Comments The Plan for Port Whitby

Comments The Plan for Port Whitby April 24th, 2013 Community Meeting #2 Summary Report Prepared by GLPi April 29th, 2013 1

Introduction The purpose of the Port Whitby Secondary Plan Update, Community Improvement Plan and Urban Design Guidelines ( the Plan ) is to proactively prepare the Town of Whitby ( the Town ) for future development in Port Whitby by providing a framework for redevelopment and intensification. The study area is defined in the north by Highway 401, in the west by Gordon Street and in the east by an irregular boundary that runs roughly along Pringle Creek, then along the adjacent industrial lands and finally following Water Street and South Blair Street (Figure 1). The southern boundary of the study site is Lake Ontario. Figure 1 Study Area As part of the community engagement aspect of the project, the Town and the consultant team hosted a second community workshop on the evening of April 24 th, 2013 at the Port Whitby Marina from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Approximately 50 participants contributed their ideas, comments and opinions for the future development of the area. 2

The workshop began with some opening remarks from Glenn Pothier, the engagement facilitator, and Town planning staff. The consultant team then gave a presentation that began with a recap of the first Community Meeting in December 2012 and what was heard, background on the study area, and the secondary plan review process. The majority of the presentation focussed on presenting the options that were prepared by the consultant team for the Port Whitby Plan. The presentation was followed by a series of three participatory activities led by a facilitator that were designed to gather input from participants. The first activity explored the community s initial thoughts on the presented options, asking participants in 10 words or less, what was the most striking or intriguing idea that you heard from the presentation, and that you d like to explore further at our discussions this evening. The second activity invited participants to provide their input using post-it notes onto the display boards, or within a provided Workbork, at four different stations. Each station represented a different topic of the Port Whitby Plan options: The Role and Function of Victoria and Brock Street Connections and Trails Urban Design Land Use and The GO Village People were asked to join the discussion group that was of most interest to them, but they were also encouraged to float through the room, spending a few minutes at each station to provide their feedback and comment. Workbooks were provided with spaces for written comments regarding each of the four discussion stations. Eight workbooks were received, at the time of the writing of this summary report. In the third and final activity, participants were asked to fill-in a comment card that asked the question What are the 2 or 3 key messages that you want to leave with the study team as they prepare the recommended development concept for Port Whitby. Twenty-four index cards with comments were received, at the time of the writing of this summary report. This report presents an overview of what was heard at this second community meeting. This report is not intended to completely capture everything that was said. Rather, it is meant to provide a synthesis of the key themes and opinions that were heard. It does 3

not represent the views of the Town or the consultant team but rather the ideas and opinions expressed by participants. Summary Common Themes One of the most prominent themes was traffic and pedestrian connectivity. Participants expressed concerns around current traffic issues with regard to volume of traffic, speed at which traffic is flowing on Victoria, pedestrian crossing of Victoria Street, traffic generation from and to the GO Station, wait times for entering and exiting the Port Whitby area during high peak traffic times and, finally, with an increase in population and jobs the additional volume of traffic that will be generated. Comments were also made about the connectivity of walkways, trails and cycling as well as their quality, safety and north-south connections to Downtown Whitby and east-west connections to Lynde Shores. Many participants expressed concern that more than four lanes of traffic on Victoria St. is not desired and that creating stronger and safer pedestrian crossing of Victoria St., possibly by a pedestrian bridge, is favoured. The waterfront and water s edge was also a central topic. Ensuring that trails, pathways and wider pedestrian areas, such as a waterfront promenade, were implemented as well as ensuring all-season access to these amenities was expressed as extremely important. Many comments and concerns also addressed the desire to utilize existing natural areas, such as Iroquois Beach, for public access and recreational uses. A related topic was the public s access to nature as well as preservation of these areas and the potential for adverse effects on wildlife and water quality. It was also expressed that the plan should incorporate a Civic Centre or plaza to host Town-wide and community wide events as a gathering place. Comments were made on managing these types of events, especially within Iroquois park, and proper selection of large events due to the potential generation of noise. Heritage and character was another recurring topic, particularly in regards to the development of a Main Street on Brock Road south. Many comments and concerns were heard about the number of point towers and larger buildings being located on Brock Street and throughout Port Whitby. Participants expressed that they would like to maintain the small community or old style heritage feel that could be achieved by implementing shops and restaurants. Other comments suggested that a four-corners, much like downtown Whitby, should be created at Watson and Brock Street. Opinions about the study area s development were mixed with a few participants opposed to any form of high-rise development or point towers. Many comments were that intensity should be focussed on the GO Station site as opposed to along the waterfront. It was noted by the consultant that there is reliance on the GO Station site 4

for a portion of the anticipated intensification. Others expressed a desire to see the study area developed. Many expressed that creating a Main Street on Brock Street was a good idea as long as it maintained its heritage and small town community feel with the implementation of shops and restaurants on the ground floor of buildings. Generally everyone agreed that the waterfront itself should be maintained for public uses and added amenities like an all season waterfront promenade and public beach was preferred. Increasing the population of Port Whitby from 5,693 (2000 current and 3695 already approved) to 12,500 and the jobs from 550 (500 current and 50 already approved) to 3,790 by 2031 caused concern, with many expressing the feeling that these numbers were too high for the area. It was explained that the 2031 growth projections were approved in Official Plan Amendment 90 and was taken into consideration in the development of the Port Whitby Sustainable Community Plan. Furthermore, in order to accommodate development, many participants expressed that infrastructure (roads, parking and traffic most notably) keeps up with the rate of development. Innovative architecture, shadow impacts and protection of views for existing residents were all mentioned. Activity 1. Communities Initial Comments & Concerns on Options This section summarizes participants responses to the first activity. Following the introductory presentation, participants were asked to respond to the question: In 10 words or less, what was the most striking or intriguing idea that you heard from the presentation, and what you d like to explore further at our discussions this evening? Where is consideration of water quality Impact of the Ecoplace Development Is there a possible expansion of the harbour Need more balanced growth Impact on small community feel Impact of hotels, high rises, etc. on property values The design seems isolated and not in the context of Whitby as a whole Town There is no discussion of principles of sustainability Better bicycle and pedestrian connections to downtown Whitby Effect on the current Marina and boats How do you get the increase in jobs for this area What is the formula for determining appropriate number of jobs and the appropriate ratio 5

