T/°-1 THE DISTRICT OF N 9 '° MAPLE RIDGE MAPLE RIDGE Incorporated 12, September. 1874 PLANNING DEPARTMENT SCALE 1 2 500 — - 've - - DATE Apr 27 2004 AL1043104 BY JV ek MAPLE RIDGE CORPORATION OF THE Incorporated 12 September, 1874 DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 9, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: AL1044104 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C of W SUBJECT: Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve 23613 124 Avenue & 12349 237 Street EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: An application has been received under Section 30(1) of the Agricultural Land Commission Act to exclude approximately 15.25 hectares of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant's submission conforms with the notice of application requirements of the Agricultural Land Commission. RECOMMENDATION: That application AL/044/04 respecting property located at 23613 124tI Avenue and 12349 237tl Street, be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints on the property as outlined in the report dated June 9th, 2004. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: Applicant: Owner: Legal Description: OCP Existing: Zoning Existing: Surrounding Uses North: South: East: West: Existing Use of Property: Access: Donada Industries Ltd. Earl M. Bremner. Rae-Glenn International Developmentinc, Donada Industries Ltd. Parcel "D", (RP4863) E V2 Section 21, Township 12, Except: North 9.32 chains, and Parcel "G" (RP7 168) of the NEI/4 and of the SEI/4 Section 21, Township 12, both of New Westminster District Agricultural RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) RS-2 (One Family Suburban Residential) RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) 124th Avenue, 237th Street The two properties front different streets, one is accessed off of 124 th Avenue east 0f232nd Street the other is accessed at the intersection of 23 7th Street and 123rd Avenue. 910,5' Application AL/044/04 has been received to exclude the subject properties from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant has satisfied all "notice of exclusion" requirements under Section 5 of B.C. Regulation 313/78 (Agricultural Land Reserve Procedure Regulation). The notice requests written comments be forwarded to the District of Maple Ridge. To date two letters been received by the Planning Department and are attached to this memo. Rural Plan In October 1997 the Rural Plan Advisory Committee '(RPAC) completed their final report. The subject site is in Sub Area B. Recommendations for proposed changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve in this area was limited to the exclusion from the ALR and incorporation into the urban area those lots in Area 2 of the ALR west of 232'" Street from north of the urban boundary to 1281h Avenue. This formed Recommendation No. 3 in the report. In Part 7 Area Recommendations of the Rural Plan Report the committee could not resolve the use emphasis and parcel sizes it would recommend for Sub Area B. The entire Sub Area B was determined to be a controversial area and as unresolved it was decided to present the reasonable options the Committee reviewed for Council consideration. Sub Area B Controversial Area: The Entire Sub Area. Sub Area B is bisected by 232 Street and will be bisected by Abernethy Way. Thus there are 3 natural sub-areas: BI West 0f232fld Street B2 East of 232' Street and North of Abernethy Way (note the subject properties for application AL/044/04 are located within this sub-area) B3 East of 232nd Street and South of Abernethy Way Option 1: Remove Bi, B2 and B3 from the ALR and designate: B 1 for attachment to adjoining urban residential area with V2 acre transition buffering along 232nd Street and 132nd Avenue, B2 for attachment to adjoining rural residential area at existing zoning density, and B3 as future Urban Reserve. As a variation, B2 and B3 designation could be interchanged. Option 2: B 1 Remove from the ALR and designate for attachment to adjoining urban area with V2 acre transition buffering along 232 nd Street and 132nd Avenue. B2 Retain in ALR and Provide for rural/residential emphasis at a density of 5 acres. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. B3 Retain in ALR. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture and to provide siting/setbacks for view corridors. Option 3: BI Remove from the ALR and designate for attachment to adjoining urban area with V2 acre transition buffering along 232nd Street and 132" Avenue. B2 Retain in ALR. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. B3 Retain in ALR. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agricTilture andlo -2- The Committee voted and there was a split decision on Option 2 and Option 3. In January 1998 the Summary of Council Decisions on Implementation of the Rural Plan was issued. In this document the action taken by Council was to not agree with Recommendation No.3 that is the exclusion of the lands as described as sub area Bi. Regarding the action required on the Sub Area recommendations, Council made several amendments to Option 3 and agreed to amend Option 3 as follows: Option 3: Bi Retain in the ALR, no transition zoning B2 Retain in the ALR. Adopt a Farm By-law to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. B3 Retain in the ALR. Adopt a Farm By-law to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. The properties that are the subject of application AL/044/04 are located within the B2 sub-area. Project Description: The applicant has not stated any redevelopment plans. Planning Analysis: On March 11, 2004, a report for processing exclusion applications was received by Council outlining land use considerations. Council resolved to continue their current practice of referring all applications to the Agricultural Land Commission with the provision that applicants and the Commission be advised that land use decisions will continue to be directed by Council. The following land use implications of the proposed exclusion need to be considered: The Applicant has not explicitly indicated the owner's redevelopment plans for the subject property, should it be excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve. However, once excluded, its permitted uses will no longer be restricted by the Agricultural Land Commission Act. It is anticipated that the owner's intention is to use the land for uses other than rural residential or agricultural. The subject property is currently designated for Agricultural Use. Under the existing Official Community Plan, the land is not considered available for urban use. The proposed exclusion of this property from the ALR and its potential residential redevelopment is inconsistent with the goals of the Livable Region Strategic Plan and the Regional Context Statement adopted by the District in the Official Community Plan. This application is in an area which lies outside the urban area boundary and is designated as Green Zone in the Livable Region Strategic Plan. Maple Ridge must consider the four fundamental strategies of the Livable Region Strategic Plan (LSRP) when considering future development: Protection of the Green Zone; Building of complete communities; Achievement of a compact metropolitan region, and Increased transportation choice. -3- • The Official Community Plan is currently under review. While designations may change as a result of that review there is no guarantee that this property will be designated for urban development upon conclusion of the Official Community Plan. • The land use implications and development pressures that will occur for excluded properties that do not become designated for urban purposes during the process of the Official Community Plan review may be a consideration. Although disappointed at this outcome, many applicants will still have expectations for redevelopment in the longer term. Both properties are eligible for sewer connection under Policy No. 9.02, which was adopted in November, 1993. This policy grants permission for sewer connection to all property owners within the Agricultural Land Reserve whose property abuts an existing lateral sewer line. It also makes provisions for extending services where public health is a concern and Agricultural Land Commission permission is granted. This policy is intended to provide a single connection to each existing parcel, and should not be considered a means to facilitate further subdivision. Both properties would require an application to the Greater Vancouver Sewer and Drainage District Board for inclusion in the Fraser Sewer Area to allow servicing to an urban standard. Similarly, an application to the Greater Vancouver Regional District to amend the Green Zone boundaries would be required for both properties prior to permitting an urban style of development. There is no guarantee that such applications would be approved. CONCLUSION: Based on the recommendation contained within the report titled Processing of Applications for Exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve during the Official Community Plan Review, dated March 1 1 th, 2004 and the resolution from Council dated March 23rd 2004, it is recommended the application AL1044104 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission. Prepared by: Bruce McLeod Technician \ by:..4e PickerJ!1g,_M D)rectpEiiLPlaijillng / Approved by./ Frank Quinn, P.Eng., PMP Public Works & Development Services Concurrence: J. LI (Jim) Rule Chikf Administrative Officer BMclibjc -4- Subject Properties District of - Pitt Meadows Jr- )ock 12349-237 St 712 CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF 1C MAPLE RIDGE MAPLE RIDGE Incorporated 12, September, 1874 PLANNING DEPARTMENT SCALE 1:5000 - District of Langley DATE: Apr 27, 2004 AL1044/04 BY: JV • A A Y ~X;~ v. /Sf J -( r 41 4-- April 5, 2004 E. & K. Cleven 12664 - 235th Street Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 0R5 RE: NOTICE OF EXCLUSION APPLICATI LAND IN THE AGRICULTURAL LANE We, Rae-Glenn International Development 237th Street, Maple Ridge, B.C. & Donadal Highway, Maple Ridge, B.C. intend on maki Section 30 (1) of the Agricultural Land Corn, Agricultural Land Reserve the following pi as: PLAN RP4863 LAND DISTRICT 37 SE PARCEL D, PART E1/2 EXCEPT PLA! PLAN RP7168 LAND DISTRICT 37 SE PARCELGPARTE1/2 r.. tc(-4-r ki ftE 40 ni 4z ( - c-i'1-41-: i,vc Lr ~( O1 QT? _97 and located at 12349 - 237th Street Maple Ridge, B.C. & 23613 - 124th Avenue, Maple Ridge, B.C.. Any persons wishing to express an interest in the application may do so by forwarding their comments in writing to, Planning Department, District of Maple Ridge, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 6A9 by April 21, 2004. Agenfbr Regj.tered Owners Donada lrustries Ltd. RECE WED AflF' ' r U rr\ April 14, 2004 MAPLE RIDGE PLANNING DEPARTMENT Planning Department, District of Maple Ridge. Re: Notice of exclusion application regarding land in the agricultural land reserv Properties at 12349237th and 23613124th Ave. Our property located at 23570 124 th Ave. at far east boundary adjoins the property at 23613124th Ave. We have been on this land since 1975. We would like to go on record as opposed to the exclusion application for the above stated properties. We wish to express our concerns first for the environment and to speak on behalf of the wildlife in this area. The family of deer, we have seen at least five that travel regularly, the two different families of coyote (6 in one group and 4 in the other) the pheasants, the mother bear and her cubs, the red tail hawk family that has been around for many years prior to 1975. Also, there are the barn owls that hunt in these fields and thousands of birds that come to eat seed and so many insects. We understand that there is a stream or waterway on the property and ask that you consider the impact that any development would have on this natural resource. Further, at one time this area was slated as a corridor for the wildlife to reach the Fraser River; what ever happened to that plan? Also our neighbor has indicated that part of her property would be left to the city as park, this area also joins onto the above property. This area has long been designated for farming and agricultural use. We are well aware that these farm lands have gone up in value, and also understand the financial benefit that any development would bring. However, we are strongly opposed to the destruction that such development would bring to the natural habitat found on these farm lands, and fUrther the long term destruction of the limited farm land left in this municipality would cause untold problems for the future of Maple Ridge. it is the beauty of the rolling hills and farm lands that attracts many to this area. What then will be the advertised features we will use to attract tourists to come to our city? Will we highlight our growing new features that such urban development is bringing, inner city ghettos, pollution, insufficient infrastructure, increased crime rates and children playing in the streets? Welcome to Maple Ridge the home of historical farm land, and future chaos. Yours sincerely, Harry & Josephine Bissky Hazel Bissky & Tom Bissky Cathy Hiebert & Wade Hiebert CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 9, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: AL/045/04 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C of W SUBJECT: Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve 12146 237 Street EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: An application has been received under Section 30(1) of the Agricultural Land Commission Act to exclude approximately 1.3 hectares of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant's submission conforms with the notice of application requirements of the Agricultural Land Commission. RECOMMENDATION: That application AL/045/04 respecting property located at12146 237th Street, be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints on the property are as outlined in the report dated June 9th, 2004. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: Applicant: Donada Industries Ltd. Owner: Sharon G. Malloy Legal Description: Lot 1, Section 21, Township 12, Plan 5812, NWD OCP Existing: Agricultural Zoning Existing: RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) Surrounding Uses North: RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) South: RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) East: RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) West: A-1 (Small Holding Agricultural) Existing Use of Property: RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) Access: 237th Street This property is located on the east side of 237 th Street north of Dewdney Tmnk Road. fo Application AL/045/04 has been received to exclude the subject property from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant has satisfied all "notice of exclusion" requirements under Section 5 of B.C. Regulation 313/78 (Agricultural Land Reserve Procedure Regulation). The notice requests written comments be forwarded to the District of Maple Ridge. To date no letters have been received by the Planning Department. Rural Plan In October 1997 the Rural Plan Advisory Committee (RPAC) completed their final report. The subject site is in Sub Area B. Recommendations for proposed changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve in this area was limited to the exclusion from the ALR and incorporation into the urban area those lots in Area 2 of the ALR west of 232" Street from north of the urban boundary to 128th Avenue. This formed Recommendation No. 3 in the report. In Part 7 Area Recommendations of the Rural Plan Report the committee could not resolve the use emphasis and parcel sizes it would recommend for Sub Area B. The entire Sub Area B was determined to be a controversial area and as unresolved it was decided to present the reasonable options the Committee reviewed for Council consideration. Sub Area B Controversial Area: The Entire Sub Area. Sub Area B is bisected by 232"" Street and will be bisected by Abernethy Way. Thus there are 3 natural sub-areas: Bi West of 232 fl" Street B2 East of 232"" Street and North of Abernethy Way B3 East of 232"" Street and South of Abernethy Way (note the subject site for AL/045/04 is located within this sub-area) Option 1: Remove B 1, B2 and B3 from the ALR and designate: B 1 for attachment to adjoining urban residential area with '/2 acre transition buffering along 232nd Street and 132nd Avenue, B2 for attachment to adjoining rural residential area at existing zoning density, and B3 as future Urban Reserve. As a variation, B2 and B3 designation could be interchanged. Option 2: B I Remove from the ALR and designate for attachment to adjoining urban area with '/2 acre transition buffering along 232nd Street and 132"" Avenue. B2 Retain in ALR and Provide for rural/residential emphasis at a density of 5 acres. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. B3 Retain in ALR. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture and to provide siting/setbacks for view corridors. Option 3: B 1 Remove from the ALR and designate for attachment to adjoining urban area with V2 acre transition buffering along 232"" Street and 132"" Avenue. B2 Retain in ALR. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. -2- B3 Retain in ALR. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture and to provide siting/setbacks for view corridors. The Committee voted and there was a split decision on Option 2 and Option 3. In January 1998 the Summary of Council Decisions on Implementation of the Rural Plan was issued. In this document the action taken by Council was to not agree with Recommendation No.3 that is the exclusion of the lands as described as sub area ff1. Regarding the action required on the Sub Area recommendations, Council made several amendments to Option 3 and agreed to amend Option 3 as follows: Option 3: Bi Retain in the ALR, no transition zoning B2 Retain in the ALR. Adopt a Farm By-law to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. B3 Retain in the ALR. Adopt a Farm By-law to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. The subject site for this application AL/045/04 is located within the B3 sub-area. Project Description: The applicant has not stated any redevelopment plans. Planning Analysis: On March 11, 2004, a report for processing exclusion applications was received by Council outlining land use considerations. Council resolved to continue their current practice of referring all applications to the Agricultural Land Commission with the provision that applicants and the Commission be advised that land use decisions will continue to be directed by Council. The following land use implications of the proposed exclusion need to be considered: The Applicant has not explicitly indicated the owner's redevelopment plans for the subject property, should it be excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve. However, once excluded, its permitted uses will no longer be restricted by the Agricultural Land Commission Act. It is anticipated that the owner's intention is to use the land for uses other than rural residential or agricultural. The subject property is currently designated for Agricultural Use. Under the existing Official Community Plan, the land is not considered available for uses other than agricultural. The proposed exclusion of this property from the ALR and its potential redevelopment is inconsistent with the goals of the Livable Region Strategic Plan and the Regional Context Statement adopted by the District in the Official Community Plan. This application is in an area which lies outside the urban area boundary and is designated as Green Zone in the Livable Region Strategic Plan. Maple Ridge must consider the four fundamental strategies of the Livable Region Strategic Plan (LSRP) when considering future development: Protection of the Green Zone; Building Of complete communities; Achievement of a compact metropolitan region, and Increased transportation choice. -3- • The Official Community Plan is currently under review. While designations may change as a result of that review there is no guarantee that this property will be designated for urban development upon conclusion of the Official Community Plan. • The land use implications and development pressures that will occur for excluded properties that do not become designated for urban purposes during the process of the Official Community Plan review may be a consideration. Although disappointed at this outcome, many applicants will still have expectations for redevelopment in the longer term. • The property is eligible to have a sewer connection provided under Policy No. 9.02, which was adopted in November, 1993. This policy grants permission for sewer connection to all property owners within the Agricultural Land Reserve whose property abuts an existing lateral sewer line. It also makes provisions for extending services where public health is a concern and Agricultural Land Commission permission is granted. This policy is intended to provide a single connection to each existing parcel, and should not be considered a means to facilitate further subdivision. This property would require an application to the Greater Vancouver Sewer and Drainage District Board for inclusion in the Fraser Sewer Area to allow servicing to an urban standard. Similarly, an application to the Greater Vancouver Regional DistTict to amend the Green Zone boundaries would be required for this property prior to permitting an urban style of development. There is no guarantee that such applications would be approved. CONCLUSION: Based on the recommendation contained within the report titled Processing of Applications for Exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve during the Official Community Plan Review, dated March 1 1 th, 2004 and the resolution from Council dated March 23'', 2004, it is recommended the application AL/045/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission. Prepared by: Bruce McLeod LandscaveXlannine Technician ng Approved bjy' Frank Quinn, P.Eng., PMP / GM: Public Works & Development Services Concurrence: J. Administrative Officer -4- 2250 Rem 1 ----- ---.- - CN 12301 LMP 3162 28 29 30 27 31 34 , 23801 'V 33 / 26 ,32 " 23 - 25 'C't SK2613 'C' 'C'24 22 6 12218 20 _1 c,. , 7 4 19 , 8 18 17 " 9 36 P72342 '82 10 2 12 3 15 1.2 2''', 14 13 1 2146 12161 1 LMP 39851 12111 / Subject Property co LMP 2 V ?094 )071 ° 12073 V o 12069 12057 12057 I LMP 3003 1 Co fl18 765 15 12073 2 12OBAVE s 7 T22-23 '24 'il 2 5 2 6 -- =9 - 19 2 0 L M P1 MP LIMP IL 71 i7ffi0ii2 16[7i81902i .... ti Pitt 1 12146 - 237 St / o N 18 7H MAPLE RIDGE MAPLE RIDGE Incorporated 12. September, 1874 PLANNING DEPARTMENT N SCALE 12500 DATE: Apr 27, 2004 AL1045/04 BY: JV Z)a an CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 9, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: AL/046/04 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C of W SUBJECT: Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve 12212, 12230, 12296 - 248 Street, 12225, 12245, 12265 250 Street EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: An application has been received under Section 30(1) of the Agricultural Land Commission Act to exclude approximately 8.0 hectares of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant's submission conforms with the notice of application requirements of the Agricultural Land Commission. RECOMMENDATION: That application AL/046/04 respecting property located at 12212, 12230, 12296 - 248 Street, 12225, 12245, 12265 250 Street, be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints on the property are as outlined in the report dated June 9th, 2004. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: Applicant: Four Corners Urban Design And Town Planning, Ross Blackwell Owner: David J. Thordarson, Arleen F. Wagner-Thordarson, Glen P. Cawthra, Amy Cawthra Allen T. Kruchowski, Cynthia J. Kruchowski Jerzy Lesiczka, Elizabeth Lesiczka Maurice F. Staudt, Dianne M. Staudt John H. Taylor, Barbara J. Gervais Legal Description: Lot 102, Plan 64098; Lot 1, Plan 71091; Lot A, Plan 87852; Lot B, Plan 87852; E V2 Parcel 1(RP 10087) of N V2 of Lot "B" of Lot 7, Plan 7250; Lot 89 & 90, Plan 29630 all of Sec. 23, Tp 12, NWD OCP Existing: Agricultural Zoning Existing: RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) Surrounding Uses 107 North: South: East: West: Existing Use of Property: Access: Previous Applications: RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) & RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) 248th Street, 7501h Street ALR/7/84, ALRJ4/86, ALRJ4/93, ALRI60/99 Four of the seven properties included in this application are located 0ff248th1 Street, with three properties located 0ff250th Street all north of Dewdney Trunk Road. Application AL/046/04 has been received to exclude the subject properties from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant has satisfied all "notice of exclusion" requirements under Section 5 of B.C. Regulation 313/78 (Agricultural Land Reserve Procedure Regulation). The notice requests written comments be forwarded to the District of Maple Ridge. To date the Planning Department has received five letters, four in opposition, one requesting additional information and a petition with 98 signatures opposed to the exclusion of the subject properties from the Agricultural Land Reserve. Copies of the letters and petition are attached to this memo. Project Description: The applicant has not stated any redevelopment plans in their application. Planning Analysis: Previous Applications Four of the seven parcels included in this application were the subject of a previous application ALRI60/99. Council at that time had authorized this application to proceed to the Commission with a record of the deliberations of the application and a further recommendation that the land not be excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve. On August 12th 2003 the Commission, after viewing the site and meeting the applicant, decided to refuse the application by resolution #364/2003. A copy of the report and an addendum report prepared for Council for this application is attached to this memo. In three previous applications involving lots in the current application the Commission has refused exclusion based on: good agricultural potential subject to improved agricultural capability ratings exclusion of land would lead to subdivision and infiltration of urban land uses with a negative effect on agricultural potential, and exclusion of one property would create substantial pressure for further exclusion of ALR lands in the surrounding area. -2- On March 11, 2004, a report for processing exclusion applications was received by Council outlining land use considerations. Council resolved to continue their current practice of referring all applications to the Agricultural Land Commission with the provision that applicants and the Commission be advised that land use decisions will continue to be directed by Council. The following land use implications of the proposed exclusion need to be considered: The Applicant has not explicitly indicated the owner's redevelopment plans for the subject property, should it be excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve. However, once excluded, its permitted uses will no longer be restricted by the Agricultural Land Commission Act. It is anticipated that the owner's intention is to use the land for uses other than rural residential or agricultural. The subject property is currently designated for Agricultural Use. Under the existing Official Community Plan, the land is not considered available for uses other than agricultural. The proposed exclusion of these properties from the ALR and their potential redevelopment is inconsistent with the goals of the Livable Region Strategic Plan and the Regional Context Statement adopted by the District in the Official Community Plan. This application is in an area which lies outside the urban area boundary and is designated as Green Zone in the Livable Region Strategic Plan. Maple Ridge must consider the four fundamental strategies of the Livable Region Strategic Plan (LSRP) when considering future development: Protection of the Green Zone; Building of complete communities; Achievement of a compact metropolitan region, and Increased transportation choice. • The Official Community Plan is currently under review. While designations may change as a result of that review there is no guarantee that these properties will be designated for urban development upon conclusion of the Official Community Plan. • The land use implications and development pressures that will occur for excluded properties that do not become designated for urban purposes during the process of the Official Community Plan review may be a consideration. Although disappointed at this outcome, many applicants will still have expectations for redevelopment in the longer term. Five of the properties have a sewer connection and two properties are eligible to receive sewer connections provided under Policy No. 9.02, which was adopted in November, 1993. This policy grants permission for sewer connection to all property owners within the Agricultural Land Reserve whose property abuts an existing lateral sewer line. It also makes provisions for extending services where public health is a concern and Agricultural Land Commission permission is granted. This policy is intended to provide a single connection to each existing parcel, and should not be considered a means to facilitate further subdivision. This property would require an application to the Greater Vancouver Sewer and Drainage District Board for inclusion in the Fraser Sewer Area to allow servicing to an urban standard. Similarly, an application to the Greater Vancouver Regional District to amend the Green -3- Zone boundaries would be required for this property prior to permitting an urban style of development. There is no guarantee that such applications would be approved. CONCLUSION: Based on the recommendation contained within the report titled Processing of Applications for Exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve during the Official Community Plan Review, dated March 11th, 2004 and the resolution from Council dated March 231d1, 2004, it is recommended the application AL/046/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission. Prepared by: Bruce anning Techncian Apj,roved b-ne Pj-MtP, MCIP Dire tor of Plannin Approved by: 'frrank Quinn, P.Eng., PMP / GM: Public Works & Development Services Concurrence: J.L. Administrative Officer BMcL/bj c -4- District of j t Pitt Meadows - - - - SIver VIIey — I!, SCALE 1.3000 DATE: Apr 27, 2004 AL1046/04 BY: JV ORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: His Worship Mayor Al Hogarth DATE: April 17, 2001 and Members of Council FILE NO: ALRJ60/99 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Committee of the Whole SUBJECT: ALR/60/99 (address 12212, 12230248th Street, and 12225, 12245250th Street) Purpose: An application has been received under Section 15(1) of the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Act for the exclusion of approximately 3.8 ha. of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Authorization by resolution of the local municipal government is required before this application can proceed to the Land Reserve Commission (LRC). As the application does not satisfy the current Council policy, and no new and compelling information has been provided since the previous application was considered, Staff recommend this application not be authorized to proceed to the LRC. Recommendation: That application ALRJ60/99 (for property located at 12212, 12230248t Street and 12225, 12245- 250tI Street) for exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve as described in the memorandum dated April 2001, not be authorized to proceed to the Land Reserve Commission. Background: Applicant: David Thordarson Owner: DJ Thordarson & AF Wagner-Thordarson JH Taylor & BJ Gervais GJ Kruchkowski & CA Kruchkowski Legal Description: AT Kruchowski Lot 102 Section 23 TWP 12 NWD Plan 64098 Lot I Section 23 TWP 12 NWD Plan 71091 Lot A Section 23 TWP 12 NWD Plan 87852 Lot B Section 23 TWP 12 NWD Plan 87852 Agriculture RS-1 One Family Urban Residential RS- 1 One Family Urban Residential RS-1 One Family Urban Residential RS-1 One Family Urban Residential RS-1 One Family Urban Residential ALR'7/84, SD/15/85, ALR/4/86, SD/99/89, ALRI4/93 OCP Existing: Zoning Existing: Surrounding Uses: N: S: W: Access: 2481h Street, 250th Street Previous Applications: 9 An application has been received by the Planning Department to exclude approximately 3.8 ha. of land from the ALR. The applicant has satisfied all "notice of exclusion" requirements under Section 5 of B.C. Regulation 313/78(Agricultural Land Reserve Procedure Regulation). As a result of this notice, the Planning Department has received a letter in opposition to the application. A copy is attached to this memo. The 4 properties; range in size from 0.8 to 1.0 ha., are located north of 122' Avenue between 248 th and 250th Streets. All of the land is designated as agricultural on the OCP. Agricultural use is permitted on RS-1 zoned parcels greater than 0.4 ha that are within the ALR. Rural Plan: In October 1997 the Rural Plan Advisory Committee (RPAC) completed their final report. The subject site is in Sub-Area C, the density transfer proposal area. RPAC recommended as a solution to the zoning conflict of RS-1 lands in the ALR that a clustering and consolidation concept could be offered to those parcels zoned RS-1 in the ALR. In January 1998 the Summary of Council Decisions on Implementation of the Rural Plan was issued. Council agreed to Option 3 for Subarea C (l'ransition Area principles, page 46 of the Rural Plan) but the Agricultural Land Commission was not in agreement. The ALC indicated the Transition Area principles of Option 3 are in conflict with their position to see property consolidation that would return it to larger lots and offer greater agricultural potential. From page 26 of the Summary, Council agreed to accept Option 4 for Subarea C with th inclusion of the clustering/consolidation principle. Option 4 Retain in the ALR. Address the septic syst em failures by a minimal Local Improvement Petition sewer system. Adopt a Farm By-law to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. This application was received in September 1999 after completion of the Rural Plan and Summary of Council Decisions on Implementation. Early in 2000 Staff began work on drafting Land Reserve Policies and the next steps in implementing the Rural Plan. During this time period the applicant continued to discuss his proposal with Staff, who have explained the cluster and consolidation option to the applicant. District ALR. Policy: On August 22id 2000 Council adopted Agricultural Land Reserve Planning Policies, referring them on to the LRC for adoption and directed Staff to process outstanding applications according to the proposed new policies. From the report to Council: The applicant would be requested to participate in the Smith Avenue Density Transfer concept initiative. Outright exclusion of lands in this area was not agreed to during the Rural Plan. However, in the absence of any agreement on the Smith Avenue Density Transfer concept, this general location, because of recent ALR application histoty (ie ALR/4193), would not likely receive staff support unless it is based upon new and compelling information. The previous application was reviewed by the LRC and not supported for exclusion due to soil condition and the pressure it would bring on other similar areas. Once the Land Reserve Policies were adopted in August 2000, and it was evident there were two options for the applicant to pursue. Either revise the current application to demonstrate a clustering plan to provide a net benefit to agriculture, or proceed with the submission on the understanding that staff would bring it forward with a negative recommendation. The applicant advised staff in March 2001 that he did not want to pursue clustering and consolidation to achieve the concept of density transfer with a possible net benefit to agriculture. Previous Application: The most recent exclusion application, ALRJ4/93 was for Lot B, approximately 0.9 hectare of the 3.8 hectares under consideration in the current application. The LRC stated the following in their refusal of the application: The Commission noted that the subject property possesses good agricultural potential based on its improved agricultural capability ratings. Since the exclusion of this land would inevitably lead to its subdivision, and thus the infiltration of urban land uses, the agricultural potential ofyour property would be negatively affected. In addition, it is the Commission 's view that the exclusion ofyour property would create substantial pressure forfurther exclusion ofALR lands in the surrounding area. This rationale is consistent with Commission decisions to deny approval for exclusion on two earlier applications. Intergovernmental Issues: If authorized by Council this application will be referred to the Land Reserve Commission. Environmental Implications: N/A Citizen/Customer Implications: Should the application be authorized to proceed to the Land Reserve Commission, a precedent will be set that may raise the expectation of others who wish to seek exclusion from the ALR. Interdepartmental Implications: N/A Financial Implications: N/A Alternatives: The alternative is to resubmit the application, achieve the density transfer discussed during the Rural Plan, and demonstrate a net benefit to agriculture through clustering and consolidation. Summary: Based on current Council policy, the refusal to pursue the concept of density transfer, and there being no reference to new or compelling information to question previous LRC decisions, it is recommended that application ALRJ60/99 not be authorized to proceed to the Land Reserve Commission. Prepared by: Bruce McLeod, ISA Certified Arborist Landscape/Planning Technician :fe Approved by: A m ctin0 ectOr of P ing Approved by: Frank Quinn, P.Eng., PMP GM: Public Works & Development Services Concurrence: Robert W. Robertson, AICP, MCIP Chief Administrative Officer S 24883- 122 Avenue Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1Z8 July 25, 1999 District of Maple Ridge Council and Planning Department 11995 Haney Place Maple Ridge V2X 6A9 Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing with respect to the application by David Thoradarson of 12212- 248 Street for an exemption from the Agricultural Land Reserve for his property. Briefly, for environmental and health reasons I do not support this application. As you are well aware, the amount of green space is very limited in Maple Ridge. My spouse and I purchased property abutting the property owned by Mr. Thoradaarson because we have a high respect for the environment. This aforementioned property is a natural habitat for wildlife and plant species and, as such, it is an unassuming area that contributes to the peace and tranquility of the community. To remove this property from the ALR is contradictory to the concern for biodiVersity, a concern that all Canadians should bear in mind. In a very insidious way this is a threat to human health. Additionally, to remove with ease any land that was designated a part of the ALR would minimize the serious intent of government to demonstrate concern for ecology. In short, it is a mockery. In closing, I urge you to place the ecological determinant of health first, not be short-sighted in degradation of our environment and to rethink the attempt to support profit at the expense of ecology since green space is a very special commodity. Sincerely, ,. Rose Marie -..... 