Over 90% of Hamiltonians surveyed by the City of Hamilton in 2017/18 agreed or strongly agreed that Hamilton's roads could be safer.
Main and King Streets ranked as the most dangerous streets in the city's annual collision reports for motorists and pedestrians. But, we have normalized these fatalities and injuries.
The most fundamental role of any government is to protect and promote the health and safety of residents. King and Main are neither safe nor healthy in their present form.
On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, Ward 3 Councillor, Nrinder Nann and I will bring forth a notice of motion to Hamilton City Council for staff to identify actions that will improve safety for all users along Main and King streets, regardless of their mode of transit.
WHEREAS 10 people have been killed and many others have suffered serious injury from collisions on Hamilton’s streets since January 2022;
WHEREAS, the City of Hamilton’s annual collision report provides statistical data on all reported collisions on City of Hamilton roads during a five-year period;
WHEREAS there have been 70 fatal incidents, including 26 pedestrians and 2 cyclists over the past five years (2017-2021) on Hamilton streets because of collisions;
WHEREAS, the annual collision report reveals an over-representation of fatal and injury collision along Main and King Streets in Hamilton;
WHEREAS, the Multi-Modal Transportation focus area under the Term of Council Priorities 2018 – 2022, it is identified that safety measures will be built in to ensure road safety for all road users in-line with the principles of a Vision Zero strategy;
WHEREAS, in 2019 Hamilton City Council approved the City of Hamilton Vision Zero Action Plan 2019-2025 which identifies that fatalities and serious injuries on our roads are preventable and that no loss of life is acceptable;
WHEREAS Hamilton City Council voted unanimously in support of a Vision Zero Action plan which states that our city’s street designs should minimize risk to all users, especially vulnerable users such as children, older adults and people with disabilities;
WHEREAS, the implementation of LRT in the Main-King-Queenston corridor will transform our city and act as a catalyst for re-prioritizing road space with a focus on pedestrians;
WHEREAS Hamilton City Council voted unanimously to apply equity, diversity and inclusion principles to all city actions and practices, including transportation design, operations and capital funding;
WHEREAS Hamilton City Council unanimously declared a climate emergency that committed the municipality to prioritizing climate action and sustainability;
WHEREAS equitable mobility means that all residents have an opportunity to move around reliably and safely regardless of their abilities, income, race, gender, postal code and means of transportation;
WHEREAS the removal of unsafe conditions created by the existing design and operation of Main and King Streets would support healthy lives, social development, economic opportunities and civic participation for all Hamilton residents;
WHEREAS Complete Streets is an approach to planning, design, building, operating and maintaining streets that enable safe access for all people who need to use them;
WHEREAS the Hamilton Police Service have publicly reported that the structural redesign of Main and King is necessary to address the sustained pattern of fatalities and injuries;
WHEREAS the City must honour its stated commitments to safety, accessibility, equity, mitigating the impact of climate change to create a healthier, more liveable and prosperous city.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
- That staff identify actions that can be taken immediately to improve safety for all users along Main Street and King Street such as expanded and enhanced pedestrian space, temporary lane reductions, removal of parking restrictions, reduced speed limit, synchronized traffic signal options, no right turn on red restrictions at intersections, and leading pedestrian intervals;
- That the conversion of Main Street from one-way to two-way be approved as an immediate safety intervention and that an implementation plan be developed for the conversion of Main Street from one-way to two-way that integrates a Complete Streets redesign that will enable safer use for all people who need to use the streets including public transit riders, pedestrians, motorists and cyclists and that these spaces also contribute to climate resilience by providing shade trees and permeable surfaces;
- That staff be directed to undertake engagement with the public and advisory committees on the medium- and long-term vision of Main Street that leverages a Complete Streets, EDI and Climate Change approach;
- That staff consult with Metrolinx and the Ministry of Transportation on the implications of the implementation plan on LRT and Highway 403 interchanges;
- That staff report back in early 2023 with an implementation plan for the two-way conversion of Main Street that includes an assessment of costs, construction timing and resource requirements;
- That the City retain a consultant to prepare the implementation plan for Main Street funded from Vision Zero Priorities Capital Budget (#4662020050) at an upset limit of $400,000;
- That staff update and reassess all remaining one-way streets in the City of Hamilton utilizing the street conversion framework identified in the Transportation Master Plan and report back to Council.