Q: Why is the train whistling at Sterling Lyon?

A: The City of Winnipeg and CPR have been working towards obtaining whistle cessation at this crossing by upgrading the Sterling Lyon crossing to meet the conditions contained in Transport Canada’s Railway Safety Directorate. Once Transport Canada confirms the crossing meets these conditions, CPR can issue a special instruction which would prohibit the application of the train whistle at this crossing.

Q: When will this happen?

A: We are presently waiting for the letter from Transport Canada to CPR to confirm the grade crossing meets the conditions contained in Transport Canada’s Railway Safety Directorate. The City of Winnipeg completed all work required to meet the requirements and CPR submitted an application for whistle cessation to Transport Canada in April 2011. Transport Canada is a federal jurisdiction and the time line is now under their control

Q: What happens once the letter arrives?

A: Once the letter arrives, a whistle cessation Agreement must be drafted and signed by the City and the Railway, then a “no Whistle” sign will be installed at the crossing letting the conductors know that they do not have to blow the whistle at the crossing unless they see a hazard.

Q: Will this mean that there will be no whistling from the crossing?

A: Conductors must blow the whistle if they see a “hazard” animals or people walking on or near the tracks would be examples of this

Q: What Play Structures and Parks have been improved or replaced in the past years?

A: Since I came into office in 2009 the following parks in the Ward have been replaced or upgraded:

· Cordova Park

· Brock Fleet Park

· Van Walleghem Park

· Enderton Park (Peanut Park)

· Harrow Park

· Joe Malone Park

· Montrose Park

· Sir John Franklin Community Centre

Q: What parks will be done in 2012, and why those parks?

A: In 2012 the following two play structure replacements:

J. R. Hodgson

· Wood construction

· Older than 30 years

· Well-used by the community

Beaumont Park

· Older, 25 years

· All wood

· Well-used by the community

Q: What is planned for the 2013 budget year?

A: As of the 2012 budget year replacement of older play structures that were past their natural life span, in need of replacement and were unsafe in the Ward will have been replaced.

In 2013 the budget will continue to focus on improving play structures but will expand to include new projects such as expanding gardens, adding lighting and walking paths to parks and play areas, and other ideas defined by the community.

Recently Winnipeg Police Services have been ticketing drivers for speeding on Grant just past Nathaniel. An article in the Winnipeg Free Press raised questions about the location and equipment in use. Following are answers to many of the questions constituents have been calling with.

Q: How can I have been going over 50 kms when I just turned the corner?

A: Although the radar equipment may be stationed close to the intersection, the vehicles speed is checked at a spot generally 100 Meters or more away from the corner. This is the length of a city block away from the Nathaniel corner.

Q: What is the maximum range police traffic radar can measure speed?

A: Radar range varies widely with radar, target (size/shape), and weather conditions. Maximum detection range can be as little as 100 feet, or greater than 1 mile

Q: The radar vehicle was to the side of the road, how can it possibly be getting an accurate reading.

A: The radar has a range in which the beam goes out. The best measurements are direct but there is a range. In this particular instance people are concerned that since the radar was at an angle, the reading were registering people speeding inaccurately. While there is a “Cosine effect” that result in less accuracy as the distance from the radar increases, the result is registering a lower speed than is actually traveled at the time. When the error occurs it is in favour of the driver. The Cosine Effect refers to the angle of the target vehicle in relation to the patrol vehicle where the radar is mounted. The traffic radar should be operated as parallel as possible to the targets, although it is hardly possible to do perfectly. When the angle between the radar beam and target becomes too significant, the relative speed will be less than the true speed producing a lesser speed reading than what the vehicle is actually traveling. Thus, the Cosine Effect is always in the favor of the motorist. The greater the angle the lesser the speed will be recorded compared to the actual speed of the moving target. http://www.radarguns.com/radar-and-cosine-effect.html

Q: How accurate and how often are the Intersection Safety Camera and Mobile Photo Radar camera systems tested?

A: The systems are approved by the Provincial Government of Manitoba Minister of Justice under the Highway Traffic Act Regulation 220/2000. The systems are tested regularly. For more information on the Image Capturing Enforcement Regulation 220/2002 of the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act, http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/pdf/h060-220.02.pdf

Challenging the Ticket

Q: How do I dispute/challenge/contest this offence notice/ticket?

A: The information is provided on the front and back of your offence notice/ticket. If you have lost or misplaced a portion of your offence notice/ticket containing the instructions you can view a copy of a blank offence notice/ticket by using the "visit this site" link below and then the link entitled http://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/fines/pdf/photoTicket.pdf (PDF 40Kb). For further information you can contact or attend the Provincial Court Office at 373 Broadway in Winnipeg (telephone: 945-3156), or any Regional Provincial Court Office. All Provincial Court Offices are open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). For more information visit the following site http://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/fines/index .

