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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOS 03-12 City o¢~ Report to ~i Executive Committee PICKERING Report Number: OS 03-12 Date: April 10,.2012 From: Thomas Melymuk Director, Office of Sustainability Subject: Rouge National Urban Park - Status Update and Statement of Intent - File: A-2500-007 Recommendations: 1. That Council receive for information, Report OS 03-12 concerning a status update and Statement of Intent on the establishment of a Rouge National Urban Park; 2. That Council endorse the Statement of Intent attached to this Report as Attachment 1, confirming the City's interest in working collaboratively with Parks Canada and other stakeholders in the establishment of the Rouge National Urban Park; and 3. That a copy of this report be forwarded to Parks Canada, the Province of Ontario (Ministry of Infrastructure), the Rouge Park Alliance, the City of Toronto, the Town of Markham, the Region of York, the Region of Durham and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. Executive Summary: Last year, following a request from the Rouge Park Alliance and its member organizations (including Pickering), the Federal Government initiated a process towards the establishment of a national park in the Rouge valley. Parks Canada was asked to play a lead role in the park establishment process, and began work in the summer of 2011. An engagement process was initiated, involving a broad range of stakeholders and partners in discussions on a vision and concept for the Rouge National Urban Park. A Landowners Table was also established, involving representatives from the affected municipalities and public landholders in the area to discuss the park boundary and the process for transferring lands to Parks Canada. The City is involved in the engagement process and also in the Landowners Table. Through the Landowners Table, a Statement of Intent has been developed to confirm the interest of the participants in working together with the Federal Government to address all matters of mutual interest in establishing the park including an appropriate boundary and land transfer agreements (see Attachment 1). Report OS 03-12 April 10, 2012 02 Subject: Rouge National Urban Park Page 2 It is recommended that Council endorse the Statement of Intent to confirm the City's interest and commitment to working collaboratively with the Federal Government and other participants in the LandownersTable in the establishment of a Rouge National Urban Park. Financial Implications: The creation of a Rouge National Urban Park will require the transfer to the Federal Government of lands owned by various governments and public agencies that are within and adjacent to the Rouge valley. Once transferred, these lands may no longer be subject to taxes or PILTs (payments in lieu of taxes) unless used by the Federal Government for a purpose that generates revenue. Certain lands in south Pickering (currently part of the Rouge Park) are likely to be included in the national park. Accordingly, there may be some loss in tax revenue and/or PILTs to the City. More information will be available as the process proceeds and a final park boundary is established. It should also be noted that the creation of a national park in the Rouge valley would likely provide some positive financial benefits to the City related to marketing, tourism and associated development. Discussion: In 2010, the Rouge Park Alliance and its member organizations recommended that the Federal Government designate the Rouge Park as a national park On April 19, 2010, following receipt of a report and recommendations from the Rouge Park Alliance, City Council passed a resolution supporting in principle the creation of a Rouge National Park, and advising that the City would be interested in participating in future discussions on the establishment of the park. At that time, the City (and others) recognized there was a need to examine and resolve a number of important issues related to the creation of a national park, including: • the specific governance model and funding sources for the park • the actual boundary of the park • permitted land uses within and adjacent to the park • access points to the park • the impact (if any) the park may have on the ability to construct and/or widen important interregional roads, including a Steeles Avenue widening, and the construction of a by-pass road south of Whitevale to connect with 14th Avenue in Markham I CORP0227-07/01 revised Report OS 03-12 April 10, 2012 Subject: Rouge National Urban Park Page 3 03 In June 2011, the Throne Speech set the direction for the Government of Canada to work with various stakeholders and partners towards the establishment of a national urban park in the Rouge valley After receiving the various requests to establish a national park, the Government of Canada in the June 2011 Speech from the Throne, announced its intention to work with the provincial and municipal governments, Aboriginal partners, and community stakeholders towards the establishment of a national park in the Rouge valley. Parks Canada was asked to lead this process. The process has commenced and will continue over the next year or so,-contingent upon an appropriate funding announcement for the establishment of the park being included in the May 29th federal budget. Following the Throne Speech, Parks Canada commenced an Engagement Process with a broad range of partners and stakeholders After the Throne Speech announcement, Parks Canada staff initiated a consultation process through which they intend to