The Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee (ARRASC) met on January 10, 2008, at 9:32 a.m. in the Council Chamber, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton.

Chaired by Councillor R. Paterak

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil


2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION ARRASC-1-2008:

That the agenda for the January 10, 2008 Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee meeting, be approved.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

a) Update and Chronology of Committee Activities
Presentation by Mitch Zamojc, Commissioner, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services and Damian Albanese, Director, Transportation

Received

See also Reports – Item 4a

Mitch Zamojc, Commissioner, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, provided a brief background and chronology of the activities of the Committee to date. He noted that the purpose of the meeting was to review the options set out in Appendix II of the report titled “Terms of Reference for the Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee (ARRASC), as revised by the Regional and Area Municipal Staff Working Group”. He indicated that should the Committee recommend approval of the options described in Appendix II, Regional Council approval would be required. He advised that the “Mississauga Proposal” was already dealt with by Regional Council. Mitch Zamojc requested direction from the Committee regarding the options that should be explored by ARRASC.

Councillor Prentice stated that the ARRASC meetings have been repetitive and stressed that the work of the Committee needs to move forward. She reiterated the issues of efficiency and duplication as priority matters to be addressed. Councillor Prentice also stressed the need to focus on who can best provide services to residents, at the same time taking into account the associated costs regardless whether for regional or city roads.

Councillor Paterak indicated that there has been confusion stemming from the fact that Option 4 from the discussion paper, as presented by the Commissioner, includes the “Mississauga Proposal”, which was to transfer financial responsibility and jurisdiction of Regional roads to the area municipalities. This proposal was rejected by Regional Council on August 3, 2006 under Resolution 2006-793. He questioned whether there were other processes taking place within the Greater Toronto Area with regard to transportation issues that may impact the road system in Peel.

Mitch Zamojc responded that the role Metrolinx will play has been discussed, but at the moment it is difficult to determine how this will impact the arterial roads network review. He acknowledged that there are issues that need to be improved as far as process is concerned and that the Chief Administrative Officer and Regional staff are committed to addressing these issues. Councillor Prentice stated that road rationalization needs to be considered as part of this process. Damian Albanese, Director, Transportation, stated that the role of Metrolinx has to be taken into account when determining roads systems and land uses.

Councillor Saito advised that the main mandate of ARRASC is to improve efficiency and service, while maintaining cost effectiveness. She stated that Mississauga residents do not recognize the distinction between regional roads and city roads. She commended Regional staff for providing efficient service to the residents, however, in her opinion, the process of managing intersections with dual-jurisdiction needs to be reviewed. Councillor Saito noted that the passing of Resolution 2006-793 regarding the “Mississauga Proposal”, prevented further discussion and circumvented the processes currently being considered. She recommended that all options listed in the discussion paper be taken into consideration. Councillor Saito highlighted the importance of reviewing all of the facts before any decisions or recommendations are made.

Councillor Moore reminded the Committee members of the purpose for holding the meeting, which is to determine how to address the “Mississauga Proposal”, as outlined in the discussion paper. She further stated that in 2006, Regional Council rejected the “Mississauga Proposal” to transfer the control of Regional roads to the area municipalities and therefore, this option should not be reconsidered. Councillor Moore stated that there should be a method to establish local priorities versus the standards set by the Region and suggested that Option 4 be replaced with the need to develop an agreement regarding inter-governmental communications that would enable local priorities or issues to be addressed.

Councillor Paterak suggested retaining the first three options and to include the recommendation of Councillor Moore as a separate clause.

Councillor Morrison indicated her support for an inter-governmental communication agreement. She noted that there must be flexibility in the process and that all other effective combinations of options must also be considered.

Councillor Saito placed the following motion:

RECOMMENDATION ARRASC-2-2008:

That the Options outlined in the presentation of the Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, being Options 1, 2 & 3, be approved;

And further, that Option 4 be amended to read (iv) “Any other effective combination of Options 1, 2, and 3, except the Mississauga Proposal”;

And further, that an Inter-Governmental Communication Protocol be developed.

Councillor Prentice expressed concern with having to deal with two levels of staff regarding dual-jurisdiction intersections, noting that it affects the ability of the City to carry out its desired landscaping plans and causes delay in approving plans. Mitch Zamojc acknowledged this as a valid concern and one that needs to be addressed by the Committee through process improvements and through a cooperative review of how these issues are managed.

4. REPORTS

a) Terms of Reference for the Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee (ARRASC), as Revised by the Regional and Area Municipal Staff Working Group

RECOMMENDATION ARRASC-3-2008:

That the terms of reference for the Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee (ARRASC), as outlined in Appendix I to the report of the Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, dated October 15, 2007, titled “Terms of Reference for the Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee (ARRASC), as Revised by the Regional and Area Municipal Staff Working Group”, be approved;

And further, that the discussion paper titled “Arterial Road Rationalization Phase Two Terms of Reference”, attached as Appendix II to the subject report, be approved, as amended by the Committee at its meeting held on January 10, 2008, specifically, “that Option 4 be amended to read (iv) ‘Any other effective combination of Options 1, 2, and 3, except the Mississauga Proposal’”;

And further, that a copy of the subject report be forwarded to the area municipalities, for information.

See also Delegations/Presentation – Item 3a

5. COMMUNICATIONS - Nil


6. OTHER BUSINESS - Nil


7. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee is scheduled for Thursday, February 21, 2008, 9:30 a.m., Council Chamber, 5th floor, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton, Ontario.

Please forward regrets to Veronica Montesdeoca, Acting Legislative Technical Coordinator, (905) 791-7800, ext. 4326 or at veronica.montesdeoca@peelregion.ca.

8. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.