HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-39-96THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
DN:Wr- STAT.GPA
REPORT
General Purpose and Administration Committee
File # , LL -3 A -0
Date: Monday, March 18, 1996 Res. # - c 'i,_ r1 6'
Report #: PD -39 -96 File #: PLN 15.11 By -law #
Subject: WATERFRONT TRAIL STATUS REPORT
FILE: PLN 15.11
Recommendations:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration
Committee recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report PD -39 -96 be received for information.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The majority of the interim Waterfront Trail from Darlington Provincial Park to Bond
Head has been in place for almost one year. The community response to the
Trail has been positive. The Trail was constructed at a minimum standard and is
used currently by hikers and cyclists. The completion of the trail alignment and
continual improvements will benefit those currently using the Trail and bring new
users to the waterfront.
1.2 The purpose of this Report is to inform Council of future trail improvements,
available funding and the Trail's first anniversary celebration event.
2. 1996 -97 TRAIL WORK PROGRAM
The existing waterfront trail is an interim alignment and has been constructed to
a minimum standard. There are few amenities. Continuous improvement to the
Trail will take place over many years. Ultimately, the trail will be closer to the lake
and stretch from Darlington Provincial Park to Hope Township. Also, the ultimate
Trail will be constructed at a higher standard, with improved surface treatments
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REPORT PAGE 2
and landscaping. Additional amenities such as rest areas, shelters and lighting
may also be included.
The following outlines a proposed Work Program for the Trail in 1996 -97.
2.1 Incomplete Alignments
Between Cobbledick Road and Bennett Road
Finding an appropriate route in this area has been under discussion for some
time. One alternative alignment is Highway 2, however, the Waterfront Trust and
Municipal Staff are concerned with the safety of this route. Staff have met with
representatives from the Trust and Rice Capital to find a workable route north of
the Wilmot Creek Retirement Community. Recent meetings have been positive.
Staff will keep Council appraised of ongoing discussions.
East of Bond Head
The trail does not extend east of Bond Head at the present time. The lack of a
off -road alignment does not provide a desirable pedestrian environment. In
addition, there are few amenities for pedestrians between Bond Head to Port
Hope. Staff is, however, investigating the feasibility of recommending Lakeshore
Road east of Bond Head for cyclists only.
Trail Linkages to Urban Areas
At the present time the Waterfront Trail is isolated from populated areas of the
Municipality. Staff believe that efforts to connect the Trail to the urban areas is
paramount. The valley systems and existing roads provide an opportunity to
make the connections. Staff will be exploring the many options available to make
the necessary linkages.
2.2 Trail Improvements
2.2.1 The first project for 1996 includes Trail improvements such as trail -head signs,
REPORT PAGE 3
interpretive signs at key locations and landscaping in the Wilmot Creek area and
other locations along the Trail.
2.2.2 The second proposed project is the construction of a connecting trail through the
Bowmanville Creek valley or the Soper Creek valley.
Bowmanville Creek
The lands north of Baseline Road and east of Spry Avenue are owned by 970973
Ontario Limited. Development of the tablelands south -east of the Goodyear Plant
was granted in 1995. The valleylands will be dedicated to the Municipality once
the lands are developed, the timing of which is unknown. In the interim, Staff
propose negotiating a license agreement with the owners for a trail connection.
As a minimum expenditure, the Municipality can construct a trail through the
valley from Baseline Road to Rotary Park. Once the lands are dedicated to the
municipality, a Masterplan for the valley will dictate future expenditures.
Soper Creek
The Soper Creek valley is largely in Municipal ownership from Baseline Road to
Highway 2. The recent acquisition of the Soper Creek Water Pollution Control
plant makes a connection to the Liberty Street and Highway 401 interchange. A
portion of the Trail will be located on Lake Road where connection can be made
to the Waterfront Trail at the Bowmanville Harbour Conservation Authority.
2.3 Available Funding
2.3.1 The Waterfront Trust has submitted an application to the Treasury Board for
funding for 1996 -97 trail projects. A decision on the Trust's application will likely
be in late spring. Funding will be contingent on a 50% contribution from the
receiving municipality, and a commitment to have projects completed in 1996 -97.
Staff have submitted the two proposals to the Waterfront Regeneration Trust for
funding. Although not currently included in the 1996 Public Works Department
budget, Council can add Municipal funds up to $90,000.00, if so desired.
The total amount requested from the Trust is $108,000.00, representing a 55%
contribution from the Province. These projects are contingent on both Provincial
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REPORT NO.: PD -39 -96 PAGE 4
and Municipal budget deliberations. Following Council's finalization of the budget
in April, the projects can be withdrawn from the Trust or reduced in size if Council
so desires.
2.3.2 Another funding alternative is the Waterfront Projects Fund. The Trust established
this Fund to maintain the interest to invest in the waterfront. Donations to the
Fund will finance future projects. A donor can request a donation be applied to
a specific project or donations can be used to fund any project. The Fund will
ensure continued improvement of Trail and other waterfront related projects.
3. WATERFRONT TRAIL IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
3.1 The Waterfront Trail Implementation Committee was established to primarily
oversee the timely construction of the Waterfront Trail before the Trail opening in
May 1995. The Committee is comprised of Staff from the Planning and
Development Department, Public Works, Engineering and Parks, and Tourism and
Marketing. The Committee has worked effectively together on the Municipality's
trail portions. However, there are other portions of the Trail that are not owned
or maintained by the Municipality, for instance Darlington Generating Station, and
Darlington Provincial Park. In order to maintain a co- operative approach to future
trail improvements and to enhance marketing efforts, Staff believe it is appropriate
to invite our trail partners on the Implementation Committee. Other participants,
such as residents from the Port Darlington Community Association and the Bond
Head Community Association and representatives from cycling and hikers groups
can also make valuable contributions and will be asked to join the Committee.
4. WATERFRONT RELAY CHALLENGE
4.1 This summer is the Trail's first anniversary. The Trust proposes to celebrate this
occasion by hosting the Waterfront Relay Challenge. The event will be held on
May 25, 1996. It is a one day event. Municipalities have been asked to assist the
Trust in co- ordinating this event (see Attachment 1). All Trail partners, community
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REPORT PAGE 5
groups, waterfront supporters and businesses are invited to participate. The
Canadian Olympic Association will be participating in this event by sending
Olympic cyclists to lead each portion of the Relay.
The Trust is seeking corporate sponsors, whose contributions will be used to
offset costs. Donations in -kind will also be solicited.
The Waterfront Trail Implementation Committee has met to discuss the
Municipality's participation in this event, including potential local sponsors. Staff
will keep Council appraised of the event as details unfold.
5. SUMMARY
5.1 The Waterfront Trail is bringing people to the waterfront. It has received positive
support from the community. Making improvements to the Trail and providing
interesting and safe connections to populated areas will be a benefit to
Clarington. However, in times of fiscal restraint the improvements must be carried
out in a co- operative spirit with our waterfront partners.
Staff will endeavour to keep Council appraised of continued efforts related to the
Trail, including funding for future projects.
Respectfully submitted,
Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.
Director of Planning
and Development
Stephen A. Vokes
Director of Public Works
CS *DC *FW *df
12 March 1996
Reviewed by,
ff, �J_
W.H. Stockwell
Chief Administrative
Officer
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