Niagara GO Hub and Transit Stations Study

Niagara GO Hub and Transit Stations Study Public Open House #2 June 2017

Study Purpose The purpose of this study is to prepare four key deliverables for each station area: 1. Work with Metrolinx to provide input on station design 2. Prepare Secondary Plans for the lands around the station areas 3. Conduct transportation analysis around each station (feed into secondary plans and station designs) 4. Market analysis to determine development potential around the station areas 2

Station Locations RECOMMENDED FUTURE GO STATION 3

Why is Planning Around Station Areas Important? Across the Greater Golden Horseshoe a number of municipalities are leveraging transit investment to drive growth The Provincial investment in Niagara presents us with a unique opportunity to proactively plan land use, transportation networks (all modes) and infrastructure around the station areas Evolving transit hub in Kitchener (GO rail and LRT station) 4

Why is Planning Around Station Areas Important? The Province s Growth Plan directs municipalities to plan for intensification around GO stations Transit stations and the surrounding lands serve an important function within the regional transportation system Proactively planning the uses, activities and infrastructure around these locations will have a profound impact on their performance Commuter rail station in La Grange, Illinois 5

STREET-ORIENTED, MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT DENSITY SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF STATION HIGH-QUALITY PUBLIC REALM 6

Study Process 1. Study Context & Site Review 2. Prepare Vision & Principles 3. Prepare Draft Secondary Plans 4. Primary Zone Technical Analysis 5. Station Area Design 6. Implementation & Planning Framework Update S1 1 S2 2 3 4 SAC Meeting 1 Public Event Series 1: Visioning SAC Meeting 2 Public Event Series 2: Draft Secondary Plans Public Event Series 3: Station Design Public Event Series 4: Public Open House and Public Meeting 7

Purpose of Tonight s Event Present draft secondary plan elements Provide an opportunity to ask questions, provide comments and suggestions, etc. 8

Grimsby GO Transit Station Secondary Plan DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES 30-Jun-17 9

What is a Secondary Plan? The Official Plan is the road map that guides long range land use and development Secondary Plans are part of the Official Plan, and provide more detailed guidance on specific areas They include plans/policies that are adopted into the Official Plan and have status under the Planning Act 2. Land Use 4. Urban Design 1. Vision, Goals/Objectives 3. Transportation 5. Implementation 10

Context for the Grimsby Station Area Plan 178 hectares Potential for additional 4,750 people and 1,870 jobs by 2041 Significant development being proposed/ underway within the station area Gateway to Niagara Region from the GTAH 30-Jun-17 11

Context for the Grimsby Station Area Plan Winston Neighbourhood Secondary Plan provides the long term plan for the area north of the QEW This area is one of two strategic locations for intensification 30-Jun-17 12

Protect stable neighbourhoods 30-Jun-17 Opportunity to be selective/strategic about where and how intensification occurs 13

Capitalize on opportunities for high quality, transit-supportive, waterfront development envisioned in the Town s Official Plan

Capitalize on opportunities for high quality, transit-supportive, waterfront development envisioned in the Town s Official Plan (Port Credit)

Opportunity to improve road safety along key corridors 30-Jun-17 Opportunity to improve active transportation connections to the waterfront 17

Opportunity to improve road safety along key corridors 30-Jun-17 Opportunity to improve active transportation connections to the waterfront (Kitchener GO/VIA rail 18 station improvements)

Opportunity to proactively plan for the long term intensification and revitalization of highway commercial areas which interface with the station along the South Service Road Opportunity for complete streets

Create a strong sense of place around the station area Reinforce the Gateway function of the area Opportunity to strategically frame important views and vistas

Create a strong sense of place around the station area Reinforce the Gateway function of the area Opportunity to strategically frame important views and vistas (James Street North GO Station)

Provide for appropriate transitions between urban/rural

Provide for appropriate transitions between urban/rural Opportunities to use a variety of tools such as setbacks, landscaped buffers and green infrastructure

Secondary Plan Objectives 1. Create a vibrant, mixed use node that provides a full range of uses 2. Improve pedestrian connectivity between the waterfront and station area 3. Leverage waterfront development opportunities 4. Develop new public spaces 5. Improve Casablanca Boulevard and South Service Road streetscapes 6. Ensure a high quality of design at the gateway station area 7. Protect stable residential neighbourhoods south of the Railway and provide for appropriate transitions 25

Grimsby Station Area Today Looking east along South Service Road 26

Vision of Grimsby Station Area Looking east along South Service Road 27

Land Use Plan (Draft)

Maximum Building Heights (Draft)

New Connections and Road Improvements (Draft)

Planned Active Transportation Network (Draft)

Public Realm Improvements (Draft)

Demonstration Plan: 2041

South Service Road

Casablanca Boulevard

Casablanca Boulevard (Bridge over QEW)

Activities 1. Are there any elements missing from the plans? 2. Do you have any suggested modifications or improvements to the plans? Write your thoughts, ideas, comments and suggestions on the Plans!!! 37

Next Steps Review public and agency feedback Revise major plans elements and prepare full draft of Secondary Plan Liaise with Metrolinx and confirm station planning concept Release full draft of Secondary Plan / commence next round of public engagement (Fall 2017) 38