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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSD-003-07 Cl!J!il]glon REPORT PLANNING SERVICES Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Report #: PSD-003-07 File #: PLN 17.1.6 6PA --006-07 By-law #: Date: Monday, January 8,2007 Subject: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM UPDATE RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend the following: 1. THAT Report PSD-003-07 be received for information. ~ (J~Utu Submitted by: ~. Reviewed by: D vi ;J. Crome, M.C.I.P.,R.P.P. Franklin Wu Director, Planning Services Chief Administrative Officer FLlDJC/df 12 December 2006 CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-0830 REPORT NO.: PSD-003-07 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 In 2003 Council approved funding ($10,000) for an environmental stewardship programme that would encourage private groups to carry out works that improve municipal lands, such as valleylands and other natural areas. Since 2002, Council has provided funding on an annual basis to establish stewardship on an ongoing programme. 1.2 Initially, uptake of these stewardship funds was limited. It has taken some time to build awareness that funding is available for stewardship projects on municipal properties. At the same time, staff have been careful to direct private stewardship initiatives to the applicable conservation authority, Durham Land Stewardship Council (for Ministry of Natural Resources properties) and other programmes. 1.3 Each year Darlington OPG have sponsored a workshop known as “Environmental Convergence”, where a number of the stewardship groups come together to discuss common issues, and explore new topics and themes. Planning Services Staff have participated in these workshops providing an overview of the policy framework for land use planning and working with other partners on establishing criteria for a wildlife corridor along the lakefront. 2.0 GRANTS 2.1 General Guidelines When approving projects for funding, Staff have been careful to only fund projects that are on municipally owned properties, have in-kind contributions (labour and/or materials) and meet the overall concept plan for the area. Planning Services Staff work closely with Engineering and Operations staff to ensure that the project is in the best interests of the municipality. 2.2 2003 Works Plantings in the Bowmanville Valley along the pathway from Spry Avenue north. In-kind labour provided by Planning Services Staff and Valleys 2000. 2.3 2004 Works Creek crossing in Bowmanville Valley in partnership with Valleys 2000 and Courtice Secondary School students. The funding provided the lumber necessary for the project, the students built and installed the crossing. 2.4 2005 Works Boardwalk behind Courtice Complex in partnership with Courtice Secondary School students. The funding provided the lumber necessary for the project, REPORT NO.: PSD-003-07 PAGE 3 again the students constructed the boardwalk in sections, in shop class, and then assembled it on site. Plantings in Soper Creek valley along the pathway from Visual Arts Centre north to Hobbs Avenue, in partnership with Valleys 2000 and Bowmanville High School students who provided the labour. 2.5 2006 Works In February of 2006 the Municipality hosted, in partnership with OPG a workshop for a number of environmental groups with Evergreen. Evergreen is a not-for- profit environmental group that provides advice and funding for environmental projects. The workshop was attended by approximately 25 people representing a number of different groups. The information provided during this workshop was extremely helpful to a number of these groups. The networking opportunities for the groups was also an important aspect of the workshop. Plantings in Soper Creek valley along the pathway from the Visual Arts Centre north in partnership with the Planning Services Department World Town Planning Day event and Bowmanville High School students. Sponsorship of a workshop for municipal staff from throughout the Region of Durham regarding private wells and septic systems and their impact on the environment. The workshop was provided by Dr. Mary Jane Conboy of the Well Wise Centre which will be opening in Orono early in 2007. The intent of this workshop was to educate municipal staff (building and planning) to ensure consistent messages and was provided across the Region to residents on wells and septic systems. Provided funding for the lumber for Boardwalk at Courtice Millenium Trail in partnership with Courtice Secondary School students. The students constructed the boardwalk in sections, in shop class, and then assembled it on site. 3.0 CONCLUSION 3.1 There has been good response to the grants program, to date over $15,000 has been spent; however, the value of the in-kind contributions is more than double that amount. In addition, the net gain for those involved has been an understanding and long-term commitment to the community and environmental stewardship. 3.2 Staff hope to continue to expand the environmental stewardship program in the coming year.