Q: Where can I dispute/challenge/contest an offence notice/ticket after it has been paid?

A: Contact or attend the Provincial Court Office at 373 Broadway in Winnipeg (telephone: 945-3156), or any Regional Provincial Court Office. All Provincial Court Offices are open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). For more information visit the following sitehttp://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/fines/index

Q: I received a photo enforcement offence notice/ticket that I don’t agree with. Who can I contact to further discuss this matter?

A: Once an offence notice/ticket is issued by the City, it becomes a Provincial Court matter. Options are listed on the front and back of the offence notice/ticket as to how you may dispose of or contest the offence notice/ticket.

Contact or attend the Provincial Court Office at 373 Broadway in Winnipeg (telephone: 945-3156), or any Regional Provincial Court Office. All Provincial Court Offices are open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). For more information visit the following site http://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/fines/index

As these enquiries relate to potential pending court cases, the Winnipeg Police Service is not in a position to comment. Unless there are special circumstances, such as the vehicle being reported stolen at the time of offence, it would be inappropriate for the Winnipeg Police Service to intervene in any way.

More information:

For more information and FAQ’ please go to City of Winnipeg, Photo Enforcement FAQ’s http://www.winnipeg.ca/police/safestreets/faqs.stm#20

Traffic radar http://www.radarguns.com/radar-and-cosine-effect.html

Fines and traffic tickets Province of MB, http://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/fines/index

Manitoba Highway Traffic Act, http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/pdf/h060-220.02.pdf

Q: What is a Residential Parking Ban

A. They usually happen 2-3 times a year. A residential parking ban:

· Allows plowing of residential streets.

· Is applied in 12 hour shifts, 7am to 7pm, 7pm to 7 am, in applied area.

· Zones identified by a letter are cleared in a shift, whenever possible.

· Vehicles parked in the zones being plowed may be towed to neighboring streets and can be ticketed.

· Tickets are $150.00, $75.00 if paid early.

Q: How do I know when a snow ban will take effect?

A: It is helpful for all residents to know their zone and arrange to learn of when a parking ban is in effect. If you choose not to sign up for notification, it would be helpful to contact 311 or check the City website when any significant snowfall occurs.

Q: How do I find out what zone I am in?

A: Please go to http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParkingBans/ParkingBans.asp and click on the “Find out your snow zone” Box, or call 311, or e-mail 311@winnipeg.ca

Q: Can I be notified when the City will be clearing my street?

A: You can sign up for e-mail or twitter alerts at www.kmowyourzone.winnipeg.ca.

Q: I don’t have regular access to a computer how do I get notices.

A: you can call in to 311 or go to the city of Winnipeg Website at your convenience.

Q: My car got towed, how do I find it again?

A: Call 311 with your license plate number. They will be able to tell you where it had been towed to.

Q: What are the different types of parking bans?

A: There are 5 types of parking bans

· Residential - All residential streets need to be plowed a few times per year.

· Annual Snow Route – Residents may not park on snow routes between 2AM and 7AM.

· Declared Snow Route – Annual snow routes may extend from 12AM to 7AM if required.

· Snow Emergency –The mayor may declare an emergency allowing no parking on snow routes.

· Temporary No Parking – Occasionally, residential streets may require further plowing. Temporary no-parking sings may be placed during this period.

More details on snow route types provided below:

Q: What is an Annual Snow Route?

A. Annual snow routes are priority streets used by emergency vehicles (Police, Fire and Ambulance)

· They are in effect Dec 1 to March 1 each year

· No Parking on designated Snow Routes between 2 and 7 AM.

· Snow routes are clearly marked with Signs saying Snow route and No Parking signs.

· Tickets are $100.00, $50.00 if paid early

· Cars may be towed to the Company compound

Q: What is a Declared Snow Route?

A. Declared when additional snow clearing is needed on snow routes after it snows

· May be declared when snow volumes are high.

· Extends Annual Snow Route ban by 2 hours, midnight to 7am

· Tickets are $100.00, $50.00 if paid early

· Cars may be towed to the Company compound

Q: What is a Snow Emergency?

A. A snow emergency can be declared by the Mayor at any time

They result in a parking ban on Snow Routes.

· No Tickets, but cars will be towed out of the way of snow Plow to nearby location.

Q: What is a Temporary No Parking Ban?

A. Occasionally individual streets may need additional clearing resulting in a temporary no parking ban.

· Temporary no Parking signs are posted

· Vehicles may be ticketed and towed.

Q: How long does it take to clear city streets of snow?

A: under normal circumstances it takes five 12 hour shifts to clear city streets of snow.

Q: How is this information being communicated?

