HomeMy WebLinkAboutENG 25-21 Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: ENG 25-21 Date: December 6, 2021
From: Richard Holborn Director, Engineering Services
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment
- Summary of Public Engagement Process and - Endorsement of the Beachfront Park Master Plan - File: A-1440
Recommendation:
1. That Report ENG 25-21 regarding a summary of the Public Engagement Process for Beachfront Park, as a follow-up to Report ENG 21-21, be received for information;
2. That the Final Preferred Design Option that was prepared in response to the input
received through the public engagement process, be endorsed as the Beachfront Park Master Plan; and,
3. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: As a follow up to Report ENG 04-21 (Attachment #1), and Report ENG 21-21 (Attachment #2), this report provides a summary of the public engagement process for the Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study and recommends that the
Final Preferred Design Option that was developed as part of this public engagement process be endorsed by Council as the Beachfront Park Master Plan.
The City of Pickering retained The MBTW Group to complete the Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study and the public engagement process. Following consultation with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and City staff, for the first
round of public engagement both a passive and an active concept plan were developed and made available to the public for review and comment through the Let’s Talk Pickering platform. An online survey was also made available for public input and comment from June 14, 2021 to July 5, 2021.
For the second round of public engagement, the consultant created a single revised concept
plan based on the public responses received from the first round. An online presentation that provided a summary of the survey results from the first round and described the revised concept plan was posted on the Let’s Talk Pickering platform. An online survey was also made available for public input and comment from August 27, 2021 to September 27, 2021. The comments received were summarized and have been included in the Public Engagement
Summary Report along with plans of the Final Preferred Design Option (Attachment #3).
ENG 25-21 December 6, 2021
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment
Summary of Public Engagement Process and
Endorsement of the Beachfront Park Master Plan Page 2
Staff are seeking Council’s endorsement of the Final Preferred Design Option as the
Beachfront Park Master Plan.
Financial Implications: Funds for the preparation of a Waterfront Park Needs Assessment
were approved by Council as part of the Engineering Services 2019 Current Budget. Funds in the amount of $30,000.00 to undertake the public engagement process for the project were approved in the 2021 Current Budget. As a result of work undertaken through the study, the cost for reconstruction of Beachfront Park has been estimated at approximately $7.7 million
plus HST. This includes costs for the preparation of detailed design, construction
administration services, approvals and permits and a construction contingency. Subject to Council endorsement of the Final Preferred Design Option, funds for the preparation of detailed design drawings will be recommended in the 2022 Capital Budget and funds required for construction will be recommended in the four year Capital Forecast for Council
consideration through the budget process.
Discussion: As a follow-up to Report ENG 04-21 and Council Resolution
#543/21, staff have been working with The MBTW Group and Shoreplan Engineering on the
public engagement process for the Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study. The City’s Let’s Talk Pickering platform was used for this process with two rounds of engagement, each including a pre-recorded presentation video and online survey. Public engagement was promoted through social media, digital signage and a curbex sign that was
located at the foot of Liverpool Road. An email blast was also sent to subscribers on the
project page during the second round of engagement.
The first round of public engagement ran from June 14, 2021 to July 5, 2021. Based on the initial study and comments received from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and City staff, two concept plans were presented; a passive option and an active option. A total
of 957 persons visited the website and 171 of these completed the survey. The survey results
and comments received were reviewed by City staff and the consultants, and were considered when developing the revised concept plan. Questions specific to public comments and concerns received from the first round of engagement were also included in the online survey for the second round, in order to clarify the public’s opinion on these matters.
Prior to the second round of public engagement, staff provided Council with an update report
(Report ENG 21-21, September 13, 2021), advising Council of the response to the first round of engagement and the general comments received from the public.
The second round of public engagement ran from August 27, 2021 to September 27, 2021. The prerecorded presentation video included a brief introduction, updates to project timeline,
highlights of comments that were received from the first round of public engagement, a review
of the key issues and concerns and a description of the Draft Preferred Design Option. A total of 263 persons visited the website and 61 of these completed the survey. Feedback obtained through the second round of consultation confirmed that the Draft Preferred Design Option was generally supported by the public. Engaged stakeholders including TRCA and Ontario Power
ENG 25-21 December 6, 2021
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment
Summary of Public Engagement Process and
Endorsement of the Beachfront Park Master Plan Page 3
Generation (OPG) who are landowners of Beachfront Park, have confirmed that they were generally in support of the plan. Recent discussions and correspondence received from the Pickering Harbour Company (PHC), state that they have concerns with some of the features proposed within the West Beach Area as they may conflict with PHC operational matters as
they access their property at the end of the spit. Staff will work with the PHC to resolve these
issues during the detailed design stage.
