HomeMy WebLinkAboutOES 28-05 REPORT TO
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Report Number: OES 28-05
Date: June 23, 2005
From:
Richard W. Holborn, P. Eng.
Division Head, Municipal Property & Engineering
Subject:
Framework for a Five-Year Implementation Plan
For Pickering Waterfront and Frenchman's Bay
File: A-2130
Recommendation:
That Report OES 28-05 regarding a framework for a Five-year Implementation
Plan for Pickering Waterfront and Frenchman's Bay be received; and that
Council endorse the development of a Five-year Implementation Plan by staff
through collaboration with the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA),
as adopted by the Waterfront Coordinating Committee (WCC), based on the
framework attached to this report; and that
Staff be authorized to commence preparation of the Terms of Reference, in
consultation with the TRCA, the WCC and other agencies to retain a consultant
to prepare the Stormwater Management Master Plan and public consultation
process; and that
The Terms of Reference be brought to the Executive Committee for approval at
the regular meeting scheduled for September 26, 2005; and that
This report be forwarded to the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority for
endorsement and acceptance to participate with the City of Pickering on this
initiative.
Executive Summary: At the Council Meeting of March 7, 2005, the Council of the
City of Pickering passed Resolution #42/05 approving a one-time grant of $5,000 at the
request of the Waterfront Coordinating Committee to offset the cost of a one-day
facilitated Strategic Planning Session and consulting services. The TRCA also
contributed $5,000 toward this facilitated process. The session's mandate was to build
a Business Plan Framework for an action plan to integrate stormwater management,
public access, aquatic/terrestrial habitat, boating and community stewardship for
Frenchman's Bay and the Pickering Waterfront. The Workshop was held on Saturday,
May 14, 2005 with 41 participants attending. From the success of the workshop, the
facilitators have prepared the framework for a five-year implementation plan to identify
and coordinate the implementation of ongoing and planned waterfront and watershed
projects.
Report OES 28-05
Subject: Framework for a Five-Year Implementation Plan
For Pickering Waterfront and Frenchman's Bay
Date: June 23, 2005
Page 2
It is recommended that the framework be endorsed by Council and approval be given to
prepare the Terms of Reference for the Stormwater Management Master Plan.
Financial lmplications: The City's 2005 Capital Budget for account 2410
Stormwater Management includes two Environmental Assessment activities related to
Frenchman's Bay and its sub-watersheds. A total of $145,000 has been approved and
allocated in 2005. The project costs will also be augmented by TRCA funding, or inkind
contributions to waterfront and watershed initiatives. The Stormwater Management
Master Plan and associated public consultation process will address Phases 1 and 2 of
the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process.
Background: Many studies have been undertaken and completed in the last five
years related to the Frenchman's Bay Watershed and its sub-watershed creeks, namely
Amberlea Creek, Dunbarton Creek, Pine Creek and Krosno Creek. Most of the studies
were prepared in response to impacts due to urbanization within the watershed. Many
recommendations have been presented, some have been completed, some are
ongoing and many have not commenced.
The TRCA and City of Pickering are committed to working with interested agencies, the
WCC, stakeholders and the public in creating a comprehensive multi-year
implementation plan for Frenchman's Bay and the Pickering Waterfront. In response to
a request from the Waterfront Coordinating Committee, the City and TRCA hired highly
qualified and skilled facilitators, Suzanne Barrett and Nicole Swerhun, to organize and
conduct a workshop for agencies, stakeholders and the public on Saturday, May 14,
2005. The workshop was an opportunity to share information and explore opportunities
for the management of the Frenchman's Bay Watershed and the Pickering Waterfront.
The workshop was a precursor to preparing a framework for a five-year implementation
plan. The consultant's advice paper (framework document) is included as Attachment 1
to this report. It is recommended that this framework be endorsed by Council in order
to launch the process to complete the implementation plan.
The purpose of the Five-Year Implementation Plan is to identify and coordinate the
implementation of ongoing and planned waterfront and watershed projects. It will
contribute to objectives outlined in the Mayor's Task Force on the Pickering Waterfront
(2001) report. It will also allow forward movement on the recommendations and
conclusions of the report entitled "Remediation of an Urban-Impacted Watershed and
Lagoon - Frenchman's Bay, City of Pickering prepared by the University of Toronto and
McMaster University".
CORP0227-07/01
Report OES 28-05
Subject: Framework for a Five-Year Implementation Plan
For Pickering Waterfront and Frenchman's Bay
Date: June 23, 2005
Page 3
The Implementation Plan will include but not be limited to projects such as: · Stormwater Management Master Plan
· Harbour Entrance
· Waterfront Trail and signage
· Outreach, Education and Awareness
It will build on existing work, link to other initiatives, include citizen participation, and
create a mechanism to chart our activity and successes and report back to the
community to show progress.