What are the implications of development on taxes Impact of the 401 widening and bridges We must hold onto small community feel Great to be able to live/work/play in all one area of Port Whitby Opportunity to improve the area Undergrounding of hydro is needed Development of a Town meeting spot and gathering place Activity 2 & 3. Providing your Input Topic Discussions For the second activity participants were invited to provide their input through smaller break out discussion at four stations, each focussed on a different topic. The comments providing during the topic discussions and the written comments provided in the Workbooks have been captured in the summary below. The Role and Function of Victoria & Brock Streets Community Observations Walkable shopping Main Street on Brock Street (e.g. Historic Downtown Uxbridge) Improved walkability on Victoria Street. Make it is less of a Regional Corridor. Allow off-peak, street parking. Pedestrian safety crosswalk or pedestrian bridge needed to access the GO Station from the south Preference towards ground floor retail and mixed use Crosswalk needed to get across Victoria Street to the fields & Activity Centre Minimize traffic lights Bike lanes should be incorporated on all streets Create a strong connection from Brock Street to the waterfront with a stronger street edge Provide pedestrian refuge islands in the centre of traffic. Need an entryway feel to streets Need eastbound terminal for transit, on the south side of Victoria St. Maintain Victoria St. at four lanes of traffic Victoria St. east needs to be widened past the tracks Develop Brock Street with Brownstone look condo s (Mixed Use residential / commercial) Connections & Trails Community Observations Create a strong, iconic street connection for pedestrian access from Iroquois park and the Abilities Centre. 6

Safety of Trails (e.g. Willis Creek) Access to nature in and around the Yacht Club, possible need to restrict access to protect habitat Desire for a special events area or civic space for gathering Public access to Iroquois Beach Bicycle connections to Downtown Whitby and Lynde Shores Public access all year round for all seasons to the Waterfront Use Cobourg Harbour development as an example Incorporate a splash pad A general agreement on the additional trail connections and road, pedestrian and cycling connections proposed. Separate bridge created on Brock Street over water for pedestrians and bicycles. Sidewalks need to be added to Charles St. Urban Design Community Observations Design for nature and wildlife Create Brock St. as the entryway and first impression of Port Whitby No wall of towers ensure minimum separation between towers to protect views of the Lake A small town Main Street character for Brock Street Consider light pollution and night sky views Bird friendly design Avoid the creation of wind tunnels Propose naturalization and landscaping for habitat No more point towers Land Use & The GO Village Community Observations Concerns about traffic impacts from development at the GO site Prefer Option #3 with density focussed on GO Station Encourage commercial and service industries to GO Station site Need to identify the high leverage areas that could kick start the process Need more pedestrian friendly Victoria Street and do not make it any wider More information is needed on existing approved development Prefer either Selective Infill or Focussed Intensification of Brock St. Create a four corners at Watson Street and Brock Street. Prefer low-rise to only be permitted on Brock Street Retain the natural areas Recognize the need for development for land improvements Could mix the three land use options together. 7

If you have the density at the GO Station it will promote a walkable space instead of driving. Activity 3. Looking Ahead This section summarizes the responses to the third and final activity of the night. Participants were asked to write down their thoughts to the question: What are the 2 or 3 key messages that you want to leave with the study team as they prepare the recommended development concept for Port Whitby Comment Card Feedback from Participants What are the high leverage opportunities to kick start commercial or industrial service development? Ability to provide adequate supply of drinking water. Maintain the historical value of the area. Where will the low-income families go after development? All of Whitby residents should have access to the waterfront by either road or trail Traffic flows widen Brock Street to four lanes, widen Victoria Street to six lanes or implement left turning lanes. Crosswalks implemented for GO Station users across Victoria St. Urban design must include bird friendly design and fatal light attraction. Planting of more trees. Maintain and protect current wildlife habitat areas. Increase in population and increase in jobs is not practical. Development on Brock St. should be mid-rise (e.g. Townhouses). Pedestrian friendly streets with greenspace and benches, shops and cafes. Avoid a concrete jungle look by keeping a historical feel. No more high-rises or keep reasonable heights (8-12 storeys) or locate on or around GO Station site. Harbour has to be expanded and must be part of the land use and urban design. Use other harbour developments, Ajax, Pickering, Guildwood, as precedents Protect nature and wildlife and preserve Port Whitby s parks Preserve view corridors with spacing between buildings and do not create wind tunnels. Widen Brock St. to 4 lanes and make Main Street a destination. Implement a seed project (Urban Agriculture) on private property and in the Right-of-Way. 8

What incentives will be provided to developers to build in Port Whitby? Consider noise levels if implementing event spaces and placement based on proximity to residential areas. Commercial developments should be located near the GO Station site. 9