Title
Acheson Industrial Park Transit Implementation Committee - Terms of Reference
Proposed Motion
That Council adopts the Terms of Reference for the Acheson Industrial Park Transit Implementation Committee.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
To establish the Terms of Reference for an Acheson Industrial Park Transit Implementation Committee that will enable the Committee to bring forward a recommended strategy to implement public transportation in the Acheson Industrial Park.
Summary
Acheson Industrial Park is a growing industrial area located in Parkland County between the City of Spruce Grove and the City of Edmonton along Highway 60. The area encompasses over 16 square miles of land and currently employs approximately 5,000 people.
Parkland County Council has recognized and understood the need for a public transit service in the Acheson Industrial Park considering the current availability of land for new development and the inevitable number of new employees. It is widely recognized that public transit service accommodates and attracts industrial growth by supporting transportation services for those businesses wishing to locate within Parkland County.
The Acheson Business Association has also long recognized the need for a public transit service within the Acheson Industrial Park and as a result retained the services of D.A. Management & Consulting in 2008 to undertake an Acheson Transportation Strategy to look at the viability of public transit service. The Acheson Business Association also went on to undertake a study entitled Acheson Bus Service which was presented to Parkland County in 2011.
Parkland County undertook their own Acheson Industrial Park Transit Feasibility Study in 2012 to analyze the viability of conventional transit service as well as other unconventional transit service options.
After reviewing all the reports and options to implement a transit service, Parkland County Council has directed Administration to develop a Terms of Reference for an Acheson Industrial Park Transit Implementation Committee.
The proposed committee will consist of five (5) individuals including one (1) elected official. It is anticipated that the committee would meet every two weeks and not less than once every two months. Parkland County administrative staff will provide the General Manager of Infrastructure Services as the Administrative Liaison and additional County employees brought in on specific issues as well as having a recording secretary to capture minutes at all the meetings. Additional external expertise will be brought in as required and will be made available to the committee when needed.
The expected cost for this committee will be approximately $5,000 for the remainder of 2013. The costs are for a maximum number of five meetings in 2013.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
Economic Development - Goal 3 - Parkland County will take steps to further promote and foster sustainable development.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $5,000.00
Source of Funding: 2013 Engineering Services Budget