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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 29, 2026 Waterfront Visionary Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Electronic Meeting June 29, 2026 - 07:00 PM Present: A. McGean G. MacPherson K. Stott L. Tidd A. Bathe - Region of Durham I. Dewar - Ontario Power Generation K. Dunlop - Alkame Dragon Boat Services S. Griffiths - Toronto and Region Conservation Authority S. Lingertat - Toronto and Region Conservation Authority A. Zeeb - Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club A. Mostert, - Manager, Landscape & Parks Development (Staff Liaison) Jia Dhatt - Coordinator, Parks Development, Engineering Services J. Currie - Legislative Coordinator (Recording Secretary) Regrets: A. Small S. Stanleigh - Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association X. Kane - Pickering West Shore Community Association Councillor M. Brenner Councillor M. Nagy Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement A. Mostert read the Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement. Review and Approval of Agenda Moved By A. Zeeb That the Agenda for the June 29, 2026, Meeting of the Waterfront Visionary Advisory 1. 2. 1 Committee be approved. Carried Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. Approval of Minutes April 15, 2026, Waterfront Visionary Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Moved By A. Zeeb That the minutes of the April 15, 2026, meeting of the Waterfront Visionary Advisory Committee be approved. Carried Delegations/Presentations David Rogers, Senior Vice President, OPG Pickering Nuclear Pickering Nuclear Plant Refurbishment Project A. Elstrop, Project Director, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), appeared before the Committee and with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, provided an overview of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station Refurbishment Project. A. Elstrop noted project planning activities, regulatory approvals, anticipated economic and environmental benefits, roadway improvements to support construction activities, and the planned schedule for the phased return of the generating units beginning in 2031. A question and answer period ensued between Committee Members and A. Elstrop regarding: environmental monitoring and potential impacts on fish habitat during the planned shutdown and refurbishment period; • the deep-water intake system and potential thermal impacts on aquatic ecosystems; • anticipated truck routes associated with the project; and,• 3. 4. 4.1 5. 5.1 Waterfront Visionary Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes June 29, 2026 2 the handling and disposal of material excavated during intake construction.• New Business Waterfront Tree Canopy Study A. McGean and L. Tidd, Committee Members, appeared before the Committee and with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, provided an overview of the findings and recommendations of the Waterfront Tree Canopy and Landscape Subcommittee. They outlined opportunities to expand the City’s waterfront tree canopy by identifying priority planting locations along key gateway corridors within the Bay Ridges and West Shore neighbourhoods. The Committee was advised that potential locations had been reviewed in consultation with the City Arborist to ensure compatibility with existing utilities, sightlines and boulevard conditions. Discussion ensued between Committee Members and staff regarding: opportunities to increase tree planting throughout the waterfront area;• resident concerns respecting ongoing tree maintenance;• concerns of the impact of tree roots on older clay service connections;• balancing additional tree canopy with existing streetscape conditions; and,• approaches to improve resident awareness and support for future planting initiatives. • Staff advised that a resident information checklist was being developed to promote long-term stewardship and reduce potential conflicts related to tree planting, property maintenance and future driveway modifications. The Committee expressed support for the proposed approach and received the presentation for information. Shoreline Improvements - West Shore Boulevard to Marksbury Road Project Update A. Mostert, Manager, Landscape and Parks Development, appeared before the Committee and with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation provided an update regarding the shoreline stabilization project between West Shore Boulevard and Marksbury Road. A. Mostert advised that the project had been designed to improve shoreline resilience and protect municipal infrastructure through the installation of 6. 6.1 6.2 Waterfront Visionary Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes June 29, 2026 3 large stone infilled with smaller stones and associated erosion control measures. A discussion ensued between Committee Members and staff regarding opportunities to incorporate more naturalized shoreline features where feasible and encouraged continued consideration of habitat enhancement as part of future waterfront projects. Beachfront Park Revitalization, Phase 2 Project Update A. Mostert, Manager, Landscape and Parks Development, appeared before the Committee and with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation provided an update respecting Phase 2 of the Beachfront Park Revitalization Project. A. Mostert advised that design work continued for the area extending from Millennium Square to the harbour entrance, with construction tentatively scheduled to commence in 2027, subject to approvals and funding. A discussion period ensued between Members of Committee and staff regarding: opportunities to improve pedestrian and cyclist circulation along the waterfront; • enhanced wayfinding, signage and pavement markings;• accessibility considerations;• future park amenities; and,• continued public engagement throughout the design process.• Other Business A. Mostert provided an update regarding the temporary relocation of the Pickering Rouge Canoe Club to the West Spit during the summer season while Rouge Beach construction activities continued. Members discussed storage requirements and operational considerations associated with the temporary location. • A. Mostert provided an update regarding the operation and availability of public washroom facilities along the waterfront and responded to members’ questions. • Committee Members raised concerns regarding abandoned sailboats located within the harbour and discussed jurisdictional responsibilities respecting vessel removal. Staff advised that information regarding ownership and the applicable removal process continued to be reviewed. • 6.3 7. Waterfront Visionary Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes June 29, 2026 4 Next Meeting - Schedule Pending New Term of the Committee A. Mostert provided information regarding new term and thanked the members for their participation and the valuable input that they had provided throughout their term. Adjournment Moved By G. MacPherson That the meeting be adjourned. Carried The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m. 8. 9. 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