Development in our neighbourhood continues although it has somewhat abated because many of the buildings have been completed and others postponed. We continue to work with the City and individual developers to manage the construction. We are focusing on ensuring that: 

 

• We have an opportunity to review and provide input to Construction Management Plans when they are submitted by the developer to the City;

• There is coordination between sites so that the neighbourhood is not overwhelmed by construction vehicles and additional traffic;

• Construction, including related vehicles and staging, is contained on the building site rather than encroaching on our streets and sidewalks;

• There is safe, efficient passage on sidewalks and roads for residents in the neighbourhood, especially for those who use mobility vehicles or support animals;

• Parking laws are enforced to prevent congestion;

• All municipal and provincial laws pertaining to the control of noise, dust and hours of work are enforced;

• Signage is put up and enforced.

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The Construction Management Committee of the RRA was established to ensure the successful monitoring and oversight of all construction projects within the RRA’s boundaries. Successful oversight means that construction companies, developers and utilities contractors follow the required city bylaws with a focus on safety and access for all stakeholders including emergency vehicles in the vicinity of their work sites.

 

The description below provides a detailed list of the duties and responsibilities of the committee. However, the effectiveness of the committee in delivering results relies on the ability to create, maintain and enhance relationships with all stakeholders. This is, and will remain to be, the foundation for any level of success.

The committee and its members, other than the relationship with our City Councilor, hold no status with the Developers or the City departments. In asserting ourselves to achieve the desirable outcomes, the ability of the committee to project competency, credibility, focus on real issues and a rational approach go a long way to effectively participate and keep the relationships active.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

 

1. Planning

• Early definition of Key Areas of Concern for each construction site:

       o Early discussions/modifications and reviews of the proposed CMP 

       o Work hours adherence
       o Noise and Vibration reports
       o Traffic management around the work site (including parking concerns) o Road encroachment protocols
       o Community respect
       o Crane and other construction lights (impact on residents in the area)

       o Coordination with utility companies to ensure safety and access for all residents
       o Advanced communication of road closures as required
       o Environmental concerns with cement trucks or idling hauling trucks

       o Site cleanliness (sidewalks included)
       o Other, site unique concerns

• Establishing a monthly communication meeting and the participants:
  o A three-way monthly communication meeting with the Community representatives, the City area                   coordinator, and Construction Site Management.

• Recruit immediate construction area residents’ representative(s) to participate

  in monthly meetings if necessary

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2. Coordination and Communication

• Attend monthly coordination meetings to ensure:

      o The reporting format as currently established is followed and City’s and Developer’s participation is                      happening, all areas of concern are regularly reviewed, and issues get resolved in a timely manner
      o We obtain construction status and/or any anticipated changes to the project
      o Extended hours of work are approved by the City and advance notices

         are issued as required

• Road closures, disruptive utilities work and other events that impede safety and access need to be communicated in advance

• Daily issues, observed or reported to the committee, get addressed with the

  site management in real time. City involvement is requested if necessary.

• Follow up on all open issues to ensure successful completion/resolution of

  issues

• Progress reporting to the RRA Leadership Team on all active sites

 

3. Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Complaints monitoring regarding construction activities by residents to ensure compliance with City bylaws and safety standards. Initiate action(s) as required. Address any systemic issues via procedural, reporting and/or monitoring actions

• Engage bylaw enforcement officials to ensure that fines and other consequences are delivered for traffic, parking and other bylaw violations

• As much as possible, document any violations to ensure successful enforcement

 

4. Risk Management

• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impact on the community from all active projects

• Prepare/communicate contingency plans if necessary to address unexpected issues

• Prioritizing health and safety concerns to protect all stakeholders, and to ensure unimpeded emergency vehicle access

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5. Resource Management

• Recruit residents impacted to act as eyes and ears in the vicinity of each site 

• Provide support and mentorship to residents that want to actively participate in construction management outside our boundaries

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6. General Area Traffic Management

• Road signs and Markings:use of the roads
    o Ensure that all signs and markings are in good condition

         o Ensure that road signs and markings accurately reflect the intended 

• Road repairs:

         o Ensure that roads are in an acceptable/passable state of repair. Report

            any serious issues with road conditions and ensure their timely repairs

• Traffic Patterns:

    o Identify any dangerous traffic patterns and report to City department for their mitigation actions

• Parking Violations and Enforcement:

       o Report and monitor the mitigation of any parking signage issues
       o Report serious parking violations for enforcement (serious issues are limited to endangerment of                          pedestrians/wheelchairs and access for emergency vehicles)

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7. Sidewalks for Safe Unobstructed Passage

• Ensure sidewalks remain clear of obstruction for safe pedestrian and wheelchair passage. Report any issues and monitor their timely mitigation

• Ensure sidewalks are in good state of repair for safe passage of pedestrians, wheelchairs, and limited mobility individuals. Report issues and monitor their repairs.