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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-32-93 s# 7"I~ COMP ~AIi ®F IFiS TORN OF WVC~S`TL DN: PUBCON.GPA Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee File #k ~e ~ Date: Monday, February 15, 1993 Res. ~y-~~~ Repert RH=~-~'n=-°? File 3 a _ 3 Subject: Official Plan Review Public Consultation Report stage I Information Centres Our File: Pln 32.3 ~~~rtt~rtati~t~e , It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report PD-32-93 be received for information. 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 In November 1992, the first Stage of the Town of Newcastle Official Plan Review was completed. Stage I, Background Research, was undertaken to identify the major issues that need to be considered in subsequent phases of the Official Plan Review process. - The- Background Resear-ch pr-oduced f-our-teer. ba~kgr~~znd di~GU~s~ar_ papers which examine the relevant legislation, the existing. situation present in the Town of Newcastle and to identify key issues to be investigated. The fourteen discussion papers included, cultural heritage, natural environment, land use and settlement, demographics trends and forecasts, economic development, agricultural and forestry, mineral aggregates, central and commercial areas, industrial areas, housing, parks, recreation and open space, institutional community and government uses, transportation and utilities. 1.2 Public Consultation during Stage I consisted of: • a Newsletter • Public Attitudes Survey • Public Information Centres 5~~ rn~~.~ E~r~~« PiIS IS FlR!MED CN RECVC tEU PAPE(i REPORT NO.: PD-32-93 PAGE 2 1.3 Public Information Centres for the Stage I of the Official Plan Review were held in four separate locations between November 16-19, 1992, inclusive. Attachment #1 to this Report is the Public Consultation Report detailing the events of the Stage I Information Centres. The report notes the purpose, locations, format and attendance of each Information Centres as well as all written and verbal comments from residents who attended. 2. The Public Consultation Report on the Stage I Information Centres, is the first in a series that will be prepared to keep Council appraised of Staff's efforts to involve the citizens of Newcastle in the Official Plan Review. 2.1 A second Public Consultation Report will be forwarded to Council following the completion of the analysis of the Public Attitudes Survey, anticipated in the early Spring, 1993. There was an overwhelming response of nearly 6000 households which is taking longer than anticipated to tabulate. - - Respectfully submitted, Recommended for presentation to the Committee i , i 1 Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P. Lawrence E. Ko s~ff Director of Planning Chief Administrative and Development Officer CS*DC*FW*df *Attach 5 February 1993 PUBLIC CONSULTATION REPORT INFORMATION CENTRES .r~l~,n„ti,.. NEWCASTLE OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW Department of Planning and Development • Town of Newcastle February 1993 X13 OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW Stage I Public Consultation Report Table of Contents 1. Introduction 3 i) Purpose ii) Locations 2. Public Notifications 4 i) Mailings ii) Newsletter iii) Surveys iv) Advertising 3. Format and Attendance 5 4. Public Comments 6 5. Discussion 14 7. Attachments i) Mailing List ii) Newsletter iii) Survey iv) Advertising v) List of Panels vi) Comments Sheet (blank) vii) Newspaper Clippings SUMMARY OF INFORMATION CENTRES FOR PHASE I 1. Introduction Public involvement is essential in creating a new official plan. The efforts made by the Planning and Development Department thus far have attempted to provide citizens of our community with an opportunity for input into planning the future of our community. Newsletters, surveys and Information Centres are all important vehicles for getting the citizens of this community involved in assisting the Planning and Development Department in the creating a vision for the Town of Newcastle. During the week of November 16, 1992 four Information Centres were held throughout the Town Of Newcastle. The following provides detail regarding the Information Centres as well as the responses and reactions from the general public. 1.2 Puraose of Information Centre at Stage I The purpose for Information Centres at the end of Stage I was to afford the citizens of the Town of Newcastle an opportunity to review, confirm and comment on the background research which was compiled to form fourteen working papers on various topic. Planning Staff were on hand at each Information Centre to hear the citizens comments, views, and ideas. 1.3 Location Given the large geographic area of the Town of Newcastle and the influences of a urban and rural character, the Information Centres were held in four different locations. Those locations are noted below: • Monday November 16, 1992 Newcastle Village Community Hall • Tuesday November 17, 1992 Orono Town Hall • Wednesday November 18, 1992 Bowmanville Recreation Complex • Thursday November 19, 1992 Dr. Emily Stowe Public School, Courtice To afford all citizens an opportunity to attend, the Information Centres were held between the hours of 3:00 P.M. and 8:30 P.M. 1 515 - 3 - 2. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION Four methods were used to inform the public of the Information Centres: • Mailings A mailing list has been produced comprised of all individuals who previously expressed an interest in the Official Plan Review process. Notice of the Information Centres were mailed to each person on the list. (Attachment #1) • Newsletters The first newsletter was produced prior to the Information Centres (Attachment #2). The date, time and location of the Information Centres were noted in the newsletter. It was mailed to all individuals on the mailing list as well as distributed to community groups, libraries and was also available in the Municipal Administrative Centre. A second newsletter is to be distributed in mid February providing a summary of the Information Centres. • Survey A Public Attitudes Survey was mailed to each household in the Town of Newcastle one week ....prior o the Information Centres.. Notification of. the Information Centres was noted on the cover letter attached to each survey. (Attachment #3) The citizens of Newcastle were encouraged to attend Information Centres prior to filling out the survey. • Advertising Notice for the Information Centres (Attachment #4) were placed in the following local newspapers: Canadian Statesman November 4 & 11, 1992 Orono Times November 4 & 11, 1992 Courtice News November 4 & 18, 1992 16 - 4 - 3. FORMAT AND ATTENDANCE 3.1 Format Each Information Centre was assembled in an informal walk-through format. Thirty two (32) panels were organized, beginning with introductory panels, schedules of the existing Official Plan, proceeding to panels representing information on the fourteen topic areas (Attachment #5). Staff also established a resource area, where all background papers were available for perusal by attendees. Copies of the Background Reports were available on request. This area also allowed for one-on-one discussions between Staff and citizens. Citizens were encouraged to fill out comments sheets. A drop off box was available for completed comment sheets and surveys at each Information Centre. 