engage a broad range of partners and stakeholders in discussions on a vision and concept for the Rouge National Urban Park. A national urban park is a new concept. It requires new legislation, and an innovative conservation and management approach that reflects and takes into account the urban setting and context for the park. As currently envisioned, a Rouge National Urban Park would involve a variety of uses and activities, including conservation of natural and cultural resources, the integration and promotion of sustainable agriculture, and a wide range of visitor experiences including opportunities for learning and reaching out to a diverse urban population. The park concept will continue to evolve through on-going public and stakeholder consultations. In November 2011, Parks Canada held a visioning workshop to obtain initial thoughts from invited participants on a prospective vision and concept for the park, and to identify varying perspectives to be considered in the creation of the park. Following the workshop, Parks Canada continued its engagement process with a youth forum and meetings with interested First Nations. In January 2012, a Rouge National Urban Park website was launched. Broad public consultations on the park are planned beginning in the summer. CORP0227-07/01 revised Report OS 03-12 April 10, 2012 O fubject: Rouge National Urban Park Page 4 Parks Canada also created a' Landholders Table to discuss the boundary and land transfer process for the Rouge National Urban Park In the Fall 2011, Parks Canada established a Landowners Table bringing together representatives from all public landholders and the Rouge Park Alliance with Parks Canada staff to discuss park boundaries (lands to be included and excluded) as well as the strategies and processes for transferring lands to Parks Canada. Participants on the Landowners Table include Parks Canada, the Province of Ontario, The Toronto Region Conservation Authority, the City of Toronto, the City of Pickering, the Town of Markham, the Region of York, the Region of Durham, and the Rouge Park Alliance. The Landowners Table will be working towards establishing a park boundary and a land transfer agreement by the Fall of this year. A Statement of Intent has been prepared to confirm the commitment of the participants on the Landowners Table to work together in establishing a Rouge National Urban Park A Statement of Intent has been prepared expressing the commitment of the participants on the Landowners Table to work together to address issues of mutual interest in the establishment of a Rouge National Urban Park, including: Identification of lands for inclusion in the Rouge National Urban Park. • A concept for the Rouge National Urban Park. • Processes and conditions of any land transfer to Parks Canada. Public communications. • Transition measures to allow for interim governance of the park during the establishment process. • Relationship to adjacent land uses (including the Toronto Zoo and Beare Road Landfill) and agricultural uses. • Roles and recognition of the participants in the Landowners Table under the new governance model. • . Infrastructure and its future management. Participants in the Statement of Intent will include the Government of Canada (represented by the Parks Canada Agency), the Province of Ontario (represented by the Ministry of Infrastructure), the City of Toronto, the City of Pickering, the Town of Markham, the Regional Municipalities of York and Durham, and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. CORP0227-07/01 revised Report OS 03-12 April 10, 2012 Subject: Rouge National Urban Park Page 5 - - OJ A copy of the Statement of Intent is attached to this report as Attachment 1. It is recommended that Council endorse the Statement of Intent to confirm the City's interest in working collaboratively with the other partners in establishing a Rouge National Urban Park. Parks Canada has prepared a study area map showing lands that are under consideration for the establishment of a Rouge National Urban Park Lands under consideration for the establishment of a Rouge National Urban Park reflect the proposal that was made to the Federal Government in 2010 by the Rouge Park Alliance and its member organizations. The area extends from Lake Ontario to the Oak Ridges Moraine, and includes lands within the existing Rouge Park and additional federal lands in Markham, west of the York-Durham Town-line Road. The study area map is included in the Statement of Intent as Annex 1 (see Attachment 1 to the report). The study area includes lands in south Pickering currently part of the existing Rouge Park area. A final boundary for the Rouge National Urban Park will be defined and agreed to at a later date by the parties to the Statement of Intent. At this time, consideration is only being given to including public lands in the park boundary. However, privately held lands that are within the study area may be included if acquired by Parks Canada on a willing seller/willing buyer basis. Once the final park boundaries are determined, Parks Canada will also be contacting existing tenants to discuss opportunities for ongoing residential tenancies. Transition measures will be developed to allow for interim governance until a permanent governance structure is created and the lands for the park have been transferred Transition measures will be developed to allow for interim governance of the park during the establishment process and until a permanent governance structure is created and the lands have been duly transferred to Parks Canada. Interim Management