That the motion and proposed amendments thereto be referred to staff for further consideration and a report to the Committee of Council meeting of May 26, 2021 regarding implications of the motion and options for implementation:
“Moved by: Mayor Brown
Whereas the Region of Peel is planning to undertake a capital works project to replace the water mains on an “interim” basis in the downtown core, including in the “four corners” estimated to cost approximately $7 million for the immediately needed work, with a total cost of approximately $20 million;
Whereas this is a singular isolated and interim initiative with no other improvements currently planned to occur along with this replacement, such as other utility upgrades, sidewalk or roadway improvements, streetscaping, landscaping, etc.;
Whereas this isolated and interim initiative will cause massive disruption to an already heavily burdened business community within the downtown core;
Whereas a broader strategic, integrated downtown plan is currently being developed;
Whereas in December 2018, a decision by this term of Council to pause the work related to Downtown Reimagined was made in order to conduct the necessary risk assessment and due diligence related to the downtown underground channels;
Whereas it was determined after proper due diligence that risk related to the downtown underground channels was low;
Whereas the Region of Peel’s water main work represents a key opportunity for the City of Brampton to begin its initial subsurface infrastructure and surface work under the previously named “Downtown Reimagined” project as an immediate solution to revitalize the downtown, support Brampton’s 5 year Tourism Strategy, and in conjunction with the broader integrated downtown plan and the Region of Peel;
Whereas past work related to the previous “Downtown Reimagined” project included stakeholder consultations with businesses, organizations, and residents; and
Whereas a decision of the future LRT (surface or underground) along Main Street to the downtown core is a significant transformational project similar to the Riverwalk which will further support the growth, economic future, and other significant plans of the City of Brampton but is separate from the more immediate need to implement a solution to revitalize the downtown core,
Therefore Be It Resolved That:
That City of Brampton staff update all required engineering and legal work, and propose a financial plan to begin work on the previously named “Downtown Reimagined” as the first phase of the immediate implementation of the broader Integrated Downtown Plan process (which includes future plans for the LRT in the downtown) and in coordination with the Region of Peel’s timetable for its upcoming infrastructure work;
That a staff plan to meet the Region of Peel’s timetable and coordinate the City of Brampton’s work be presented to City Council, no later than this Spring 2021;
That the City of Brampton commence its work on the immediate implementation (previously known as Downtown Reimagined) of the Integrated Downtown Plan when the Region of Peel begins its work; and
That the immediate implementation of the Integrated Downtown Plan include the upgrade of the Garden Square pavement and fixtures, including the repair of the fountain and seating areas within the Square commemorating former members of Council; and
That the immediate implementation also include improvements to Ken Whillans Square to make the space fully accessible for public events, particularly with regard to the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, with upgrades to be done in alignment with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and City policy (City Accessibility Technical Standards).”