TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

MINUTES

An Open meeting of the Traffic Safety Committee was held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. on Wednesday, 2019 June 05 at
6:00 p.m.

1.

CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT:

ABSENT:

ADVISORY ORGANIZATION:

STAFF:

Councillor Dan Johnston, Chair

Councillor Paul McDonell, Vice Chair

Mr. Leaf Alifu, Citizens’ Representative

Trustee Christine Cunningham, Burnaby Board of Education

Ms. Grace Lai, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Lindy McQueen, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Saeed Michael Nasiryan Sr., Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Cory Redekop, Burnaby Board of Trade

Ms. Sue Tench, Citizens’ Representative

Councillor James Wang, Member 

Ms. Stace Dayment, District Parent Advisory Council

Mr. Tom Webster, ICBC

Mr. Ken Robb, Burnaby HUB

Mr. Doug Louie, Assistant Director Engineering, Transportation Services

Mr. Stu Ramsey, Manager, Transportation Planning

Ms. Lauren Cichon, Administrative Officer

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

The Chair acknowledged the unceded, traditional, and ancestral lands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking people, and extended appreciation for the opportunity to hold a meeting on this shared Coast Salish territory.

MINUTES

As this is the first meeting of the traffic safety committee, there are no previous minutes to adopt.

2.

DELEGATION

MOVED BY TRUSTEE CUNNINGHAM

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR MCDONELL

THAT the delegation be heard.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Thomas Hasek

Re: Traffic Calming Measures on Victory Street

Speaker: Thomas Hasek

Mr. Thomas Hasek, appeared before the Committee and provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding traffic calming measures on Victory Street, and  suggested the following traffic calming improvements:

·         reduce motor vehicle numbers;

·         discourage rat running;

·         lower the speed limit;

·         crossing lights at Nelson Avenue and Royal Oak Avenue;

·         standardize bike routes; and

·         eliminate dead ends.

The delegation expressed the following concerns:

·         no traffic calming measures on Nelson Avenue to Waverley Avenue;

·         rat running when Imperial Street and/or Rumble Street are too busy or slow;

·         traffic safety concerns with students at Nelson Elementary School and children at Ledingham Park;

·         Jubilee Avenue and Victory Street intersection is uncontrolled;

·         stop signs being occasionally ignored; and,

·         two accidents in the past year at Gray Avenue and Victory Street.

The delegation further requested the following improvements for the Victory Street Bikeway:

·         traffic circle at Jubilee Avenue and Victory Street intersection;

·         speed humps between Nelson Avenue and Waverley Avenue;

·         speed limit signs, as appropriate;

·         30 km/h speed limits on bikeways;

·         40 km/h speed limits on residential streets; and,

·         RCMP enforcement.

In addition to Mr. Hasek’s presentation, the presenter submitted an additional letter expressing concerns regarding the above-noted issues.

Staff advised the City Transportation Plan is being updated.

The Chair requested that item 4(a) Report re: Traffic Concerns along Victory Street be brought forward for consideration at this time.

MOVED BY MS. MCQUEEN

SECONDED BY MR. NASIRYAN SR.

THAT the report item 4(a) be brought forward for consideration at this time.

CARRIED UANIMOUSLY

4.

REPORT

MOVED BY councillor mcdonell

SECONDED BY MR. NASIRYAN SR.

THAT the report be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Report from the Director Engineering

Re: Traffic Concerns along Victory Street

The Director Engineering submitted a report responding to request for traffic calming measures along Victory Street.

The Director Engineering recommended:

1.  THAT Committee recommend to Council the installation of traffic circles at the intersection of Victory and Frederick, and at Victory and Waverley, as detailed in this report, to improve traffic safety along Victory Street.

2.  THAT a copy of this report be sent to Ms. Alkins-Jang, Ms. Willows and other residents who have expressed concerns about traffic along Victory Street.

MOVED BY MS. MCQUEEN

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR MCDONELL

THAT the recommendations of the Director Engineering be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

CORRESPONDENCE

MOVED BY MR. REDEKOP 

SECONDED BY ms. tench

THAT the correspondence be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Correspondence from RoadSafetyBC

Re: Intersection Safety Camera Speed Activation Project

Correspondence was received from Ms. Patricia Boyle, Assistant Deputy Minister and Superintendent of Motor Vehicles, RoadSafetyBC, advising that the Province has installed red light cameras at 140 of BC’s most crash prone and dangerous intersections. The writer has advised there will be added technology at 35 identified Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) locations to ticket speeding vehicles passing through intersections on red, yellow or green lights. The author advised the new cameras will be installed in early 2019, and will be completed by mid-2019. The ISC locations can be found at: https://www.icbc.com/road-safety/community/Pages/intersection-safety-camera-program.aspx.

