Midtown Station

Bunt & Associates was engaged by Cantana Investments to provide transportation services for the land use re-designation of a 30-acre parcel located in Calgary’s Fairview neighbourhood.  The proposed development consists of a mix of high-rise residential towers, townhouses, retail and commercial space in 24 buildings, which range from one storey to 42 storeys in height. Midtown Station includes a 2,400-square-foot community centre plus a new LRT station on the C-Train’s Red Line.  The project is also investigating a plus 15 system to connect the site to Chinook Centre, providing pedestrian traffic a safe route for crossing the major roads of McLeod Trail and Glenmore Trail.

Bunt developed a VISSIM model of the surrounding road network extending from 58 Avenue to 75 Avenue and McLeod Trail to Centre Street.  Connectivity to the surrounding road network was key for this analysis as the site is constrained by railway lines to the east and Glenmore Trail to the north. The model was used to identify the opportunities and constraints to accommodate all modes of transportation traffic (vehicle, pedestrian, bicycles and transit). Bunt also reviewed the existing C-Train ridership to ascertain if there was capacity within the existing schedule for the anticipated increase in ridership from this development and the surrounding community. Finally, conceptual plans were prepared for the identified improvements to the road network.  

Image Credit: IBI Group

Holdom Overpass Traffic Review (BNSR)

Bunt & Associates was engaged by Mott MacDonald, on behalf of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), to conduct a Traffic Review of the proposed Holdom Overpass as part of the Burnaby North Shore Rail (BNSR) Project.

As part of the larger Gateway Transportation Collaboration Forum, the VFPA is proposing to replace the existing at-grade crossing of CN Rail’s New Westminster Subdivision at Douglas Road (Mile 151.05) with a new overpass at Holdom Avenue, connecting to a new four-leg intersection at Douglas Road & Norland Avenue south of the tracks.  The intent of the overpass would be to eliminate the delays and queues caused by the existing train events (30 per day in 2018), improve general north-south connectivity for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and enhance safety for these modes.

Bunt’s study quantified the expected traffic impacts of the proposed overpass, assessed whether traffic operations with the overpass in place would perform reasonably well as compared to existing, identified any expected operational challenges, and explored potential mitigation measures.  The findings of Bunt’s comprehensive study were used by VFPA to inform the future analysis and design of the proposed Holdom Overpass.

Edmonton Exhibition Lands Planning Framework

The City of Edmonton initiated the Exhibition Lands Planning Framework to provide a vision and principles for the future development of lands around the closed Coliseum and Racetrack.  In addition to providing a framework for future development, the study identified opportunities to improve active modes and transit connectivity to and through the study area.

Bunt & Associates prepared an Existing Mobility Conditions Summary memo at the outset of the project to provide the project team (O2 Planning & Design) with an overview of the existing transportation networks, opportunities, and constraints in the study area.  The memo outlined existing conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers.  The summary also outlined the existing parking conditions in the study area and provided an overview of network connectivity and user experience under existing conditions.

The resulting planning framework included the identification of a transportation network for all modes to support future development in the study area. As part of the planning process, a transportation review was completed to outline the future opportunities and constraints associated with the revised transportation network, and to help guide transportation submission requirements at the next stage of planning.  In addition to evaluating new network elements, the review also examined future traffic volumes from the City’s 2050 Regional Travel Model to identify future vehicle congestion points on the network.

Bernard Block Transportation Impact Assessment

Bunt & Associates was engaged by Mission Group Enterprises to conduct a transportation review and prepare a Transportation Impact Assessment (TIA) for their proposed mixed-use project comprising of two towers (one residential and one office) both with ground floor commercial space in downtown Kelowna at 560-594 Bernard Avenue (at St. Paul Street) in Downtown Kelowna.

The TIA study was a requirement of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) given the site’s proximity to Highway 97 (Harvey Avenue).  Bunt’s services included evaluating the transportation impacts of the proposed development on the adjacent road network, reviewing the developments planned parking and servicing strategy, evaluating the site plan from a transportation accessibility standpoint, and presenting a Transportation Demand Management strategy to support the project’s traffic and parking goals.

The study was approved by the MoTI and City of Kelowna and the project has subsequently been approved by Kelowna City Council.

Brooklyn at Bernard Block TIA

Bunt & Associates was retained by the Mission Group to prepare a Transportation Impact Assessment for a 25-storey, 178-residential unit concrete tower with approximately 2,600 sq.ft. of ground level commercial space at 1471 St. Paul Street (at Bernard Avenue) in Downtown Kelowna.

The report primarily examined impacts to adjacent roads and laneways. Supplemental analysis regarding the future half signal at the Doyle Avenue and Richter Street intersection and potential Bernard Avenue signal coordination were found to have little or no impact on existing and future operations.

The TIA recommended that a parking variance supported with TDM measures be approved and also recommended that the City consider establishing a curbside loading zone on St. Paul Street fronting the site.

Decoteau North NSP TIA

Bunt & Associates prepared a transportation impact assessment (TIA) for the first neighbourhood in the Decoteau Area Structure Plan (ASP) area.  The Neighbourhood Structure Plan (NSP) provides more detailed direction for development of Decoteau North. Located in southeast Edmonton, Decoteau North is one of five neighbourhoods described in the Decoteau ASP and encompasses approximately 385 hectares (ha) of land. The neighbourhood is defined by the following general boundaries:

• North – Anthony Henday Drive
• East – City of Edmonton / Strathcona County Boundary (Meridian Street)
• South – Ellerslie Road
• West – 34th Street

Upon completion, the neighbourhood will include a range of housing options to accommodate a population of approximately 9,900 people, an interconnected network of wetlands and parks, which will be valuable to the north neighbourhood and the broader region; and areas for commercial and business employment development.

Bunt provided input on the proposed roadway network during the development of the land use concept, evaluated the transportation network requirements upon full build out of the neighbourhood, and prepared a short term staging assessment to identify roadway upgrades required to support initial development of the neighbourhood.

In addition to identifying the internal vehicle based and active modes network for the neighbourhood, the project included updating the Decoteau ASP TIA to explore the potential reduction in vehicle traffic that may be realized through increased transit service.

Riverview Neighbourhoods 1-3 NSPs TIA

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the Riverview Owners Group, which included Qualico Communities, Walton Development and Management, Melcor Developments Ltd., and other private participating owners, to prepare a comprehensive Transportation Impact Assessment (TIA) as part of the Neighbourhood Structure Plan process for Riverview’s first three neighbourhoods.  These three neighbourhoods, subsequently named River’s Edge, The Uplands, and Stillwater, encompass approximately 900 ha of land in West Edmonton and are expected to accommodate over 33,000 people in at least 13,000 homes.

The completed TIA identifies the transportation network elements required to support the proposed neighbourhoods.  This included using a Complete Streets approach to develop the network of roads and active modes connections that support pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and vehicle traffic.  The study also assessed the near term conditions to assist in identifying the initial roadway requirements to support the first stages of development.

Lougheed Bus Exchange Redevelopment & VISSIM Modelling

Shape Properties (Shape) proposed to redevelop the current Lougheed Town Centre Shopping Mall site and other Shape parcels in the core of the Lougheed Town Centre in Burnaby, BC directly adjacent to the Lougheed SkyTrain Station and Bus Exchange into a mixed use, high density Transit Oriented Development (TOD).   Bunt & Associates has been involved with the project since 2010, from high level site planning through to preparation of a Master Transportation Plan and then site-specific rezoning processes for individual project phases, which are now under construction. As part of the project, Bunt employed the VISSIM software at various stages, focussed on the southern half of the Lougheed Town Centre area, which includes the station and exchange area with associated high traffic, bus and pedestrian demands.