A. Information on parking bans is transmitted by:

· Television (see link to Free press article below)

· Radio

· Print media

· City of Winnipeg Website

· Billboards

· Electronic Signs

· Brochures

· Social media

Link to Free Press Article on November 29, 2011

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-introduces-new-snow-removal-system-134657558.html

Q. Where can I find additional information?

A. City of Winnipeg Parking Ban Web Page: http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParkingBans/ParkingBans.asp

City of Winnipeg Parking Ban FAQ: http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParkingBans/Documents/FAQ.pdf

THIS FAQ COVERS VARIOUS DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE GARBAGE PICKUP SERVICE. IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS OR WOULD LIKE A MORE DETAILED EXPLINATION PLEASE CALL MY OFFICE AT 986 -5236.

Q: How does the pickup service work?

Please click on the links below to view:

Cart being collected in Winnipeg in winter.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1529573193?bctid=64519336001

Automated Garbage Collection in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjxAjEokDsc

Worksafe BC on benifits of Automated Garbage Collection for garbage collectors

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yne8GvtFRRA

Q: What does the $50 fee get me?

• You will receive a new 240-litre garbage cart and a new 240-litre recycling cart along with a guide for using your new carts when the city-wide waste diversion program begins.
• You will receive a cleaner and safer way for waste to be managed making back lanes cleaner and reducing the opportunity for arsonist.

· You will receive seasonal curbside biweekly yard waste collection twice per year. (see YARD WASTE COLLECTION)

· You will be provided a multi-material community recycling facility that will accept a wide range of recyclables presently not accepted.

· You will see upgrades to Brady Land Fill to accommodate organic composting, improved customer service and reduce future cost for our children.

• The City will test curb side kitchen waste compost pick up service.

Q: When will the carts start to arrive at our house?

The program is slated to start in the Spring or Summer of 2012

Q: What size are the garbage carts?

A: 240 litres (53.3 imperial gallons), equal to 3 regular size garbage containers. The container is a bit over 1 meter tall. The lid opening is roughly 60 cm by 70 cm.

Q: Will I have to pay for the carts?

A: The City will provide each dwelling unit with one cart for waste and one for recycling at no charge.

Q: Can I get a larger Cart?

A: You could upgrade your garbage collection service for an annual fee based on cost recovery:

You can sign up for only one option. You cannot change your option part way through the year.

Q: How do I do this?

A: Call the City at 311 or e-mail them at 311@Winnipeg.ca, the customer Service Representatives can help you.

Q: What would I do if I have too much garbage to fit in my cart?

A: Any garbage that doesn’t fit in your cart can be saved until the next collection day. Alternatively you can call 311 to arrange surplus waste pick up. The cost for a surplus waste pickup would be $5.00 for up to three standard size garbage bags (equal to one bulky waste item).

Q: If I don’t have enough room in the cart, could I place materials beside the cart?

A: Only garbage inside the cart would be collected.

Q: Where would I store my cart?

A: You could store your cart in the same location as you currently store your garbage container (e.g., carport, garage, at the side of your house). The footprint (dimensions at the base of the cart) is similar to an average-size garbage container.

Q: Where would I set out my cart for collection?

A: You would place your cart at the front street or at the back lane just as you do now. People in the River Heights area who live between Academy and Wellington Crescent will have their delivery return to the alley. The new trucks are smaller and can navigate smaller back lanes with T-ends like those in the Wellington Crescent neighbourhood

Q: My back lane is narrow, will the trucks fit?

A: The automated waste and recycling trucks will fit.

Q: What kind of garbage could I put in the cart?

A: You could place all your regular household garbage inside the cart.

Q: What happens if my cart is damaged or lost?

A: The City of Winnipeg will investigate all reports on damage to, or theft of, the new garbage cans. If the collector is found to have caused the damage to the cart, they are responsible for repair or replacement. If the resident is found to have directly or indirectly caused the damage, it is the resident’s responsibility to replace the cart.

Q: Are bins frequently lost or stolen?

A: The amount of bins that disappear in cities that have cart collection is extremely low. Currently the City of Winnipeg has 8,000 carts for apartment recycling in use. The number of these containers stolen over the past eight years and never found is less than 100.

Q: What theft prevention options are available?

A: Residents’ responsibilities for theft prevention will remain unchanged. Residents will be responsible for their own garbage and recycling containers and are responsible for storing the cart in a safe place, removing the cart from the street or lane as soon as possible after collection, and with replacing the cart if stolen or damaged.

Q : I live in an apartment/duplex/multiplex. Will my collection be affected?

A: If you live in a multi-family dwelling with eight or more units, there is no change to your collection.

Q: Will I lose the AutoBin I currently use in my lane?

A: Yes. The community shared garbage bins (AutoBins) will be replaced with individual garbage carts for each residential dwelling.

Carts will be installed with RFID tags so city staff can identify wayward carts and return them to the rightful owners. Carts also include a place to put residential address markers.

Q: Would any residents have their collection day changed as a result of these new changes?