4 ... r JU1271999 MAPLE RIDGE PLANNING DEPARTMENLJ CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: His Worship Mayor Al Hogarth DATE: July 3, 2001 and Members of Council FILE NO: ALR/60/99 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Committee of the Whole SUBJECT: ALRJ60/99 (address 12212, 122302481h St., and 12225, 12245250th St.) Addendum report Purpose: An application has been received under Section 15(1) of the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Act for the exclusion of approximately 3.8 ha. of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The subject site is in Rural Plan Sub-Area C, the density transfer proposal area, where a cluster and consolidation development concept might be considered by the Commission if a net benefit to agriculture could be demonstrated. On June 4, 2001 Council deferred application ALR/60/99 pending the receipt of additional information on the density transfer option. Recommendation: That this report be received for information; and That application ALR160199 (for property located at 12212, 12230_248th Street and 12225, 122452501h Street) for exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve as described in the memorandum dated July 3, 2001, not be authorized to proceed to the Land Reserve Commission. Background: Applicant: Owner: Legal Description: OCP Existing: Zoning Existing: Surrounding Uses: N: S: W: Access: 248 0 Street, 250th Street David Thordarson DJ Thordarson & AF Wagner-Thordarson JR Taylor & BJ Gervais GJ Kruchkowski & CA Kruchkowski AT Kruchowski Lot 102 Section 23 TWP 12 NWD Plan 64098 Lot 1 Section 23 TWP 12 NWD Plan 71091 Lot A Section 23 TWP 12 NWD Plan 87852 Lot B Section 23 TWP 12 NWD Plan 87852 Agriculture RS-1 One Family Urban Residential RS- 1 One Family Urban Residential RS- 1 One Family Urban Residential RS-1 One Family Urban Residential RS-1 One Family Urban Residential Previous Applications: ALRJ7/84, SD/15185, ALR/4/86, SD/99/89, ALRJ4/93 Background: The subject application involves 4 properties (2.0 - 2.5 acres in size) located in Sub-Area C of the Rural Plan where it was recommended by the Rural Plan Advisoiy Committee (RPAC) that a clustering and consolidation concept be considered for this area of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). In 1998 the Land Reserve Commission (LRC) indicated they might consider density transfer in this area of the ALR. Their position was that they wanted to see property consolidation that would return the area to larger lots providing greater agricultural potential and a "net benefit to agriculture". In August of 2000 Council directed staff to invite the applicant to participate in the Smith Avenue Density Transfer Concept initiative since outright exclusion of lands in this area was not agreed to during the Rural Plan. In February 2001 the applicant was informed that he would need to provide a clustered plan of development or the application would go forward to Council with a negative recommendation. In March 2001 the applicant advised staff that he did not want to pursue clustering and consolidation. Intergovernmental Issues: If authorized by Council this application will be referred to the Land Reserve Commission (LRC) for their approval. Given the Commission's consideration of previous applications in this area staff expect that the LRC will want to see some benefit to agriculture demonstrated as part of this application. The following are a list of benefits to agriculture that the Commission works to try and achieve: Consolidation of small legal parcels in the ALR to create appropriately sized farm units. Inclusion into the ALR of areas that warrant inclusion (based on agricultural capability and/or farm use) either onsite or in close proximity (e.g. rationalization of ALR boundary) Increased productive capability by a number of means including: - farm infrastructure development such as drainage and irrigation works - rationalization of parcel boundaries - improved farm access Enhanced farm management by the creation of more rational farm parcels and units. Increased land utilization through the cancellation of excess rights-of-ways, roads, transmission lines and other utility corridors and the preclusion of additional homesites which would otherwise be allowed on individual legal parcels. Installation and maintenance of buffers to protect farmland from adjacent non-farm uses. Actual farm development through the sale or long term lease of a farm parcel to a bona fide farmer at a competitive farmland price or lease rate. Elimination of possible negative impacts to agriculture from an adjacent use through careful design and siting. D In talking with the LRC about what a density transfer concept (or cluster and consolidation) might look like the Commission provided the following hypothetical examples. Small Scale Example: (See attached map) PROPOSAL: To exclude 1 ha. of land from the ALR to construct a community centre. EXISTING USE: Pasture for grazing of sheep. Existing house and barn. EXISTING PARCEL SIZE: 8 ha. AGRICULTURAL CAPABILITY: Approximately 60% Class 4 and 40% Class 5 LRC DECISION: To allow exclusion of 1 ha. subject to: Re-design of parking area to orient away from land used for grazing. Installation offence and vegetative screen to buffer use from farm Inclusion of 2 ha. of land currently forming part of the farm unit into the ALR NET BENEFIT: Area allowed for exclusion represents a minimal loss to agriculture because of its location in a corner of the legal parcel and some previous site disturbance. Area included in the ALR has limited capability however it is currently used for agriculture (grazing) and forms part of the farm unit and also part of the legal parcel of which the remainder is in the ALR. Large Scale Example: (See attached map) PROPOSAL: To exclude 10 ha. of land from the ALR for a mixed use residential development EXISTING USE: Vacant land. Land was previously in a mixed farm use 15 years ago. EXISTING PARCEL SIZES: Total of 40 ha. comprising two 10 ha. parcels and ten 2 ha. parcels AGRICULTURAL CAPABILITY: Approx. 40% Class 2-3; 50% Class 4 and 10% Class 5 LRC DECISION: To refuse exclusion of 10 ha. as proposed. To allow exclusion of 8 ha. of poorer capability land (Class 4 & 5) adjacent to the ALR boundary and a designated urban development area subject to buffering (fence and vegetative screen); lower density development abutting the buffer and the ALR boundary; design of roads internal to the development to not lead into agricultural land or impede the movement of farm traffic; designation of a Development Permit Area adjacent to the ALR (in the area to be excluded from the ALR) to implement the buffer, and Exclusion of land to be subject to legal consolidation of remainders of twelve legal parcels into one legal parcel of approximately 32 ha. Exclusion of land to be subject to the development of a drainage scheme for the developed area including the installation of retention ponds to direct water away from low-lying farmland. NET BENEFIT: Area allowed for exclusion is a ridge which is physically separated from the remainder of the land and has generally lower capability. It is also located next to a developing urban area where it may be difficult to achieve an appropriate buffer on lands outside the ALR. The loss of land from the ALR is off-set by the consolidation of the twelve remaining parcels in the ALR to create one large parcel which is better suited to a range of farm crops. The creation of a buffer and lower density uses adjacent to the ALR will reduce the potential for negative conflict between urban and farm uses and will create a visible urban boundary. The development of a drainage scheme will reduce storm water management problems for low-lying farmland within the ALR. Given that the Commission's refusal to support the exclusion of 0.9 hectares of the 3.8 hectares currently under application (ALR/4/93) for the following reasons: The Commission noted that the subject property possesses good agricultural potential based on its improved agricultural capability ratings. Since the exclusion of this land would inevitably lead to its subdivision, and thus the infiltration of urban land uses, the agricultural potential ofyour property would be negatively affected. In addition, it is the Commission 's view that the exclusion ofyour property would create substantial pressure for further exclusion ofALR lands in the surrounding area. Staff expect that any application forwarded to the Commission without a development concept that considers some sort of density transfer would be refused by the Commission. Alternatives: The alternative is to resubmit the application, achieve the density transfer discussed during the Rural Plan, and demonstrate a net benefit to agriculture through clustering and consolidation. Summary: Based on current Council policy, the applicant's refusal to pursue the concept of density transfer, and the absence of any new or compelling information to question previous LRC decisions, it is recommended that application ALRJ60/99 not be authorized to proceed to the Land Reserve Commission. Prepared Acting Direefor of Pla g Approved by: Brock McDonald Acting GM: Public Works & Development Services Concurrence. Robert W. Robertson, AICP, MCIP Chief Administrative Officer Net Benefit to Agriculture Policy Small Scale Before Decision House Proposed Community Centre i'Non'-ALR I Land Proposed Parking Area Excluded L,UHUIIUI liLy From ALR (1 ha) Centre Net Benei t to Agriculture Policy Large Scale Non-ALR Urban '-, After Decision -. H 'f••"••• ALF 32ha Parcel - - - Non-ALR Urban Fence and Vegetative Screen (buffer within 1deveprnent permit area) V - - Area Excluded from ALR (8 ha) oad Low Density 00 U, S 1/2 of N1I2C 12356 12377 RS-3 SK 1589 S 1/2 C 12323 12304 12295 .1 t 98 90 RP10087 12296 E 1/2 1 CV 12275 10 _ L12248 89 00 J2(L P71091 RS-11 B P87852 12245 NJ Lri 12230 P64098 P87852 102 A r1,1 2 12225 12212 P179 4 P 17924 P1792 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 LILI_ILJLJLI 01 i i I 12136 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 48 4746 45 44 43 42 41 40 12153 12178 F1792 12169 - - - - - - - - - -__J P1792 12129 z - 9' 17944 21 22 23 24 25 Cn 26 27 28 29. 30 31 The Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge makes no guarantee regarding the accuracy o T5t5tatus.ohe information shown on N SUBJECT PROPERTIES A SeB9BPLANMNG DEPARTMENT SCALE 1 2 500 KEY MAP _____ DATE: Jul 3 2001 FILE ALR 60 99 BY RS • ••' -:-.- - '- ) -4., {5 - :. •. - --- -1 -_--'--. r - --'--• -• - ------ :>_- - _.. -' 4> *_ .- - _•-', - ''- - * - '•' C - 1 •. - - -C• - " e- L zi 5-'•_-c- ,—c - -!5•: --J :::'-J-:- ;j-•-' - i ;, -'-•-- RIM '- -. - - - Feb. 2, 2004 E JAN 29 2004 Mike Stefiuk 23820 120 B Ave. Maple Ridge, B.C. V4R 4X4 District Of Maple Ridge, Council & Planning Dept., Re: Notice of Exclusion Application Regarding Land in the Agricultural Land Reserve for the following addresses 12296, 12266, 12230, & 12212 248th Street and 12225, 12245 & 12265 250th Street Portions of this latest application were under application in the past, namely the 4 properties to the south under ALRJ60/99. The number of attempts ALRJ7/84, ALRJ4/86, ALR/4/93, ALRJ60/99, all being unsuccessful, must have some bearing on the feasibility of the properties having some agricultural potential, as stated in the staff report to C.O.W. (April 17, 2001) that ALRI60/99 not proceed to the ALC and the comments from the Agricultural Land Commission. Even though Council decided to forward that application to the ALC , the issue of the intention to apply again at this date, (meaning ALRJ60/99 failed) with the addition of neighbouring land oers only confirms the ALC refusal of ALR/4/93 stating that, "It is the Commissions view that the exclusion of the property would create substantial pressure for future exclusions of ALR lands in the surrounding area." In the staff report for ALRJ60/99 dated April 17, 2001, the mention of the OCP designation of the properties in question, are Designated Agricultural. In the OCP the definition of designation as on Page 14, 1.5.1 Discussion of Land Use Designations; A "designation" of land on an OCP map characterizes what use can be made of the land in the future. Municipal Council "designates" the types of activity that are appropriate for different areas. An OCP "designates" land for future use. It is the land use the Municipality would like to see over the next twenty years or more to assure orderly growth. If the properties are under the existing zoning of RS- I One Family Urban Residential but yet outside the urban boundaries of the OCP and the OCP designation (keep in mind the excerpts of the OCP (Pg. 14) noted above) of Agricultural (as stated in staff report of Apr. 17, 2001 for ALRJ60/99) than the District should inform the ALC that the land being "Desiiñated Agricultural" is the land use appropriate for the area and is the land use the Municipality would like to see over the next twenty years. In the staff report for ALRJ60/99 dated July 3, 2001 the examples of, clustering or consolidation, predict some form of development, yet retaining potential agricultural qualities for the larger portions of the properties , which if the applicant refused to pursue that option, what is the difference this time around? More land owners added to the application only expands the problem. The inclusion into the sewage system for the potentially large sub- division(of which there are no plans produced yet) and the other infrastructure to be installed to facilitate that development, the expansion of the urban footprint, the impact of the local watertable of the area, the impact of the storm sewer system in the local watercourses to the north and south, and the pressures on the neighbouring landowners only spells "Urban Sprawl", when on Page 1 of the OCP in Pt 1 - Background 1.1 Purpose of an OCP a statement, "In this way it helps to guide development away from inappropriate areas" and Page 26, "Issues - Settlement Patterns" being sidelined, the notion of existing urban areas in-fill will disappear,jeopardizing the rural lifestyle that makes Maple Ridge a special place to live. Copies to ; Agricultural Land Commission Planning Dept. District of Maple Ridge ,f/fqe J7 $i/ Mike Stefiuk )(ITPC 77D - Co&'c4 /2z2er Lmo 4Pe'i 17 er , 2 / i i) M Th y kZ AiTX41 fl-if e 17) (occ 0 h110 JU f ICE OF EXCLUSION APPLICATION NDiN 1] THE AGRICULTURAL LAN g properties owners: REGARDING RESERVE I---- - 3 I 9 I I ODE rrtri L?is1ri'c± F/pdjt' iiq'q Ha, p/w. 111 2)1 3)1 4)1 5)L 6)L ___ 7) LorT. Z3TWpTZNWIJPlãn 71091T .. 12230 - 248th Street Any person wishing to express an interest in the application may do so by forwarding their comments in writing to the District of Maple Ridge, 11995 Haney Place,; Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9, by February 4 2004. Al 1' 14 M In wh 1)l In ;i€ cit 1\7- ;L o t h5t . - N •• S - - \' \ ' I • •. .. Z1?a,Ift?? .3 is 122 AVENUE , ; ?: ; !k! I 23. TP P... ç. I —; 1 " RECEIVED February 2,2004 District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 6A9 To whom it may concern; FEB 0 5 2004 e /41 4t5 MAPLE RIDGE PLANNING DEPARTMENT This is in regard to the Notice of Exclusion Application regarding land in the Agricultural Land Reserve. Legal descriptions are as follows: E 1/2 of Parcel 1 (RP 10087) ofN 1/2 of Lot "B" of Lot 7, S.23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 7250-12265 - 250th St. Lot "A", S.23, Twp. 12 NWD Plan NWP87852-12225-250th St. Lot "B", S.23, Twp. 12 NWD Plan NWP87852-12245-250th St. Lot 102, S.23, Twp. 12 NWD Plan 64098-12212-248th St. Lot 90, S.23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630-12296-248th St. Lot 89, S.23, Twp. 12NWD Plan 29630-12266-248th St. Lot 1, S.23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 7109 1-12230-248th St. We would like to express our concerns about taking this land out of the A.L.R. The area is bordered by 248th St. and 250th St. and the backside of properties on 122nd Ave. It involvel9.5 acres. We reside at 12240 248th St. We purchased our property in July, 1999, mainly because of the green space behind and on one side of us, knowing it was in the A.L.R. and Maple Ridge Planning Dept. assured us that it would likely never be excluded. There are plans to change this to a single family subdivision for 18 homes. 248th St. was looked on as a quiet country road with horses, a great place to walk the dog and enjoy the beautiful scenery. With the development of Ailco Estates and once the prison re-opens, the already steady stream of traffic will increase. There are far too many speeders, (I have been passed in the school zone on several occasions). There are also dirt bikes illegally operated on this street at speeds in excess of 100 K.P.H. When walking the dog early in the morning you can presently see deer, bald eagles and other wildlife. With more and more housing this will become a thing of the past. There is less and less land left in the A.L.R. in Maple Ridge and nothing but housing developments everywhere you look. Having been on the wrong side of the Pitt River Bridge more than once on the commute to or from work, with the increase in housing it won't get better anytime soon. The peace and quiet of home used to make it tolerable. With wall to wall houses I don't see it improving anytime soon. Exclusion of more A.L.R. land and increasing the population will only deteriorate the beauty and tranquility of this bedroom community. Where will it stop? Mission? Yours truly, Concerned Citizens S4-t fyi-'A) 2 Susan Pynn 1) i 1 / Paul Pynn 24883-122 Ave Maple Ridge British Columbia V4R 1Z8 February 8, 2004 The District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place Maple Ridge, B.0 V2X 6A9 Dear Sir or Madam, This letter is written in response to the exclusion application regarding land in the Agricultural Land Reserve. The land in question is divided into the following lots: 1. E 1/2 of Parcel I (RP 10087) of N 1/2 of Lot "B" of Lot 7 S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 7250 12265250th Street Lot "A", S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan NWP87852 Lot "B", S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan NWP87852 Lot 102, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 64098 Lot 90, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630 Lot 89, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630 Lot 1, S. 23, Twp.12, NWD Plan 71091 12225250th Street 12245250th Street 12212248th Street 12296248th Street 12266248th Street 12230248th Street F E B 1 0 2004 We would not like to see this land excluded form the Agricultural Land Reserve. We think it crucial to preserve land in the A.L.R. The A.L.R was implemented for very important reasons, two of them being to help contain urban sprawl and to protect farmland from encroachment. The iandcwners state in their application that the basis for their request for exclusion of the properties from the AL.R is "extremely limited agricultural capability and lack of suitability for soil bound or non-soil bound forms of agriculture". We think the basis for this request is ludicrous and goes against the findings of the A.L.0 in a previous application. The property owners have obliviously made no attempt to do any in depth study as to the benefits their property has to agriculture. It is our understanding that there needs to be compelling evidence to warrant exclusion from the A.L.R. We would like our neighborhood to remain balanced and healthy thus we subscribe to sustainability. We, and others in our neighborhood, settled in this area for the quality Of life it provides. My wife and I attended the Study Circles held in 2003. Our study circle members agreed that some of the fundamental reasons for making this neighborhood our home are the silence, trees, terrain, wildlife, absence of rubber stamp housing subdivisions, and industry. We value these qualities very much as they enrich our lives every day and make our neighborhood very livable. Sincerely, Garth Phillips and Rose Doyle lye'& District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place Maple Ridge BC V2X 6A9 The following pages contain signatures of the residents in the surrounding neighbourhood of the following properties and are aRainsi the following properties being excluded from the ALR. 1) E 1/2 OF Parcel I (RP 10087) of N 1/2 of Lot "B" of Lot 7, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 7250 .....12265-250th Street Lot "A", S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan NWP87852................................................................ 12225-250th Street Lot "B", S. 23, Twp. 12. NWD Plan NWP87852................................................................ 12245-250th Street Lot 102, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 64098....................................................................... 12212-248th Street Lot 90, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630......................................................................... 12296-248th Street Lot 89, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630......................................................................... 12266-248th Street Lot 1, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 71091........................................................................... 12230-248th Street We the undersigned believe that there are other areas which can be built upon which are not in the ALR and should be looked at for consideration prior to the above being excluded. We the undersigned live in this neighbourhood because it is rural but still close to all amenities. If these properties are allowed exclusion from the ALR the above properties will then put in for rezoning and based upon the existing neighbourhood we estimate another sixty to eighty homes can be built. This would cause our roads to become extremely busy with two schools in the area. Blue Mountain Elementary, which consists of Kindergarten to Grade 7, has 208 students. This number will increase significantly in September of 2004 since it will be accepting the overflow of students from Alexander Robinson. Garibaldi Senior Secondary School has a student body of 1355 with a capacity of 895, so as you can see is already well over it's capacity. We appreciate your consideration to oppose the exclusion of the above properties from the ALR. D ko FEB10 2DO4 WE THE UNDERSIGNED OPPOSE THE NOTICE OF EXCLUSION APPLICATION REGARDING LAND IN THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES: E 1/2 OF Parcel 1 (RP 10087) of N 112 of Lot "B" of Lot 7, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 7250 ...... 12265-250th Street Lot "A", S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan NWP87852 ................................................................ 12225-250th Street Lot "B", S. 23, Twp. 12. NWD Plan NWP87852................................................................12245-250th Street Lot 102, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 64098.......................................................................12212-248th Street Lot 90, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630.........................................................................12296-248th Street Lot 89, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630.........................................................................12266-248th Street Lot 1, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 71091...........................................................................12230-248th Street NAME: ADDRESS SIGNATUR %L4 /i7 4t i' 9 —)-ñi1i3CjN "- Li,vi* ICTt,i 'i' / .z.. pig ,g /)t /// '171 /22 4-z--I /.. he(Ird 'q /qi . i) '-jr..; lLf 17? .ii 4OL 4f-)rAY. ff - qg Aoe k c 7 —1/2,0 4 4'• '. - -ç .(r -iLi,;. p-) . .'1 ?AT-V (PL 2.z1dI -22.4 J'12. V'is2 128 eflhTALcpfr1pEL Z'1Ctfl -122 Au Li.'. V4k 120 p. ,4L Ir/c,,v'-' 2 q2e q -/zZ 11cA 9-4At4h) I1Ik I2117_ M cuL i 2L m,L 'L4c / / -iJ (' ' 171.c egg -' zIcc'. - AAt2. 2C4 lit oA -. VV 4k3eM- J/J/&ThcV t- A1or,niJCIc6b' IJC16 210,'- ,,4. _____ I2)') 2O,- i6clt vul-A -FrI-s4e ;'7 D - I; S - - P1/? .4.' ( -1 WE THE UNDERSIGNED OPPOSE THE NOTICE OF EXCLUSION APPLICATION REGARDING LAND IN THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES: E 112 OF Parcel 1 (RP 10087) of N 1/2 of Lot "B" of Lot 7, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 7250......12265-250th Street Lot "A", S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan NWP87852................................................................12225-250th Street Lot "B", S. 23, Twp. 12. NWD Plan NWP87852 ................................................................ 12245-250th Street Lot 102, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 64098.......................................................................12212-248th Street Lot 90, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630 ......................................................................... 12296-248th Street Lot 89, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630 ......................................................................... 12266-248th Street Lot 1, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 71091...........................................................................12230-248th Street M. r1T - '•] s] Al fA - I7rjwAIu..1'VE _________________ rtr' 1zvr LUN -97 Mm- P.M, 1 M AIIIIIIIIIIt ___ - AII LlJ1 '.7r1Jzu In - ic_ j. WE THE UNDERSIGNED OPPOSE THE NOTICE OF EXCLUSION APPLICATION REGARDING LAND IN THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES: E 1/2 OF Parcel I (RP 10087) of N 1/2 of Lot '8" of Lot 7, S. 23, Twp, 12, NWD Plan 7250...... 12265-250th Street Lot "A", S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan NWP87852................................................................12225-250th Street Lot "B", S. 23, Twp. 12. NWD Plan NWP87852................................................................12245-250th Street Lot 102, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 64098.......................................................................12212-248th Street Lot 90, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630.........................................................................12296-248th Street Lot 89, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630 ........................... .............................................. 12266-248th Street Lot 1, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 71091 ............................................................ . .............. 12230-248th Street I ---- - I 2a' Me% a I FA ? Z, 1 _______________ MA I - I I I 1L!!1i)WJ VM70VA r I I I iW I JLii I I iIDflff'jri1q] L1 Kj L I F I _a - WE THE UNDERSIGNED OPPOSE THE NOTICE OF EXCLUSION APPLICATION REGARDING LAND IN THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES: E 1/2 OF Parcel I (RP 10087) of N 1/2 of Lot "B" of Lot 7, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 7250... 12265-250th Street Lot "A", S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan NWP87852............................................................. 12225-250th Street Lot "B", S. 23, Twp. 12. NWD Plan NWP87852............................................................ 12245-250th Street Lot 102, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 64098................................................................... 12212-248th Street Lot 90, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630.................................................................... ..12296-248th Street Lot 89, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 29630.................................................................... • . . .12266-248th Street Lot 1, S. 23, Twp. 12, NWD Plan 71091...................................................................... • ... 12230-248th Street - -- IP7W nlI i1r!P' r2rDJvi: rai LOOM, t CORPORATION OF THE MAPLE RIDGE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE Incorporated 12 September, 1874 TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 9, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: AL/042104 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C of W SUBJECT: Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve 21743 128 Avenue EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: An application has been received under Section 30(1) of the Agricultural Land Commission Act to exclude approximately 6.2 hectares of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant's submission conforms with the notice of application requirements of the Agricultural Land Commission. RECOMMENDATION: That application AL/042/04 respecting property located at 21743 128 " Avenue, be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints on the property are as outlined in the report dated June 91h 2004. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: Applicant: Owner: Legal Description: OCP Existing: Zoning Existing: Surrounding Uses North: South: East: West: Existing Use of Property: Access: Donada Industries Ltd Lisa M. Telep & John A. Barnett Lot 2, Section 30, Township 12, Plan 3663, NWD Agricultural A-2 (Upland Agricultural) A-1 (Small Holding Agricultural) RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) A-2 (Upland Agricultural) A-2 (Upland Agricultural) A-2 (Upland Agricultural) 128th Avenue This property fronts on the north side of 128 th Avenue east 0f2161h Street. Application AL/042/04 has been received to exclude the subject properties from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant has satisfied all "notice of exclusion" requirements under Section 5 of B.C. Regulation 3 13/78 (Agricultural Land Reserve Procedure Regulation). The notice requests written comments be forwarded to the District of Maple Ridge. To date no letters have been received by the Planning Department. Rural Plan In October 1997 the Rural Plan Advisory Committee (RPAC) completed their final report. The subject site is in Sub Area A. Recommendations for proposed changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve in this area was limited to the exclusion of two small parcels west of 210 " Street north of 1 26th Avenue that were in the urban area and developed to this standard. Recommendation No. I was to exclude these two parcels to correct a previous over site. In Part 7 Area Recommendations of the Rural Plan Report the committee recommends for Sub Area A, that agriculture be the use emphasis in this sub area and that subdivision be discouraged beyond the controversial area (South of 128 Avenue to the urban boundary). The controversial area noted was unresolved by the RPAC and it was decided to present the reasonable options the Committee reviewed for Council consideration. Subarea A Controversial Area: South of 1281h Avenue to the urban boundary Option 1: Remove from the ALR and designate for attachment to the Haney urban area. Option 2: Remove from the ALR and designate for transitionlrural residential from a density of '/2 acre along and near the urban edge to I acre along and near 128 0, Avenue, all subject to city water and sewer and flood plain restrictions. Option 3: Retain in the ALR, provide for transitionlrural residential from a density of 1 acre along and near the urban edge to 2 acres along and near 128th Avenue, with I acre subject to city water and sewer and all subject to flood plain restrictions. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. A variant of this option saw only those lands zoned RS-3 as being included into the area wherein subdivision was to be allowed to create the transition area. This variant also included only 1 acre subdivision to the flood plain boundary and not to 128th Avenue. Option 4: Retain in the ALR with provision for buffering between the urban residential and the ALR. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. The Committee voted and there was a split decision on Option 3 and Option 4, that recommended the area remain in the ALR. In January 1998 the Summary of Council decisions on Implementation of the Rural Plan was issued. In this document the required action taken was, Council agreed with ALR Recommendation 1. and Council agreed with Option 4for the Controversial Area. b) Project Description: The applicant has not stated any redevelopment plans. -2- c) Planning Analysis: On March 11, 2004, a report for processing exclusion applications was received by Council outlining land use considerations. Council resolved to continue their current practice of referring all applications to the Agricultural Land Commission with the provision that applicants and the Commission be advised that land use decisions will continue to be directed by Council. The following land use implications of the proposed exclusion need to be considered: • The Applicant has not explicitly indicated the owner's redevelopment plans for the subject property, should it be excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve. However, once excluded, its permitted uses will no longer be restricted by the Agricultural Land Commission Act. It is anticipated that the owner's intention is to use the land for uses other than rural residential or agricultural. The subject property is currently designated for Agricultural Use. Under the existing Official Community Plan, the land is not considered available for uses other than agricultural. • The proposed exclusion of this property from the ALR and its potential redevelopment is inconsistent with the goals of the Livable Region Strategic Plan and the Regional Context Statement adopted by the District in the Official Community Plan. This application is in an area which lies outside the urban area boundary and is designated as Green Zone in the Livable Region Strategic Plan. Maple Ridge must consider the four fundamental strategies. of the Livable Region Strategic Plan (LSRP) when considering future development: Protection of the Green Zone; Building of complete communities; • iii) Achievement of a compact metropolitan region, and iv) Increased transportation choice. • The Official Community Plan is currently under review. While designations may change as a result of that review there is no guarantee that this property will be designated for urban development upon conclusion of the Official Community Plan. • The land use implications and development pressures that will occur for excluded properties that do not become designated for urban purposes during the process of the Official Community Plan review may be a consideration. Although disappointed at this outcome, many applicants will still have expectations for redevelopment in the longer term. • The property does have a sewer connection provided under Policy No. 9.02, which was adopted in November, 1993. This policy grants permission for sewer connection to all property owners within the Agricultural Land Reserve whose property abuts an existing lateral sewer line. It also makes provisions for extending services where public health is a concern and Agricultural Land Commission permission is granted. This policy is intended to provide a single connection to each existing parcel, and should not be considered a means to facilitate further subdivision. This property would require an application to the Greater Vancouver Sewer and Drainage District Board for inclusion in the Fraser Sewer Area to -3- allow servicing to an urban standard. Similarly, an application to the Greater Vancouver Regional District to amend the Green Zone boundaries would be required for this property prior to permitting an urban style of development. There is no guarantee that such applications would be approved. CONCLUSION: Based on the recommendation contained within the report titled Processing of Applications for Exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve during the Official Community Plan Review, dated March 1 1 th, 2004 and the resolution from Council dated March 23rd 2004, it is recommended the application AL/042/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission. Prepared by: Bruce McLeod LanJscapefPlajining Technician , MCIP Approved by: /Frank Quinn, P.Eng., PMP 7 GM: Public Works & Development Services Concurrence: J. L.' (JIm) Rule Clief Administrative Officer BMcLibjc Subject Property I- Cl) CD 1. District of I / \ Pitt MeadowsjT r LI 21743-128 Ave — .