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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEGD-018-17Engineering Services Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: September 5, 2017 Report Number: EGD-018-17 Resolution: File Number: C.01.27.016.D.01 By-law Number: Report Subject: GO Transit Newcastle Village - Annual Status Update Recommendations: 1.That Report EGD-018-17 be received; 2.That the demolition of the former fire hall in the Village of Newcastle be further delayed to continue to allow GO Transit to use the property as a turnaround until such time as Durham Region Transit is able to provide a local service that ensures continuity for residents; 3.That Staff be directed to continue to work with Durham Region Transit to define future growth patterns and establish appropriate service levels; 4.That Staff be directed to report back to Council in the summer of 2018 on the progress of our discussions; 5.That scheduling of the demolition of the former fire hall in Newcastle be revisited at that time. Municipality of Clarington Report EGD-018-17 Page 2 Report Overview In 2016 Clarington Council committed to ensuring continuity of transit service to the Village of Newcastle by choosing to delay the demolition of the former fire hall at 247 King Avenue East to allow GO Transit to continue to use this location as a turnaround. The intent was to delay the demolition and re-development of this site until such time as Durham Region Transit could step in to offer a service that would fill any gaps that GO Transit might leave if the turnaround location were no longer available. Staff assured Council that an annual update would be provided each year as to the status of transit service within Newcastle and this annual update confirms that in 2017 there will be no changes to the current service. 1. Background Transit service connecting Newcastle residents to other towns and cities, as well as the GO Train and other transit services, is currently being provided through the GO Bus. In 2016 Council committed to ensuring continuity of service for our residents by choosing to delay the demolition of the former fire hall at 247 King Avenue East, because this site has been used by GO Transit as a turnaround location for some time. It was agreed that Staff will continue to work with both transit authorities to encourage a transition to local, Durham Transit service so that continuity can be assured. Staff have been in discussions with GO Transit and with Durham Region Transit and have been advised that local service is not anticipated within the next year. Durham Transit continues to review ridership numbers within Newcastle but acknowledges that the ridership numbers are not sufficient at this time to make a local service viable. 2. Proposal Staff recommend that development of the site of the former fire hall at 247 King Avenue East continue to be deferred until such time as a viable Durham Region Transit enhancement alternative to the GO Bus can be provided. Any enhancement of service provided by Durham Region Transit will be subject to annual Regional budget approvals. 3. Concurrence Not Applicable Municipality of Clarington Report EGD-018-17 Page 3 4. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that Council continue to support the residents of Newcastle by deferring the demolition of the former fire hall so that GO Transit can use it as a turnaround. In delaying the demolition Council is able to ensure continuity of transit service to the Village so that residents who use the GO Bus to access work, school and other transit services can continue to do so. 5. Strategic Plan Application The recommendations contained in this report conform to the Strategic Plan. Submitted by: Reviewed by: Anthony Cannella, Andrew C. Allison, B. Comm, LL.B Director of Engineering Services CAO ASC/ra/jb Staff Contact: Anthony Cannella, Director of Engineering Services, 905-623-3379, Ext. 2305 or tcannella@clarington.net Attachments: N/A There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision.