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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-018-00 "'- THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON " '..... ~;~" REPORT Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee File #,/tf? Res. #0111- 525-00 Date: Monday, February 14,2000 Report #: PD-018-oo File #: PLN 16.2.2 By-law # VALLEYS 2000 CONCEPT PLAN Subject: ;f Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report PD-018-00 be received; 2. THAT the Concept Plan for the Valleys 2000 project, be approved, save and except for the by-pass channel around Goodyear's pond pending further investigation regarding its viability; 3. THAT Council approve the projects and budget for the year 2000/2001 as set out in Section 2.6 in this report; 4. THAT the Municipality of Clarington provide an interest free loan to Valleys 2000 (Bowmanville) Inc. for the sum of $138,000.00 to be taken from Impact Escrow Reserve Fund 5070-50-407, conditional upon the terms and conditions set out in Section 2.7 of this report; 5. THAT prior to December 31, each year, Valleys 2000 (Bowmanville) Inc. submit a list of projects for the upcoming year and a budget for Council's approval; ahd 6. THAT all interested parties listed in this report and any delegations be advised of Council's decision. I. BACKGROUND Valleys 2000 (Bowmanville) Inc., generally referred to as Valleys 2000, is a community- based organization comprised of volunteers, who share a vision of developing trails, recreational amenities and environmental enhancements within the Bowmanville Creek and Soper Creek valleys. At the present time, the project is focused on the development of the Bowmanville Creek valley which is promoted as a community millennium project. ',~ 621 .t..:'). ~~ REPORT PD-018-00 PAGE 2 The support of the community is essential to IJring the project to frnition. In December 1998, Council supported the initiative and agreed to assist in developing the project. In April 1999, Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Clarington and Valleys 2000. It details the responsibilities of each party in implementing this project. In order to assist them with developing the vision, Valleys 2000 retained a consultant, Mr. Mark Schollen of Schollen & Company in collaboration with LGL Limited and Archaeological Services Inc. to prepare a conceptual plan and a corresponding implementation strategy for the Bowmanville Creek valley. The Municipality and Valleys 2000 are required to approve the final concept plan and implementation strategy before development can commence. The Board of Directors endorsed the plan and implementation strategy. The Municipality's approval is now sought. The purpose of this report is to: . Provide an update on the project; . Provide an overview of the study process, conceptual plan and implementation strategy and seek Council's approval for same; . Describe the next steps required for implementing the project, including land acquisition, the projects that will be initiated in 2000/2001 and seek Council's appJ;Oval for same; and . Describe the methods of funding the project and seek Council's approval for a no- interest loan, in order to retain a fund-raising consultant and begin the engineering and design drawings to obtain permits for the projects for 2000/2001. 2. DISCUSSION 2.1 Project Update Considerable progress in advancing this project to date. The following, is a list of items that have been completed under the Memorandum of Understanding. Valleys 2000 has: . received Letters of Incorporation and are now referred to as Valleys 2000 (Bowmanville) Inc.; . received non-profit status and obtained a charitable number under the Income Tax Act; . 6 ~~ l- REPORT PD-Ol8-00 PAGE 3 ,.. il!t- . obtained liability insurance in the amount of five million dollars; . with funding from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Bowmanville Lions Club retained a qualified consultant to prepare the concept plan for the project; . assisted with the study and public consultation processes; . endorsed the concept plan prepared by the consultant and identified a list of projects to be initiated in 2000/2001; . applied to Canada Millennium Partnership Program, Trillium Foundation, Main Street Ontario, and Ministry of Natural Resources for funding; and . selected, but has not yet retained a professional fundraising consultant to prepare a fund raising strategy. The Municipality has: . completed appraisals for the lands required for the project; . completed Environmental Site Assessments for the lands in question; . initiated land negotiations on all the affected properties from King Street to Baseline Road; . assisted with the study process and preparation of the concept plan; and . assisted in drafting the applications for funding. In addition to what is required under the Memorandum of Understanding, Valleys 2000 has also; . initiated a logo contest; . appeared as guest speakers at many community meetings and functions to introduce the project and gain community support; . initiated and completed one project under the CFWIP funding program for bank stabilization and plantings below Goodyear's dam; and . received some small financial donations for future projects. 