- / A CORPORATION OF 000 THE DISTRICT OF N ang ey strictof \ AIbon-- 4 MAPLE RIDGE MAP . ThornhiI Incorporated 12, September, 1874 PLANNING DEPARTMENT SCALE 1.4000 \.__ DATE: Apr26, 2004 AL1042104 BY. JV River CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 9th, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: AL/050/04 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C of W SUBJECT: Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve 21803 128 Avenue EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: An application has been received under Section 30(1) of the Agricultural Land Commission Act to exclude approximately 11.7 hectares of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant's submission conforms with the notice of application requirements of the Agricultural Land Commission. RECOMMENDATION: That application AL/050/04 respecting property located at 21803 128tI Avenue, be authorized to ft proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints on the property are as outlined in the report dated June 91h, 2004. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: Applicant: Donada Industries Ltd. Owner: Evane Enterprises Ltd, K A S Holdings Ltd. Legal Description: Lot 3, Section 30, Township 12, Plan 3663, NWD OCP Existing: Agricultural Zoning Existing: A-2 (Upland Agricultural) Surrounding Uses North: A-2 (Upland Agricultural) South: RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) East: A-2 (Upland Agricultural) West: A-2 (Upland Agricultural) Existing Use of Property: A-2 (Upland Agricultural) Access: 178th Avenue The subject site is located on the north side of 128 th Avenue opposite Blackstock Street. Application AL/050/04 has been received to exclude the subject property from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant has satisfied all "notice of exclusion" requirements under Section 5 of B.C. Regulation 313/78 (Agricultural Land Reserve Procedure Regulation). The notice requests written comments be forwarded to the District of Maple Ridge. To date one letter has been received by the Planning Department and is attached to this memo. Rural Plan In October 1997 the Rural Plan Advisory Committee (RPAC) completed their final report. The subject site is in Sub Area A. Recommendations for proposed changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve in this area was limited to the exclusion of two small parcels west of 216 th Street north of 126th Avenue that were in the urban area and developed to this standard. Recommendation No. 1 was to exclude these two parcels to correct a previous over site. In Part 7 Area Recommendations of the Rural Plan Report the committee recommends for Sub Area A, that agriculture be the use emhasis in this sub area and that subdivision be discouraged beyond the controversial area (South of 128 Avenue to the urban boundary). The controversial area noted was unresolved by the RPAC and it was decided to present the reasonable options the Committee reviewed for Council consideration. Subarea A Controversial Area: South of 128th Avenue to the urban boundary Option 1: Remove from the ALR and designate for attachment to the Haney urban area. Option 2: Remove from the ALR and designate for transitionlrural residential from a density of V2 acre along and near the urban edge to I acre along and near 128 " Avenue, all subject to city water and sewer and flood plain restrictions. Option 3: Retain in the ALR, provide for transitionlrural residential from a density of I acre along and near the urban edge to 2 acres along and near 128th Avenue, with I acre subject to city water and sewer and all subject to flood plain restrictions. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. A variant of this option saw only those lands zoned RS-3 as being included into the area wherein subdivision was to be allowed to create the transition area. This variant also included only 1 acre subdivision to the flood plain boundary and not to 128th Avenue. Option 4: Retain in the ALR with provision for buffering between the urban residential and the ALR. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. The Committee voted and there was a split decision on Option 3 and Option 4, that recommended the area remain in the ALR. In January 1998 the Summary of Council decisions on Implementation of the Rural Plan was issued. In this document the required action taken was, Council agreed with ALR Recommendation 1. and Council agreed with Option 4for the Controversial Area. b) Project Description: The applicant has not stated any redevelopment plans. -2- c) Planning Analysis: On March 11, 2004, a report for processing exclusion applications was received by Council outlining land use considerations. Council resolved to continue their current practice of referring all applications to the Agricultural Land Commission with the provision that applicants and the Commission be advised that land use decisions will continue to be directed by Council. The following land use implications of the proposed exclusion need to be considered: The Applicant has not explicitly indicated the owner's redevelopment plans for the subject property, should it be excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve. However, once excluded, its permitted uses will no longer be restricted by the Agricultural Land Commission Act. It is anticipated that the owner's intention is to use the land for uses other than rural residential or agricultural. The subject property is currently designated for Agricultural Use. Under the existing Official Community Plan, the land is not considered available for uses other than agricultural. The proposed exclusion of this property from the ALR and its potential redevelopment is inconsistent with the goals of the Livable Region Strategic Plan and the Regional Context Statement adopted by the District in the Official Community Plan. This application is in an area which lies outside the urban area boundary and is designated as Green Zone in the Livable Region Strategic Plan. Maple Ridge must consider the four fundamental strategies of the Livable Region Strategic Plan (LSRP) when considering future development: Protection of the Green Zone; Building of complete communities; Achievement of a compact metropolitan region, and Increased transportation choice. • The Official Community Plan is currently under review. While designations may change as a result of that review there is no guarantee that this property will be designated for urban development upon conclusion of the Official Community Plan. • The land use implications and development pressures that will occur for excluded properties that do not become designated for urban purposes during the process of the Official Community Plan review may be a consideration. Although disappointed at this outcome, many applicants will still have expectations for redevelopment in the longer term. The property is eligible to have a sewer connection provided under Policy No. 9.02, which was adopted in November, 1993. This policy grants permission for sewer connection to all property owners within the Agricultural Land Reserve whose property abuts an existing lateral sewer line. It also makes provisions for extending services where public health is a concern and Agricultural Land Commission permission is granted. This policy is intended to provide a single connection to each existing parcel, and should not be considered a means to facilitate further subdivision. This property would require an application to the Greater Vancouver Sewer and Drainage District Board for inclusion in the Fraser Sewer Area to allow servicing to an urban standard. Similarly, an application to the Greater Vancouver Regional District to amend the Green Zone boundaries would be required for this property prior to permitting an urban style of development. There is no guarantee that such applications would be approved. -3- CONCLUSION: Based on the recommendation contained within the report titled Processing of Applications for Exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve during the Official Community Plan Review, dated March 1 1 th, 2004 and the resolution from Council dated March 23rd 2004, it is recommended the application AL/050/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission. , wk~l Prepared by: Bruce McLeod Iadscape/lanning Technician MCIP ng /~u Ul~' Approved by: F/rank Quinn, P.Eng., PMP M: Public Works & Development Services 0 Concurrence: J. L. (Jim) Rule Chief Administrative Officer BMcL/bjc 1'2 AVF F- Cl) (0 District of PlffMeadowsf 21803 - 128 Ave N SCALE 1.5000 DATE: May 05, 2004 AL/050/04 BY: JV . ,):3!.--'-- MAPLE EDGE PLANNiNG DEPARTMENT APR 2 J 2004 April 20, 2004 12768 Blackstock Street Maple Ridge, B.C., V2X 4P5 P - Planning Department District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, B.C., V2X 6A9 Re: Notice of Exclusion Application regarding land in the Agricultural Land Reserve Lot 3 except: Part Subdivided by Plan 21088: Section 30 Township 12 New Westminster District Plan 3663 made by KAS Holdings Ltd & Evane Enterprises Ltd of 20277 Telep Avenue. Maple Ridge, B.C.. Please keep us advised on the progess of this application. Yours truly, Paul Dwillies Eileen Dwillies Janet Dwillies 6ilw CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 9th, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: AL/053/04 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C of W SUBJECT: Application to Exclude Land from the Agricultural Land Reserve 12987 210 Street; 12696 & 12766 203 Street; 21515, 21567, 21349, 21237, 21281, 21617, 21771 & 21903 - 128 Avenue EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: An application has been received under Section 30(1) of the Agricultural Land Commission Act to exclude approximately 110.3 hectares of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant's submission conforms with the notice of application requirements of the Agricultural Land Commission. RECOMMENDATION: That application AL/053/04 respecting property located at 12987 210 Street; 12696 & 12766 203 Street; 21515, 21567, 21349, 21237, 21281, 21617, 21771 & 21903 - 128 Avenue, be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission and that the applicant and the Commission are provided with an understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints on the property are as outlined in the report dated June 91h, 2004. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: Applicant: Donada Industries Ltd. Owner: Pelton Reforestation Ltd (1NC#88400), Thomas S. Corsie, Kathleen A. Roy Nachhatter Singh Gill, Rajinder Kaur Gill, Nadia Kubas, Fred Kubas, Fung-San Macinnis, Ikbal Kassamali Virji, Ikbal Virji, Bhachu Holdings Ltd., William Wee Ngen Lai SKP Enterprises Inc. Legal Description: Parcel "B" (R.P. 6065) SE1/4, Sec. 25, Tp. 9; Parcel "A" (R.P. 6065) Sec. 25, Tp. 9; Parcel "C" (E.P. 8233) 5 E 1/4, Sec. 25, Tp. 9; Parcel "One" (H28861E) of Parcel "D" (R.P. 1896) of the SEI/4, Sec. 25, Tp. 9; E V2 Parcel "D" (R.P. 1896) of the SE '/4, Sec. 25, Tp. 9, Except Firstly Parcel "B" (R.P. 13579) Secondly: North 299 Feet; Lot I Except: part subdivided by Plan 36410, Sec. 30, Tp. 12, Plan 3663; Lot 9, Sec. 30, Tp. 12, Plan 41139; Lot 4, Except: Parcel "A" (R.P. 16831), Sec. 30, Tp. 12, Plan 3663; Lot 30, D.L.'s 262 & 267, Gp. 1, Plan 67108; Lot 10, D.L.'s 262 & 267, Plan 35743; Lot 6, Except: Part subdivided by Plan 69580, D.L. 262, Gp. 1, Plan 28648; all of New Westminster District q10 OCP Existing: Zoning Existing: Surrounding Uses North: South: East: West: Existing Use of Property: Access: Agricultural A-2 (Upland Agricultural) A-2 (Upland Agricultural) A-2 (Upland Agricultural) & RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) A-2 (Upland Agricultural) District of Pitt Meadows & A-2 (Upland Agricultural) A-2 (Upland Agricultural) 203 Street, 128th Avenue, 21 0th Street The eleven properties included in this application are located within the western portion of the District on or about the 128th Avenue right of way. Two properties front on 203rd Street, one property fronts on 21 0th Street with the remaining eight properties fronting on the north side of 128th Avenue east of Laity Street. Application AL/053/04 has been received to exclude the subject properties from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Applicant has satisfied all "notice of exclusion" requirements under Section 5 of B.C. Regulation 313/78 (Agricultural Land Reserve Procedure Regulation). The notice requests written comments be forwarded to the District of Maple Ridge. To date two letters have been received by the Planning Department. Rural Plan In October 1997 the Rural Plan Advisory Committee (RPAC) completed their final report. The subject site is in Sub Area A. Recommendations for proposed changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve in this area was limited to the exclusion of two small parcels west 0f216th Street north of 126th Avenue that were in the urban area and developed to this standard. Recommendation No. 1 was to exclude these two parcels to correct a previous over site. In Part 7 Area Recommendations of the Rural Plan Report the committee recommends for Sub Area A, that agriculture be the use emhasis in this sub area and that subdivision be discouraged beyond the controversial area (South of 128 Avenue to the urban boundary). The controversial area noted was unresolved by the RPAC and it was decided to present the reasonable options the Committee reviewed for Council consideration. Subarea A Controversial Area: South of 128th Avenue to the urban boundary Option 1: Remove from the ALR and designate for attachment to the Haney urban area. Option 2: Remove from the ALR and designate for transitionlrural residential from a density of / 2 acre along and near the urban edge to 1 acre along and near 1281h Avenue, all subject to city water and sewer and flood plain restrictions. Option 3: Retain in the ALR, provide for transition/rural residential from a density of 1 acre along and near the urban edge to 2 acres along and near 128th Avenue, with I acre subject to city water and sewer and all subject to flood plain restrictions. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. A variant of this option saw only those lands zoned RS-3 as being included into the area wh iñUbdiiion was töbã1löWëd to creatthe transition area. T1iiVãfiãitt -2- also included only I acre subdivision to the flood plain boundary and not to 128th Avenue. Option 4: Retain in the ALR with provision for buffering between the urban residential and the ALR. Adopt a Farm Bylaw to restrict intensive/intrusive agriculture. The Committee voted and there was a split decision on Option 3 and Option 4, that recommended the area remain in the ALR. In January 1998 the Summary of Council decisions on Implementation of the Rural Plan was issued. In this document the required action taken was, Council agreed with ALR Recommendation 1. and Council agreed with Option 4for the Controversial Area. Project Description: The applicant has not stated any specific redevelopment plans. Planning Analysis: On March 11, 2004, a report for processing exclusion applications was received by Council outlining land use considerations. Council resolved to continue their current practice of referring all applications to the Agricultural Land Commission with the provision that applicants and the Commission be advised that land use decisions will continue to be directed by Council. The following land use implications of the proposed exclusion need to be considered: The Applicant has not explicitly indicated the owner's redevelopment plans for the subject properties, should they be excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve. However, once excluded, the permitted uses will no longer be restricted by the Agricultural Land Commission Act. It is anticipated that the owner's intention is to use the land for uses other than rural residential or agricultural. The subject properties are currently designated for Agricultural Use. Under the existing Official Community Plan, the land is not considered available for uses other than agricultural. The proposed exclusion of these properties from the ALR and their potential redevelopment is inconsistent with the goals of the Livable Region Strategic Plan and the Regional Context Statement adopted by the District in the Official Community Plan. This application is in an area which lies outside the urban area boundary and is designated as Green Zone in the Livable Region Strategic Plan. Maple Ridge must consider the four fundamental strategies of the Livable Region Strategic Plan (LSRP) when considering future development: Protection of the Green Zone; Building of complete communities; Achievement of a compact metropolitan region, and Increased transportation choice. • The Official Community Plan is currently under review. While designations may change as a result of that review there is no guarantee that these properties will be designated for urban development upon conclusion of the Official Community Plan. • The land use implications and development pressures that will occur for excluded properties that do not become designated for urban purposes during the process of the Official Community Plan review may be a consideration. Although disappointed at this outcome, many applicants will still have expectations for redevelopment in the longer term. -3- The properties are eligible to have a sewer connection provided under Policy No. 9.02, which was adopted in November, 1993. This policy grants permission for sewer connection to all property owners within the Agricultural Land Reserve whose property abuts an existing lateral sewer line. It also makes provisions for extending services where public health is a concern and Agricultural Land Commission permission is granted. This policy is intended to provide a single connection to each existing parcel, and should not be considered a means to facilitate further subdivision. These properties would require an application to the Greater Vancouver Sewer and Drainage District Board for inclusion in the Fraser Sewer Area to allow servicing to an urban standard. Similarly, an application to the Greater Vancouver Regional District to amend the Green Zone boundaries would be required for these properties prior to permitting an urban style of development. There is no guarantee that such applications would be approved. CONCLUSION: Based on the recommendation contained within the report titled Processing of Applications for Exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve during the Official Community Plan Review, dated March 11 th, 2004 and the resolution from Council dated March 23 w, 2004, it is recommended the application AL/053/04 be authorized to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission. / Prepared by: Bruce McLeod Landseiw/Plai Technician Approved by: ik Quinn,P.Eng., PMP Public Works & Development Services Concurrence: J. L. (Jim) Rule Chief Administrative Officer BMcL/bjc -4- P- I 12768 Blackstock Street Maple Ridge, B.C.. V2X 4P5 May 12,2004 Plaiming Department District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place MAY 14 2004 Maple Ridge, B.C., V2X 6A9 RE: NOTiCE OF EXCLUSION APPLICATION REGARDIN LAND IN THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE Parcel "A" (Reference Plan 6065) Section 25 Township 9 New Westminster District, Parcel "One" (H28861 E) of Parcel "D" (Reference Plan 1896) of the South East Quarter Section 25 Township 9 New Westminster District, East Half Parcel "D" (Reference Plan 1896) of the South East Quarter Section 25 Township 9 Except: Firstly: Parcel B (Reference Plan 13579) Secondly: North 299 Feet, New Westminster District, Lot 30 District Lots 262 and 267 Group 1 New Westminster District Plan 67108, Lot 10 District Lots 26+2 & 267 Group 1 New Westminster District Plan 35743, Lot 6 Except: Part Subdivided by Plan 69580, District Lot 262 Group 1 New Westminer District Plan 28648, Parcel "B" (Reference Plan 6065) South East Quarter Section 25 Township 9 New Westminster District, Lot 4 Except: Parcel "A" (Reference Plan 16831); Section 30 Township 12 New Westminster District Plan 3663 Parcel "C" (Explanatory Plan 8233) South East Quarter Section 25 Township 9 New Westminster District, Lot 9 Section 30 Township 12 New Westminster District Plan 41139, Lot 1 Except: Part Subdivided by Plan 36410 Section 30 Township 12 New Westminster District Plan 3663 and located at 21281.21515,21567,21237,21903,21349,21771&21617128thAvenue, 12987- 210th Street, 12696 and 12766- 203rd Street, Maple Ridge, B.C. Please keep us advised on the progress of this application. Yours truly, Paul Dwillies Eileen Dwillies 000— C7Y7 -)7 1%c3b 21435 Thornton Ave., Maple Ridge, B.C., V4R 2G6 May 27, 2004 Planning Department, District of Maple Ridge, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, B.C., V2X 6A9 To Whom it may Concern; Re: Exclusion Application Regarding land in the Agricultural Land Reserve at: 21281, 21515, 21567, 21237, 21903, 21349, 21771, 21617- 128th Avenue; And 12987_210th Street; And 12696 and 12766-203 Street: The ALR was established in the mid 1970's, ostensibly to restrict the serious loss of agricultural land, throughout British Columbia, to urban development and other uses. One of the first things that happened in Maple Ridge was the exclusion of a viable dairy farm (Wilburn Hampton's) at 208Ih Street and 123rd Avenue, on the north slope. Within a relatively short time, most of the north slope dairy farms (19 in total) between 203rd Ave., and 224 Avenue had been sacrificed to housing development. Only two (2) remain. This was probably the best, most productive land in the municipality. Maple Ridge is a very small municipality crammed between the Fraser River and the Mountains, and has very little agriculture-class land to sacrifice to housing development; unlike Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford and Chilliwack, which run from the Fraser River to the United States Border. Council after council over the past thirty (30) years have approved development, regardless of recommendations made by the Planning Department, or just common sense. The land in question in this application has been, in the past, productive farm land, and could be again if people wanted to make the effort. If our present council forwards this application for exclusion, it will be perpetuating the errors of the past. This present council with its refusal to make recommendations to the Commission are failing the voters who will be most affected by land-use changes, and these are the people they are supposedly representing! Respectfully submitted, Douglas E. Noble b CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: May 12, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: E02-008-015 &E02-011-007 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Council Staff SUBJECT: Neighbourhood Traffic Management Policy and Practices EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: In recent years, residents in Maple Ridge have expressed concern over neighbourhood traffic issues such as speeding. In anticipation of a growing desire to address the issues on a pro-active consistent and effective manner, the District has, through the Safer Cities Program and partners, developed a Neighbourhood Traffic Management Policy and Practices as attached for submission to Council. A draft strategy was presented to Council on November 10, 2003. The Policy and Practices has been developed using a best-practices approach and includes consultation with agencies such as Fire and Rescue Services, Ambulance Services and the RCMP. It is based on identifying key traffic management issues: developing multiple approaches to best and appropriately address issues, identifying an education process to assist neighbourhoods, and developing a suite of measures that may be considered if and when physical measures are required. RECOMMENDATION: That the following Policy titled Neighbourhood Traffic Management Policy be adopted. DISCUSSION: a) Background: Over the years, there have been requests by residents to investigate and address neighbourhood traffic safety concerns on local and collector streets. Traditionally, these requests have been dealt with on a case by case basis. However, as Maple Ridge grows, these requests are expected to rise and the impacts of these requests are expected to expand. Concurrently in 2003, the District embarked on a new integrated traffic (roads) safety program titled "Safer City" to develop programs and projects in a coordinated fashion with education, enforcement and other agencies to make Maple Ridge roads safer so that residents can safely move around to live, work and play. In November 2003, a draft strategy was presented to Council for input and direction. At that Council Workshop, staff and the consultant were requested to give special consideration to emergency services and to include efficiency as a goal. The policy and practices were developed in consultation with District departments and other agencies such as the Fire and Rescue, RCMP and Ambulance services over the period of the last six months of 2003. Why now? Neighbourhood traffic issues in some more urbanized communities have become significant community issues. While Maple Ridge is urbanizing to a greater degree and currently, there is a limited number of requests, the Policy and Practices will assist staff to best address the issues and position the District to be in keeping with Council's direction that appropriate plans, where possible, be developed in advance of needs. Approach of Policy and Practices The proposed policy and practices that has been prepared is based on a systematic approach and process to dealing with neighbourhood traffic calming requests on non-arterial streets. This approach is based on the following: • Identifying key traffic management issues; • Involving the neighbourhood to develop solutions; • Developing multiple approaches to best and appropriately address issues; • Identifying an education process to assist neighbourhoods; and • Developing a suite of measures that may be considered if and when physical measures are required. The approach of the policy is based on a process that is shown in Figure 1 below. Figure 1: Ad,ninisteriizg Public Requests for Traffic Management Respond to Receive &. Traffic Yes /Managemen Request & Consider Record Provide Other Request Informational Approaches Materials Identify those responsi6le I res 1 I Operations • Planning Re quest I L............. • Other To assist with the developing and prioritizing study areas, the requests will be ranked using criteria as listed below: • Measured traffic speed; • Volume of traffic; • Number of vehicle collisions; • Proximity to schools; • Scheduled road improvement projects; • Proximity of pedestrian generation sources (such as parks, community centres, etc.); • Designation as a safe route to school; • Designation as bicycle, transit; • Absence of pedestrian facilities (e.g. sidewalks); and • Impact of roadway geometry. Finally, the process also includes gauging neighbourhood interest and agency support in the development of any plan and requires that plans will be submitted to Council for final review and approval prior to implementation. It is also expected that the review and approval will be integrated as part of the annual Business Planning process. It should be noted that as this policy and practices deals with neighbourhood streets, a program to maximize the capacity and manage traffic on arterial and major streets is a key part of the overall District traffic management. Desired Outcome: The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval for a policy and practices to address neighbourhood safety issues that balances the need for mobility, efficiency, emergency access and neighbourhood interests. Strategic Alignment: The District's strategic plan directs that the District will maintain and enhance a multi-modal transportation system within Maple Ridge to provide citizens with safe, efficient alternatives for the movement of individuals and goods. In addition, the strategic plan also directs that the District will encourage citizen participation in local government and local government decision-making. This policy and practices established processes for responding to requests, provides a suite of alternatives for solutions and encourages neighbourhood participation in addressing issues. Citizen/Customer Implications - Conununications: The policy and practices will be included in the District's website and responses to traffic requests will include an information package where appropriate. Business Plan/Financial Implications: As the District does not currently have a traffic management program for traffic calming, there may be additional resource requests that will be addressed through the annual Business Planning process. However, in recognition of the uncertainty of demand, but anticipating the need in 2004, Council approved seed funding for projects and it is expected that this will be reviewed annually. 0 Policy Implications: The approach of a systematic and consistent approach that is balanced and will be reviewed annually as part of the business Planning process is consistent with the development of policies. g) Alternatives: An alternative is to operate without a District policy. While this is an option, it will be likely that requests will be handled in an ad-hoc manner and plans and measures will not be consistent within the District. In add ition, this approach will not be efficient, effective nor provide good customer service. While this may not be readily evident at this time, as Maple Ridge develops, this will become more pronounced. CONCLUSION: As part of the Safer Cities program, a neighbourhood traffic management policy and practices has been developed to provide a safety conscious, efficient, and cost effective customer responsive approach to neighbourhood traffic issues on local and collector streets. Prepared by: L2Cndr ew*ood, MEng., PEng. Municipal Engineer Approved by: Fpnk Quinn, MBA, PMP, PEng. Gen ral Ma er, Public Works and Development Services Concurrence: J/L. (Jim) Rule thief Administrative Officer AW/mi POLICY STATEMENT District of Maple Ridge Policy No: Title: Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practices Supersedes: Authority: Effective Date: Municipal Council Approval: Resolution Dated: Policy Statement: Requests for neighbourhood traffic management will be addressed in accordance with the strategies, practices and measures as contained in the document titled "District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practices, dated May 2004". Purpose: Neighbourhood traffic issues are a concern of both the District and its residents. The application of consistent practices ensures that neighbourhood traffic issues will be addressed in a balanced, efficient and cost effective manner that respects the needs for mobility and safety of all road users. Definitions: See attached report titled "District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practices dated May 2004". PROCEDURE (OPERATING REGULATION) District of Maple Ridge Policy Title: Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practices Policy Number: Supersedes No. Authority: Effective Date: Municipal Council Approval: Resolution Dated: May 2004 1.0 POLICY STATEMENT (adopted): Requests for Neighbourhood traffic management shall be addressed as outlined in the document Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practices dated May 2004. .UN :1 • 1 w_ District of Maple Ridge NEIGHBOURHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICE / May 2004 URB'NSYSTEMS #2353 13353 Commerce Parkway Richmond, BC, V6V 3A1 Phone: (604) 273-8700 Fax: (604) 273-8752 District of Maple Ridge MAPLE RIDGE ( Neighbourhood tIemIxrThV4 Traffic Management Practice TABLE OF CONTENTS SIJMI'IARY................................1Pt .......................II jQ INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 1 2.0 WHY CONSIDER NEIGHBOURHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT' .................4 3.0 SCOPE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ............. 7 40 ADMINISTRATION OF NEIGHBOURHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ........11 4.1 MANAGING REQUESTS......................................................................................11 4.2 DEFINING AND PRI0RrnzING AREAS .................................................................... 13 43 FUNDING ....................................................................................................... 15 4 STAFF RESOURCES ..........................................................................................16 5.0 DEVELOPING TRAFFIC CALMING PLANS ............................18 5.1 PRINCIPLES OF TRAFFIC CALMING .......................................................................18 5.2 THE PROCESS ................................................................................................20 5 AGENCY CONSULTATION IN THE TRAFFIC CALMING PROCESS ......................................25 5 .4 SCHEDULE ....................................................................................................26 6.0 IMPLEMENTATION .................................................................................... 28 6.1 DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & MONITORING .............................................................28 7.0 TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES ................................................................. 30 7.1 MEASURES CONSIDERED FOR USE IN MAPLE RIDGE .................................................30 7 MEASURES NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE IN MAPLE RIDGE ........................................36 7 DESIGN NOTES ..............................................................................................37 APPENDICES Appendix A Expanded Traffic Calming Process AppendixB Data Collection Guidelines This report is prepared for the sole use of the District of Maple Ridge. No representations of any kind are made by Urban Systems Ltd. or its employees to any party with whom Urban Systems Ltd. does not have a contract. Page i 1880.00 10.