The Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee (ARRASC) met on Thursday, February 18, 2010, at 9:37 a.m. in the Council Chamber, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton.

Chaired by Councillor J. Sanderson

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil


2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION ARRASC-1-2010:

That the agenda for the February 18, 2010 Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee meeting, be approved.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

a) Damian Albanese, Director, Transportation, Region of Peel and Nick Palomba, Vice- President, Delcan Corporation, Providing a Status Update on the Arterial Road Rationalization Review Phase II Project

Received

See also Reports – Item 4a

Damian Albanese, Director, Transportation, Region of Peel, summarized the recent work of the Regional and Area Municipal Staff Working Group with respect to data collection for the arterial roads network review.

Nick Palomba, Vice-President, Delcan Corporation, provided an overview of the current status of the Arterial Road Rationalization Review Phase II project. A review of the initial data collection related to the preparation of road costing information identified challenges in extracting accurate arterial roadway costs based on the current mixed roadway system at the municipal level; numerous assumptions would need to be made to apportion costs by roadway classification and the level of effort and time required would not meet the study timelines.

Nick Palomba stated that the Arterial Road Rationalization Review Phase II Steering Committee proposes the use of Regional roadway activity costs for all roadway transfer alternatives. He also indicated that the Regional and Area Municipal Staff Working Group and Staff Steering Committee will continue to gather data in order to apply information against the nine options that will also include follow-up interviews with key Regional and area municipal staff. Nick Palomba requested that a workshop for the Members of the Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee (ARRASC) and staff be held by the end of April 2010 to assess the data in the completed Criteria Summary Matrix.

Councillor Prentice expressed concern regarding the discrepancy of approximately 600,000 in population projection for Ontario provided by the Ministry of Finance versus the data used by the Region of Peel for the arterial roads network review. She requested that staff ensure the correct population projection is used for the arterial roads network review.

Damian Albanese stated that the response from the Ministry indicated that the numbers were not intended as government targets but the intent was to produce long-term population projections that are policy-neutral and to provide a benchmark for the entire Province. He suggested that the Ministry of Finance forecasts be closely coordinated with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

Councillor Prentice requested that staff obtain written confirmation from the Ministry of Finance to validate the use of the population projections for Ontario that would be crucial to the arterial roads network review.

Councillor Prentice expressed frustration with the planning issues affecting the Cawthra Road/ Burnhamthorpe Road area. She requested that the Committee review the process of managing intersections with dual-jurisdiction noting that it affects landscaping and approval of plans at the Regional and area municipal level.

Damian Albanese responded that Regional staff are working closely with the area municipalities to effectively manage arterial roads in Peel. He stated that the management of intersections with dual-jurisdiction will be addressed in the service delivery phase of the project.

Councillor Sanderson sought clarification regarding the different levels of road service provided in the Region of Peel and area municipalities. Damian Albanese responded that the level of service is dependent on the road classification. Nick Palomba stated that the Arterial Road Rationalization Review Phase II project will capture the different levels of service within the nine options presented to ARRASC.

Councillor Morrison sought clarification regarding the maintenance and management of roads that have been downloaded from the Region to the area municipalities. Nick Palomba responded that the maintenance of all roads are mandated by the Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) and posted speed limits. Based on that matrix, Nick Palomba advised that the roads are classified accordingly and minimum maintenance standards must be adhered to by any municipality.

4. REPORTS

a) Arterial Road Rationalization Review Phase II Project Update, Capital Project 08-4325 – All Wards

Received

See also Delegations/Presentations – Item 3a

Councillor Morrison indicated that the Committee should take into account the forecasted population throughout the arterial roads review process to effectively manage the movement of people, goods and services in the Region of Peel. She expressed concern that the wrong projection could have an impact on the level of service provided by the Region. Damian Albanese stated that staff will seek written confirmation from the Ministry of Finance regarding the projected population for Ontario.

David Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), stated that the response received from the Ministry of Finance indicated that the treasury numbers are not to be taken as projection for planning purposes. The CAO undertook to follow-up in writing with the Ministry of Finance regarding the projected population.

Councillor Prentice referred to a letter from the Ministry of Finance dated November 10, 2009 addressed to the Regional Clerk regarding population projections for Ontario and indicated that it did not clearly state the appropriate projection. She requested written confirmation of the forecasted population.

Dan Labrecque, Commissioner of Public Works, indicated that the Provincial government will not allow municipalities to plan beyond the year 2031.

5. COMMUNICATIONS - Nil


6. IN CAMERA MATTERS - Nil

7. OTHER BUSINESS - Nil

In response to a question of clarification from Damian Albanese, the Committee confirmed the use of Regional Roadway Activity Costs for all roadway transfer alternatives.

Councillor Morrison suggested that a date for the proposed Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee workshop be scheduled. Damian Albanese responded that staff propose to hold a four-hour workshop on Thursday, April 29, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Staff was requested to coordinate with Legislative Services regarding the availability of ARRASC members and workshop logistics.

8. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Arterial Roads Review Ad hoc Steering Committee is scheduled for Thursday, May 20, 2010, 9:30 a.m., Council Chamber, 5th floor, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton, Ontario.

Please forward regrets to Stephanie Jurrius, Committee Clerk, (905) 791-7800, ext. 4502 or at stephanie.jurrius@peelregion.ca.

9 . ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.