Corporate Report Report from Planning and Building Services, Director Date of Report: August 13, 2015 Date of Meeting: August 24, 2015 Report Number: PBS-240-2015 File: 35.23.3 Subject: Niagara GO Hub and Transit Station Study Memorandum of Understanding Recommendation That Council receive for information the Niagara GO Hub and Transit Station Study Memorandum of Understanding report; and That Council endorse the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding; and That the City Solicitor be directed to prepare the necessary by-law. FORTHWITH Summary The Region of Niagara has requested that the City enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Region to undertake a study of the Go Hub and Transit Station in the City of St. Catharines as well as the sites in Grimsby, Lincoln and Niagara Falls. Background At its meeting on July 2, 2015, Regional Council approved the following motion: That Report PDS 29-2015, dated, respecting Local and Regional Partnerships Niagara Go Hub and Transit Station Study Memorandum of Understanding, be received and the following recommendations be approved: 1. That a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) BE ENDORSED between Regional Council and the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, City of St. Catharines and City of Niagara Falls on the Go Hub and Transit Station Study (HTSS); 2. That Regional Council REQUEST that each participating community (Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, City of St. Catharines and City of Niagara Falls) endorse the Hub and Transit Station Study; and, 3. That a copy of this report BE FORWARDED to all the local municipalities. A copy of the Report PDS 29-2015 pertaining to St. Catharines is attached to this report. (See Appendix 1). Report Page 1 of 3
Report The purpose of the GO Hub and Transit Station Study (HTSS) for the four municipalities is to develop conceptual transit station designs and create a planning and transportation framework for the area surrounding each transit station. Success of the HTSS is contingent on formal partnerships between the Region and the four municipalities involved in the study. Go Hub and Transit Station Study: Within the Region, hubs serve a critical function in the regional transportation system as the origin, destination or transfer point for a significant portion of trips. They are places of connectivity where different modes of transportation from walking to riding transit come together seamlessly and where there is an intensive concentration of working, living, shopping and/or playing in a mixed use, higher density urban environment. The GO HTSS will provide a functional design of the transit station and the planning and transportation framework for the surrounding area within an approximate 800 metre radius of the station or the area that can be comfortably accessed on foot within a 10 minute walk. According to the Regional report, the Go HTSS will examine and analyze the hub and transit station locations in the four municipalities. An analysis of the existing planning framework, transportation and infrastructure needs will inform the study. Detailed hub and transit station functional plans for each station site will be developed to guide the planning and development in the short, medium and long term for the four sites. The study will completed within 24 months of awarding the work to a consulting team. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Roles and Responsibilities: (See Appendix 2) Region: study management and finance approval/endorsement of the Hub Study pertaining to St. Catharines report to Regional Council coordination of meetings or sharing of information pertaining to other municipalities involved in the study City of St. Catharines: approval/endorsement of the St. Catharines Hub study report to City Council provide region with relevant planning information/data identification of city stakeholders for the study Report Page 2 of 3
Financial Implications As mentioned earlier in the report, the Region will assume all financial responsibilities for the study. Conclusion Endorsement of the attached memorandum will enable the HTSS to commence. During the study, City staff will keep City Council informed of the study s progress. Notification It is appropriate to notify the Region and other participating municipalities of Council s decision pertaining to the endorsement of the memorandum of understanding. Prepared, Submitted and Approved by: James N. Riddell, M.PL., MCIP, RPP Director of Planning and Building Services Report Page 3 of 3
Page 1 1 REPORT TO: Planning and Development Services Committee MEETING DATE: Wednesday, SUBJECT: Local and Regional Partnerships Niagara GO Hub and Transit Station Study Memorandum of Understanding RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) BE ENDORSED between Regional Council and the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, City of St. Catharines and City of Niagara Falls on the GO Hub and Transit Station Study (HTSS); 2. That Regional Council REQUEST that each participating community (Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, City of St. Catharines and City of Niagara Falls) endorse the Hub and Transit Station Study; and, 3. That a copy of this report BE FORWARDED to all the local municipalities. KEY FACTS In 2011, GO Transit completed the Niagara Rail Service Expansion Environmental Assessment (EA), which identified four transit station locations within Niagara Region. GO Rail expansion has been identified as one of Council s most significant priority projects. The GO Rail Business Case advocates for daily GO Rail service to Niagara Region. The Niagara GO HTSS is a complimentary component to the business case that will leverage the planning and transportation framework around the transit station sites. The purpose of the HTSS for the four identified sites is to develop conceptual transit station designs and create a planning and transportation framework for the area surrounding each transit stations. Success of the HTSS is contingent on formal partnerships with the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, City of St. Catharines and the City of Niagara Falls. Four MOUs have been drafted for each respective HTSS area. Each individual MOU outlines the role of the Region and the participating municipality.