Public comments regarding the lack of parking are being addressed through a separate waterfront parking review. One of the questions in the second round survey did ask for public input on this matter. Residents indicated that they were open to other options for gaining
access to Beachfront Park, including alternate means of transportation as well as parking at
Alex Robertson Park and Bay Ridges Kinsmen Park and walking in from the east.
Public washroom facilities were a topic of interest through the engagement process. The initial concept plan included a new washroom facility in the Liverpool Road parking lot with the possible removal of the existing facility. The public’s opinion was that the proposed location
was too far from the beach, it’s construction would require the removal of valuable parking
spaces, and that they preferred that the existing washroom remain. The public were open to the use of portable washroom facilities during waterfront events. As such, the Final Preferred Design Option calls for renovations to the existing washroom facility to make it more functional and accessible. A washroom could be added within the Liverpool Road parking lot in the future
if it was deemed necessary at that time. Note that the existing washroom is within the TRCA
regulated and wave uprush area. The construction of a new larger washroom facility in close proximity to the beach would no longer be permitted.
Various comments were also received, requesting for the provision for a children’s playground area as well as a water play area. Beachfront Park had a large children’s playground that was
installed on the beach when the park was constructed, but due to the high water and wave
action, it became unsafe and it was removed in 2019. The existing water play area located east of the washroom facility, was constructed as part of Millennium Square in 2000. Operations staff have advised that it is in need of repairs and that it’s close proximity to the water’s edge poses maintenance issues including sand and gravel deposited on its surface
during storm events causing safety and drain issues, and slippery walkway conditions on
windy days, when the water spray blows onto the boardwalk surfacing. A small playground area is being proposed west of Millennium Square, however, PHC have recently voiced concerns over this location.
The Final Preferred Design Option has been divided into two areas: the West Beach Area and
the East Beach Area which includes Millennium Square. The following is a brief summary of
the features and proposed improvements in these two areas.
West Beach Area
• an improved 6m wide access drive – this could be divided to separate pedestrians from cyclists and vehicles accessing the PHC lands on the west end of the spit;
ENG 25-21 December 6, 2021
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment
Summary of Public Engagement Process and
Endorsement of the Beachfront Park Master Plan Page 4
• gathering node located closer to the harbour entrance that could be used for small events;
• seating nodes moved to the north side of the access drive, away from the wave uprush
area;
• improved transition from Millennium Square to the access drive;
• opportunity for a small rental/retail kiosk west of Millennium Square; and,
• a small playground area and shade structure located on the west side of Millennium Square.
East Beach Area and Millennium Square
• 6.6m wide elevated waterfront trail with 3m wide dedicated bike lane (1.5m in each
direction) and 3m wide pedestrian promenade separated with a 0.6m wide site furniture strip;
• observation platforms overlooking the Hydro Marsh;
• seating bump-outs on the Lake Ontario side of the pedestrian promenade;
• pedestrian and service vehicle beach access ramps;
• vegetation enhancements along the Hydro Marsh;
• reconstruction of Millennium Square including a stage platform for waterfront events;
• renovations to the existing washroom building to make it more functional and
accessible; and,
• relocation of the Millennium Mast sculpture.
Based on the scope of work, projected costs and extent of this project, staff are recommending that the improvements be constructed in two phases. The first phase would include the
Elevated Waterfront Trail and East Beach Area in order to re-establish the waterfront trail
connection. The second phase would include Millennium Square and the West Beach Area Improvements.
The MBTW Group have prepared a preliminary cost estimate of the proposed improvements based on this phasing. The Elevated Waterfront Trail and East Beach Area is estimated at
$4.4 million plus HST and the Millennium Square and the West Beach Area Improvements is
estimated at $3.3 million plus HST for a total estimated project cost of $7.7 million plus HST. This estimate includes approval/permitting costs, a 12 per cent contingency and 8 per cent allowance for detailed design, engineering and construction administration fees.
Subject to Council endorsement of the Final Preferred Design Option, staff will recommend
funds for the preparation of detailed design drawings in the 2022 Capital Budget and phasing
of construction as part of the four year Capital Forecast.
ENG 25-21 December 6, 2021
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment
Summary of Public Engagement Process and
Endorsement of the Beachfront Park Master Plan Page 5
Attachments:
1. Report ENG 04-21 dated March 1, 20212.Report ENG 21-21 dated September 13, 20213.Public Engagement Summary Report, prepared by The MBTW Group dated November
17, 2021
4.Location map
Prepared By:Approved/Endorsed By:
Original signed by:Original signed by:
Arnold Mostert, OALA Richard Holborn, P.Eng.