Prior to opening of the Evergreen Line, TransLink was planning to restructure the Lougheed Bus Exchange routes to remove duplicate service, and shift the terminus of the Highway 1 Rapid Bus Service from Braid Station to Lougheed Station resulting in up to 25 highway coach buses per hour being serviced at the exchange.  TransLink wanted to ensure that the existing exchange footprint would be adequate for the future and also wanted to reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts in the existing island exchange by changing to a perimeter-style exchange.  Bunt worked with TransLink and City of Burnaby staff, along with Shape’s design team, to develop a new roadway network configuration and various options for the redeveloped bus exchange in a workshop format, assisted in evaluating the options against TransLink’s design criteria, and prepared AutoTURN analyses to confirm functionality.  Bunt’s recommended conceptual layout was then adopted by TransLink as it’s preferred future configuration of the exchange. Bunt also developed a detailed VISSIM micro-simulation model covering the bus exchange access, nearby pedestrian crossings to the exchange, and the complex and congested adjacent road network bounded by Lougheed Highway, Austin Road, and North Road. This model was used to test the effects of narrowing Austin and creating a Bus Only eastbound lane on Austin Avenue.  The model was used to test the person and vehicle-delay impacts of the higher bus, traffic and pedestrian crossing volumes around the exchange plaza area. The VISSIM model work in all cases was instrumental in convincing decision-makers of the feasibility of proposed new road and traffic control measures, including the revised bus exchange access point to Gatineau Place.

720 Beatty St. & 701 Expo Blvd. Mixed-Use Development

Bunt & Associates was retained by Westbank Projects Corp. to provide a Transportation Assessment and Management Study (TAMS), a Pedestrian Microsimulation Model, and a Transportation Demand Management Plan to support their proposed office/retail mixed-use development. The project is located adjacent to the BC Place Stadium, at 720 Beatty Street and 701 Expo Boulevard.

The development site is a distinctive area within the City of Vancouver as a regional entertainment, sport, cultural and public activity centre. The proposed redevelopment will create a new public realm that will significantly improve pedestrian connection between the existing concourse of BC Place with the Downtown Core. In addition, the new plaza will also facilitate the implementation of the new Georgia Street ramp by mitigating grade changes and edge conditions as Georgia Street slopes down to Pacific Boulevard. To support the development of the Pedestrian Microsimulation Model, Bunt & Associates conducted a comprehensive data collection program to document existing pedestrian movement patterns on a ”dual-event” day where a White Caps soccer game at BC Place Stadium and a Canucks hockey game at the nearby Rogers Arena were taking place at the same time.

Using the observed data, Bunt developed a Pedestrian Microsimulation Model using VISWALK to evaluate the Level of Services for various pedestrian walkways based on a number of design/pedestrian flow scenarios. The Pedestrian Microsimulation was a useful evaluation tool for the Design Team to determine an appropriate width for the proposed breezeway within the building that will serve as a key pedestrian circulation route for the nearby BC Place Stadium.

Coquitlam Multi-Family Residential Parking Bylaw Study

Bunt & Associates was retained by the City of Coquitlam to expand the City’s apartment parking demand data set from just nine multi-family residential buildings that were identified in Metro Vancouver’s comprehensive Apartment Parking Study published in 2018.

Bunt’s work included observing resident and residential visitor facility parking rates, on-street license plate surveys, and household surveys for over 15 sites. Throughout the process, Bunt coordinated with the City of Coquitlam staff to develop correspondence to residents to encourage participation in the surveys.  We have conducted an online household survey with 1,371 dwellings across 11 sites, with a response rate of 9% and a 95% confidence level of +/-8%.

The study resulted in 8% to 15% decrease in strata building resident parking rates and 13% to 25% decrease in rental building resident parking rates.  Visitor parking rates were also reduced by 50%, consistent with findings from the region-wide study.

Londonderry Artificial Turf and Park Renewal

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the City of Edmonton to identify an appropriate parking supply to meet the demands of the Londonderry Athletic Grounds Master Plan as well as review and confirm the proposed site access strategy. The Master Plan included a new artificial turf sports field with a grandstand/pavilion with seating for up to 1,500 spectators.

The review of the required parking supply considered a mixture of on-site, on-street, and shared parking opportunities in consideration of parking demands associated with the different site users. Additionally, the access strategy was reviewed in relation to adjacent roadway classifications, operations, site demands, and on-site circulation requirements.

A number of recommendations were advanced to increase the on-site parking supply and efficiency including shared parking agreements, relocation of staff and student parking, and a parking lot expansion. Due to observed traffic behaviours, historical collision statistics, and projected capacity constraints, the investigation of a traffic signal at the 66 Street all-directional access was also recommended. The parking and traffic impact assessment was accepted by City of Edmonton administration in December 2017.

Mayerthorpe Commercial Development

Bunt & Associates was engaged by Bedford Commercial Developments to prepare a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) that supports the development of a commercial site in Mayerthorpe, Alberta. The proposed form of development included a Tim Hortons restaurant and general retail and would acccess Highway 22 and 42 Avenue.

The TIA facilitated discussions with Alberta Transportation and the Town of Mayerthorpe regarding potential upgrades to the adjacent roadway infrastructure. In addition to the TIA, Bunt prepared concept plans for the proposed Highway 22 access to ensure the access met Alberta Transportation requirements.

Stony Plain Active Transportation Strategy

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the Town of Stony Plain to develop an Active Transportation Strategy that would resonate with the community’s desire for a healthy lifestyle and a sustainable place to proudly call home.

The scope of work included evaluating the functionality of Stony Plain’s existing 43 kilometers of designated trails that connect the community as well as reviewing Canadian and international active transportation infrastructure best practices. This work resulted in an Active Transportation Strategy that identified gaps with current trail and sidewalk infrastructure and a prioritized list of 44 specific implementation strategies including Class D cost estimates with the goal of increasing efficiency of the town’s active transportation network. Bunt employed innovative public engagement techniques to assist with the development of a thorough and tailored strategy. The “Thought Exchange” platform informed residents of the Study and provided an opportunity for residents to comment on problematic areas including their suggestions for improvement. Comments were prioritized allowing both the Town and Bunt to pay special attention to areas of collective concern and ideas for improvement.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the Strategy also included various location-specific tailored initiatives to promote and enable active transportation. These included steps towards differentiating between the town’s sidewalk and trail networks as well as a host of potential partnerships and next step actions. The Town of Stony Plain Active Transportation Strategy was presented to Council and adopted in March of 2020.

The Final Report can be found here.

MacEwan University Transportation Demand Management Study

Like many other Canadian and North American universities, MacEwan University recognized that traditional transportation planning and engineering approaches to meet campus generated traffic and parking demands no longer represented viable solutions, particularly from an environmental or economic perspective. The recognition of increasing economic, social and environmental challenges, and costs associated with historical transportation management philosophies created a paradigm shift in the methods employed to address land use and transportation issues.

Notwithstanding that the University employs a number of TDM strategies and tactics (Student U-Pass program, carpooling programs, car-share promotions, etc.), Bunt & Associates was retained by MacEwan University to review and assess the current program, to suggest where the current program required re-balancing or reinvesting, and to identify other emerging TDM tactics that could be considered. In preparing the plan, best-case institutional TDM studies were reviewed.

A key element of the work program included crafting a survey that was distributed to students, faculty and staff. Invitations to participate were sent to all of the University’s faculty and staff plus a statistically valid sample of its 19,000+ student body.  More than half of each sample set participated: 51% of the 2,671 possible faculty and staff respondents and 54% of the 3,869 possible student respondents.

In order to develop an efficient and balanced transportation network for MacEwan University’s City Centre Campus, the TDM study identified opportunities (e.g. extension of the Valley Line LRT) as well as internal and external barriers (e.g. provincial budget and funding cutbacks, gasoline prices, external roadway characteristics, surface transit requirements, and weather).

A  fundamental component of the overall TDM strategy was the continued need to provide an appropriate level of parking service. Since Campus parking is a major revenue generator for the University, major reductions in parking activity would likely result in significant reductions in University revenue streams.