The next step in the process is to create a Terms of Reference from the framework to
retain a consultant to prepare the Stormwater Management Master Plan component of
the Five-Year Implementation Plan. The Master Plan will be prepared such that it
addresses, at a minimum, Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class Environmental
Assessment Process. By doing this, any projects that are Class EA Schedule B or C
projects would have the supporting Master Plan document as its basis. Due to its
nature and connectivity to stormwater management, the issue of water flow between
Frenchman's Bay and Lake Ontario may be included in the Stormwater Management
Master Plan.
City staff and the TRCA with the assistance of the Waterfront Coordinating Committee
will prepare the Terms of Reference and they will be sent to Council for endorsement in
September 2005. In the City's 2005 Capital Budget, $145,000 has been approved for
Environmental Assessment activities related to Frenchman's Bay Watershed and
Krosno Creek. These funds will be allocated to preparing the Stormwater Management
Master Plan. The Five-Year Implementation Plan for Pickering Waterfront and
Frenchman's Bay will follow after the Master Plan has been completed.
Attachments:
1. Consultants' Advice Paper (Framework Document)
CORP0227-07/01
Report OES 28-05
Subject: Framework for a Five-Year Implementation Plan
For Pickering Waterfront and Frenchman's Bay
Date:
June 23,2005
Page 4
Prepared By:
Ric ard W. ol-bo~'n
DR~ion Heard~
Municipal Property & Engineering
Approved / Endorsed By:
Everett Buntsma ~
Director
Operations & Emergency Services
RH:ds
Attachments
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
.~/ /.:;
Councillor Maurice ~~
Chair, Watedront Coordinating Committee
Recommended for the consideration of
Pickering City
Thomas J. Quinn, Chief Administ~~cer
CORP0227-07/01
FRAMEWORK FOR A 5 YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
FOR PICKERING WATERFRONT AND FRENCHMAN'S BAY
Prepared by Suzanne Barrett and Nicole Swerhun for the City of Pickering and
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
June 24th 2005
1. BACKGROUND
For over a decade, Frenchman's Bay and the Pickering waterfront have been the subject
of numerous studies, plans and recommendations. Many projects have been
implemented, resulting in success stories like Millennium Square, Beachfront Park,
Petticoat Creek Bridge, improvements to Rotary Frenchman's Bay West Park,
restoration of the OPG woodlot, the West Shore Habitat Initiative and Home Place, to
name a few.
Despite progress on specific projects, serious concerns remain about the environmental
health of Frenchman's Bay and its sub-watersheds. In response to these concerns, the
Waterfront Coordinating Committee resolved in December 2004 to hold a strategic
planning workshop with stakeholders to build a framework for an action plan for
Frenchman's Bay and the Pickering Waterfront. Consultants Suzanne Barrett and Nicole
Swerhun were retained to help design and implement the workshop. Preparatory
sessions were held in March 2005 with City of Pickering, Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority and other agency staff to share information about studies, plans
and projects.
Forty one people, representing a wide range of stakeholders, attended the workshop on
Saturday May 14th 2005 at the OPG Information Centre. Part 1 of the workshop focused
on a stormwater management master plan for Frenchman's Bay and its watershed.
Participants were asked to provide advice regarding the objectives of the plan, the
process for developing the plan, the studies that should be considered, and previous
stormwater management recommendations. Part 2 of the workshop included discussion
of other issues relating to Pickering's Waterfront. Participants considered a list of current
and planned initiatives and provided their comments as well as suggestions for
additional initiatives. The workshop report, workbook and backgrounder are attached in
the Appendices.
The following action framework has been developed in response to the stakeholder input
received at the May 14th workshop.
2. DEVELOPING A 5 YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
2.1 What is it?
The 5 Year Implementation Plan will identify and coordinate the implementation
of ongoing and planned waterfront and watershed projects.
2.2 Why is this Implementation Plan necessary?
The Implementation Plan will:
· ensure coordinated and timely action,
· focus public sector, private sector and volunteer activities on an agreed
course of action,
· bring clarity to roles and responsibilities,
· establish accountability and reporting mechanisms, and
· provide a compelling and substantiated framework to assist in securing
funds and other resources.
The Implementation Plan will also directly contribute to the objectives outlined in
the 1998 report of the Mayor's Task Force as received by Council, which made a
commitment that that the Picketing Waterfront should become:
1. A Place where public access is maximized and opportunities exist for
visitors to choose safe waterfront activities, compatible with the natural
environment and adjacent neighbourhoods.
