To provide an update on the progress of the Peel Goods Movement Task Force and Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan.

Transcription

1 8.4-1 REPORT Meeting Date: Regional Council For Information DATE: June 17, 2014 REPORT TITLE: PEEL GOODS MOVEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE 2014 FROM: Dan Labrecque, Commissioner of Public Works OBJECTIVE To provide an update on the progress of the Peel Goods Movement Task Force and Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS Goods movement is a Term of Council Priority (ToCP #15) to improve the safe and efficient movement of goods through and within the Region of Peel. Regional Council approved the Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan in April 2012 with 23 action items to be prioritized over five years. The Peel Goods Movement Task Force, comprising of public and private stakeholders, has been meeting on a regular basis to advance the action items. The tasks identified in 12 of the 23 action items have been substantially completed. These actions have now been operationalized and work will be ongoing to implement them. Ten additional action items have been initiated and one action item will be initiated in DISCUSSION 1. Background The Region of Peel is one of Canada s most important multimodal goods movement hubs, supported by Canada s largest airport and strong rail and road infrastructure. The safe and efficient movement of goods is key to Peel s economy as it is estimated that $1.5 billion worth of goods travel through Peel daily. The movement of both goods and people within and through Peel is becoming increasingly affected by rising levels of congestion. In response, Regional Council made it a priority to improve the efficiency of goods movement in and through Peel. 168

2 8.4-2 June 17, PEEL GOODS MOVEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN - UPDATE Goods movement is a current Term of Council Priority (ToCP #15) that sets out to improve the efficiency of goods movement in Peel with the collaboration of the Peel Goods Movement Task Force. This Term of Council Priority is aligned with Goal 4 of the Region of Peel Strategic Plan to support and influence sustainable transportation systems. The Peel Goods Movement Task Force (the "Task Force"), was established at the direction of Regional Council to bring together key stakeholders from private and public sector companies and agencies that have an interest in the efficient movement of goods. Through the Task Force, substantial progress has been made in completing work to support the goals and mandate of the Task Force. 2. Peel Goods Movement Task Force The Peel Goods Movement Task Force, established in 2009, is comprised of public and private stakeholders. The mission of the Task Force is to support businesses with a transportation system that moves goods and delivers services safely, quickly and efficiently, maximizes economic opportunities and reduces the associated environmental and community impacts. a) Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Through a series of meetings and consultations, the Members of the Task Force and its Technical Working Group (including area municipal staff), developed the Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan ( Strategic Plan ). Within the Strategic Plan, the Task Force identified an Action Plan of 23 actions to improve how goods are moved within and through Peel. The action items were to be prioritized over a five-year period. The actions have been categorized into four Strategic Directions: 1. Pursue Infrastructure Improvements; 2. Partnership, Communication and Advocacy; 3. Systems Optimization of Existing Infrastructure; and 4. Planning and Forecasting. By recommendation of the Task Force, three subcommittees have been established for each of the Strategic Directions categories. Strategic Directions 1 and 3 have been combined for the purposes of the subcommittees. The subcommittees provide a forum for the Task Force members to work together to complete the action items and monitor project progress. b) Peel Goods Movement Meetings & Events Since the Task Force inception in 2009, several meetings and events have been held each year to advance the Task Force objectives and Strategic Plan. These meetings and events have been essential for collaboration between members and for the advancement of the Strategic Plan action items. The number of meetings and events are monitored and limited, where possible, to recognize the time commitments from various members. Many of the meetings, workshops and events were sponsored and hosted jointly between private and public sector partners. All the meetings and events held have contributed to the Action Plan progress outlined in Section

