Strategic Goal: The content of this report relates to the City's strategic goal of 'Achieving Excellence in City Governance'.

Transcription

1 1 Coouitlam For Council September 5, 2017 Our File: /NEWEI/ Doc#: V2 To: From: City Manager General Manager Planning and Development Subject: Draft New Westminster Official Community Plan For: Council Recommendation: That Council: 1. Express concerns to New Westminster regarding the potential future transportation impacts associated with the Sapperton Green Transit Oriented-Mixed-Use Community (SGTMC); and 2. Direct staff to forward a copy of this report to New Westminster as Coquitlam's formal submission on their draft Official Community Plan. Report Purpose: This report provides an overview of New Westminster's draft Official Community Plan (OCP) that has been referred to the City of Coquitlam for review. Strategic Goal: The content of this report relates to the City's strategic goal of 'Achieving Excellence in City Governance'. Background: The City of New Westminster provided the City of Coquitlam the opportunity to comment on their draft OCP on February 2, Staff provided a response to the draft Plan on March 28, 2017 (Attachment l). That included eleven comments related to primarily transportation elements of the draft Plan. On June 26, 2017 New Westminster Council gave first and second readings to the OCP adoption bylaw which can be found here The City of New Westminster forwarded a letter to Coquitlam staff on June 27, 2017 requesting feedback on the revised draft OCP (Attachment 2). Staff completed a review of the revised draft OCP, the results of which are outlined in this report. Discussion/Analysis: Coquitlam staff are supportive of the general land use and community planning directions in the draft OCP and look forward to working collaboratively to address issues along our shared border as they arise.

2 Page 2 September 5, 2017 Discussion/Analysis: cont'd/ Potential Regional Transportation Impacts Coquitlam staff responded to the February 2,2017 referral with eleven comments recommending amendments to the draft OCP. The revised OCP referred on June 27, 2017 has been amended to implement most of the recommended changes (details are outlined below). Those changes that have not been dealt with in the draft OCP can be addressed through the Brunette Interchange Task Force as well as the future Sapperton Green Master Plan process. Truck Routes Coquitlam staff provided New Westminster with three comments regarding truck routes requesting segments be added to the draft OCP (Attachment l). New Westminster amended their OCP to incorporate the majority of Coquitlam staffs feedback including adding four truck-route segments (Attachment 3). Sapperton Green / Crane Site Connection Coquitlam staff provided New Westminster with three comments related to the Sapperton Green site in the draft OCP requesting cycling and vehicular connections between that site and the neighboring Crane site in Coquitlam. While the bike map in the draft New Westminster OCP has not been amended to reflect a bike connection between these sites, New Westminster has incorporated wording to support a cycling connection in a separate Sapperton Green Master Plan Update Report which was forwarded to Coquitlam staff for information on July 10, The Sapperton Green Master Plan Update does not include plans for a future vehicular road connection. Cycling Infrastructure Coquitlam staff provided New Westminster with two comments regarding cycling connections (outside of the Sapperton Green site) in the draft OCP (Attachment l). The draft OCP has since been amended and indicates a greenway trail alongthe respective routes providing connectivity with the future Fraser River Greenway, and contributing to the completion of the Vancouver-to-Surrey continuous bicycle route as well as a greenway or trail along the Fraser River (Attachment 3). Brunette Interchange In the March 28, 2017 letter to New Westminster, Coquitlam staff provided New Westminster with comments regarding the Brunette Interchange replacement. While the draft OCP was not amended to indicate the Braid Industrial Area Connector (BIAC) on the Street Network Classification Map, Coquitlam staff will continue to press for these concerns to be addressed through the Brunette Interchange Task Force. File#; /NEWEl/2017-l Doc#; v2