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\Operatlons\Engineering\Admln\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc URBAN SYSTEN4S kPLE RIDGE U. incorporated 12 September 1874 District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice SUMMARY Neighbourhood traffic issues - such as high traffic volumes, short-cutting, and speeding - are a growing concern for many residents in the District of Maple Ridge. To demonstrate its commitment to providing effective and successful traffic management plans for its neighbourhoods, and as part of the ICBC Safer City initiative, the District chose to develop a comprehensive strategy to address neighbourhood traffic management through a Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice. The Practice provides the District with a "made-in-Maple Ridge" approach to developing and implementing traffic management plans that are requested and initiated by the community. These plans generally include a range of initiatives and physical measures, such as awareness, education, enforcement, and traffic calming. The Practice is tailored to meet the community's needs and reflects the current scope of issues within the municipality. It is anticipated that this approach may evolve over time as residents' experience with traffic management grows. The Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice describes the District's approach to: • Administration of traffic management to ensure a fair and equitable approach to managing this issue that also reflects the available resources of the District. The Practice outlines the District's approach to dealing with key issues, such as resident requests for traffic management, defining and prioritizing neighbourhoods in which to prepare plans, and funding the development and implementation of traffic management. The Practice also outlines several approaches to traffic management that could be used within the District, such as awareness, education, and enforcement. In most cases, these approaches emphasize the involvement of community members as key players in the traffic management process. • Development and implementation of successful traffic management plans, based on the experiences of other communities and what will work best for Maple Ridge. The Practice outlines the District's approach to the preparation and implementation of traffic management plans, and describes what devices will and will not be considered in the District. Administration The following discussion highlights the District's approach to administering the process of traffic management. • Responding to public requests. Even with a commitment to developing neighbourhood traffic management plans, the District has chosen to define a customer-friendly process for informing the community on how neighbourhood traffic issues are to be dealt with and on the process of traffic management. In general, the recommended process provides residents with a clear means of defining Page ii 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\Operations\Englneering\AdrOfl\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management PractIc.doc URB?SYSTEviS MAPLE RIDGE Fnort'orated 12 SepteinL'er,1874 District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice neighbourhood traffic issues and monitoring how and when these concerns may be addressed. Figure 1 below illustrates this process. Figure 1: Administering Public Requests for Traffic Management Respondto tim if H • Other • Defining and prioritizing study areas. Upon consideration of all identified traffic-related concerns and requests, the District will define neighbourhood study areas, as necessary, in which to undertake full traffic management studies. Study boundaries will be carefully defined to include those identified neighbourhood traffic issues and any corresponding areas that will also be impacted by a potential traffic management plan. As the number of requests grows, the District will want to objectively prioritize neighbourhoods on an annual basis according to the evaluation system outlined in Table 1 below. Those neighbourhoods with the highest overall points will be considered highest priority for traffic management projects. Table 1: Ranking of Neighbourhood Traffic Management Projects Criterion Points Basis for Point Assignment Speed 0 to 50 85thpercentile speed of traffic on the primary road. Two points will be allocated for every kilometre per hour that the 85th percentile speed is over the posted speed limit, based on speed reader board information supplied by applicant and/or police, up to 50 points. Volume 0 to 50 Average daily traffic volume on the primary road. One point will be allocated for every 100 daily vehicles, based on traffic count data from the speed reader program or municipal collection, up to 50 points. - Vehicle Collisions 0 to 25 Average number of vehicle collisions per year over the past three years, based on police reports. Five points will be allocated for each collision in an average year, up to 25 points. Elementary Schools 0 to 10 Five points assigned for each school zone along the primary street, up to 10 points. Road rehabilitation 0 to 10 Ten points assigned if rehabilitation project is planned for the projects primary street, during which traffic management measures could be implemented. Pedestrian Generators 0 to 15 Five points assigned for each public facility (such as parks, community centres, libraries, and high schools) that generates a significant number of pedestrians on the primary street, up to 15 points. Page iii 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Qak\Operatons\Englneering\Admln\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc URBAN SYSTEMSffi District of Maple Ridge PLE ( "7 1 Neighbourhood L Traffic Management Practice Criterion Points Basis for Point Assignment Safe Route to School 0 to 5 Five points assigned for a designated safe route to school on the primary street. Bicycle Routes 0 to 5 Five points assigned if the primary street is a designated bicycle route. Transit Routes 0 to 5 Five points assigned if the primary street accommodates transit service. Pedestrian Facilities 0 to 5 Five points assigned if there is no continuous sidewalk (wide shoulder in rural areas) on at least one side of the primary street. Roadway Geometry 0 to 5 Five points assigned if locations of poor road geometry are known to exist on the primary street. Total Points Possible 185 1 • Funding. As the District does not currently have a Traffic Management Program, additional staff and financial resources will be needed for: - Plan development using internal and/or external resources that will involve the community in addressing neighbourhood traffic concerns. - Implementation of approved measures, which includes design and construction of neighbourhood traffic calming measures. - Monitoring programs to measure the effectiveness of the traffic management solutions that are implemented, and to make adjustments as necessary. - Operations and maintenance requirements that may increase slightly as a result of traffic calming measures. The District of Maple Ridge does not currently fund traffic calming projects. Based on experiences in other communities, personnel and funding requirements can be extensive, and the District's commitments need to be managed in this regard. The additional costs to develop, implement, monitor, and maintain neighbourhood traffic management in the Maple Ridge will be supported through the appropriation of general tax revenues, which will be reviewed on an annual basis. Consistent with the Community Charter, there may be opportunities to use the local improvement program and the specified area approach in the event that neighbourhood groups come forward willing to partially fund the implementation of traffic management measures within their communities. Development and Implementation The recommended approach to developing and implementing traffic calming in the District of Maple Ridge is briefly described below. • Study process. Recognizing the extent of neighbourhood traffic issues today and the resources of the municipality, the District will use a streamlined process with community involvement for developing plans. This three-phase process is illustrated in Figure 2 and briefly highlighted below. Page iv 1880.0010.1G/ May 2004 TT Ci ) 'LT-r..AC m ' \\Oak\OperatIons\EngineerIng\Admn\2O\Other\0120 Draft Traffic Management Pices.d L District of Maple Ridge Neu"hbourhood IrA T)T t' DTr'rT Traffic Management Practice Figure 2: Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Process STAGE 1 - Gauging I STAGE 2— Developing I STAGE 3— Plan Community Interest I the Plan l Approval ..'. ,jttic I Collect I Submit Plan to . ;ir;, Pln1 I I Data I I Council Refine Plan Community I . Potential I l Letter! I I Solutions J I Questionnaire I i I Council __________ Approval? No Collect o:n,nun,ty Preliminary Letter Data Yes I I I Kplemon, Yes Community : I : Community Yes <c>-j Interest? I E Support? Major Minod No I Changes No Changes. I ............... Refine Plan[ ............... - Gauging community interest - This phase of the process involves preparatory activities and initiatives to increase awareness of the study, as well as gauging community interest in developing a plan. - Developing the plan - This phase of the process involves a thorough review of all identified neighbourhood traffic concerns, data collection, and plan development with input and feedback from the community. - Plan approval - The final plan is presented to Maple Ridge District Council for approval and funding. Additional revisions may be necessary to address outstanding concerns. • Traffic calming measures that may be considered for Maple Ridge are identified based on experience in other communities and the desires of staff and Council. Table 2 below summarizes the potential applicability of desired traffic calming measures, as well as other considerations, such as transit and emergency response routes. As shown in the table, some measures may be suitable for local and/or collector roads, but may not be suitable for use if those roads are designated as emergency response routes and/or transit routes. Page v 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 URBANSYSTLMSm \\Oak\Operatlons\Englneeilng\Admln\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc District of Maple Ridge —r Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice Table 2: Applicability of Traffic Calming Measures in Maple Ridge Road Classification Other Considerations Local Collector Emergency Roads Roads Response Transit Routes Routes Vertical Deflection • Sidewalk Extension X X V • Textured Crosswalk V V V V Horizontal Deflection • Chicane (one-lane) V X X X • Curb Extension V V V V • Curb Radius Reduction V V V1 X • On-Street Parking V V V V • Raised Median Island V V V V • Traffic Circle V X X • Road Diets V V V V Obstruction • Directional Closure V V X X • Raised Median Through Intersection V x X X • Right-In/Right-Out Island V X X X Signage • Right-/Left-Turn Prohibition V V V V • Traffic Calmed Neighbourhood V V V V • Information Signage V V V V Key V - suitable X - not suitable Only where traffic volumes are low. • Implementation of the approved plan involves the phasing and design of traffic calming measures, as well as defining a monitoring program subsequent to the installation of measures. It is recommended that temporary measures be considered where possible to confirm their effectiveness and that monitoring programs be put in place to examine the performance and impact of the measures. Page vi 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 TTP P(AT VC'T" /0 itO \\Oak\Operatinns\Englneerlflg\Admffi\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practicesdoc i 'V L Distnct of Maple Ridge L L . MAPLE RTDGE XLi Neighbourhood n )Ipc'r4teci 12 Septeiiib,,r,Traffic Management Practice 1.0 INTRODUCTION As the population of the Maple Ridge continues to grow, resident concerns regarding neighbourhood traffic issues are increasing. In particular, residents in some areas of the District have become concerned about the impacts of frequent occurrences of speeding and short-cutting traffic on the quality of life within the community. In an effort to discourage undesirable traffic patterns andlor unsafe travel behaviour, many municipalities have responded by implementing traffic management strategies, one component of which is typically traffic calming. Other components that form an overall neighbourhood traffic management strategy include community awareness, education, and/or enforcement programs. Consideration of these other components is an important aspect of an overall traffic management strategy for the municipality. Although traffic calming is viewed as a favourable and effective strategy to manage neighbourhood traffic issues in most communities, some municipalities have only created more problems for themselves in the process of trying to apply traffic calming on their streets. These problems may stem from not verifying or fully understanding the nature of the problems or implementing traffic calming measures on a street-by-street basis, which can have negative impacts on adjacent streets due to spillover effects. In conjunction with the Safer City initiative being undertaken by the District and ICBC, Maple Ridge has chosen to develop a Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice as a proactive means of administering, preparing, implementing, and maintaining neighbourhood traffic management. Other communities have found that the Practice lays the framework that may evolve as the District's experience with (and potentially the community's demand for) neighbourhood traffic management grows. Without a clear Practice, fundamental issues are difficult to manage, ranging from which neighbourhoods are considered for traffic management to dealing with issues of liability through standard design of traffic calming measures. It is important to emphasize, however, that the traffic management program will generally be driven by the community through the identification of issues and potential solutions. This document is separated into seven sections, as follows: . . . • Section 1.0 - Introduction. This section identifies the primary rationale for the preparation of the Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice and highlights the contents of the document. • Section 20 - Why Consider Neighbourhood Traffic Management? This section of the Practice describes the common reasons why most municipalities choose to implement neighbourhood traffic management, as well as some of the specific objectives of such a program. Pagel 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 TTP1 .il: 7Jfl\ 'C2TE \\Oak\Orations\EngInring\Admin\20 \her\040120 Draft Traffic Management Pradic.d Li U U V Um MAPLE RIDGE nwivorated 12 September, 1874 District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice • Section 3.0 - Scope of Neighbourhood Traffic Management. The third section of this Practice outlines the range of approaches to traffic management that could be used within the District. In some cases, traffic calming devices may not be the preferred or most appropriate solution to traffic-related concerns within a given neighbourhood. This section identifies three "alternative" approaches to neighbourhood traffic management. • Section 4.0 - Administration of Neighbourhood Traffic Management. This section provides the administrative framework for the management of the traffic management process in the District of Maple Ridge. It identifies an approach for dealing with residents' requests for traffic management, presents a framework for the identification and prioritization of areas for traffic management, and suggests how traffic management planning and implementation should be funded within the District. • Section 5.0 - Developing Traffic Calming Plans. This section outlines a three-stage process for the preparation of neighbourhood traffic calming plans in the District of Maple Ridge, based on a number of guiding principles set out in Section 5.1. • Section 6.0 - Implementation. This section describes the activities involved in the implementation and monitoring of traffic calming measures. • Section 7.0 - Traffic Calming Measures. This section of the Practice discusses the applicability of various traffic calming measures to meet the needs and conditions of the District of Maple Ridge. The section also includes a discussion of those traffic calming measures not recommended for use in Maple Ridge. The Canadian Guide to Neighbourhood Traffic Calming was prepared for the Transportation Association of Canada and the Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers in 1998, and provides consistent guidelines for the implementation of traffic calming measures throughout Canada. Rather than replicate the information contained in the Guide, the Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice provides additional information specific to conditions in Maple Ridge, such as objectives for traffic management, the applicability of various traffic calming devices to conditions in Maple Ridge, approaches to implementing traffic calming measures, and a means of soliciting community input regarding traffic management. The Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice is also intended to update some of the iriformatiorifrom the Guide pertaining to recent innovations and the latest treatments. Although the Practice contained within this document has been developed for the successful planning and implementation of traffic management solutions specifically Page 2 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\Operations\Englneering\.Admln\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Mana9ement Practices.doc URBANSYSTIMS District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice within Maple Ridge, it waS developed based on a review of similar traffic management policies and programs in the following BC and US communities: • Kamloops • Seattle, WA • Whistler • Bellevue, WA • Vancouver • Portland, OR • North Vancouver City • Berkeley, CA • North Vancouver District • Ventura, CA • Delta • Boulder, CO • Coquitlam • Fairfax, VA • Saanich • Kelowna The emergency service providers in Maple Ridge (police, fire, ambulance) were fully involved in the development of this Practice and provided important input to the final document. With fire services in particular, Maple Ridge is in a unique position in that many of its fire fighters are volunteers. The current Practice reflects the fact that response times for Maple Ridge fire fighters include time for volunteers to get to the fire stations and time to drive to an alarm, and that overall response distances are generally higher than in other municipalities. As such, specific measures that would significantly effect response times for fire services are excluded at this time. The Practice also reflects the difficulties in educating a broad range of volunteers on the location of traffic management devices throughout the municipality, particularly considering that different people may be driving the District's fire trucks from day to day. To address this in future and to allow a broader range of traffic calming devices to be considered for local streets, the District may wish to develop a network of designated fire response routes along which certain physical traffic management devices that would significantly affect response times would not be considered. '1 Page3 1880.0010.1G/ May 2004 TTPPA 'LTII\ AC \\Oak\OperatIons\EngIneerIflg\Admifl\20\Other\0120 Draft Traffic Managent Praic.doc L) IL.) District of Maple Ridge MAI'LE RIDGE c Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice 2.0 WHY CONSIDER NEIGHBOURHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT? Before undertaking neighbourhood traffic management, the District should consider the reasons that it is being considered. As well, the District will need to set out where traffic management strategies will be considered. This section describes the primary reasons that neighbourhood traffic management is undertaken in many communities, and describes several specific objectives of it. This discussion provides the basis for other components of the Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice, described in subsequent sections. In many communities, neighbourhood traffic management is undertaken for two primary reasons that are of concern to residents, District staff, and other community members: • Safety. Traffic management can make the streets safer for everyone, including all road users - pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and others. Many neighbourhood conflicts are the result of excessive speeds and motorist inattention - the very problems that traffic management can correct. For example, research has shown that specific traffic calming devices can reduce collision rates significantly. • Livability. Neighbourhood traffic management can help to preserve and enhance the livability of the community by minimizing the negative impacts of traffic - noise, pollution and visual intrusion. Attractively designed and landscaped traffic calming devices can also enhance the streetscape, enhancing livability as a result. It is intended that these broad goals be pursued in a manner that is consistent with the new Transportation Plan. This means that neighbourhood traffic management would be applied to improve safety and livability, while maintaining the effectiveness of the road network - particularly arterial and collector roads - for transporting people and goods. To address the above community issues, the specific objectives of neighbourhood traffic management include: • Minimize conflicts. Reducing conflicts between road users reduces the likelihood of a collision occurring, thereby improving safety, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users ... .. . - . . . .. ......... • Reduce vehicle speeds. Speeds that are suitable for one type of road - a major arterial road, for example - may be considered excessive on a residential collector road or local street. Measures that decrease vehicle speeds help to reduce the likelihood of a collision occurring, as well as the severity of collisibns. Reducing vehicle speeds also helps to improve the livability of a community by reducing noise and other negative impacts of traffic. Page4 1880 0010 1G/ May2004 TTPD A 4ICvLT'' ia- \\Oak\Operations\Englneering\Admln\204\Other\040120 DraftTrac Management Practices.doc L. L..) .V kim 0 ff District of Maple Ridge Neucihbourhood Jniporited 12 eFternLx 174 Traffic Management Practice • Discourage through traffic on local residential streets. Local streets are primarily intended for access to properties, rather than for accommodating through traffic. Reducing through traffic helps to improve safety by reducing the potential for conflicts, and helps to improve livability by reducing noise and other negative impacts of traffic. • Establish an ongoing process to address problems. New roads, additional development and other changes may result in changes in traffic patterns and may contribute to new traffic problems in the future. Establishing municipal policies and procedures to monitor and review conditions will help to ensure that problems are corrected as they occur. The Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice also provides an opportunity to address neighbourhood aesthetic needs through a community-driven process. • Allocate funds cost-effectively. Ensuring that the costs of neighbourhood traffic management are minimized and that the most cost-effective solutions are implemented will mean that initiatives can be pursued as quickly as possible throughout the community and that other transportation improvements will not be unnecessarily deferred as a result of neighbourhood traffic management plans. In general, there are two levels at which traffic management can be undertaken to enhance safety and livability. First, as described above, traffic management may be implemented within defined neighbourhoods. This generally involves programs and measures to discourage speeding and short-cutting on local streets. In many cases, this involves the installation of physical devices that force motorists to slow down. Secondly, traffic management may be undertaken on major roads on the periphery of neighbourhoods. This approach is usually designed to address different issues than those found within neighbourhoods, but typically involves the implementation of corridor management techniques to preserve or enhance mobility along the arterial and collector road network. Although the ultimate goal may be slightly different, corridor management on the major roads often discourages motorists from using the local road network for short-cutting, which is one of the specific objectives of neighbourhood traffic management. To date, neighbourhood concerns with safety and livability are a more pressing issue in Maple Ridge, although there is some interest in traffic management on a few arterial roadways. The Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice for Maple Ridge provides a process for undertaking traffic management programs within local neighbourhoods of the District, but does not provide a process with regard to major roadways (i.e., Major Road Network and municipal arterials). Maple Ridge is a growing community. As the municipality grows, there will be opportunities to incorporate traffic management features into the design of new Page5 1880.001O.1G / May 2004 UP(A ' AO \\Oak\Operations\Englneering\Admin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practic.doc £ Li Li -. \' Lift District of Maple Ridge — - Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice neighbourhoods from the outset. In this regard, this Practice focuses on traffic management within existing neighbourhoods, rather than within new developments. In terms of traffic calming, this will generally involve retrofitting existing local streets with calming devices. This Practice does not preclude the provision of traffic management in new neighbourhoods. Instead, there will be opportunities to incorporate features at the outset in new areas subject to the development of appropriate roadway design standards. Page 6 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\OperatIons\Engineerng\Admifl\2OO4\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc URBAMSYSTEM District of Maple Ridge MAPLE RIDGE C Neighbourhood rr,td I2Si 1874 Traffic Management Practice 3.0 SCOPE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT Neighbourhood traffic management encompasses a range of initiatives and measures that may be implemented to enhance the safety and livability of neighbourhood streets. Only one component involves the installation of physical measures to slow vehicles and discourage through travel. As illustrated below in Figure 3.1, the first stage of traffic management involves a range of measures intended to make motorists more aware of their speed and the impacts of short-cutting on the community - awareness, education, and enforcement. This stage is typically undertaken before physical devices are considered and is often initiated and led by the community itself in cooperation with municipal staff and police. In addition, although not necessarily a component of traffic management in and of itself, a preliminary evaluation of existing traffic conditions should be conducted to confirm the issues being raised through the community. This evaluation will typically be undertaken by District staff in cooperation with local residents. Undertaking non-engineering measures first offers an opportunity for the community and District to better understand the traffic issues within local neighbourhoods and to address them in other ways before the District undertakes the preparation of a traffic calming strategy. The following discussion highlights the primary components of neighbourhood traffic management in more detail. Figure 3.1: Stages of Neighbourhood Traffic Management - I L • ••• - -- Stage 2 I i L Stage 1 • Awareness. In combination with educating the cqwmupity, awareness can he a significant factor to mitigating some neighbourhood traffic concerns. In particular, where neighbourhood traffic issues are known to be associated with local residents (e.g., speeding on local streets and cul-de-sacs), increasing awareness of the broader community's concerns can help to discourage undesirable driving behaviour. Page 7 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\Qperations\Engineerina\Admin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Piactices.doc URB;N S'TE'iS MAPLE RIDGE ncomôrated 12 September, 11174 Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice District of Maple Ridge In some areas, local residents have developed lawn signs that encourage drivers to slow down to protect children playing within the neighbourhood. As well, community groups or volunteers have worked together with the local police force to implement temporary neighbourhood speed display ("speedwatch") stations where volunteers help monitor and display passing drivers' speeds. Although there are currently few organized neighbourhood associations in Maple Ridge, the District could encourage the formation of neighbourhood traffic advisory groups as more complaints about traffic issues are brought forward. These groups would be formed to monitor traffic-related concerns at a local level and to undertake activities to increase awareness within the community. Although such groups would be initiated and led by community members, the District could assist these groups in undertaking awareness campaigns by preparing samples of informational material that could be distributed through the community to raise awareness of residents' concerns. • Education. For some neighbourhood traffic concerns, embarking upon a community education campaign may prove to be an effective means of control. There are already many public education initiatives through the RCMP and ICBC's Safer City Program related to traffic and road safety that may prove to be effective for some neighbourhood concerns. For some areas, targeted educational campaigns may be undertaken to educate drivers on certain traffic rules. For example, in areas where crosswalk safety is a concern, the police, District, and/or ICBC may embark on a campaign to educate motorists about priority rules for crosswalks. Education campaigns may also be undertaken in cooperation with neighbourhood groups. These neighbourhood groups could be used as an avenue for disseminating educational materials. Volunteers from the neighbourhood could work with authorities to design and implement educational programs. The District may want to work with the RCMP and ICBC on the development of educational materials and programs that could be used as part of Maple Ridge's neighbourhood traffic management program. The District could then distribute these materials as needed to neighbourhood groups that wish to undertake an educational campaign to encourage motorists to drive responsibly. • Enforcement. In some areas where neighbourhood traffic issues are associated with external traffic (e.g speeding through neighbourhoods), enforcement may be a positive first step in traffic management. Although enforcement may have a positive effect on speeding, it has two primary challenges. First, it is costly to implement and resources may not be available to commit the level of enforcement desired by the community. Secondly, it is not a permanent solution. Enforcement campaigns may Page8 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 AC' \\Oak\Operatlons\Engineering\Admifl\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc ..t t1 Li Li L V k.Je District of Maple Ridge — I Nei hbourhood MAP, IJIX L Traffic Management Practice Inowponted deter motorists from speeding for a short time during and after the program, but problems will likely persist. In such cases, traffic calming devices are a permanent solution and are also self-enforcing. If enforcement is going to be undertaken as a first step, neighbourhood groups may want to work with District staff and the RCMP to identify those locations where speeding is perceived to be a problem and to develop an enforcement strategy to discourage undesirable driver behaviour. The District may facilitate discussions among the interested parties. • Preliminary evaluation. An important component of the overall traffic management process is to develop a preliminary understanding of the issues raised by the community. In this regard, a preliminary evaluation should be prepared before planning for any engineering measures is undertaken. This will ensure that traffic management is justified before significant effort is invested in the process. The following quantitative measures may be considered during the preliminary evaluation. This following discussion is provided as general information on when traffic management measures may be justified based on experiences in other communities. It is important to note, however, that the values provided are not intended to be prescriptive and should not be considered as guidelines or standards for the evaluation of traffic management issues. Speeding. Vehicle speeds should be collected over several days to determine the 85thpercentile speeds within the neighbourhood. If the 85th percentile speeds are at least 5 kmlh over the posted speed limit, then traffic management may be justified. In rural areas of the District, higher thresholds may be considered more appropriate. Traffic volumes. Traffic volumes may be counted at the same time as speeds are collected. Again, volumes should be collected over several days (preferably at least a week) to ensure sufficient data are available. Generally, traffic management may be considered if volumes are greater than 1,500- 2,000 vehicles per day on local streets and greater than 5,000-6,000 vehicles per day on neighbourhood collectors. Through traffic. Through traffic volumes may also be used to evaluate the need for traffic management. The proportion of traffic travelling through a neighbourhood is typically determined through license plate surveys at key locations within a community. Generally, traffic management may be justified if greater than 30% of traffic on- local streets and 50% of traffic on collector roadways is identified as through traffic (origin and destination outside neighbourhood). Page9 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 TTP A. ItT CVc'T..Th IC.? \\Oak\Operatlons\Engineering\Admifl\2O 4\Other\O4O12O DraftTraffic Management Praaic.doc L. U V LJm District of Maple Ridge - MAILE RIDGE Neighbourhood w12StLr,174 Traffic Management Practice • Traffic calming measures are the most permanent form of neighbourhood traffic management because it involves the installation of physical devices on the road network to discourage speeding and short-cutting through communities. Once all other avenues of education and awareness have been undertaken by the community and the problems identified could potentially be addressed by traffic calming, the District will begin the process of developing a traffic calming plan with the community. Traffic calming can be highly effective at reducing speeds, discouraging short- cutting, and improving safety within neighbourhoods. With some devices, it also represents an opportunity to enhance neighbourhood aesthetics through landscaping. Although this form of traffic management is the most requested by the public, it is not without its challenges. In particular, traffic calming measures may not be the most appropriate solution for all perceived traffic concerns. For this reason, a detailed analysis of speed and volume data needs to be undertaken prior to implementing a traffic calming plan. This analysis will give District staff the opportunity to evaluate the potential effectiveness of traffic calming measures at addressing the real problems that are occurring within the neighbourhoods. Much of this Practice outlines a strategy for undertaking traffic calming in a fair and equitable manner that is understandable to the residents of Maple Ridge. Page 10 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\Operations\Engineering\Admin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management PracDces.doc URB-NSYTEiV1Sm District of Maple Ridge L -. Neighbourhood 12 SeptemUer, 1874 Traffic Management Practice 4.0 ADMINISTRATION OF NEIGHBOURHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT Prior to the preparation of any neighbourhood traffic management strategies, the District will want to establish a clear administrative process that provides guidance on: • Managing requests. How the District deals with requests for traffic management from residents has an important effect on the success of the overall program. The District will want to have a process for managing requests that is clear and fair, and ensures that requests are handled promptly and objectively. • Defining and prioritizing areas. The municipality will not be able to implement traffic management strategies District-wide all at once. Over time, the District will receive requests for traffic management from residents around the community and will need to allocate funds to implement plans within specific areas of the community based on priorities that are equitable and objective. • Funding. The District will need to establish clear policies on how traffic management strategies and measures will be funded as the program is undertaken. As one of the important ingredients in the overall Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice, a clear and consistent administrative process that addresses all of the above topics will contribute to the long-term success of the traffic management program in Maple Ridge. This section addresses each of the above issues in more detail. The administration of a Neighbourhood Traffic Management Program requires a commitment of staff resources by the municipality. Section 4.4 briefly highlights those aspects of the program in which staff will be involved. 4.1 Managing Requests One of the biggest frustrations for residents can arise after they submit a request for improvements, and the District does not acknowledge that request. Because not all residents will be familiar with the traffic management process, the District needs to establish a process for dealing with public requests for traffic management, that is fair, prompt, and objective. This will ensure that the process is: • Oriented to customer service • Clear on the status of residents' requests • Designed to ensure that the issue(s) being raised can be addressed through traffic management, or that the issue can be dealt with through other programs Figure 4.1 outlines the recommended process for the District to follow when handling incoming neighbourhood concerns that are traffic-related. Page 11 1880.0010.1G/ May 2004 UPAW1L 'L'Ti....\ IC' \\Oak\OperatIons\EngineerInQ\Admifl\20 \her\0120 Dft Traffic Management Pradic.doc L) U v District of Maple Ridge MAPLE RIDGE Neighbourhood Jntporated 12 eplernLz 1874 Traffic Management Practice Figure 4.1: Administering Public Requests for Traffic Management Respond to Receive & Yes Request & Consider Management Procecso er Re quest ;ssue informational Approaches Materials !dtiseresponse ss 0 The first step in the process involves the identification of traffic problems or issues within the District. In all cases, this action will be initiated by one or more concerned residents requesting that a specific traffic problem be addressed by the District, potentially through the installation of traffic calming devices. Although residents may make their concerns known in a number of ways, the District should encourage residents to document them in a written letter or a standard request form that would ensure all issues are clearly described. For each request, the following information should be collected: • Resident's name • Resident's address • Contact information (phone, fax, e-mail) • As accurately as possible, the location of the problem (street(s) name, nearest street address, intersection, etc.) • Detailed description of the issue • Typical time(s) of occurrence of the issue(s) (peak period(s), night, all day, specific season, weekendlweekday, etc.) As well, any related information regarding the conditions or potential solutions may be identified by the individual(s) and should also be documented. District staff should maintain a database or spreadsheet of traffic-related concerns that would allow the issues to be sorted by geographic location (e.g., street, neighbourhood, school catchment, etc.), type of issue, or date of request. As requests are received, the District will need to evaluate each cbncerñ to determine whether the issue(s) is best addressed through the traffic management program or through other programs or agencies (e.g., Operations, Planning, TransLink, Police, etc.). It is important that each concern be considered carefully so that only problems that can actually be addressed through traffic management solutions are referred to the program. Pagel2 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 URBANSYSTEMS \\ak\Oprauons\Englneering\Admlfl\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc District of Maple Ridge MAPLE RIDGE L Neighbourhood Jn Jp(emIer1S'4 Traffic Management Practice or For example, residents often identify the lack of sidewalks or transit operations as traffic- related issues. However, both of these concerns may be able to be addressed through other programs or agencies. Table 4.1 below summarizes some of the common issues raised by residents during previous traffic management reviews in other municipalities and categorizes them according to whether they should be considered as traffic management issues. The task of distinguishing traffic management issues from other concerns will not always be easy. Some issues may require discussions with other agencies or departments to determine the appropriate course of action. Table 4.1: Examples of Issues Raised Through Traffic Management Studies Traffic Management Issues Non-Traffic Management Issues • Speeding on neighbourhood streets • Lack of sidewalks or crosswalks • Short-cutting on local streets • Roadway geometry • Intersection safety for pedestrians and • Intersection safety cyclists • Incompatible land uses • Transit operational issues Once an issue has been identified and the appropriate course of action has been determined, the next step in the process is to: • forward the concern to the appropriate department or outside agency and respond to the request, or • respond to the request and add the concern to the traffic issues database, and potentially move forward with a traffic management plan. In either case, it is important that the District respond to each submission and inform the resident of the process and the status of their concern. This will reassure residents that their concerns are being taken seriously and will be addressed in some form. Maintaining open lines of communication with residents will contribute to the long-term success of the traffic management program. 