Manager, Landscape & Parks Development Director, Engineering Services Development
AM:mjh
Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City
Council
Original signed by:
Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment #1 to Report # ENG 25-21
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: ENG 04-21 Date: March 1, 2021
From: Richard Holborn Director, Engineering Services
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment
-Public Engagement Work Plan and Project Status Update-File: A-1440
Recommendation:
1.That Report ENG 04-21 regarding a Public Engagement Work Plan and Project StatusUpdate for Beachfront Park, as a follow-up to Report ENG 12-20 and in response toResolution #465/20, be received for information;
2.That the Draft Concept Plans attached to Report ENG 04-21 be used to commence the
public engagement and consultation process to arrive at a final preferred concept plan forCouncil endorsement through a future report; and,
3.That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessaryactions as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: The City of Pickering retained The MBTW Group to complete the Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study. A number of concept plans have been developed in consultation with City and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
staff. The concept plans have been refined into two distinct options; a passive option and an active option. These plans will be made available to the public for review and comment and ultimately refined to provide one preferred concept plan for Council endorsement. As a follow up to Report ENG 12-20 (Attachment #1), and Council Resolution #465/20 (Attachment #2), this report provides a status update of the study and concept plan designs, and discusses the work
plan for the public engagement component.
Financial Implications: Funds for the preparation of a Waterfront Park Needs Assessment
were approved by Council as part of the Engineering Services 2019 Current Budget. Funds in the
amount of $30,000 to undertake the public engagement process are being requested in the proposed 2021 Current Budget. The cost of construction will depend on the elements included in the final preferred concept plan. Funds for the preparation of detailed design drawings and construction will be recommended in future Capital Budgets for Council consideration.
ENG 04-21 March 1, 2021
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study
Work Plan for Public Engagement Page 2
Discussion:
Concept Plans: As a follow-up to Report ENG 12-20, and Council Resolution #465/20, staff have been working with The MBTW Group and Shoreplan Engineering to complete the Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study. At the request of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), who have regulatory authority along the Lake Ontario shoreline,
some additional investigations were completed including an update of the flood hazard report and
performing geotechnical investigations to obtain a gradation analysis of the existing beach sand and gravel. Based on these findings and further staff input, the four concept plans previously prepared were refined into two distinct options; a passive option and an active option (Attachment #3).
The passive park option features a 5.0m wide elevated boardwalk structure between Liverpool
Road and Alex Robertson Park. The elevated boardwalk would have a jogged routing to promote cycling speed control (or dismount) along with elevated observation platforms that feature individual and group seating elements. Millennium Square would receive some minor improvements including the renovation of the existing washroom building and the removal of the
water play area in place of a shade structure and additional seating.
The active park option features an 8.0m wide elevated boardwalk structure, having 5.0m as a dedicated pedestrian promenade and 3.0m as a dedicated cycling path. The elevated structure would run straight between Millennium Square and Alex Robertson Park. Viewing platforms would extend between the beach and Hydro Marsh and would provide opportunity for group seating as
well as access down to the beach. Millennium Square would be redefined with expanded paving,
seating, and a raised stage. The existing park washroom and water play area could be removed as well to provide more space for waterfront events.
Both concept plans consider the construction of a new park maintenance, change room and washroom facility that would be located adjacent to the existing parking lot at the end of Liverpool
Road. TRCA do not consider the expansion of the existing washroom within Millennium Square to
be feasible due to the newly determined high lake water level and wave up-rush limits, and its close proximity to the edge of water.
The area west of Liverpool Road leading to the Frenchman’s Bay harbour entrance is similar for both concept plans. It features a refurbished and upgraded 5.0m wide granular promenade. The
existing memorial benches would be moved to the north side of the path and clustered into
seating nodes. Beachside plantings, protected by post and cable railing to provide controlled access points to the beach, would be introduced for dune creation and shoreline stabilization.
The two draft concept plans will be accompanied by other renderings, images and text to clearly describe the proposed elements and will be suitable for public engagement.
Public Engagement and Consultation: Funds in the amount of $30,000 to retain The MBTW
Group to assist with the public engagement and consultation process have been recommended in the proposed 2021 Current Budget. The consultant’s services would include preparation of the graphic materials, visual aids and survey questionnaires, preliminary construction cost estimates
ENG 04-21 March 1, 2021
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study
Work Plan for Public Engagement Page 3
of the concept plans and coordination with staff on the uploading of the presentation materials and
questionnaires to media outlets.
A three step approach is being recommended for the public engagement and consultation process with two public engagement exercises followed by a technical report and final preferred concept plan for Council endorsement. The current concepts of the passive and active park options will be
presented to the public as part of the first public engagement exercise. The public feedback
received will be compiled and summarized in a report back to staff from the consultant. Based on the comments, feedback and design ideas received, one final concept plan will be prepared and presented to the public in a second public engagement exercise. Similar to the first exercise, public feedback will again be compiled and considered for the development of the final preferred
concept plan. A construction cost estimate and technical report will be prepared for the final
preferred concept plan and submitted to Council for endorsement.