2.2 The Concept Plan Prepared By The Consultant 2.2.1 The Study Process The Board of Directors for Valleys 2000 felt that a sound understanding of the valley system, and the community's vision was essential to the success of the project. As such, they retained the services of a professional landscape architecture firm to conduct the study, which included a public consultation process. The Board of Directors directed the study process, in consultation with staff from the Planning and Development and Public Works Departments. 623 "','J REPORT PD-018-OO PAGE 4 ;..' Study Phases The study was undertaken in the following three phases. A copy of the Background Report is available in the Planning and Development Department for viewing. . A background report, which consisted of a review of the existing conditions and an analysis of both the Bowmanville and Soper Creek valleys systems. . A conceptual plan for the creek and valleylands for the Bowmanville Creek valley from King Street to the waterfront. . A strategy to implement the Concept Plan. Public Consultation The study process provided opportunities for the public, agencies, major stakeholders, landowners and interest groups to become informed and provide input. Three key tasks were undertaken to involve the general public. Stakeholders Meeting A total of nine (9) stakeholders were compiled including key landowners, agency representatives and members of the community. Individuals were invited to attend a one-on-one interview with Mr. Schollen to discuss issues, confirm background information and identify objectives, which could be addressed within the design for the valleylands. Community Workshop Mr. Schollen and the Board orchestrated a community workshop with the objective of identifying community values, issues of concerns and to compile a list of possible amenities for the valley. Approximately 30 people participated in the session. Their concerns and aspirations were considered in creating the Concept Plan. Preview of the Concept Plan On October 21,1999, members of the community were invited to a preview of the concept plan for the project. The community's response was very favourable. In addition, a number of individuals volunteered to assist in work projects such as cleaning up litter, trail building and planting programs. 624 1.,. REPORT PD-018-00 PAGE 5 .,.>; 2.3 Study Conc:lusions The analysis of the existing background information and consultation process yielded a number of important conclusions, which were considered during the preparation of the concept plan. These are as follows: . The number of residents living within the Municipality and the Bowmanville Creek watershed will continue to grow. The Valleys 2000 initiative is a means to plan for an increase in the demand for recreational uses of the valleylands with the objective of protecting the resources of the watershed. . The Bowmanville and Soper Creek Valleys are rich in natural heritage resources, providing habitats for a range of birds, fish and mammals. The Valleys 2000 initiative represents an opportunity to preserve and enhance existing habitats and increase the sustainability and diversity of resident and migrant bird, wildlife and fish populations. . Throughout the study area there are a number of archaeological and cultural heritage resources of significance. The Valleys 2000 initiative presents the opportunity to preserve and where appropriate, interpret and celebrate the cultural heritage of the Bowmanville Creek watershed. . The workshop revealed that people live in Bowmanville based on free choice rather than necessity and concluded that Bowmanville's strength lies in its cohesion and the spirit of co-operation demonstrated by its citizens. There is a desire to preserve and enhance the community's scenic, natural and cultural resources. This project provides an opportunity to enhance the scenic, natural and cultural resources of Bowmanville while encouraging residents to become actively involved in their community. 2.4 The Concept Plan 2.4.1 Obiectives of the Plan There are four main objectives that have been incorporated into the Plan. Each IS followed by more detailed objectives which were used in developing the Concept Plan. Natural Heritage objectives include the conservation and enhancement of wildlife, fisheries and vegetation within the Bowmanville and Soper Valleys. Cultural Heritage objectives include opportunities to educate the public, enhance the integrity of heritage features and celebrate the rich heritage of the Bowmanville/Soper Creek watershed. Social objectives provide opportunities related to recreation, education, public safety and interface with the surrounding community. 625 ~, ~ ~~ REPORT PD-Ol8-00 PAGE 6 Functional objectives include opportunities related to improvements to the trail design and maintenance, barrier free access to the valley, police access to the valley, pedestrian/vehicular interface and the development of other amenities in the valley on a continual basis. 2.4.2 Components of the Conc~t Plan The various objectives have formed the basis of the Concept Plan. A copy of the Concept Plan has been distributed to Council under separate cover and is on file with the Clerks Department. The components of the Plan include the following: . 3 metre wide asphalt trail from King Street to the Waterfront Trail . Improved entrance features in the parking areas off Roenigk Drive, including increased parking spaces, asphalt surfaces, new landscape treatments, signage and wild flower gardens; . 