Staff advised there will be three ISC locations in Burnaby:

1.    Kingsway and Boundary Road;

2.    Kingsway and Royal Oak Avenue; and

3.    Willingdon Avenue and Deer Lake Parkway.

Staff further advised the penalty will be determined by the motorist’s speed, and that the City will be installing speed limit signs at the above-noted intersections in July.

b)

Correspondence from Thomas Hasek

Re: Traffic Calming Measures on Victory Street

Correspondence was received from Mr. Thomas Hasek regarding traffic calming measures on Victory Street.

The concerns expressed by the writer were discussed under item 2(a) - Delegation of the agenda.

c)

Correspondence from Nicole Lefroy

Re: Road Safety Concerns for Stoney Creek Elementary School

Correspondence was received from Ms. Nicole Lefroy expressing road safety concerns for Stoney Creek Elementary School, and the volume of vehicles speeding and running red lights at the intersection of Beaverbrook Drive and Beaverbrook Crescent. The writer is requesting the City to install a raised crosswalk, and consider a traffic camera to help alleviate vehicles speeding and running red lights.

Staff advised traffic volumes and speeds will be monitored at the intersection of Beaverbrook Drive and Beaverbrook Crescent, and ensure there are no visual obstructions.

Staff undertook to investigate a feasibility to reconfigure the intersection by installing corner bulges to narrow the pedestrian crossing distance.

d)

Correspondence from Jeff Amadeo

Re: Road Safety Concerns at Beaverbrook Drive and Beaverbrook Crescent                                                        

Correspondence was received from Mr. Jeff Amadeo expressing road safety concerns at Beaverbrook Drive and Beaverbrook Crescent. Mr. Amadeo expresses concerns for kids and parents walking to and from Stoney Creek Elementary School, increased traffic, and reckless motorists. The writer suggested the concerns can be addressed by installing speed bumps, improving the signage, and for the RCMP to observe and watch the traffic during peak periods.

The concerns expressed by the writer were discussed under item 3(c) of the agenda.

e)

Correspondence from Leo Buonassisi

Re: Speed Bumps Adjacent to Edmonds Park along Elwell Street                                                                                                  

Correspondence was received from Mr. Leo Buonassisi expressing concern regarding the motorists exceeding the speed limit on Elwell Street, running along the northwest side of Edmonds Park. The writer advised there is minimal signage along the park, and the speed limit is being ignored. Mr. Buonassisi is requesting the City to install speed bumps on the northwest side of Edmonds Park. The writer submitted a petition containing 18 signatures.

The petition read as follows:

“The following residents petition the City of Burnaby to install speed bumps on Elwell Street between Humphries Avenue and Linden Avenue for increased safety along Edmonds Park.”

Staff advised additional temporary playground zone signs with 30 km/h speed limits will be installed along Elwell Street. Additionally, staff undertook to investigate installing curb bulges or traffic circles to help slow down vehicles on Elwell Street.

f)

Correspondence from Rob Piwko

Re: Speeding on Inlet Drive           

Correspondence was received from Mr. Rob Piwko expressing concerns regarding speeding vehicles on Inlet Drive. The writer expressed safety concerns of speeding vehicles near two pedestrian controlled intersections. The writer is requesting the City to install digital flashing radar speed signs, and posting the speed limits. Mr. Piwko recommended having a sign for vehicles travelling eastbound right after the Ridge Drive intersection, and for westbound traffic before the Bayview Drive intersection.

Staff advised speed reader boards will be installed along Inlet Drive, together with continued enforcement by the RCMP.

g)

Correspondence from Kraig Molina

Re:  Visibility Issues around 3700 Block of Godwin Avenue and Parking Issues around 5900 Block of Woodsworth Street

Correspondence was received from Mr. Kraig Molina expressing concern with visibility issues on the portion of the City boulevard on the 3700 block of Godwin Avenue between the 5900 block of Woodsworth Street, and the lane access. The writer also expressed concerns of noncompliance of parking regulations around the 5900 block of Woodsworth Street, and obstructed view.

Mr. Molina has suggested the following for the above-noted issues:

·         assessing the intersections to mitigate pedestrian and vehicle safety hazards;

·         removing offending structures;

·         restoring the grass boulevard;

·         installing additional signage to help drivers; and,

·         enforcing the parking bylaw to the 5900 block of Woodsworth Street.

