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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS-30-95THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON REPORT Subject: "CANADA REMEMBERS PROGRAM " 750 YEARS OF PEACE COMMEMORATION Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CS -30 -95 be received; and 2. THAT Council approve the dedication of the existing landscaped street frontage area of the Community Services Operation Centre as a floral tribute to 50 years of peace (the 50th anniversary of the Allies' Victory Over Japan and the end of World War II); and 3. THAT funds for an appropriate plaque (estimated $1,000) be drawn from the Receptions and Tributes Account #7007 -X -0235; and 4. THAT at an appropriate point in time the Canadian Legion, Branch 178 be invited to participate in the dedication of the site and plaque. 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 Upon receiving a communication from Nancy Siew of Veterans Affairs, Council, at its July 17th meeting through Resolution #C- 487 -95 directed the correspondence be forwarded to the Chief Administrative Officer and appropriate staff to set up an action plan to commemorate 50 years of peace (the 50th anniversary of the Allies' Victory Over Japan and the end of World War II). 2.0 EXISTING RECOGNITION 2.1 Council in providing its direction made comment that the existing recognition should be identified in the report. 2.2 Cenotaphs are annually planted and maintained in Orono, Newcastle Village, Newtonville and Bowmanville. On November 11th each year wreaths are laid during Remembrance Day ceremonies. ../2 `REPORT CS -30 -95 .2- SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.3 The 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Forces liberation of Holland was recognized through the "Shore To Shore" program with a special floral tribute at the corner of Liberty and Ontario Streets. Dutch grown tulip bulbs were planted at the site by our local M.P.P., members of Council and the Canadian Legion, Branch 178. 2.4 Special recognition has been extended to the three Colville brothers of Bowmanville, who were R.C.A.F. pilots and died in separate actions in Europe during World War II. The central feature in Rotary Park, a clock tower is to be dedicated to their memory. The park and tower are currently under construction and will be completed this fall. 3.0 FLORAL TRIBUTE 3.1 Initially staff considered a raised carpet bed using clipped annual foliage plants to create a pictorial display. A modest bed 13 by 20 feet located on a created berm would cost approximately $6,000 to build inclusive of a memorial plaque and an additional $7,500 estimated to plant and maintain annually. Although such beds are impressive they require costly plant materials and a high level of maintenance. It was ultimately decided that carpet bedding was too costly during a continued period of economic restraint. Alternatively a flower border with a recognition plaque would be appropriate. 4.0 SITES CONSIDERED 4.1 The major entrances to Clarington are Highways 401, 2 and 35/115. Staff considered various locations along these highways, and their exit ramps. A potential site must meet basic criteria ie. be highly visible, be located on a major thoroughfare in an urban area and be located on municipal property with available water service. Although all urban areas were considered no suitable sites meeting the criteria are available in Courtice, Orono or Newcastle Village. The sites considered were: a) former Soper Creek Water Treatment Plant property, Liberty Street north of Highway #401 b) Soper Creek Park opposite the Bowmanville Zoo on Highway #2 C) Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex d) Spry Avenue property, Baseline Road e) Community Services Operations Centre, corner of Lake Road and Liberty Street 4.2 The Soper Creek site on Liberty Street at Highway #401 is presently being decommissioned and will be transferred to the Municipality this year. With good visibility to a large segment of the population it initially was the preferred site. ../3 403 REPORT CS -30 -95 . 3 - SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 --------------------------------------- -------- - - - - -- However, during discussions with the Region and the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority a number of potential problems were discussed which may limit the municipality's use of the site. a) The Region wishes to retain the right to a large portion of the Liberty Street frontage should they in the future require underground pumping facilities. b) The restriction of Soper Creek's water flow at Highway #401 during flooding causes this entire site to be in the flood plane. C.L.O.C.A. have stated they oppose both the Region and the Municipality's request to alter grades on this land. 4.3 The Soper Creek Park site along Highway #2 opposite the Bowmanville Zoo has good visibility and a wide vista with a potential to build a strong landscape element. The expansive frontage requires an extensive landscape plan. To limit the project to a single bed would be inappropriate. A series of two or three beds is the minimum requirement and would be a combined shrub beds with flower borders. In addition to construction expenses the Municipality will have annual maintenance cost to plant annuals, maintain the plantings plus upgrade the turf maintenance to a higher level of service. We estimate the cost associated with the project to be: a/ Capital Cost $15,000 b/ Annual Maintenance Cost 6,500 It is anticipated that at some later date a master plan would be developed for the Soper Creek Valley that would include the area from Baseline Road to Concession Street and be in conjunction with our linear trail system with a link to the waterfront. The master plan would include both recreational and landscape opportunities. It is our recommendation that this potential location not be considered. 4.4 The existing grades along the Highway #2 frontage of the Garnet B. Rickard Complex does not presently lend itself to floral displays. Without substantial regrading the site is not suitable. Council recently authorized that a master plan be developed for the entire site. Until that plan is completed, it is our recommendation that this site not be considered. 4.5 The Spry Avenue Site located on the corner of Spry Avenue and Baseline Road was originally designated as a future location for the Fire Department Headquarters. With the construction of the Ken Hooper Memorial Fire Station at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex the Spry Avenue site is no longer required for that purpose. The site is undeveloped and is somewhat remote as an entrance way to the community as a result this site is not recommended. 4.6 The Community Services Operation Centre on the corner of Lake Road and Liberty Street was developed two years ago. 404 ../4 REPORT CS -30.95 4- SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 The frontage has high visibility to travellers who may exit from and enter onto Highway #401. In addition the site acts as a gateway to the Bowmanville Waterfront. Approximately a half acre of frontage has been landscaped including a flower and shrub bed. Council in providing direction in Resolution #C- 487 -95 suggested that donations be encouraged from the public towards the cost of plants for the bed. Should Council approve this location as a tribute, capital funding would not be required and a donor program is not recommended. Should Council select an alternate location direction would be required. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 It is our conclusion that the most suitable site to recognize 50 years of orld 50th anniversary of the Allies' Victory Over Japan and the end of the Second War) to dedicate the existing flower bed at the Community Services Operation Centre. Respectfully submitted, Reviewed by, Joimunitv aruana, Director W. H. Stockwell, C Services Department Chief Administrative Officer JPC:JDC:sa 405