3.2 Attendance Members of the public were encouraged to register as they entered the Information Centre. Approximately five hundred citizens attended the Information Centres. The attendance figures are noted below: • Newcastle Village_ 1..00 • Orono 80 • Bowmanville 200 • Courtice 120 J~/ - 5 - 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS Staff have received approximately thirty nine (39) written comments to date. Staff also received numerous verbal comments at the Information Centres. 4.1 Written Comments The comments sheet was preambled with a statement in order to prompt citizens to think about the future of Newcastle (Attachment #6). The comments sheets read: "In looking ahead to the issues facing the Town in the next twenty years, I think the Official Plan should address the following:..." The following is a summary of the comments received. Growth Related Comments • restrict growth and development on Class I agricultural lands • use the marginal lands between Clarke and Darlington Township for development • prime agricultural lands west of Durham Road 57 should not be used for residential ..development, the lands _ between Hancock Road and Maple Grove Road should be used instead • Town of Newcastle should not become part of the GTA because of the pressures that are generated by rapid growth, for example crime, pollution, traffic congestion • should consider that appropriate services are in place before allowing growth to continue for example schools, medical care, fire protection • "we are growing too fast" Economic Development • Town should attract environmentally friendly industries, such as recycling plants reducing the need for landfill sites ~ ~ - 6 - • future growth and economic prosperity of Orono is contingent on receiving municipal water and sewer • Town should not become a dormitory community for Toronto, the town should attract more local jobs • Town should increase the tax base but not through manufacturing because we cannot compete; focus on attracting service based industries to balance our tax base such as hospitality and recreation (racetracks, resorts) • taxes too high • large companies and developers should show more interest in the community by sponsoring teams and contributing to culture and the arts • Town should consider a wiser use for revenue generated from property tax dollars for example using schools all year round. • more employment must be brought to the area to contribute the tax base • efforts should be made to retain businesses • developments like Laidlaw and Detox Environmental should be avoided at all cost. Waterfront • Bowmanville Second Marsh (Westside Creek Marsh) should be designated for recreational use. • Lakeshore must be developed into public parkland and as a tourist attraction • improve our waterfront • more emphasis on the preservation of our waterfront areas for its historical value, tourism and open space, not for residential purposes • public access to Bowmanville Beach is important • "Bowmanville Beach is an eyesore!" • town should own land along the Lakeshore for public use l J~ -~- • waterfront lands have a micro climate, the area should be preserved for speciality crop growing Natural Environment • Town should not permit development on the Oak Ridges Moraine because of its sensitivity and its value as a water resource • Westside Creek Marsh must be preserved from extraction by St. Marys Cement • preserve our natural environment • ecosystem cannot survive with development taking place in or in close proximity to 'green spaces' • concern for the preservation of environmentally sensitive areas is contradicted by the construction a of water pollution control plant at the mouth of Wilmot Creek, this would have a negative effect on the fish habitat Residential Neiahbourhoods • avoid low cost and assisted housing because of the possible of social problems • row _housing__has__a_potential___to become__a slum. • keep development standards high in residential subdivisions • family make up is smaller therefore residential lots should also be smaller • tree preservation and tree planting should be a requirement for new residential subdivision • granny flats should be permitted as temporary housing • appropriate mix of commercial of uses in plazas in neighbourhoods, there are too many small plaza with just convenience and videos stores • longer driveways would limit the number of parked cars in new subdivision and would be safer and more appealing ~J~~ - 8 - • not enough consideration is given to the existing residents in an area by new developers, while putting in new services, roads there is an increase in truck traffic etc. • an individual who farms in the hamlet of Orono notes the potential of using his lands for residential purposes Open Saace. Recreation and Community Facilities • preserve the Ganaraska Forest Areas for recreational purposes and as a wildlife habitat • more indoor and outdoor recreational facilities • easier access to green spaces • parkettes should be created wherever possible with benches for seniors and young families • develop and protect natural recreation areas, do not manicure such areas • park should be larger • more museums, libraries, culture and arts facilities • provide facilities for youths and seniors such as activity centres and programs • we need more green space in our urban areas. • Access to the Bowmanville Creek and Conservation Area from the Vanstone Mill to Jackman Road has been blocked off because of development