An on-line platform such as bang-the-table, or similar, is proposed to be used for the public engagement and consultation process. This format allows for the posting of drawings and other presentation materials, questionnaires, and forums for public commenting. The public
engagement process will be promoted through the City’s website, social media, newspaper and
roadside curbex signs.
Staff propose to host the first public engagement exercise in late spring 2021 and the second during the summer months. The final preferred concept plan and technical report is anticipated to be completed and presented to Council for endorsement in the fall of 2021, in time for staff to
consider including funds for the preparation of detailed design drawings and the first phase of
construction as part of the 2022 capital budget process.
Attachments:
1. Report to Council, ENG 12-20 dated November 2, 2020 2. Council Resolution #465/20 3. Draft Concept Plans – Active Park Option and Passive Park Option 4. Location map
ENG 04-21 March 1, 2021
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study
Work Plan for Public Engagement Page 4
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original signed by: Original signed by:
Arnold Mostert, OALA Richard Holborn, P.Eng. Senior Coordinator, Landscape & Director, Engineering Services Parks Development
AM:mjh
Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council
Original signed by:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment #2 to Report # ENG 25-21
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: ENG 21-21 Date: September 13, 2021
From: Richard Holborn Director, Engineering Services
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment
-Public Engagement Process Status Update-File: A-1440
Recommendation:
1.That Report ENG 21-21 regarding the Public Engagement Process Status Update forBeachfront Park, as a follow-up to Report ENG 04-21 and in response to Resolution#543/21, be received for information; and,
2.That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary
actions as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: As a follow up to Report ENG 04-21 (Attachment #1), and Council
Resolution #543/21 (Attachment #2), this report provides a status update for the Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study public engagement process.
The City of Pickering retained The MBTW Group to complete the Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study and the public engagement process. Following consultation with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and City staff, both a
passive and an active concept plan were developed and made available to the public for review and comment through the Let’s Talk Pickering platform. An online survey was also made available for public input and comment from June 14, 2021 to July 5, 2021.
To prepare for the second round of public engagement, the consultant has created a single concept plan based on the public responses received. An online presentation has been
prepared that provides a summary of the survey results from the first round and describes the revised concept plan. It will be posted on the Let’s Talk Pickering platform along with a second online survey for a period of approximately four weeks starting in late August. Following this period of public engagement, a final preferred concept plan will be prepared for Council endorsement in late 2021.
Financial Implications: Funds for the preparation of a Waterfront Park Needs Assessment were approved by Council as part of the Engineering Services 2019 Current Budget. Funds in the amount of $30,000.00 to undertake the public engagement process were approved in the
2021 Current Budget. The cost of construction will depend on the elements included in the final preferred concept plan. Subject to Council endorsement of the final preferred concept plan, funds for the preparation of detailed design drawings and construction will be recommended in
ENG 21-21 September 13, 2021
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study
Public Engagement Process Status Update Page 2
the 2022 Capital Budget and 4 year Capital Forecast for Council consideration through the
budget process.
Discussion: As a follow-up to Report ENG 04-21 and Council Resolution
#543/21, staff have been working with The MBTW Group and Shoreplan Engineering on the
public engagement process for the Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study. Based on the initial study and comments received from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and City staff, two distinct plans were prepared; a passive option and an active option. These plans were presented to the public during the first round of
the public engagement process through a pre-recorded video that was posted on the City’s
Let’s Talk Pickering platform. An online survey was also made available from June 14, 2021 to July 5, 2021 in order to obtain comments and opinions from the public on the two plans. Public engagement was promoted through social media and a curbex sign that was located at the foot of Liverpool Road. A total of 957 persons visited the website and 171 of these completed
the survey. Comments of note received through this first round of public engagement include:
•insufficient parking available at the waterfront;
•desire for a children’s play feature through another splash pad or playground facility;
•desire to maintain and renovate the existing washroom on the beach vs a new washroomnear the parking lot;
•location of the stage for waterfront musical performances with concerns for noise pollution
for the local residents;
•programming of the site to balance to the carrying capacity of the park and impacts on thesurrounding natural environment; and,
•the active option was predominantly supported but there were concerns over the larger
boardwalk footprint and that dedicated bike lanes would increase the cyclists speed withpossible safety concerns.
The survey results and comments received have been reviewed by City staff and the consultants, and where applicable, have been incorporated into a revised concept plan for
further public consultation for the second round of the public engagement process. As such,
the concept plan has been revised and one option is being presented back to the public for further comment. The second round of the public engagement process includes placing the revised concept plan and a presentation of the design through a pre-recorded video on the City’s Let’s Talk Pickering platform, similar to the first round of consultation. An online survey
will be made available for a period of approximately four weeks starting from late August to late
September. The online survey will allow for the collection of comments and opinions from the public to help shape the final preferred concept plan.