Staff undertook to contact the writer to review and discuss the specific concerns.

h)

Correspondence from Ylya Malek

Re: Installation of Crosswalk on Alpha Avenue and Dawson Street                                                                                                     

Correspondence was received from Ylya Malek requesting the installation of a crosswalk on Alpha Avenue and Dawson Street.

The writer submitted a petition containing 105 signatures from the residents of 2378 Alpha Avenue.

Staff advised a signal is anticipated to be installed next year as part of the adjacent developments.  

i)

Memorandum from the Officer in Charge, RCMP

Re: Graveley Street and Willingdon Avenue Traffic Safety Concerns                                                                                         

A memorandum was received from the Officer in Charge, Burnaby RCMP, responding to traffic safety concerns at Graveley Street and Willingdon Avenue.

Staff advised periodic enforcement will be implemented in the area.

*Mr. Alifu left the meeting at 7:38 p.m. and returned at 7:44 p.m.*

j)

Memorandum from the Officer in Charge, RCMP

Re: Taylor Park Elementary School Traffic Safety Concerns

A memorandum was received from the Officer in Charge, Burnaby RCMP, responding to Taylor Park Elementary School traffic safety concerns.

Staff undertook to conduct a further evaluation at Griffiths Drive and Southpoint Drive near Taylor Park Elementary School.

4.

REPORTS

MOVED BY councillor mcdonell

SECONDED BY MR. NASIRYAN SR.

THAT the report be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

b)

Report from the Director Engineering

Re: 2019 Traffic Safety Initiatives        

A report was received from Director Engineering informing the Committee about various traffic safety initiatives being implemented in 2019.

The Director Engineering recommended:

1.    THAT the Committee receive this report for information.

MOVED BY councillor mcdonell

SECONDED BY MR. NASIRYAN SR.

THAT the recommendation of the Director Engineering be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Committee inquired when the traffic signal would be installed at Byrne Road and Market Crossing.

Staff advised it is undetermined at this time when the traffic signal would be installed.

*Trustee Cunningham left the meeting at 8:06 p.m. and returned at 8:07 p.m.*

The Committee inquired if the crosswalk upgrade can be at the intersection of Marine Drive and Joffre Avenue, instead of Marine Drive and Greenall Avenue.

Staff undertook to investigate.

The Committee requested to have a traffic count before and after the roundabout is installed at Still Creek Drive and Eastbrook Parkway.

Staff undertook to follow up.

5.

NEW BUSINESS

Saeed Nasiryan Sr. – Lowering Speed Limits

Mr. Nasiryan Sr. inquired to lowering speed limits to 10 km/h in areas within parks and school zones, and 30 km/h in residential areas.

Staff advised this could be considered as part of the City Transportation Plan, and public input would have to be collected.

Saeed Nasiryan Sr. – Pedestrian Safety at Central Boulevard near Metrotown

Mr. Nasiryan Sr. inquired having safety rails installed on the south side of Central Boulevard at the bus stops and the bus loop near the Metrotown Skytrain station for pedestrian safety.

Staff advised there would be a challenge with buses not having the same door locations, and would be an operational issue.

Staff undertook to contact Translink regarding installing safety rails at this location, and other locations in the City.

Saeed Nasiryan Sr. – Brentwood Mall Construction

Mr. Nasiryan Sr. suggested having large developers at the Brentwood Mall construction site to have shuttles to and from the site for employees due to the parking challenges in residential areas.

Staff advised shuttles are being provided for the workers to and from the Brentwood Mall construction site. Staff further advised there are restrictions with the shuttles such as workers needing to bring tools and trucks to the work site.

Lindy McQueen – Imperial Avenue and Walker Avenue

Ms. McQueen noted the intersection of Imperial Avenue and Walker Avenue gets backed up to Humphries Avenue around the start and end of school, and is currently a 4-way stop. Ms. McQueen advised there is a crossing guard at Morley Street and Walker Avenue, and suggested there should be a paid crossing guard at Imperial Avenue and Walker Avenue.

Staff undertook to investigate if there is a need to change the 4 way stop to another alternative, or if it needs to be upgraded to a signal.

Lindy McQueen – Sprott Avenue and Kensington Avenue 

Ms. McQueen advised there was a vehicle on Sprott Avenue heading towards Kensington Avenue, and turned left onto the Trans-Canada Highway.

Staff advised this road is under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Staff further advised this matter is an ongoing issue, and tickets have been issued.

6.

INQUIRIES

There were no inquiries brought before the Committee at this time.

7.

ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY councillor mcdonell

SECONDED BY ms. tench 

THAT the Open Committee meeting do now adjourn.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Open meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

________________________

________________________

Lauren Cichon

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER                  

Councillor Dan Johnston

CHAIR