NAIT Transportation and Parking Strategy

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology  (NAIT) was experiencing significant transportation and parking challenges at its Main Campus. Bunt & Associates was engaged to complete a study that directly addressed and responded to these challenges, which included high levels of Single Occupant Vehicle (SOV) travel and the continued use of reserved parking spaces.  The process to develop the NAIT Transportation and Parking Strategy also provided an opportunity to critically examine the institution’s current and future transportation and parking needs and requirements, taking into account the expansion of the City’s LRT system.

The study was intended to be the technical foundation of the institution’s long-range transportation plan and set the direction of transportation policy for the campus in the coming decades.  Bunt’s responsibilities included establishing the vision, the objectives, and the priorities for transportation infrastructure and movements within and adjacent to the campus.  Bunt was also responsible for informing best practices to integrate multi-modal transportation and parking systems in a sustainable and efficient manner within the context of an urban campus setting.  The approved plan had to demonstrate how transportation, in an over-arching sense, has a role to play in key institutional policy areas such as the environment, land use planning, the economy, safety and health. Finally, the plan had to include a performance and monitoring component to demonstrate best value and to gauge the success of the plan over time.

Bunt’s scope of work included a review of strategic transportation and land use alternatives based on the identification and assessment of directions and strategies to support integrated planning and transportation choice; research and literature review of post-secondary transportation and parking master plans to establish best practices; participation in campus stakeholder engagement sessions; identification and review of specific directions and strategies related to pedestrian, cycling, transit, and road networks, transportation demand management (TDM), accessibility, parking and goods movement; and providing recommendations for implementation and a performance measurement plan.

The NAIT Strategic Transportation and Parking Plan set out immediate and short to medium-term strategies to guide the planning, development, renewal and maintenance of a sustainable multi-modal transportation system for all NAIT campuses.

Rivers District Master Plan

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) to provide transportation planning input into the Rivers District Master Plan and build on our previously successful relationship in Calgary’s East Village. Envisioned as Calgary’s Culture & Entertainment District – CMLC’s 20-year vision for east Victoria Park calls for a mixed-use community that will be home to 8,000 new residents and 4 million square feet of new mixed-use development space.

The redevelopment of East Village was approached by determining how to connect East Village to the core and surrounding neighbourhoods while attracting development. In east Victoria Park, the same focus on planning and designing for connectivity was considered.  Options included the 17^th Avenue Extension and Victoria Park LRT station replacement, the new 5^th Street SE Underpass, the Stampede Trail festival street design, the 9^th Avenue Bridge replacement, and the new 4^th Street SE Cycle Tracks.

The Rivers District Master Plan and associated amendments to the Beltline Area Redevelopment Plan were approved by City Council in 2019. A total of $150 million has been committed by CMLC towards short-term infrastructure improvements such as the 17^th Avenue Extension and 5^th Street SE Underpass. 

Bunt & Associates remains involved in realizing the 20-year Rivers District Master Plan vision. Currently, we are the Transportation and Pedestrian Movement consultant for the $500 million Event Centre project in the heart of the Rivers District that will be the new home of the Calgary Flames. Bunt is providing comprehensive transportation planning and engineering services to facilitate the design, construction and opening of this 19,000 seat facility, including extensive external traffic and pedestrian simulation modelling using VISSIM and VISWALK.

Premium Outlet Collection Edmonton International Airport (POCEIA)

Bunt & Associates was engaged by Ivanhoe Cambridge to develop and manage the Traffic & Parking Accommodation Strategy for the Grand Opening week of the Premium Outlet Collection Edmonton International Airport.

Leading up to the opening of the mall, Bunt worked with a multi-faceted group of stakeholders including Ivanhoe Cambridge, Edmonton Airports, Leduc County, Leduc County Enforcement Services, Alberta Transportation, RCMP and Alberta Traffic Supply to develop a Special Event Management Plan that proactively managed and controlled mall patron traffic while minimizing the impacts on the surrounding transportation infrastructure, developments and airport operations.

During the Grand Opening week, Bunt provided on-site traffic and parking management services overseeing the execution of the Special Event Management Plan over the course of the 5-day event. The coordinated plan included wayfinding, variable message signs, real-time tracking of parking demand and intersection operations, parking attendants, intersection traffic control staff, tow truck services, on-site medical services, shuttle service, transit service, pedestrian accommodations and real time detour strategies to address peak demands.

Bunt is proud to have been involved in this exciting and challenging project, and to have worked with our great partners in this endeavor, which saw over 118,000 patrons and 40,000 vehicles enter and exit the site without impeding operations of a major airport or impacting highway operations.

Bonnie Doon Transit-oriented Mixed Use Development

Bunt & Associates was engaged by Morguard to complete a Transportation Impact Assessment (TIA) for the re-imagination of Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre as a Transit-oriented urban centre, supporting a mix of high density residential, retail, office, and institutional land uses.

Bunt evaluated the active modes and transit integration opportunities provided by the rezoning application and highlighted potential network improvements that would establish strong pedestrian and bicycle links between the site and the adjacent communities. Bunt also evaluated traffic operations along adjacent roadway corridors and intersections, and outlined potential improvements to nearby roadways based on a Complete Streets methodology.

The rezoning application was approved by Edmonton City Council on April 15, 2019.

UBC Diesel Bus Exchange Conceptual, Schematic, and Detailed Design

Bunt & Associates was commissioned by TransLink to provide initial conceptual design development and technical design review during phase one of the Diesel Bus Exchange and layover facility project located at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Pedestrian count data was collected to establish major pedestrian movement demand patterns and corridors surrounding the Bus Exchange. Based on the information, an initial exchange layout concept was established to identify the orientation of bus stops with the goal of minimizing the interaction between pedestrian and bus movements. Technical design review services were provided to investigate the feasibility of a number of refined concepts produced by UBC’s project consultant. A VISSIM micro-simulation model was developed to visually illustrate the challenges with a proposed mid-block pedestrian crossing of the exchange.

For the second phase of the project, Bunt was jointly engaged by UBC Properties Trust and Translink as part of a multi-disciplinary team led by DIALOG to develop a new schematic design for the bus exchange facility that did not rely on an expensive underground layover space. Bunt was instrumental in identifying and developing the preferred design concept which minimized pedestrian/bus interaction, ensured efficient and safe bus operations, and achieved the urban design objectives of UBC by supporting the development of student housing above the at-grade layover space. Bunt was responsible for developing design criteria, preparation of multiple layout options, testing all options for drop-off,  and layover and pick-up positions using customized AutoTURN templates and TransLink’s Transit Infrastructure Design Guidelines.

Once the schematic design was approved by both UBC and TransLink, Bunt participated in an extensive field design test with Coast Mountain Bus Operators, including on-going detailed design and traffic engineering advice related to the interim configuration of the exchange and off-site roadway and traffic control improvements on Wesbrook Mall.

SFU Campus Master Plan

Bunt & Associates is part of a multi-disciplinary Master Planning Team that assisted Simon Fraser University in developing a 50-year master plan for the Burnaby Mountain Campus.  Bunt’s primary role was to provide transportation planning and design advice to the team during the development of the Master Plan.

Our services included the review and examination of existing travel patterns of all modes to/from the campus; identification of existing constraints and opportunities related to connectivity of different transportation modes;  preparation of a conceptual design for a new multi-modal mobility corridor to serve the Campus; provision of technical input related to future road alignment and dimensions along with parking supply and servicing strategies.

Bunt was active in participating in a design charette and various workshops throughout the Master Plan development process to ensure the vision of the Steering Committee was captured in the Master Plan.

Downtown Fraser Highway Corridor Study

Fraser Highway is the City of Langley’s Main Street, passing through the downtown retail and business core.  When the jurisdiction of the corridor devolved from the Province in 1992, the City took the opportunity to reduce vehicle traffic by changing traffic flow to one-way while creating angle parking zones to better support businesses with no rear parking.  Pedestrian, landscape and public realm improvements were also undertaken at that time.  Recent major utility upgrades required for Fraser Highway between 204th and 206th Streets provided an opportunity to re-think the street and further improve the public realm in downtown Langley – in line with updated OCP goals and redevelopment potential arising from TransLink’s new rapid transit line.

