The Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee met on October 31, 2002, at 12:04 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton.

Councillor I. Sinclair presided.

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION IMPSC-16-2002:

That the Commissioner of Planning provide an update on the population and employment analysis undertaken by Hemson Consulting;

And further, that the agenda for the October 31, 2002, Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee meeting be approved as amended.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

4. REPORTS

a. Regional Official Plan Strategic Update (ROPSU) Transportation Planning

Referring to page 4a-8 of the subject report, Bill Winterhalt sought clarification that there would be no duplication of efforts in the development of background and policy papers and that there would be a consolidation of data and reports where available. Tom AppaRao confirmed that there would be no duplication and full use will be made of all available information.

As it relates to Transportation and Demand Management / High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) policies and plans, the "plans" part would need to wait for the completion of master transportation plans from the City of Brampton and the Town of Caledon. Tom AppaRao confirmed that the ROPSU Transportation Planning work would focus on policies and strategies, in full coordination with Brampton and Caledon work; planning and implementation would occur beyond ROPSU, as appropriate.

Councillor Palleschi supported efforts of running studies concurrently and that each plan move forward without delaying the other.

Councillor Saito requested the scope of the project under goods movement to be clarified. It is important not to go beyond what we are capable of reviewing. She questioned whether we are going to look at the truck movement of goods on regional and municipal roads, through the region, from within the region or into the region. We have to look at the truck traffic from the highways, as it is the local roads which are used as an overflow when the highways are clogged. We have to be careful not to duplicate efforts.

Councillor Saito requested clarification to the report and terms of reference as to how Peel's study relates to the provincial study. The terms of reference should be amended to clearly state the coordination between the various efforts, that the focus will be on goods movement (road to air, road to rail interfaces) in the Region of Peel, and that studies will serve to assist Peel in commenting on the Provincial review of goods movement.

Tom AppaRao advised members that there are seven major elements of ROPSU, of which goods movement is one area to be addressed. He is aware of the MTO study and expects that MTO will involve Peel in their study. He expects that the Provincial study would be carried out at a macro level, when viewed from Peel's perspective. MTO's study will not specifically address the Peel issues, such as the impacts of Brampton's growth over the next 20 years. By participating in MTO's study and inviting MTO to participate in our study, we plan to avoid duplication and ensure that Peel issues are addressed effectively.

Martin Powell expressed the opinion that the current work plan was satisfactory and supported a no duplication approach.

Councillor Whitehead advised that we must advocate what is right for Peel, and it should not be left up to the Province to decide what is right for Peel.

Councillor Sinclair suggested that the movement of data in its various forms has been overlooked by other agencies such as the Greater Toronto Services Board (GTSB) and that it should be addressed in future efforts.

RECOMMENDATION IMPSC-17-2002:

That the attached Work Plan for the Transportation Planning stream of ROPSU be approved, as amended;

And further that the funding for the Transportation Planning Work Plan be available from Capital Budget # 02-7511.

b. Terms of Reference for the Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee

Received

Nick Tunnacliffe outlined a number of issues expressed at the Regional and Area Municipal Planning Commissioners meeting concerning the scheduled subcommittee meetings. When the subcommittee commences earlier than the published time, it is difficult for area municipal staff to attend, or to keep their schedules open in the event of a time adjustment, as experienced with today's meeting. It was suggested that the subcommittee meet at 8:00 a.m. prior to General Committee or Council.

In addition, area municipal staff suggested that if the Technical Advisory Committee agreed on their efforts, that reports could proceed directly to General Committee, by-passing the subcommittee. However, the Terms of Reference for the subcommittee require certain work, such as the transportation planning work plan, be routed through the subcommittee; Peel staff feel that it's important that certain issues receive the political support/perspective; and lastly, it is important that a group of Councillors become familiar with the complicated subjects, so that when issues arise at General Committee or Council, Councillors are versed in the subject matter.

Councillor Palleschi expressed his continued support for the subcommittee, however, he agreed that there may not be a need to meet on a monthly basis. If there were conflicts between municipal staff at the technical level, then the issues would be addressed at the subcommittee prior to being presented to General Committee/Council.

Councillor Palleschi supported the routing of reports via e-mail or fax to address certain issues of clarification without having to hold a subcommittee meeting, which would address the issue of staffing resources.

Councillor Saito suggested that those Councillors not attending subcommittee meetings should request their membership on the subcommittee be terminated for the purposes of quorum. She also supported the e-mailing/faxing of reports where required to initiate discussions for clarification in work plans in an effort to reduce the number of meetings. However, should the membership approve an alternate meeting time, poor weather conditions may impact an 8:00 a.m. meeting.

Staff will investigate the use of alternate Chamber technology such as teleconferencing from the area municipal offices where scheduling conflicts occur.

c. Contract Consultation Planner for Regional Official Plan Strategic Update (ROPSU)
Presentation by Nick Tunnacliffe, Commissioner of Planning

Received

Nick Tunnacliffe provided a brief verbal presentation addressing the differences in the roles of the Consultation Planner contracted for a period of two years, and the Region's Communications staff in Corporate Services. The Consultation Planner will organize and facilitate public meetings and workshops for ROPSU, as opposed to the Communications staff, who facilitate media relations.

Nick Tunnacliffe further advised that the Region had hired a Consultation Planner previously in the 1996 Regional Official Plan (ROP) process, and agreed to highlight the hiring of the 1996 Consultation Planner in the report highlights section.

Additional Item

d. Peer Review of Hemson Report (Oral)

Received

Nick Tunnacliffe advised that the Hemson report is now available. Given the discussions at the subcommittee meeting regarding the subcommittee's role, a report can be routed through General Committee after being circulated to the membership.

Councillor Sinclair requested that the Hemson report be circulated to the members and that the subcommittee be briefed.

The Region hired two consultants to conduct a peer review of Hemson's report. Bill Winterhalt advised that the peer review consultants' recommendation leaves certain gaps and questions. However, it was agreed amongst staff that the data by the primary consultant data forecasts was sufficient to proceed with the various aspects of ROPSU and Brampton's northwest studies.

The peer review consultants presented the concept in their report that residents and businesses would relocate outside of the GTA to avoid the transportation constraints and gridlock, and this may have implications for the forecast in Peel.

5. COMMUNICATIONS

6. IN CAMERA MATTERS

7. NEXT MEETING

8. OTHER BUSINESS

9. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m.