HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-11-08 Minutes I - 4
NOTES OF MEETING OF
SAMUEL WILMOT NATURE AREA
MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
HELD ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2005
AT 7:00 P.M.
Present: David Best Arthur Burrows
(Voting) Jim Cleland Allan Hewitt (Chair)
Cathrine McKeever Leanne Sobol
Councillor Don MacArthur
Also Present: Peter Windolf Jennifer O'Donnell (Secretary)
(Non-Voting)
Regrets: none
Absent: Cam McCauley (MNR) Joe McKenna
Karin Murphy (Vice Chair) Greg Wells (GRCA)
1. Agenda
Additions
There were no additions to the agenda.
Acceptance of Agenda
MOVED by Councillor Don MacArthur, seconded by Leanne Sobol
THAT the agenda for November 8, 2005 be accepted.
CARRIED
2. Minutes of October 11, 2005
Con ections
There were no corrections to the minutes.
Approval of Minutes
MOVED by Councillor Don MacArthur, seconded by Leanne Sobol
THAT the minutes of October 11, 2005 be approved.
CARRIED
3. Issues arising from the Minutes
There were no issues arising from the minutes.
4. Migration Madness Re-Cap
Soar Raptor Education did a live raptor demonstration for about 40 to 50 people on
November Sth The group contained many people with an interest in birding, which
would mean that an owl prowl held at a later date may be well received. Because there
were many new people at this event, we will bring to the next event a sign up sheet for
interested people to be included on the newsletter mailing list.
5. Project Updates
Lion's Memorial Forest
The Lion's Club has planted about 10 trees so far, with plans for 10 more for this year.
Also to be completed this year is the entrance feature. It will be suggested to the Lion's
Club that the opening ceremony for the forest be held in conjunction with Earth Day of
2006. Peter is working on a letter of understanding for the responsibilities and
maintenance of the forest.
Gazebo
This project is out for tender, with a closing date of November 18. The gazebo will be
large enough to be used as both a shade structure and a possible gathering spot for future
events, and will be a simple, rectangular design. Construction should begin this year, and
should be completed by April 15th, in time for Earth Day.
Viewing Platform Vandalism
The vandalism has been repaired by the Operations department, but the damaged pickets
must still be picked up. Operations will be advised to clean up the old pickets.
Councillor MacArthur will make a request to Durham Regional Police to make more
frequent patrols in the nature area in an effort to reduce the amount of vandalism that
occurs.
6. 2006 Capital Budget Ideas
Discussion took place about what projects could be considered for the 2006 budget.
Possible projects include additional trails, an entrance kiosk, more benches,
enviromnental restoration projects and bridge abutment repairs. A few projects in
particular drew interest from the committee, including creating a complete loop around
the nature area and an information kiosk. Peter will look further into the possibility of
these proj ects. Funds for the bridge abutment repairs will also be included in the budget.
Members were asked to email Peter if they have any additional ideas.
7. Sub-Committee Updates
Communications
There were no updates from the Communications Sub-committee. Allan made some
suggestions as possible future newsletter sponsors.
Special Events
The Sub-committee will start thinking about what can be done for a winter event. They
will contact GRCA about doing an owl prowl in the winter.
8. Other Business
Hunting
Some hunting along the lake is still occurring despite the signage placed last year. The
MNR Conservation Officer for the area will be sent a copy of the Municipality's
Firearms by-law so that he can inform the few remaining hunters that the SWNA is a
public park and discharging a firearm is prohibited in public centres.
Fisheries Committee
Arthur attending the meeting of the Community Advisory Council for the Wilmot Creek
Watershed Fisheries Management Plan. His notes from the meeting are included as an
attachment.
Kaitlin Pond
' The Kaitlin storm water pond just west of the Toronto Street parking lot is under
construction, with the excavation complete.
Adjournment: 8:15 P.M.
Next Meeting: Tuesday December 13, 2005
7:00 p.m.
Meeting Room lA
Notes prepared by J. O'Donnell