Markham Centre TDM and Land Development Case Study ACT Canada – TDM Summit October 21, 2008

OUTLINE Markham Centre context Policy Framework Transit and Cycling Infrastructure Parking Management Strategy Transportation Management Association TDM Performance Measures Conclusions

Population – 285,000 Employment – 115, th largest City in Canada and 4 th in the GTA

Markham Centre Stats Land area988 acres Population25,000 residents Employment17,000 jobs Office Space400,000 m2 Retail Space55,000 m2 Schools3 elementary 1 secondary Parkland75 acres Open Space192 acres

Markham Centre Policy Framework Rapid Transit/TDM Strategy –Viva, GO, Mobility Hub and Smart Commute TMA Parking Strategy –On street paid, maximums and cash in lieu Infrastructure Strategy –District energy, road and cycling networks Financial Strategy –Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Communications Strategy –Newsletters, website, on street banners, advertising

Markham Centre Rapid Transit Plan *

METROLINX - MOBILITY HUB Markham Centre designated as an ‘Anchor Hub ’ ‘Anchor Hubs’ contain current or planned major institutions, employment centres A place of connectivity Seamless integration of different modes of transit Easily accessible to all A place in the urban region where there is an intensive concentration of Employment and Living Shopping and Entertainment Offers choices about how to move around Transition from free of charge surface parking to an ‘optimal’ supply of market priced, structured parking

CYCLING MASTER PLAN

Parking Management Strategy Town has taken an active role in parking supply management Policies should provide ‘optimal’ parking supply in Markham Centre Establish appropriate parking governance model Develop a business operations and capitalization plan Phase in ‘on street’ paid parking

Parking Initiatives Parking by-law adopted June 2004 MAXIMUM parking standards introduced – 2.5 spaces/1000 ft.sq. Requires two thirds of parking to be located within a structure Limits amount and location of surface parking Addresses market demand through temporary by-laws Identifies municipal role in parking supply Parking authority endorsed May 2005 On street paid parking implemented September 2005 Cash in lieu of parking pending

TDM Initiatives Enhance public transit Improve pedestrian and cycling facilities Formation of a Transportation Management Association Commuter Options for Business

Markham Centre Advisory Group Be familiar with the planning and design principles for an urban Town Centre and act as a focus for the entire Town of Markham; Assist in developing criteria, benchmarks and indicators to achieve the principles and objectives of the Markham Centre Plan; Provide commentary on the application of the Performance Measures as reflected in development applications.

5 Key Themes for Performance Measures Greenlands – protection and enhancement of the Rouge River valley and its tributaries as an ecological system Built Form – role of buildings in creating an active, diverse and pedestrian friendly environment Green Infrastructure – Design and engineering solutions that support sustainability Public Space – Parks, urban squares and open spaces, urban activities and programs Transportation – Public transit, road network, walking and cycling facilities

TDM Performance Measures - Precinct Performance Indicators: Does the plan promote walking, cycling and transit as viable alternatives to the private automobile? Have arrangements been made (lease and/or purchase and sale agreement) with the tenants for their participation in a TMA and the incorporation of TDM measures? Does the plan minimise the amount of parking and improved the flexibility to relocate parking to a structured parking within Markham Centre? Is there opportunity to introduce an employee trip reduction program to coincide with occupancy? Have resources (time, funds, staff) been allocated to implement the TDM measures? Does the Plan reduce the reliance on single occupant vehicle trips?

TDM Performance Measures – Site Specific Performance Indicators Is preferential parking provided for carpooling? Is an auto share program accommodated? Is there a program to promote transit passes? Are parking, storage and support facilities for cyclists provided? Is the project planned and designed to promote TDM? Are bicycle support facilities incorporated into the development? Performance Indicators Does the plan provide for showers, change rooms, lockers, and bike racks? Does the development provide for connections to the bike routes and pathways?

Site Plan Agreement That the Owner provide and implement a comprehensive TDM plan which clearly identifies bicycle parking, carpool parking, provision of shower facilities for office staff using alternate forms of transportation and other measures to promote alternative modes to the single occupant vehicle including the owners/tenants active participation with the local TMA;

CONCLUSION Market forces have up until now been favourable to the Markham Centre ‘vision’ Markham Centre Advisory Committee has been instrumental in supporting the development of Markham Centre Smart Commute TMA positioned to support employer commuter option programs Cash in lieu of parking policy still not adopted due to lack of developer acceptance Senior staff and Council need more awareness and education of the benefits of TDM