4.2 Defining and Prioritizing Areas Over time, traffic issues will be identified by residents of the District on a given street or in a given area. In some cases, several streets within a given neighbourhood may be problematic. Alternatively, the solutions for a given location may affect conditions on adjacent streets and the people living within the immediate area. In simple terms, neighbourhood traffic issues can rarely be treated in isolation. In this rregard, the District will want to collect, monitor, and combine traffic issues as appropriate at a neighbourhood level. The definition of these neighbourhood areas should be based on the issues identified, as well as the potential streets and residents that would be affected by addressing those neighbourhood issues. In some cases, traffic management may be considered throughout the defined area. In others, it may be simply a matter of Page 13 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 TTPPAIC U V /C \\Oak\Operations\Engineeringdmifl\2004\her\0120 Draft Traffic Management Praic.doc Y Q) opmmmkla Wi MAPLE RIDGE District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice identifying a smaller area of residents that could be affected by the solutions to involve them in a traffic management process. Although the number of neighbourhoods/streets where traffic management exists in Maple Ridge today is small, the District should be prepared for increased demand for measures through greater awareness of traffic management and after the implementation of additional measures in some neighbourhoods. Rather than dealing with the "squeaky wheel" in terms of prioritizing neighbourhood concerns, the District will want a means of selecting priorities - i.e., which neighbourhood gets traffic management first - through objective evaluation criteria. Accordingly, the District should consider the following criteria and evaluation system (Table 4.2) for ranking neighbourhood traffic management projects. The information required by these criteria should be collected for the primary road being considered for traffic management within a given neighbourhood. Table 4.2: Ranking of Neighbourhood Traffic Management Projects Criterion Points Basis for Point Assignment Speed 0 to 50 85thpercentile speed of traffic on the primary road. Two points will be allocated for every kilometre per hour that the 85 th percentile speed is over the posted speed limit, based on speed reader board information supplied by applicant and/or police, up to 50 points. Volume 0 to 50 Average daily traffic volume on the primary road. One point will be allocated for every 100 daily vehicles, based on traffic count data from the speed reader program or municipal collection, up to 50 points. Vehicle Collisions 0 to 25 Average number of vehicle collisions per year over the past three years, based on police reports. Five points will be allocated for each collision in an average year, up to 25 points. Elementary Schools 0 to 10 Five points assigned for each school zone along the primary street, up to 10 points. Road rehabilitation 0 to 10 Ten points assigned if rehabilitation project is planned for the projects primary street, during which traffic management measures could be implemented. Pedestrian Generators 0 to 15 Five points assigned for each public facility (such as parks, community centres, libraries, and high schools) that generates a significant number of pedestrians on the primary street, up to 15 points. Safe Route to School 0 to 5 Five points assigned for a designated safe route to school on the primary street. Bicycle Routes 0 to 5 Five points assigned if the primary street is a designated bicycle route. Transit Routes 0 to 5 Five, points assigned if the primary street accommodates transit service. Pedestrian Facilities 0 to 5 Five points assigned if there is no continuous sidewalk (wide shoulder in rural areas) on at least one side of the primary street. Roadway Geometry 0 to 5 Five points assigned if locations of poor road geometry are known to exist on the primary street. Total Points Possible 185 1 Page 14 1880.0010.1G/ May2004 .... \ IC \\Oak\Operations\EngIneerng\AdmIn\2OO4\Other\O4O12O Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc £'% JiI ' L.) .J ....... V Lie MAPLE RIDGE juy Ijexmoiated 12 September, 1674 Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice District of Maple Ridge The street with the highest score among those eligible for traffic management will be considered the highest priority for implementation. 4.3 Funding There are four main funding strategies that the District of Maple Ridge could consider for planning and implementation of traffic management. There are however, significant advantages and disadvantages to each of these options, some of which are described below. The following funding strategies were considered in the development of this Practice: Appropriation of funds from General Revenues. This strategy would require Council's vote to allocate funds from general tax revenues to fund traffic management in a particular area as part of the District's annual budget. The clear advantage of this Practice is that the traffic management plan is funded in a way that is similar to other road and transportation improvements throughout the District. However, the District should be prepared to move forward with implementation of measures shortly after approval of a traffic management strategy so that the community's expectations are addressed promptly. This approach is generally accepted by most communities as a fair and equitable method for funding neighbourhood traffic management improvements. Dedicated Reserve Fund. Council members would vote to establish a traffic management program extending through their mandate to which they would allocate reserve funds. This strategy still makes use of general tax revenue to fund the improvements, yet involves the allocation of monies towards a special reserve fund that is available only to fund traffic management priorities. Specified Area (Initiative Plan). Adopting a specified area initiative plan, Council would vote on a bylaw that would establish an annual specified area tax on properties deemed to benefit from the implementation of a traffic management plan. Under this approach, only if more than 50% of property owners in the area oppose the tax is the bylaw to adopt a traffic management plan defeated. This approach is similar to the concept of "negative billing", where residents will pay for something unless a majority oppose the plan. Specified. Area-(Petition Plan). The petition.plan would see Council implement a project based on a petition that is organized and presented by property owners. If a majority of the property owners, representing more than half of the assessed value, were in favour of paying for the traffic management plan, then the petition would succeed. In this funding strategy, benefiting property owners are still bearing the cost Page 15 1880.0010.1G/ May 2004 URB'-NSYSTEMSe \\Oak\Qperations\EngifleeflflQ\EflgIu1eeiflQ Corr\Matthew\040120 Draft Traffic Marra9ement Practices.doc District of Maple Ridge -'.- Nei hbourhood Traffic Management Practice the cost of the improvements. However, the difference in this case is the clear support of the community that is needed in order for the project to be approved. Although the method of funding may vary between communities, most municipalities that have District-wide traffic management policies fund their programs through the appropriation of general revenues, as described in #1 above. The basic rationale for this practice is that most other road and transportation improvements are typically funded in this way and, often, the traffic problems experienced in a neighbourhood are the result of District- or region-wide traffic issues and are not necessarily specifically tied to a particular community alone. It should be recognized that a specified area approach for large-scale neighbourhood traffic management has not been successful in those communities that have attempted this funding approach, but is more commonly used for street-specific strategies. To best meet the needs of the Maple Ridge community, it is recommended that the development of neighbourhood traffic management plans and the implementation of measures be funded through the District's general tax revenues. The allocation of funding for neighbourhood traffic management strategies should accommodate both planning and implementation so that measures can be installed within a relatively short timeframe following Council approval of the final strategies. The District should note, however, that funding through the specified area approach is always available under the Community Charter as part of a local improvement program. This approach could be used in the event that a neighbourhood group comes forward willing to partially fund neighbourhood traffic management in the community. In such a case, the implementation of traffic management measures could be accelerated. Based on the history of requests received in Maple Ridge, it is not anticipated that the demands for the development of neighbourhood traffic management strategies will be significant in the short term. It should be noted, however, that the implementation of a District-wide Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice in other municipalities has raised the community's awareness and, as a result, requests for improvements have increased substantially. 4.4 StáffRésources Undertaking a Neighbourhood Traffic Management Program requires a commitment of staff resources to administer the program and to oversee the preparation of plans. Although the preparation ofplans can be undertaken by outside agencies, District staff will still be involved throughout the process. The following table summarizes key aspects of the Neighbourhood Traffic Management Program in which District staff will be involved. Page 16 1880.0010.1G I May 2004 A? \\Oak\Operatlons\Englneering\Admlfl\2004\Other\040120 Draft Trac Management Practic.doc V IUm District of Maple Ridge MAPLE RiDGE Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice Table 4.3: Staff Involvement in Traffic Management Pre-Study During Studies • Respond to requests • Manage process • Screen requests • Collect data • Initial review • Public consultation • Confirm issues • Review and approve plans • Respond to requests • Present plans to Council • Initiate plan process Implementation Monitoring • Review and approve designs • Collect data • Secure funding • Identify issues/problems • Monitor construction • Correspond with public/stakeholders • Ensure and approve completion • Address issues if necessary Page 17 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\Operations\Engineering\Adnhin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc District of Maple Ridge [APLE RIDGE Neighbourhood rporated 12 114 Traffic Management Practice 5.0 DEVELOPING TRAFFIC CALMING PLANS As described in previous sections, neighbourhood traffic management typically involves a range of strategies to discourage speeding along and short-cutting through local streets. In many cases, awareness, education, and enforcement campaigns are a precursor to the installation of traffic calming measures, which are a more permanent and self-enforcing solution. Once it has been decided by the District that traffic calming is a desirable solution, a neighbourhood traffic calming plan must be prepared. The process of developing neighbourhood traffic calming plans is typically dependent on the size of the neighbourhood, as well as the scope of traffic-related issues. In general, however, the principles that guide the development of those plans should remain consistent. As well, most of the activities involved in preparing a plan will remain consistent regardless of the scale of the study. The scope of the tasks, as well as the scope of community involvement, will be tailored to suit the neighbourhood being reviewed. This section describes the principles that should guide the traffic calming process, as well as the key activities that would be undertaken in the preparation of a "typical" traffic calming plan, whether the plan is prepared by District staff or consultants. 5.1 Principles of Traffic Calming This section of the Practice outlines the overall principles that the District of Maple Ridge should follow when undertaking the traffic calming process for its neighbourhoods and streets. The approach that is outlined below does not attempt to define any 'rules' or 'thresholds' that can be used to establish when speeds, traffic volumes and other conditions are no longer acceptable and become a problem that must be addressed. The problem with this type of approach is that it is difficult to define thresholds that would be applicable to all conditions within the community. Inevitably a problem would arise that may not exceed the specified thresholds, but that would genuinely be a problem or be perceived to be a problem by residents and members of the community. There are several general principles that the District should follow when developing a traffic calming plan for, any of its neighbourhoods. The application of these principles will help to ensure that a thorough and objective process is followed, and that appropriate traffic calming measures are selected to meet the needs of the community and minimize the negative impacts of traffic in the area. • Involve the community. Residents, business operators, and others who live and work in a community must have input in the identification of traffic problems and the selection of traffic calming measures. Involving the community builds support for traffic management, and enhances the credibility of the resulting recommended measures. It also minimizes the potential influence of special interest groups who Page 18 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 I(VCTJ\ C \\Oak\Operations\Engineering\Admin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc JLt L. ' ,1 U MAPLE RIDGE iU 1ncorojitd 12 S,pte,nIer, 1874 District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice might otherwise unduly influence the outcome. If the community is not adequately involved, residents and others in the conMnunity might oppose the traffic calming measures - regardless of their technical merit - because they feel that they were not properly consulted, or that the recommended measures do not recognize the unique circumstances of their neighbourhood. • Identify the real problem. Frequently, the perceived nature of a traffic problem is substantially different from the real problem. In some cases, the difference is so great that a solution intended to eliminate the perceived problem might make the real problem worse. For example, residents often mention 'traffic volume' and 'speeding' as problems on their streets, but in many cases the problem is one or the other. It is important to identify the real problem, so as to select the appropriate measure. if the real problem is speeding, for example, a measure that significantly reduces the traffic volume on a street might inadvertently encourage speeding if fewer cars remain on the street to slow traffic. • Quantify the problem. Some problems are more significant than other problems. Some problems are all-day problems, whereas other problems occur only at certain times, in certain seasons, or in certain directions. Some reported problems are not really problems that can be addressed by traffic calming. For example, two or three speeders a day would not be addressed through traffic calming. In order to ensure that appropriate traffic calming measures are implemented, it is essential that the extent of each problem be quantified. This means collecting data, including traffic volumes, accident data, counts of pedestrians and cyclists, measures of delay and other data as appropriate. • Use self-enforcing measures. Unless police enforcement is a feasible and preferred solution for traffic management, measures that maintain a 24-hour presence and that do not require police enforcement to be effective should be used. For example, traffic circles should generally be used instead of four-way stops, and directional closures should be used instead of turn prohibitions. Measures that can be circumvented - such as a turn prohibition or a directional closure - should be used only at intersections with major roads, where visibility and the presence of traffic discourage motorists from circumventing these measures. • Minimize access restrictions. Generally, residents and other members of the community will be more supportive of traffic calming measures that do not restrict their access into and out of a neighbourhood. Diverters, barriers, and closures restrict access for people who live or work on a particular street, and support for such measures is directly related to the severity of traffic problems: Where problems can be addressed with other traffic calming measures that are not as restrictive to access, these should be considered instead, or residents should at least be given a choice of measures. Page 19 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 TIP P(A V0T0 /0. \\Oak\Operans\Engineeng\Admn\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Pracces.doc Li I U 'i U District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood 12 Traffic Management Practice • Consider effects on other streets. In considering measures to resolve a traffic problem in one location, the District should also consider any potential effects on adjacent streets. These effects might be caused by traffic diverted to other streets, motorists who speed up further down a street from a traffic calming measure, or changes in turning movements that increase delays at an intersection. If these effects are not considered in advance, a traffic calming measure might fail to solve a problem and at the same time create new problems or exacerbate existing problems elsewhere in the neighbourhood. • Target automobiles and trucks only. The purpose of implementing traffic calming measures is to affect automobiles and trucks, not other modes. Consequently, traffic calming devices should be designed to permit transit buses, cyclists, and pedestrians to pass through, while obstructing automobiles and trucks. Similarly, traffic calming devices should be located and designed to minimize impacts on emergency and service vehicles. 5.2 The Process This section lays out a general process for undertaking traffic calming plans within the District of Maple Ridge. As stated in the introduction, the process partly depends on the size of the neighbourhood under consideration, the scope of the traffic problems, and the resources available to develop and implement traffic calming plans. In the District of Maple Ridge, the current scale of issues, neighbourhoods, and resources available are modest compared to some other communities. Consequently, a more streanilined process for developing traffic calming plans in the community is outlined in this section. A similar streamlined approach is successfully used in several other communities in BC. It is important to recognize that this Practice will likely evolve as the District gains experience in traffic calming and that the process used to develop traffic calming plans may change to meet the needs of the community. Figure 5.1 below illustrates the various activities involved in developing a traffic calming plan from study initiation through to approval. The public involvement activities that are shown are typical for a more streamlined approach. A larger-scale plan would generally involve more extensive public consultation. A process involving additional consultation is presented in Appendix A. Page 20 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 P ($TEN /12 \\Oak\Operations\Englneeilrig\Admin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc .& (A T C L) Li ' L)C District of Maple Ridge MAPLE RIDGE Neighbourhood in ted 12 Septernher,1874 Traffic Management Practice Figure 5.1: Undertaking the Plan STAGE 1 - Gauging I STAGE 2— Developing I STAGE 3— Plan Community Interest I the Plan l Approval Fnitiate Tfaffic Collect ______ Refine Plan Council Community nnafre I 0 T,'Yes Collect No Prehm:nary Community Data Letter I ImpTht I Plan Yes Community I Community I Yes Interest? Support? i I Major I Minofl No Changes No Changes! Respond to Refine Plan Request(s) I Stage 1— Gauging Community Interest Upon initiation of a traffic calming plan for a neighbourhood, the District will want to canvass the broader community early in the process to determine whether there is interest in the preparation of a plan. This is a critical stage in the traffic calming process, as it determines early on whether others in the community have similar concerns and whether they want to consider traffic calming measures. In some communities, this early gauging of community support was not undertaken and significant effort and resources were invested in plans that were ultimately defeated because the majority of residents in the neighbourhood were not supportive of traffic calming in the first place. To determine the community's opinions early in the process, it is reconmiended that the District develop a newsletter/questionnaire to be distributed to all residents in the neighbourhood that describes: • The study area for the plan • The traffic-related issues that have been identified by members of the community or District staff Page 21 / May 2004 URB1ANSYSTEMS \\Oak\Operauons\Englneering\Admin\2004\Qther\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practlem.doc District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood IL Traffic Management Practice • The purpose of traffic calming and some potential measures that could be implemented • The process to be undertaken to develop a plan, if the community chooses to proceed The questionnaire should ask residents to respond to a direct question, such as "Do you want the District to consider traffic calming for your neighbourhood?" As well, residents should be given an opportunity to identify additional traffic-related issues that are of concern to them. In addition, residents should be requested to provide their name and address for confirmation that they live within the study area. If two-thirds of the respondents wish to proceed with a traffic calming plan, then the preparation of the plan can move forward to Stage 2. If this level of support is not achieved, the District will want to respond by sending a letter to all residents outlining the results of the survey and confirming that a traffic calming plan will not be undertaken without community support. Stage 2— Developing the Plan With community support established early in the process, preparation of the traffic calming plan can be undertaken. Once a study has begun, it is essential that all traffic and transportation issues in the area be identified and quantified. The list of issues will include those already identified through the District's recorded concerns and requests, but also any additional issues identified during Stage 1 of the process. The objective at this stage is to ensure that the most comprehensive list of issues has been compiled to minimize the potential for significant concerns to arise late in they study process. As discussed in Section 4.1, many issues will be identified during Stage 1 that do not necessarily fall within the scope of a traffic calming plan. Regardless, all of the issues should be documented as part of the traffic calming process, and the appropriate ones forwarded to other agencies as necessary for further action. Specific activities to be undertaken during this stage of the process include: • Collect data. To verify the nature and magnitude of reported problems, and to ensure that the real problems are addressed, data must be collected. These data include reported collisions, vehicle speeds, traffic volumes, pedestrian volumes and other data relevant to the reported problem. Where possible, traffic data should be collected using automatic counters, for a minimum of 168 hours (seven complete days), and should be collected during times when problems are reported to occur. Similarly, manual data collection efforts (such as traffic counts and licence plate traces) should be undertaken at times when problems are reported to occur. Page 22 1880.0010.1G I May 2004 TPA JC2TT..\ IC$ \\Oak\Operations\EngIneean\Admin\2OO4\Other\O4O12O Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc L.) Li I V District of Maple Ridge - Nei hbourhood Incorponted 12 mber,1S74 Traffic Management Practice Existing data may be available from a variety of sources for many locations throughout the municipality. Additional information will need to be collected at locations for which municipal data are not available (such as speed data and vehicle classification counts). Detailed information regarding the level of data collection that may be required for traffic calming studies is included in Appendix B. • Develop potential solutions. Potential traffic calming measures that would address the neighbourhood's concerns should be identified and incorporated into a preliminary plan. It is recommended that only a single preliminary traffic calming plan be developed, with optional measures for specific locations as required. Options should only be considered where two or more measures would be equally effective. Neighbourhood preference would then determine the preferred option, based on the relative advantages and disadvantages of each (unless cost differences are of such magnitude that District staff should also have input). Optional measures should also be considered where a specific measure might be controversial - this permits residents and others who might oppose the specific measure to indicate support for the entire plan without supporting the specific measure. • Community letter/survey. The purpose of the community letter/survey is to determine the level of support for the proposed plan, and to select optional measures. Words such as 'ballot' and 'vote' should be avoided when describing the community survey. It is important that residents and other community members understand that it is a survey intended to measure community support for the proposed pian, and is not a binding referendum. Consequently, it is important to explain that, following the survey, there will still be an opportunity to refine and improve the plan if there are any significant outstanding concerns. The proposed neighbourhood traffic calming plan and any optional measures should be explained clearly, in non-technical language and with as much visual material as possible. The letter should include a map of the neighbourhood, illustrating the plan and options, and sketches of various traffic calming measures. Where appropriate, background information should be included describing the nature of specific problems (such as observed traffic volumes or speeds on specific streets). Respondents should be given three choices for each question. They should be asked to indicate whether they support the plan, do not support the plan, or are neutral. The 'neutral' choice is important. Some people might hesitate to actively support a plan, but might not want to condemn it either with a vote of no support. A third option allows them to say, in effect, "I do not care strongly one way or another." Without the 'neutral' option, the number of persons who do not support a plan might appear to be significantly higher than the actual number, and might make it difficult to identify those who have legitimate concerns with the plan. Page23 1880.0010.1G I May 2004 Draft Traffic Management Praices.d L.) L.) v ILim District of Maple Ridge Ne,ahbourhood In orated ptemLcr1874 Traffic Management Practice The letter should be distributed to every residence (property owners and tenants) and business in the neighbourhood. One response is permitted per address. To maximize response rates, convenient locations in the neighbourhood should be designated for people to drop off their completed questionnaires. These can include community centres, schools, and stores. Although response rates will typically vary with the size of community, it is recommended that the District expect response rates that are in line with the typical voter turnout for municipal elections. The key consideration for the Practice is to set a minimum level of support for finalizing the traffic calming plan and seeking Council support during Stage 3. Although this minimum level could be as low as 50% plus one, it is recommended that a higher level of support be required to ensure solid support for - and minimum opposition to - the plan. A minimum of 67% support is recommended. As well, it is recommended that an upper limit be established for 'do not support' responses. Ideally, fewer than 20% of respondents would not support the plan. Typically, many respondents who do not support a plan do so because of a single concern, and it is often possible to make minor changes to the plan to address these outstanding concerns, thereby reducing the proportion of opposition within a neighbourhood. if the required level of support is not achieved, the plan should be revised in an attempt to address the concerns of residents. if the public's concerns and the resulting changes are significant, a second community letter/survey should be distributed to canvass the public for the opinions on the revised plan. If the changes are less significant, a revised plan can be submitted to Council for approval in Stage 3. Stage 3— Plan Approval The third stage of the planning process is intended to get District Council's approval of the final traffic calming plan. The following activities are included in Stage 3: • Present the plan to District Council. The refined plan should be presented to Maple Ridge District Council for approval and allocation of funding. It may also be desirable to invite members of the public to attend the presentation to speak on behalf of the plan. In general, the plan will be approved by Council based on the support received from the community through the survey process in Stage 2. • Revise the plan if necessary. In some cases, Council may request minor revisions to the plan. Typically these revisions can be made without returning to the community for support by way of a letter/survey. Upon approval of the traffic calming plan, the District can move forward with implementation, which is described in Section 6.0. Page 24 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 TTA: TCv'(2Ti.....'\ AC' \\Oak\Operaaons\Engineering\Admin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc Li I L.) V L.)nn District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice I E RIDGE 12 Sep(ember, 1874 5.3 Agency Consultation in the Traffic Calming Process A successful Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice is not only dependent on the support of local residents, but also on the support of agencies and other stakeholders that may be impacted by the installation of traffic calming measures. These agencies are primarily emergency service providers such as police, fire, and ambulance services, but also transit and school bus operators, and municipal operations staff. Although it may be challenging to generate support from all stakeholders, the best way to achieve support is to be aware of the respective goals of all parties. Not all agencies may be interested in participating; however, it is important to provide an opportunity for them to do so. Figure 5.2 summarizes the opportunities for engaging external agencies in the consultation process. Each opportunity is further detailed below. Figure 5.2: Opportunities for Agency Consultation of Development Implementation NTM and Approval for Notification of Intent Draft P/an Circulation Approved P/an Circulation Confirm Design Vehicles field Visit Review Design Drawings field Test Temp. Devices field Test finai Devices Plan Development and Approval Notfi cation of Intent: The earlier that stakeholders are informed of the traffic calming planning process, the more opportunity those agencies have to participate and provide input. Although notification at this stage may not be intended to engage discussion with regard to planning and design, any response may flag potential issues of concern. In cities such as Portland and Seattle, this consultation typically occurs prior to any commitment being made to neighbourhood residents. Draft Plan Circulation: At the planning stage, various agencies' goals must be heard and incorporated as much as possible into the plan to increase the chances of reaching a successful outcome. Circulating the draft plan allows the agencies to comment and provide further information. In Boulder, Colorado, emergency services maintain an active role in developing the draft plan and, in conjunction with all other parties, must accept the plan before it can proceed. Page 25 / May 2004 URBANSYSTEMSm \\Oak\Operath,ns\EngIneeJingAdmIn\2OO4\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc 0,.~ n!nn na District of Maple Ridge Neig hbourhood Traffic Management Practice Approved Plan Circulation: Once the plan is approved it is necessary to inform all agencies and operators who may be impacted that the traffic calming plan will be proceeding. This will prepare operators for any new devices that will be constructed. Design Confirm Design Vehicles: When designing traffic calming devices, it must be ensured that all vehicles, namely emergency vehicles, buses, and garbage trucks, can be safely accommodated. The designers will want to ensure that these measures support a design vehicle that would commonly use the specific neighbourhood streets. Field Visit: If requested, or if there is any doubt about accommodating particular vehicles, municipal staff should meet with concerned agencies on-site and conduct a drive-through with traffic cones. For example, agencies may request additional parking restrictions to ensure sufficient manoeuvring space in the vicinity of traffic calming devices. Review Design Drawings: Once designs have been completed, agencies should have the opportunity to review those designs prior to construction. In Boulder, all parties must accept the terms of the design before the project can proceed. Implementation Field Test Temporary Devices: Temporary traffic calming devices may be constructed to determine whether or not they are appropriate for achieving the desired result of calming traffic. Field tests may be conducted to ensure that vehicles such as fire trucks can adequately manoeuvre through the devices. The size and shape of devices can be modified to achieve the best compromise between the goals of concerned agencies and the needs to manage traffic. Field Test Final Device: Once the trial period for temporary devices has ended and any necessary modifications have been incorporated into the design, construction of permanent traffic calming devices may proceed. Although agencies will have had several opportunities to confirm that the traffic calming devices are acceptable, they should be invited to field test the permanent devices upon completion to ensure that the final design is also successful. 5.4 Schedule The preparation of a traffic calming plan using this process will likely require a period of four to five months. A longer time period may be necessary where the work occurs around Christmas or the summer months, as public consultation is not advisable when a Page 26 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 TTPA IC\ 'LTT /fl \\Oak\Opemtions\Engineerngdmifl\2O\Other\Q4O12O Dmft Traffic Management Praces.d Li Y Li ILl® District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice large number of residents may be on vacation. For this reason, it is generally best to initiate a traffic calming plan in September or January, as it can then be concluded and approved before Christmas or the summer. The more extensive process outlined in Appendix A would require a time period of six to eight months. Following this schedule, design and construction of traffic calming devices can be undertaken in the spring and summer, respectively, when schools are not in session and traffic volumes on neighbourhood streets are often lower. If temporary devices are used, construction of permanent devices can occur the following spring or summer. Page27 . 