Regional Councillor Report

Submitted by: Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4

Date: Feb. 14, 2011

Works Committee - Feb. 2, 2011

Incinerator

A number of concerns continue to be raised by delegations and committee members regarding the lack of access by the public and notification to municipalities regarding committee membership on the EFW Advisory Committee mandated under condition 8 of the MOE Notice of Approval of the Environmental Assessment. Committee members were advised that the decision to close the meeting was made by the Commissioner of Works and that concerns regarding the committee should be made through each municipality’s representative on the Committee, who are currently working on the terms of reference for the Committee. Questions were asked regarding the reporting relationships of the advisory committees and the relationship with the Works Committee. A chart was requested and provided at the Joint Committee meeting on Feb. 4th which outlined the EFW Committee’s Reporting Structures. (See attached).

Joint Committees – Feb. 3, 2011

407

A report was discussed and referred back to staff for further information regarding the comparison of costs for Durham to upgrade local roads should the 407 end at Simcoe Street or the East Durham Link. The estimated preliminary gross construction cost for ending at Simcoe was $255.2 million in 2010 dollars. Lifecycle costs are estimated at $89.9 million for the 30 year period. Whereas accommodating stopping the 407 at the East Durham Link is estimated to cost $126.8 million with lifecycle costs estimated at $45.2 million. The report indicated that overall the East Durham Link reduces traffic and community impacts compared to stopping at Simcoe Street. The report cited concerns that without funding from the province for costs related to 407 related impacts, the Region will be faced with property tax increases and/or delaying or cancelling road projects as the works program would have to be reevaluated. Committee members expressed many concerns should the highway not be completed to Highway 35/115 as previously committed to by the Province.

2011 Transportation and Servicing Study

Recommendations were approved by the Committee to maintain the Regional Special Road Levy (set up in 1998 to provide matching funding for growth related projects) and Road Rehabilitation Levies at current levels, while increasing the Bridge Rehabilitation Levy by $800,000 (subject to approval of budget) to address an aging inventory of infrastructure. Due to the immediate need of bridge and structure work, additional one time funding of $2.7 million (subject to budget approval) was also approved by Committee members. The report cites concerns of the need for rehabilitation and replacement of structures which will require significant funding increases in future years. These bridge and structure projects are not eligible for development charge funding

Transfer of Roads

The Committee endorsed a recommendation that staff bring back a detailed plan in 2011 regarding the potential transfer of roads between the Region and local municipalities. In Ajax this report should address transfers of Harwood Avenue, Church Street and Westney Road from Harwood to Bayly from Durham Region to the town’s control. The report cites that a transfer of Salem Road from the 401 northerly to Hwy 2 from the town to the Region should be possible in the 5 year timeframe. The report also states that it may be desirable for the Region to assume Salem Rd. from Hwy 2 northerly to Taunton Rd. early in the 5 year timeframe. Timing and location of future 407 interchanges were identified as considerations in the timing and location of potential road transfers.

Bayly/Victoria

Bayly/Victoria Street widening from Shoal Point to Halls Road was identified as a priority to be included in the 2012 budget. Commissioner Curtis advised that the design and land acquisitions and utility relocation should be 100% complete in order to proceed with construction once the financing is approved. Bayly/Victoria widening to Seaboard Gate is projected for 2014.

Hwy 2 Bus Rapid Transit

To achieve the objectives of phase 1 of the BRT project for continuous east west bus service, construction will be required to widen Hwy 2 in order to provide priority for buses. In the preliminary concept design, road widening is contemplated at six intersections in Ajax and Pickering. Westney Road, Harwood Avenue and Salem Road are the Ajax intersections on Hwy 2 identified for work. This will require completion of a Class Environmental Assessment and other preliminary work. Procurement for these tasks is underway and the consulting assignment is scheduled to commence early in 2011. The Class EA, preliminary design and detailed design are scheduled for completion in 2012. The six intersections slated for widening in Ajax and Pickering are planned to be completed by March 2016.

Incinerator

A motion was approved to forward terms of reference to Clarington, for the Integrated Waste Management Committee (stakeholder committee as stipulated in the host agreement with Clarington), for input prior to consideration by Regional Council. A motion to bring back to Regional Council the Co-owners Agreement with York which includes the sale of 50% interest in the EFW facility lands at fair market value was also endorsed by Committee.