Council Info Feb. 28, 2019
Council Info – Feb. 28, 2019
Council Info is a summary of discussion and the major items presented at Council meetings. It is circulated immediately following each meeting. You are encouraged to quote from and copy this information. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.
Regional Council approves Recommended Network of separated bike lanes
The Separated Bike Lane Network Pilot Study was initiated to examine the feasibility of installing a network of separated bike lanes. The Uptown Waterloo Study Area (Study Area 17) was identified as the Preferred Study Area because it connects to high and medium density residential developments, commercial developments, the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University campuses, and the Uptown Waterloo Urban Growth Centre. The pilot area will consist of 4.45 kms of physically separated bike lanes on:
• University Avenue West (King Street North to Seagram Drive);
• King Street North (University Avenue West to Columbia Street);
• Columbia Street West (King Street North to Hagey Boulevard); and
• Erb Street East/West (Caroline Street North to Peppler Street).
During the Pilot Project, Region staff will work with City staff to consider extensions to the Recommended Network such as on Albert Street, Erb Street and Bridgeport Road. These extensions could be considered as part of any permanent work to be implemented after the completion of the Pilot Project. Construction is expected to begin in July 2019.
Additional signs, markings and bollards to be installed on King St. in Waterloo
Following the completion of King Street improvements (ION Tracks to Bridgeport Road) in Waterloo and based on public feedback, Regional Council has approved the installation of flexible bollards and additional signs/pavement markings in the newly installed bike lanes. These improvements will restrict vehicles from encroaching on to the bike lanes, provide more separation for cyclists and create more awareness for pedestrians walking on the new streetscape. The installation will be implemented in 2019 between the ION Tracks and Central Street and will be incorporated into the remaining sections of the project scheduled for improvement in 2020-21 to University Avenue.
Region recognized for work in the development of ARIA Intelligent Transportation System
In 2017 the Region introduced “ARIA” an Advanced Transportation Management System. This system is considered to be a “state-of-the-art” centralized control technology. It allows for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) management including traffic signal control, Transit Signal Priority (TSP), Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) applications and other emerging technologies. This system is more advanced than systems currently in use other municipalities in North America.
ARIA was recently recognized as the 2018 Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Canada Award winner in the category of “New Canadian ITS Technology Research and Development/Innovation” The Region of Waterloo was an integral part of the system development partnering with the Region of Durham.
Tenders/Contracts:
The following tenders/contracts were approved by Council:
• $17,947,000 to Bennett Mechanical Installations Ltd. for headworks and thickener upgrades to the Hespeler Wastewater Treatment plant.
• $10,881,000 to Capital Paving Inc. for Homer Watson Blvd. improvements and multi-use trails.
• $771,078 to Aardvark Drilling Inc. for municipal supply well construction and testing in Kitchener.
• $585,300 to J. Weber Contracting Limited for emergency water services for three years.
• $231,691 to Ross and Anglin Ontario Ltd. for site works at the Kress Hill pressure reducing station.
• $195,000 to IBI Group Ltd. (amendment to an existing contract) for a revised total of $585,300 for design services for Highland Road improvements from Ira Needles Blvd. to Fischer-Hallman Rd. in the City of Kitchener
Next Council Meeting
March 27, 2019 at 7 p.m.
For more information, contact:
Bryan Stortz, Director, Corporate Communications, 519-575-4408
Regional Clerk’s Office, 519-575-4400