3 8.4-3 June 17, PEEL GOODS MOVEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN - UPDATE 3. Action Plan Progress The tasks identified in 12 of the 23 action items have been substantially completed. These actions have now moved into operational and implementation phases. Ten additional action items have been initiated and one action item will be initiated in A detailed description of the actions items progress and future work is provided in Appendix I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Status Update A summary of the Action Plan progress is shown below: ACTION ACTION ITEM STATUS (as of June 2014) COMPLETED WORK Action 4 Prioritize improvements to atgrade rail crossings Action 6 Action 8 Action 9 Advocate for improvements to border crossings Advocate for improved provincial and federal goods movement planning and greater interregional co-operation Identify additional federal and provincial funding sources for the 400 series highway with 401 as a high priority corridor Action 10 Advocate for streamlining and expediting the Environmental Assessment (EA) process Action 11 Identify opportunities to strengthen connections between government and private-sector industry Action 13 Enhance traffic signals to accommodate and increase better traffic flow along goods movement corridors Action 16 Develop and implement a Regional Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Strategic Plan and Network Prioritization of improvements is complete. A feasibility study for the top two crossings will be initiated. An advocacy discussion paper has been completed with recommendations, endorsed by Regional Council on May 22, 2014 (Resolution ). The recommendations will be implemented. Advocacy efforts completed including various workshops and the development of the Western Golden Horseshoe Municipal Network Charter. Advocacy efforts will be ongoing. Meetings and reports have been completed to advocate for expediting highway improvements. Advocacy efforts will be ongoing. A discussion paper dealing with EA reform has been completed. It will be brought to Regional Council in September Partnerships established through workshops, meetings and events. Partnerships will be further strengthened through implementation of the Freight Transport Demand Management recommendations. Progression runs and optimization completed in Monitoring of changes in traffic patterns and updates are ongoing. ITS Strategic Plan completed and implementation is ongoing. 170

4 8.4-4 June 17, PEEL GOODS MOVEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN - UPDATE ACTION ACTION ITEM Action 17 Develop an enforcement mechanism for road construction projects Action 18 Improve incident management Action 19 Advance Freight Transport Demand Management (TDM) recommendations Action 20 Develop and implement a Strategic Goods Movement Network (SGMN) IN-PROGRESS WORK Action 1 Prioritize intersection improvements to increase truck traffic flow on key corridors Action 2 Identify and implement access improvements to Toronto Pearson Airport Action 3 Identify and implement access improvements to CN Brampton and CP Vaughan Intermodal facilities Action 5 Action 7 Research truck-only lanes and implement a pilot project Advocate for changes to the employment density targets that support the freight industry Action 12 Develop a data sharing program between the government and industry Action 14 Develop and implement a backhaul freight matching program and pilot project STATUS (as of June 2014) Process mapping and mechanism mechanisms complete. Requirements being implemented through the capital plan. A discussion paper has been completed with input from Police Services. Technological and process strategies have and are being implemented by the police service. Freight TDM study approved by Regional Council on June 27, 2013 (Resolution ). The study recommended a Smart Freight Association feasibility study which is being formed. The SGMN has been established. A more detailed feasibility assessment of identified roads that cannot presently handle trucks is being completed and a stakeholder education and outreach strategy will be undertaken. The network will be updated as needed. In progress to 2014 In progress to 2014 In progress to 2014 In progress to 2015 In progress to 2015 In progress to 2016 In progress with Action 19 to

5 8.4-5 June 17, PEEL GOODS MOVEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN - UPDATE ACTION ACTION ITEM Action 15 Create a Peel Truckers Map that employs GPS and includes route and by-law references Action 21 Develop an economic case for a freight village Action 22 Quantify economic benefits of freight to Peel's economy FUTURE WORK Action 23 Support the establishment of a goods movement Centre of Excellence In progress to 2015 In progress to 2015 In progress to 2015 To be started 2016 STATUS (as of June 2014) 4. Next Steps To complete the remainder of the Strategic Plan action items, the following will be undertaken: Continue working with the Task Force, Subcommittees and Technical Working Group to complete the remainder of the in-progress and future action items; and As noted, many of the completed actions refer to the specific scope of work in the Action Plan. The work in these action items moves into the more operational phases where construction, on-going advocacy, communication and partnerships, and continuous improvement will occur. As the last action items are completed and operationalized and the last year of the Strategic Plan (2016) approaches, the Task Force will meet to determine future steps and continued advancement of the Task Force mandate. CONCLUSION Overall, the completion and progress of action items are on track to address existing and future goods movement challenges and opportunities. The significant progress made in moving forward these actions is due to the commitment and dedication of the Peel Goods Movement Task Force private and public sector partners. Since the Task Force inception in 2009, the Task Force members have dedicated their time, insights, resources and enthusiasm for moving the Strategic Plan action items forward. Through continued collaboration, members of the Task Force are leading positive changes to the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of Peel's goods movement transportation system. 172

