2.             Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel – statement of work

 

TUNNEL SERVANT AU TRANSPORT EN COMMUN AU CENTRE-VILLE – éNONCé DE TRAVAIL

 

 

joint CommitteeS’ recommendation as amended

 

That Council consider the decision of the Joint Transportation and Transit Committee to approve the Statement of Work for the Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel Environmental Assessment as detailed in Document 1 of report
ACS2007-PTE-POL-0060.

 

 

Recommandation modifiÉe dES ComitÉS conjoints

 

Que le Comité examine la décision conjointe du Comité des transports et du Comité du transport en commun en vue d’approuver l’énoncé des travaux lié à l’évaluation environnementale du tunnel servant au transport en commun au centre-ville d’Ottawa, comme il est expliqué dans le document 1 du rapport no ACS2007-PTE-POL-0060.

 

 

 

 

 

Documentation

 

1.                  Deputy City Manager, Planning, Transit and the Environment report dated 24 October 2007 (ACS2007- PTE-POL-0060).

2.                  Extract of the Draft Joint Minutes 4, Transportation Committee and Transit Committee, 21 November 2007 (To be distributed separately prior to Council).

 

Report to / Rapport au :

 

Joint Meeting - Transportation Committee/Transit Committee

Réunion conjointe du Comité des transports et du Comité du transport en commun

 

24 October 2007 / 24 octobre 2007

 

Submitted by / Soumis par : Nancy Schepers, Deputy City Manager / Directrice municipale adjointe,

Planning, Transit and the Environment/ Urbanisme, Transport en commun et Environnement

 

Contact Person / Personne ressource : Vivi Chi, Manager / Gestionnaire, Transportation and Infrastructure Planning / Transports et planification des infrastructures

Planning Branch / Direction de l’urbanisme

(613) 580-2424 x21877, vivi.chi@ottawa.ca

 

Rideau-Vanier (12), Somerset (14), Kitchissippi (15)

Ref N°: ACS2007-PTE-POL-0060

 

 

SUBJECT:

Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel – statement of work

 

 

OBJET :

TUNNEL SERVANT AU TRANSPORT EN COMMUN AU CENTRE-VILLE – éNONCé DE TRAVAIL

 

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That the Joint Transportation and Transit Committee approve the Statement of Work for the Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel Environmental Assessment as detailed in Document 1.

 

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

 

Que le Comité des transports et le Comité du transport en commun avalisent conjointement l’énoncé de travail en vue de l’évaluation environnementale du tunnel servant au transport en commun au centre-ville d’Ottawa, tel qu’explicité dans le document 1.

BACKGROUND

 

On 12 September 2007, Council directed staff to initiate an environmental assessment (EA) study for a downtown transit tunnel.  Prior to initiating the consultant selection process for any EA, staff informs and seeks approval from Committee on the scope of work for the study.  The study’s scope identifies the level of effort to undertake the work, and thus sets the study budget.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The Statement of Work (SoW) is described in Document 1.  It outlines the tasks to be undertaken for the Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel (DOTT) EA study, including consultation, and upon approval from Transit Committee will form the basis for a call for proposals to the consulting industry.

 

This project will be carried out as a Schedule ‘C’ Class EA (self assessment) as set out in the Municipal Engineers Association: “Municipal Class Environmental Assessment” document, which was recently updated to include transit projects.

 

As there is a requirement for Federal permits and property, and with the City pursuing Federal funding, the project must also comply with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). Since this project must satisfy both Provincial and Federal act requirements, a co-ordinated process will be undertaken to avoid unnecessary duplication.

 

The DOTT EA study area will span from Bayview Station through the downtown core, between Wellington Street and Laurier Avenue West, to King Edward Avenue, and will also encompass Lowertown West and the Byward Market areas. It will extend southerly to include Hurdman Station and the Via Rail Station as possible future LRT extensions.  Aside from the main transit route through downtown, this study area considers the role of Bayview and Hurdman Stations as transfer points, interprovincial linkages, and the potential connection to the Via Rail Station.

 

Some tasks will require examination of a broader area beyond these limits in order to address environmental impacts; operational issues; to coordinate with relevant on-going studies and projects; and, to study and identify tie-ins to future network connections.

 

Key considerations for the DOTT EA study include the following:

 

 

STUDY TIMING

 

A multi-disciplinary consultant team, comprised of engineers, planners, architects and other relevant specialists will undertake this study. In accordance with established City practice for the acquisition of services, a two-step process consisting of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) followed by a detailed Request for Proposals (RFP) will be utilized.

 

Upon Committee approval of the SoW, the RFQ will be posted on the MERX website. The RFQ process will take approximately six weeks, including a detailed evaluation of the submissions received. The outcome of the RFQ process will be a short-list of consultant teams who will be invited to submit a formal proposal in response to a detailed RFP. The detailed RFP will be issued to the short-listed teams in January 2008. The RFP process will end approximately eight weeks later with a contract award in late March 2008.

 

It is expected that it will take 24 months after contract award to complete this study. These timelines are consistent with industry practice for projects of this scope and complexity.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The study will examine and evaluate the project’s effects on social, physical and natural environments within the study area.  Appropriate mitigation measures will be developed and post mitigation environmental impacts will also be determined.

 

CITY STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

 

The recommendations contained herein directly support the following Strategic Directions adopted by Council on 11 July 2007:

 

B1        Complete the Transitway by 2015

B3        Attain transit goals (30 per cent modal split) by 2021.

E9        Require walking, transit and cycling oriented communities and employment centres.

F4        Ensure that City infrastructure required for new growth is built or improved as needed to serve the growth.

 

CONSULTATION

 

Consultation will be an integral part of the EA process. This study will involve a large number of stakeholders, including community groups, property owners, businesses, institutions, approval agencies and special interest groups. Early in the study process stakeholders will be identified through various forms of consultation, including liaison with City Councillors, community associations, approval agencies and public notification.