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the City as part of a multi-disciplinary team to develop a vision for the corridor, prepare and evaluate conceptual design options and select a preferred option while working closely with City staff, Council and the Downtown Langley Business Association (DLBA). The scope of Bunt’s year-long work included:

• A major data collection program with parking inventory and occupancy/ turnover counts using mobile license plate recognition (LPR) technology of over 1,200 stalls as well as traffic and license plate surveys;
• Extensive analysis demonstrating that shorter parking time restrictions allow up to 40 of the 127 existing stalls in the corridor to be re-purposed for public realm and pedestrian space while still serving the same number of people thereby addressing a significant concern of both the DLBA and public about removing existing on-street parking;
• Leading a conceptual design charette with City staff and developing 3 conceptual drawings showing regular, handicap and loading stalls along with new curb lines which were then used by the landscape architect to develop public realm design details; and
• Presenting study finding and designs at numerous stakeholder and public meetings along with other members of the design team.

The Fraser Highway Corridor Improvement project is slated for construction in 2020.

Acheson & Big Lake Master Traffic Impact Assessment

Bunt & Associates was engaged by Parkland County to undertake a Master Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) for the Acheson and Big Lake areas. Bunt’s services included developing a road classification systems, level of service standards, estimating local trip generation rates and historical traffic growth rates, and developing and testing ultimate, long-term, and near-term roadway network options.  Bunt also prepared future traffic forecasts and completed a traffic operations assessment to ensure that the planned roadway network would be suitable to accommodate continued planned growth.

The Master TIA will be used be used by Parkland County to prioritize roadway improvements over the next 30-years, and will be an important tool in discussions related to funding significant improvements to the regional transportation network.

King George Station TIA & VISSIM Modelling

Bunt & Associates (Bunt) was engaged by PCI to provide transportation consulting services for a proposed mixed-used high density transit oriented development located immediately south and east of the King George SkyTrain Station in the City of Surrey, BC.  Bunt & Associates was involved in the project from the early site planning phase through rezoning and development permit.  The site design was complicated by the City’s two planned future Light Rail lines running adjacent to and through the site, a desired public roadway connection under the elevated SkyTrain line connecting to TransLink’s Kiss & Ride facility, and a high volume pedestrian crossing planned next to a future roundabout.

Key components of Bunt’s work included developing and testing numerous initial site access, loading configuration and parkade access concepts; conducting a data collection program planning of 10 intersections, including all travel modes and vehicle classifications; preparing external traffic volume forecasts at build-out and interim horizon years for weekday morning, afternoon and mid-day Saturday peak demand periods based on mixed-use internal trip discount NCHRP methodology; developing Synchro/SimTraffic models for operational analysis of study area signals and an on-site roundabout, as well as optimization of signal timing plans and signal phasing; and, investigation of mitigation measures to support site traffic on the surrounding roadway system.  Bunt confirmed the feasibility of the site access concept, and identified all on-site and off-site improvements to support the site redevelopment for its multi-phase construction program.

In addition, Bunt prepared a detailed VISSIM micro-simulation model of the entire study area covering multiple City blocks, to test the anticipated traffic operations of the proposed master plan build-out roadway design and traffic control concept under peak weekday and Saturday traffic conditions.  The proximity of a pedestrian-actuated signal to a proposed new single lane roundabout as well as the impact of LRT vehicles on traffic operations through the busy Fraser Highway & King George Boulevard were important and the VISSIM model which directly accounted for the effects of pedestrians and transit vehicles on general purpose traffic operations was instrumental in convincing decision makers that the planned density and access concept was feasible and appropriate.  The first phase of the King George Station project opened in 2015.

Tsawwassen First Nations Community VISSIM Modelling

Bunt & Associates was retained by Property Development Group and Ivanhoe Cambridge, in partnership with the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN), to assess the potential impact of a new planned TFN community development located near the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in Delta, BC. When completed, the TFN community would include approximately 3,500 residential dwellings; 76 million square feet of commercial retail development (including the 1.2 million square foot Tsawwassen Mills regional shopping centre); a 550,000 square foot Tsawwassen Commons power centre; a highway tourist commercial development; and a business/logistics industrial park development.

In consultation with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Bunt conducted a comprehensive data collection program along the Highway 17 and 99  corridors during weekdays and Saturdays that included detailed classification of container trucks, small trucks, HOV vehicles, buses and cars. Travel time and queue observations were also collected to calibrate the VISSIM micro-simulation traffic model to real-world conditions. The VISSIM model itself covered Highway 17, Highway 99 to Blundell Road (including the Massey Tunnel), the then-new South Fraser Perimeter Road, and Deltaport Way. The model included over 20 separate scenarios of possible future conditions. The size, scope, and complexity of Bunt’s modelling work included comprehensive recommendations on mitigating local and regional congestion points, the efficiency of potential road improvements, ferry surge traffic protection, and travel demand management measures.

Bunt’s work provided TFN and the Ministry with critical information to guide the future design, development, construction, and future operations of its ambitious community development.

Lougheed Town Centre Core Area Master Plan – VISSIM Modelling

Shape Properties (Shape) proposed to redevelop the current Lougheed Town Centre Shopping Mall site and other Shape parcels in the core of the Lougheed Town Centre in Burnaby, BC into a mixed use, high density Transit Oriented Development (TOD).   The 23.14 acre site  was proposed to become a new urban neighbourhood with approximately 10,000 residential multi-family units, 1.5M sq.ft. Gross Leasable Area (GLA) of Retail uses, 240 Hotel rooms and 400,000 sq.ft. Gross Floor Area (GFA) of office space.

Bunt & Associates has been involved with the project since 2010, from high level site planning through to preparation of a Master Transportation Plan and then site-specific rezoning processes for individual project phases, which are now under construction. As part of the project Bunt employed the VISSIM software at various stages, focussed on the southern half of the Lougheed Town Centre area, which includes the Lougheed Bus Exchange and SkyTrain station and the associated considerable bus and pedestrian demands.

Bunt developed a detailed VISSIM micro-simulation model covering the complex and congested arterial network bounded by Lougheed Highway, Austin Road, and North Road  in order to test proposed impacts of narrowing Austin Avenue, a major east-west arterial road. This model, developed for the Master Transportation Plan phase, was employed to test the operational impacts of and potential control measures for high pedestrian crossing volumes expected near the Lougheed SkyTrain Station. As part of the following Phase 1 site-specific rezoning project, Bunt also prepared a VISSIM model calibrated to existing volumes and travel times to confirm the feasibility of an interim access concept for Phase 1 which has two closely spaced signals with limited left turn storages and to test alternative signal timing plans. Our Phase 2 work included preparation of a series of VISSIM models to explore road network options near the west SkyTrain Station House, testing both roundabout and conventional signalized intersection options under peak vehicle and pedestrian demand conditions.

The VISSIM model work in all cases was instrumental in convincing decision-makers of the feasibility of proposed new road and traffic control measures.

VGH Master Transportation Plans Update

As part of the City of Vancouver’s conditions for the approval of the Development Application for the Joseph and Rosalie Segal Family Health Centre  located within the Vancouver General Hospital Health Precinct, the City of Vancouver requested updated campus plans be submitted addressing Parking, Loading and Transportation Demand Management Plans.  As the original author of these documents which were over 10 years old, Bunt & Associates was retained again by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCHA) in 2016-2017 to prepare an update to these documents, while at the same time Bunt was assisting in the preparation of an overall Master Health Precinct Plan.

As part of this assignment, a thorough understanding of current parking, loading, traffic and TDM initiatives throughout the Health Precinct was required.  Bunt conducted a comprehensive data collection program comprising an inventory of existing transportation infrastructure, multi-modal traffic counts at site driveways and on the surrounding roadway system, staff/patient/visitor interviews, and extensive parking occupancy surveys both for on-site lots and on-street on the surrounding road network.  This baseline data allowed Bunt to compare current mode splits to historic information and demonstrate the success and progress of the TDM program in meeting its targets; also, if formed the foundation of a calibrated parking demand model of both on-site and off-site parking activity linked to mid-day site populations and gross floor area of Health Care Buildings.  Bunt explored future parking demand scenarios using this model, in light of anticipated effects of the new Broadway SkyTrain line as well as increased effectiveness of TDM measures over the long term which allowed Bunt to confirm future parkade requirements at full build out of the site under existing zoning regulations.