Page 2 CONSIDERATIONS Financial A HTSS will be undertaken with the assistance of a consulting team. It is anticipated that a Request for Proposal for the HTSS will be released in August 2015. $500,000 has been allocated in the Planning and Development departmental budget for the Niagara GO HTSS. The project is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete. Corporate GO Rail expansion has been identified as one of Council s most significant priority projects. As a result, a cross departmental project team will ensure work toward the development of hub and transit station studies aligns with the GO Rail Business case. The project aligns with Council s strategic priority of moving people and goods. Governmental Partners Working in partnership with the members of the participating municipalities is essential to advance the GO HTSS. For this reason, to drive the execution of this priority successfully, it is critical that the participating municipalities (Grimsby, Lincoln, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls) enter into an MOU with the Region. Public and/or Service Users The GO HTSS project supports the efforts underway to secure a commitment from the Province for GO Rail expansion to Niagara. With station stops identified in Grimsby, Beamsville, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, the expansion of GO Rail service into Niagara will provide a new level of direct transportation connectivity for Niagara residents and businesses to the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area. GO train stations will also act as the cornerstone for current and future local transit options, supporting enhanced transit alternatives and opportunities. ANALYSIS Background In early 2015, Regional Council identified a number of strategic priorities to help move the performance dials on economic prosperity. Establishing a commitment from the Province to extend GO Rail to Niagara was identified as a significant project under the implementation plan for Region Council s strategic priorities.
Page 3 In support of the introduction of two-way, all-day GO train service between Niagara Falls and Hamilton s James Street North Station, Niagara Region is building upon the completed 2011 Niagara Rail Expansions Environmental Study Review (ESR) and undertaking HTSS for the four preferred future GO Transit station areas (Hub and Transit Station Areas) (see Appendix I for the maps of the preferred station areas from the 2011 ESR). The four preferred areas are located in the municipalities of Grimsby, Lincoln, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. GO Hub and Transit Station Study A hub and transit station study is more than just the functional design of a transit station. A hub and transit station study includes the functional design of the transit stations and the planning and transportation framework surrounding area (approximately 800 metre radius of the station or the area that can be comfortable accessed on foot within a 10 minute walk). Hubs serve a critical function in the regional transportation system as the origin, destination, or transfer point for a significant portion of trips. They are places of connectivity where different modes of transportation from walking to riding transit come together seamlessly and where there is an intensive concentration of working, living, shopping and/or playing in a mixed use, higher density urban environment. The Niagara GO HTSS will examine and analyze the hub and transit station locations in Grimsby, Lincoln, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. The current planning and transportation framework does not allow the existing land use designations to capitalize on close proximity to the future GO Stations nor does it identify actions to achieve a successful Hub and transit station in these four areas. Detailed analysis of the existing planning framework, transportation and infrastructure needs will inform the study. Detailed Hub and transit station functional plans for each station site will be developed in order to guide the planning and development for the short, medium and long term of the four sites. Project Status To date, Regional staff have met with staff and elected officials of Grimsby, Lincoln, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls to discuss the: - GO HTSS; and, - Roles and responsibilities of the local municipality and the Region. The Region will be the project lead on the HTSS and will be responsible for the overall coordination and management of the project. The participating municipalities will be key partners and will collaborate with the Region in the creation and approval of a mutually acceptable HTSS.