 

The consultation process will include meetings with key stakeholders through the Agency, Business and Public Consultation Groups. It is noted that in accordance with 12 September 2007 direction of Council, the Downtown Coalition is identified as a key stakeholder group and as such will be working members of both technical and public Study Consultation Groups. Consultation with the general public will occur principally through open house meetings, but also through the project web page, e-mail and additional meetings as required.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

Funding for the DOTT EA study is currently available in Order No. 902135 - Rapid Transit EA Studies.

 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

 

Document 1     Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel Environmental Assessment Study – Statement of Work

 

DISPOSITION

 

Following Committee approval of the attached Statement of Work, the consultant selection process will commence.

 

DOWNTOWN OTTAWA TRANSIT TUNNEL ENVIRONMENTAL

ASSESSMENT STUDY – STATEMENT OF WORK                                          DOCUMENT 1

 

 

STATEMENT OF WORK

 

 

1.0 Introduction

 

The City of Ottawa is the proponent of a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) to study the proposed Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel (DOTT) project.

 

This EA will assess the need for a transit tunnel, examine a range of alternatives, and identify both construction and operational impacts of the project on all aspects of the environment.  The EA will bring forward a recommended plan detailing the tunnel alignment, location of stations and surface access points, preferred transit technologies operating within the tunnel, supporting infrastructure and all measures to mitigate environmental impacts.  In addition, detailed costs, implementation timelines and all subsequent approvals required to proceed with the construction of the project will be identified.

 

This Statement of Work (SOW) describes the City’s intentions with respect to the methodology, public consultation and deliverables for the DOTT study. It outlines the tasks to be undertaken to complete an EA, and upon approval from the City’s Transit Committee will form the basis for a Request for Proposals (RFP) to be issued by the City.

 

 

2.0 Background

 

In October 2001, the City began operating an LRT service using diesel-powered Bombardier ‘Talent’ vehicles within the former CPR Ellwood North-South railway corridor. Known as the O-Train, the service runs between Greenboro and Bayview Stations, while also serving Carleton University and the Federal Government office complexes at Confederation Heights and Carling Avenue. This service has proven to be very successful, with current ridership well in excess of original projections.

 

In May 2003, the City adopted a new Official Plan (OP) that set out a growth management strategy emphasizing urban intensification and increased mixed-use development centred about key rapid transit corridors as a means to address travel demand and to discourage single occupancy vehicle use as the preferred mode of peak period travel.  To support this strategy, the City also approved a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) that set a 30% transit modal split goal for the year 2021, with an expanded rapid transit network as a key component to achieving this objective (Figure 1).

 

This network was developed through the City’s Rapid Transit Expansion Study (RTES), which was approved by Council on 26 February 2003.  Building on the success of the O-Train, the RTES identified expansion of light rail transit (LRT) service into the downtown (Rideau Centre) and to Riverside South (Limebank Station) as the City’s top priority project for implementation. This project was identified as the North-South LRT Project.

 

The RTES also reviewed the concept of a downtown transit tunnel and concluded that the proposed on-street LRT combined with operational improvements on the Albert and Slater Street Transitway could provide the required transit capacity, and therefore the tunnel would not be justified within the 2021 planning period.

 

Figure 1

 

 

 

In early 2004, the City initiated the EA for the North-South Light Rail Transit Project. On 15 July 2005, City Council received the study findings and approved the EA recommended plan, which included mixed LRT and BRT operations through the downtown on Albert and Slater Streets. EA approval was received from the Provincial and Federal Governments in May 2006 and July 2006, respectively.

 

On 09 March 2006 City Council authorized staff to proceed with the implementation of the North-South LRT project established through the EA process and within the framework detailed within the RFP for the project. Furthermore, in July 2006, City Council approved the award of the contract for the design, construction and 15-year maintenance of the North-South LRT Project, subject to finalization of Federal and Provincial funding agreements.

 

In October 2006, Treasury Board President John Baird announced that the Federal government would approve its funding contribution to the project subject to the approval of the contract by a new Council after the 13 November 2006 municipal election. Due to the non-fulfillment of certain conditions, the LRT project was terminated in accordance with its terms in December 2006. Concern over the proposed operation of the LRT mixed with buses and general traffic on Albert and Slater Streets in the downtown was one of the reasons contributing to the termination of the LRT project.

 

In response to the situation created by the termination of the North-South LRT, on 11 January 2007, Mayor O’Brien announced the formation of a Task Force on Transportation to re-examine the City’s public-transit needs and priorities. On 06 June 2007, The Task Force made public its recommendations for immediate, short, medium and long-term development of an integrated rapid-transit plan. A downtown transit tunnel was central to this plan, with the recommendation that the City move forward with its construction as a priority.

 

On 27 June 2007 City Council considered the recommendations from the Mayor’s Task Force on Transportation and passed a motion to report back in August on a program to undertake an EA for a downtown tunnel. This issue was considered on 15 August 2007 at a joint meeting of the Transportation and Transit Committee within the context of the on-going TMP update. The discussions resulted in Committee’s direction to staff to proceed with the detailed Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel Environmental Assessment (EA). The Joint Committee’s recommendation to start the EA study was endorsed by Council at its 12 September 2007 meeting.

 

3.0 Planning Context

 

As the City is the proponent for this undertaking, this project is subject to the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (OEAA). As there is a requirement for Federal permits and property, and with the City pursuing Federal funding, the project must also comply with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). Since this project must satisfy both Provincial and Federal act requirements, a co-ordinated process will be undertaken to avoid unnecessary duplication.

 

3.1 Coordination with the City’s Transportation Master Plan Update

 

The City is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of its TMP, with the final results to be presented to City Council in early 2009 for approval. An outcome of this work will be an updated rapid transit network founded on a Council and publicly accepted vision for future transit.

 

As part of the visioning component of the TMP update, several key issues will be examined and decisions made that could directly influence the configuration of the rapid transit corridor through the downtown. These issues include: definition and characteristics of an effective urban transit system; modal split targets; downtown transit capacity; conversion of the Transitway to rail; implementation priorities; and, costs and affordability. The findings of this work will directly influence the final configuration of the updated rapid transit network, most notably in terms of technology choices, and implementation priorities.