The final preferred concept plan and supporting summary report is anticipated to be completed and presented to Council for endorsement in late 2021. Subject to Council endorsement of the
ENG 21-21 September 13, 2021
Subject: Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study
Public Engagement Process Status Update Page 3
final preferred concept plan, staff will recommend funds for the preparation of detailed design
drawings in the 2022 Capital Budget and phasing of construction as part of the 4 year Capital Forecast.
Attachments:
1. Report ENG 04-21 dated March 1, 20212.Council Resolution #543/213.Location map
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Arnold Mostert, OALA Richard Holborn, P.Eng. Senior Coordinator, Landscape & Director, Engineering Services
Parks Development
AM:mjh
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer
Original signed by:Original signed by:
Original signed by:
Attachment #3 to Report # ENG 25-21
Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study
FINAL
Public Engagement Summary Report
Prepared for the City of Pickering
November 17, 2021
Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study Public Engagement Summary Report
Prepared By:
The MBTW Group Jana Joyce, OALA, CSLA, ASLA, Principal Tel: 647-402-8356
Email: jana@mbtw.com
The City of Pickering Arnold Mostert, OALA, Manager, Landscape & Parks Development | Engineering Services Tel: 905.420.4660 ext. 2143
Email: amostert@pickering.ca
Draft Date: October 29, 2021
Final Date: November 17, 2021
Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study Table of Contents
SECTION ONE Background Page 02
SECTION TWO Engagement Process Page 03
SECTION THREE Related Engagement Page 04
SECTION FOUR Notification Tools Page 04
SECTION FIVE Round One – Public Presentation and Follow-up Survey Page 05
SECTION SIX Round Two – Public Presentation and Follow-up Survey Page 07 SECTION SEVEN Conclusion and Next Steps Page 09
APPENDICES
A1 - Final Preferred Design Option
A2 - Preliminary Order of Magnitude Costing
1
1.0 Background
The City of Pickering is projecting significant population growth through downtown intensification and development of the
Seaton area over the next 20 years. The City’s central area is expected to triple in growth with modest, yet steady growth in both Liverpool and Bay Ridges communities. This population growth will lead to an increased number of waterfront park
visitors within the foreseeable future. As such, the requirement for a Waterfront Park Needs Assessment was identified in the 2017 Development Charges Study.
In 2017 and 2019 high water levels and numerous intense storm events caused significant damage to many features in Beachfront Park. The boardwalk, which formed part of the Waterfront Trail, was damaged beyond repair and was removed
by City Public Works staff in spring 2020. Staff were asked to explore options for the reconstruction of the Waterfront Trail connection and to explore how other park areas could be restored, or, if they should be restored to their former condition.
The City retained The MBTW Group in late 2019 to complete the Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study. The MBTW team included Shoreplan Engineering Inc. to provide coastal engineering expertise. The Study produced
two feasible design options for the repair and rehabilitation of the park. These two options were carried forward into the Public Engagement Stage of the project. Please note that stakeholders were engaged throughout the Needs Assessment and the Public Engagement stages of the project. Stakeholders included:
• Sharon Lingertat, Senior Planner, Infrastructure Planning and Permits, TRCA
• Jill Attwood, Manager, Toronto Watersheds, Government and Community Relations, TRCA • Karen McDonald, Senior Manager, Ecosystem Management, TRCA • Richard Holborn, Director, Engineering Services, City of Pickering
• Scott Booker, Manager, Capital Projects & Infrastructure, City of Pickering • Arnold Mostert, Manager, Landscape & Parks Development, City of Pickering
• Tanya Ryce, Supervisor, Cultural Services, City of Pickering • Sharon Milton, Manager, Recreation Services, City of Pickering • Isabelle Janton, Senior Planner, Site Planning, City of Pickering
• Rob Gagen, Supervisor, Parks Operations, City of Pickering • Pickering Harbour Company
• Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Figure 1 - Study area spans from the Frenchman’s Bay harbour entrance east to Alex Robertson Park to the west.
2
2.0 Engagement Process
The public consultation team prepared for two-rounds of consultation with the community (each round outlined in this
report). Several tools were used to carry out the consultation and engagement strategy, including: • Individual and group stakeholder meetings;
• Email and social media postings; • Virtual presentations (pre-recorded, narrated video); • Online surveys; and
• Webpage content and updates at https://letstalkpickering.ca/beachfrontpark.
Round One Public Presentation and Follow-up Survey: The first event presentation focused on describing the two Feasible Design Options (Active and Passive) identified in the Needs Assessment Study. A pre-recorded narrated presentation was posted to the Let’s Talk Pickering Project webpage on June 10, 2021. Viewers were asked to complete a
follow-up survey which was available for a period of four weeks.