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 TTP P(A PeT C" 'CTE\ AC' \\Oak\OperatIons\Engineeringdmin\2004\her\0120 DraftTm m fflc Management Pic.doc Y U U V Uc aa 02 a *-1 !' MAPLE RIDGE Inwmorated 12 Se,'tembe, 1874 District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice 6.0 IMPLEMENTATION This section of the Practice outlines the recommended approach to the implementation of traffic calming plans after they are approved by Council. 6.1 Design, Construction & Monitoring Once approved, traffic calming measures can typically be implemented immediately following design, but may be phased over time. As well, temporary measures may be installed to test their effectiveness and to identify potential adjustments to the plan or the measures themselves to reflect actual conditions. Implementation activities are illustrated in Figure 6.1 and are discussed below. Figure 6.1: Implementation Process Install Tern porary vices Implement Plan Monitor I Effect! veness Phasing if Consider Construct EDesign Temporary >No[ Permanent I inecessary Devices? Devices 'I, Monitor Effectiveness • Design. To ensure that traffic calming measures are constructed properly, designs should be prepared for most devices based on accurate survey information. However, it is usually not necessary to prepare designs for individual speed humps and raised crosswalks - instead, a standard design can be used and a map prepared illustrating the exact location. Designs should be implemented based on information in the Canadian Guide to Neighbourhood Traffic Calming, and supplementary design information contained in Section 7.3 of the Practice. • Phasing. Desirably, traffic calming measures should be implemented all at once. However, in some cases it may not be possible or desirable to implement all traffic calming measures at the same time. Instead implementation might be phased over a Page 28 / May 2004 URB1NSYSTEMS \\ak\Opeons\Engineer1fl9\Admfl\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc District of Maple Ridge b; Neighbourhood 2ptern1r1874 Traffic Management Practice period of two or more years. If implementation is to be phased, priorities for implementation should be determined using the following criteria: - Safety improvements should be given priority. These might include traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds and reduce conflicts at intersections, as well as pedestrian and bicycle facility improvements. - Low-cost measures should be given priority. Generally, it is preferable to implement several low-cost measures rather than one higher-cost measure. Low- cost measures might include signage, pavement markings, speed humps and crosswalks, for example. - Measures should be implemented in groups. For example, measures on two parallel local streets should be implemented at the same time, so as to avoid diverting traffic from the street with a measure to the street without a measure. - Measures incorporated as part of a neighbourhood beautification strategy should be given priority. In some cases, traffic management devices incorporate plantings that are identified as part of a broader strategy to beautify neighbourhoods. • Temporary devices. Where possible, traffic calming devices should be first implemented on a temporary basis. After a period of six months to a year, if it has been determined that a device has achieved the intended results, it should then be constructed on a permanent basis. This avoids the risk of removing or modifying a permanent installation that was constructed at a much higher cost than a temporary installation. It also provides an opportunity to alter the geometrics of a device or make other changes prior to permanent installation. Guidelines for temporary devices are included in Section 7.3.3 of the Practice. • Monitoring. Data collected during the preparation of the traffic calming plan represents 'before' data. Following implementation of temporary measures, 'after' data should be collected at the same locations and in the same conditions to determine whether desired results have been achieved and to confirm that permanent devices should be installed. • Construction. Guidelines for the construction of traffic calming devices are also included in Section 7.3. • Monitoring. Following implementation of permanent devices, monitoring of the traffic mariagement strategy should contInue to ensure that the plan is meeting its objectives and whether additions and/or modifications should be considered. Page 29 1880.0010.1G I May 2004 ........ IC \\Oak\Opeons\EngIneerifl9\AdmIn\20\her\0120 Draft Traffic Management Praces.d L.) I Li _.. C District of Maple Ridge - Neighbourhood MAPLE .IJçTX L Traffic Management Practice 7.0 TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES This section of the Practice identifies which traffic calming measures are appropriate for use within the District of Maple Ridge, and also identifies which measures should not be used. Information regarding the applicability of traffic calming measures is also provided to supplement existing published information. 7.1 Measures Considered for Use in Maple Ridge The Canadian Guide to Neighbourhood Traffic Calming identifies a total of 25 measures that are commonly used in Canada for traffic calming, as listed in Table 3.1 of the Guide. However, the Guide notes that not all of these 25 measures are appropriate as traffic calming measures. Some measures - such as stop signs and maximum speed signs, for example - should not be used for traffic calming purposes. Although effective for other purposes, these measures have proven to be less effective for traffic calming purposes. This section of the Practice identifies those measures that are appropriate for the District of Maple Ridge based on input from staff and experience in other municipalities. The traffic calming measures identified in Table 7.1 below are recommended for use in Maple Ridge. Based on discussions with District staff, some traffic calming measures may be considered for both locals and collectors, whereas others should be used only on one type of roadway. Other factors affecting the applicability of traffic calming measures in Maple Ridge include access for emergency vehicles, transit service, and ongoing maintenance of roadways. Measures that should are not suitable for primary emergency response and transit routes are identified in the table. Page 30 1880.0010.1G/ May 2004 I%IC' 'L'JTN AC m \\Oak\Operations\EngInengAdmIn\20 4\her\40120 Draft Traffic Management Praces.d Li Y u -. v U MAPLE RIDGE LL Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice District of Maple Ridge Table 7.1: Applicability of Traffic Calming Measures in Maple Ridge Road Classification Other Considerations Local Collector Emergency Roads Roads Response Transit Routes Routes Vertical Deflection • Sidewalk Extension X X • Textured Crosswalk Horizontal Deflection • Chicane (one-lane) X X X • Curb Extension V V V • Curb Radius Reduction V V x • On-Street Parking V V V V • Raised Median Island V V V V • Traffic Circle X X • RoadDiets Obstruction • Directional Closure V V X X • Raised Median Through Intersection V X X X • Right-In/Right-Out Island X X X Signage • Right-/Left-Turn Prohibition V V V V • Traffic Calmed Neighbourhood V V • Information Signage V V V V Key V - suitable X - not suitable 1 Only where tratfic volumes are low. Those traffic calming measures recommended for use in Maple Ridge are briefly summarized as follows: 7.1.1 Vertical Deflection This section describes traffic calming measures that cause a vertical deflection of the vehicle. The following measures are recommended for use within the District of Maple Ridge as summarized in Table 7.1. • Sidewalk extensions are intended for use on local streets. The primary purpose of a sidewalk extension is to indicate that pedestrians on the sidewalk have priority over vehicles approaching on the roadway. Sidewalk extensions are only considered alongor crossing a local road. '. Page 31 1880.00 biG / May 2004 \\Oak\Operatlons\Englneering\Admln\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc URBJ.N SYSTEN'S5 District of Maple Ridge ________ L. Neighbourhood MAPLE L Traffic Management Practice • Textured crosswalks are appropriate for use on all roadways. A textured crosswalk incorporates a textured and/or patterned surface that contrasts with the adjacent roadway surface. The primary benefit of textured crosswalks is that they better define the crossing location and can further enhance other measures such as raised crosswalks and/or curb extensions. 7.12 Horizontal Deflection This section describes traffic calming measures that cause a horizontal deflection of vehicles. These types of measures discourage short-cutting or through traffic to varying degrees and may also reduce vehicle speeds, reduce conflicts and enhance the neighbourhood environment. • One-lane chicanes discourage speeding by requiring motorists to weave around two offset extensions of the curbs and to yield to oncoming 4 . traffic. One-lane chicanes have proven to he • somewhat effective at reducing vehicle volumes. •., Chicanes are used in limited applications, . ! primarily on local streets where driveway spacing and on-street parking allow for the installation of the chicane. They cannot typically be used where on-street parking is heavily used. They are generally designed to accommodate surface drainage along the gutter, and can incorporate landscaping. In the District of Maple Ridge, one-lane chicanes will only be considered for local streets. Curb extensions improve pedestrian safety by reducing the distance that pedestrians must cross t. . a roadway, and by improving the visibility of pedestrians for approaching motorists, and the visibility of approaching vehicles for pedestrians. •. ' Curb extensiOns can be used at intersections and at midblock locations, and can be used alone or in . -. combination with a raised crosswalk and/or a . median island. In addition to their pedestrian safety benefits, curb extensions on one, or both sides of the roadway also help to reduce vehicle speeds. For this purpose, curb extensions may be built on either urban or rural roadway cross sections. In the District of Maple Ridge, curb extensions may be considered along all road classes including transit and emergency response routes. Page 32 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\Operations\Englneering\Adnhln\2004\Other\040120 Draft TraffiC Management Practices.doc URBNSYSTD'1'1S® i -H I, L- - -- - S -- 5- URB'ANSYST;IMS, E RIDGE _- - District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice • Curb radius reduction is the reconstruction 31, of an intersection corner to a smaller radius. This measure effectively slows down right-turning t\ vehicle speeds by making the corner 'tighter' with a smaller radius. A corner radius reduction may also improve pedestrian safety to a certain degree by shortening the crossing distance. This type of measure is acceptable on most classes of roadway, but its use is often limited to specific situations where the existing intersection geometry would allow the reconstruction. In addition, curb radius reductions should not be used on transit routes. r . On-street parking is a practical way of decreasing the effective road width by allowing r vehicles to park adjacent and parallel to the road edge. This type of measure is applicable on most - - - classes of road, but may not be that effective on - rural cross-sections, unless obstructions are placed at the roadside to prevent vehicles from parking too far off of the roadway. In addition, continuous on-street parking along longer streets without intermediate passing opportunities may be inappropriate. The primary benefit of allowing on-street parking as a traffic calming measure is the reduction in vehicle speeds due to the narrowed travel space. • Raised median islands are installed in the r- - centre of an arterial or collector road to slow, L traffic without affecting the capacity of the road. -1- Raised median islands are particularly useful at t unsignalized crosswalks on higher-volume roads, S as they increase motorists' awareness of the S S crosswalk and permit pedestrians to cross half the road at a time. Raised median islands can be - L combined with curb extensions and/or raised crosswalks to further improve pedestrian safety. These measures may be considered on all classes of roadway. • Traffic circles should only be used at intersections of local residential streets, and intersections, of local streets and minor collector roads where traffic volumes are balanced. They should not be used on industrial collector or arterial roads, even where these roads intersect local residential streets. Experience in other Page 33 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\01)erations\Engineering'Admin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc District of Maple Ridge LJ EF TAPLE RIDGE Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice communities has shown that, where traffic circles are located on major roads, traffic entering the traffic circle from the major road often fails to yield to traffic that has already entered from the local street, creating a safety concern. Traffic circles should not be confused with a similar traffic control device - the modem roundabout • Road diets are a new technique used to better - define roadspace for various users and to encourage motorists to slow down In many cases, wide local and collector streets do not - - have pavement markings (other than a centre - line in the case of collectors) to clearly indicate Z1 where motorists should drive Road diets involve the addition of pavement markings to define driving space, parking space, and, in some cases, bicycle facilities. More clear definition of driving space can induce drivers to reduce their I Parking I Two Marked speed. Road diets also refer to the technique of Lane Travel Lanes reducing four-lane arterial roads to two- or three-lane arterials with bicycle facilities and/or on-street parking. Road diets can apply to any type of road in Maple Ridge. 7.1.3 Obstruction This section describes those traffic calming measures that obstruct specific vehicle movements. These types of measures are typically implemented at intersections, but may also be applied at some mid-block locations. The primary benefit of obstruction measures for traffic management is that they effectively calm traffic behaviour without compromising bicycle or pedestrian movements. Although these types of measures are effective at discouraging short-cutting and through traffic to varying extents, they are only recommended for use when horizontal or vertical deflection measures would not be effective or appropriate. The following obstructions are appropriate for use in Maple Ridge, as per Table 7.1. Directional closures are applicable for use only on local residential streets, but at intersections with other road classes such as 4~1 collectors and arterials. A directional closure is a j$b curb extension or other barrier that extends into - - the roadway, approximately as far as the centreline.. This device obstructs one side of the roadway and effectively prohibits vehicles travelling in that direction from entering. Directional closures are especially useful for controlling non-compliance of one-way road sections and are compatible with other modes such as bicycles. At all directional Page 34 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\Operatlons\Engineering\Admifl\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc URB-iNSYSTLMS (.47 District of Maple Ridge MAERIL L Neighbourhood JnrtedJ2Serternhr1S74 Traffic Management Practice closures, bicycles are permitted to travel in both directions through the unobstructed side of the road, however, some directional closures have a pathway built through the device specifically for bicycles. • Raised median through intersection. ho These devices are used on the centrelines of two- :. and four-lane roadways to prevent left-turn and .. through movements to and from intersecting streets. This type of device is appropriate for use on all classes of road in Maple Ridge and is especially effective at preventing short-cutting and through traffic while providing some secondary pedestrian safety benefits. In the District of Maple Ridge, raised medians through intersections are appropriate where local roads intersect higher classes of road. • Right-in/right-out islands are raised triangular islands located on an intersection approach to limit the side street to right turn in and out movements. Similar to a raised median through an intersection, this device is used primarily to restrict movements to and from an intersection roadway. In Maple Ridge, right- inlright-out islands may be considered only for use in locations where local residential streets intersect another roadway of any class. 7.14 Signage Signage prohibiting turns and through movements should only be used as an alternative in situations where appropriate traffic calming measures cannot be used. The use of signage without accompanying physical traffic calming devices should be avoided where possible, as this can create an enforcement problem and, as a result, can be costly in terms of police resources. There is, however, one type of signage that can be used to complement the physical devices installed through a traffic calming plan. • Traffic-calmed neighbourhood signage is used to notify motorists and other road users that they are about to enter a neighbourhood that . has been 'calmed' by the installation of various traffic calming measures. Although this signage 1 alone does not have any significant impacts on driver behaviour, it aims to make the motorist •.. Page35 1880.0010.1G/May 2004 _r_ YuT i® \\Oak\Operations\Eflgifleering\Admifl\2004\OtherW40120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood 12 Traffic Management Practice aware of the conditions they are about to enter and could potentially act as a 'deterrent' for motorists looking for a short-cut. • Information signage may be used to raise awareness about neighbourhood traffic issues. Although signage may help to increase the awareness of motorists to undesirable driving behaviour, it will not generally have any significant impacts on speeding or short-cutting. 7.2 Measures Not Recommended for Use in Maple Ridge Through discussions with District staff and the emergency service providers in Maple Ridge (RCMP, ambulance service, fire service), the following traffic calming measures are not recommended for use: • Speed humps. Speed humps are not the same as speed bumps used in parking lots and designed in many communities. Speed humps are used throughout the Lower Mainland for traffic calming purposes, but create delays and inconvenience for emergency services in particular. District staff and the emergency services do not recommend speed humps for use within Maple Ridge because of potential delays to emergency vehicles, as well as safety concerns for passengers/patients in fire vehicles and ambulances. As well, because there is a large contingent of volunteer fire fighters in Maple Ridge, there is also an issue with educating drivers on the location of speed humps and preferred response routes throughout the District. • Raised crosswalks. A raised crosswalk is essentially a speed hump combined with a crosswalk. For reasons similar to those for speed humps, the District and emergency services prefer not to consider raised crosswalks for use in Maple Ridge. • Raised intersections are not readily visible to motorists and other roadway users. Consequently, their effects on vehicle speeds and traffic volumes are minor, at best. Given the high cost of retrofitting raised intersections on existing roadways, it is recommended that raised intersections not be used in Maple Ridge as a traffic calming measure. • Rumble strips are typically used on high-speed rural roadways at approaches to unsignalized intersections. Because this situation does not exist within the District, and because rumble strips create concerns for maintenance, snow clearing, and particularly cyclists, they are not recommended for use in the District of Maple Ridge. • .Diverters are only used where significant short-cutting problems exist and should only be considered in extreme circumstances, as they severely restrict access for residents and transit and emergency vehicles, unless pass-through facilities are Page36 1880.00 biG I May 2004 TTP A?tT C\/CTE!\ AC' \\Oak\Operadons\Englneering\Admln\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management practices.doc __ MAPLE RIDGE District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice provided. Given the existing scope of traffic management issues being raised within the District, diverters are not recommended for use at this time. • Intersection channelization is used to delineate specific movements at or (through an intersection. They typically restrict access to and from cross-streets and therefore impact access to neighbourhoods for residents and emergency vehicles. In addition, they are costly to implement. For these reasons, intersection channelization is not recommended as a traffic calming technique at this time. • Full closures are typically only considered as a last resort, as they completely restrict access for residents and others travelling to and from locations within a neighbourhood. They also restrict emergency and transit access. Less restrictive measures should be considered first, as in most cases these can achieve the same results, without the severe impacts associated with a full closure. • Signage. As mentioned in the previous section, signage that prohibits turning and through movements should only be considered when other methods of traffic calming are not effective or appropriate. Experience in other communities has shown that signage alone - to prevent vehicle movements, control traffic, or restrict speeds - is generally not effective. For example, the addition of unwarranted stop signs may in fact lead to reduced compliance by some drivers, which in turn affects safety for other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. In this regard, signage must generally be combined with significant enforcement activities or other physical traffic calming measures to meet the objectives of neighbourhood traffic management. In the District of Maple Ridge, it is not recommended that speed limit, stop signs, and prohibition signage alone be considered as an appropriate traffic calming device. 7.3 Design Notes The following information regarding the design of traffic calming devices is intended to supplement or replace information presented in Section 4 of the Canadian Guide to Neighbourhood Traffic Calming. These guidelines reflect experience and new techniques developed since the Guide was published. 7.3.1 Design Guidelines This section presents improved and modified designs for several traffic calming measures. These changes address deficiencies of the designs presented in the Guide, and reflect proven practices in BC. • Curb extensions. The minimum dimensions indicated in the Guide for curb extensions (Section 4.3.2 of the Guide) are excessive, and might unnecessarily reduce opportunities for on-street parking. Figure 7.1 indicates minimum dimensions Page 37 1880.0010.1G/ May2004 N \\Oak\Operations\Engineering\Admifl\2004\Other\040120 DraftTraffic Management Practices.doc L.' U -. v District of Maple Ridge Nei hbourhood Traffic Management Practice appropriate for conditions in Maple Ridge - these dimensions are used for curb extensions in Vancouver and other municipalities in BC. Figure 7.1: Minimum Dimensions For Curb Extensions in Urban Areas 60 degrees 16.0 mm. 1~n. max. I R=1.2 m mm. • Traffic circle. Landscaping should be included in the centre of a traffic circle to enhance visibility and aesthetics, rather than a hard surface or a planter. Specific guidelines regarding landscaping include: - Asphalt should be removed from the centre of the traffic circle prior to landscaping. 150mm of pavement should be left along the inside edge of the traffic circle curb, so as to provide stability for the concrete curb. - The traffic circle should be filled with clean fill material. This should be covered by 75mm of topsoil, which should in turn be covered with 50mm of planting mulch. - A maximum slope of 3:1 should be used for material within the traffic circle. -- - Plant material should be selected which requires minimum irrigation during summer months, and minimum maintenance. - Trees may be placed within the centre of traffic circles. Circles less than 5m in diameter should inc1ude.one tree placed in the centre of the circle. -Circles larger than 5m in diameter can incorporate up to three trees, each of which is located at least 1 .25m back from the curb face of the circle. Trees must be watered weekly for one hour during the first two years after planting. Page 38 c ' r' 1880 0010 1G/May 2004 URB1TJ L'Y- m \\Oak\Operaaons\Engineerin9VdmIn\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc District of Maple Ridge MAPLE RIDGE Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice • Raised median islands. The minimum dimensions indicated in the Guide for raised median islands and raised median islands through intersections (Sections 4.3.5 and 4.4.5 of the Guide, respectively) are excessive, and might unduly impact traffic operations and on-street parking on some streets. Figure 7.2 and Figure 7.3 indicate minimum dimensions appropriate for conditions in the District - these dimensions are used for raised median islands in Vancouver and other Lower Mainland municipalities. Figure 7.2: Minimum Dimensions For Raised Median Islands 5 m mm. Page 39 1880.0010.1G I May 2004 \\Oak\Operations\Engineering\Admtn\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc URBANSYSTL\ASm District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice Figure 7.3: Dimensions for Raised Median Islands Through Intersections Signed Bicycle Route Major Street Rolled Curbs Distance Varies I 1.5m Median Refuge Taper Varies with Road Width Curb Ramps RB-25 • Directional closure. The designs for directional closures illustrated in the Guide (Section 4.4.1) can cause problems for cyclists where vehicles are parked against the back side of the closure, and can increase maintenance efforts as a result of debris accumulated in the bicycle channel. An alternative design of directional closure was developed in Vancouver to address these problems, as illustrated in Figure 7.4 and Figure 7.5, and is recommended for use in Maple Ridge. Page 40 1880.0010.1G/ May 2004 TT1(AT 'C'Ti.... /c \\Oak\Operaons\Engineering\Admln\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practic.doc £ ' J 'v U District of Maple Ridge PLE RIDGE L Neighbourhood ated 12 14 Traffic Management Practice Figure 7.4: Directional Closure (No Entry) 040 Figure 7.5: Directional Closure (No Exit) • Right-in/right-out island. The desigr of a right-inlright-out island should be based on two design vehicles - a passenger car and an SU-9 single-unit truck. As illustrated in Figure 7.6, the width of the roadway through the device should only be sufficient to accommodate the design passenger car. A sloping concrete apron (similar to that used on traffic circles) should be incorporated at .a width sufficient to accommodate the design truck. This approach to the design of right-inlright-out islands helps to discourage motorists in passenger cars from attempting to circumvent the device by turning left or travelling straight through the intersection. If the width of the roadway through a right-in/right-out island is constructed so as to accommodate a Page 41 1880.0010.1G I May 2004 TIP P(AT(V(2T1Th /C' \\Oak\OpetIons\Englnrin\Admifl\2004\Other\&O12O Draft Traffic Management Practicen.doc Li I .3 1 -. 'V L..)C - . uistrict or mapie, Kiage Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice single-unit truck, it is very easy for a motorist in a passenger car - particularly a compact car - to circumvent the device. This'reduces the effectiveness of the device and creates an enforcement problem. Figure 7.6: Right-In/Right-Out Island Section A-A I.. Passenger Car Single Unit Truck • Roads without curbs. In most cases, all traffic calming measures can be implemented along roads with rural cross-sections without special provisions - • recognizing that site. specific provisions for drainage, grade and other factors are always required. Traffic circles, however, do require special provisions along roads, without curbs. Constructing traffic circles on roads without curbs requires constructing short sections of curb on all four corners, of the intersection, to force. motorists to slow down as, they. travel around the traffic circle through the •. '. .'.. . "" ......ihtèFsëtiôhAs'i1lüsttatèd in on the 'bckidë'bf the'tirh" . should be at the same elevation as the surface of the road, and should not be backfilled to the height of the curb. This discourages motorists from driving over the curbs. Page42 1880.0010.1G/ May 2004 . . . .. . TD(kTCVOTEN AC \Oak\Operons\Eoglneering\AdmIn\2004\Other\040120 DraftTraffic Management Prawces.doc . . iti I U I LJVIU District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice Figure 7.7: Traffic Circle Construction on Roads Without Curbs .................. .................. Section A-A Curb pinned to road Asphalt Gravel 7.3.2 Signage and Pavement Markings This section describes additional or modified signage for traffic calming devices, to supplement information contained in the Guide. • Object markers with curb extensions. The Guide indicates that object markers (WA-36R) should be used with curb extensions. Although appropriate and necessary on arterial and collector roads, the use of object markers is optional on local streets. Residents often consider object markers to be 'visual pollution' and consequently their use on local streets should be minimized or avoided altogether. Traffic circle signage. Yield signs should not be used with traffic circles. Rather, traffic circles should be identified in advance with a 'Traffic Circle' warning sign, as illustrated in Figure 7.8. This sign not only alerts motorists and other road users to the presence of a traffic circle, but also illustrates how persons should travel through the intersection. If desired, the Traffic Circle sign can be modified as shown in Figure 7.8 for installations at three-way intersections. onc Page 43 1880.0010.1G I May 2004 LiP Pi U TC\,'LTT...\ ,4C' \\Oak\Operations\Englneering\Admin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffc Management practices.doc Li I U ® District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice Figure 7.8: Traffic Circle Sign (with modifications for three-way intersections) 73.3 Construction and Temporary Measures The Guide does not provide information regarding construction techniques or the use of temporary measures. Consequently, key guidelines are provided in this section. Where possible, traffic calming devices should initially be constructed on a temporary basis. For a period of at least six months, the performance of the device should be monitored to ensure that the desired effects are achieved. Once the device has proven successful, it can be constructed on a permanent basis. This avoids the risk of removing or modifying a permanent installation that was constructed at a much higher cost than a temporary installation. If changes to the configuration of the device are necessary, these can be incorporated prior to permañeñt construction. Page 44 1880.0010.1G I May 2004 TTPAMC' 'CTT\ A(? \\Dak\Orations\EngIneering\AdmIn\20 \Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Pmic.d U Y U v k.J® District of Maple Ridge Neighbourhood 12 Traffic Management Practice APPENDIX A Expanded Traffic Calming Process 1880.00 biG / May 2004 \\Oak\Operations\Englneering\Admin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc URBN SYSIFIV1S.m District of Maple Ridge MAPLE DGE eig bourhood porated 12 SepternLr,1874 Traffic Management Practice A EXPANDED TRAFFIC CALMING PROCESS This Appendix presents a process for undertaking a traffic calming plan when additional consultation with residents is considered necessary. An expanded process may be desirable when: • The whole system of streets within the larger area needs to be considered. • Potential spillover effects from the application of traffic calming measures on one street may occur. • Broader community involvement is needed. • Significant economies of scale can be achieved by considering traffic calming on a broader scale. The expanded process is illustrated below in Figure A.O. 1. Figure A.0.1: Process with More Extensive Consultation STAGE 1 - Gauging I STAGE 2— Developing I STAGE 3 - Council Community Interest I the Plan l Approval I ' Walkabout - Submit Plan to Refine Plan Council I I Information 4 I Meeting Community Letter! Collect Questionnaire Additional Data Council 4 I Approval? No Potential Collect Solutions Preliminary Data 4 Open House Yes Yes tRespond :Y5 Major Minor! Changes No Changes I ...............Refine Plan I........... F I I..... I This process incorporates the same three stages as for the more streamlined process outlined in Section 5.2. As for any traffic calming plan, it is important to gauge community interest in traffic calming early in the process to determine whether there is 1880.0010.1G I May 2004 \\ak\Operations\Englneering\Admin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc TJ R B1N SYSTEFViSe District of Maple Ridge MAPLE RIDGE Neighbourhood Jncoporated 12 Septeniber,14 Traffic Management Practice justification for proceeding with the preparation of a plan during Stage 2. The approach to gauging that interest is similar to that outlined in Section 5.2. The primary differences between this process and the streamlined process occur during Stage 2. In particular, the following consultation activities are unique to this expanded process: Walkabout. In larger neighbourhoods or where the number of traffic issues is more significant, the community involvement process may be initiated with a public event known as a Walkabout. A Walkabout is typically a two- to four-hour walk led through the study neighbourhood by District staff andlor consultants, where members of the community are invited to attend and point out or discuss traffic issues firsthand. It should be noted that, at this event, it is advisable not to discuss potential solutions - this discussion is best left until after the data has been collected and more information is known about specific problems. It is generally advisable to hold Walkabouts on weekends, when attendance is likely to be higher. Notice about the Walkabout and the intended route (including intermediate meeting locations) should be distributed to residents more than a week in advance of the event. • Information Meeting. A public meeting is often held around the same time as the Walkabout to give the community a chance to learn about traffic calming, its potential outcomes, the plan development process, and to meet and discuss neighbourhood traffic issues and opportunities. It is often useful to have a questionnaire or comments sheet at this meeting that attendees can use to provide feedback. • Community Open House. After potential traffic calming solutions for a neighbourhood are developed, and after distribution of the community survey occurs (see Section 5.2), a community open house should be held to provide residents and other members of the community the chance to speak with members of the planning team about the proposed plan. This open house is a good opportunity for residents to ask questions about the plan and review applicable background information. Residents can also be encouraged to return their completed surveys at this event. Once community support for the traffic calming plan is established, the process continues as described for the streamlined process. 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 Draft Traffic Management Practices.dnc J R B?1 SYSTEt'VSm District of Maple Ridge MAPLE RIDGE Neighbourhood — —_-.. APPENDIX B Data Collection Guidelines 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\Operations\Englneering\Admin\2004\0ther\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc URBNS''STEMSft District of Maple Ridge MAPLE RIDGE ncornorated 12 September1874 L_. Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice B DATA COLLECTION GUIDELINES This section provides an overview of data collection and monitoring needs, as part of the Maple Ridge Traffic Management Program. B.1 Data Collection Activities Data are needed at three different stages of neighbourhood traffic management, as described below: • Determining priorities. In order to determine neighbourhood priorities for developing traffic calming plans, data needs include traffic management requests, collision data, sidewalk inventories, roadway geometry (topographic mapping) as well as scheduling for other District programs. These data should be collected on an annual basis for the purpose of updating priorities. • Preparing plans. During the preparation of a neighbourhood plan, data are collected to verify reported problems, and to determine the extent and nature of a problem. These data may include (but are not be limited to) traffic volumes, speeds and classifications, intersection counts, parking utilization, licence plate traces and pedestrian and bicycle volumes. New data are typically collected only in locations where problems are reported and where data are not already available. • Monitoring. Following the implementation of a neighbourhood traffic calming plan, data may be collected to monitor the performance of the measures, and to identify any new problems. Data collected during the preparation of a traffic calming plan represents 'before data. Following implementation of the plan, 'after' data should be collected at the same locations and in the same conditions as 'before' data. Data should also be collected at other locations where new problems are identified, and data collected through the municipality's annual data collection program should be reviewed to identify potential problems which might arise as a result of changes in travel patterns. B.2 Types of Data As part of the development of neighbourhood traffic calming plans, three principal types of data are typically collected as follows: • Traffic volumes. Traffic volume data provide an indication of the total traffic travelling along the neighbourhood streets during a given period (e.g., 24-hour or peak period). The primary purpose of collecting traffic volume data is, not only to provide an indication of the overall number of vehicles or mixture of traffic during a given period, 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\Operatlons\Englneering\Admln\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc URBN S'STEMS Ei MAPLE RIDGE incorporated 12 ieptember,1874 Neighbourhood Traffic Management Practice District of Maple Ridge but also to identify the extent of non-local traffic (which may be supported with through traffic surveys). While the District's desired level of traffic along a local roadway may be on the order of 1,500 vehicles per day, for example, experience suggests that the expected volumes should be more related to the area land uses and network characteristics. For example, a neighbourhood with mixed-use developments on the fringe may generate almost 2,000 vehicles per day along the street system. Similarly, a long cul-de-sac supporting significant residential development may carry well over 1,000 vehicles per day. In both cases, very little could or should be done to address traffic volumes if generated by uses within the community. Conversely, roadway volumes of 1,000 vehicles or more per day along a roadway with 50 homes may be considered high for the land use characteristics and road network, and indicative of a short-cutting problem. In this regard, specific actions may be taken to address volumes and / or through traffic problems. • Travel speeds. The travel speed data provide the means of assessing the degree to which speeding is a problem along a particular street. Speed studies are ideally conducted over a 24-hour period using automatic traffic recorders. The primary measure of interest with respect to speed is referred to as the 85thpercentile. In other words, if 85% of the drivers along a particular street are driving at or below the posted speed, this is generally within an acceptable range. In this circumstance, one would conclude that the identified problem might be attributed to a few speeding drivers in which traffic calming would not be the appropriate solution. However, if the 85thpercentile speed is greater than the posted speed, traffic calming measures could be very effective in reducing speeds. • Through traffic. The proportion of through traffic simply refers to the amount of traffic along a neighbourhood street that is not generated by the community. Through traffic patterns can be determined through various sources such as intersection counts and licence plate surveys. Once again, there is no threshold of through traffic that is acceptable. Similar to the traffic volume issues, the lack of an adequate road hierarchy or land use patterns can result in short-cutting traffic. In these circumstances, traffic calming may not redirect traffic to more desirable roads, but to neighbouring community streets. Since through traffic can often be the source of speeding vehiáles within a community, and in the absence of alternative roads to divert non-local traffic, traffic calming solutions may be concentrated on addressing driver behaviour within the neighbourhood. B.3 Methods of Collection This section provides guidance for conducting specific data collection activities. These guidelines are intended to ensure that data are appropriate for traffic calming study purposes, are meaningful, and are collected in the most cost-effective manner. 1880.0010.1G/ May 2004 ?T fTrTh\ 'C'Tn Icr \\Oak\Operatlons\Engineerhig\Admifl\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc L District of Maple Ridge PEGE Neighbourhood ,rated 12 pIemr1874 Traffic Management Practice • Traffic volume and speed data should be collected for a minimum 24-hour period, and desirably for 48 or 72 hours. This ensures that no time periods are overlooked when problems might occur, and avoids the need to repeat data collection activities if residents indicate that data were not collected at the time that problems occur. • Traffic volume and speed data are best recorded through the use of automatic counters, ideally one that can also record speeds. Radar guns are not an effective tool for collecting speed data, as observers are often visible to motorists, and can bias results by selecting only lead vehicles in platoons. Speeds should be recorded in mid-block locations, as far from intersections as possible. • Intersection movements can only be recorded manually - automatic counters are not useful for this purpose. Intersection counts should be undertaken during time periods when problems are reported to occur, and for a minimum of two hours at a time. If problem time periods are not known, intersection counts should be undertaken for a total of six hours - two hours during the a.m. peak period (typically 7:00 to 9:00 a.m.), two hours in the midday (typically 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), and three hours in the evening (typically 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.). Observers should also record pedestrian and cyclist volumes. • Licence plate traces should only be conducted in areas with a small number of access points, so that through traffic can be conclusively identified. A minimum 90-minute time period is required, which results in one hour's worth of useful data. The cost of conducting licence plate traces can be reduced by using volunteers from the community. 1880.0010.1G / May 2004 \\Oak\Operatlons\Engineering\Admin\2004\Other\040120 Draft Traffic Management Practices.doc U RBAN SYSIFIV1.Sm CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 2, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: 0410-20-06/BCPS FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C of W - Fin & Corp SUBJECT: Special Occasion License EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A request has been received from the Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows Agricultural Association for a Special Occasion License (i.e. Beer Garden) for the 2004 Maple Ridge Fair scheduled for July 23rj - 25th, 2004. RECOMMENDATIONS: That the application from the Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows Agricultural Association by way of a letter dated May 23, 2004 for a Special Occasion License to hold a Beer Garden at the Albion Fairgrounds as part of the 2004 Maple Ridge Fair be approved as follows: Friday July 23, 2004 Saturday July 24, 2004 Sunday July 25, 2004 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 Midnight 12:00 Noon - 12:00 Midnight 12:00 Noon - 6:00 p.m. And further, that the use of the Albion Fairgrounds (Municipal property) for this Special Occasion License be authorized. DISCUSSION: Background Context: The Agricultural Association has applied for and been granted approval for Beer Garden Licenses in previous years as part of the annual Maple Ridge Fair events. The Beer Garden has operated in a satisfactory manner with no known problems or complaints. CONCLUSION: The request for 2004 is consistent with previous applications and approval is recommended. A copy of the letter dated May 23, 2004 from the Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows Agricultural Association requesting approval is attached. Prepared by: Diana Dalton rrk's Department Approved by: Aul 011, B.A, C.G.A, F.R.M Corporate & Financial Services Concurrence: 4. (Jim) Rule (Thief Administrative Officer Attachment ?31 AGRICUIIURAL ASSOCIATION oqic- 2o -006PS Maple Ridge—Pitt Meadows Agricultural Association P.O. Box 403, Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 8K9 Ph: 604-463-6922 Fax: 604-463-6940 email: lorrainemapleridgefair.com May 23rd, 2004 Terry Fryer Municipal Clerk Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 6A9 PW RECEIVED AT RECEPTION DESK MAY 2 7 2004 Re: Special Occasion License - Maple Ridge Fair Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Agricultural Association would like to make application to the Maple Ridge Council for a Special Occasion License for the 2004 Maple Ridge Fair, which is scheduled for July 23rd - 251h 2004. We request that the following hours of operation for a Beer Garden be approved. Friday 5:00pm - midnight Saturday noon - midnight Sunday noon - 6:00pm Sincerely, Lorraine Bates Manager I CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 10, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C.O.W. SUBJECT: License Renewal for the Maple Ridge Recycling Property EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: On April 1, 1999, the District entered into a five year License agreement with the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) for the use of approximately 4170 square metres of their property at 10092 236th Street. A sub-license was then granted to the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society for the purpose of operating the Recycling Depot. The license agreement with the GVRD included an option to renew for a further five year term under the same terms and conditions except for further options to renew and the license fee. Staff have negotiated an acceptable licence fee and recommend renewing the license for a further five year term. RECOMMENDATION(S): That the Municipality renew the license agreement with the Greater Vancouver Regional District for approximately 4,170 square metres of the premises situated at 10092 2361h Street for a five year term beginning April 1, 2004. DISCUSSION: a) Business Plan/Financial Implications: The annual license fee for the previous five year term was $5,000. The annual license fee for the renewal term will be $10,000 and is based on current market rates. by Ron Riach \ Property & Risk Manager Reviewed by. '1Andrew Wood Municipal Engineer Approved by: General Manager: Corporate & Financial Services J.L. (Jim) Rule Chief Administrative Officer -1- SCHEDULE A UCENCE AREA OF RECYCLING FACILITY ON LOT r_PLAN 7587 AREA 2 = 0.023 ho. LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE / $ • •• A'___ _ _ I! • ui. *i J I C-J I / \. • • ABOW GROWAD TO 7RANSILT BU/LOA'G 44.4 $ * • ___ • • • • • .- • -•--• • •• SI • • • • • • • 0 • In 20m 40m • • ,p. • • • • • • • • • • • • • CORPORATION OF THE MAPLE RIDGE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 9, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: C.O.W. SUBJECT: Fraser Valley Regional Library Operating and Services Agreement EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The attached agreement is forwarded to Council for consideration. The agreement is a duplicate of the previous agreement entered into with the Regional Library system with the exception of an adjustment in the staffing complement and Sunday hours of operation. RECOMMENDATION(S): That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the Fraser Valley Regional Library Operating and Services Agreement for 2004. DISCUSSION: Background Context: 2002 was the first year an agreement was signed between the Municipality and the FVRL. The agreement reflected the prior unwritten agreement between the District and FVRL. The 2004 agreement has not changed significantly over 2003 and we note the following changes: - An adjustment to the staffing with Librarians at 4.40 FTE (3.40 FTE in 2003) and Assistants at 14.63 FTE (15.63 FTE in 2003). - The Sunday hours changed: opening from 1:00-5:00 p.m. between Thanksgiving and Easter in 2003 to 1:00-5:00 p.m. during the School Year in 2004. These changes were previously discussed with Council and agreed to during the annual budget review. Desired Outcome(s): The desired outcome of the agreement and our relationship with FVRL is the provision of excellent Library services in as cost effective a fashion as possible. The required efficiencies have been achieved through regional collaboration. Strategic Alignment: Part of ensuring a safe and livable community is ensuring basic services are available for citizens. Maple Ridge residents make excellent use of the Library (over 60% of Maple Ridge households make use of the resource). Citizen/Customer Implications: Use of the Library has increased significantly (by approximately 40%) since the new facility opened and the hours were increased to include Mondays and Sunday afternoons through much of the year. Interdepartmental Implications: N/A ~5/ 1) Business Plan/Financial Implications: The Library levy has been established for 2004 and reflects the service levels described in the agreement. Council discussed and endorsed the Library budget previously. Policy Implications: N/A Alternatives: Council could request adjustments to the agreement or decline to sign the agreement. Declining to sign would result in considerable uncertainty with respect to our relationship with the FVRL Since the Library has provided excellent services to Maple Ridge residents neither of these options is recommended. CONCLUSIONS: The Library Services Agreement with the Fraser Valley Regional Library has been very positive in terms of providing valuable services to Maple Ridge residents in a cost-effective manner. The new agreement is the same as an agreement negotiated late in 2001 with a few minor exceptions to continue to meet the needs. It is felt to be appropriate to continue the current relationship as described in the agreement. / Mike Community Development, Parks and Recreation Approved bj) P)M Gi11 B Comm, CGA ACJPWA. Manager: Financial and Corporate Services J.L. (Jim) Rule Chief Administrative Officer MWM:ik Fraser Valley Regional Library 2004 LIBRARY OPERATING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT Between FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL LIBRARY And DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE: 34589 Delair Road, Abbotsford, BC Canada V2S 5Y1 Tel: 604-859-7141 or 1-888-668-4141 Confidential Fax: 604-859-4788 Web Site: w.fvrl.bc.ca LIBRARY OPERATING AND SERVICES AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT made the day of , 2004 BETWEEN: FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICT, a district library pursuant to the Library Act and having its administrative offices at 34589 Delair Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 5Y1 (the "Library") IIJ DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE, having its offices at 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, V2X 6A9 (the "Municipality") WHEREAS: The Municipality is a member municipality of the Library and is represented on the Board of Directors of the Library; The residents of the Municipality receive library services from the Library through the branch library or libraries situated within the Municipality boundaries in those locations as set out in Schedule A; The residents of all member municipalities provide funding to the Library for the operation and administration of the Library, and nothing in this Agreement affects the provision of that funding or the applicable funding formula; The Municipality provides the Library with certain facilities and services to enable library services to be delivered to the Municipality; The Municipality and the Library wish to set out their respective obligations to each other by way of this Agreement; EI As an exception to paragraph 4.2(a), each library in the Municipality will be closed to the public on the following statutory holidays: New Years Day Good Friday Easter Monday Victoria Day Canada Day British Columbia Day Labour Day Thanksgiving Day Remembrance Day Christmas Day Boxing Day PROGRAMS 5.1 Library Programs The Library will offer its regular programs based on the staffing complement as set out in paragraph 4.1 to each library in the Municipality. Such programs include but will not be limited to Internet Training Children's Programs Adult Programs 5.2 Special Programs The Library will offer the following special programs, based on the staffing complement as set out in paragraph 4.1, to each library as set out below: Maple Ridge Public Library DISPUTE RESOLUTION 6.1 Negotiation Summer Reading Club Children's Specials Author Readings If the parties to this Agreement are unable to agree on the interpretation or application of any provision herein, or are unable to resolve any other issue in dispute pertaining to this Agreement, the parties agree to promptly, diligently and in good faith take all reasonable measures to negotiate an acceptable resolution to the disagreement or dispute. 6.2 Referral to Committee If the parties have negotiated in good faith pursuant to paragraph 6.1 and have been unable to resolve their disagreement or dispute within 30 days of the disagreement or dispute arising, either party may give notice to the other party and to the Library Board of Directors requesting the matter under disagreement or dispute be referred to a committee of the Board of Directors, to be selected by resolution of the Board. The committee selected by the Board will meet as necessary with representatives of each party and use all reasonable efforts to mediate a resolution acceptable to both parties. (C) If the committee is unable to mediate a resolution acceptable to both parties within 60 days of its selection by the Board, the committee will forward its recommendations on the appropriate resolution of the disagreement or dispute to the Board. 6.3 Board Decision Final The Board will, following receipt of the recommendations of the committee pursuant to paragraph 6.2, consider the matter under disagreement or dispute for decision, and both parties agree that the decision of the Board of Directors will be final and binding. 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS 7.1 Further Assurances The Municipality and the Library acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is not, nor is it intended to be, exhaustive of the various responsibilities of each party to the effective operation of the Library and the delivery of its services within the Municipality. Each party hereby agrees to take all further steps, and give such further assurances including the execution of any further documents, which may be reasonably necessary to carry out the spirit and intent of this Agreement. 7.2 Other Matters In respect of any matter, which this Agreement does not address, the Municipality agrees to be bound by any decision of the Library Board of Directors where the matter is within the jurisdiction of the Library and the decision is adopted in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Librai'y Act. 7.3 Provisions Severable Except as provided in this Agreement, if any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable or invalid for any reason whatsoever, such unenforceability or invalidity will not affect the enforceability or validity of the remaining provisions of this Agreement, 10 and such unenforceable or invalid provisions will be severed or deemed to be severed from the remainder of this Agreement. 7.4 Applicable Law This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of British Columbia and the laws of Canada applicable thereto, which will be deemed to be the proper law hereof and the parties hereto attorn to the jurisdiction of the courts of British Columbia for all purposes. 7.5 Notice Any notice required to be given hereunder by a party hereto will be deemed to have been well and sufficiently given if mailed by prepaid registered mail or sent by electronic transfer to, or delivered to, the attention of the person at the address set out below: If to the Municipality: District of Maple Ridge, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, V2X 6A9 If to the Library Fraser Valley Regional Library, 34589 Delair Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 5Y1 11 IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written: MUNICIPALITY Mayor by its authorized signatories FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL LIBRARY Board Chair- by its authorized signatories 12 SCHEDULE A LIBRARY LOCATIONS Maple Ridge Public Library 130-22470 Dewdney Trunk Road Maple Ridge, British Columbia V2X 5Z6 NOW THEREFORE the parties to this Agreement, in consideration of the promises and contributions made by each to the other, agree as follows: 1. TERMS AND RENEWALS 1.1 Term The term of this Agreement will be one (I) year, commencing on the 1St day of January 2004 and expiring on the 31St day of December 2004. 1.2 RenewalTerms The parties agree that this Agreement, whether or not amended pursuant to paragraph 1.4, will automatically renew upon expiry for a further one (1) year term, to a maximum period of five (5) years in aggregate, unless either party exercises the right to withdraw in accordance with paragraph 1.3 1.3 Withdrawal Either party may withdraw from this Agreement by delivering notice of its intention to withdraw to the other party prior to July 1 in any calendar year in which this Agreement is in effect. If notice of intention to withdraw is delivered by either party to the other prior to July 1, this Agreement will terminate as of December 31 in the calendar year in which notice is delivered. For certainty, notice of an intention to withdraw delivered by either party after July 1 and before December 31 in any calendar year will be ineffective. Nothing in this paragraph affects the responsibilities of the Municipality as a continuing member of the Library pursuant to the Libraiy Act or constitutes withdrawal of the Municipality from the Library pursuant to the Librarj Act. For certainty, this Agreement will. automatically expire as provided in paragraph 1.1, and no notice of withdrawal from or to either party is required. 1.4 Amendments to Agreement (a) Either party may request amendments to the operating and service provisions of this Agreement by delivering six (6) months' notice of its request to the other party. (b) Once a request for amendment in accordance with this paragraph has been delivered, both parties will promptly, diligently and in good faith make 3 all reasonable efforts to amend this Agreement in a manner reasonably acceptable to both parties. If the parties are unable to reach agreement on proposed amendments within three (3) months of the notice in this paragraph being delivered, either party may remit the disputed matter or matters to the Library Board of Directors and both parties agree that the decision of the Library Board of Directors will be final and binding. Any amendments to this Agreement agreed upon by the parties, or finally determined in accordance with paragraph 1.4(c), will take effect three (3) months after the agreement or determination, or such other date as the parties may agree. For certainty, in no event will a notice requesting amendments to this Agreement be deemed by either party to constitute a notice of withdrawal, and any notice of intention to withdraw may only be delivered in accordance with paragraph 1.3 of this Agreement. Any agreed amendments to this Agreement may be executed by separate agreement, and be attached as an addendum to this Agreement. 2. FACILITIES 2.1 Premises The Municipality will secure and provide, at its sole cost, all premises and facilities within the Municipality's boundaries required for Library purposes, and will consult with the Library regarding current and future requirements, prior to any acquisition or disposition of land and improvements necessary or desirable for Library purposes. Where any land and premises provided by the Municipality for Library purposes are leased by the Municipality, the Municipality will be solely responsible for ensuring the land and premises may be used for Library purposes as contemplated herein. 2.2 Furnishings (a) The Municipality will, after consultation with Library staff regarding the reasonable requirements of the Library, provide and maintain all furnishings necessary for the effective use of all Library premises within the Municipality, including furnishings necessary or desirable for use by Library staff and patrons. (b) All furnishings provided will be of a quality and standard which meet or exceed all health and safety requirements that may be applicable. ru (c) The Municipality will provide new and replacement furnishings as needed for Library purposes, as determined by the Municipality after consultation with Library staff. (d) Furnishings to be provided and maintained by the Municipality for each Library premises include all shelving, racks, carts and display units for the temporary and permanent storage of Library collections; computer desks or tables and chairs for use by Library patrons; desks, chairs, counters, and other work furnishings for use by Library staff in the performance of their duties; reading and study tables and chairs, including children's furnishings for reading areas, as required or desirable; and flooring, carpeting, lighting and other fixtures and amenities appropriate and desirable for the comfortable use of Library premises by patrons and Library staff. (e) The Library will promptly inform the Municipality of any directives or orders the Library may receive from the Workers Compensation Board or other regulatory agency which may affect the type or quality of furnishings which may or must be used for Library purposes. 2.3 Maintenance The Municipality will, after periodic consultation with Library staff regarding the reasonable requirements of the Library, provide all premises maintenance for the safe and comfortable use of the premises by Library patrons and staff, to the standard of a careful and prudent owner and in accordance with any legal requirements, including all premises and improvements repairs, upgrading, renewal, replacement and maintenance, including roofing, structural, plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning, ventilation, and similar fixtures, appliances or operational features of the premises; regular cleaning, repair, replacement and maintenance of flooring, carpeting, lighting, and similar fixtures and amenities; all janitorial or cleaning services on a regular basis to maintain a clean, safe and healthy environment in the Library premises, to a standard acceptable for the use of the Library premises by the public; and (d) clearing and maintenance of ingress and egress routes to Library premises for pedestrian and, where applicable, vehicular traffic, including cleaning, snow removal, ice removal and precautions such as sanding or salting, leaf and debris removal, paving and pavement repairs, lighting, and similar reasonable maintenance to ensure the safe and secure use of access routes by Library patrons and staff. 2.4 Security The Municipality, after consultation with Library staff regarding reasonable requirements, will provide all security measures and arrangements necessary for the protection of the premises, equipment, and library collections and the safety of Library patrons and staff, at a level comparable to other Municipality facilities having similar uses or functions, including any alarm or security systems, locks or locking devices, motion sensors, safety lighting, safety patrols or similar safety measures which may be reasonably required. 2.5 Utilities and Taxes The Municipality will provide, at its sole cost, all utilities, including water, gas, electrical energy, solid waste removal and similar services as may reasonably be required for the operation of the Library in the premises. The Municipality will be responsible for the payment of all taxes, local improvement charges or other levies which may apply in respect of the land or premises occupied by the Library within the Municipality. 2.6 Indemnity The Municipality will indemnify the Library and Library staff from any claim, notice of claim, demand, suit, action, cause of action, damages, losses or costs, including legal costs, with respect to the injury or death of any person, or damage to any property, arising from, caused by, resulting from or attributable to the premises, including their use by Library staff and patrons, the maintenance of the premises, and the furnishings excepting where and only to the extent to which any such injury, death or damage is attributable to the negligence of the Library or Library staff. 2.7 Insurance The Municipality will obtain and maintain on a continuous basis, all insUrance coverage reasonably required in respect of the premises, improvements, fixtures, appliances, furnishings and other works which the Municipality pursuant to this Agreement provides for use by the Library, all such policies to include the Library as an additional named insured in respect of the collections, computer equipment or other physical assets provided by the Library, and including replacement cost insurance where prudent. 2.8 Meeting Rooms The Municipality will operate any meeting rooms available for public use located in any library, subject to the Library having priority of use for any meeting room for Library purposes. The Municipality will be responsible for scheduling the meeting rooms for public use and the Municipality will be entitled to retain any revenues derived from any rentals of the meeting rooms for such public use. 3. COLLECTIONS AND EQUIPMENT 3.1 Collections The Library will provide and maintain all library collections, including books, periodicals, reference materials and similar acquisitions for use in the library or libraries located within the Municipality, subject to the policies of the Library Board and within budget limitations, for use by the public in accordance with circulation and use policies of the Library. 3.2 New Libraries or Relocation of Premises Where a new library is established in the Municipality, the Library will only be required to meet the obligation in paragraph 3.1 where the Library has received a minimum of one (1) year's confirmation from the Municipality that a new, additional library is to be established within the Municipality. Where an existing library is to be relocated to new premises within the Municipality, the Municipality will be responsible for all costs associated with moving the collection, furniture, equipment and other library contents. 3.3 Equipment The Library will provide, maintain, repair and replace as necessary all photocopiers, fax machines and computer equipment (including terminals, peripherals, drives, printers, modems, and related equipment) and supplies necessary for the operation of the computer equipment, as may reasonably be required to provide services at each library within the Municipality. The Municipality will provide, maintain, repair and replace as necessary all telephone equipment reasonably required for each library within the Municipality, and be responsible for all telephone service charges payable with respect to the use of such telephone equipment by the Library. 3.4 Indemnity The Library will indemnify the Municipality, its officers, employees, servants and agents, from any claim, notice of claim, demand, suit, action, cause of action, damages, losses or costs, including legal costs, with respect to the 'injury or death of any person, or damage to any property, arising from, caused by, resulting from or attributable to the operation and delivery of Library services or the use of any Library equipment excepting where and only to the extent to which any such injury, death or damage is attributable to the negligence of the Municipality or its officers, employees, servants and agents. 7 3.5 Insurance The Library will obtain, and maintain on a continuous basis, all insurance coverage reasonably required in respect of the collections, computer equipment and supplies which the Library pursuant to this Agreement provides for use, all such policies to include the Municipality as an additional named insured in respect of any computer or other equipment provided by the Municipality for use in the Library. 4. LIBRARY SERVICES 4.1 Staffing The Library will, following periodic consultation with the Municipality regarding reasonable requirements, provide all staff and resource personnel required for the operation of the library or libraries in the Municipality, having regard to the hours of operation and programs offered by each library and budget limitations. Staffing to be provided at each library during the hours in which the library is open to the public will include as a minimum, but not be limited to, Manager: I FTE Librarians: 4.40 FTE Assistants: 14.63 FTE Other: 4.2 Hours of Operation (a) The Library will, following periodic consultation with the Municipality regarding reasonable requirements, provide library services to the public during the following hours of operation: (1) Maple Ridge Public Library: Monday to Friday: Saturday: Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. .(School Year) zom CORPORATION OF MAPLE RIDGE THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 11, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: VP/033/04 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Council SUBJECT: Variance Permit 12020 207A Street EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: An application has been received to vary building set backs, maximum building floor plate and the minimum number of storeys for a building, to permit the construction of a four storey frame apartment building on the subject site. Variances are requested to the following requirements of the Zoning Bylaw: Reduction of the front yard set back from 7.5 metres to 6.0 metres. Reduction of the exterior side yard set back from 7.5 metres to 4.98 metres. Reduction of the interior side yard set back from 7.5 metres to 6.17 metres. Increase of the maximum building floor plate from 750 square metres to 1528 square metres and increase of the maximum diagonal floor plate dimension from 38 metres to 66 metres. Reduction of the minimum number of stories from 5 storeys to 4 storeys. Increase the maximum eave projection from 0.61 metres to 0.90 metres into the required setback for an interior side lot line. In addition the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw requires multi family residential developments be constructed on collector roads. The development is located on 207A Street which is constructed to a collector standard however the total road allowance is less than the 20 metre collector standard. A variance is requested to: Reduce the total road allowance for a collector road (207A Street) from 20 metres to 18 metres across the frontage of this development site. RECOMMENDATION: That the Municipal Clerk be authorized to notify qualifying property owners that approval of VP/033/04 respecting property located at 12020 207A Street will be considered by Council at the July 131h, 2004 meeting. /00/ DISCUSSION: Background Context Applicant: Focus Architecture And Planning Ltd Owiier: Ah Eighteen Holdings Ltd Legal Description: Lot 31, D.L. 241, Plan 73290, NWD OCP Existing: Apartment Zoning Existing: R1v1-3 (High Density Apartment) Surrounding Uses North: RM-1 (Townhouse Residential) South: C-2 (Community Commercial) & P-i (Park) East: RS-1 (One Family Residential) West: RM-3 (High Density Apartment) Existing Use of Property: Vacant Proposed Use of Property: RM-3 (High Density Apartment) Access: 207A Street Previous Applications: RZI40/86, DP/004/87, DPI009/86, DP/010/86, DP/013/90, DP/023/93, VP/024/93 Requested Variance: To reduce the required yard setbacks, minimum number of storeys, increase the floor plate and maximum diagonal dimension, increase the allowable projection for eaves into a side yard set back, as indicated in the Zoning Bylaw. Reduce the road allowance for a collector road as indicated in the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw. Project Description: The subject site was rezoned to RM-3 (High Density Apartment) in 1987. Several subsequent Development Permit applications have not proceeded on this site since rezoning was completed. As a condition of rezoning a restrictive covenant for watercourse protection (McKinney Creek) has been established on this site. A Development Permit application, (DP/033/04) has now been received for review by the Planning Department. This application is for a 59 unit, four storey apartment building. The High Density Apartment zone was designed to suit a high rise building form rather than a 4 storey structure. As a result the applicant is requesting variances to decrease the minimum number of building stories and increase the maximum diagonal footprint dimension. Other variances requested relate to siting of the building to relax the minimum yard setback requirements, and increases for the projection of eaves into the side yard setback. The fronting street 207A Street is constructed to a collector pavement width, however the total road allowance at 18 metres is less than the required 20 metre width for collector roads. -2- A report on the Development Permit will be coming forward to Committee of the Whole on July 05 and to Council on July 13. It is proposed that notification be carried out on this variance permit so it can be considered at the same Council meeting as the Development Permit. c) Planning Analysis: The Zoning Bylaw for the RM-3 zone requires minimum setbacks of 7.5 metres from each property line. The Applicant is requesting the following siting reductions: Reduction of the front yard set back from 7.5 metres to 6.0 metres This is along the 207A Street frontage and brings the building out towards the street to provide a stronger street presence. Reduction of the exterior yard set back from 7.5 metres to 4.98 metres This is along the Dewdney Trunk Road frontage. The building face is located at 6.09 metres with columns supporting balconies located at 4.98 metres. Again, moving the building towards the street re-enforces its street presence. Reduction of the interior yard set back from 7.5 metres to 6.17 metres This is along the north lot line adjacent to the existing RM-1 Townhouse Development. The building face will maintain the required 7.5 metre setback. The elements that extend into the setback area at 6.17 metres from the property line are the six columns that support three sets of balconies on this side. This is a relatively minor variance and the balconies provide needed relief to this elevation. Increase in the maximum building floor plate from 750 square metres to 1528 square metres and the maximum diagonal dimension of 38 metres to 66 metres. The proposed lower form of building results in a larger floor plate and greater diagonal dimension than an apartment tower for which the RM-3 zone was intended. Reduction of the minimum number of storeys from 5 storeys to 4 storeys The proposed building is to be four storeys. Reducing the building height tofourfrom five or more storeys will ensure greater compatibility with the surrounding built environment. Increase in the maximum eave projection for an interior side lot line from 0.61 metres to 0.90 metres. The roof eave projects 0.9 metres into the setback for the north lot line adjacent to the existing RM-1 Townhouse Development. The entire building features 0.9 metre overhangs to enhance the proportion of the roof-to-wall relationship and provide enhanced protection for the exterior walls. -3- The Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw 4800-1993 requires where land is improved for multi residential development the fronting street must be constructed to a collector street standard as specified in the bylaw. The minimum width of a collector street road allowance is 20 metres as specified in the bylaw. The existing 207A Street road allowance is 18 metres in width. The applicant is requesting to: 6. Reduce the total road allowance for a collector road (207A Street) from 20 metres to 18 metres across the frontage of this development site. All of the services and required pavement widths for this collector road have been accommodated within the existing 18 metre road allowance. It is therefore unnecessary to require additional land to be dedicated as road. e) Interdepartmental Implications: The Engineering Department has recommended support for waiving the requirement to increase the road allowance to 20 metres to conform with the specifications for collector roads. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that Council approve Development Variance Permit VP1033104 to vary the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw as described in the memo dated June 11, 2004. Prepared by: Bruce McLeod Landsca Technician Approbj'—Jane Prii9,IP Direcy 0-iin1ng Approved by F'rnk Quinn, P.Eng., PMP :r o~ ,j?.'Pment Services Concurrence: (Jim) Rule f Administrative Officer BMcLkjc 1.0 7 12079 U, 04 a, 12065 9 12053 C,) 00 U 0C'4 12045 11 12037 12 r'- 12025 0 Rem 13 12015 LMS 111 12088 9 12080 10 (C 12072 0 7 12060 6 12050 5 12044 4 12034 a 3 12024 P 18811 Rem 2 12014 NWS 2582 12070 30 P 73290 I- Cr) 0 SUBJECT PROPERTY 12020 31 P 73290 DEWDNEY TRUNK ROAD P 54395 46 z = Rem 45 P 54395 I- C/-i 0 C14 1151050/99 P54 SCALE 1:1,500 PiMeadowsi , ( fl '1 S1ver Valley : Downto Mane Langley /ver 12020 207A STREET CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE MAPLE RIDGE Incorporated 12, September, 1874 PLANNING DEPARTMENT DATE: Mar 31 2004 FILE: VP/033/04 BY: PC PL HPt HR tHIJ4 0114T1 MINLAR&A 1141 A - II Ill 44 411125 1,604 .1 1*11.-Il 24144 4(4415 2,114.1 LIII C- 3 I s*q 5(1415 A,44 11110-21 INTl-Il 51444 .l 014411 5(14111 77144 4,21444 LIIIF - Il (Hill -I 47144 .014 44 LIII 4(4171 47744 1414.1 114TH-Il * l.I Stills Si& LIII M.2 I 101 141.1 4 (1411 304 .1 41 11117$ 44,14* .1 (now 111ACl) 0 -1---- tJUf4• TRN( ROAD L.AL. 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P44.2014 • 1104 .4tt (312 54.11.) $9 UNIT APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT RIOIKOP CAPITAL INC. 441*205 *143*IO7AIT05T 11115114(54.51 SITE PLAN - ow OW SCMI IAn *310710 MSdII1,2154 Pu IC 0403 DP-01 'I AflCI-4IT•CtLJWI 11(115* 4/IL 44144 C1005AGA P07772*141440 I 4. - a, hal_il. pin hqTh_iIUflb(Th•) - b_ ILATVU As IllS - LIdS C_islam 59 UNIT APARTMENT DEWLOPMENE I RDEP CAPITAL INC I22AlTWT MW DM(Z EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS DADW ob_i ow ICACA DCII ADPflD tMd.Ih,24 'U lAO, 0403 DIr IC DP-05 Ill MAOL l.M_iA WSC CAO CAAOGIGA Pfl1 )&T 1 IXIIDWDRMIUD Malt IDOG ClAult WAIt DIDGIB &W*JuAflUlIl.NhSIfl CIIIIQDI NSASAADl.I alsoaluhi I_i K-- luCiA) OCA_iM h_i DNUIG3 li_ill OAAZdOiLICUl OrnDl hlQDlDI(AIIUI_i )ANfl lafliMi QDAI(Mhl1fl) •0I SIlAS IIIDOlCSflAS WU_il. DUll MMhSACIUUl.GMlIi CIADOW DIM "a 'aw.1rr TFARA ROAD ELEVATION AL2. I/ • PAul. 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Pills 71.401111 I 4)0111.44* 410*41 IlatU I aIM (70.) 0(4*11 OW Os, 41011.1011111) gy ypiy 11)111 _______ •0* - - 51101111 M..h II. 104 0403 110401111011 lIHIfl _ 40104114. 111fl.flas 11111 0*04.1SI lC (IW 44 IE 31 1 4010 fl I 1*10* 40th 1101 0)44* 1 I I 91 40)0) - I ------ ---------__--------- I- ________-------- ____--- _------------------------------------ .ancn,t.c.nJft. 1A81_IYAT4 CALSU$ • .41 1404040001400101 lOSE C50101 GA 101111 MIT WD a ( ( "-. . _~11 ov=** CORPORATION OF THE MAPLE RIDGE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: June 16, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: E02-010-079 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Council Workshop SUBJECT: North Avenue Reconstruction (224 Street to 223 Street) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Council's approved 2004 budget includes the reconstruction of North Avenue between 224 Street to 223 Street. This project has been identified for the District's Long Term Capital Plan since the 1990's. Tenders have been received to repave North Avenue from 224 Street to 223 Street and construct safety improvements for pedestrians, road users and improved road drainage during the summer of 2004. Council approval is required to award the work to the lowest tenderer. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Contract No. E02-010-079 North Avenue Reconstruction (224 Street to 223 Street) be awarded to Jack Cewe Ltd. and that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk be authorized to execute the contract. DISCUSSION: a) Background Context: North Avenue, between 224 Street and 223 Street, is part of the municipality's downtown. Its current condition comprises of an asphalt roadway, gravel shoulders, and no sidewalk facility. North Avenue has a direct link to the Haney Bypass. The pavement is in a non-desirable condition and is due for repaving, and over the years owners have been requesting improvements on their street. Safety improvements have also been recognised as desirable. As such, the project entails the repaving of North Avenue and improvements for pedestrian safety by installing sidewalks and storm drainage upgrades. On May 4, 2004, Contract No. E02-010-079 was tendered and advertised in local newspapers as well as available for viewing at the Vancouver Regional Construction Association in Vancouver. Twelve companies purchased a tender package of which four submitted bids. Tenders were opened in public on May 26, 2004, at 2:00 PM. The four compliant bids received are as follows: Tender Price Jack Cewe Ltd. $239,252 Targa Contracting $254,981 Tag Construction Ltd. $294,678 Impera1 Paving $295,913 An analysis of the documentation from Jack Cewe Ltd., the lowest tenderer, shows that its tender is complete and complies with the tender requirements. 1002W Desired Outcome: North Avenue from 224 Street to 223 Street is being reconstructed to improve safety for all road usersand improved road drainage. These improvements will benefit the area and District. Strategic Alignment: Replacing the poor road surface is in keeping with the District's strategy of maintaining its infrastructure. The District's strategic plan directs that the street improvements can act as a catalyst to enhance economic development. The additional sidewalks will provide safer passage for pedestrians. Citizen/Customer Implications: Subsequent to ongoing discussions with a few property owners in developing the concept and design plans, a public Open House was held on May 27, 2004 to provide details of the project and receive input. Changes have been made and the project is ready to proceed as the Contractor is available to mobilize for the first week of July. Financial Implications: Of the tenders submitted, the lowest tender price of $ 239,252 including GST and contingencies, received from Jack Cewe Ltd. is within the allocated budget. The expected expenditures are as follows: Components Costs Engineering $ 25,000 Utilities $ 13,876 Construction admin and inspection $ 17,000 Construction Part 1 $ 239,252 Construction Part 2 $ 35,000 Paving $ 23,000 Watermain $ 3,000 Project contingencies $ 35.000 Total expenditures 391.128 The funding allocated for the project is: Component Funding Source(s) Allocated Budget LTC 00783 DCC $ 196,195 General Revenue $ 196,755 Total Available Funds 392.950 0 Schedule: The construction would be scheduled to commence in July of 2004, with substantial completion within 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The reconstruction of North Avenue from 224 Street to 223 Street will be an improvement for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Council approval is required to award the contract to reconstruct North Avenue from 224 Street to 223 Street. Prepared by: Mi ae Hg, A.ScT. Traf ic & Transportation Technologist \\ \ \ \\ Reviewed bk' An rew Wood, MEng., PEng. Municipal Engineer • / - 17 _... by: 1/rank Quinn, MBA, P.Eng., PM? general Manager: Public Works & Development Services Concurrence:/ J.L. (Jim) Rule I Chief Administrative Officer /me 11766/68 95 99 53 \ 57 94 6ZILl 1 L7 _ 00 _ I 11746 22311 22326 22347/51 I 46 47 48 49 50 NORTH AVENUE CORPORA11ON OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE UWNNG MTMMT ROAD WORK NORTHROAD - 223 SIREET - 224 S1REET 443 001 230 22315 22337 2234723523612236ff75 11811 117 AVE. / 11718 / 11710 22318 22328 22334 22356 22366 22374 11715 11697 I I I 11695 11690 11686 11685 11682 ST. ANNE AVE. I / 11671 11672 11664 J The Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge 22328 22340 22352 22362 22371 makes no guarantee regarding the accuracy 11654 I or present status of the information shown on this map. 22323 122335 122345 122375 1 223811 11641 I / /11698 11731 co 9 2319223312233721 2235722373_1195 22286 22256 22246 11830 I 22334 117461 2T2326 11740 I A, 1 900 22410 P24 11784 22k4 1177 11771 11774 11176: 2242 NORTH 11742 2221 22284 (I) c) cJ 22230 22270 11749 22345 NORTH AVE. Project Location I 22347I22349II 11743 22266 122274 111739 \\I\ 11683 N District of -- - A Pitt Meadows SIlvV&Iy j North Avenue Reconstruction Dwntown . __i CORPORATION OF - OCk THE DISTRICT OF - District of 'Aiblon FV1 A P L E R I DO E N Langley I kicorporatedl2, September, 1874 ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTnhill SCALE 1:1,994 DATE: Jun 2, 2004 FILE: Untitled BY: ME River CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: March 11, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: CP/010/03 FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: COW SUBJECT: Processing of Applications for Exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve during the Official Community Plan Review EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Agricultural Land Commission has recently been approving exclusion applications from the Agricultural Land Reserve in greater numbers than has previously been the case. This recent change has led in some cases to the approvals of exclusion applications that were not supported by Council. The success of these applications has precipitated an increase in speculative activity, including front counter inquiries and further exclusion applications. As a result, in December, 2003, Council requested that staff provide options to Council's usual practice of forwarding all exclusion applications to the Commission for a final decision. Two options have been presented and discussed in the following report. RECOMMENDATION: That the current procedure of referring all applications to the Agricultural Land Commission be continued and that all applicants and the Conunission are provided with a clear understanding of the current Official Community Plan policy and servicing constraints on the property. BACKGROUND: Agricultural Land Reserve Act The pertinent government legislation that applies to exclusion applications by an owner may be found in Section 30 of the Agricultural Land Commission Act, which states: (4) An exclusion application may not proceed to a final decision (by the Agricultural Land Commission) unless authorized by a resolution of the local government if, on the date the application is made, the application applies to land that is zoned by bylaw to permit agricultural or farm use, or requires, in order to proceed, an amendment to an official settlement plan, an official community plan, an official development plan or a zoning bylaw. I Under the Agricultural Land Reserve Act, Council has the authority to deny a request for exclusion and not refer an application to the Commission. Should a Council decide not to refer an application for exclusion to the Agricultural Land Commission, the application is deemed to have been denied and exclusion from the Reserve is not possible. The current Agricultural Policies were adopted by Council in August 2000 and identified the criteria under which applications in the Agricultural Land Reserve would be considered. Since that date Council has identified concern with the policies, in particular. the policy that states that each application for exclusion should be considered on the merit of the proposal, and may be forwarded to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) for a decision. In April 2002, a report entitled "Discussion Paper of the Agricultural Land Reserve Application Review Process" was presented to Council. The intent of that report was to clarify the required process and procedures related to Agricultural Land Reserve applications. It also discussed the implications of forwarding an exclusion application to the ALC when Council did not support such an application. The report noted that the act of authorizing an application to proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission often conveys the message that the local government is willing to support a required Official Community Plan and/or Zoning Bylaw amendment in the event the ALC approves the applications. Agricultural Land Commission Until recently the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) has generally been supportive of Council's recommendations on exclusion applications. Over the last year, however, the ALC's approach appears to have changed. In 2003, three applications not supported by Council have been excluded; as a result, there has been an increase in applications for exclusion. The ALC has also recently initiated a review of soil based agriculture in Maple Ridge as a separate project. The ALC's recent willingness to exclude land and its initiative to review soil based agriculture have significant impacts on Maple Ridge. Firstly, land previously considered unavailable for urbanization or densification is now being taken out of the Agricultural Land Reserve. Secondly, property owners are pursuing urban development in areas where densification and servicing had previously not been contemplated. Thirdly, while the outcome of the soil based agriculture review is uncertain, it may be used to justify exclusion applications for properties that are remote from existing urbanization. . . . There appears to be a. lack of understanding of the servicing restraints and of current Official Community Plan policy, zoning and designations, as some owners whose properties have been recently excluded appear to believe that urbanization of their property will immediately follow. As a result, the urban boundary and the urban reserves will need to be examined in a new light through the Official Community Plan Review. It is fortuitous that the ALC's recent approach became clear prior to the finalization of the Official Community Plan review. 011 -2- PURPOSE OF EXCLUDING LAND FROM THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE: Permitted non-farm uses within the Agricultural Land Reserve are generally consistent with the needs of rural residents. Home based businesses, tourist accommodation, and breeding kennels are some of the permitted uses allowed within the Agricultural Land Reserve. In addition, the financial savings due to property tax concessions for Agricultural Land Reserve inclusion are considerable. Most property tax calculations are based on 50% of the assessed land value for land that is within the Agricultural Land Reserve. Property owners will lose these concessions upon exclusion of their land from the Agricultural Land Reserve. Calculations provided by the District of Maple Ridge Finance Department estimate annual tax savings for year 2003 to be approximately $500.00 for a property with assessed land value of $230,000.00. - Given the range of permitted uses and the financial concessions involved, one must conclude that those who apply for exclusion have expectations for rezoning and redevelopment beyond that of rural residential. For this reason, when considering the merits of an exclusion application, Council may wish to consider if an urban use would be appropriate at that location, and if the municipality would be better served by having the property rezoned to permit uses other than agricultural or rural residential. For long range planning purposes, this consideration may be of a higher priority than the agricultural capability of the land itself. REDEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS ON RECENTLY EXCLUDED SITES: Current Official Community Plan Designations All of the properties recently excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve are situated outside of the District's urban area boundary, and while excluded from the Reserve, are not designated for any other form of development. To date there has been no discussion. regarding the future land use of these properties; whether adjusting the urban containment boundary and extending municipal services is appropriate; or whether adequate services such as parks, schools, and fire protection are available. Such a discussion is to occur during the residential policy component of the Official Community Plan that is scheduled to begin in 2004. Until the residential component of the review is completed, discussion regarding an urban area boundary adjustment or urban form of development on these properties is premature. However, applications for a rural residential or suburban residential form of development, that comply with current Official Community Plan policies and Zoning Bylaw regulations would be considered. Fraser Sewer Area - The District of Maple Ridge is further constrained by its ability to extend its sewer services beyond its designated sewer area boundaries. Recent discussions with the Greater Vancouver Regional District indicate that extending new services must be consistent with the growth management process as outlined in the regional context statement of the Official Community Plan. All new requests for services must be approved by the Greater Vancouver Sewer and Drainage District Board. This board has recently denied similar applications in other jurisdictions, making it clear that there is no guarantee new applications will be approved. Due to these constraints, the District of Maple Ridge may not be able to provide a level of service that is compatible with urban development on many properties within its jurisdiction. Property owners seeking exclusion must -3- therefore be given a clear message that unless they are already within a sewer area as defined by the Greater Vancouver Regional District, they cannot be assured of being connected with sewer services in the future. Policy No. 9.02 Sewer Area "A" -Extension into the Agricultural Land Reserve In November, 1993, the District of Maple Ridge adopted a policy granting permission for sewer connection to all property owners within the Agricultural Land Reserve whose property abuts an existing lateral sewer line. It also made provisions for extending services where public health was a concern and Agricultural Land Commission permission was granted. This policy will continue to be honored: however, its intent was to provide a single connection to each existing parcel, and should not be considered a means to facilitate further subdivision. However, certain affected properties may be designated for urban development through the Official Community Plan review. As this process will require collaboration with the GVRD, there may be opportunities to revisit this policy for those affected properties. URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND THE OCP PROCESS: The success of previous exclusion applications in receiving approval is quickly becoming public knowledge. Neighbouring property owners are now inquiring into the process of excluding properties, as they are under the impression that the Commission is more supportive of exclusion than in previous years. If approached strategically, this more permissive approach taken by the Agricultural Land Commission in approving exclusion applications could assist in facilitating orderly, compact development. By collaborating with the Agricultural Land Commission, and the Greater Vancouver Regional District during the Official Community Plan review, the District of Maple Ridge has an opportunity to review its urban boundaries and to develop criteria for determining when contiguous extensions to its urban boundaries are appropriate. Through this process, the District also has an opportunity to review the costs of servicing new development, and to establish growth management policies that appropriately consider these costs. By using a collaborative approach, the District of Maple Ridge may then be able to apply for exclusions directly to the Agricultural Land Commission once the residential and agricultural components of the Official Community Plan review are completed. This review could integrate priority concerns such as protection of productive agricultural land and the Green Zone while ensuring an adequate land supply for residential development. Such a process, based upon a sound rationale for redevelopment within rural areas, seems to make more sense than exclusions on a lot by lot basis, as is presently the case. OPTIONS: In December 2003 Council directed staff to provide options to address the increasing number of exclusion applications. Two options are listed for Council's consideration: -- Only torwardapplications to heAUC thatCouncil supports. 2) Continue to forward all applications to the ALC, with or without Council support or comment, but with a message about coHformance to existing policy. Option 1 In the past, Council has expressed its desire to forward exclusion applications to the Agricultural Land Commission as they would be able to technically review agricultural capability. However, if Council preferred to receive technical assistance before it considered the exclusion, Council has an option to refer all exclusion applications to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries for comment. Jncluded in the staff report to Council, these comments could assist Council in determining whether the application should be forwarded to the Agricultural Land Reserve. Th e Ministry Agrologist, who is familiar with agriculture in Maple Ridge, has expressed a willingness in the past to assist in this mariner, and is currently participating in the agricultural policy review. With little or no budget impact, this option would give the District the opportunity to utilize its power under the Agricultural Land Reserve Act. If Council would prefer a more neutral, third party expert opinion, exclusion applications could be referred to a Consulting Agrologist, rather than a Ministry agrologist. Under this option, the Agrologist's comments would be included in the staff report to Council, to provide Council with enough information to determine whether the application should be forwarded to the Agricultural Land Commission. This option would have budget impacts. Referring exclusion applications to qualified experts will increase the time required for processing applications. However, local governments are permitted a sufficient duration (60 days) prior to forwarding exclusion applications to the Agricultural Land Commission. Along with land use considerations, this further input would assist Council with in determining whether each application should be forwarded to the Commission. ion2 4('1 '7vi) 23 /ZOO Under Option 2, Council would refer the application to the ALC without technical assistance from an external agency. Depending on the circumstances, the application would express either Council support; non-support; or no comnient. This is consistent with Council's practice. In addition a clear understanding of the current Official Community Plan and servicing constraints would be provided to the applicant with regard to the property under application. Applicants require a clear understanding that regardless of the., outcome of their exclusion application, they are still bound by the current Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw with respect to permitted uses and minimum lot sizes. Land development that leads to higher residential den sities requires a level of services - schools, parks, and fire protection - that the District of Maple Ridge has not accommodated under existing policy and plans. Recent discussions with the Greater Vancouver Regional District and Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District have made it clear that the District of Maple Ridge is constrained in terms of servicing new development. All new service applications must be approved by the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District Board. Approval for servicing new areas is not supportable at this time. This understanding needs to be clearly conveyed to the applicant at the same time an application is forwarded through Council to the ALC. -5- CONCLUSION: This report has been forwarded pursuant to Council's direction in December 2003. Two options for processing agricultural exclusion applications during the review of the Official Community Plan have been provided. Prepared by: Diana Hall Planner Approved by: Jane Pickering, MCP, MCIP Director of Planning Approved by: Frank Quinn, P.Eng., PMP GM: Public Works & Development Services Concurrence: J. L. (Jim) Rule Chief Administrative Officer DH/bjc fr -6- 4 Appendix4 District Of Maple Ridge Planning Policies Governing The Agricultural Land Reserve 1. Subdivision Of Lands Within The ALR- For parcels in the ALR, subdivision may be considered where the proposal meets Municipal and Agricultural Land Commission policy and appropriate buffering from adjacent sensitive areas and non- compatible uses takes place. Proposals will still need to meet provisions of Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw and Maple Ridge Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw. Three tests may be applied to the consi eratjpof support for subdivision, of lands within the ALR: a) Subdivisions may be considered where the use of the Cluster and Consolidation Concept as noted below is proposed. Cluster and Consolidation Concept - The cluster and consolidation concept is a mechanism to allow the reconfiguration of lots within the ALR to encourage agriculture and identify appropriate mitigation measures while achieving an outcome that results in a "net benefit" to agriculture. Issues to be addressed by the Planning Department include: • provision of appropriate buffering and fencing; . lot yield, layout and land use mix; • existing and proposed zoning for both farm and non-farm area including proposed restrictions on type of farming or method of operation; • storm water drainage mañagei lit';"' • provision of necessary infrastructure services (ie - roads, sewer, water, Ministry Of Health approvals); and • measures to enhance agriculture including number and area of parcels to be consolidated and additional lands to be included. It can be accomplished through consolidation and resubdivision, or bare land strata. Generally, lot yield should be consistent with neighbourhood character. The following criteriaare used by thegricu1tural Land Commission to evauate a proposal: - • Proposals involving loss of prime lands and lands which are uniquely suited to specific commodities will not likely be considered eligible and would remain protected for long term agricultural use. • Land uses with a high potential for conflict with adjacent or nearby agriculture would not likely be considered. • No alternatives exist to locate the proposed use outside the ALR. - • Opportunity exists to achieve gains for agriculture, for example, in the consolidation of small legal parcels, or by the addition of suitable lands to the ALR. a1r_drft7.doc - 1 - 20-0700 - . A request forALR exemption or exclusion provides a significant public benefit which would otherwise not be achieved. Farm development and land utilization within the ALR can be enhanced. Not all criteria would have to be met in all cases. The Commission, in consultation with the proponent and local government would decide when and where the policy applies. For larger proposals, the Commission may negotiate a set of objectives and mutually agreed process between the three parties (ALC, local government and the proponent) and adopt a memorandum of understanding as agreed. Subdivision of lands within the ALR may be considered on the merit of the proposal where topographic constraints warrant consideration. Subdivision of lands within the ALR may be considered where the proposal achieves a demonstrable "net benefit to agriculture" as follows: Net Benefit To Agriculture - Evaluation Criteria: The Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) weighs the possible benefits to be gained for agriculture against the potential losses. This is not an acre for acre trade-off. The ALC will consider a number of factors which are both quantitative and qualitative. It considers proposals on their own merits but also considers the. precedent setting effects of its decisions. In the final analysis, the proposal must demonstrate a "net benefit to agriculture". If a decision is made to make trade- offs between benefits and losses, the ALC may impose conditions to ensure that the decision is fully implemented. This may involve an approval in stages to ensure specific farm development takes place, the registration of covenants against the title, orother implementation measures. Potential Agricultural Benefits: Consolidation of small legal parcels in the ALR to create appropriate sized farm units. Inclusion into the ALR of areas that warrant inclusion either on-site or in close proximity (eg - rationalization of ALR boundary). Increased productive capability by a number of means including: • farmjfrastructure development such as drainage and irrigation works.. • rationalisation of parcel boundaries, • improved farm access. Enhanced farm management by the creation of more rational farm parcels and units. Increased land utilisation through the cancellation of excess rights-of-ways, roads, transmission lines and other utility corridors and the preclusion of additional homesites which would otherwise be allowed on individual legal parcels. - --- -- 6-li fal-l-at-iwii-and-iiiain-tence-o-fbuffers-toprotect farm uses. - alr_drfi7.doc - 2 - 20-07-00 4 7. Actual farm development through the sale or long term lease of a farm parcel to a bona fide farmer at a competitive farmland price or lease rate. 8. Elimination of possible negative impacts to agriculture from an adjacent use through careful design and siting. Potential Agricultural Losses: Lost agricultural capability of land excluded from the ALR. Diminished agricultural capability and suitability of land and diminished range of crop options for farmers within the ALR. Possible negative impacts from a non-farm use on adjacent or near-by agriculture. Possible impact on agriculture infrastructure in the immediate area and the region. - Expectations for land use change and possible cumulative negative impacts on agricultural communities. Additional demand for roads, services and other urban type infrastructure in agricultural areas. 2. Special Regulations That May Apply In The ALR Development Permit Area Schedule "if' of the Official Community Plan identifies lots abutting the boundary of the ALR that have been designated a Development Permit Area. Upon development, these lots wilineed to address: • landscape buffering, • residential density gradients and building setbacks, • storm drainage, and • farm trespass issues. The objective is to encourage physical separation using buffering, siting controls (eg - enhanced setbacks for those urban lots with additional subdivision potential) and the use of Restrictive Covenants on lots to be subdivided identifying farming impacts. Farm Bylaw - A Farm Bylaw may be used to allow farming to proceed in controversial areas. A Fariñ ByIaw influences the type of farming practices employed in-the subject area and requires approval of the Ministry Of. Agriculture. Non Farm Use - Non-farm uses are generally to be discouraged unless consistent with Agricultural Land Commission policy (eg - Bed and Breakfast, farm retail, parks, etc.). Inclusion Into The ALR - Inclusion into the ALR will be considered for parcels on the merits of the proposal. alr_thft7doc -3- 20-07-00 5. Exclusion From The ALR - Exclusion of lands from the ALR are under the authority of the Land Reserve Commission. Applications for exclusion from the ALR are made to the Municipality and, based on the merit of the proposal, may be forwarded to the Land Reserve Commission for a decision. 6. Area Specific Issues - Blaney Bog- Retain in the ALR, designate Conservation on the OCP and investigate acquisition. Greenways - Greenway corridors are supported along key watercourses as noted below and will be achieved over time. Acquisition of public access can be achieved using several mechanisms: • access agreements • access/conservation easements • replotting development (eg - cluster and consolidation) • outright purchase (eg —5% watercourse protection funds, park acquisition) • subdivision return to Crown • dedication These primary greenways within the ALR are identified in a Schedule to the OCP and include: • North and South Alouette Rivers • Kanaka Creek • Whonnock Creek • Sprott Creek Recreation trail development requires an application to the ALC with particular attention, to mitigation measures. Roads - Abernethy Way - Heaps Avenue - This route will become a major east-west arterial linking to 240 Street to the east in the future. Roadway design elements hould recognize impacts on fa op&ations nd machinè thovement. 232" Street - This route will become a major arterial leading into the Silver Valley urban area. Special attention is needed to integrating the ALR lands on the west side of 232 with those on the east side. Density Transfer - Smith Avenue - The Smith Avenue Density Transfer proposal is supported where theobjectiveisto rezone, into an that are within the ALR in exchange for a "density transfer". The Smith Avenue Density Transfer Proposal is a separate policy document. alr_drft7.doc - 4 - 20-07-00 Council Meeting Minutes August 22,2000 Page8 The motion CARRIED.. 911 Proposed Agricultural Land Reserve Policies and Next Steps in the Rural Plan Implementation Reference was made. to the staff report dated July 19, 2000 providing several recommendations in the above noted matter. RI00-449 MOVED by Councillor. Isaac ALR Policies SECONDED by Councillor Morse Rural Plan Imple- mentation that the staff report entitled Proposed Agricultural Land Reserve Policies and Next Steps in the Rural Plan Implementation be received, and futther that the Agricu1tural Land Reserve Planning Policies be adopted and referred to the Land Reserve Commission for adoption; that staff be : directed to process outstanding 'Agricultural Land. Reserve (ALR) applications according to the proposed new policies once they have been adopted; and that Council review the next steps in the implementation of the Rural Plan and advise staff whether there is a need for additional public review and whether that should occur prior o the next Official Community Plan review. CARRIED 912 RZ/10195 - 13300 Block East Side of 236 Street - By-law No. 5455-1996 Reference was made to the staff report dated July 18, 2000 recommending that the above'noted.by-law be rescinded. R'00-450 MOVED by Councillor King rescinding of SECONDED by Councillor Gordon BL 5455-1996 DEFERRED that second and third reading granted on March 23, 1999 and first reading granted on August 27, 1996 to Maple Ridge Zone Amending By-law No. 5455-1996 be rescinded. Discussion