 

With a transit vision confirmed (to be completed by January 2008), the TMP update will develop a strategic level downtown rapid transit network, identifying possible combinations of transit services that could be included in a tunnel, those that could remain on the surface, and the proposed timing for their implementation. Founded on the most recent City-wide travel demand data derived from the 2005 Origin-Destination survey, combined with Council approved population and employment projections for the 2031 planning horizon, this work will result in a recommended transit network to be presented to Council for approval in Spring 2008.

 

The initial findings of the TMP update will feed into that of the early stages of DOTT EA study. This assignment will coordinate with, and build upon that work.

 

 

4.0 Major Issues to be Addressed

 

A wide variety of issues will be addressed during the course of this study, some of which are presented below. Although they are discussed independently, most of these issues are closely related to each other, and their interdependence will have a direct bearing on the study findings and EA recommended plan. Some of these issues include:

 

4.1 Downtown Rapid Transit Needs

 

The most significant issue to be examined will be to determine the capacity, mode and future configuration of the downtown rapid transit network and bring forth a plan that meets the ridership requirements and urban renewal goals of the Official Plan. Its impact on both the downtown environment and the overall rapid transit network will be identified.

 

The former Region of Ottawa-Carleton first suggested the eventual need for a grade-separated rapid transit facility through the downtown, such as a tunnel, in the mid 1970s. Regional Council at that time decided to construct the grade-separated bus Transitway outside of the Central Area first, with the grade separation of the downtown section delayed until it became needed. This approach achieved value for money at the outset of the Transitway Program and ensured high ridership on the system that the City still experiences today.

 

Today’s Council has determined that a different plan for the downtown transit corridor is needed. It is generally accepted that there is no more growth potential in the downtown for on-street rapid transit operation, and therefore a grade-separated facility (i.e. tunnel) accommodating most or all rapid transit services is required.

 

Using the most current information and technical data available, this study will identify all existing and possible future transit services that will enter and exit downtown Ottawa, estimating the peak hour passenger volumes associated with each of these transit services. Transit services will include those of OC Transpo and the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO), commuter bus services from outside the OC Transpo service area, and current and planned rapid transit services outlined in the OP/TMP – including potential but currently undefined services such as an interprovincial rapid transit service.

 

This information, when considered against the practical capacity and locational demand for rapid transit on the existing downtown street network and within a tunnel, will be used to identify which transit services should be accommodated in a tunnel. The final recommendation will be an updated downtown rapid transit plan, with the preferred combination of transit services to be included in a tunnel identified.

 

4.2 Technologies

 

The study will also consider appropriate rapid transit technology options (e.g. bus, guided bus, light rail, etc.) that could be used for the downtown rapid transit plan. It will identify which are appropriate for incorporation into a tunnel, as well as which are appropriate for on-street operation only.

 

Implications of the downtown plan technology choice(s) on outlying rapid transit network corridors will also be considered. For example, should this study recommend exclusively rail transit services for the downtown plan, it may require transfer points beyond the downtown which may result in a need to convert a portion of the existing Transitway.

 

The study will consider and identify issues associated with technological constraints and opportunities for a transit tunnel. If one assumes that in the long-term the tunnel must accommodate all downtown rapid transit services (including interprovincial), it will likely have to accommodate a combination of technologies. Some issues related to the choice of technology include:

 

q       Motive power for transit vehicles, including single mode and mixed modes

q       Access and ventilation

q       Station location and platform configuration

q       Tunnel size and depth

q       Underground environment

q       Supporting infrastructure requirements

q       Safety and security

 

4.3 Interprovincial Transit

 

It is critical that any long-term plan for downtown rapid transit considers and incorporates the interprovincial transit services, including those of both OC Transpo and the STO. OC Transpo provides interprovincial transit service to and from Gatineau across the Chaudière and Portage Bridges.

 

The STO provides its interprovincial transit service on Wellington and Rideau Streets in downtown Ottawa, crossing the Ottawa River via the Macdonald-Cartier and Portage Bridges. The STO’s long-term plan is founded on its ‘RapiBus’, which is a bus rapid transit system operating within a dedicated right-of-way connecting Gatineau with the downtown Hull sector and Ottawa. The RapiBus service will supplement existing STO services in downtown Ottawa, with the consequence of increasing the number of STO buses operating on Wellington/Rideau Street over the long term.

 

Working closely with the City of Gatineau and the STO, the DOTT EA study will consider interprovincial transit services, including possible incorporation of STO buses into the tunnel. This possibility will have implications on the recommended downtown rapid transit plan, and on the nature and configuration of the proposed downtown transit tunnel, including: number of bored shafts and their alignments, tunnel entry portal locations, station configurations, ventilation requirements, and others.

 

The City of Ottawa, along with the National Capital Commission, and the STO, are also the proponents of an EA study (to be initiated) to define an integrated rapid transit system to serve the downtown cores of Ottawa and Gatineau. The system would effectively integrate existing and planned transit services while enhancing the strength of the two central areas of the National Capital Region. This study was to have been initiated in Fall 2006, but was put on hold following the termination of the North-South LRT project.

 

On 12 September 2007, Ottawa City Council directed staff to re-start this study in order that planning for transit in central Ottawa incorporate input from the other agencies in a timely fashion and to ensure that Ottawa’s plan, when finalized, is co-ordinated with those of the other agencies. Staff have met with STO to evaluate and confirm the work effort.

4.4 Station Integration

 

A goal of this study is to develop a downtown transit plan that integrates transit services directly with public and private buildings in the central core. The City, through the DOTT EA, will enter into discussions with property owners to explore station integration opportunities into existing and planned future developments. The outcomes of these discussions may have a direct bearing on the ultimate alignment for the tunnel, however this desire must be balanced against the need to locate stations that best serve transit users in the downtown. The feasibility of the recommended alignment and identification of stations along the tunnel route must also consider technical details, property requirements, costs and maintenance issues to ensure success during the implementation stage.

 

Commensurate with the integration into the downtown environment, will be the coordination of efforts to integrate the project with the on-going LeBreton Flats re-development by the NCC and any other public or private sector development initiatives within the study area.