Page 4 Draft MOUs for each study area between the Region and the participating Municipality has been developed to formally establish the individual roles of the respective parties. Next Steps With input from the participating Municipalities and Metrolinx, Regional staff are in the process of finalizing the terms of reference (TOR) for the GO HTSS. The TOR is intended to go out for competitive procurement in August 2015. The lands surrounding the future transit stations in Grimsby, Lincoln, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls are experiencing development pressures. In order to ensure the lands are protected for development that is transit supportive, staff will be working with the four municipalities on planning tools available under the Planning Act to allow the Region and the Municipalities time to review and refine the land use policies and identify the necessary development controls required to be in place to maximize the full development potential of the site as a potential transit hub. ALTERNATIVES REVIEWED 1. Approve the recommendations outlined in this report and enter into a formal agreement with the participating Municipalities on the HTSS. 2. Not enter into a formal agreement with the participating Municipalities on the HTSS. If this option is pursued, there is a risk of allowing future development that would undermine the viability of the proposed GO transit stations and marginalize the potential land use of the area. ORIGIN OF REPORT This report is brought forward by staff as part of the implementation plan for Regional Council s strategic priorities to request Regional Council direction on formalizing the roles and responsibilities of the Region and participating Municipalities for the GO Hub Transit Station Study. OTHER PERTINENT REPORTS N/A SUBMITTED & SIGNED BY: Rino Mostacci, MCIP, RPP Commissioner Planning and Development Services APPROVED & SIGNED BY: Harry Schlange Chief Administrative Officer
Page 5 This report was prepared by Denise Landry, Planner and reviewed by Diana Morreale, MCIP, RPP, Manager of Community Planning, and reviewed by Mary Lou Tanner, MCIP, RPP, Director and Chief Planner. APPENDICES Appendix I Appendix II Appendix III Appendix IV Appendix V 2011 ESR Station Maps for Casablanca, Beamsville, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls Page 6 Draft Memorandum of Understanding: Casablanca Transit Station Study Page 10 Draft Memorandum of Understanding: Beamsville Transit Station Study Page 14 Draft Memorandum of Understanding: GO Mobility St. Catharines Hub Study Page 18 Draft Memorandum of Understanding: GO Mobility Niagara Falls Transit Station Study Page 22
ACCESS VINE ROAD 47 000 47 100 (970) STATION (470) CASABLANCA BOULEVARD SOUTH SERVICE ROAD CAR POOL/ BUS RAPID TRANSIT SUPERSTORE BUS BAYS KISS & RIDE PLATFORM PLATFORM MAINLINE 2 MAINLINE 1 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE CENTRE ONTARIO PDS 29-2015 Appendix I Page 6 STAIRS, TUNNEL ELEVATOR FUTURE CHURCH LOT LEGEND: SCALE: 3 0.47 CATCHMENT NUMBER CATCHMENT AREA OVERLAND FLOW ROUTE 1:2000 DATE: HAMILTON TO NIAGARA RAIL EXPANSION FIGURE STORM DRAINAGE CONCEPTS APRIL 2011 STATION ALTERNATIVES - GRIMSBY - CASABLANCA BOULEVARD - MILE 29.49 47 500 47 400 47 300 47 700 47 600 47 200 PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS GO TRANSIT PROJECT NO. RQQ-2008-EN-010 DR5 RONA INFORMATION
Appendix I Page 7 ONTARIO STREET (1420) MAINLINE 2 MAINLINE 1 38 100 000 38 BUS LOOP 900 37 PLATFORM PLATFORM 800 37 (360) 700 37 PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS STATION 37 600 (230) 500 37 400 37 300 37 200 37 37 100 MILE 23 37 000 STAIRS, TUNNEL ELEVATOR (280) GREEN LANE ROAD LEGEND: 3 0.47 CATCHMENT NUMBER CATCHMENT AREA OVERLAND FLOW ROUTE SCALE: 1:3000 DATE: APRIL 2011 HAMILTON TO NIAGARA RAIL EXPANSION STORM DRAINAGE CONCEPTS GO TRANSIT PROJECT NO. RQQ-2008-EN-010 STATION ALTERNATIVES - BEAMSVILLE - ONTARIO ST. - MILE 23.21 GRIMSBY SUB. FIGURE DR6
