HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSD-005-06
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REPORT
PLANNING SERVICES
Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: Monday, January 9,2006
Report #: PSD-005-06
File #: PLN 17.1.6
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Subject:
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
PROGRAM UPDATE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend the following:
1. THAT Report PSD-005-06 be received; and
2. THAT all interested parties listed for this report and any delegations be advised
of Council's decision.
Submitted by:
ReVieWedbY;O ~-~ '
v' J. rome, M.C.\.P.,R.P.P. Franklin Wu
Director, Planning Services Chief Administrative Officer
FUDJC/df
20 December 2005
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF ClARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-0830
REPORT NO.: PSD-005-06 PAGE 2
1.0 BACKGROUND
1.1 In 2002 Council approved funding ($10,000) for an environmental stewardship
programme that would encourage private groups to carry out works that improve
municipal lands, such as valleylands and other natural areas. Again in 2005
Council provided funding ($2,000) for this program which continues to grow and
expand.
1.2 Initially uptake of these stewardship funds was limited. It has taken sometime to
build awareness that funding is available for stewardship projects on municipal
properties. At the same time, staff have been careful to direct private
stewardship initiatives to the applicable conservation authority, Durham Land
Stewardship Council (for Ministry of Natural Resources properties) and other
programmes.
1.3 Each year Darlington OPG have sponsored a workshop known as
“Environmental Convergence”, where a number of the stewardship groups come
together to discuss common issues, explore new topics and themes. Planning
Services staff have participated in these workshops providing an overview of the
policy framework for land use planning and working with other partners on the
concept of a wildlife corridor along the lakefront.
2.0 GRANTS
2.1 General Guidelines
When approving projects for funding, staff have been careful to only fund projects
that are on municipally owned properties, have in-kind contributions (labour
and/or materials) and meet the overall concept plan for the area. Planning
Services staff work closely with Engineering and Operations staff to ensure that
the project is in the best interests of the municipality.
2.2 2003 Works
Plantings in the Bowmanville valley along the pathway from Spry Avenue north.
In-kind labour provided by Planning Services staff and Valleys 2000.
2.3 2004 Works
Creek crossing in Bowmanville valley in partnership with Valleys 2000 and
Courtice Secondary School students. The funding provided the lumber necessary
for the project, the students built and installed the crossing.
2.4 2005 Works
Boardwalk behind Courtice Complex in partnership with Courtice Secondary
School students. The funding provided the lumber necessary for the project,
REPORT NO.: PSD-005-06 PAGE 3
again the students constructed the boardwalk in sections in shop class and then
assembled it on site.
Plantings in Soper Creek valley along the pathway from Visual Arts Centre north
to Hobbs Avenue, in partnership with Valleys 2000 and Bowmanville High School
students who provided the labour.
3.0 CONCLUSION
3.1 There has been good response to the grants program, to date over $6,000 has
been spent; however, the value of the in-kind contributions is more than double
that amount. In addition, the net gain for those involved has been an
understanding and long-term commitment to the community and environmental
stewardship.
3.2 In early February the Municipality will be co-hosting a workshop with Evergreen,
a national not-for-profit agency that provides assistance, training and funding for
environmental stewardship groups. The workshop will have a limited attendance,
invitations will be sent out in early January; however, if warranted the workshop
could be repeated.
3.3 Funds have been included in the 2007 Capital Budget request to continue and
expand the environmental stewardship program.