 

The DOTT EA study will also investigate integration potential with other key sites within the project area including: the Government Conference Centre; the Rideau Centre/Congress Centre; Arts Court; the University of Ottawa campus; and, the Via Rail station.

 

It has been suggested that Bayview and Hurdman Stations be redeveloped to accommodate large passenger transfer needs. This study will look at the appropriateness, opportunities and ramifications of such a proposal.

 

4.5 Downtown Urban Environment

 

The possibility of integrating most or all rapid transit services through the study area into a downtown tunnel will have a significant effect on the surrounding environment for pedestrians, residents, and businesses.

 

Accordingly, to determine a preferred downtown rapid transit plan this study will address a host of issues, including:

 

q       Compliance with downtown urban design goals and strategies

q       Aesthetic considerations

q       Access to adjacent land uses

q       Station locations, function and configurations

q       Effects on adjacent buildings and structures

q       Effects on adjacent businesses and institutions

q       Integration with the pedestrian environment at and below grade, including safety and access considerations

q       Effect on designated cycling routes

q       Potential displacement of vehicular traffic, transit and on-street parking; particularly in the area of the escarpment and Campus Station

q       Impact on all underground utilities and services

q       Impact of CDP initiatives within the study area

q       Air quality and ventilation

q       Noise and vibration

q       Safety and security

 

The study will identify specific design criteria and infrastructure to achieve all environmental health, safety and emergency requirements unique to underground transit operations, including jurisdictional considerations.

 

5.0 Project Scope and Major Tasks of the EA

 

5.1 General

 

Until recently, all municipal transit projects were required to follow the Ontario Individual EA process, which requires the development of a study Terms of Reference (ToR) at the outset and receipt of Ministry approval for the ToR as well as the final EA Report.

 

In September 2007, the Ontario Minister of the Environment approved a new Municipal Class EA chapter specifically for municipal transit projects. Therefore, this study will be undertaken as a Schedule ‘C’ project under the new approved process.

 

Federal EA requirements must also be addressed due to the need for Federal permits, the possible requirement for Federal property, and with the City pursuing Federal funding. It is recognized that permits will not be obtained at the EA stage of the project, as detailed information is required which is beyond the scope of this assignment. However, the Study Consultant will ensure that all relevant environmental inventories and analysis undertaken for this assignment will be of sufficient scope to satisfy both Federal and Provincial EA requirements.

 

The City, in conjunction with the study Consultant, will meet early at the study outset with Federal and Provincial authorities responsible for EA reviews to obtain their input on what EA requirements must be met specific to this study and to ensure successful coordination between the two EA processes.

 

In addition, the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will be contacted to review any First Nations presence within the Study area, and direct consultation with affected First Nations will be carried out as appropriate.

 

5.2 Study Design

 

As a first task, a Study Design will be prepared as a tool to inform the public of the nature and scope of the Study. The Study Design will be based on the Consultant’s work plan as outlined in their RFP submission, supplemented by additional details related to the Study consultation program. The Study Design will:

 

q       Describe the purpose of the proposed undertaking

q       Confirm the study area

q       Identify the approach, methodology and tasks to complete the EA assignment

q       Identify the various disciplines required to undertake and ensure a thorough approach

q       Specify the allocation of resources (including personnel) assigned to each major task

q       Set out the study consultation program

q       Define the membership, roles and responsibilities of consultation groups and identifies all project stakeholders

q       Identify the project organization

 

The Study Design will be made available at all Public Open houses and on the City’s project web site.

 

5.3 Co-ordination with Concurrent Studies

 

Outside of the afore-mentioned TMP update, there are a number of other studies that are being proposed, underway or completed within the study area that must be considered during the EA process.  Others studies that are wider in geographic scope will also be referenced.  Co-ordination of these efforts is essential to ensure that Council policies, directives and staff recommendations are dealt with appropriately and that the goals and objectives of the various related studies are recognized.  Studies affected by the scope of this project include, but are not limited to:

 

q       Downtown Escarpment Study

q       Wellington Street West Community Design Plan

q       Nicholas-Mann Gateway Precinct Design Plan

q       Carling-Bayview Community Design Plan

q       LeBreton Flats Redevelopment Plan

q       Rideau Street Urban Renewal Project

 

5.4 Background Material

 

Relevant background material will be collected and reviewed. This material will include, but not be limited to the following:

 

q       City of Ottawa Official Plan (OP)

q       Transportation Master Plan (TMP)

q       Rapid Transit Expansion Study (RTES) – June 2003

q       Ottawa Rapid Transit Expansion Program (ORTEP) Implementation Strategy – July 2003

q       North-South Corridor Light rail Transit Project Ridership Study – IBI, March 2006

q       North-South Corridor LRT Project (Rideau Centre to Barrhaven Town Centre) EA Reports (MOE and CEAA)

q       North-South Corridor LRT Project EA Addendum – University of Ottawa

q       RMOC Light Rail Pilot Project Environmental Assessment – Dillon Consulting, August 1999

q       RMOC Central Area Transitway Grade-Separated Feasibility Study – Delcan, 1988

q       Central Area Transitway Evaluation Study of Surface Options – IBI, September 1989

q       RMOC West Transitway – LeBreton Flats Functional Plan Phase 1 – Design Parameters and Right-of-Way Identification –McCormick Rankin Corp, October 1999.

q       NCC Sparks Street Vocation Study

q       Property ownership, easements and rights-of-way information

q       Bayview/Somerset Area Secondary Planning Study

q        Downtown Ottawa Urban Design Strategy

q       Current and past development applications and associated studies (e.g. traffic and noise)

q       Water, wastewater and storm water management studies.

q       Regional Road Corridor Design Guidelines

q       Reports associated with the City’s Low and High Pressure Transmission Water Main Replacement project

 

All relevant background material referenced during the Study will be listed in a bibliography to be included in the final Environmental Study report.  Base mapping (property, topographical, utility and geological) will also be compiled early in the study process using the most recent 1:500 scale base mapping for the study area.

