Report to/Rapport au:

Planning and Development Committee/

Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’aménagement

and Council/et au Conseil

11 April 2002/le 11 avril 2002

Submitted by/Soumis par: Ned Lathrop, General Manager/Directeur général

Development Services Department / Services d’aménagement

Contact/Personne-ressource: Grant Lindsay, Manager, Development Approvals/

Gestionnaire, Approbation des demandes d’aménagement

580-2424 ext. 13242, grant.Lindsay@city.ottawa.on.ca

Ref N°: ACS2002-DEV-APR-0044

SUBJECT: PRESTON STREETSCAPING PROJECT – PROJECT INITIATION

OBJET: PROJET D’AMÉNAGEMENT ESTHÉTIQUE DE LA RUE PRESTON – LANCEMENT DU PROJET

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

That the Planning and Development Committee receive this report for information.

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’aménagement prenne connaissance du présent rapport à titre d’information.

BACKGROUND

The Development Services Department has initiated the process to hire a consultant to prepare a streetscape plan for the Preston Street Business Improvement Area (BIA). A number of initiatives have been undertaken in the past leading to the decision to initiate the Preston Streetscaping Project. In 1994 the Preston-Champagne Plan of Development was approved by the former Ottawa City Council which provided an overall development framework for the future development of an already mature neighbourhood. In the Plan of Development, Preston Street, also known as Ottawa’s Little Italy or Corso d’Italia, was identified as the “heart and soul” of the neighborhood. The Preston Street BIA has also initiated and participated in various events to attract visitors and customers to the area including La Vendemmia Grape Harvest and Italian Week. Construction of a portal arch, spearheaded by the Preston Street BIA, will soon be completed. It is to be located near the intersection of Carling Avenue and Preston Street providing a gateway into Ottawa’s Little Italy. A pilot project jointly funded by the former Region of Ottawa-Carleton and one of the restaurant owners has resulted in the expansion of an adjacent sidewalk area to create a patio area.

The purpose of the Preston Streetscaping Project is to prepare a comprehensive streetscape plan for the Preston Street BIA which extends about 17 blocks from Carling Avenue to just south of Wellington Street (see Location Plan). Some of the ideas to be considered during the Project include: restaurant patios, street furniture, entrance features, location of local landmarks, and other complementary streetscape improvements (see Terms of Reference). Anticipated to be completed in about nine months, the Project will consist of three phases: i) Information Gathering and Analysis, ii) Design and iii) Preparation of Final Streetscape Plan. The resulting plan will be of sufficient detail that it can serve as the basis for the development of detailed working drawings. It should be noted that preparation of these detailed drawings and subsequent implementation of the recommendations will be subject to further City Council approval and funding.

A Request for Proposals has been initiated to select a consultant to undertake the streetscape planning. It is anticipated that a decision as to the successful consultant will be made within the next month.

CONSULTATION

The Preston Street BIA and various technical staff have been circulated the draft Terms of Reference for comment. All of these have been reviewed, considered and incorporated where necessary. Further consultation will be undertaken in the context of the streetscape planning; a Project Team, Technical Advisory Committee and a Public Advisory Committee will all provide valuable input and feedback into the development of a streetscape plan for Preston Street. Public meetings, meetings with the Preston Street BIA and other groups/individuals will be held throughout this process.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Funds are available in the 2002 Capital Budget, internal order 901112, Area Planning and Design – Central/West (reference page 237).