Royal Columbian Hospital Master Plan & Phase 1 Business Plan Support

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the Fraser Health Authority to assist in planning and supporting the Business Case for the first phase of a comprehensive master plan for the Royal Columbian Hospital site in New Westminster, BC. We were tasked with undertaking an extensive study of existing travel demand characteristic for the site.

Bunt’s work included multi-modal traffic surveys; staff/patient/interview surveys and parking inventory/demand surveys of both on site lots and on-street parking covering up to eight blocks from the site. Once baseline conditions were established, Bunt developed a calibrated parking demand forecasting model using first principles and employed this model to estimate future parking demand and supply scenarios.

Our deliverables included an Existing Conditions report and a Parking Assessment memo, which served as support for the Business Case to government to provide a higher level of parking supply for the first phase of the master plan to address current site parking shortfalls.

Other recent work that Bunt conducted at the Royal Columbian Hospital included Traffic Safety Review for an intersection that will be utilized by the hospital as a key truck access, as well as an Traffic Operational Review for a newly opened Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre.

10th Avenue Corridor Bike Lane Design

Bunt & Associates was jointly engaged by Vancouver Coastal Health and the City of Vancouver to be part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting a collaborative design process for the 10th Avenue corridor bike lane project.  The City was planning for new separated cycle tracks on one of its oldest and most popular cycling routes – the Off Broadway bikeway route, with one section of the track passing through the VGH Health Care Precinct. Separate cycle tracks at the boulevard level as proposed by the City was of concern to VCH due to the perception of decreased safety for the vulnerable pedestrians, and also due to the loss of on-street parking, which Health Care Precinct patients and visitors rely on because of a lack of on-site parking.

Bunt provided background information related to how the corridor was currently used. This involved a comprehensive and multi-modal data collection program that included vehicle, pedestrian and cycling volume demand at every intersection and every driveway, corridor mode split estimates, loading activity by size, location and frequency, parking  occupancy and turnover surveys, driver interviews to understand ultimate destinations, pick-up/drop-off surveys, and license plate surveys to understand through versus local traffic components. Bunt was also responsible for analyzing and evaluating traffic lane closure options at the western end of the corridor including development of traffic diversion forecasts and traffic operations models. Finally, our team participated in three facilitated workshops that explored street user types, hierarchy of needs, and the development of various design options.

Bunt’s contribution to the project was instrumental in informing a balanced design solution that limited lane closures and parking loss, while meeting the City’s objectives to provide separated cycle tracks and space for landscaping. The project was approved by City Council in 2017.

Lougheed Town Centre Core Area Master Transportation Plan & Phase 1 TIA

Shape Properties (Shape) proposed to redevelop the Lougheed Town Centre Shopping Mall site and other Shape parcels into a mixed use, high density Transit Oriented Development (TOD).   The 23.14 acre site  was proposed to become a new urban neighbourhood with approximately 10,000 residential multi-family units, 1.5M sq.ft. Gross Leasable Area (GLA) of retail uses, 240 hotel rooms and 400,000 sq.ft. Gross Floor Area (GFA) of office space.

Bunt & Associates was involved with the project since 2010, providing high level site planning and design guidance including development of multiple transit exchange expansion options working with TransLink, the City, and the developer.  Bunt completed a detailed traffic impact assessment study, including a traffic operations model covering over 25 intersections and site access points. Our work was instrumental in confirming the new roadways, intersections, and site access points needed to support the significant increase in density.

Bunt developed detailed VISSIM micro-simulation models to confirm the impact of narrowing Austin Avenue, a major east-west arterial road, to better support the urban design objectives and also to test the operational impacts of and potential control measures for high pedestrian crossing volumes near the Lougheed SkyTrain Station.  Bunt conducted extensive research in support of a significant parking supply reduction and prepared a Transportation Demand Management strategy for the site.

Since the Master Transportation Plan was approved by the City of Burnaby in 2016, Bunt was again engaged by Shape Properties to provide transportation planning and engineering advice for the first phase of the Lougheed Town Centre Shopping Centre redevelopment. Key considerations included the large shared loading court and development on an interim access arrangement with temporary traffic on Austin Road to support the planned Phase 1 development.  Bunt prepared a micro-simulation model using the PTV VISSIM software to confirm the feasibility of the interim access concept. Finally, a comprehensive Transportation Demand Management and Monitoring Plan was developed to support the development.

Rogers Place Arena & Ice District Pedestrian System Analysis

Rogers Place Arena is a multi-use indoor arena in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. Construction started in March 2014 and the building officially opened on September 8, 2016. The arena has a seating capacity of 18,500, and replaced the 1974 Northland’s Coliseum as home of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.  Bunt & Associates was involved the planning, design and construction phases of the new arena.

At the outset of the project, the design team needed to appropriately size the number and capacity of the pedestrian system elements within and surrounding the arena. A significant number of arena and entertainment patrons were anticipated to arrive to the site on foot, either walking from off-site parking or adjacent transit stops and therefore consideration of pedestrian movements was of key concern in site planning. Bunt was engaged by Oilers Entertainment Group to undertake a pedestrian demand and capacity analysis to better understand a number of pedestrian design related elements at major entry/exit points and at critical internal congestion points. Our scope included projecting pedestrian demand based on first principles and anticipated mode splits. The total entry and exit demands under several demand scenarios were determined during the peak 5 and 15 minute demand periods, at critical constrained locations within the arena (i.e. doorways, stairways, escalators).  In addition, projections of pedestrian movements on adjacent area sidewalks were estimated.

Using both industry-standard analysis procedures and VISWALK pedestrian micro-simulation software, Bunt was able to confirm  that planned capacity of the adjacent public sidewalk system, above grade pedestrian walkways, pedestrian routes to/from an adjacent LRT station, key facility stairways, escalators, and lobby areas were appropriately sized to offer a good level or service and sufficient space for queuing was available to accommodate projected pedestrian movements. Based on the peak pedestrian demands, our team provided detailed design input with respect to size/space and width requirements to the project architect and design criteria were recommended based on level of service principles.

Evergreen Line Public Parking Management Strategy

In the spring of 2015, the City of Coquitlam embarked on a project to develop a strategy for the management of public parking in the vicinity of the future Evergreen Line station, slated to be open to transit passengers in early 2017.  The City was concerned that streets near new stations, particularly those free stalls without time restrictions, would be attractive to park & ride activity by commuters.  Bunt & Associates was engaged by the City to undertake an inventory and parking demand surveys of over 8,000 on-street parking stalls within 800m walking distance of the future stations.  Bunt developed a detailed GIS inventory with both supply and parking demand information, conducted extensive research into best practises for parking management near high capacity transit stations, forecasted the potential commuter demand overlay at each stations and developed a parking strategy for the City integrated with planned off-street long term parking supply increases to support the opening of the Evergreen Line.  Bunt worked extensively with City staff and an Interdepartmental Committee to ensure a robust strategy suitable for staff resources to execute effectively, and also assisted in public outreach activities.

East Village Zero Parking Condominium

Knightsbridge Homes proposed a unique development in the East Village community of Calgary. The N3 project (New Attitude, New Living, New Vision) is the first of its kind in Calgary and was marketed as a ‘car-less condo’ for a new generation of young urbanites.

Bunt & Associates was retained by Knightsbridge to undertake a research/literature review and parking analysis to determine the feasibility and impact of not supplying any parking stalls on-site for both residents and visitors of the proposed N3 Condominium Project. The study was used by the City of Calgary Transportation Development Services and City Council to render decision on bylaw parking relaxation for the development.