A: We would examine the collection areas and collection days as part of the process to secure contractors for these services. If service and/or cost efficiencies can be demonstrated by changing the collection days/areas, we would consider the change.

We would provide residents with advance notice if we were to change the collection schedule for any of the materials.

GARBAGE PICKUP FOR SENIORS AND PEOLE WITH DISABILITIES

Q: What about seniors and disabled persons unable to move the containers? What do they do?

A: Seniors and People with disability can apply for the “Walk Up Collection Service”

Q: What is walk-up collection service? A: Our collectors will walk up to your home, empty and return any recycling and garbage containers.

Q: Who is eligible for this service?

A: Residents who:

• have difficulty getting their recycling and garbage to the curb or lane, and
• have no one who can do this for them.

Q: Is there a charge?

A: No.

Q: How do I apply?

A: Complete the application form found at http://www.winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/pdfs/walk-upServiceApplication.pdf and return it to the City of Winnipeg. Our staff will visit your home to determine the best location for setting out your garbage and recycling.

Q: Do I need a note from my physician?

A: No.

Q: How long can I receive the service?

A: We will provide the service as long as you need it. However, you need to reapply for the service each year. It is up to you to let us know if you no longer need the service or if there is a change in your service requirement (e.g., address change).

Q: How long before I know if I qualify for the service?

A: One or two weeks. We will phone you.

YARD WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM

Q: When would the biweekly yard waste collection program begin?

A: The program is scheduled to begin in the fall 2012.

Q: What kind of containers and bags would be required for leaf and yard waste collection?

A: Residents would be required to use compostable leaf and yard waste bags, or hard-walled containers (e.g., standard sized garbage can, blue boxes). Plastic bags would not be accepted as they are not biodegradable and would contaminate the finished compost.

Q: What would you do with the organic material collected from the curbside yard waste program?

A: The yard waste would be composted at the Brady Road Landfill site. Initially the finished compost would be used as a landfill cover material and made available to other City departments for soil amendment needs. Once the quality and quantity of the compost material has been proven, it could be marketed for sale.

Q: Would you continue to operate the seasonal yard waste depots once the curbside yard waste program is in place?

A: No. Since unlimited residential yard waste would be collected biweekly from spring to fall, there would no longer be a need for the seasonal depots. Yard waste could also be dropped off at one of the Community Resource Recovery Centres.

Q: Would the City continue to operate the annual Christmas tree depots?

A: Yes, because the curbside yard waste collection program would end in November each year.

Q: Can the bins be decorated in a way that will reduce graffiti?

A: Yes. The new carts belong to the home/property so residents can do the same to them as they do with their garbage cans today.

Q: Can I still use the blue boxes I’ve already purchased and currently use?

A: No. Manual collection is being phased-out industry-wide across the continent. Only automated recycling carts will be emptied as part of your recycling collection service. You can however use the old blue boxes for your new yard waste collection service.

LANDLORDS AND TENANTS

Q: I am a renter in a single-family dwelling/house. Does this affect me?

A: If the water bill is in your name, you will be responsible for the quarterly fee for garbage service. If the water bill is in the property owner’s name, the garbage collection fee may be added to your monthly rent.

Note: The carts belong to the property and not the resident. If you move, you must leave the carts behind.

Q: I am a property owner with renters. What does this mean for me?

A: As the property owner, you would be responsible for ensuring the carts are available for your tenants and, if the water bill is in your name, the fee.

BULKY WASTE

Q: How do I get rid of my bulky waste items (e.g., furniture, mattresses)?

A: Bulky waste can be collected for a fee of $5.00 per item, up to a maximum of ten items per collection, for all customers city-wide. Call 311 to arrange pick up.

ABANDONED WASTE

Q: Would the abandoned waste collection program continue?

A: Yes. This service would continue to be funded as part of the garbage collection service. You can report abandoned waste by contacting the 311 Centre by phone, or email and the abandoned waste will be collected.

EDUCATION/ CONSULTATION

Q: What sort of information was sent out regarding this plan?

A: There were Community Consultations were held throughout Winnipeg

· Eleven open houses were held throughout the city, which included the Crescentwood Community Centre.

· Several round tables were also held at the Millennium Library focusing on accessibility and environment in addition to the Speak Up on Garbage Expo at the Convention Centre.

· Information and requests for feedback were posted on the City of Winnipeg web site.

· Information was posted on Councillor Orlikow’s website with requests for feedback.

· 4000 postcards were dropped in the Ward with a link to the Councillor’s website asking for feedback.

Q: Have other cities adopted a similar program?

A: Winnipeg is not the only city to switch to a form of automated garbage collection. Below are a few examples of nearby or similar cities to Winnipeg that have already converted.

