burlington MobIlITY Hubs study Burlington GO Mobility Hub Public Consultation Summary June 2017
Table of Contents Introduction Participant Feedback i. Workshop ii. Coffee Consultations and Stakeholder Open Houses 1 2 Next Steps APPENDICES i. Appendix A: Complete Workshop Consultation Notes ii. Appendix B: Feedback received from Burlington GO Coffee consultations and Stakeholder Open Houses 5 6
Introduction On May 10th, 2017 the first round of public consultations was held at the Holiday Inn in Burlington regarding the Burlington GO Mobility Hub. Members of the public were invited to attend and bring forth their ideas and visions for the Mobility Hub. There were approximately twenty attendees. The evening consisted of a presentation and was followed by a voting exercise in which the attendees were asked to answer questions regarding their preferred development styles, preferred land use, and what they liked and did not like concerning different design features. A copy of the presentation and voting results are available at www.burlington.ca/mobility hubs A workshop followed the presentation which included five stations: Community Features, Public Spaces, Private Spaces, Getting Around (Mobility), and a general What Else? station where participants were able to write down additional comments at any point throughout the evening. The attendees were asked to divide into groups and choose one of the aforementioned topics. Participants were asked: What s here that you value and want to protect? What s here that you do/ don t want more of? and What s not here but should be? After a fifteen minute discussion, the groups were guided to the next station. The outcome of these workshops is summarized in the following section. Along with the formal public consultation, three coffee shop consultations were held at the local Second Cup (901 Brant St), where members of the public were encouraged to meet with City Planners and discuss their vision for the study area. Additionally, the City hosted two stakeholder open houses which were open to the public, landowners, and other interested parties to discuss their specific properties, interests, or concerns with staff one on one. Feedback from these conversations is outlined in the following section. 1
Participant Feedback WORKSHOP- MAY 10, 2017 Below is a summary of feedback provided during the public consultation for the Burlington GO Mobility Hub. See Appendix A for a complete list of feedback. Public Spaces Emphasis on implementing more space for people to gather, whether that be through parks, urban squares, or community space. Consider making public spaces highly accessible by all modes of transportation. Implement more design features such as street furniture, public art, and lighting elements to allow for social interaction while increasing aesthetics. Consider a variety of grasses in lieu of concrete. This will provide both aesthetic and environmental benefits. Consider a variety of urban spaces, i.e. green roofs, and roof top amenities. Consider less visible parking spaces, perhaps by implementing more below-grade parking. Consider air quality improvements by implementing landscape features. When implementing parking garages, consider the architecture, materials, and design features. Streetscaping is a key feature. Create a space that is inviting by incorporating bike racks, public art, and landscape features. Consider providing weather protection. Consider stormwater management features. Private Spaces (Private Buildings at Grade) Consider setting back new developments to avoid the canyon effect. There was an emphasis on the need for more green space. Consider implementing patios as a way to interact with the street while providing a gathering space. Not all patios have to be at grade; there is also opportunity for elevated patios. Avoid balconies overhanging sidewalks. Consider a variety of design and architectural styles. Avoid excessive signage. There was a concern regarding insufficient amount of parking spaces for new development. 2
Create buildings with peaked roofs and cornices. Consider a diverse pallet of materials within the study area. Consider implementing more services within retail outlets. Getting Around (Mobility) Mitigate chaotic traffic on Brant Street and congestion on Fairview Street by implementing a filter light to relieve some traffic pressure. Concern that bike lanes are going unused and are occupying what could be another lane for cars in order to help alleviate traffic. There was emphasis on shuttles for seniors to major connecting hubs, to the hospital, and to malls. Consider implementing dedicated bike lanes that are suitable for all seasons. An increase in the safety of bike lanes may increase the usage. Incorporate pedestrian walkways or bridges. Consider access to GO Station on foot or by bike. Provide more connectivity within the community. Consider implementing a safe way to cross the Queen Elizabeth Way by bike or on foot. Consider a shuttle bus to provide affordable and accessible service to the GO Station and high frequency service to Downtown Burlington. Strive to create a balance of transportation options that mitigate traffic issues and create opportunities for active transportation. Improve pedestrian connectivity at Drury Lane. Consider improving pedestrian safety at crosswalks. Consider improving connectivity to Toronto Pearson International Airport. Promote walkability. Community Features Consider accessible day care facilities. Ensure there are sufficient facilities to accommodate a variety of users, including entertainment facilities, and a community centre. These facilities should be accessible by bike. Consider community uses that include an indoor pool, and library. Consider implementing gateways as a place maker, i.e. Plains Road, Aldershot. There is a need for entertainment facilities within the proposed area. An emphasis on the desire for vibrancy within the proposed area. Consider an education facility within the study area. Promote connectivity from T. Thompson Elementary School to Fairview Street. What Else? Create appropriate setbacks and separation between buildings to address privacy issues. 3