Banff 2012 Transportation Master Plan Update

Bunt & Associates updated the Town of Banff’s 1999 Integrated Transportation Master Plan, with a key focus on reviewing the current and emerging issues in the existing transportation system (traffic, parking, transit, and active modes) based on appropriate data collection and analysis methods. Our team:

• developed a forecast traffic model to establish the necessary transportation infrastructure needs associated with potential growth;
• assessed current parking characteristics and undertook a parking supply-demand analysis;
• recommended appropriate parking management strategies; and
• participated in public consultation with both internal and external stakeholders.

Approximately 50 percent of all transportation trips in the town are made by walking and cycling.  Therefore, planning for cycling formed an integral part of the wider Transportation Master Plan. Bunt distilled the current cycling patterns and behaviours to establish a plan that enhanced and expanded cycling routes throughout the town, including new bridge crossings. We provided cycle-friendly street design guidance focused on shared use and expanded route options. We also recommended supporting measures such as ‘bicycles at rest’ areas, bicycle mapping, way-finding, and public bike rental programs.

7th Street Cycle Track In-Service Road Safety Review

The City of Calgary retained Bunt & Associates to undertake an In-Service Road Safety Review for the 7th Street SW Cycle Track. This Cycle Track network will connect the Elbow River and Bow River network system, with the 7th Street SW cycle track being completed first.

The objective of the study was twofold. First, to obtain input from key internal/external stakeholders in order to gain an understanding of experiences with the existing cycle track facility and the route along 7th Street. Second, was to focus on collecting germane information along 7th Street, assessment of the traffic/cycle conditions, collision performance, and to identify safety related issues.

Through the process, the In-Service Road Safety Review (ISRSR) Team developed possible mitigation measures for the City and design team to consider for both the existing and future cycle track facilities.

Molson/Crosstown Development

Bunt & Associates was retained by First Capital Realty to assess and evaluate the traffic implications associated with the redevelopment of the former Molson Brewery and Crosstown Motors sites, located north of 104 Avenue between 118 Street and 121 Street in the Oliver neighbourhood. The proposed redevelopment in the Central Business District fringe sector of the City of Edmonton includes the development of over 600 medium/high-rise residential units and over 260,000 square feet of commercial and office space.

Given that the future West LRT line is proposed to alter the existing cross-section of 104 Avenue, Bunt & Associates developed a comprehensive transportation plan to ensure that the project could be accommodated on the adjacent roadway network both pre and post-LRT.

The rezoning of the former Molson Brewery site was approved by City Council on August 26, 2013.

Surrey Civic Centre

Bunt & Associates was engaged by Surrey City Development Corporation to provide transportation planning advice and expertise as part of the masterplanning for Surrey Civic Centre. This involved the planning for the City of Surrey’s new City Hall, a new library, plaza and underground parkade. The project involved determining the location of buildings and public spaces, new streets and intersections, as well as accesses and parking. Bunt’s services included:

• providing transportation leadership and expertise throughout the project lifecycle;
• preparing a full transportation impact assessment study for the project;
• developing a City Centre model for traffic distribution;
• parking demand and management strategy; and
• advice regarding on-street transit needs, location of new streets, and parkade entrances.

Both the City Hall and Library have been constructed and are now open.

Oakridge Centre Redevelopment

Bunt & Associates have been involved with the transportation planning and engineering analysis for the Oakridge Redevelopment in Vancouver over the past several years through the project rezoning approval by the City of Vancouver in 2014 through to the development permit approvals and construction traffic management work today.  The Oakridge Redevelop is the one of the most high profile and ambitious mixed-use redevelopments in all of the Metro Vancouver Region and a cornerstone for the entire Municipal Town Centre redevelopment envisioned by the City of Vancouver for this area.

The Bunt team has worked with the project team to develop an access strategy for Oakridge for all modes of travel (vehicle, public transit, walking and cycling), a parking and loading supply rationale and comprehensive Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plans.  We have been involved with the design development of street cross sections to incorporate vehicle, pedestrian and cyclists, and transit passenger capacity analysis of the Oakridge Canada Line Station and bus transit service along the West 41^st Avenue and Cambie Street frontages of the project.  Bunt has also been involved with the extensive public consultation component for each development permit application in the past several years, and work with City staff on the construction management plan for each construction stages. 

Metrotown Existing Bus Exchange Design Study

Bunt & Associates was engaged by TransLink to undertake a conceptual and functional design study for the reconfiguration of the existing Metrotown Bus Exchange. The exchange was intended to be converted to a layover facility once a new on-street exchange is constructed as part of the overall Metrotown SkyTrain Station improvement project.

Design requirements and objectives for the layover facility were developed in collaboration with TransLink staff and included the provision of at least eleven layover spaces and two trolley bus route spaces. These requirements guided the preparation of four conceptual design options which were then evaluated according to a set of criteria approved by TransLink and Coast Mountain Bus staff.

When a preferred design concept was established, Bunt prepared a more detailed Functional Design layout and a supporting technical report. At all stages, the designs were carefully checked for adherence to TransLink’s Infrastructure Design Guidelines, and AutoTURN assessments were undertaken to confirm the physical feasibility of proposed improvements for standard, articulated and trolley bus movements.

UBC Transit Exchange Conceptual Design & Gage South Master Plan

Bunt & Associates was commissioned by TransLink to provide and test initial conceptual design development and technical design review for the proposed Diesel Bus Exchange and layover facility at the University of British Columbia. Pedestrian count data was collected to establish major pedestrian movement demand patterns and corridors surrounding the Bus Exchange.

Based on the information, an initial exchange layout concept was established to identity bus stops orientation with the goal of minimizing the interaction between pedestrian and bus vehicle movements. A VISSIM micro-simulation model was then developed to simulate forecast operating conditions and visually illustrate the challenges with a proposed mid-block pedestrian crossing of the exchange. Technical design review services were provided to investigate the feasibility of a number of refined concepts produced by UBC’s project consultant.

Subsequent to providing design input to TransLink, Bunt was later retained by UBC Properties Trust to provide design support to the Project Team on the planning for the Gage South Neighbourhood, located between Student Union Boulevard and the General Services and Administration Building west of Wesbrook Mall. A key component of the Master Plan was to confirm the location of the new Aquatic Centre, along with the footprint and location of the new Diesel Bus Exchange. Bunt was involved in providing design support to the project Architect to advance the conceptual design of the new Bus Exchange.

Zoning Bylaw Parking Study

Bunt & Associates provided direction for the development of new and appropriate parking bylaw regulations, strategies and programs to assist the City of Edmonton in managing parking resources in a sustainable fashion to support future updates to the Zoning Bylaw. This included providing information on specific parking regulations and parking management operations that reflect, acknowledge and align with current planning and transportation strategic tenets.

The challenge of the project was to identify modifications to current parking policies and practices to enhance over-arching land use planning principles to support walkability and transit use. The basic study goals achieved included providing direction in the development of modified Zoning Bylaw parking regulations and identifying innovative parking management strategies. When combined with modified parking regulations, the study’s recommendations will assist the administration in assuming a stronger role in achieving the vision of a sustainable parking management plan including the goal of higher transit use.

Ganges Village Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure Plan

The Capital Regional District (CRD) identified a lack of sidewalks and bicycle facilities as an impediment to increased walking and cycling in Ganges Village on Salt Spring Island. Provision of additional infrastructure for these travel modes was seen as a means to provide alternatives to using vehicles for short trips in and around the village by visitors and residents alike.

To address this deficiency in Ganges Village, the CRD initiated a study to identify an appropriate configuration for sidewalks and bicycle facilities along the target sections of Lower Ganges and Rainbow Road as a first step to eventual development of a more comprehensive network of such facilities. Bunt & Associates, as a sub-consultant to J.E. Anderson, was responsible for assessing proposed conceptual designs for future roadway improvements. We analyzed existing traffic operations through a detailed traffic model, which provided insight to whether future roadway and traffic control improvements would be warranted. We also identified how best to incorporate infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation into the existing and planned future road corridors.