3 Page 3 September 5, 2017 Discussion/Analysis: cont'd/ Staff Recommendations While Coquitlam staff are supportive of the general land-use and community planning direction in the draft New Westminster OCR, based on the above as well as a letter sent to New Westminster on July 21, 2014 (Attachment 4), staff recommend that Coquitlam express concerns to New Westminster regarding the potential future transportation impacts associated with the SGTMC and direct staff to forward a copy of this report to New Westminster. Next Steps: It is understood that New Westminster staff anticipate that this OCR adoption bylaw will be considered by New Westminster Council following a Public Hearing that is scheduled for September 18, Coquitlam will also continue to work collaboratively with the City of New Westminster through the Brunette Interchange Task Force as well as through the Sapperton Green Master Plan process to address regional transportation issues. Financial Implications: There are no direct financial implications associated with this report at this time. Conclusion: On February 2, 2017, New Westminster solicited feedback from the City of Coquitlam regarding the draft New Westminster OCR. Coquitlam staff forwarded eleven comments in a letter dated March 28, Following this letter, the draft New Westminster OCR was amended to accommodate the majority of these comments and recommendations. A number of Coquitlam staff's recommendations, however, were not addressed in the draft OCR. The City of Coquitlam wishes to continue to work collaboratively with the City of New Westminster on transportation and other issues through the development of the Sapperton Green Neighbourhood where the Cities have a mutual interest, such as assessing traffic impacts, improving pedestrian and cycling connections, and connectivity with Braid Station. Based on this, it is recommended that Coquitlam express concerns-regarding the potential future transportation impacts associated with the SGTMC. (\ A/\ J.L Mclntyre, MCIR, RPR LV/cb/ss File#: /NEWEl/2017-l Doc#: V2

4 Page 4 September 5, 2017 Attachments: 1. Letter from Coquitlam, dated March 28, 2017 Re: New Westminster Draft Official Community Plan (Doc# V2) 2. Letter from New Westminster, dated June 27, 2017 Re: New Westminster Official Community Plan (Doc# ) 3. Excerpt maps from the draft New Westminster OCP illustrating transportation themes discussed in this Report to Council (Doc# ) 4. Report to Council of the CM Planning and Development, dated August 28, 2015 entitled "Proposed Official Community Plan Amendment for 97 Braid Street (Sapperton Green) in New Westminster" (Doc# ) This report was prepared by Leifka Vissers, Community Planner and reviewed by Tyler Kuny, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer and Andrew Merrill, Manager Community Planning. File#: /NEWEl/2017-l Doc#: V2

5 ATTACHMENT 1 March 28, 2017 Your File: Doc: File No.: /C20/ Doc#: V2 Lynn Roxburgh Senior Policy Planner Corporation of the City of New Westminster 511 Royal Avenue New Westminster BC V3L1H9 Dear Ms. Roxburgh: Re: NewWestminsterDraftOfficialCbmmunity Plan I Thank-you for the opportunity to comment on the Draft New Westminster Official Community Plan (OCP). Please find comments from Coquitlam City staff below regarding the proposed Draft OCP as forwarded to the City for comment on February 2, Land Use Feedback: After reviewing the Draft OCP, staff do not have any comments or concerns regarding the land-use plan or associated policies, beyond the comments that have already been shared with New Westminster regarding the proposed Sapperton Green development. (Attachment l). Transportation Feedback: Building on our two communities' history of working together, including efforts to improve the transportation connections between Coquitlam and New Westminster, Coquitlam staff have reviewed the Draft OCP transportation policies and provide specific comments related to transportation as listed below. 1) Regarding the truck route map on page 134, we suggest the following road segments be considered truck routes: East Columbia Street north of Braid Street; Braid Street between Columbia Street and Brunette Avenue; and Braid Street east of Brunette Avenue towards United Boulevard. Furthermore, we recommend that New Westminster maintain the 'Limited Hour Truck Route' on East Eighth Avenue, between East Columbia Street and McBride Boulevard, until such time as the grade separated east-west tunnel is constructed (putting the removal of that truck link into the same category as Royal Avenue and Front Street). This will allow for inter-municipality consistency of truck routes between New Westminster and Coquitlam. See excerpt of Coquitlam Goods Movement Routes map below for reference.

6 Page 2 March 28, 2017 Transportation Feedback: cont'd/ Coquitlam CWOCP: Goods Movement Routes ^ J City of Coquitlaip Boundary Goods Mo>/ement Routes Future Goods Movement Routes Water Bodies BOULEVARD Fraser River 2) On the truck route map (page 134), the text box shown on the figure stating, "Work with City of Coquitlam and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to reconstruct interchange" should be one of the action items under section llja of the OCR to emphasize its importance. We also suggest that section state "to provide a safe and efficient goods movement connection to United Boulevard within Coquitlam." 3) In addition to minimizing or limiting goods movement through the City, we suggest emphasizing the socio-economic benefits from providing safe and efficient truck routes where applicable, and to allowfor efficient local deliveries within New Westminster. 4) Building on the attached report regarding the proposed Sapperton Green Transit- Oriented Mixed-Use Community (SGTMC), it is recommended that New Westminster recognize the adjacent connection and interaction with Coquitlam's "Crane Site" (225 North Road), which is the only Coquitlam property south of Highway 1 west of Brunette Avenue. It is also suggested that a local road connection be put in place between the Crane Site and the Sapperton Green site, and at a minimum pedestrian and cycling connectivity between the Crane site and Braid Station/SGTMC. Potential for a transit connection could also be considered between Braid Station/SGTMC and the Crane site/north Road. CJIta-tt. ni n/i-7o -7 i #. ->r ci/inn»/-)