City of Brandon

o click here or go to http://brandon.ca/main/nsf/pages+by+id/1314

City of Burnaby

o click here or go to http://www.burnaby.ca/cityhall/departments/engnrn/engnrn_snttnr/Automated_Garbage_and_Yard_Waste_Collection_-_Coming_Fall_2009.html

City of Moose Jaw

o click here or go to http://www.moosejaw.ca/cityhall/engineers/publicworks/automated_garbage_collection_faq.shtml

City of Prince George

o click here or go to http://www.city.pg.bc.ca/city_services/solidwaste/automatedgarbage/

City of Vancouver

o click here or go to http://vancouver.ca/ENGSVCS/solidwaste/garbage/howto.htm

NON-RESIDENTIAL SECTORS

Q: Would you add programs for other sectors, such as industrial, commercial?

A: The City has begun consulting with other sectors and would expect to develop new diversion (recycling) opportunities as we identify them.

CURBSIDE KITCHEN WASTE COLLECTION TRIAL PROGRAM

Q: Why are you only planning a trial program for the curbside kitchen waste collection program?

A: We need to measure the interest and participation so that we can determine the best collection methods and the most efficient and economical composting facilities to handle the material.

Q: When would the trial program take place?

A: Since there would already be significant change taking place for garbage and recycling collection services in 2012 and 2013, we would start the trial once the transition to the collection services has stabilized, likely as early as 2014.

Q: Could residents express an interest in being part of the kitchen organics collection trial program?

A: Yes. The trial area hasn’t been determined yet, but we would welcome interest from residents. If you are interested in the program you can contact

COMMUNITY RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTRES

Four Community Resource Recovery Centres will be established in the north, south, east, and west areas of the city. Residents will be able to drop off material that can be processed and reused, resold, or recycled for a $5 fee. This will increase waste diversion.

Q: When would these Centres be ready?

A: The first Centre at Brady Road Landfill could be operating in 2013, the second Centre would be in the north area of the city and could be operating in 2014 and the remaining two Centres (east area and west area) could be operating as early as 2015 and 2016.

Q: How much would it cost to drop off items at the Centres?

A: There would a $5.00 charge per visit if you are bringing items that require landfill disposal (e.g., drywall, shingles, renovation material, furniture, mattresses).

Q: Could residents take garbage to the Community Resource Recovery Centres?

A: No. The intent of the Centres is resource recovery and would not serve as a landfill or a landfill transfer station. Residents would be encouraged to drop off material that could be resold, reused or recycled.

BRADY ROAD LANDFILL

Q: Would the garbage tipping fees increase at Brady Road Landfill once the recommendations are implemented?

A: We would review the tipping fee structure after the recycling services are in place.

Q: Are you recommending garbage and recycling service changes because there is a concern about the limited capacity of the Brady Landfill?

A: No, the priority of the master plan is to benefit the environment and Brady Road Landfill by:

• keeping valuable resources out of the landfill
• reducing harmful effects of garbage in the landfill

PUBLIC EDUCATION

Q: How would you inform residents about the service changes and opportunities?

A: We would prepare a comprehensive promotion and education plan. Detailed information would be included with each cart.

Q: Is an increase in abandoned waste expected if the recommendations are implemented?

A: No. In fact a decrease is expected in abandoned waste due to:

• removal of the shared AutoBin system,
• a more user-friendly bulky waste collection program and fee structure, and
• the opportunity for residents to take reusable items to a Community Resource Recovery Centre.

For additional information the following PDF is available.

http://www.winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/pdfs/garbage/cartInfoPackage.pdf

Q: When are overlays used?

A: Overlays are applied to roads that are graded Fair or better. They are used to prolong the life of a road. Several sections of Academy that are graded fair have received overlay in recent years, most recently Waterloo to Oak.

Q: Why wasn’t the Oak to Oxford section of Academy done earlier as it is in the worst shape?

A: Academy from Oak to Oxford is graded Poor. As such it did not qualify, as regular overlay deteriorates quickly when applied to poor foundations.

Q: What changed?

A: The city is testing a new thicker overlay on Academy from Oak to Oxford. This over-lay is unique as it is a new product developed as a treatment for issues associated with similarly poor graded streets.

This is a test to see if this new type of asphalt overlay will last over time and be suitable to assist sections of road graded poor. We need to know that the product will be cost effective.

This is a temporary measure until Academy can be programed into the Capital budget for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Q: How much did it cost?

A: To overlay this section of road it cost $70,000.

Q: When will the Westridge Community Centre be re-opened?

A: Expected third week of November, 2011

Q: What happened to the Westridge Community Centre?

A: On September 10, 2011 there was a fire outside the Westridge Community Centre.

Q: What has been done to reopen the Community Centre?

A: Shortly after the fire I spoke with City staff and asked them to take all steps possible to speed the reconstruction process and minimize the closure time of the Community Centre. As such cleanup of the building was initiated immediately after the fire, a structural engineers report was completed promptly, and the tender process was conducted in tandem to the cleaning and structural evaluation. This saved weeks of time.