Esquimalt Road Diet & Traffic Calming Feasibility Study

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the Township of Esquimalt to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a conceptual design for a Road Diet/Traffic Calming initiative for the 800 Block of Esquimalt Road. The primary intent of the project was to determine whether reducing the roadway to two lanes with traffic calming features would be feasible for the section of Esquimalt Road between Dominion Road and Head Street and if so, to prepare a conceptual design that would address the capacity, safety and access issues for all modes of transportation along this corridor.

Bunt’s services included:

Reviewing existing traffic data, accident history, existing geometrics, signal phasing, drawings, reports, design standards and concepts to confirm feasibility; Developing draft conceptual design options; Arranging and hosting a series of open house with stakeholders, including transportation agencies, BC Transit, local businesses & residents and First Nations; Incorporating stakeholder feedback and comments into the final conceptual drawings.

The project was approved by the Township and Bunt’s proposed corridor improvements were constructed in 2009. The revised street configuration is now pedestrian and cyclist friendly, with medians providing opportunities for mid-block crossings and attractive landscaping.

Interior Health Hospitals Master Site Plans

Bunt & Associates was engaged by Interior Health as part of a multi disciplinary team to assist in the preparation of two hospital site master plans in Kamloops (Royal Inland Hospital) and Williams Lake (Cariboo Memorial Hospital). We were responsible for providing site planning input to the project team, but also for preparing stand alone Master Transportation Plans which focused on the future parking requirements for staff, patients and visitors as well as potential off-site traffic and parking impacts.

Our scope of work for both sites included an assessment of existing parking and traffic conditions at each site; detailed parking supply/demand and traffic volume data collection including a patient/visitor interview survey; development of traffic models to test operational impacts of increases in site traffic over the time horizon of site redevelopment; and, preparation of parking demand forecasts to guide master site planning.  Bunt was also responsible for site design reviews using AutoTURN and preparing supporting Master Transportation Plan documents and associated chapters in the Master Plans.

Sechelt Transportation Plan

Bunt & Associates was retained by the District of Sechelt to update the transportation component of the District’s Official Community Plan and develop a revised Road Network Plan. The intent of the project was to identify transportation infrastructure that could direct growth of the community into the future. The project also involved an update the District’s 1999 TMODEL travel demand model to a VISUM model to test the land use scenarios developed as part of the OCP update. Bunt developed and evaluated road network alternatives to alleviate the pressures expected to be placed on the existing network with projected population growth. Comprehensive transportation network plans were developed to accommodate growth to the 20,000 and 30,000 population horizons. The plan development process included:

Reviewing the previous OCP; liaising with the BC Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure to determine regional and provincial transportation requirements; developing and utilizing the VISUM model to assess demand and capacity on the road system; recommending future roadway functions, laning and alignments; preparing a strategy for road right-of-way acquisition and initial cost estimates for any transportation system upgrades; examining methods for enhancing alternate means of transportation, i.e. walking, cycling, transit, and others; and estimating preliminary costs.

Bunt was also responsible for traffic operations assessments of key intersections and corridors, crash assessments, and development of a supporting active transportation plan.

2010 Olympics Strategic Transportation Area Plans

In February, 2010, Vancouver hosted the Olympic & Paralympic Games. Over 1.6 million spectator tickets were sold to competition events held in 12 different venues, including three venues located in Whistler, two hours north of Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway.

Bunt & Associates, in partnership with another consultant, was engaged by the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) to prepare strategic transportation plans for the Greater Vancouver, Sea to Sky Corridor and Whistler Areas. These plans included:

• the establishment of goals & objectives;
• forecasting of both Background and Olympic Overlay travel demands at key locations;
• the development and evaluation of transportation strategies; and
• the preparation of tactical plans to address the increased travel demands during the Olympic competition period.

We reported to the VANOC Transportation Department staff during the year-long project but we were also responsible for ongoing and extensive consultation with VANOC’s transportation stakeholders, including the City of Vancouver, TransLink, Ministry of Transportation & Highways, BC Transit and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

Bunt was awarded the Bill Curtis Project of the Year Award in November 2008 by the Greater Vancouver Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers in recognition of the success of this challenging project.

UniverCity Master Plan at Simon Fraser University

The UniverCity Community has been developed as a sustainable residential-based community located on Burnaby Mountain in the City of Burnaby, BC. It is within walking distance of the Simon Fraser University campus and transit exchange, as well as retail shops, restaurants, services and community facilities in and around the Town Centre. Bunt was retained to provide transportation planning advice for the community plan. Our involvement included preparation of a transportation impact assessment and development of parking and car-sharing strategies consistent with the sustainable nature of the neighbourhood. We also produced functional design drawings for key roadways within the neighbourhood to accommodate various road users including pedestrians, cyclists, transit vehicles, and general traffic.

River District (East Fraserlands) Master Transportation Plan

Bunt was retained as part of a multi-disciplinary consultant team to provide transportation consulting services for the planned new neighbourhood in Vancouver, BC. The plan for this new neighbourhood, based on the principles of sustainability and “smart growth”, envisioned a future population of 12,000+ residents and neighbourhood-scale commercial uses. The land use plan was set within a transit-oriented urban form with street and sidewalk/bicycle routes that promoted walking and cycling for local trips and transit for longer distance trips. Bunt’s role in the project involved a detailed traffic impact study but also assistance in the preparation of innovative, pedestrian-oriented street designs with narrow widths and built-in traffic calming measures. We also researched and provided input to the project team on the potential for integration of a car‑share program, the benefits of mix-use zoning as well as shared parking synergies. Recent work includes updating Phase 3 of the Master Plan to potentially double the planned density, along with restructuring the street network to better serve the community. A new Transportation Assessment & Management Study and TDM Plan are currently being developed to support this new rezoning update.

Golden Ears Bridge Project

Acting as Traffic Engineer on the Owner’s Engineer Team, Bunt & Associates was responsible for all transportation planning and traffic engineering tasks during the three stages of the project. During the Concept Development stage, Bunt developed traffic volume forecasts and conducted traffic analysis to assess the relative merits of three alternative configurations and prepared evaluation reports for presentation to the TransLink Board. With the preferred Concept endorsed by the Board, Bunt then assisted in the Design-Build-Finance-Operate (DBFO) Request for Proposal process by developing Design Hour Volumes and other traffic-related specifications for the RFP documents, provided design advice for the preliminary design concept, evaluated the bids from proponents, and participated in the negotiations for the final contract with the winning bidder. During the Implementation phase, Bunt reviewed the detailed designs presented by the Contractor, and provided traffic planning related advice to the owner and affected municipalities for specific matters that arose during the construction period.

The major traffic planning work required for the project was development of design specific traffic forecasts for the Golden Ears Bridge (GEB) Project corridor and application of the forecasts in evaluating options and developing a Base Design. The forecasting process included development of a comprehensive EMME/2 transportation model (by others) for the east side of the Lower Mainland which included several other major infrastructure initiatives, that together with the GEB Project were expected to radically alter travel patterns on both sides of the Fraser River. The output from the EMME/2 model was then transformed by Bunt into a Synchro-SimTraffic micro-simulation model of the study area as a tool for traffic operations analysis. Since the project extended for approximately 15 kilometres through four rapidly developing suburban municipalities, a wide variety of localized traffic planning and operations issues had to be addressed prior to the RFP issuance to secure agreement among the municipalities, TransLink and the provincial Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure of the preferred design concept. In addition, during development of the RFP and subsequent evaluation of DBFO Proponent bids, Bunt established specific traffic performance measures for evaluation purposes which were later tested against the DBFO Proponent submissions as one of the criteria for selecting the preferred proponent.

Edmonton Federal Building

The restoration and expansion of the historic Edmonton Federal Building (335,000 ft2) within the Alberta Legislature Grounds represented an important link between the city’s past, present and future.The retrofit of the existing Edmonton Federal Building includes the Centennial Plaza constructed over a 650 stall underground parking garage, outdoor and indoor fountains, a skating rink, visitor center, café, restaurant and gift shop.