ATTACHMENTS

Document 1 Location Plan

Document 2 Terms of Reference

DISPOSITION

N/A

Location Plan Document 1

TERMS OF REFERENCE Document 2

Preston Streetscaping Project

1.0 CONTEXT

There have been a number of initiatives that have led to the decision to initiate the Preston Streetscaping Project. In 1994 the Preston-Champagne Plan of Development was approved by the former Ottawa City Council which provided an overall development framework for future development of an older established community. Preston Street, Ottawa’s Little Italy (aka Corso Italia) was identified in the Plan of Development as the “heart and soul” for the neighborhood and illustrations of potential streetscape improvements were prepared. The Preston Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) has also initiated and participated in various events to attract visitors and customers to the area, including the staging of La Vendemmia Grape Harvest in September, and support of Italian Week. In 1999 the Preston Street BIA launched Project: Patios in an effort to animate the street, which was based on the streetscape improvements carried out in Kingston, Ontario. The following year, a pilot project funded jointly by the former Region of Ottawa-Carleton and the restaurant owner of 434½ Preston Street resulted in the expansion of a sidewalk area adjacent to the restaurant property into the street to create a patio area. A portal arch, soon to be completed, is to be located near the intersection of Carling Avenue and Preston Street and will provide a gateway into Little Italy from the Dow’s Lake area, a tourist draw throughout the year. The fact that it is also home to many well-known restaurants, bakeries and other businesses is another attractive feature of the area. In summary, this streetscape planning project will incorporate the City’s and BIA’s previous efforts and will provide a plan that will build upon the established character of Preston Street and make the street a more attractive area for businesses, residents, pedestrians, customers and visitors from Ottawa and beyond.

2.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of the Project is to prepare an overall streetscape plan for the Preston Street BIA for Preston Street between Carling Avenue to Elm Street (see attachment). Ideas to be considered in the streetscape plan include: restaurant patios, street furniture, entrance features, areas where local landmarks are to be established, along with other complementary streetscape improvements that will support the development of Preston Street as a people-oriented place, as well as an attractive place for business. The streetscape plan will provide a range of improvements that could be phased-in over time.

3.0 OBJECTIVES

3.1 To prepare a streetscape plan for publicly and privately funded improvements (e.g. sidewalk/boulevard widenings, street furnishings – lights, benches, soft landscaping – trees, entrance features, façade improvements) that will make Preston Street a more attractive “main street” environment while accommodating places for social interaction, gatherings and special events;

3.2 To prepare a streetscape plan, which implements the Preston-Champagne Secondary Policy Plan (OPA 9) and the relevant policies of the Official Plan of the former City of Ottawa, that complement the continuous, pedestrian-oriented mixed-use character of Preston Street;

3.3 To develop a streetscape plan that is in keeping with the City’s policies, by-laws and other regulations affecting both public and private lands (such as, but not limited to utility and drainage, pedestrians, cycling, barrier-free accessibility, smoking, transit, and maintenance requirements);

3.4 To prepare a streetscape plan that is in keeping with the City of Ottawa and BIA goals, priorities and budget;

3.5 To review existing studies/reports of traffic and parking in the neighbourhood and to develop a streetscaping plan that recognizes the current on-street parking issues and existing traffic patterns and conditions as much as possible;

3.6 To review/discuss use of public lands for private enterprise and the balance that must be established when considering new patio areas on Preston Street;

3.7 To ensure that the streetscape plan is in keeping with the character of the adjacent neighbourhood and considers the wishes of the local residential and business community;

3.8 To identify relevant by-laws affecting patios and, if required, recommend any changes that would facilitate establishment of these areas on Preston Street in the future; and

3.9 To develop a plan that will serve as the basis for the preparation of working drawings and tender documents.

4.0 STUDY AREA

The study area follows the boundaries of the Preston Street BIA. This area is generally bounded by the Carling Avenue to the south, Elm Street to the north, as well as properties to the east and west of Preston Street.