 

5.5 Study Area

 

The DOTT EA study area (Figure 2) will generally include the area from Bayview Station through the downtown core between Wellington Street and Laurier Avenue West extending easterly to King Edward Avenue. It will also encompass Lowertown West and the Byward Market to consider interprovincial connections, and the Ottawa University Campus area. The area will extend southerly to include Hurdman Station and the Via Rail Station as possible future LRT extensions.  Aside from the main transit route through downtown, the study area highlights consideration of the role of Bayview and Hurdman Stations as transfer points, the interprovincial linkage, and the connection to the Via Rail Station.

 

Some tasks will require examination of a broader area beyond these limits in order to address environmental impacts; operational issues; to coordinate with relevant on-going studies and projects; to study and identify tie-ins to future network connections.

 

Figure 2

 

 

 

5.6 Identify a List of Stakeholders

 

This study will involve a large number of stakeholders, including community groups, property owners, businesses, institutions, government agencies and special interest groups. Early in the study process stakeholders will be identified. This will be accomplished through various forms of consultation, including liaison with City Councillors, property owners, community and business associations, government agencies and public notification. A detailed consultation program is outlined in Section 8.0.

 

5.7 Confirm the Need and Justification for the Project

 

This EA study will assess the need to expand and improve current and future transit services into and within the downtown area as defined by the study area.  The key components of this stage include:

 

q       Identify and assess all future travel demand including transit ridership

q       Identify current and projected transportation problems and opportunities within the study area

q       Identify the quality and capacity of transit service that is required to achieve transit ridership and transit modal split targets

q       Address downtown urban design objectives and initiatives that achieve a pedestrian friendly environment that is responsive to the needs of the community and direction of Council.

q       Identify the infrastructure required to provide the transit service to achieve these goals

 

This analysis will be used to identify all reasonable alternatives to the undertaking.

 

Travel demand modelling for Canada’s Capital Region was developed and is maintained by the Joint Technical Committee on transportation systems planning in the National Capital Region (TRANS).  The model software used is Emme, based on the traditional four stage urban travel demand model consisting of trip generation, distribution, mode split and trip assignment.  The model has been updated using the 2005 Origin-Destination Survey.

 

The EA Study consultants must clearly demonstrate capability and experience using the TRANS Emme Model. Some transit ridership and operational data is also available from the City to feed into and support the needs analysis and ridership component of this study.

 

5.8 Ridership

 

Future ridership data for the DOTT project must be developed as part of this EA.  The ridership study will develop peak hour and all day ridership projections for the years 2016, 2021 and 2031.  It is expected that this data will feed directly into the EA analysis.  This component of the study will provide projections for the following:

 

q       Potential Staging Scenarios

q       Effect of the tunnel alignment choice through the downtown area

q       Continued use of the existing transit fleet within a portion of the corridor/inclusion of a transfer on service levels

q       Improved interprovincial transit integration in the downtown core area

 

The analysis and refinement of ridership projections will be used as input to the selection of the preferred solution.

 

5.9 Environmental Inventory/Existing Conditions

 

An inventory of the existing social, economic, physical and natural environments within the study area will be compiled. The inventory will consider all available background material and where necessary, supplement this information through on-site surveys and/or detailed studies. The inventory must be of sufficient detail to enable the analysis of all alternatives considered in this study.

 

In general, the inventory will identify and describe those aspects of the environment that could potentially affect, or be affected by, the undertaking. Some of the specific aspects of the environment associated with this project include:

 

q       Effects on urban street environments

q       Access to adjacent buildings, land uses and transportation facilities

q       Effects on the Carling-Bayview CDP, Escarpment CDP, DOUDS and other community plans that are approved by the city or in the process of being developed

q       Effects on green spaces and natural areas

q       Effects on the Rideau Canal System and Rideau River

q       Effects on the tailrace and Fleet Street Pumping Station.

q       Effects of noise and vibration on the adjacent businesses and communities

q       Utilities including water, storm and sanitary drainage, hydro, gas, bell, cable, etc.

q       Subsurface (geotechnical) conditions

q       Heritage and archaeological conditions

 

The inventory must be completed for the entire study area so that as alternatives are developed and analyzed, the cumulative effects can be examined. The complete inventory will be clearly described and documented within the Environmental Inventory/Existing Conditions Interim report and the ESR.

 

5.10 Develop Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Process

 

A comprehensive evaluation criteria and methodology to evaluate the various alternative solutions and alternative designs will be developed.  The inventory of existing conditions will define the scope of impacts on the environment that will need to be examined.  Factors that are consistent with the goals and objectives of this study will be identified to conduct the evaluation of alternatives.  The criteria will include but not limited to:

 

q       Transportation – to assess how alternatives could satisfy TMP mobility and modal split objectives by estimating ridership potential, travel time savings, transportation network connectivity (including interprovincial transit), traffic and congestion reduction, and efficiency of transit operations

q       Environmental – to assess the potential effects of alternatives on the natural and physical environment

q       Land Use – Conformity with OP policy direction and local community design plan initiatives, using measures such as service to key employment areas and attractions in the core

q       Social – to assess the potential effects of surrounding neighbourhoods, communities and facilities, by estimating factors such as potential for GHG reduction, potential for health impacts, noise and vibration impacts (during and post construction), and potential land and property requirements

q       Economic – Potential for rapid transit to act as a catalyst for economic development and redevelopment in the study area

q       Financial – to assess cost-effectiveness by estimating factors such as operating cost per passenger kilometre, total capital cost, total capital cost per new rider, operating cost, fiscal capacity, benefit cost analyses

q       Implementation – Ease of implementation, including constructability consideration, property right-of-way acquisition issues, and other constraints and issues that could delay implementation

 

5.11 Identify and Evaluate Alternatives Solutions

 

Developing and examining a full range of options complies with the EA Act requirement that all reasonable alternatives to the undertaking be assessed. A range of different alternative solutions will be identified with input from the Study Team, stakeholders, Study Consultation Groups and public. Possible alternative solutions to the undertaking include:

 

o       Do nothing

o       Expand rapid transit services within the downtown on the surface streets

o       Expand rapid transit service within the downtown on elevated alternatives

o       Expand rapid transit service within the downtown through tunnel alternatives

o       Expand rapid transit services within the downtown with combinations of the above-noted alternatives

 

The alternative solutions will be evaluated based on the previously discussed criteria. The preferred solution identified through the results of this analysis will be presented to the study stakeholders, Consultation Groups, government agencies and public for review and comment at the first Public Open House (POH).