Round Two Public Engagement and Follow-up Survey: Building upon Round One, this presentation described the preliminary Preferred Design Option for the site which combines features of both the Active and Passive Options while addressing new ideas and concerns provided through the feedback obtained in Round One. A pre-recorded narrated
presentation was posted to the Let’s Talk Pickering Project webpage on August 27, 2021. Viewers were asked to complete a follow-up survey which was available for a period of four weeks.
Stakeholder Confirmation: In a parallel process, project stakeholders continued to be engaged in reviews of the developing Preferred Design Option.
Final Preferred Option Preparation: All feedback, from both the public and stakeholders, was analyzed and incorporated
into a Final Preferred Design Option.
Council/Executive Committee Presentation: The Final Preferred Design Option, along with this Public Engagement
Report will be presented to Council/Executive Committee in December of 2021.
Final Preferred Option Posting: The Council approved Final Preferred Design Option will be posted to the project webpage.
Figure 2 - Project Timeline
3
3.0 Related Engagement
There are two related public engagement events that
should be considered along with this Public EngagementSummary Report.
Pickering Waterfront and Nautical Village Community Engagement
The intent of this engagement was to solicit comment and feedback on how the waterfront areas within Pickering could be enhanced and protected in the long-term while accommodating significant population growth and adapting to the needs of the evolving community. This study included
the entire length of the waterfront within Pickering, including the Nautical Village, and surrounding parks and trails. There will be future engagement opportunities that will focus on specific waterfront themes. The feedback received from the community will be reviewed and considered by Council and
staff for future planning studies and waterfront initiatives. Early feedback generated through this event was reviewed by the Beachfront Park Rehabilitation team, which included City staff and consultants.
Waterfront Parking Engagement The City of Pickering is currently exploring options to manage parking issues around its waterfront and plans to take a thoughtful approach on how to best optimize use of the areas, ensure safety of pedestrians and vehicles, and
protect the areas for future enjoyment. Proposed topics available for community feedback include paid parking options, prohibited parking areas, timed parking zones, and more.
4.0 Notification Methodology
The following notification tools were utilize to promote the
project and encourage engagement.
Social Media Promoted on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These posts were shared to neighbourhood groups on Facebook
and shared on other City accounts (Recreation Pickering, Great Events, Pickering Public Library).
Figure 3 - Example social media post.
Digital Signage Digital signs were located at City Hall, Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, Centennial Park,
Western Gateway, Bayly & Liverpool, and the CN Bridge.
Curbex Sign Two curbex signs were installed on site – one located at thesoutheast corner of Liverpool and Krosno and the other at
Millennium Square.
Email Blast The City issued an email blast to subscribers on the project page (LetsTalkPickering.ca/BeachfrontPark) titled, “Survey
#2 open for Beachfront Park.”
4
5.0 Round One Public Presentation and Follow-up Survey
5.1 Consultation Materials
A twenty minute, prerecorded, narrated video was prepared and posted to the Let’s Talk Pickering Beachfront Park Revitalization and Needs Assessment Study webpage (https://letstalkpickering.ca/beachfrontpark). The presentation included: • A description of the project background and timeline;
• A summary of site conditions and early stakeholder input and concerns; • A summary of project guiding principles; • A presentation of the two Feasible Design Options - one Active and one Passive; and • A summary of next steps.
The video was posted on June 10, 2021 and is still available for viewing. A public on-line survey was prepared that went live on the same day the presentation was posted. The survey was open for comment for a approximately four weeks.
5.2 Feedback Summary
A total of 957 people visited a Project or Tool page which means that this many people are aware of the project via the Let’s Talk Pickering platform. Of the 957, 524 people are considered to be Informed participants with 171 people participating in the project survey. This summary is based on the feedback collected in the survey. The following are key highlights from the closed-ended questions portion of the survey: • 86.6% of participants live in the postal code areas starting with L1V and L1W. These two postal code zones are
generally defined by Highway 7 to the north, Pickering Townline to the west, Brock Road to the west and Lake Ontario to the south. Participating households displayed a good cross section of ages with the family with young children category being the highest participator (30.4%). • Most people visiting the park come with their spouse/partner or their children. • The majority of park users either drive to the park (56.7%) or walk to the park (33.3%). Those that drive to the site, park
in the Liverpool Road parking lot (61.2%). • Winter is the least popular time of the year and nighttime is the least popular time for park visits. • Most visitors spend less than an hour or up to two hours at the park. • Most participants agreed with the presented Guiding Principles. • The addition of a new washroom building would enhance the park visit for 60.8% of visitors.