1.5 metre wide granular secondary trails; · Improvements to viewing/interpretative value and safety at Goodyear's dam and fish ladder; . Possible implementation of a by-pass channel around the Goodyear pond and dam to alleviate Goodyear's concerns about increasing sedimentation in the pond; . Creation of wetlands to improve water quality discharging into Bowmanville Creek; · Phased replacement of invasive tree species such as Manitoba Maple and Willow with red maple, cedar and dogwood; . Bank stabilization works along various locations along BOWInanville Creek; · Creation of entrance feature at Baseline Road and Spry Avenue which include ornamental and stormwater ponds, parking, information kiosks, gardens etc.; . Historical interpretative areas; . Improved areas for fishing and improvements to fish habitats; and . A new parking lot on Baseline Road and improvements to the parking lot on West Beach Road. 2.5 Implementation Strategy An Implementation Strategy accompanies the Concept Plan. It sets out the implementation of the various components of the plan over six phases. The Plan has no definite time frame for completion. It will be contingent on a number of variables including: . Availability of funds; · Timing and availability of in-kind contributions of materials, equipment and labour; r 626 t, ~ REPORT PD-Ol8-00 PAGE 7 ;..l . Land ownership and schedule for acquisition oflands; . Requirements for approval from landowners and regulatory agencies; . Relative timing of specific components of the work, most significantly, the proposed by-pass channel at the Goodyear pond; . Changing priorities within the community over time; . Requirements to ensure public safety objectives are achieved; and · The objectives of the various groups within the community related to specific areas of interest; for example the restoration and enhancement of fish habitat or the implementation of trails to provide recreational benefits to the community. The Strategy also includes cost estimates for capital works. The total capital cost to implement the project is $5.9 million dollars. The cost does not include land acquisition costs or costs required for engineering and design works required to obtain permits. The costs can be reduced by in-kind donations of material and labour. 2.6 Implementing The First Phase Kinf( Street to Baseline Road The Concept Plan illustrates an ambitious undertaking, which will be implemented by the community over a number of years. There are various components, which will require extensive engineering and design works, and approvals prior to construction, these including the by-pass channel and the connections under CNR and 401 to the waterfront. Valleys 2000 have resolved to concentrate their immediate efforts on the area between King Street and Baseline Road until such time as sufficient funds are raised to initiate the process for these components. Land Nef(otiations The Municipality, with the assistance of Valleys 2000 has been negotiating with various landowners for the transfer of lands or lease arrangements. To date, all of the landowners between King Street and Baseline Road have been contacted. Most of them are receptive to a lease arrangement or outright transfer oflands. Staff will be reporting on the status ofland negotiations at a later date. By-pass Channel around the Goodyear Dam Goodyear Canada extracts water from their pond ill order to cool manufacturing 627 ~ ~ ......... REPORT PD-Ol8-00 PAGE 8 equipment. In recent years, sediment has been accumulating in the pond. Although the exact source of the sedimentation is unknown, there is speculation that a majority of the sediment is coming from the Vanstone Mill's old millpond. To ensure that there is a . ready supply of water, Goodyear must dredge the pond every two years, at a considerable cost. The dredged material is stored on site and removed in a timely manner. MOE and CLOCA regulate the process. The Conservation Authority and the Ministry of Natural Resources have been setting aside money each year to undertake a study of the Vanstone Mill erosion area, and to develop alternative and preferred solutions to address this issue. In order for the study to proceed, financial contributions are required from the stakeholders. To date, the stakeholders have not committed any funds to the study. As a possible solution to the existing sedimentation problem, the consultant proposed a by-pass channel however, it would require further study, detailed design, approval from other agencies and funding for construction. In the interim, Valleys 2000 would like to proceed with other aspects of the project. As such, the concept plan has been revised to allow for public access and improvements to Goodyear's property west of the pond while still allowing for dredging equipment and storage and removal of dredged material, see Attachment I. Proiects for the Year 2000/2001 Valleys 2000 have selected a number of projects to be completed this year and next year. They include: i) the development of the main trail from King Street to Baseline Road, in granular; ii) creation of one wetland pond, on the west side of the project; iii) improvements to the fish ladder; iv) Improvements to the entrance features at the parking lot off Roenigk Drive which includes a information kiosk, signage, new granular on the parking lot, landscaping and walkway to the existing pedestrian bridge over Bowmanville Creek; v) Bank protection and restoration along various locations along Bowmanville Creek; and iv) Improvements to vegetative plantings. 628 ,. ..