7 Page 3 March 28, 2017 Transportation Feedback: cont'd/ / Coqui tiani Crane Site Cycling/Pedestrian Connection Recommended by Coquitlam Staff 5) it is suggested that a cycling connection between Braid Station and Coquitlam, through the Braid industrial area towards United Boulevard be improved. This cycling link will provide connectivity with the future Fraser Greenway, completing a continuous bicycle route between Vancouver and Surrey and will ensure cycling connections to Coquitlam and New Westminster are established through the future Brunette Interchange project 6) Draft page 122: Policy ll.l states no net increase in vehicle capacity whereas Policies 11.6 and 11.7 promote safety/reliability of the road network and minimize impacts to vehicles and goods movements, respectively. These could be seen as conflicting policies, and may require clarification. 7) Draft page 128: It is suggested that the long-term bicycle network show a cycling facility (MUP) alongthe Fraser River, similar to Coquitlam's plans. 8) Draft page 130: Transit strategy map: it is suggested that the Enhanced Transit Corridor (ETC) be extended south from Royal Columbian Hospital down Columbia Street. The ETC should also be noted between Braid Station and United Boulevard. 9) It is noted that the approach outlined on page 131 may hinder the ability to manage regional vehicle movements through New Westminster, if the MRN is not expanded or modified. 10) Draft page 131: We suggest showing the Braid Industrial Area Connector (BIAC) on the Street Network Classification map. 11) Draft page 133: Regarding the noise attenuation program,.we suggest adding quiet pavement design to reduce truck and vehicle road noise.

8 Page 4 March 28, 2017 Thank-you for the opportunity to review the Draft OCR. Please note that the above comments are from a staff perspective and it is anticipated that Coquitlam Council's feedback will be sought when there is a formal referral of New Westminster's proposed OCR bylaw. Overall we are supportive of New Westminster's proposed OCR, and acknowledge the care taken in the preparation of the document and consideration of our past feedback. We look forward to seeing the continued development of this Plan and to providing any additional input we can offer. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. Yours truly, f. J.L Mc ntyre, MClP, RPP LV/lmc Attachments: 1. Letter from Coquitlam, dated August 5, 2014 Re: Proposed Neighbourhood Plan for 'Sapperton Green' in New Westminster (Doc# ) 2. Report to Council of the CM Planning and Development, dated August 28, 2015 entitled "Proposed Official Community Plan Amendment for 97 Braid Street (Sapperton Green) in New Westminster" (Doc# ) c.- Jozsef Dioszeghy, General Manager Engineering and Public Works

9 ATTACHMENT 2 June 27, 2017 NEW WESTMINSTER Mr. Jim Mclntyre General Manager, Planning and Development, City of Coquitlam 3000 Guildford Way Coquitlam, BC V3B 7N2 File: Doc: Dear Mr. Mclntyre: Re: OUR CITY 2041: Official Community Plan As outlined in previous letters, the City of New Westminster is undergoing an Official Community Plan (OCP) review process. The updated OCP will provide a renewed vision for the city to the year 2041 and a regulatory framework to guide future growth. We appreciate all of the feedback that you have provided to us during the review process. On June 26'*^, 2017 Council gave first and second readings to the OCP adoption bylaw. The Public Hearing will be held on Monday, September IS''^, 2017 at 6:00 pm at New Westminster City Hall. As a key stakeholder to New Westminster, we would like to invite you to attend the Public Hearing and give you the opportunity to provide written feedback on the proposed OCP: In Person: By By Mail: At the Public Hearing on Monday, September 18**^ 2017, at 6:00 pm City Hall Council Chambers clerks@newwestcitv.ca Addressed to Mayor and Council Attn: Mayor and Council Legislative Services Department 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster BC, V3L 1H9 A copy of the June 26*'^, 2017 Council report, the proposed OCP, and proposed Development Permit Areas (schedule B of the OCP) can be downloaded from the project webpage: This webpage also includes all other relevant background materials, including past consultation materials and Council reports. Please let us know if you prefer a hard copy of the proposed OCP, we would be happy to send one to you. Any written comments on the OCP should be submitted before 6:00 pm on September 18^^, 2017, If you have any comments or questions, please contact me by at lroxburgh@newwestcitv.ca or by phone at Sincerely, Lynn Roxburgh, Senior Policy Planner Corporation of the City of New Westminster 5!! toyal Aversue, New Westminster,8C V3I thg ! F 604, E infosmewwestcity.ra