6 8.4-6 June 17, PEEL GOODS MOVEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN - UPDATE Dan Labrecque, Commissioner of Public Works Approved for Submission: D. Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer APPENDICES 1. Appendix I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Status Update 2014 For further information regarding this report, please contact Kathryn Dewar, Principal Planner, Transportation System Planning, extension 4214, Kathryn.Dewar@peelregion.ca. Authored By: Kathryn Dewar 173

7 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update 2014 PEEL REGION GOODS MOVEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN ( ) STATUS UPDATE June

8 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update 2014 PEEL REGION GOODS MOVEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN About the Goods Movement Strategic Plan ( ) The Peel Goods Movement Task Force is striving to achieve a safe, convenient, efficient, multimodal, sustainable and integrated goods movement transportation system across the Region. A goods movement transportation system should support a vibrant economy, respect the natural and urban environment, meet the diverse needs of industries and residents and contribute to a high quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve this, Peel s Goods Movement program was developed. It is based off of two goals: 1- Support and influence sustainable transportation systems to ensure that goods are transported in an efficient and timely manner; and 2- Optimize the use of existing infrastructure and capacity and minimize adverse environmental, social and economic impacts caused by goods movement transportation. The goods movement program is described in the Goods Movement Strategic Plan and supported by the Goods Movement Task Force. The Plan is broken down into four strategic directions, which are further broken down into 23 action items. The following pages highlight the status of the twenty three action items aimed at improving the efficiency of goods movement through and within the Region. The action items are organized by Strategic Directions. The successful completion and significant progress made in moving forward these actions is due to the commitment and dedication of Peel Goods Movement Task Force private and public sector partners. The four strategic directions are: 1. Pursue Infrastructure Improvements 2. Partnership, Communication and Advocacy 3. Systems Optimization of Existing Infrastructure 4. Planning and Forecasting 175 2

9 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update 2014 GOODS MOVEMENT IN PEEL The Regional Context Within Canada, the Region of Peel hosts the largest, most intense cluster of freight distribution and logistics industries, which are located within a one-day drive to more than 135 million Canadian and American consumers. Peel is home to: Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada s largest and busiest airport by freight and passenger volume Five 400-series highways, which form the most intricate and well-developed network of highways in Ontario The CN intermodal rail/truck facility Two major railway lines (Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railway) Peel's central geographic location results in a large number of goods movement trips passing through the Region annually. Impacting the movement of goods is the fact that the Region is facing, and will continue to face, strong growth related pressures. It is estimated that the average commute time in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) will increase from 82 minutes daily to 109 minutes daily (a 33% increase) by 2031, as predicted by a Metrolinx study. Goods Movement and the Economy Peel s central location within Canada s wealthiest consumer market, and the fact that it contains over 86,600 businesses, has positioned it not only as an economic hub, but also as a major goods movement hub in Canada. Peel's goods movement systems are a cornerstone and key enabler of the Region's economy. Freight transportation, warehousing and manufacturing accounts for almost 27% of Peel s employment. To maintain its competitive edge the Region must ensure the efficient movement of goods through and within it to attract industry and investments. Improving the efficiency of goods movement is a Term of Council Priority

10 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update PURSUE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS Action Item Objective Status Next Steps Action1: Prioritize infrastructure improvements to increase truck traffic flow on key corridors Prioritize intersection improvements to benefit goods movement and partner with area municipalities to advance projects that will benefit local traffic and goods movement. An evaluation matrix has been developed to assess and prioritize intersections for improvement based on criteria, including truck volume, collision rates, road network class, road character, land use and type of improvement needed. A report will be finalized in Summer 2014 and will recommend intersections for priority improvements. Action 2: Identify and implement access improvements to Toronto Pearson Airport Action 3: Identify and implement access improvements to CN Brampton and CP Vaughan Intermodal facilities The objectives of both action item 2 & 3 overlap so both studies have been combined. Their objectives are to identify, review and implement truck access to/from Pearson Airport and the CN Brampton and CP Vaughan Intermodal Terminals. Current and future congestion issues in/out of the facilities are being identified and initiatives to address and mitigate these issues will be summarized in a report. The report is being finalized and a peer-review will be conducted in Summer 2014 to verify the technical component of the analysis