~ REPORT PD-018-00 PAGE 9 ,,,'" The total cost to implement these projects is $505,000.00; approximately $122,000.00 of the total costs is required for engineering and design drawings necessary for obtaining permits from the relevant approval agencies. 2.7 Funding the Proiect To date Valleys 2000 have received $ 40,000.00 in grants and private donations which has been largely expended. Most of the funds for the project will be raised within the community, in-kind donations of material and labour and other funding mechanisms through government agencies and environmental groups. In order to assist them in determining the amount of support available in the community, Valleys 2000 have decided to retain the services of a fundraising consultant, at a cost of $ 16,000.00. They have selected but not yet retained a firm to prepare a campaign strategy due to limited funds. The fundraising consultants will determine the availability of funds and in-kind donations in the community from private and corporate sources. In the interim, Valleys 2000 would like to proceed with phase I of the project, approximately $505,000.00; $122,000.00 is required for engineering and design drawings required to obtain permits from the appropriate authorities. In order to finance the first phase of the project, Valleys have applied to various funding agencies, including: Canada Millennium Partnership Program $135,000. Main Street Ontario Funds $ 10,000. Ontario Trillium Foundation $ 75,000. Ministry of Natural Resources $ 3,500. Total $223,500. The status of these applications is unknown at the time of writing this report. The balance of the funds, $281,500.00 will be raised from within the community, either as cash or in- kind donations oflabour and materials. Staff supports Valleys 2000 request for an interest free loan in the order of $138,000.00 to retain a fund-raising consultant and initiate the projects. Staff recommend that funds be allocated to Valleys under the following conditions. a) The funds be allocated in two phases: 629 .. ~.! ., .,. REPORT PD-018-00 PAGE 10 Phase 1 That $16,000. be allocated to Valleys 2000 to retain a fund-raising consultant and an additional $34,000. to retain a consultant for design and engineering works for the trail system. Phase 2 That, if the fund-raising consultant confirms to Council that there are sufficient funds in the community to support the project, the balance $ 88,000. be allocated to Valleys 2000. b) That the funds will be returned to the Municipality of Clarington once funds are received from the community or other sources, which ever is earlier. c) That, prior to approval of subsequent phases by Council, the funds are repaid in full to the Municipality. Staff would also recommend, that prior to December 31 each year Valleys 2000 provide a list of projects and budget for the next phase of development and seek Council's approval for same. It is estimated that the fund-raising consultant will take eight weeks to submit a report of findings and recommendations for Valleys 2000 fund-raising initiatives. In the interim, design and engineering works can be initiated for the main trail system from King Street to Baseline Road. If the fund-raising consultant determines there is sufficient funds in the community, the balance of the funds can be released to Valleys 2000 for further design and engineering works for the other projects. 3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Valleys 2000 (Bowmanville) Inc. should be congratulated for undertaking this initiative in a manner, which has been based on comprehensive understanding on the Bowmanville and Soper Creek valley systems and on community values and aspirations for the valleys systems. The Plan provides for improvements to public access to the Bowmanville Creek valley while improving the ecological health of the creek and the surrounding ecosystem. 630 . (, .~ ,~ ~'.>.- .REPORT PD-018-00 PAGE 11 Staff support this project and would recommend the following; . Council approve the Valleys 2000 Concept Plan, save and except the by-pass channel around the Goodyear pond. . Council approve the projects and budget for the Year 2000/2001. . Council provide Valleys 2000(Bowmanville) Inc. with an interest free loan is the sum of $50,000. to retain a fund-raising consultant and for engineering and design works, and will provide an additional $88,000. to Valleys 2000 once the fund-raising consultant determines that there are sufficient funds in the community to support the project. . That Valleys 2000 be required to prepare a list of projects and an annual budget to be approved by Council, on an annual basis. The Treasurer and Director of Public Works have reviewed this report. Respectfully submitted, Reviewed by, Q . t\)~--Jj W David J. Crome, M.C.I.P(j.P.P. Director of Planning & Development dvaJ62~~ Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P., R.P.P., Chief Administrative Officer CRS*BN*DJC*cc February 9, 2000 Attachment No. 1 Attachment NO.2 Valleys 2000 Concept Plan Revised Concept Plan Interested parties to be notified of Council and Committee's decision: Frank Lockhart, Chair Valleys 2000 (Bowmanville) Inc. P.O. Box 364 Bowmanville, Ontario LlC 3Ll 631 ~; .' . :. . . . . . . w .. () .. z . ~ o ...J ...J -,<C o ~ 0:: o W z w a. ~o z :;) ATTAl:HMENT NU. I \:;;;;;It\ FIS~ ~~DER , SECONDARY TRAIL I; / DREDGE / STORAGE AREA MAIN TRAIL 1- ! I ~ I + i --+- . . .\ GOODYEAR .~ \ PROPERlY .\~\ -,\W\ .IW .10::1 .10\ . ' ..\) 1\ I If // REVISED CONCEPT PLAN FOR VALLEYS 2000 PROJECT 632