10 ATTACHMENT 3 Excerpt Maps from the draft New Westminster OCP illustrating transportation themes discussed In this Report to Council. 1. Truck route network proposed in the New West OCP. Segments added in response to Coquitlam's letter of March 28, 2017 are outlined in green. KEY: Map 15. trnm ProvindalTruck Route Municipal Truck Route Proposed Truck Route (Limited Hours) Network (Near Term) Municipal Truck Route Railway 2. Active transportation network proposed in the New West OCP. Segments which address concerns raised in Coquitlam's letter of March 28, 2017 are outlined in orange. KEY: Greenways and Trails H Parks/Open Space Other Open Space Schools File #: / OC/1 Doc#: 2708l32.vl

11 ATTACHMENT 4 Q)Quitlam For Council July 21, 2014 Our File: /C20/ Doc#: V1 - To: From: City Manager General ManagerPlanning and Development Subject: Proposed Neighbourhood Plan for'sapperton Green'in New Westminster For: Council Recommendation: That Council: 1. Express concerns about the potentlal.future traffic impacts associated with the proposed Sapperton Green Neighbourhood Plan and the proposed connection to Brunette Avenue, and that viable solutions regarding transportation, general vehicular access and emergency access to the site be determined in consultation with Coquitlam, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, TransLink and other involved stakeholders, prior to finalizing this neighbourhood plan and significant development occurring on this site; 2. Requestthat New Westminster consult with Coquitlam, regarding transportation and other applicable items, as part of the next phase of the Sapperton Green Official Community Plan Amendment process; and 3- Direct staff to forward a copy of this report to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and TransLink. Report Purpose: This report provides an overview of New Westminster's Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment Application for the Sapperton Green site (Attachment l)._ Strategic Goal: The content of this report relates to the City's strategic goal of achieving excellence in City governance. Background: On June 23, 2014 New Westminster City Council endorsed the draft Sapperton Green Neighbourhood Plan, as a basis for circulating the draft plan and receiving preliminary community input prior to formally initiating an OCP Amendment processforthe site (industrial to mixed land uses) (Attachment 3). A draft of the Sapperton Green Neighbourhood Plan (Attachment 4) was recently forwarded to Coquitlam for comments by August 8, Once an OCP amendment is formally initiated, a formal request for input will be sent to Coquitlam. The 38 hectare Sapperton Green site is located at the northeast edge of New Westminster and is bounded by the Brunette River to the north, Brunette

12 Page 2 July 21, 2014 Background: cont'd/ Avenue to the east, Braid Street to the squth, and. Hume Park to the west. (Attachment 2). The site is designated as "General Urban" In the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy and'industrial'in the New., Westminster OCP. A consultation process was started in 2ioil by site owner Bentall Kennedy, and feedback from this process was used to develop the current draft neighbourhood plan for the site. The proposed Sapperton Green plan takes advantage of close proximity to the Braid Street SkyTrain station, is based on transit-oriented development principles and includes significant residential, office and retail floorspace, including: accommodating 7,700 residents (estimated 3,500 to 4,200 residential units) over a 20-year time frame; ,000 to 1,000,000 square feet of office uses; and 100,000 to 300,000 square feet of retail uses. ^ The remainder of this report focuses on the potential traffic impacts from this proposed development, along with associated staff commentary and; recommendations. Discussion/Analysis: Potential Transportation Impacts Surrounding Road Network Despite the. close proximity to the Braid SkyTrain station, the site has limited, vehicular access and it is anticipated that the significant amounts of office, retail and residential density envisioned will likely resultin increased traffic overall and, congestion at proposed access points on Brunette Avenue and Braid Street. This in turn will likely place more stress on the already congested road network that surrounds and connects to the Sapperton Green site (Brunette Avenue, the Braid Street/United Boulevard corridor, and North Road).. The adjoining road network represents onepf the primary vehicle and goods movement corridors between Coquitiam and New Westminster. Connected via the Brunette Interchange to the Trans-Canada Highway, this network also facilitates regional goods movement, and provides a.key access point to the Mayfair/Pacific reach area. The United Boulevard portion of this network is part of a regionally planned goods movement route nprth of the Fraser River, which is identified in,, : Coquitlam's OCR and Strategic Transportation Plan. New Westminster's recent proposal to down-grade Braid Streetfrorn a collector to.a local street, and the potential removal of New Westminster OCP pplicy referencing the North Fraser Perimeter Truck Route Plan, also present challenges to this network. File#: 0i /C20/2014-l Doc#: V1

