HomeMy WebLinkAboutEGD-017-14 Cladiwn REPORT
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: May 26, 2014 Resolution#: 010d- � / By-law#:
Report#: EGD-017-14 File#:
Subject: NEWCASTLE LEASH FREE PARK
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report EGD-017-14 be received for information.
7
Submitted by: f' �' ';� Reviewed by: �� t
A.S. Cannella, C.E.T. Franklin Wu,
Director of Engineering Chief Administrative Officer
Services
ASC/PW/nl/jb
May 6, 2014
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379
REPORT NO.: EGD-017-14 PAGE 2
1. PURPOSE
1.1. The purpose of this report is to advise Council on the results of the February 19,
2014 Open House which was held to obtain the opinion of Newcastle residents
regarding a possible future Leash Free Park.
2. BACKGROUND
2.1. At the December 16, 2013 meeting of Council the following resolution was passed;
THAT Correspondence Item D-4 from John Windatt, requesting the
establishment of a second off-leash park be referred to staff,- and
THAT a Public Meeting be held as part of the investigative process.
2.2. On February 19, 2014 a Public Open House was held at the Newcastle Library
between 6:30 and 8:OOPM. The Open House was advertised in local newspapers
and on the municipal web site. Staff from the Park Development Branch and
Animal Services were on hand to answer questions and receive feedback from the
public. Forty three (43) residents signed in and twenty seven (27) comment sheets
were submitted.
3. DISCUSSION
The Leash Free Park in Bowmanville opened in May 2012. It is approximately 3
acres in size and has been very well used.
The steering committee that was established to investigate the Bowmanville Leash
Free Park agreed that a fenced park was preferred rather than an unfenced site
designated as an off-leash zone. A fenced park ensures that dogs are kept away
from traffic, wildlife and other park users, while allowing dogs to run free and
interact. The Park Development Branch is recommending that same model be
used for a Leash Free Park in Newcastle.
The criteria used to evaluate possible Newcastle sites included;
• easily accessible by car
• located central to urban areas
• minimal impact on adjacent land uses
• municipally owned property
• availability of parking or the ability to create new parking
• large enough to create a separate area for small dogs
REPORT NO.: EGD-017-14 PAGE 3
Based on those criteria three potential locations were displayed at the Open
House.
1) Newcastle Community Park (attachment 1)
2) Cobbledick Road, north of 401 (attachment 2)
3) Toronto Street, north of hydro corridor (attachment 3)
All of the people who attended the Open House supported the construction of a
Leash Free Park in Newcastle however a petition signed by 22 residents was
submitted to oppose the Newcastle Library (Newcastle Memorial Park) as a
possible site for the park which was suggested in the original correspondence from
Mr. Windatt.
Of the 27 comment sheets submitted, 19 preferred the Newcastle Community Park
location, 4 preferred Cobbledick Road, and 4 preferred Toronto Street. Most of the
respondents liked the complementary uses provided at Newcastle Community
Park. The availability of washrooms, parking, and the ability to use the dog park
while children are in swimming lessons or playing soccer were some of the
common comments.
The Newcastle Community Park location is west of St. Francis of Assisi School
between the fence line of the school and the woodlot adjacent to the valley. This
location would not impact future expansion of the aquatic centre or the future
soccer and ball fields proposed in the park. The Principal of St. Francis of Assisi
School was contacted for her input. She was not opposed to locating the park on
the west side of the school; her only concern was that dogs should not be off leash
at Rudell Road. The entrance to the leash free park would be located 200m west
of Rudell Road so that should not be a problem.
The cost to construct a leash free park at this location would be similar to the
existing park in Bowmanville, approximately $120,000.
4. CONCURRENCE
The Director of Community Services has read this report and concurs with the
details within.
5. CONCLUSION
5.1. There is support in Newcastle for the construction of a fenced Leash Free Park.
The location preferred by those who attended the Open House was the Newcastle
Community Park site on Rudell Road.
REPORT NO.: EGD-017-14 PAGE 4
5.2. A Leash Free Park in Newcastle is not currently included in the Engineering
Department Capital budget forecast.
CONFORMITY WITH STRATEGIC PLAN — Not Applicable
Staff Contact: Peter Windolf, Manager, Park Development
Attachments:
Attachment#1 —Aerial photograph Newcastle District Recreational Facility
Attachment#2 —Aerial photograph Cobbledick Road
Attachment#3 —Aerial photograph Toronto Street
List of interested parties to be advised of Council's decision:
John Windatt
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