11 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update 2014 Action Item Objective Status Next Steps Action 4: Prioritize improvements to at-grade rail crossings Identify all at-grade rail crossings that occur on Regional roads in Peel and determine which crossings should be prioritized for separation. A discussion paper was completed. All 12 atgrade crossings on Regional Roads were assessed. Three crossings were selected for further examination and two of those crossings are recommended to undergo a feasibility assessment. A report to Regional Council will recommend that a feasibility assessment be undertaken to understand the costs/benefits of grade separation. Action 5: Research truck-only lanes and implement a pilot project Conduct research on truck-only lanes and implement a pilot project for truck only lanes on a Regional Road that experiences heavy truck traffic. In 2013, the Region, in partnership with Metrolinx, MTO and other Canadian municipalities, partnered on a study entitled Investigating the Potential for Truck Lanes in Urban Areas. Several areas for further work with regards to truck lanes were identified. Additional research and data analysis is being undertaken to further advance the objectives of this action item. In progress to

12 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update PARTNERSHIP, COMMUNICATION & ADVOCACY Action Item Objective Status Next Steps Action 6: Advocate for improvements to border crossings Improve border crossings to efficiently move goods. A discussion paper was completed which looks at the various issues surrounding Southern Ontario border crossings. The discussion paper also provides a set of recommendations for how to improve the movement of goods through these borders. Report to Regional Council on May 22, 2014 for endorsement of the paper s recommendations. The Task Force will work together to implement the recommendations. Action 7: Advocate for changes to the employment density targets that support the freight industry Advocate for changes to the employment density targets set out in Places to Grow in order to support freight hubs and encourage growth in the logistics, transportation and warehousing sectors. A discussion paper is being developed to summarize the various issues with achieving the Places to Grow densities while continuing to maintain and attract goods movement industries. Recommendations will be developed to outline ways to balance the issues. In progress to

13 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update 2014 Action Item Objective Status Next Steps Action 8: Advocate for improved provincial and federal goods movement planning and greater interregional cooperation Preserve and protect goods movement corridors and coordinate land uses. Recent advocacy achievements include: - MTO/TC/Metrolinx/Peel Freight Hubs Workshop November 29, Western Golden Horseshoe Municipal Network (WGHMN) Charter developed. - WGHMN Charter discussed and handed out at the Moving into the Future - Importance of Multi-modal Transportation Planning on Ontario s Economy Workshop that took place on May 9, Continue ongoing participation and membership with partner organizations. A joint Goods Movement Task Force / Metrolinx / Southern Ontario Gateway Council (SOGC) / WGHMN members meeting is being planned for June Action 9: Identify additional federal and provincial funding sources for the 400 series highways with 401 as a high priority corridor Advocate for infrastructure improvements on highways to mitigate congestion. Several reports have been prepared advocating for expedited highway improvements (including the 427 extension, 401 widening, 410 HOV lanes, GTA West Corridor, QEW, Niagara to GTA corridor, need for Provincial Long Range Transportation). Continue to work and partner with the Province and stakeholders

14 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update 2014 (2. PARTNERSHIP, COMMUNICATION & ADVOCACY CONTINUED) Action Item Objective Status Next Steps Action 10: Advocate for streamlining and expediting the Environmental Assessment process Action 11: Identify opportunities to strengthen connections between government and privatesector industry Advocate for a shortened timeframe for completing environmental assessments. Strengthen collaboration and support for goods movement through increased partnerships and collaborative efforts. A draft discussion Paper has been completed. The Region hosted the Aligning Needs Workshop in February 2014 to discuss ways to streamline the Environmental Assessment process. The Freight TDM (Action 19) Report outlining the recommendation for the establishment of a Smart Freight Association has been completed. The Region has hosted and participated in several industry events including the Moving into the Future workshop, Task Force meetings, and annual conferences. A report to Regional Council in September The Region will work in partnership with the Municipal Engineers Association, Regional Public Works Commissioners of Ontario and others as the initiative moves forward. Continue to seek opportunities for collaboration with the private sector. The Freight TDM (Action 19) Report recommendations will be further strengthened

15 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update 2014 Action Item Objective Status Next Steps Action 12: Develop a data sharing program between the government and industry Develop a standard written agreement such as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in protecting sensitive freight data between public and private sectors to encourage data sharing. This action item has started ahead of schedule. The Region is currently working with MTO on developing a MOU for several data collection/collaboration projects. Continue to participate in the icorridor program and the Commercial Vehicle Survey (conducted every 2 years). In progress to Region of Peel Travel Demand Forecasting Model 182 9

