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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 15, 2012 Cif v¢~ Minutes Waterfront Coordinating Committee i i March 15, 2012 PICKERIN 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: Councillor Dickerson Councillor O'Connell Jim Dike, Chair Jim Berry, Vice-Chair Keith Falconer Maureen Robbins Jean Veronneau Sean Wiley Arnold Mostert, Coordinator, Landscape & Parks Development Nancy Gaffney, TRCA Gord MacPherson, TRCA L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: Kathleen Corcoran Patricia Short-Galle . Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status Ref # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) 1.0 Welcome & Introductions J. Dike welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced guests Leonard and Evanne Willson. 2.0 Agenda/Minutes Moved by K. Falconer Seconded by M. Robbins That the January 19, 2012 minutes of the Waterfront Coordinating Committee be approved. Carried 3.0 Correspondence J. Dike informed the Committee that he had received correspondence from the City of Pickering acknowledging the 2011 annual report and 2012 work plan for the Committee. 4.0 New Business 4.1) Frenchman's Bay Waterfront Master Plan Update J. Dike informed the Committee that the public open house held on March 3rd was a successful event with a good turnout, Page 1 CORP0228-2/02 Item / Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items /Status Ref # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) providing plenty of input. The only criticism regarding the event was the fact that the venue was not accessible. It was noted that this location would not be used in the future. Ms. Willson appeared before the Committee and expressed her concerns with the length of the proposed pier. She also noted that as an avid swimmer, she is opposed to this beach being posted. She noted this is the only beach in Durham Region that is currently not posted. She informed the Committee of her desire to see the area kept natural. She stated that while she understands the need for the entrance widening and some dredging, she questioned the rationale behind the length of the pier being proposed. She also questioned whether work would be done during the winter months and whether access to the beach would be restricted during construction. Gord MacPherson provided clarification with respect to the beach access, stating there would be minimal impact to residents. He also noted TRCA is vigilant with respect to water quality, stating this area is quite clean. J. Dike noted the economic benefits by having the harbor entrance listed as a safe entrance for all boaters. He stated that by having events that attract large numbers, this would be beneficial to merchants in the area. A. Mostert provided members with copies of a summary of comments received from the open house. A detailed discussion period ensued focusing on the following points; • parking • length and accessibility of boardwalk • location of Pickering Rouge Canoe Club • washroom facilities • harbor entrance funding and agreements • Burial ceremonies - TRCA doing outreach • enforcement of jet skis A. Mostert to action Arnold was requested to inquire with By-law as well as Durham Regional Police Service regarding the possibility of appointing an auxiliary officer to provide enforcement with respect to excess speed in the bay. Page 2 CORP0221-2102 Item / Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items`/ Status Ref # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) N. Gaffney noted the Province was very interested in the tourism and accessibility aspects of this plan, which would make this a good project for them to fund. A. Mostert was directed to ask for verification on the reasoning A. Mostert to action for lengthening the pier and confirmation with respect to the currents in the beach. TRCA will provide a summary. Gord MacPherson noted all alternatives had been looked at and felt confident that all issues had been addressed in this plan. Councillor O'Connell questioned whether an agreement had been signed between all parties with respect to funding for the harbor entrance. She noted it would be premature to proceed without this, stating there would be chaos if the infrastructure is not in place first. She noted concerns with respect to costs associated with the ongoing dredging after the harbor entrance project is completed. It was also noted that the proposal was for each boat making the harbor its home port, to pay an annual fee in order to build up a reserve fund for future dredging. Councillor O'Connell also noted concerns with limiting parking and traffic, keeping the beach natural and safety issues regarding the Canoe Club until this is implemented. Funding and construction should be phased in and should be done as one project. It was also noted the entrance, walkway and parking need to completed first. A. Mostert was directed to obtain,a construction schedule for A. Mostert to action everything on the west spit with dates and cost estimates. S. Wiley questioned whether a question and answer summary document could be created from the comments received at the open house and posted on the website. He also agreed that it should be a priority to ensure the beach is not posted. 4.2) Waterfront Trail Enhancements at WPCP A. Mostert provided an update, noting he had met with the Region of York, TRCA and the Town of Ajax on March 7th to review the waterfront trail enhancements. He noted that the Region of York will be issuing RFP's by mid April for the Linton house. He also stated that roadworks on Frisco Road should begin in May with paving completed by the end of June. The required permits and approvals as well as the by-law to stop u Page 3 CORP0228-2/02 Item / Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/ Status Ref # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) and close Frisco Road will go forward for Council approval in April. Construction will progress in May and June with the intent of having completion prior to school getting out. A question and answer period ensued. Gord MacPherson noted it was still the intent of TRCA to proceed with the connection of the nature trail on the west side in the Town of Ajax as well as the viewing platform. 4.3) Pickering Rouge Canoe Club A. Mostert provided an update with respect to the Pickering Rouge Canoe Club. He noted they had commissioned an architect and passed around the concept drawings for members to view. J. Veronneau informed the Committee the proposed location is just east of the sensitive marsh area on the west spit, which is currently where boats are launched on the bay side of the spit. He noted that safety concerns and parking issues were identified in the other locations. Councillor Dickerson questioned the possibility of this being a year round facility and why the washroom building was elevated on one side. Discussion ensued with respect to the design criteria, which was clarified by Gord MacPherson. He indicated the need to be cautious in hazard lands and the importance of balance on how the structure is built. Councillor O'Connell requested clarification on the mezzanine area. She also questioned who would maintain ownership of the building and whether accessibility standards would be complied with. K. Falconer questioned how many residents from the disabled community were members of the club. A. Mostert informed the Committee they would be meeting to review the details and obtain cost estimates, which he hopes to A. Mostert to action provide for the next meeting. Page 4 CORP0228-2/02 Item / Details & Discussion &-Conclusion Action Items / Status Ref # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) 4.4) Scudellari House Demolition A. Mostert informed the Committee that the Scudellari house has been demolished. N. Gaffney noted that TRCA spent $33,000 for designated substance removal prior to the house being demolished. 4.5) Primrose Cutter Head Sign Installation A. Mostert informed the Committee that the Primose Cutter Head sign had been installed at a minimal cost and provided a photo of the sign for members. 4.6) Beachfront Park A. Mostert informed the Committee that a week had been spent cleaning up Beachfront Park after the recent windstorm. It had been closed for a few days, but has now reopened with all required works completed. 5.0 Other Business 5.1) J. Berry noted the importance of obtaining comments from a public meeting. He also stated the need to have a recommendation come forward from the Waterfront Committee which would respond to the questions raised from the public open house. He also noted some concerns with the boat launch. 5.2) Councillor O'Connell noted it may be a good idea to have a special meeting to deal with the issue of the Frenchaman's Bay Waterfront Master Plan, stating we could not make any decisions without first knowing the costs associated. It was the consensus of the Committee to obtain the cost estimates for the Frenchman's Bay Waterfront Master Plan. 6.0 Adjournment/Next Meeting Next Meeting: to be determined. Moved by K. Falconer That the meeting be adjourned. Meeting Adjourned: 9:20 pm Copy: City Clerk Page 5 CORP0228-2/02