2. A Place that is effectively linked to commercial areas by special design
themes along connector roads.
3. A Place where the waterfront trail harmonizes with the environment and
links the different landscapes in a way that minimizes automobile use.
4. A Place where residents can study nature and contribute to its
enhancement, as well as learn about the early settlement of our
community and Port Pickering's historic role.
5. A Place where economic activities are encouraged to enhance the
waterfront landscape and promote the waterfront experience.
6. A Place where development maintains a pedestrian scale that reinforces
the waterfront experience, protects waterfront vistas, supports the
ecosystem and remains compatible with the adjacent neighbourhood.
7. A Place that makes an important contribution to the development of a
town-wide tourism strategy and helps attract future businesses and
residents.
8. A Place where landscaping, public art, and other enhancements work
together to mitigate the impact of existing negative land use.
9. A Place that recognizes and celebrates Pickering's multicultural mosaic.
10. Above all, a Place that fosters a healthy ecosystem, sustainable for the
enjoyment of future generations.
2
1'0 REPORT# C~L~5 ~-05/
2,3
What projects will the Implementation Plan include?
The projects include, but are not limited to:
A. Stormwater Management Master Plan for Frenchman's Bay and its sub-
watersheds
B. Harbour Entrance
C. Waterfront Trail and signage
D. Outreach, education and awareness
Additional details on each of these projects are included in Section 3.
Organizing framework for implementing Pickering Waterfront and
Frenchman's Bay projects
I MPLE MENTATIO
I
2.4 Who will guide development of the 5 year Implementation Plan?
The five year Implementation Plan will be developed through collaboration
between the City of Pickering and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
(TRCA), with advice from the City of Pickering's Waterfront Coordinating
Committee (VVCC). Recommendations may be forwarded to Council by the
Waterfront Coordinating Committee.
2.5 Implementation Approach
The 5 Year Implementation Plan will:
Build on Existing Work, The 5 year Implementation Plan will build on the
1998 report "Waterfront 2001 - Mayor's Task Force on the Pickering
Waterfront" as well as other recent studies and completed/ongoing projects.
3
:. "~\,,":HHEN'I' ~ ..... /. 1'0 P, EPOP, T# O~S.-2,(~
Bring Consistency to Project Implementation. The following information
will be included about each of the projects:
Objectives
Project team and responsibilities
Workplan and timelines
Budget
Public and stakeholder consultation plan
Plan to secure funding and in-kind support
Regulatory requirements
Performance measures and benchmarks to assess progress
Reporting methods and schedule
Coordinate information and projects. There are many existing and
potential linkages among the individual projects in the 5 year plan. The Plan
will indicate opportunities for information-sharing and collaboration among
partners, reducing duplication and increasing coordination. Overall
coordination will be provided by the Waterfront Coordinating committee,
assisted by specific staff and/or citizen sub-committees for individual .projects.
Assist in securing resources. The plan will provide the rationale and
documentation required to undertake fund-raising for the entire waterfront
and/or for specific projects. It will assist in identifying and securing
opportunities for federal and provincial grants, public-private partnerships, in-
kind support and volunteer involvement.
Link to other Initiatives. The Plan will be implemented in the context of the
policies and programs of other levels of government and related initiatives by
the private sector and community groups. Examples include, but are not
limited to:
- Province of Ontario's "Places to Grow" (Greater Golden Horseshoe
Growth Management Plan);
- TRCA's Terrestrial Natural Heritage Strategy, Integrated Shoreline
Management Plan, Valley and Stream Corridor Management Plan,
- OPG's Hydro Marsh Report and Biodiversity Study;
- City of Pickering stormwater studies,
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources fisheries plans;
Region of Durham policies including designation of Frenchman's Bay as a
tourism node; and
Region of Durham Regional Bicycle Plan and Regional Trail Network.
Include ongoing citizen participation and regular evaluations. The City of
Pickering Citizen's Report and website will be used to communicate the five
year plan to the public and to provide annual reports on progress for each of
the component projects. Workplans will be reviewed on an annual basis and
adjusted if necessary. During the fifth year of the plan, an overall review will
be conducted in order to update the plan for the next five years.
4
PROJECTS
A. Stormwater Management Master Plan for Frenchman's Bay and its sub-
watersheds
The stormwater management master plan will encompass all the watersheds
related to Frenchman's Bay, including the sub-watersheds of Krosno Creek,
Amberlea Creek, Pine Creek, Dunbarton Creek and Hydro Marsh.
The stormwater management master plan will be undertaken to fulfil the
requirements of Phases 1 and 2 of a municipal Class Environmental Assessment
which include identifying and describing the problem and assessing alternative
solutions. The many existing studies for Frenchman's Bay and its watersheds will
be incorporated into the environmental assessment. Terms of reference will be
developed by City of Pickering staff, in consultation with other agencies, by
September 2005. Consultants will be retained to prepare the Plan and public
consultation will be an important part of the process.