COFFEE SHOP CONSULTATIONS & STAKEHOLDER OPEN HOUSES The following sessions were held to obtain additional feedback from the public: Coffee Consultation #1: Second Cup, 901 Brant St. (Thurs. May 11/2-4pm) Coffee Consultation #2: Second Cup, 901 Brant St. (Fri. May 12/9:30-11:30am) Coffee Consultation #3: Second Cup, 901 Brant St. (Mon. May 15/6:30-8:30pm) Below is a summary of feedback received during these sessions. See Appendix B for a complete list of feedback. Improve cyclist infrastructure and cyling events in the area, i.e. showers, changerooms Ensure that the area is accessible through east-west cycling lanes and transit Improve connections to the downtown Create more green space, public spaces and parks in the downtown Improve beach access for paddle boarders Consider parking requirements Stakeholder Open House #1: City Hall, Rm. 247 (Fri. May 12/2-4pm) Stakeholder Open House #2: Mountainside Recreation Centre (Tues. May 16/6-8pm) 4
NEXT STEPS The next steps of the Mobility Hubs Study for the Burlington GO Mobility Hub include: Ongoing site analysis; Establishing land use and design framework; Creating draft land use concepts; and Burlington GO Mobility Hub Land Use Concepts Public Meeting (Sept 6th,2017) For additional information on the progress of the Mobility Hubs Study, please visit the project website: www.burlington.ca/mobilityhubs STAGE 1 PRELIMINARY STUDIES AND LAND USE CONCEPTS STAGE 2 AREA SPECIFIC PLANS Project Initiation Vision Workshops: Public Meeting #1 Land Use Concepts and Associated Reports Land Use Concepts Workshop: Public Mtg. #2 Develop Preferred Land Use Concept Policies and Recommendations Workshop: Public Mtg. #3 Policies and Recommendations Workshop: Council Workshop Delivery of Policy for New Official Plan Final Delivery of Area Specific Plans JAN 2017 we are here > > > BACKGROUND REVIEW & ANALYSIS ESTABLISH LAND USE & DESIGN FRAMEWORK PREPARE AREA SPECIFIC PLANS SEPT 2017 NOV 2017 JUN 2018 FINAL REPORT 5
APPENDICES APPENDIX A Complete Workshop Consultation Notes- May 10, 2017 The following notes are all of the comments received from consultations. PUBLIC SPACES gathering space how do we get them? How city will implement Park Land Dedication in place? Limited opportunity potentially small public spaces systems Small and highly accessible spaces Private blocks should be accessible Roof top/accessible/green and other amenities Balance concrete/grass Wastewater/impact of concrete sustainable building features (storm water dissipation) Less visible parking lots Parking garages More pleasant image More open Architecture/colour High cost of condo units How to encourage walkability Personal choice lifestyle Street-scaping is important Wide sidewalks Trees! Parkettes Fine grained street network More connectivity How to make Brant and Fairview more pleasant for pedestrians How to balance bike traffic/pedestrians/cars How people move internally/externally Expand the urban forest in the area Weather protected features between buildings More permeable surfaces (costly) on parking Bridge railway crossing chance! Build more crossings! Direct sunlight on public spaces Reduce wind tunnel effect on public spaces Air quality improvement TDM implement as an option Parking reduction Car share programs More sitting around! benches! Garbage cans! Art bike racks/ creative so it is inviting Plan for park space park dedication to stay in the area Green along corridor in the medium and trees! dedicated cycle plans potentially higher use safer concern with cycling on sidewalks opportunities for community gardens places for the community to gather other thoughts: development charges impact of density Glenwood School Drive corner at Guelph more green park We like our city hall PRIVATE SPACES (Private Buildings At-Grade) Setback podium more from the sidewalk Too much pavement/no nature More boulevards Flexibility for commercial and residential at grade More services vs. retail More character/whimsy Avoid canyon effect interesting buildings and arch in the hub (ex. Flat iron) not enough greenery more benches needed too monolithic podium and tower setback is a positive feature weather protection patios! good thing residential closer to grade for certain demographics (ie. Seniors closer to grade for mobility, also families) 6
