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 – 115,000

16th largest City in Canada and 4th in the GTA

Markham Centre StatsLand area 988 acres

Population 25,000 residents

Employment 17,000 jobs

Office Space 400,000 m2

Retail Space 55,000 m2

Schools 3 elementary

1 secondary

Parkland 75 acres

Open Space 192 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

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METROLINX - MOBILITY HUBMarkham 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 404-7 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