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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-05-10Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee (SWNAMAC) Agenda If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Date: MAY 10, 2022 Time: 6:30 p.m. Place: THIS MEETING WAS HELD ON -SITE AT THE TORONTO ST. PARKING LOT Present: Brian Reid, Leo Blindenbach, Carmen Aeillo, Leah Bourgeois, Rod McArthur, Patrick Bothwell. Regrets: Kate Potter, Kristen Brent,Tom Hossie, Meg Vandenbrink, Corinna Traill 1. Call to Order - Chairperson Brian opened the meeting and welcomed guests from the Durham Region and Municipality of Clarington: Alice Custard, Project Engineer for the Region; Rina Kurian, Associate and Wastewater Engineer for R.V. and Associates, and Tony Riciardi, Manager of Infrastructure, Clarington 2. Additions to the Agenda - none 3. Adoption of the Agenda — moved by Patrick Bothwell, seconded by Leo Blindenbach that the agenda be approved. CARRIED. 4. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting(s) - moved by Leo Blindenbach, seconded by Patrick Bothwell, that the minutes of the meeting of April12, 2022, be approved. Carried 5. Status Reports/Updates 1. Spring Cleanup summary — Leo reported that the event on April 23rd was a big success with approximately 180 people participating across the three sites : the Port of Newcastle, Bond Head and the SWNA. 40 were present at the SWNA location alone. 2. Traffic/Usage Survey — Brian advised that the forms etc required for this initiative are prepared and that he and Kate would sort out the logistics with a view to commencing the survey after our planting event at the end of May. 3. Interpretative Signage/QR Codes Project - Brian reported that he had heard from Tom who advised that 7 narratives are completed and ready to go. Tom also provided samples of the QR code " sign " in different sizes. Patrick advised that his company is also working on a design. He and Tom will coordinate. Brian asked Ken to source posts similar to what is being used on the " new " trail south of Baseline Road in Bowmanville. Ken suggested that we use something else U Bars ) until such can be sourced.. 4. Bird Box Signage - Brian reported that he and Kate are looking at reworking the 4 inch diameter logo stickers that we have used to mark trails ( those are affixed to metal discs ) so they could be affixed to the boxes. The centre area would be removed and replaced with wording such as " These boxes are maintained by SWNA for research purposes. Do not disturb." Ken will advise from whom we sourced these stickers in the first place. 5. Spring wildflower planting May 28t" - Brian reported that Leo has done a terrific job of promoting the event. We will do this in two locations.- the usual spot along Lakebreeze , and in the meadow garden on the Cobbledick side. Brian will coordinate delivery of the plants to the appropriate locations and will manage the planting on the Cobbledick side. Rod reminded the committee that we need to mark the spots for the holes to be dug and that in the past we have actually pre- ug many of the holes to save time . This will be the approach again this year. This will be coordinated via email to members. 6. Mowing along Lakebreeze - Ken advised that this has not yet been done and that we may well have missed the window. That is disappointing since it had been discussed at several previous meetings. Ken will check with Tom as to whether r not it is still advisable to proceed with the cutting at this late date. 7. Bee Houses - Leah brought with her 10 of the bee houses that had been prepared by students from Courtice High School as part of a joint venture with OPG. Brian displayed one of them to the committee. These will be placed in various locations throughout the Nature Area following or in conjunction with the planting project. Leah will provide Brian with contact information for those involved so a letter of appreciation can be sent from the Committee. Leah was thanked for her efforts in this initiative. Brina, Leo and Carmen will look at ways in which these can be mounted. 8. Signage re Cyclists for Bridges and Trails - Ken reported that installation of these is still on the summer work schedule 9. Calendar/Chart of Activities - in Kate's absence, nothing to report at this time 10. Treatment Plan Study/Storm Drainage Pond — Brian, Regional and Municipal Reps. Brian began by pointing out that although there is a connection and some overlap between the expansion of the treatment plant and the landscaping and maintenance etc. of the storm drainage pond, these are two distinct projects with different players, including Kaitlin, having responsibility for different aspects of the two. Rina and Tony explained various aspects of the project to the Committee including pointing out precise locations of where the work will be done. The landscaping work to be undertaken by Kaitlin will begin immediately and will be completed over the next couple of months. The treatment plant project will not begin until spring 2023. Much of the time was spent re the landscaping etc of the drainage pond. Tony had provided a large copy of the landscaping plan. It was noted that the plan calls for use of all native species. There will definitely be a lot of disturbance to the area during the work period. The driveway used by maintenance vehicles to service the pond will be heavier than what is there now. The headwall at the lake edge has to be reworked. Kaitlin is responsible for that. The committee expressed concern about non -service vehicles accessing the area unless proper barriers are in place. Tony discussed different options which will be examined for this purpose. Communication: Leo suggested that some type of communication, other than just signage, should be implemented by the municipality and/or region to make sure the public knows what is going on. Brian noted that the local newspaper often carries a feature called " What's Going on Here ?" which could be used for this purpose. Given the degree of concern that was expressed by residents when Kaitlin first began working in the pond area last fall, this would seem prudent. Tony will investigate the possibilities but noted that that type of communication is not normally done. 6. Items " on hold ": a) Butternut Tree Planting - no new developments but Brian advised that he had secured the location of the development that gave rise to the requirement to replace these trees. He also now has the name of the consultant involved with that project and will pass this on to Ken for follow- up. b) Newcastle Fall Festival — October 1, 2022\ c) Parking along Toronto Street/ gating to hydro corridor 7. Other Business - none 8. Round Table — All Members — omitted for this meeting 9. Next Meeting Tuesday June 14, 2022 — Municipal Building, 7:00 PM 10. WALKABOUT - following the business portion of the meeting, the group traversed the storm drainage pond area 11. Adjournment