Bunt & Associates was commissioned by Alberta Infrastructure through Kasian Architects to assess the demand for employee and visitor parking demands, and to develop a corresponding parking accommodation and traffic management plan including the number, location and configuration of parkade access portals and lane arrangements. Working closely with the project architects, Alberta Infrastructure, and the City of Edmonton, we developed an approved traffic accommodation and parking management program. A key element of the parking management plan was to develop a flexible system which responded to employee parking demands during typical weekday operations, and to visitors on weekday evenings and on weekends.

Bunt & Associates was also responsible for the review of below grade truck loading and unloading facilities as part of the overall traffic plan.

Mill Woods Library & Seniors Centre

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the City’s Asset Management and Public Works Department to complete a transportation plan for the new Mill Woods Library & Seniors Centre. The new Mill Woods Library, Seniors and Multicultural Centre will be situated in the immediate vicinity of the Mill Woods Town Centre and Mill Woods Transit Centre. The new library was planned to be in the order of 2,300 square meters.

Bunt & Associates developed a comprehensive transportation plan to facilitate passenger vehicle and bus movements into the site. This assisted in the planning and location of an appropriate on-site parking supply and ensured appropriate pedestrian linkages to a major transit terminal hub and Mill Woods Town Centre.

The Quarters Area Redevelopment Plan

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the City of Edmonton Special Projects Office to provide transportation and parking planning consulting services in support of the Quarters Area Redevelopment Plan (ASP). The goal of this plan was to accommodate a population of about 22,000 residents. Bunt was responsible for reviewing alternative circulation options and parking accommodation plans for the area. Particular attention was made to the development of pedestrian friendly street systems acknowledging the influence of the proposed Valley line LRT alignment which will traverse through the plan area.

A key recommendation from this review was to modify the current parking zone bylaw of multi-family developments. Bunt proposed that multi-family parking regulations be based on floor area of units rather than number of bedrooms. Bunt’s proposal was successfully adopted.

In addition, Bunt researched alternative parking management models and presented benefits associated with the implementation of a civic parking agency.

Edmonton City Centre Airport

Bunt & Associates was retained by the Deputy City Manager’s Office to lead a multi-disciplinary team of land use planners, financial analysts and municipal engineers to evaluate land use, transportation, and servicing impacts as well as the market potential associated with the possible closure and redevelopment of the Edmonton City Centre Airport Lands.

At the time of the study, the airport operated as a general aviation airport. The potential redevelopment of the airport lands represented an opportunity to achieve longer-term land use and transit service objectives by providing an alternative to lower-density communities on the outskirts of the City through the development of a sustainable mixed-use activity node. For the purpose of determining these impacts and to identify opportunities and constraints associated with the possible redevelopment of the airport lands, a Demonstration Plan was prepared to illustrate how the lands could potentially be redeveloped as a comprehensive Transit Oriented Neighbourhood, including the development of LRT service into the development area. Redevelopment of the ECCA Lands as a compact mixed-use development area based on a Transit Oriented Development framework will align with the City’s current vision and Smart Choices policies.

Downtown Edmonton ARP Update Parking Study

The City of Edmonton initiated a Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) update to ensure that downtown continued to be the strategic focus of the city’s cultural, business, and entertainment activity. This plan renewed the City’s commitment to downtown revitalization.

Edmonton is working towards creating sustainable downtown environments with a focus on walkability and transit. To achieve this vision, Bunt & Associates was hired to review existing parking policies and practices which conventionally offer free or low-cost parking and encourage increased single-occupant vehicle travel.

Bunt analyzed the parking characteristics of five downtown zones, including residential, employee, and commerical parking lots, and provided a detailed understanding of current parking space use. This information was used to forecast future parking demands. The study also illustrated that significant capital investment would be required to maintain current supply levels, contrary to the City’s goal of promoting transit and alternative modes as effective access to downtown.

The study provided guidance on Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs and Parking Management solutions to reduce the need for additional parking stalls within the downtown area.

In addition, modifications were made to the current regulations for the five analyzed zones. The City of Edmonton was provided with the tools needed to assess future downtown development initiatives.

East Village Area Redevelopment

Located within the Rivers District, east of Calgary’s downtown city hall, East Village is a substantive urban area encompassing almost 50 hectares of land. The area includes older buildings, roadways and infrastructure, numerous recreational opportunities, and sites of historical significance. Due to the village’s proximity to the downtown core, the river, and busy sites such as Fort Calgary and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, a comprehensive and unique plan for redevelopment was required.

To assist with this plan, Bunt & Associates performed a comprehensive transportation study for the City of Calgary between 2003 and 2005 that included the development of road networks, traffic controls, bicycle routes, and transit service plans for the new neighbourhood, including narrower, pedestrian-friendly street design standards.

The overall objective for the transportation network of East Village was to enhance pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and to create a shortblock network of streets, lanes, and mews for accommodating vehicle traffic. Bunt later developed detour plans during the implementation phase with the aim of integrating the East Village with the surrounding urban and geographic landscape.

The redevelopment plan and associated studies were adopted by the City in 2005 and redevelopment commenced in 2007 through the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC). During construction, Bunt organized and executed annual programs to maintain efficient flow of traffic, transit, pedestrians, and bicycles through this challenging area. These programs involved comprehensive communication processes and live upgrades to numerous staging plans with the CMLC, their contractors, key City departments, and other infrastructure consultants.

CrossIron Mills Shopping Centre Traffic Impact Study & Grand Opening Traffic Management Plan

CrossIron Mills regional shopping centre includes more than one million square feet in Rocky View County, immediately north of Calgary. Since 2005, Bunt & Associates has been involved in site planning and has completed several traffic impact and parking studies to support the site planning, approval and on-going operation of development.

Bunt also developed and executed a successful traffic management plan for the site’s grand opening in August 2009. This included implementing a program to supervise over 40 traffic control and police service staff responsible for thousands of guest vehicles, emergency response access, and multi-modal circulation.

Bunt continues to work with the mall owners in on-going site planning and impact assessments as the site continues to evolve and expand.

38 Avenue & Sifton Boulevard Road Safety Audit

The City of Calgary retained Bunt & Associates to undertake a Road Safety Audit (RSA) of the ultimate design for the 38 Avenue/Sifton Boulevard corridor, which was identified in the Inner City Transportation Study reports as one of the City’s key problematic short cutting routes through the inner city. In that study, a number of traffic mitigation measures and traffic calming features were recommended for implementation to reduce the current/future traffic volumes and speeds through the residential communities.

The project was approximately one kilometre in length and extended from 14th Street to Elbow Drive. The primary purpose of the RSA was to ensure that the proposed traffic calming features considered all safety implications. As part of this RSA, Bunt & Associates identified a number of safety concerns and developed a number of mitigation measures to reduce the overall crash potential.

University of Alberta Travel Demand Management Study

For many cities and their major institutions, increased traffic activity has intensified roadway congestion and strained parking capacities. Universities and colleges, such as the University of Alberta, recognize the need to evaluate the best use of remaining land for parking expansions in addition to demands for more research space, classroom facilities, and campus green space. Bunt & Associates was retained by the University of Alberta to perform this evaluation.

The main objective of the study was to establish a Travel Demand Management (TDM) implementation strategy and framework for the university. The study, which supports the City of Edmonton’s ongoing TDM efforts, considered activities in the adjacent neighbourhoods of Garneau, Windsor Park, Belgravia, Mckernan, and Parkallen, and nearby land uses, including the University of Alberta Hospital, the Cross Cancer Institute, Canadian Blood Services, and the Jubilee Auditorium.

Bunt reviewed current TDM practices and evaluated practices and strategies as they might apply to the University of Alberta and its surrounding area. Bunt then developed a Transportation Demand Framework for the university which included: objectives, evaluation criteria, opportunities for implementation, barriers for implementation, anticipated impacts of strategies, and recommendations for TDM strategies to be pursued on the basis of a technical review.