Top 5 most popular activities in Beachfront Park include: 1. Waterfront Trail use for walking, jogging or cycling; 2. Enjoying views of the Lake, Hydro Marsh or Frenchman’s Bay 3. Strolling on the beach
4. Nature viewing / bird watching 5. Pet walking / exercising
5
Top 5 most favorite park elements in Beachfront Park include: 1. Waterfront Trail
2. Views of Lake Ontario 3. Beach area 4. Naturalized areas
5. Mature trees
West Beach Area:
For the concept design for the West Beach Area, there was a high level of support for the Beach Access Paths, Pedestrian
Level Lighting, Bank Stabilization, Seating Nodes and Improvements to the Access Drive. There was some dislike and
indifference regarding the Post and Cable Fencing, Improved Area for Storage or Rental Hub and the Maintenance Vehicle
Turning Loop.
Beach and Waterfront Trail Passive Option:
For the Passive Option concept design, there was a high level of support for the meandering Waterfront Trail Connection
and Boardwalk Replacement, Seating Areas, Observation Platforms, Vegetation Enhancements and Lighting. There was
some dislike of the Gathering Area in Place of the Children’s Water Play Area and the Beach Access Ramps. Participants
were mostly indifferent to the Vehicular Beach Access Ramps and Cultural and Natural Heritage Interpretation.
Beach and Waterfront Trail Active Option:
For the Active Option concept design, there was a high level of support for the Waterfront Trail Connection, Seating Areas,
Observation Platforms, Lighting, Vegetation Enhancements, Dedicated Pedestrian Promenade and Bike Lanes and
Pedestrian Beach Access Ramps.
When asked: “Which option best fits with your preferences for the Beachfront Park site rehabilitation?”, 63.2% preferred the
Active Option.
There were important issues and concerns brought forward through the open ended question portion of the survey. The concerns revolved around: 1. Parking Issues;
2. Splash Pad Removal; 3. Pedestrian and Cycling Conflicts;
4. Waterfront Trail Dimensions; 5. Indigenous Placemaking; 6. Park Programming and Capacity;
7. Washroom Facilities; and 8. Rental Opportunities.
Solutions and/responses to the above issues would be a key agenda item for the next round of public engagement.
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6.0 Round Two Public Presentation and Follow-up Survey
6.1 Consultation Materials
A twenty minute, prerecorded, narrated video was prepared and posted to the Let’s Talk Pickering Beachfront Park
Revitalization and Needs Assessment Study webpage (https://letstalkpickering.ca/beachfrontpark). The presentation included: • A brief introduction to the project;
• Updates to the project timeline; • Highlights of what we heard from the first public meeting;
• A reviews key issues and concerns; • A description of the Preferred Concept Design; and • A summary the next steps in the project.
The video was posted on August 27, 2021 and is still available for viewing. A public on-line survey was prepared that went
live on the same day the presentation was posted. The survey was open for comment for approximately four weeks.
6.2 Feedback Summary
A total of 263 people visited a Project or Tool page which means that this many people are aware of the project via the Let’s
Talk Pickering platform. Of the 263, 136 people are considered to be Informed participants with 61 people participating in the project survey. It has been noted that fewer people participated in this round of engagement. There are multiple reasons why this may have occurred, some of which include engagement exhaustion due to other on-going or recent City hosted
presentations and surveys, waning interest from participants who provided their feedback in the first round and did not have more to say about the project and/or summer vacation season.
This summary is based on the feedback collected in the survey. The closed-ended survey question were designed to obtain more clarity on the open-ended question comments obtained in Round One. The following are key highlights from the
closed-ended questions: • 90.1% of participants live in the postal code areas starting with L1V and L1W.
• 63.9% participated in Round One of the engagement. • When asked if visitors would consider taking an alternate form of transportation to visit the park (other than private vehicle), 49.2% participants said they would consider it.
• In the order of preference, the top five alternate forms of transportation were walking, cycling, public transit, shuttle and other.
• When participants were asked if they would consider parking in Alex Roberston Park or Bay Ridges Kinsmen Park and entering the park area from the east, 63.9% of participants said 'yes'. • When participants were asked if they would support the inclusion of a small children's play area west of Millennium
Square (outside of high water and wave action impact areas), 85.2% of participants said 'yes'. • When asked how should pedestrians and cyclists should be separated along the Waterfront Trail, participant's top five
methods (in order of preference) were a site furnishing zone, textured or high contrast paving and signage, lighting and a solid barrier. The least preferred was a continuous railing. • In response to Round One comments, in Round Two, the dimensions of the Waterfront Trail were reduced from 8m to
6.6m. 65.6% of participants liked the proposed change. • When asked if the park should continue to accommodate special events and summer camp programming, most
participants said 'yes'.
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• With respect to the provision of washrooms on-site, in response to the question, participants preferred that the existing washroom building be renovated and that portable washrooms be provided during peak seasons.
• Most participants supported the provision of rental opportunities and some retail activities.
