COURTICE MAIN STREET COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN Public Meeting #1 April 28, 2016 Birdseye view of the study area
PIC #1 AGENDA Agenda and Format 6:30 6:50 Registration 6:50 7:45 Introductions, Presentation (CIP 101, Project Background and Analysis) and Q&A 7:45 7:55 Break into Workshop Groups 8:00 8:45 Workshop Groups: Discuss Community Improvement Needs and Incentive Strategies 8:45 9:00 Workshop Group Reports/Next Steps
Purpose Courtice Main Street CIP Objectives for Public Meeting/Workshop 1. Provide general understanding of CIPs 2. Describe background of the Courtice Main Street Secondary Plan area 3. Describe initial observations on key community improvement needs 4. Describe preliminary incentive program concepts to address community improvement needs 5. Obtain your input
Project Team DILLON + RCI Dillon Master Planning, Public Realm, Landscape Architecture, Public Engagement, Servicing, Urban Design, Downtown Revitalization RCI Consulting CIPs, Financial Incentives
Project Timeline Phase 1 Background And Analysis Feb-Apr 2016 Phase 2 Draft CIP May-July 2016 Phase 3 Final CIP Aug-Oct 2016 Background Review Black Creek Trail Implementation Strategy Community Improvement Needs + Incentive strategies Public Meeting/Workshop #1 Apr 28 Review Capital Forecasts Draft Incentive Programs Council Education Session Public Meeting/ Workshop #2 Third Week of June Fiscal Impact Analysis and Financial Plan Monitoring Program Marketing Strategy Draft CIP Final CIP/Statutory Public Meeting #3
Introduction to CIPs. Birdseye view of the study area
What is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)? Framework to guide redevelopment and improvements within defined area of need (Community Improvement Project Area). CIP allows a municipality to: acquire, clear, rehabilitate, sell lease or dispose of land/buildings; provide grants and loans to owners or for improvements such as renovation, redevelopment / construction; undertake infrastructure and public space improvements. Uses public sector investment to leverage private sector investment.
Introduction to CIPs Where does the CIP fit?
Introduction to CIPs Where does the CIP fit? Secondary Plan Vision a dense, mixed use, transit supportive and pedestrian friendly environment that preserves valuable natural heritage, built form and community character CIP is a key implementation tool for Secondary Plan to promote development of greater intensity land uses and improve community character and identity. View of vacant land View of commercial plazas along Highway 2
Introduction to CIPs 3 existing CIPs Bowmanville downtown 23 properties have received grants Newcastle downtown - 19 properties have received grants Orono downtown - 16 properties have received grants $814,000 in CIP grants and projects have leveraged an estimated $3 Million in private sector investment (2.7x leverage ratio) to end of 2015 No use of Tax Increment Grants to date Current CIPs in Clarington Birdseye view of the study area
Introduction to CIPs Current CIPs in Clarington - Results Some CIP funding has been View of Tooley s Mill Park used in Courtice to kick-start CIP process, for: Street trees; New banners installed along Highway 2 from Centerfield to Townline; Tooley Memorial; Trulls Road parkette lights. CIP will build on these public realm improvements.
Introduction to CIPs Current DC By-law Incentives Revitalization Area DC incentives available in Courtice, Newcastle Village, Bowmanville and Orono. Small Business Expansion - enlargement of an existing commercial building with GFA of less than 250 sq. m by up to 50% pays no DC, enlargement over 50% pays reduced DC. Construction of Mixed Use Building 2 or more storeys = 50% DC Construction of masonry clad apartment building or masonry clad retirement residence 4 or more storeys = 50% DC. Brownfield DC Credit for properties requiring an RSC = to costs of site assessment and remediation.
Introduction to CIPs Best Practices in Ontario Most Downtown/Commercial Area CIPs typically offer between 4 and 6 incentive programs, and up to 8: Façade Design/Feasibility Study Grant; Façade and Building Improvement Grant/Loan; Heritage Restoration/Preservation Grant/Loan; Residential Conversion/Intensification Grant/Loan; Tax Increment Based Grant; Development Charge Reduction Grant; Planning/Building Permit Fee Grant. Municipalities often do not offer all the incentive programs listed in their CIP.
Introduction to CIPs Best Practices in Ontario Typical offerings by program type: Urban Design Study Grant Facade and Building Improvement Grant/Loan Residential Conversion/Intensification Grant/Loan Tax Increment Based Grant Development Charge Grant Planning and Building Permit Fee Grant 14
Introduction to CIPs Best Practices Key policy goals and objectives on Courtice Main Street to transform underutilized/vacant lands: Intensification - density and mixed use; Transit supportive and pedestrian friendly development; High quality urban design; Improve community image and identity; Sustainable development (reduces energy and water consumption, GHG emissions and waste); Protection of significant natural heritage and hydrological features. Courtice Main Street Area is different from the other CIP areas in Clarington and requires a different approach.