19 300 100 PDS 29-2015 Appendix I Page 8 FUTURE ACCESS RIDLEY ROAD PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS COMMUNICATION TOWER (270) 19 500 MAINLINE 2 MAINLINE 1 400 19 KISS & RIDE (150) FUTURE REGION OF NIAGARA GRADE SEPARATION 19 200 PLATFORM PLATFORM LEASED SPACE 19 KISS & RIDE BUS BAYS RESERVED VIA PARKING (50) VIA STATION 19 000 GREAT WESTERN STREET STAIRS, TUNNEL ELEVATOR 18 900 BIKE RACK EXTEND BY 4 CAR LENGTHS 18 800 LOUTH STREET (240) ST. PAUL STREET WEST AIRPORT GCA BEACON LEGEND: 3 0.47 CATCHMENT NUMBER CATCHMENT AREA OVERLAND FLOW ROUTE SCALE: 1:2000 DATE: APRIL 2011 HAMILTON TO NIAGARA RAIL EXPANSION STORM DRAINAGE CONCEPTS GO TRANSIT PROJECT NO. RQQ-2008-EN-010 STATION ALTERNATIVES - ST. CATHARINES - VIA STATION - MILE 11.8 GRIMSBY SUB. FIGURE DR7
E E H H H H H H 2 300 MAINLINE 2 MAINLINE 1 2 2 500 400 1 700 1 200 1 300 1 800 1 1 100 MILE 1 900 000 1 900 0 837 000 2 0 100 2 VICTORIA AVENUE RIVER ROAD 2 200 BUTTERY STREET PDS 29-2015 Appendix I Page 9 PULLBACK TRACK FUELING PUMPHOUSE TRUCK UNLOADING PM BAYS AND ANCILLARY BUILDING (1100) STAIRS, TUNNEL CREW ELEVATOR CENTRE 1 600 500 1 1 400 (650) LEGEND: SCALE: 3 0.47 CATCHMENT NUMBER CATCHMENT AREA OVERLAND FLOW ROUTE 1:4000 DATE: GO TRANSIT PROJECT NO. RQQ-2008-EN-010 HAMILTON TO NIAGARA RAIL EXPANSION FIGURE STORM DRAINAGE CONCEPTS APRIL 2011 STATION/LAYOVER-NIAGARA FALLS- NIAGARA FALLS VIA-MILE 0.54 GRIMSBY S/D. DR9
Appendix IV Page 18 2 St. Catharines Hub Study Memorandum of Understanding This Memorandum of Understanding this day of 2015 between The Regional Municipality of Niagara (hereinafter referred to as the Region ) and The City of St. Catharines (hereinafter referred to as the City )
Appendix IV Page 19 Part 1 Project Overview and Objectives 1.0 Introduction a) This Memorandum of Understanding (herein referred to as the MOU ) has been developed to outline the roles and responsibilities of the Region and City in the development of the St. Catharines Hub Study. The Understanding shall set out all duties and obligations of the Parties with respect to the creation and approval of a mutually acceptable St. Catharines Hub Study. b) The Region in consultation with the City will establish a Working Group at the onset of the study process, consisting of representatives of Region staff, City staff, and Provincial agencies. The Working Group will establish planning, urban design, transportation engineering objectives with respect to the Hub Study. Part 2 Parties Roles and Responsibilities for the St. Catharines Hub Study 2.0 Preamble a) The Parties agree that the St. Catharines Hub Study will be formally managed and financed by the Region. b) The Parties agree that the City will be a collaborative partner in the development, review, and approval of the St. Catharines Hub Study. c) The specific and shared responsibilities of each party are outlined below: 2.1 The Regional Municipality of Niagara a) Approval/endorsement of the St. Catharines Hub Study by Regional Council. b) Reporting to Regional Council on the St. Catharines Hub Study. c) Project management of the St. Catharines Hub Study. d) Management of any consultants or experts that are hired to assist with the Hub Study. e) Coordination of meetings or sharing of information pertaining to other municipalities involved in the Study. 2.2 The City of St. Catharines a) Approval/endorsement of the St. Catharines Hub Study. b) Reporting to City Council on the St. Catharines Study. c) Providing the Region with relevant planning information and/or data to support the study. d) Identifying stakeholders within the City of St. Catharines for the St. Catharines Hub Study. 2.3 Shared Responsibilities a) That the City and Region have agreed to complete the Hub Study within 24 months of awarding the work to a consulting team.
b) Providing input, analysis, and recommendations on land use, transportation, and infrastructure planning matters. Part 3 Endorsements Project Name St. Catharines Hub Study PDS 29-2015 Appendix IV Page 20 Project Sponsors Regional Municipality of Niagara Target Project Completion Date 2017/06/06 City of St. Catharines Project Manager Planning and Development Services Department Version No. 1.0 Version Date 2015/06/09 Endorsement of the Memorandum of Understanding The following signatures represent the endorsement of the Memorandum of Understanding by the respective parties as it pertains to the St. Catharines Hub Study. Signatures
Appendix IV Page 21 I, we have reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding and verify the roles and responsibilities outlined within are acceptable. Regional Municipality of Niagara Regional Chair Regional Clerk Date City of St. Catharines Mayor City Clerk Date