don t like balconies over sidewalk the style of at-grade design of Upper Canada Place is more acceptable on a on side streets (less transparent and not much activity at grade podium along main streets should be active!) Variety of designs Different materials Restrict signage Some like chaos vibrant signage and inconsistent (not all signage the same along a building such as the awnings) Need density to support non-auto customers base city lots to park Parking in the back This area is bland More green Can never have too much grass Too institutional looking (Pearl street building example across from Lion s Parl) Awnings and other weather protection elements should be incorporated in buildings (Retirement residence example on Plains in Aldershot) Domestic feel (Buildings should have elements that make them feel more traditional/residential). Peaked roof, cornaces etc. People scaled Needs more green More parkettes Podium and setback Framing of building entrance GETTING AROUND Provide continuous bike lanes east-west from the hub along Fairview Traffic concerns along Brant Street, especially during rush hour Filter lights may help with this Safety across the QEW is a concern and is currently not adequate (esp. at the on and off ramps) Need more connections to the GO station Shuttle to downtown that runs at a high frequency Senior population Driving and transit is important Need good services Need to provide options in this area to get around Smaller shuttle buses (to important places and landmarks - ie. Downtown, hospital, schools, malls, transit terminals, major shopping centers) Separated bike lanes that are off road needed More frequest transit (15 mins) Think about other modes such as Uber (less parking) Internal connectivity (ie. Mid block connections) Connecting to public spaces and a broader network throughout the hub Connections to existing and new facilities such as new educational facilities, community centers etc. Safe bike parking Breaking up the street pattern Short blocks to create permeability Add pedestrian pathways and make connections Synchronize lights help with traffic calming Use technology and signage for traffic and parking direction (reduce people circling around to find parking spaces) Safe cycling and pedestrian connection between Burlington GO and downtown Separated (not just painted lines) Look into rail paths Routes into residential areas near the hub Continuous bike lanes not only within hub, but to rest of the city and other hubs Better coordination between local and regional transit Burlington GO to airport (takes 3 buses) can this be improved? Pedestrian safety at intersections and driveways (how can this be improved for the pedestrian experience?) Advanced green light for pedestrians Connections from residential neighbourhood to Fairview 7
Pedestrian connection at Drury Lane - improve this over time Community Facilities daycare for people living/working in the hub don t have to go too far school/education facility in the hub (smaller size facility) large parcels opportunity for a campus connectivity from T.Thomson elementary school to Fairview catholic school is bus distance community center indoor facility is needed o bike friendly, pools, (pools are often the first amenity to close in private condos) Entertainment uses to support people New developments should have adequate amenities so people don t have to leave and reduces trips integrate government uses within the buildings mini library in this area (satellite) community center use what s in it for those who already live here needs to be an offset artist lofts vibrancy! Eclectic mix of jobs and people Lots of retail/commercial today Gateway or entrance markers on placemaking with landscaping like in Aldershot (Plains Rd) We already have Retail landmarks here MEC, Goodness Me, etc. Entertainment need in this hub (ie. Movie theatre in new formats such as Markham centre) - mixed use building Zoning should allow this use Brant power center is too busy no parking Area should tie to the downtown facilities Gateway to Downtown CENTER ICE - Other topics Please declare stepbacks sunshadow angular plans fromexisting residential neighbourhoods Please declare setbacks associated with streets which form borders with existing residential neighbourhoods 8
APPENDIX B Feedback received from Burlington GO Coffee Consultations and Stakeholder Open Houses The following sessions were held to obtain additional feedback from the public: Multi-modal congestion: confusion of a various lanes, places for each made in narrow rows Parking reactions, i.e. uptown Oakville: No minimum but there is a maximum Coffee Consultation #1: Second Cup, 901 Brant St. (Thurs. May 11/2-4pm) Coffee Consultation #2: Second Cup, 901 Brant St. (Fri. May 12/9:30-11:30am) Coffee Consultation #3: Second Cup, 901 Brant St. (Mon. May 15/6:30-8:30pm) Stakeholder Open House #1: City Hall, Rm. 247 (Fri. May 12/2-4pm) Stakeholder Open House #2: Mountainside Recreation Centre (Tues. May 16/6-8pm) Feedback received during these sessions include the following: Not enough bikes lanes in the area Bike race series in this area should be permitted Accessibility Transit: better times and frequencies Continuous bikelanes (such as to the west) MEC (Mountain equipment co-op) is a great example of TDM- Change rooms, employees can borrow bikes, showers available) No dedicated bike lanes in the area Better connections to downtown More greenspace in the downtown to encourage paddle boarding Beach access the beach is too rocky along the Beachway to allow for paddle boarding; consider other areas to permit closer to spencer smith Need for public spaces and parks = big concern 9