Background. Birdseye view of the study area
Background Local & Regional Official Plan Municipality of Clarington Official Plan Courtice Main Street area designated as a Corridor, with a Town Centre node Main Street (Durham Highway 2) proposed to accommodate transit and a range of transportation modes Specific policies are provided in the Courtice Main Street Secondary Plan Durham Region Official Plan Main Street area designated as a Regional Corridor, wherein development shall promote public transit ridership through a mix of land uses at higher densities Black Creek valley lands are designated as a Major Open Space Area, wherein predominant use shall be conservation
Background Secondary Plan Map and Study Area Courtice Community Complex
Background Key Elements of the Secondary Plan Key Objectives Development intensification planned for 2,000 residential units Encourage mixed-use development Support development of Bus Rapid Transit High quality urban design Encourage sustainable development and protect significant natural features Create a main street that reinforces street edge and streetscape Support local businesses by promoting built form that is compatible with adjacent residential development Inspire a new image for Courtice as Clarington s Green Link by reinforcing the strong presence of Farewell Creek and Black Creek valleys along Hwy 2
Background Urban Design Directions Key Elements of the Plan Mixed-use land use structure that supports higher densities Provision of new public spaces and public realm enhancements Support transit, cycling and walking along Main Street through streetscape enhancements and a new street crosssection Development of an integrated trail network connecting the Black Creek and Farewell Creek valley lands
Background Proposed Public Realm Projects A 36 metre street cross-section and related streetscaping 3m wide multi-use path along the north side of Durham Highway 2 Gateway features Enhanced landscaping and pedestrian facilities in parking lots Consolidated site access and screening of servicing areas
Background Proposed Cross-Section for Main Street
Background Transportation (Regional/Local) Durham Region Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Updating of Transportation Master Plan in progress Potential enhancements include rapid transit along Hwy 2 through the Courtice Main Street area by 2031 Draft Clarington Transportation Master Plan (CTMP) Proposed network includes provisions for cycling infrastructure along Hwy 2 and key trail links Calls for improved connections to GO services and more frequent transit service along the Hwy 2 corridor Photo of a bus stopped at a station
Background Water, Sanitary, and Stormwater No sanitary sewer between Sandringham Dr to Courtice Rd An 1800 mm trunk sewer is planned to be extended on Trulls Road There are no anticipated constraints for water services Options to be investigated regarding storm sewers, ponds, and discharge options
Black Creek Implementation
Black Creek Policy Support An integrated trail system within the study area is outlined in: Courtice Main Street Master Development Plan Report (2010) Courtice Main Street Secondary Plan and Urban Design Guidelines (2014) Draft Clarington Transportation Master Plan and Local Active Transportation Map (2014) Proposed Clarington Official Plan and Map K Trails (2015) View of the Courtice Millennium Trail Head
Black Creek Proposed Trail Within the Secondary Plan, the alignment shows the proposed trail network The trail is partially constructed (1,462m built & 1,927m planned) Most of the trail is within the Environmental Protection Area 5 proposed trail head locations (4 on Highway 2 and 1 on Trulls Rd)
Black Creek Secondary Plan Guidance Promote connections to Farewell Creek and Black Creek valleys. Utilize the future Durham Highway 2 multi-use path to create visible trailhead links to the Black Creek valley lands. Utilize local street intersections for safe and attractive trail crossing points. Identify an on-street wayfinding that connects the valleys to parks and promotes the evolution of a fully interconnected open space system. Ensure that all pathways support barrier-free access. Support for land dedication Section 7.2.3 requires that all new development adjacent to the Black Creek valley dedicate lands for environmental protection purposes and to provide for a recreational trail.
Black Creek Trail Types: Trailheads View of the Courtice Millennium Trail Head Provide entrances/identity features for the trail system
Black Creek Acquisition and Access Approaches Licence for trail use in advance of development; advantage to owner is reduced liability, goodwill, potential tax benefits Public easement - Private land owner would grant, dedicate, or lease for public use Parkland dedication through Planning Act Donation ecological gift via federal income tax credit or municipal tax receipt Exchange land trade Acquisition - where required Aids: Marketing to promote the benefits of building safe/secure trails to private owners; Future Development Incentives; Regional Cycling Plan.
Community Improvement Needs & Strategies
Community Improvement Needs Method Key Directions in background policies and plans review. Walking tour of Study Area taking photos and notes. Boundary analysis of Study Area based on OP designation, zoning, land uses (current and future), and level of need. Land Use Building Conditions, Design, and Heritage Vacant and Underutilized Land Servicing Constraints Trails and Natural Features Business Activity CRITICAL NEEDS and OPPORTUNITIES 32
Community Improvement Needs Map of the Preliminary Community Improvement Project Area
Community Improvement Needs Outcomes Servicing, particularly Regional Sanitary Intensification focusing on higher density residential and mixed uses High quality urban design for public spaces and private development Pedestrian friendly environment and development that supports transit and active transportation Sustainable development (reduced waste, energy, GHG emissions, and water consumption) Site and building improvements (facades, landscaping and parking areas) Access to the Black Creek Trail system and enhanced open spaces, paths and trails Improved community image and identity Catalyst projects
Possible Incentive Strategies Considerations 1. Façade and Building Improvement Grant - (limited time) for existing commercial/mixed uses. 2. Residential/Mixed Use Intensification Tax Increment Grant (TIG) 3. Catalyst Development Charge (DC) Grant must be reconciled with Revitalization DC reductions as per DC By-law 4. Intensification TIG and/or Catalyst DC Grant tied to project performance based on: a. Positive economic and catalytic impact of project; b. Design of project; c. Sustainability of project; d. Incorporation of desirable features such as affordability, trail accessibility/enhancement, etc. 5. Use and optimization of regional incentives
Questions and Answers..
Community Improvement Workshop Find your table and as a group, please answer the following questions: 1. What are the three most important community improvement needs in the Courtice Main Street area? 2. What types of financial incentive strategies do you think would work best and be most utilized? 3. What key performance criteria should the incentive programs include? 4. Other key ideas/suggestions for community improvement in the Courtice Main Street area? Report your group s findings. 37
COURTICE MAIN STREET COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN Public Meeting #1 April 28, 2016 Birdseye view of the study area