Q: What is the schedule of the City work to be done at the Community Centre?

A: Insurance, contractor, trades and scope of work are concluded and exterior work will start November 1, 2011 with the installation of the exterior siding. Once the building is made weather tight the interior work can be completed.

The City is still awaiting the floorings arrival, when it comes in we have been assured it will be promptly installed. As long as there are no significant delays with the delivery of the new flooring the Community Center should be open in 3 weeks.

Bomber Fane Fare service is subsidised by the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Football Club, which is why this service can be offered. Unfortunately, with the number of games involved in the hockey season it does not look like we can form the same sort of partnership with the Jets Hockey Team.

Yes. Vegetation and/or public art will be incorporated into the traffic circles thereby beautifying the neighbourhood.

The addition of greenery and/or public art will enhance the street scape. There would be public art, vegetation, colour and form instead of a long corridor of uninterrupted concrete.

There is a delay due to required legislated Workplace Health and Safety issues, the development of a public art competition and ensure that vehicle and pedestrian traffic is not impeded.

I will continue to work with various groups to push for this to happen.

On October 5, 2011, after two years of consultation with area residents, a draft vision for Academy Road (a Plan Development Over-lay (P.D.O), will be before the City of Winnipeg’s City Centre Committee for a formal public hearing and a vote.

Below are some of the questions and replies asked throughout the process.

Q: Parking lots behind Academy businesses where there is no east-west back lane are usually adjacent to a residential property. This resident requested that the PDO require landscaping where a parking lot abuts against a residential property in order to provide a pleasant transition and a sound barrier.

A: Section 172(5), Development Standards for Parking Areas – Landscaping, of the City of Winnipeg Zoning By-law 200/2006 deals with the landscaping requirements for parking areas. Sections 188-193 set out the general landscaping requirements for the city as well as specific requirements for Side and Rear Site Edge Buffering and Buffering of Residential Uses from Non-Residential Impacts [Section 190(7)]. The buffering of residential uses adjacent to parking lots is a requirement of the Zoning By-law but does not apply retroactively to parking lots in existence at the time of adoption of the by-law. The requirements would apply to any new parking lots being developed adjacent to existing residential development. Therefore, this issue is adequately addressed through the existing by-law provisions.

Q: What is the basis of recommended Mobile signs be removed?

A: Signs on private property are regulated by the City’s Zoning By-law 200/2006.

Note: A PDO is a tool available under the City’s Zoning By-law that provides “… a means to alter or specify allowed uses and/or development standards in otherwise appropriate zones, in unique or special circumstances, in order to achieve local planning objectives in specially designated areas. A PDO-1 zoning district is appropriate when additional zoning controls are required to address an area-wide (rather than site specific) condition, or to implement an area-wide plan for the proposed district”

[Section 57(1)]. Section 4.10 of the proposed PDO modifies the section of the City’s Zoning By-law dealing with signs and is an appropriate use of a PDO-1.

The following adopted PDOs prohibit mobile signs:

· Boulevard Provencher Planned Development Overlay (200/2006)

· St. Norbert Neighbourhood Main Street Planned Development Overlay 1 (Amending By-law 80/2010)

· Downtown Transcona Planned Development Overlay 1 (Amending By-law 118/2010)

Each of these PDOs applies to a neighbourhood main street shopping area.

The results from the public open house surveys and voting support the banning of mobile signs. Most respondents at the first open house indicated that mobile signs and advertising signs (billboards, etc.) were their least preferred types of signage. At the second open house, the majority of participants chose PDO options that included the banning of mobile signs. Those who made additional comments repeatedly indicated that they would support banning mobile signs.

The PDO provisions were based on the responses and input gathered through the public process that included both residents and businesses. This information, in our view, supports including provisions in the PDO that prohibit mobile signs within the PDO area.

When the Winnipeg Zoning By-law Review was underway, there was a targeted review of mobile signs on a city-wide basis. The Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) at the time worked with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce to come to a compromise position on the proposed regulations for mobile signs through a Mobile Sign Working Group. The eventual conclusion was one that everyone could live with, but it was recognized more work would need to be done in future years.

The sign standards were revised to improve the character of the city’s commercial corridors and business areas, as called for in Plan Winnipeg, and in ways common to other large cities. The changes to the sign regulations were an attempt to balance business needs, community aesthetics and safety while, at the same time, promoting economic development and tourism. ”Mobile Signs” were limited to eight feet in height, maximum of two signs per lot, maximum time limit of 90 days three times each year (total of 270 days), together with a spacing requirement of 65 feet between signs on adjacent lots.