 

5.12 Identify Technology Alternatives

 

A range of technology options will be considered. These shall include:

 

q       Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

q       Light Rail Rapid Transit (LRT)

q       Continued use/expansion of existing DMU fleet

q       Staged implementation/conversion to electric LRT

 

During the determination of the technology options, all physical and operating vehicle characteristics will be identified, including diesel, electric, dual-mode diesel/electric, hybrid and other propulsion technologies. This data will be incorporated into the evaluation process as appropriate and used in developing alternative designs.

 

The final technology recommendation may consist of one or more technology choices, appropriately integrated to best meet the strategic project objectives.

 

5.13 Develop Alternative Designs

 

Assuming a tunnel is identified as a component of the preferred solution to the undertaking, various tunnel design alternatives will be identified and evaluated. Detailed LRT and BRT rapid transit alignment and cross-section design alternatives, including station locations and layouts will be identified based on a consideration of any constraints within the study area, input from the Study Team, key stakeholders, Consultation Groups, the public and government agencies, and accepted rapid transit guidelines, standards, and practices.


 

The various alternative designs must consider:

 

q       Tunnel Alignment

q       Portal locations

q       At-grade and below-grade station locations and layouts

q       Station integration opportunities

q       Rideau Canal crossing

q       Rideau River crossing

q       Geotechnical considerations

q       Grade separations and structural general arrangements

q       Power and electrical supply

q       Utility location and relocations

q       Ventilation and lighting

q       Stormwater management

q       Safety and security

q       Landscaping and Urban Design Features

q       Operation considerations

q       Constructability and staging

 

Additional field investigations, surveys, test pits and boreholes as necessary to document the scope and potential impact of the design alternatives will be undertaken as needed. Alignment alternatives will consider horizontal plan and vertical profiles.

 

5.14 Detailed Evaluation Criteria

 

The study must clearly identify the initial impacts of each alternative design as well as the net post-mitigation impact using quantifiable indicators and measures wherever possible. To ensure that all impacts are appropriately evaluated, the following topics will be covered in detailed environmental impact studies:

 

q       Transportation Service and Existing Infrastructure:

o       Impact on transit network

o       Impact on transit travel times and variability

o       Impact on transit ridership

o       Impact on pedestrian and cycling environment

o       Impact on pedestrian circulation, comfort, security and accessibility

o       Impact on the cycling network

o       Impact on road network

o       Impact on vehicular and truck traffic, including parking

o       Impact on adjacent land uses, including access and loading activities

o       Impact on utilities

 

q       Natural Environment:

o       Impact on green space and urban natural environment

o       Impact on groundwater and surface storm water drainage

o       Impact on local and global air quality

o       Impact on greenhouse gas emissions

o       Impact of contaminated lands

 

q       Social Environment:

o       Urban design and City’s planning objectives including landscape, streetscape plans and station design proposed by the City and other public agencies

o       Health care cost impact of air quality

o       Heritage, archaeological

o       Impact on First Nation traditional use of lands

o       Impact on noise and vibration levels

o       Safety and security

o       Heritage and archaeological matters

 

q       Economic Environment:

o       Impact on local businesses

o       Impact on transit revenues and operating costs

o       Impact of the capture of potential value uplift on private and public land holdings

o       Impact on property taxes, development charges and other municipal financing functions

 

q       Physical Environment

o       Impact of buildings and structures

o       Impact on utilities and associated relocations

o       Street oriented and on-street parking supply

o       Historical/decommissioned municipal and private works

o       Geotechnical and foundation matters

 

The output of these environmental studies will be used to further refine the previously established evaluation criteria for the purposes of determining a preferred alternative design.

 

5.15 Recommended Plan

 

Following the evaluation of the alternative designs using the above-noted detailed evaluation criteria, and after determining all necessary mitigation measures to minimize any adverse impacts of the project, the study team, with input from key stakeholders, the Consultation Groups, landowners and review agencies, will select and document a preferred alternative design, which will be presented at a final Open House.

 

Upon receipt and incorporation of public feedback, the preferred alternative design will then be developed to a sufficient level of detail as required to produce a functional design plan that is adequate for submissions for project approvals in principle and to establish a complete scope of work, baseline budget and implementation schedule for the entire project. This Recommended Plan will incorporate the functional design plan and will include but may not necessarily be limited to:

 

q       A written description of the undertaking including the design parameters

q       Functional design drawings (1:500 scale, plan and profile) for the preferred alignment with geo-referenced horizontal alignment; vertical profile; grading; drainage; property envelope; and, typical cross-sections,

q       Tunnel structure general arrangement drawings

q       Station locations, with plan and elevations

q       Grade separations/bridges structure general arrangement plans

q       Vehicle technology(ies)

q       Implementation (staging) plan

q       Property needs/acquisition plan

q       Environmental impact mitigation plans, with a commitment to compliance monitoring during project implementation

q       Landscape and urban design plan

q       Signal and communication infrastructure requirements

q       Electrical power supply infrastructure requirements

q       Project baseline budget in approved WBS format

q       Infrastructure implementation/staging plan (ie. municipal serving, utility coordination, rehabilitation of roads, etc.)

 

The Recommended Plan will clearly identify and set out the requirements and timing for all subsequent approvals required to proceed with construction of the project.

 

Common design elements and details developed during the preparation of the functional design plan shall be prepared as Standard Detail Drawings and/or identified as Design Criteria for inclusion into a City of Ottawa Tunnel Project construction contract.

 

6.0 Project Deliverables

 

6.1 Timing

 

This study will be completed no later that 24 months after award of the contract. All efforts will be made to complete this study as quickly as possible.