Guidelines will also be developed to guide management until a governing framework is adopted. Roles of the participants in the Landowners Table will also be determined as part of the transition process as well as part of the permanent governance model. Staff will keep Council advised of the Rouge National Urban Park planning process, and as detailed information becomes available, will obtain Council's direction on the park boundary and the transfer of any City land to the park. Attachment: 1. Statement of Intent on the Establishment of a Rouge National Urban Park. I CORP0227-07/01 revised I( f F Report OS 03-12 April 10, 2012 Subject: Rouge National Urban Park Page 6 06 Prepared and Approved/Endorsed By: ThoaMelym CIP , RPP Director, Office of Sustainability TM:tm Copy: Chief Administrative Officer Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council "m V Jzjtt2g a~ • 23 2oi2 Tony revedel, P. Eng. Chief Administrative Officer CORP0227-07/01 revised I ATTACHMENT #-LTO REPORT #65 03-1 I+ I Parks Pares Q 7 Canada Canada February 21, 2012 Bruce Singbush Victoria Vidal-Ribas Brian Denney John Livey Thomas Melymuk Andy Taylor Bruce McGregor Nester Chornobay Subject: Statement of Intent - Towards Cooperation and Collaboration in the Establishment ofa National Urban Park in the Rouge Valley. I am pleased to send you the final draft of the Statement of lnlel7t to be approved by the Participants of the Landholders Table. As you know, the purpose of this document is to express commitment by the Participants to work together towards a recommendation on the park boundaries and. to take the necessary steps to establish Rouge National Urban Park. This collaboration would not be feasible without the support you have demonstrated and the strategic input provided by all in thedrafting of this document. I would. like to take this opportunity to thank all members for their ongoing participation at the Landholders Table. Your collaboration is invaluable to the realization of a true Canadian first. Please confirm the ratification of the Statement of InIeni by your respective approval authority to Catherine Gren.ier at catherine.erenicr,c pc, c.ca or (418) 649-8192. We aim to have this process completed by all participants by early May 2012. I look forward to our ongoing collaboration on this project. Regards, dF~ /wov AndreVCampbell Vice President External Relations and Visitor Experience Parks Canada cc. Alan Wells k,mad~a ATTACHMENT # TO REPORT # 2S D3 08 aoF6 Statement of Intent Towards Cooperation and Collaboration in the Establishment of a National Urban Park in the Rouge Valley 1. Purpose 1.1. The purpose of this Statement of Intent is to express commitment by the Participants to work together towards a recommendation on the park boundaries and to take the necessary steps that would be required to establish Rouge National Urban Park, subject to the approvals process specific to each participant. 2. Participants • Government of Canada (represented by the Parks Canada Agency) • Province of Ontario (represented by the Ministry of Infrastructure) • City of Toronto • Town of Markham • City of Pickering • The Regional Municipality of York The Regional Municipality of Durham • Toronto Region Conservation Authority 2.1. The Participants reached a shared understanding and wish to express their mutual commitment and intentions as presented in the following document. 3. Background 3.1. The federal, provincial and municipal governments involved and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority have supported Rouge Park and the Rouge Park Alliance since its inception in 1994 and have provided financial resources, in recognition of the important resources associated with the Rouge Valley, its unique ecosystem, its rich historic and cultural significance and the significant benefits it provides to the vitalities of communities and their residents. 3.2. The Rouge Park Alliance is a voluntary partnership of various levels of government and agencies whose mandate is to oversee and coordinate the implementation of the Rouge Park Management Plans and be an advocate for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of the Rouge River watershed. 3.3. In 2010, the Rouge Park Alliance recommended the Rouge Park be granted federal designation to contribute to better management of the park lands and resources and provide enhanced, accessible visitor experiences and learning opportunities to the more than seven million residents of the Greater Toronto Area, visitors to the region, as well as- all Canadians. In 2010, each of the member organizations of the Rouge Park Alliance endorsed the recommendation to seek federal designation for Rouge Park. 1 ATTACHMENT# I TO REPORT#OS ®3-r 09 3.4. The June 2011 Speech from the Throne set the direction for the Government of Canada to work with the provincial and municipal governments, Aboriginal partners, and community stakeholders towards establishing a national urban park in the Rouge Valley. 3.5. In January 2012, The Province of Ontario has expressed its desire to effect an orderly transition of the operations, administration and management of Rouge Park in recognition of the effort to establish Rouge National Urban Park. 3.6. Rouge Park is located in an urban setting and requires flexibility to be responsive and provide latitude to accommodate the relationship to adjacent urban land uses and population and infrastructure requirements. 3.7. Participants share an interest in advancing a Rouge National Urban Park and are committed to working together and with Aboriginal partners, and community stakeholders through a consultative and collaborative process to establish Rouge National Urban Park under the stewardship of Parks Canada. 