16 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update SYSTEMS OPTIMIZATION OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE Action Item Objective Status Next Steps Action 13: Enhance traffic signals to accommodate and increase better traffic flow along goods movement corridors Enhance traffic signals to facilitate better traffic flow. The Region s Traffic Engineering department undertook signal progression runs along various goods movement corridors to improve traffic flows. A summary paper has been developed. The summary paper will be posted on the Region s website. Action 15: Create a Peel truckers map that employs GPS and includes routes and by-law references Distribute a Peel truckers map to the goods movement industry to promote the proper usage of Regional Roads. The consultation process is underway to understand the needs of the industry and what map format would be most useful for them. Recommendations will be developed from the consultation process and the recommended platform will be implemented through a second phase. In progress to Action 16: Develop and implement a Regional Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Strategic Plan and Network Develop a Regional Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Strategic Plan to improve the efficiency of goods movement. The ITS Plan has been completed and implementation is ongoing. Inputs from other action items that have a technology component are being consolidated into one cohesive report and recommendation as they are completed

17 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update 2014 Action Item Objective Status Next Steps Action 17: Develop an enforcement mechanism for road construction projects Establish measures to reduce traffic and goods movement delays by minimizing unnecessary lane closures due to road work and construction adjacent to Regional Roads. A discussion paper was completed that summarizes existing practices in Peel and offers additional recommendations, including better project planning, design/construction staging and contractual conditions. Peel s Construction Inspection team will continue to provide its existing services while reviewing and implementing several new strategies aimed at improving construction scheduling. Regional staff will continue to work with other road authorities and utility companies to share best practices for scheduling construction projects in order to minimize the congestion on the affected road and neighbouring roads. Action 18: Improve incident management Work collaboratively with the Province, law enforcement officials and area municipalities to explore methods to improve incident management turnaround time. A discussion paper was completed to summarize the existing incident management policies in Peel and the roles and responsibilities of responding agencies. The report recommends the implementation of a long-term Intelligent Transportation System Strategic Plan and effective communication strategies, including the development of an Emergency Detour Route (EDR) Action Plan which will be implemented

18 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update PLANNING AND FORECASTING Action Item Objective Status Next Steps Action 19: Advance Freight Transport Management recommendations Build a business case for the establishment of a Smart Freight Association (SFA), and launch the SFA as a pilot project. A Freight TDM Study was completed in June 2013 and recommended that a feasibility study be undertaken for a SFA. The Smart Freight Association feasibility study is underway. Action 20: Develop and implement a Strategic Goods Movement Network (SGMN) Develop a systematic, hierarchal truck route network through the Region to enable the efficient movement of goods and enhance the economic competitiveness of the Region. This item will also respond to Action 14: Develop and implement a backhaul freight matching program and pilot project. A detailed technical report and network map have been completed and endorsed by Regional Council on May 9, The implementation phase has begun to complete feasibility assessments of roads within the SGMN not currently built to a standard that accommodates trucks. A stakeholder education and outreach strategy is being undertaken to explain the importance of the network and how to apply it

19 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update 2014 Action Item Objective Status Next Steps Action 21: Develop an economic case for a freight village Raise awareness of land-use for goods movement and incorporate it into the planning process. As part of action item 22, a study is being developed to show the economic impacts of goods movement. Developing an economic case for a freight village is one part of this broader study. Report to be completed in Action 22: Quantify economic benefits of freight to Peel's economy Build a strong economic case for the importance of goods movement to the vitality of the economy. A study is underway which will provide an overview of the economic impacts of goods movement to Peel s and the broader economy. Report to be completed in Action 23: Support the establishment of a goods movement Centre of Excellence Establish a Centre of Excellence for goods movement as the goto centre for studies, reports, long-term planning ideas/opportunities and discussions. Discussions have begun with various universities to develop a plan for establishing a centre of excellence. To be started

20 APPENDIX I Peel Goods Movement Strategic Plan Update 2014 Peel Region s Goods Movement Task Force, 2013 Have questions? us at: gmpeel@peelregion.ca To learn more about the Goods Movement Strategic Plan and Task Force, visit: peelregion.ca/movinggoods