 

6.2 Deliverables

 

The deliverables for the study include:

 

q       Study Design

q       Draft and Final Ontario Environmental Study Report

q       Environmental Inventory/Existing Conditions Report

q       Recommended Plan

q       Federal EA Project Description Report

q       Project Business Case Report

q       Project capital and operating cost estimate in WBS format

q       Project Need and Technology Assessment Reports

q       Noise, Vibration and Air Quality Report

q       Geotechnical Report

q       Consultation Summary Report

q       Written and graphical content for all public notices related to the study

q       Public Open House and Consultation Group presentation display and information materials, handouts, signage, etc.

q       Project Web Page data

q       Project Update Newsletter – minimum of 3

q       Functional design drawings (1:500 scale) of the recommended plan, including plans and profiles for recommended alignments, station layouts and elevation drawings, structure general arrangement drawings, utility relocation details, storm water management plans, landscape design plans, supporting infrastructure and property requirement plans

q       Project Implementation/Staging Plan, which shall identify all future approval requirements including those for property acquisitions and easements and other property related matters

q       Project Costing Report, including baseline budget in WBS format

 

The recommended plan, with mitigation plans, will be circulated to the Consultation Groups and any other approval agencies for comment, and later presented to Transit Committee for Approval.

 

6.3 Environmental Study Report

 

Draft and Final Environmental Study Reports (ESRs) will be prepared to document the entire study process including the study findings, the recommended plan, appropriate mitigation plans and future project commitments.

 

The Final ESR, incorporating all pertinent comments, will be prepared and placed on public record for the formal 30-day Review Period as outlined in the Class EA requirements.

 

6.4 Federal Project Description Report

 

Federal permits will be required before project implementation can proceed. Obtaining these permits is outside the scope of this assignment, as detailed design information is required.

 

In order to expedite the future permit approval process, the City and EA study consultant will initiate discussions with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) to identify the relevant Federal Responsible Authorities (RAs) and all Federal EA requirements and to initiate the Federal EA process.  This will ensure that all relevant existing environmental inventory data collected and impact assessments carried out during this assignment are scoped sufficiently to address Federal EA screening requirements.

 

The consultant will prepare the Federal Project Description Report containing a written description and functional designs for the DOTT project in accordance with the requirements of the Federal RAs. This report will include enough information on potential impacts, mitigation measures and conceptual compensation strategies to allow the Federal agencies to conclude on the significance of environmental effects at this early planning stage.

 

6.5 Project Business Case Report

 

The Consultant will prepare a detailed Project Business Case report to support Federal and Provincial funding applications in compliance with all funding agency requirements. The report will incorporate detailed DOTT EA study findings such as ridership projections, capital costs, incremental operating and maintenance costs, impact on travel time for transit and auto users in the corridor, environmental costs related to vehicle emissions, and others as input to a socio-economic benefit-cost analysis evaluation using specialized software, such as ‘TransDEC’ or approved equivalent, as mandated by the funding agencies. The Business Case Report should take into account the benefits to transit system users all across the network

 

7.0 Costing

 

The Downtown Ottawa Tunnel Transit EA is the most critical component in the ultimate expansion of the City’s rapid transit network, and will set the stage for all future rapid transit expansion projects that follow. Developing an accurate project baseline budget is an essential component of this study, as it will contribute to the City’s short and long range capital budget forecasting and priority setting, and shall form the basis for project funding applications to senior governmental levels.

 

The baseline budget will be structured in approved WBS format in accordance with the City’s standard Program Management System. The WBS will include detailed scope statements for all major project elements, which will be identified on a WBS diagram, and will identify all items and their costs required to complete the undertaking, including incremental operating and maintenance costs. The baseline budget will include contingency allowances and escalation costs and identify cash flow projections based upon estimated project implementation timelines.

 

Project costing shall be a fundamental criterion in the evaluation of alternatives and will be key in the analysis of staging considerations and to establish implementation strategies and potential partnerships.

 

The study consultant will have a proven track record in the development of quality cost estimates in past rapid transit projects (notably tunnel projects) and will demonstrate a thorough understanding of risk and contingency assessment as it relates to project costing and long range capital budgeting.

 

8.0 Consultation

 

Consultation with stakeholders, public agencies, private groups, City Advisory Committees and individuals is an integral component of this study, and will be carried out as set out in this DOTT Statement of Work. The consultation program will primarily consist of meetings with stakeholders, individually and through Consultation Groups, and meetings with the general public through Public Open Houses. Consultation Groups will meet with the Study Team at key stages to review and comment on specific issues, the study progress and findings. The three Consultation Groups are:

 

q       Public Consultation Group (PCG)

q       Business Consultation Group (BCG)

q       Agency Consultation Group (ACG)

 

The membership, roles and responsibilities of each Consultation Group will be identified in the Study Design. The City will be responsible for creating and maintaining the lists of the different Consultation Groups. City staff will handle general inquiries from any of the Consultation Groups, the general public and the media, with technical assistance from the consultant where appropriate. The City’s Project Director will chair all Consultation Group meetings.

 

It is noted that in accordance with 12 September 2007 direction of Council, the Downtown Coalition is identified as a key stakeholder group and as such will be working members of both technical and public Study Consultation Groups.

 

Specific aspects of the consultation program are detailed as follows.

 

8.1 Notifications

 

City Staff will co-ordinate all public notifications and the consultant will provide the appropriate text, mapping and graphics for each notification.  The public will be notified of: the Study commencement; all Public Open Houses (POHs); and the submission of the EAR for Ministry approval. Notifications will be sent out at appropriate stages in the Study, and each announcement will take the following forms:

 

q       Advertisements in daily newspapers (The Ottawa Citizen, The Ottawa Sun, Le Droit)

q       Advertisements in community papers where appropriate

q       The project web site on the City’s web portal

 

8.2 Public Consultation Group

 

A Public Consultation Group (PCG) will be formed to enable community/special interest groups and adjacent property owners to provide direct input to the study, advising and commenting on local issues and concerns. As a minimum, PCG members will include representation from each of the following groups:

 

q       City of Ottawa:

o       Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee

o       Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee

o       Accessibility Advisory Committee

o       Environmental Advisory Committee

o       Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee

o       Arts, Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee

q       Downtown Ottawa Coalition

q       City Centre Coalition

q       Centretown Citizen’s Association

q       Heritage Ottawa

q       University of Ottawa

q       University of Ottawa Student’s Association

q       Action Sandy Hill

q       Dalhousie Community Association

q       Hintonburg Community Association

 

The PCG will meet at key stages in the study consultation program. Other meetings with individuals to address certain issues will be organized as required.  Other stakeholder groups will be invited to participate on the PCG as well as they become interested and are identified during the course of the study.