4. Scope of Cooperation 4.1. Participants agree to work cooperatively to address issues of mutual interest, as outlined below, and other related matters that may emerge through the park establishment process: • Identification of lands recommended to be included in or excluded from Rouge National Urban Park; • Rouge National Urban Park Concept; • Recommend processes and conditions of any land transfer to Parks Canada subject to obtaining all necessary approvals; • Public communications; • Transition measures as identified further in section 6; • Relationship to adjacent land uses (including the Toronto Zoo and Beare Road Landfill) and agricultural uses; • Roles and recognition of the Participants under the new governance model; and • Infrastructure and its future management. 5. Preliminary park concept 5.1. A national urban park is a new concept, which requires an innovative conservation and management approach that is reflective of its near-urban context and provides the flexibility to manage a working landscape. This concept will be developed and guided by consultations with a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including the Participants. 5.2. Aligned with Parks Canada's mandate, the national urban park concept will include conservation of natural and cultural heritage resources, opportunities for reaching and increasing appreciation amongst an urban population, a wide range of visitor experience possibilities and the integration and promotion of sustainable agriculture. 5.3. Boundaries will be defined based on an agreement with the Participants. To guide the work and facilitate identification of considerations and issues by the Participants, Parks Canada has presented a map of the Study Area (Annex1) that is under consideration for a potential national urban park. 2 I ® ATTACHMENT # TO REPORT # 3 4 O-6 6. Establishment Process 6.1. A Landholders Table was created in Fall 2011 by Park Canada to bring the Participants together to come to an agreement on park boundaries (lands to be included or excluded) and the strategies and processes for the transfer of lands to Parks Canada subject to obtaining the necessary approvals by each Participant. 6.2. In parallel to this process, Parks Canada is also engaging a broad group of partners and stakeholders, which includes the Participants, to consult on the vision and concept for the park. Agreements that will come out of the Landholders table will be shared for input as part of a broader public consultation process on the establishment of Rouge National Urban Park. 6.3. The Landholders Table will develop an approach to coordinate various due diligence processes and the Crown's duty of consultations, if any, and accommodation, if appropriate. 6.4. Transition measures will be developed to allow for interim governance of the park during the establishment process and until a permanent governance structure is created and the lands have been duly transferred to the managing authority. Interim Management Guidelines will also be developed to guide management until a Governing Framework is adopted. Roles of Participants as part of the transition process as well as part of the permanent governance model for the national urban park will be determined. 7. Timing 7.1. Participants intend to work towards a land transfer agreement following presentation by the Federal Government of a national urban park concept and confirmation of funding and proposed boundaries, to the satisfaction of the parties to the agreement. 7.2. Participants will work towards a target land transfer agreement in place by Fall 2012. 8. Legal Effect This Statement of Intent is an expression of the mutual intentions of the Participants and is not legally binding on them. 9. Appendices 1. Map of the Study Area under consideration by Parks Canada 2. Members of the Landholders Table 3 ATTACHMENT#.. -TO REPORT# SCa -/a ~1S D~6 Annex 1 - Study Area under consideration by Parks Canada r'-Oak Rid Moraine °m' l J Y 16 r lop Y 7 ~~EVA~ ~ y. z q ~ \t~ F ~ E , t SS t C .f m< Fo~ner are t. y~Roan nd II site Toronto Zoo j. f r r Sources: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 2012 Ministry of Natural Ressources, 2011 / y Pares Parks Canada Canada Note: This map is a Study Area only. The lands shown are currently under review for possible inclusions/exclusions to the national urban park. This map does not represent proposed park boundaries. All private lands are excluded from the study area. 4 1 2 ATTACHMENT # 4 TO REPORT #-2S 15 -I ~ I Annex 2 Members of the Landholders Table ti 2 Or~rganization:: Representative Title Parks Canada Andrew Campbell (Chair) VP External Relations and Visitor Experience Parks Canada Catherine Grenier Dir. Rouge National Urban Park Initiative Parks Canada Dianne Pralow (Secretary) Sr. Realty Advisor Province of Ontario Bruce Singbush Director, Real Estate Policy (Ministry of Infrastructure) Province of Ontario Victoria Vidal-Ribas Assistant Deputy Minister, (Ministry of Strategic Real Estate Asset Infrastructure) Management Division Toronto Region Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer Conservation Authority (TRCA) City of Toronto John Livey Deputy City Manager City of Pickering Thomas Melymuk Director, Office of Sustainability Town of Markham Andy Taylor Chief Administrative Officer Region of York Bruce McGregor Chief Administrative Officer Region of Durham Nester Chornobay Dir. Strategic Planning Rouge Park Alan Wells Chair Alliance 5