HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-17Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management
Advisory Committee Minutes
JUNE 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Room 1c Municipal Administrative Center or Microsoft Teams
Present:
Y/N
Person
Y/N
Person
Y
Brian Reid ( Chair)
Y
Leanne Fernandes
Y
Carmen Aiello
Y
Lou Itier
R
Councillor Margaret Zwart Council Liaison
R
Patrick Bothwell
Y
Kate Potter
R
Tom Hossie Vice Chair
Y
Ken Mercer Staff
Y
Rod McArthur
Y
Leah Bourgeois
Y
Meg Vandenbrink
R
Kayla Stephens
Also Present: n/a
Call to Order
Brian called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. Land Acknowledgement Statement
Brian led the meeting with the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
2. Additions to the Agenda/Adoption of the Agenda
Moved by Kate Potter, seconded by Meg Vandenbrink, that the Agenda be
accepted, with the following additions:
Selection of new recording secretary to replace Brian who has resumed the role
of Chair
Carried
3. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest
There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting.
SWNAMAC - 2 - June 17, 2025
4. Adoption of Minutes
Moved by Leah Bourgeois, seconded by Rod McArthur that the minutes of the
meeting of May 20th, 2025, be approved. (If there is an amendment, put the
following at the end: "with the following amendment:
Member Leanne Fernandes was not present at the meeting as originally
reported
P. 3, Q4 Photo Contest - specifications for entries should read 1920 X
pixels NOT 1050
Carried
5. Committee Administration
a. Item 1 - Welcome to New Member - Brian welcomed Lou Itier as the
newest member of our committee. Lou provided a brief overview of her
background and interest in the work of the committee. The remaining
members introduced themselves and welcomed Lou to the group.
6. SWNA Workplan
Q2
a. Planting Project - Brian reported that this was once again a successful
event with approximately 800 wildflowers being planted . Most committee
members had been able to attend in addition to a small group of
volunteers. It was noted that the provision of topsoil and tilling of the area
by the municipality, and the pre digging of holes by committee members,
made the task much easier. We also received good coverage of the event
through the Oronot times . A blog article was also prepared and published.
Subsequent to the main planting event, the plant supplier donated an
additional 75 plants which we placed in the wildflower garden adjacent to
the Memorial Forest on the Cobbledick side to supplement the planting
done there two years ago. It was noted that the original plantings are
doing very well. Special thanks to Carmen for pre digging the holes for
that planting session
b. Tree Identification Walk June 21 st - Leah and Brian advised that posters
had been placed on various social media, in our new notice box at the
Toronto St lot and at both kiosks. Lou has dropped posters off at other
locations. At the time of the meeting 11 persons had pre registered for the
event. After some discussion, it was agreed that this would be a " rain or
shine " event - - with the exception of a lightning storm.
SWNAMAC - 3 - June 17, 2025
Q3
Q4
a. Moth Week - although Tom Hossie was unable to attend this evening's
meeting, he has advised that everything is in order for this mid -July event.
b. Monarch Tagging - all in order . After a brief discussion, it was agreed that
this year's event will be held on the Cobbledick side of SWNA. Ken will
investigate the availability/location possibilities for a porta potty at that
location.
a. Fall Cleanup - this event may or may not be needed. Decisions will be
made closer to that time. If we do proceed, it would be conducted by
Committee members only.
b. Photo Contest - October - in Kayla's absence, this matter was put over to
our next meeting.
c. Christmas Bird Count - Brian advised that this is still being planned with
revisions being considered to the specific areas/zones to be covered.
7. External Projects
a. Fencing to the east of the Memorial Forest - Ken will schedule its removal
later this summer
b. Remaining Trailhead signage/notice boards - Ken will arrange for
installation later this summer
8. Other Business
a. Recording Secretary - Member Leanne Fernandes offered to assume this
responsibility and will meet with Brian and Ken to go over the
requirements and format as laid out by the municipality.
b. Other means of communication re: events etc. - Lou suggested Instagram
and offered to set up an account. Ken will check with the municipality to
see if there are any issues, limitations etc associated with this.
c. Connections with Indigenous groups - Lou also enquired as to whether or
not we had established connections with any indigenous groups who
might be prepared to share their knowledge, partner with us on initiatives
etc. Ken will look into what the municipality already has in place that we
may be able to connect to.
SWNAMAC - 4 - June 17, 2025
Round Table
• Leah noted that our plantings are doing well.
• Rod asked if our signage prohibiting harvesting of fiddleheads had been
installed and if so were they effective. Brian replied that they had indeed
been installed and that bylaw enforcement had had a presence on the
trails but that we have no reports of any issues this year.
• Kate reported that she and her family have been enjoying walks in the
area.
Meg reported the same and advised that she had noticed that someone
appears to be camping/living on the beach on a regular basis. This is a
matter for bylaw enforcement.
9. Date Of Next Meeting
10. The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled to be held on July 15th, 2025,
commencing at 7.00 p.m. in Room 1c at the Municipal Building or Microsoft
Teams.
11. 8. Adjournment
Moved by Leanne Fernandes that the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Carried