Following the completion of the stormwater management master plan, individual
projects may be implemented immediately, others will require further
environmental assessment (Phases 3 and 4) to consider alternative designs and
develop an environmental study report.
While the plan is being prepared, efforts should be initiated to secure sources of
funding for project implementation.
The following diagram illustrates how the stormwater management master plan
will be developed. It illustrates a timeline of approximately 1 year to complete the
overall plan (Phases 1 and 2) plus up to 6 months to undertake Phases 3 and 4
for specific projects.
5
Stormwater Management Master Plan Development Process
~05 2606 200~ - 2011
J~m Ju~ Aug Se~ Oct
~-4 mcr~h$
B. Harbour Entrance
TRCA has initiated a multi-year waterfront development project that will achieve
sustainable marine function for Frenchman's Bay. It will include construction of a
new harbour entrance, a long-term plan for dredging and improvements to public
access. This project will require approval by all marine interests and all levels of
government.
C. Waterfront Trail and Signage
The City of Pickering has prepared a Waterfront Trail plan and is implementing it
in collaboration with the TRCA and the Waterfront Coordinating Committee.
Immediate priorities include:
· Finalizing trail alignment in the Marksbury Road area;
· Design and implementation of Monarch Trail;
· Rouge Gateway; and
· Connections between west and east spit of harbour entrance.
The Mayor's Waterfront Task Force recommended a series of interpretive signs
across the waterfront. The Waterfront Coordinating Committee has prepared
some preliminary signage concepts. Further discussions between the Committee
and Pickering staff are required to finalize design, locations, budget and
fundraising strategy.
6
,~TT.ACMMENT~ ........ (.. TO REPORT#
D. Outreach, education and awareness
The Pickering waterfront and Frenchman's Bay have tremendous potential for
ecotourism and environmental education.
The Frenchman's Bay Watershed Rehabilitation Project is already undertaking
excellent work to engage residents, increase environmental awareness and
encourage sustainable living practices. The project began in 1998 and plays a
strong role in the community as an environmental leader. It is a collaboration
between the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the City of
Pickering, with a number of other partners. The project delivers innovative habitat
restoration projects on public and private lands.
In addition, the 1998 Mayor's Waterfront Task Force report recommended
establishment of an education facility and programs on the Pickering Waterfront.
The June 2003 report Remediation of an Urban-impacted Watershed and
Lagoon (Universities of Toronto and McMaster) also recommended public
education, including signage and an interpretive pavilion with a meeting room,
demonstration laboratory and environmental library. The Waterfront Coordinating
Committee needs to discuss these ideas further in order to develop a project
description.
4.1
WATERFRONT COORDINATING COMMITTEE - TERMS OF
REFERENCE
The Waterfront Coordinating Committee (WCC) was established by Pickering
Council in 2000 to assist with the implementation of the Mayor's Waterfront Task
Force 1998 recommendations.
In 2006, appointments to the WCC will be reviewed. Therefore it is timely, in
conjunction with the preparation of the 5 year plan for the waterfront, to establish
specific terms of reference for the committee. Suggestions are provided below.
Suggested WCC Role
The suggested roles of the WCC are to assist the City of Pickering Council and
staff by providing:
· Oversight for implementation of the five year plan to ensure accountability
and progress as measured against the benchmarks established in the 5 year
plan;
· Coordination to improve effective use of resources and avoid duplication;
· Clearing house for information exchange;
· Network with the broader community;
· Establishment of community priorities; and
· Assistance in securing funding and in-kind support.
7
4.2
4,3
4,4
Membership
Membership of the WCC is currently comprised of the Mayor, two other Members
of Council, eight persons appointed from the community, and representatives
from relevant agencies and landowners. The WCC is chaired by a member of
City Council.
The WCC needs to review its membership to ensure that it is structured
effectively for its work on the 5 year plan and individual projects. For example, at
the May 14th workshop, it was suggested that representatives from school boards
and universities should be added to the Committee. Another recent suggestion is
that agency staff should participate as dedicated resource people on the WCC
and appropriate sub-committees (rather than being members of the WCC).
Term of appointment is three years.
Meeting schedule
The WCC will meet on a quarterly basis, subject to need. Additional meetings
may be scheduled by the Chairperson if required.
Public and stakeholder consultation
The WCC will assist the teams responsible for specific projects to engage
stakeholders and the general public in meaningful and timely discussions. It will
also assist with overall consultation for the implementation plan, progress
reporting and plan review.