13 Page 3 July 21, 2014 Discussion/Analysis: cont'd/ Potential Transportation Impacts cont'd/ Brunette Avenue/interchange The draft Sapperton plan proposes vehicle access off of Brunette Avenue in order to provide an additional access point In and out of the development. According to New Westminster, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Translink have expressed a willingness to consider this alternative access point as a part of this proposal, and that this will be explored further through this process. Coquitlann staff are concerned that a new access onto Brunette Avenue, whether as it exists today or in a future reconfigured form, could increase traffic congestion on the Brunette interchange/corridor and significantly affect traffic and goods movement between Coquitlam and New Westminster, as well as the region. Given this concern, the additional access point onto Brunette Avenue needs to be considered as part of a future redevelopment of the Brunette interchange, in a manner that facilitates a viable transportation solution in terms of improved vehicle and goods movement overall, as well as enabling reasonable access to Sapperton Green. Furthermore, if a planning process is underway for the redevelopment of the Brunette Interchange, and potentially how the Sapperton Green plan might factor into or contribute to this, Coquitlam should be involved in this discussion as well. Secondary/Emergency Access, The subject property is adjacentto the "Crane" site (225 North Road) in Coquitlam, which could provide an opportunity to explore additional access between these two sites. A potential additional or secondary access point that could ultimately serve both sites could assist to reduce vehicle traffic and congestion and/or provide. alternate emergency vehicle access. Staff Recommendations Based on the above, staff recommend that Coquitlam express concerns that the draft Sapperton Green Neighbourhood Plan, including the proposed connection to Brunette Avenue, has potential to negatively impact the local and regional road network and that viable solutions regarding transportation, general vehicular access and emergency access to the site should be determined prior to finalizing this neighbourhood plan and significant development occurring on this site. Also, while it is recognized that New Westminster has stated that it is working with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) and TransLink on transportation Issues related to this proposed plan, it is further recommended that Coquitlam and other relevant stakeholders also be consulted to determine viable transportation solutions for this proposal and the surrounding area. Lastly, staff recommend this report be forwarded to MOTI and TransLink for theirmnformation. F(le#: /C20/2014-l Doc#: V1

14 Page 4 July 21, 2014 Next Steps: As noted above and following receipt of feedback from initial consultation, it is expected that New Westminster will formally initiate an OCR amendment to adopt the Sapperton Green Neighbourhood Plan, and, likely referthe OCR Amendmentto Coquitlam seeking formal input as part of the Section 879t.occ7/Covern/rienf Act consultation. Coquitlam staff will then review the final Sapperton Green- Neighbourhood Plan and report backto Council with comments and/or recommendations for council's consideration and input. Financial Implications: There are no direct financial implications associated with this report at this time, i Conclusion: On June 23, 2014 New Westminster City Council endorsed the draft Sapperton Green Neighbourhood Plan to receive preliminary input, prior to initiating an OCR Amendmentto adopt this plan. Despite being close to rapid transit, staff are concerned that development based on the direction of the draft plan will likely result in increased traffic and access points that will place more stress on^an already congested road network. Based on this, itis recommended that Coquitlam express concerns about the potential traffic impacts associated with the proposed Sapperton Green Neighbourhood Plan and the proposed connection to Brunette Avenue, and that viable solutions regarding transportation, general vehicular access and emergency access to the site be determined in consultation with Coquitlam, MOTI, TransLink and other relevant stakeholders. J.L Mclnt>jre, MClP, RPP AJ/ms Attachments: 1. New Westminster referral, and request for comment dated July 3, Context Map. 3. City of New Westminster Report to Council: Proposed Official Community Plan Amendment and Development of Neighbourhood Plan for 97 Braid Street {Sapperton Green). 4- Sapperton Green Neighbourhood Plan (June 2014}; Planning Documents/NW- DraftSappertonGreenNP.sflb.ashx This report was prepared by Aubrey Jensen, Community Planner with input by Catherine Mohoruk, Manager Transportation Planning, and reviewed by Carl Johannsen, Manager Community Planning.,. File #: /G20/ Doc#: V1