The intent of mobile sign provisions in the Zoning By-law is to provide a signage option for special events. The mobile sign regulations in the new Zoning By-law were designed to provide an opportunity for portable, temporary signage to advertise or provide notification of grand opening sales or other special promotional events. The intent was not to have mobile signs become a permanent form of signage. The consulting team on the Winnipeg Zoning By-law Review identified that Winnipeg’s control of mobile signs was one of the areas where the former Zoning By-law was furthest away from the mainstream of land use regulation compared to other cities.

Concerns were expressed about the cumulative impact of mobile signs on various streetscapes, their perceived impact on the overall image of the city and the impact on traffic safety through driver distraction. Mobile signs are viewed as an economical and reliable form of signage for many small businesses, and some larger businesses. The recommendation of the Working Group at that time was that the existing mobile sign provisions in the former Zoning By-law could be maintained if a program was employed to ensure that the regulations were enforced. The former regulations allowed mobile signs to be displayed for three 90-day periods in one year.

The new program included a 6-point strategy designed to put some accountability on the industry to operate within the rules, and some onus on the City to secure additional revenues or free up existing resources to more actively enforce the City’s by-laws. The Working Group’s recommendation, which was also endorsed by the ZAC, was to maintain the current duration (maximum three 90-day display periods) plus modest new limitations (height limit, reduce number of signs per zoning lot from 3 to 2, 65’ spacing requirement adjusted), and implement a 6-point enforcement strategy.

Zoning By-law amendments should be consistent with the City's development plan. While Plan Winnipeg is still in force, the City has recently completed a major overhaul of its Plan under the OurWinnipeg process. OurWinnipeg together with four Direction Strategies, will guide the future development of the city over the next 20 years following approval by Council. The concepts being put forward under that process speak to the desire to have complete communities and complete streets. Neighbourhood corridors like Academy Road should be oriented to the pedestrian and exhibit urban design features that make them safe, accessible and attractive for pedestrians and cyclists.

Q: Did the Community Support Mobile Signs?

A: No

Q: Was there any type of commercial signage that was supported by participants of the visioning sessions?

A: This category of signs was called “Business Identification signs” and was the most preferred type of signage. Respondents supported signage being pedestrian scale to conform to the character of the street, restrict third party signage and limit portable signs in the Central area. The general sense from the consultation was that pylon or free standing signs should not be allowed and that building mounted or canopies were the preferred sign type.

Q: Are there any comparable restrictions to signage within the City of Winnipeg?

A: For comparison purposes, we note that in the Boulevard Provencher PDO, all signage must be attached to buildings. In the Living Area provisions of the recently adopted Downtown Transcona PDO, free standing signs greater than 6 feet are not permitted. The Downtown Transcona Design Guidelines which are a supplement to the PDO request that all development shall incorporate signage that is designed primarily for pedestrians rather than vehicular traffic and be mounted on buildings as fascia, canopy, awning or projecting signs or located as window signs or monument signs.

Q: Are changes in variances from the past grandfathered? For instance, is a sign variance grandfathered?

A: Variances previously approved continue to be in force after the adoption of a PDO. A variance is attached to and stays with the land.

Q: According to the Zoning Bylaw it seems that a 2500 square foot restaurant requires one parking spot for each 100 square feet (Parking Category 22, p115). This would be 25 spots. Is this a requirement or a guideline/suggestion?

A: It is a requirement. Table 5.9 of the City of Winnipeg Zoning By-law identifies the required parking for various categories of development. These parking requirements, like all requirements of the zoning by-law, can be varied. Variance Orders are described in section 36 of the City of Winnipeg Zoning By-law 200/2006.

Section 57 (8) identifies “parking requirements for each use category or type” as a development regulation that can be modified by a PDO-1.

Section 171 of the City of Winnipeg Zoning by-law identifies three methods for a property owner to adjust the required parking downwards:

Urban Infill Areas – Those areas on maps 1 and 2 of Schedule C. The sections of Academy within the boundaries of the PDO are not within the Urban Infill Areas.

Combination of Uses – When multiple principal uses from different parking categories are located in one building the required parking is reduced to 80% of the aggregate of the required parking for each use on the zoning lot.

Parking Management Plan – An applicant may propose, to the Director, a parking management plan prepared by a professional traffic engineer of traffic consultant that demonstrates that a reduced number of parking spaces is adequate. If the Director concludes that the parking management plan provides adequate parking the Director may reduce the number of required parking spaces.

Q: Are rooftop patios allowed? If so, what options are available for sound control?

A: Rooftop patios are allowed.

A rooftop patio for outdoor dining larger than100 sq.ft. requires a conditional use. If it is to be licensed then all of the regulations of the MLCC apply.

Conditions dealing with sound control could be imposed on a rooftop patio through the conditional use process (e.g. no live bands, no music after 11pm, placement of speakers, etc…)

Q: Are overhangs allowed above the sidewalk? People felt that overhangs can make it more pedestrian friendly.