5.0 STUDY TASKS

5.1 Information Gathering and Analysis

5.1.1 Review relevant former City of Ottawa Official Plan policies, zoning, existing planning studies, parking studies, traffic studies, status of works planned for the Preston Street area and potential impact on Preston Street (e.g. road resurfacing, watermain replacement, Bell, gas, hydro, Somerset interceptor tunnel, rehabilitation of utilities on side streets) and utility guidelines and standards; and other relevant material;

5.1.2 Identification of existing transportation network (vehicular network, sidewalk network, public transit system), and parking situation (current inventory and plans for municipal parking);

5.1.3 Update base plans, if required, to show on-street elements and underground utilities to serve as base for the streetscape plan;

5.1.4 Identify urban design opportunities and constraints on Preston Street and surrounding area;

5.1.5 Evaluate and prepare assessment of “patio pilot project” at 434½ Preston Street (e.g. impact on patio customers, pedestrians, traffic, on-street parking, road/sidewalk maintenance, effect on Preston Street businesses and lessons learned);

5.1.6 Establish streetscape goals and priorities with the Preston Street BIA, City staff and other relevant stakeholders, possibly in a facilitated session(s);

5.1.7 Review and assess past funding formulas for streetscape improvements used by the former municipalities in Ottawa and other cities for streetscape improvements and propose a formula for Preston Street; and,

5.1.8 Provide input into a joint agreement outlining the City’s and Preston Street BIA’s respective roles and responsibilities with respect to maintenance of the recommended streetscape improvements.

Deliverables: 1. Report – summarizing findings and analysis

2. Plan(s) illustrating urban design opportunities and constraints

5.2 Design phase

5.2.1 Prepare potential streetscape improvements (via sketches, samples, plans) and review these with the Project Team and Preston Street BIA to obtain their support prior to preparation of streetscape drawings;

5.2.2 Prepare presentation-size plan in both “plan” view and “perspective” illustrating a streetscape plan that addresses the City’s and Preston Street BIA’s priorities;

5.2.3 Identify infrastructure modifications required as a result of the proposed streetscape plan such as catch basins to be moved;

5.2.4 Prepare Class D cost estimates of proposed works;

5.2.5 Identify opportunities to take advantage of existing programs to complement the proposed plans (e.g. tree planting); and

5.2.6 Outline phasing options for streetscape implementation.

Deliverables: 1. Sketches, samples and plans outlining possible streetscape improvements

2. Draft streetscape plan including perspective drawings

3. Report describing the recommended streetscape plan with associated rationale together with Class D estimate

5.3 Preparation of final streetscape plan

5.3.1 Finalize streetscape plan, drawings and report as a result of technical/public circulation/review;

5.3.2 Prepare presentation drawings (in colour) mounted on boards as well as reductions of drawings suitable for inclusion in staff submission to Planning and Development Committee and Council; and

5.3.3 Attend Committee meeting recommending approval of streetscape plans.

Deliverables: 1. Final presentation size streetscape plan and drawings and reductions

2. Final revised report (Word)

3. Drawings (Micro Station – Version J) and report (Word) on CD

6.0 PROJECT ADMINISTRATION

6.1 The Project Team will consist of those people most closely involved with the Preston Streetscape project including the Project Manager, Consultant, BIA representative, Program Manager of Area Planning and Design (Central-West), Construction engineer, Business Development Branch staff and on-street/off-street parking staff representative.

A second group, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), consisting of technical staff and agencies, will be responsible for providing input and comments from their specific area of expertise.

A Public Advisory Committee (PAC), consisting of the Project Team, the Ward Councillor, a representative of the Dalhousie Community Association, a representative of Neighbourhood Alert, at least one member of the Preston Street business community and other individuals identified with having an interest in the Project, will assist in providing feedback during the development of and circulation of the streetscape plans as well as help to disseminate information to the local community.

6.2 Draft plans/ reports will be reviewed by the Project Manager/Project Team prior to circulation/presentation to the Preston Street BIA, TAC, PAC, public and others.

6.3 Any revisions to reports and plans will be directed by the Project Manager.

6.4 The Project Manager will be responsible for arranging meetings, preparing agendas and for writing the final staff submission dealing with approval of the proposed physical improvements.

6.5 The Project Manager will chair all meetings and will facilitate the meetings to ensure that all issues are identified and addressed accordingly. A consensus-building approach will be used in order to develop a streetscaping plan that will satisfy all interested parties.