at Edsall Avenue. This should be made more accessbile. Transaortation • Allow for the construction of Bloor Street through to Prestonvale Road to take the flow of traffic away from Glen Abbey Drive. There have been a number of accidents in that area, since people are using Glenabbey Drive to get to Highway 401. • public transit system is needed to link Newcastle Village, Bowmanville and Oshawa ~~1 - 9 - • there is increasing traffic on Liberty Street north of the 401, because of all the residential development on Concession Street and Liberty Street • proposed Highway 407 would negatively influence the quality of life and the agricultural community in the Town of Newcastle • consider one way street system for downtown Bowmanville • GO TRAIN and Go TRANSIT service is required as soon as possible • up grade Duke Street (Bowmanville) with storm sewer and curbs • some of the roads should be properly paved rather than "so much patching" • connect Taunton Road and Ganaraska Road using Concession Road 7 and Townline Road between Clarke and Darlington Townships to provide east west corridor from Toronto to cottage country • the status of Prestonvale Road is questionable given the recent road reconstruction and widening Commercial Districts • should encourage the promotion of the historical downtown of Newcastle Village- No Industry! • encourage improvements in downtown Bowmanville • consider one hour free parking in the downtown areas Rural Residential • Mitchell's Corners should become part of Courtice • bring water and sewer to hamlets within three miles of Bowmanville • Town should permit owners of 10 acre rural lots to severe. • the severance of historical farm houses from the larger farm holdings should be permitted to prevent investors from renting them out and allowing them to deteriorate. -- - 10 - General Comments • town should make it easier for well intentioned citizens to build useful and attractive buildings • keep citizens well informed • presentation is excellent • town should provide more opportunities for public input • develop community flower and vegetable gardens for apartment dwellers so they can grow their own • preserve our heritage sites and buildings • surveys will be of little value because the questions are too vague • we need a healthy community to live, work and play. 4.2 Verbal Comments There were numerous verbal comments from those who had attended the Information Centres. The majority of the comments are similar in nature to the written comments. Verbal comments that are not similar are summarized below: Natural Environment • province should develop a Policy Statement that would effect the buffer area abutting the Oak Ridges Moraine Residential Neiahbourhoods • residential development is too dense and poor quality • parks in new residential subdivisions should be developed when housing construction begins • allow for high density development in expansion areas of Newcastle Village - 11 - • concern of population densities within the evacuation zones of Darlington Generating Station Transportation • traffic is becoming problematic, Taunton Road & Liberty Street should be widened • include bikelanes in the Plan • east-west arterials are lacking within the Town Commercial Districts • support for street-oriented commercial • Town should have better architectural control for new commercial developments as well as renovations to existing buildings in order to keep in the historical theme • reuse the J. Anderson-Smith building in Newcastle Village for commercial, office and residential • downtown merchants are not competitive • Bowmanville needs a major mall • lack of parking in the downtowns • lack of parks in downtown cores General Comments • improve the gateways into our communities • streamline development process • lack of understanding of ethnic groups ~i~~ - 12 - • compliments regarding the quality of the displays • sceptical that public feedback will be taken seriously • should have Official Plan completed within two years • recreational facilities in Courtice are needed to give the community identity - 13 - 5. Discussion 5.1 The attendance and the comments generated by citizen participation in the Information Centres is excellent for this type of exercise. The comments appear to reflect many of the same issues identified by the three themes which provide the focus of the Official Plan Review: management of growth, sustainable development and quality of life. 5.1.1 Management of Growth Issues surrounding the rate and type of growth, balance of residential with industrial growth the need for infrastructure services which includes social, institutional and culture needs of our community are all noted in the written and verbal comments. The New Official Plan will need to address the mechanism by which the municipality can manage growth better. 5.1.2 Sustainable Development Sustainable development examines the relationship between economic activity and the natural environment. The new plan will need to examine how our community can grow with regard for the products and impacts of growth. Air and water quality, waste production and disposal and energy consumption are issues that must be considered through this process. Many of the comments indicated the dichotomy of the need and/or desire for growth and at the same time the desire not to impact the natural environment. Given that the Official Plan is a long term document, it is paramount to develop the municipality as a sustainable, viable community that efficiently utilizes its land base and minimizes consumption of resources. 5.1.3 Quality of Life The comments from the Information Centres are reflection of how citizens view the quality of life in the Town. Newcastle is desirable place to live. A number of the comments included the desire to preserve our cultural and built heritage, create vibrant downtowns, and friendly and safe residential areas, with the provisions for parks, green spaces and recreation facilities were noted as being of prime importance to the citizens of Newcastle. - 14 - The New Official Plan must build on these qualities focusing on maintaining and improving the quality of life for residents of the Town of Newcastle. J~/ Attachments #1 through #7 are not attached to this Report for the purposes of the General Purpose and Administration Committee Agenda Attachment #1 through #7 are available at the Planning and Development Department upon request. -- !~~~i