A: Overhangs above a sidewalk can be established.

If the overhang is to project into the right of way, above the city sidewalk, an encroachment agreement is required.

If the overhang extends into a required front yard, beyond the permitted projection identified in the zoning by-law, a variance would be required.

Q: Subject to the design guidelines of the PDO, will it be any easier/more difficult to change zoning from C1 to C2? From R1 to RMF?

A: The process to rezone a property within the PDO area does not change with the adoption of a PDO. The PDO will provide additional information to applicants, planners, committee members, elected officials, and the public regarding the established vision for the PDO area when evaluating rezoning applications.

Q: Character of buildings – metal vs. brick, etc. A resident asked about having building material standards in, such as limiting metal, stucco, or concrete. Is this a realistic option? Are design guidelines like this sometimes used?

.A: Design guidelines dealing with the particular building materials are sometimes used, however, including provisions as specific as limiting certain finishing materials in a zoning by-law can be problematic. Building materials, finishes, and colors are all matters of opinion that fall in and out of style, if they are to be regulated they must be regulated in a way that is more flexible than a zoning by-law. Focusing on the function of the building and the quality of the design rather than the cladding will create a by-law that is less likely to be misinterpreted and will not create an inordinate number of applications and public hearings (e.g. variances for cladding type).

It is more appropriate to manage development specific design details through design guidelines which do not form part of the zoning by-law. As part of the implementation of OurWinnipeg the Winnipeg Public Service will be developing an Urban Design Strategy. We expect that Urban Design Guidelines for Neighbourhood Main Streets will be part of this strategy and, once approved by Council, they would apply to Academy Road.

Q: Why was the condition that: "drinking establishments…must not be open later than 10 pm all days of the week" removed from the PDO.

A: The reason we removed this proposal was because a conflict with MLCC regulations which already have a prescribed closing time for drinking establishments allowing them to remain open until a later time. There would be confusion between the two sets of laws; one Provincial and the other City.

The MLCC requires service to seasonal patio areas to cease at 10 pm and the patio area to be vacated by 11 pm.

A Zoning By-law is not the appropriate place to regulate the hours of operation of various establishments which is an operational issue and relates more to licensing and regulation by MLCC. The ZBL designates that drinking establishments are an appropriate use; it is up to the operator to ensure that the facility and the occupants are managed well, is sensitive to the community and meets MLCC requirements.

Q: An inquiry came up at our visioning workshops on the Academy Road PDO project regarding the "Enderton Caveat".

A: The City conducted some further investigation into the Enderton Caveat issue which was a Building Restriction Caveat (BRC) that applied to a large part of the Crescentwood area. This BRC is no longer in effect. The Province passed legislation under The Real Property Act a number of years ago that results in any caveat over 50 years old being cancelled.

Q: What was the Enderton Caveat?

A: One of the major components of the Enderton caveat was the establishment of special yard setbacks, but there were also some land use restrictions. MB Historic Society information on the caveat reveals: They (home buyers) were lured in part by a caveat placed on all property in the district specifying required distances that houses be set back from the sidewalk, the minimum amount to be spent on the houses, and strict use limitations including a stipulation that homes be single family dwellings only. Throughout the years, the enforcement of the “Enderton Caveat” by the homeowners’ association maintained the character of the neighbourhood as a desirable area to live, close to downtown and yet providing the gracious ambience of the suburban life style.

Special alignments were put in place in the unified zoning by-law (Wpg Zoning By-law 6400) to reflect the "Enderton alignments". Those "special yards" have been carried forward in Schedule "I" of the new zoning by-law (Wpg Zoning By-law 200/06) which establishes front yard setbacks along Academy Road.

It appears that the larger setbacks (40-65') may have been established as a result of the Enderton caveat while others may relate to provision for future widenings (7'). Building alignments along the street will also be enforced through the Front Yard Building Alignments section in the Zoning By-law (Section 139).

The caveat is probably still attached to many Certificates of Title in the Crescentwood area. The Manitoba Land Titles Office could not perform a blanket removal of the caveat as the area and number of titles affected was too large. The caveat will be discharged from the titles as property transactions are processed on the affected properties. Owners can also request to have the caveat removed/discharged.

Q: Why was this PDO not done before, is it in response to potential development?

A: PDO’s are being created in other areas of the city such as St. Norbert and Transcona as well PDO’s are a proactive planning measure, that area Councillors have asked the city to take so the communities vision of what it would like to be can be better expressed and implemented. Q: Will the PDO affect the residential properties?

There will be no changes outside the PDO area, for example residential will stay as residential.

For more information go to:

Your Neighbourhood, your street, your say ...http://www.orlikow.ca/news/view/?nid=147

Future of Academy Road @ http://www.orlikow.ca/issues/view/?iid=33

City of Winnipeg @ http://www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/NhbdZoningReview/AcademyRd.stm