6.6 The Project Manager will be responsible for budget administration.

6.7 The executive summary of the reports and all text on all the streetscape plans shall be provided in bilingual format.

6.8 Forty (40) copies of the required reports and plans will be provided as part of the contract.

7.0 CONSULTATION

It is expected that public consultation will be undertaken during the three phases of the Project to ensure that all issues and concerns have been identified and are addressed during the development of the streetscape plans and preparation of the reports.

Information Gathering and Analysis Phase

There will be at least one facilitated “brain storming/ideas” session that will be held with the Preston Street BIA and other interested individuals to identify a range ideas/improvements that could be considered in a streetscape plan. There will also be one open house/public meeting at which the Project findings including urban design opportunities and constraints will be presented with the goal of soliciting comments and further ideas. Attendance at Project Team, Technical Advisory Committee and Public Advisory Committee meetings is also expected.

Design Phase

At a minimum there will be at least one open house/public meeting that will be required in order to present a draft “streetscape concept plan” that will illustrate the proposed streetscape improvements at which time feedback will be requested. Attendance at Project Team, Preston Street BIA, Technical Advisory Committee and Public Advisory Committee meetings is also expected.

Final Streetscape Phase

It is expected that the consultant will attend BIA, Technical Advisory Committee and Public Advisory Committee meetings in order to receive/discuss feedback regarding circulation of the concept plan. Attendance is also expected at the Planning and Development Committee meeting.

If alternative methods to undertaken consultation are contemplated, please provide details in the proposal document.

8.0 MATERIALS AVAILABLE

· Latest composite utility plan

· Base mapping

· Former City of Ottawa By-law 167-73 (Regulating encroachments on streets)

· Outdoor Patio Restaurant Design Guidelines

· Preston-Champagne Plan of Development – final approved plan

· Preston-Champagne Secondary Policy Plan (OPA #9)

· Regional Road Corridor Design Guidelines

· Regional Council approved report re: Proposed Portal Arch

· Regional Council approved report re: Pub Italia sidewalk widening

· Regional Regulatory Code re: outdoor cafes, private approaches, encroachments, vending boxes, and signs

· Regional Road Traffic and Parking By-law

· Smoke-Free By-law - information

· Zoning By-law provisions re: outdoor patios

· Preston Street parking study

9.0 CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES

· There are three approved streetscape improvements that have been approved on Preston Street: a patio pilot project in the vicinity of the Pub Italia (343 ½ Preston Street) that created a patio area within the road right-of-way; a Portal Archway to be constructed by the Preston Street BIA; and an Italian Mural project also sponsored by the BIA and approved by the Province for installation during the Spring of 2002 on the walls of the Queensway underpass. These projects need to be considered in the context of this overall streetscape project.

· Preston Street is a major truck route to Quebec and an important north-south road connection. How can this significant transportation route best be accommodated in this streetscape project that is aims to create a more pedestrian-oriented streetscape along in a “main street” environment?

· The Smoke-Free by-laws prohibit smoking inside places such as restaurants and bars, but smoking is permitted in patio areas as long as they are not totally enclosed. During this Project there could be business pressure to accommodate as many patios as possible along Preston Street. The eventual “Preston Street solution” could serve as input for later work/study on patio design guidelines that would be applicable on a City-wide basis.

10.0 PROJECT FUNDING

· The City of Ottawa will engage the services of a consultant to undertake the streetscape project and will assign staff to manage the project.

· Future awarding of consultant contracts is contingent upon future Council approvals and budgets.

· Funding of the recommended capital improvements will be subject to further City Council approvals.

11.0 TIMING

· As part of the proposal documentation, consultants should include a detailed project schedule which should also identify when consultation (technical and public consultation) will be undertaken. After award of the contract, the proposed schedule will be finalized in consultation with the Project Manager.

· The project will commence upon award of the contract. Anticipated timeframe is 9 months.

Rev. April 5, 2002