Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-10 Minutes , "060CT17 Pt1 3:'1' Draft minutes Not vet approved bv Committee .... ....~.I.."'. ..5..._ D1STr'j.PUT~- C"D"~ Lt},~ "..,,,.','" v , ,,' .~ -. ~..=,,~. ;)~ ' '", U_"'.'Ilo,~",,-.: MINUTES OF MEETING OF SAMUEL WILMOT NATURE AREA HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2006 AT 7:00 P.M. OREJN.t.L T\ CUPrES rfJ~ ~--'l-'-- -..--.---!.. . """"""--'-..-".".-. -- ._;,_..~._--,_.~..~.---.J -----..~"..~-~ .......-t.>.._-~- - ,._---1 Present: (Voting) Allan Hewitt, Chair Karin Murphy, Vice Chair John Stoner Leanne Sobol Brian Reid Arthur Burrows Jim Cleland Joe McKenna Greg Wells f....~~-..=~,......= r~' .... -j--- . m.E.~.~~_..._,_.. , ". , '. .-"..- -. . AlSo Present: Peter Windolf, Staff Jenny Bilenduke, Acting Secretary Regrets: David Best Absent: Councillor Don MacArthur 1) Presentation by Faye Langmaid, Manager of Special Projects, Planning Services Department, Municipality of Clarington A presentation was given to provide the members with an understanding of land use planning legislation in general and more specifically that which would impact on the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area. The Oak Ridges Moraine Act and Plan was introduced in 2001 and the Greenbelt Plan, in 2005. The Greenbelt Plan extends 325 kilometers from the eastern end of the Oak Ridges Moraine, near Rice Lake, to the Niagara River in the west, and covers 81% of the land inClarington. The Greenbelt Plan attempts to offer permanent protection to Ontario's agricultural land base and to those ecological features and functions occurring on this landscape. Clarington's Official Plan policies promote the creation of a clean, green, accessible waterfront. It also attempts to protect the wetlands which are a significant wildlife habitat, and woodlands. Furthermore it attempts to establish natural linkages between core areas. Securing agreements between stakeholders for the establishment of the natural heritage system is vitally important and the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area is a model for others in Clarington. The Management Plan is coming up on a 10 year review in 2008 but consultation and evaluation should start in 2007 and should look at expansion plans, future connections and the wildlife corridor. The members were advised that they will be provided with a copy of the Final Greenbelt Area, along with the minutes of this meeting. I 2) Agenda Additions Under Other Business three items were added. . Bench . Butterflies . Newsletter Acceotance of Agenda MOVED by Karin Murphy, seconded by Arthur Burrows THAT the agenda for October 11, 2006 be accepted. CARRIED 3) Minutes of September 12, 2006 ADDroval of Minutes MOVED by John Stoner, seconded by Leanne Sobol THAT the minutes of September 12, 2006 be approved. CARRIED 4) Issues Arising from the Minutes None S) 2007 Capital Program /' There. was a discussion about potential Capital Projects that the Committee members might consider for the 2007 budget year. Possible projects were felt to be significant include: . Paving the trail approaches to the bridge - this would permanently correct the erosion problems on the limestone trail . . Secondary Trail- from the Lovekin cairn area, down into the valley and then looped back up to connect to existing trail. This trail loop could be either limestone or woodchip. . Secondary Trail-from the north viewing platform through the Mature Forest looping back out to the Waterfront trail. This trail would be woodchip. . Re-routing a portion of the Lake Meadow trail away from an eroding creek bank. The project would also include moving a bench and interpretive sign. Other points of discussion were: . The need to consider costs for 2008 for the development of a new Management Plan . The Waterfront Regeneration Trust has asked all waterfront municipalities to identifY future trail improvement projects that they could have on file should a future funding program from the Federal or Provincial governments become available. Paving the entire waterfront trail through the Wilmot Nature Area will be suggested to them as a possible future project. . A connection across the marsh area would be a very expensive project, potentially in the area of $300,000, and this is not something that could be phased in. The members discussed the possibility of private or corporate sponsorship for such a large project. . There have been complaints about excessive garbage in the Ministry of Natural Resources parking lots on both Cobbledick Road and Toronto Street. The MNR will receive the meeting minutes and is requested to take the appropriate action to clean- up the parking lots. . Peter will contact the Operations Department about picking up the picnic tables that may have been left in the area. 6) Updates' Kiosk. Location. Sign Content The members were provided with a revised design drawing of the kiosk and advised that the project will soon go to tender. Purchasing will get prices and it is expected that the project should be completed by the end of2006 weather permitting. The members were asked to consider the best possible location for the kiosk. An informal count was taken and seven favoured the Cobbledick site, while 2 preferred the Toronto Street site. With respect to sign content, Peter has been working with Gary Page of Page Graphics. The kiosk will contain a double sided 4' 6' sign panel. An aerial map of the nature area with the various trails and features illustrated will be the main content on one side. The other side of the sign will provide an area to post the newsletter and any notices for upcoming events. This side might also include content on seasonal changes in the SWNA, prohibited uses, and contact information. . Trail Upgrades The Operations Department has completed the trail upgrades and installation of culverts. This work will reduce or eliminate the trail erosion that occurs at 3 points along the Lake Meadow and Waterfront trails. Promotion of Wilmot Nature Area The Community Services Department has advised that they will provide free advertising for the SWNA in the spring Leisure Services Guide. Peter will provide Communications and Marketing with updated text and photos of the SWNA for the Guide. 7) Meeting Schedule The members talked about whether it is appropriate to meet in November given that the municipal election is the day before the next scheduled meeting. The members decided to go ahead with the next meeting scheduled for November 14, 2006, understanding that no major decisions should be made before the next Council appoints a new SWNA Advisory Committee. It will be necessary for Committee members to reapply to sit on the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Advisory Committee and applications were made available for those who wish to reapply. Peter will find out what the deadline is to have these in to the Clerk's Department and will advise. 8) Other Business Bench The bench on the Toronto St. side has been badly damaged, probably by a vehicle striking it. Operations will be asked to remove the damaged bench. Butterflv Houses There was discussion about whether butterfly houses are actually useful in providing habitat. In recognition of the effort people have made to build them, the remaining butterfly houses will still be put up. Newsletter The newsletters have been distributed and a PDF version has been sent to Communications and Marketing for display on the website. Extra copies were given out to committee members to distribute to the community. 9) Adjournment: 8:43 P.M. 10) Next Meeting: Tuesday November 14, 2006 7:00 PM Meeting Room lA