West Beach Area:
For the Preferred Design Option for the West Beach Area, there was a high level of support for the Beach Access Paths,
Seating Nodes, Bank Stabilization Areas and Fishing Nodes, Cultural and Heritage Interpretation, Improved Access Drive,
Gathering Node, Children's Play Area and Lighting. There was some dislike and indifference noted for the Small Rental/
Retail Kiosk, Post and Cable Fencing, Children's Play Area, Maintenance Vehicle Turning Loop and Lighting.
East Beach and Waterfront Trail Area:
For the Preferred Design Option for the East Beach and Waterfront Trail there was a high level of support for the
Observation Platforms, Seating Bump-Outs and Pedestrian Beach Access Ramps, Vegetation Enhancements, Buffer Strip
Between Pedestrian and Cycling Route, Renovated Washroom, Shade Structure with Seating and Landscape Area East
of Washroom Building, Pedestrian Level Lighting and the Dedicated Cycling and Pedestrian Promenade. There was some
dislike and indifference noted for the Stage Platform and the Relocated Sculpture.
In the open ended question portion of the survey the following additional feedback was obtained:
Suggestions/ideas on alleviating parking concerns:
• Improve local public transit service including providing shuttle service from the GO Station; • Enhance cycling and trail network;
• Provide a shuttle service from adjacent, nearby parking areas; • Implement paid and timed parking with accommodation for Pickering residents; • Provide more parking enforcement during peak season;
• Consider promoting existing parking areas to the east of the park (Bay Ridges Kinsmen Park); • Add and promote a new parking lot in Alex Robertson Park;
• Seek partnerships for shared use agreements with nearby private parking lots; and • Consider multi-level parking structure in current location.
Additional comments/ideas on the Proposed West Beach Area: • Provide swimming rules and regulation signage as well as safety stations;
• Minimize lighting; • Relocate children's play area farther west, away from the proposed rental kiosk; • Provide accessible, barrier free surface; and
• Consider providing pedestrian access/connection to Rotary Frenchman's Bay West Park across the harbour mouth.
Additional comments/ideas on the East Beach Area: • Consider maintaining a children's water play feature in the park. The existing spray pad was a well-used and popular park element.
• Provide swimming rules and regulation signage as well as safety stations; • Minimize lighting;
• Maximize sustainable naturalization areas; and • Create plan to better manage overcrowding and noise pollution during special events.
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7.0 Conclusion and Next Steps
7.1 Conclusion
Feedback obtained through Round Two of the engagement strategy confirmed that the Preferred Design Option, as
presented, was generally supported by the engagement participants. Engaged stakeholders also confirmed that the plan was generally supported to move forward into the detailed design stage.
7.2 Design Confirmation and Detailed Design
The beginning point for the project's next stage of development will be the approved Final Preferred Design Option. Refer to Appendix A1. There are a number of items that will need to be explored and addressed as the project progresses. They include but are not limited to:
• Recognition of Indigenous Peoples as original stewards of the lands; • Technical design of the elevated Waterfront Trail;
• Washroom renovation feasibility; • West Beach access drive surfacing design; • Children's play area location and design;
• Renovation of the existing children's water play area; • Inclusion of stage platform;
• Relocation of existing sculpture; • Project agency approval requirements and phasing;
It is important to note that the Final Preferred Design Option will be subject to the detailed design process and continued consultation with approval agencies. Design modifications may be required.
7.3 Costing and Phasing
It is not feasible for the entirety of the proposed park rehabilitation initiative to be built as one phase. Both the consulting team and City staff group recommend that the Elevated Waterfront Trail feature in the East Beach Area is of the highest
priority and should be the focus of the first phase. The West Beach Area and improvements to Millennium Square are recommended to be the second phase.
Preliminary order of magnitude costing for Phase 1 - Elevated Waterfront Trail is approximately $4.4 million dollars. Preliminary order of magnitude costing for Phase 2 - Millennium Square and the West Beach Area is approximately $3.3
million dollars. The order of magnitude cost figures include both soft and construction costs. The amounts have been calculated in 2021 Canadian dollars and include a 12% contingency.
7.4 Related Initiatives
Other initiatives and circumstances that may affect the rehabilitation design of Beachfront Park include: • Reconstruction of the Liverpool Bridge; • Parking area feasibility in Alex Robertson Park and/or shared parking arrangement with Bay Ridges Kinsmen Park;
• Pickering Harbour Company's access to their lands at the harbour mouth; • Archaeological study, if required;
• Outcome of other related on-going public engagement.
END OF SUMMARY REPORT
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APPENDIX A1
Final Preferred Design Option
Final Preferred Design Option
Final Preferred Design Option
APPENDIX A2
Final Preferred Design Option Preliminary Order of Magnitude Costing
Attachment #4 to Report # ENG 25-21
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