 

8.3 Business Consultation Group

 

There are many business, commercial and institutional interests within or adjacent to the study area that may be affected by this undertaking. Accordingly, a Business Consultation Group (BCG) will be established to enable these groups to provide input to the study, and advise and comment on issues of concern. BCG members will include, but not be limited to:

q       Downtown Ottawa Coalition

q       Building Owners and Managers Association

q       Rideau Street Improvement BIA

q       Rideau Centre

q       Congress Centre

q       National Arts Centre

q       Arts Court

q       Byward Market BIA

q       Sparks Street Mall BIA and Management Board

q       Greater Ottawa Chamber of Commerce

q       Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority

q       University of Ottawa

 

Similar to the PCG schedule, the BCG will meet at key stages in the study.  Direct one-on-one consultation with other businesses may be necessary as specific issues arise during the course of the study.

 

8.4 Agency Consultation Groups

 

Due to the broad range of technical issues, there will be a large number of interested parties. Therefore, two Agency Consultation Groups (ACG), internal and external to the City, will be formed to address the full range of technical issues and to comment on all of the special studies required to fully assess the various alternatives and to ensure that the City is following the correct procedures, legislation and addressing appropriate policies. ACG members will include experts in their related fields from government agencies and approval bodies including, but not limited to:

 

External Agency Consultation Group

 

q       National Capital Commission

o       Environmental Services Division

o       Planning Division

o       Property Services Division

q       Transport Canada

o       Rail Policy Directorate

o       Rail Safety Directorate

o       Rail Operations Division

q       Fisheries and Oceans Canada

q       Infrastructure Canada

q       Parks Canada

q       Environment Canada

q       Health Canada

q       Canadian Transportation Agency

q       Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

q       PWGSC – Investment Management Directorate

q       Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

q       Ontario Ministry of The Environment

q       Ontario Ministry of Transportation

q       Ontario Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal

q       Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

q       Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs

q       Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

q       City of Gatineau

q       Downtown Ottawa Coalition

q       Transport 2000

 

Internal Agency Consultation Group

 

q       City of Ottawa Public Works and Services Department

o       Traffic and Parking Operations

o       Infrastructure Services

o       Surface Operations

q       City of Ottawa Planning, Transit and the Environment Department

o       Planning Branch

o       Economic and Environmental Sustainability

o       Transit Services

q       City of Ottawa Business Transformation Services Department

o       Real Property and Asset Management

o       Fleet Services

q       City of Ottawa Community and Protective Services

o       Fire Services

o       Paramedic Service

o       Parks and Recreation

q       Ottawa Police Department

q       Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO)

 

Similar to the PCG and BCG schedule, the ACGs will meet at key stages throughout the study.  Direct one-on-one consultation with other Agency groups may be necessary as specific issues arise during the course of the study. Presentations to other groups such as the NCC’s Advisory Committee on Planning, Design and Realty (ACPDAR) and the Parliamentary Precinct Security Group will be required and will occur at key points during the study.

 

8.5 Public Open Houses

 

Consultation with the general public will occur at Public Open House (POH) meetings occurring at three key points during the course of the study. The POHs will be held at City Hall to present and obtain feedback on: existing conditions and alternative solutions; the preferred solution and alternative design concepts, and, the recommended plan. The POHs will incorporate a formal presentation, followed by a question/answer period.

 

Bilingual representatives from the study team must be available and all material presented at the POH meetings, including the “Project Update Newsletter” will be in both official languages.

 

8.6 Project Web Page

 

The City will establish a Project Information Web Page for this EA Study on the City’s external web portal. The purpose of the Web Page will be to inform the public of the progress and interim findings of the study and upcoming meetings or activities, and to provide a point of access for public consultation and feedback.

 

The project Consultant will also establish and maintain a project web page incorporating a secure ftp site to make project related materials available to the general public. The ftp site shall be password protected and the Consultant shall ensure that all information contained therein is virus free. The Consultant’s web page will be updated frequently, incorporating and presenting key study findings on a timely basis. A link to the Consultant’s web site shall be provided on the City’s web page.

 

8.7 Frequently Asked Questions Document

 

To assist in providing information to the public, the Consultant will prepare a “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) document that provides answers to common questions raised during the course of the study. The initial FAQ document will be established early in the study, and will be updated as needed throughout the study process.

 

9.0 Project Administration

 

9.1 Project Management and Study Team

 

The City’s designated project manager will provide direction and day-to-day administration and management for the EA study.  Project Management meetings with the Consultant Project Manager/Director will be held on an as required basis.

 

A Study Team comprised of the City and the Consultant Project Managers and key City and Consultant staff will be established as the outset of the study.  Regular Study Team meetings will be held to provide direction on issues and to monitor the progress of the work.  The Consultant will be responsible for preparing and distributing the Study Team meeting agenda and notes.  Sub-consultants will attend the meetings if required.

 

9.2 Project Management Meetings

 

City staff will provide direction and day-to-day management for the EA study. Regular project management meetings between City staff and the consultant will be held over the course of the Study to discuss specific issues and the progress of the work. The consultant will be responsible for preparing and distributing the meeting agendas and notes. Sub-consultants will attend PM meetings if required.

 

9.3 Project Master Mailing List

 

A Master Mailing List for the project will be established at the study outset and updated throughout the course of the DOTT project.  The Mailing List will be updated via Public Open Houses, general enquires, e-mails and other forms of consultation.