HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 22, 1970
10/70
PARKS
&
R E C REA T ION
.
MEETING
A meeting of the Pickering Township Committee of the
Whole in Parks and Recreation was held on Thursday,
TWENTY-SECOND of October 1970 at 8:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Deputy Reeve G. Ashe - Chairman
Councillor V. Rudik
Councillor J. L. McPherson
Councillor D. Kitchen
Councillor R. Chatten
Councillor J. Kruger
Director - David E. Bass
Secretary- Miss K. White
1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
MOVED by Councillor J. L. McPherson, Seconded by Councillor
Kitchen,
THAT the minutes 9/70 of a meeting held on
Wednesday, September twenty-third, 1970 be
adopted as presented.
CARRIED.
2. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
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(a). That the minutes of a meeting held September 23rd., 1970
be amended to read that Creg HcClare of the Aj ax-Pickering
Social Planning Council voiced his views on the construction
of a Youth Club in Bay Ridges (Pagé 4, 1st. paragraph)
(b). The Director reported on the four assumptions written in a,
local weekly newspaper.
Motion 43/70
MOVED by Councillor Kruger, Seconded by Councillor Kitchen,
THAT the Director report, on the articles regarding
(1) By letting the Pickering Pronghorns go to
Scarborough through neglect and what appeared
to be outright disdain for their program!
(2) By instituting an outrageously expensive swinnnini
program and renting a pool which has failed to
make money.
( 3) By failing to support the West Rouge Canoe Club
in their fight against the Conservation Authority.
(4) By alienating many people who have served in .
recreation in the Township in the past.
be considered read and now filed.
CARRIED.
15/10/70
REPORT ON FOUR ASSUMPTIONS WRITTEN IN A LOCAL
NEWSPAPER
SUBJECT 1:
1. By letting the Pickering Pronghorns go to Scarborough through
neglect and what appeared to be outright disdain for their
program!
The Pickering Pronghorn Track and Field Club is an organization
that recéived $300.00 from the Assistance to Local Groups Account
of the 1970 Budget, plus approximately $100.00 for two sets of
weights from the Athletic Equipment Account. It is the financ"ia:t
policy of the 1970 Council to assist local groups, through the
development and maintenance of facilities, and since the Track and
Field Club was not provided with facilities by the Township a grant
of $300.00 was allocated to assist the club in.securing their
required facilities.
The Director of Parks and Recreation was also involved in
assisting the Pronghorns in acquiring the Woodlands Public School
this past summér, and I met with Mr. ~illiam Smith, Co-ordinator,
Community Use of Schools, Ontario County Board of Education, for
this specific reason.
The problems with Track and Field in Pickering Township, as well
as the Province , is the stress placed on inter-community meets. It
is argued that it is difficult to substain interest with local
competion only, and there is no question that communities, with the
population of Pickering Township, require the use of out-of-Township
meets to measure capabilities if the competitors are to reach
Canadian and World-wide standards. However, inter-community meets
are expensive from the standpoint of travelling, registration fees,
meals, accommodations, and lost-time from work expenses.
Although all these factors work against those involved in
organizing Track & Field they are the same problems facing many other
local athletic and recreational groups. It is my personal view that
the Township Council has a responsibility to assist with the
provision of recreation activities on the local level for the purpose
of a locally organized track and field program that does not strive
for excellence as much as participation. I believe that this type of
program is our main role, and it should be the responsibility of the
Frovincial and Federal Governments to ·provide assistance for inter-
community, inter-provincial and. inter-national meets.
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I also believe that Track and Field is an excellent recreation
program and I have absolutely no disdain for this activity, nor for
the Pronghorn Track and Field Club. It is simply my belief that
others should strive to provide the finances n0cessary to develop
intercommunity meets, and I applaude the particular service club of
Scarborough that has shown a willingness to spend their money in this
area of recreation.
SUBJECT 2
2. By instituting an outrageously expensive swimming program and
renting a pool which has failed to make money.
At the time that Council agreed to rent the A.D.Y. Pool, there
was no thought of the pool making money and we actually attempted
to rent a pool for only the learn to swim aspect of the swimming
program. However, it was necessary to rent a pool for the entire
summer to enable us to provide the supervisors with at least a forty
hour work week for the entire summer vacation period.
A learn to swim program cannot be classified with other recreation
Drograms since it goes beyond recreation into the development of good·
swimmin~ safety habits. Every child should have swimming skills and
a respect for the water, and the township Council endeavoured to
accomplish these tasks by paying the leadership costs for the purpose
of maintaining low registration fees.
The philosophy outlined earlier readily e.pplies to the Swimming
Program, for although the $4,800.00 grant for ·t~e learn to swim
program had reference to leadership, it could also be argued that the
grant related to our efforts to reduce the cost of providing the
facilities utilized this past summer. In addition, the learnfu Swim
progr.am was geared to local, mass involvement only.
SUBJECT 4
3. By failing to support the West Rouge Canoe Club in their fight
against the Conservation Authority.
It has been my policy to deal directly with the elected head of any
recreation organization, and this was undertaken in my early involve-
ment with the West Rouge Canoe Club. The situation where the elected
Commodore?s pronounced views did not represent the wishes of the
majority of Canoe Club members, was a factor that had to be settled from
within the Club.
My support of the West Rouge Canoe Club, in their fight against
the Conservation Authority, has never been tested, since the Club has been
dealing directly with the Authority. I do feel that there are good
and bad points associated with the relocation of the Canoe Club, and
my only desire is to see that the club is provided with a permanent
home in the most suitable location. I am also interested in seeing
that the Canoe Club House is established in a location that will
enable it to develop space for a West Rouge Community Centre, as well
as a Club House, and members of the West Rouge Canoe Club are studying
the feasibility of this arrangement.
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I beJieve that the initiative presently being de~onstrated
by the Canoe Club members themselves i~ the most ef~ect1ve manner
of approaching the Conservation Author1ty. I have 1nformed the
club at a·special meeting, and to the executive members o~ several
occasions, that I am as close as my teleph~ne~ and that I.m very
willing to meet with the club when they feel that my serV1ce would
be effective.
I have discussed this subject with Mr. Wm. McJ·ean of the
Conservation Authority on three occasions, and at these times I
outlined the views of tho club, and, I bel·ieve that the points of
the club ·.are being heard and considered seriously by the Authority
·SUBJECT .4 .
4. By alienating many people who have served in recreation in the
Township in the past.
To·say thát I have alienated volunteers is an ambiguous
statement, and although it is nut-of-tune with my belief of my
relationship with Township recreation volunteers, it is very
difficult to answer.
New parks and recreation departments have always been faced
with the problems associated with establishing priorities within
the community while at the same time attempting to receive the
support of·the volunteers. I know that I have experienced some
resentment, especially from voluntary organizations that have
been receiving grants directly from Council.
I have attempted to co-operate with all volunteers and
voluntary recreation associations, and where time and money have
been· available there has develored understanding and mutual respect.
The philosophy of the Area Recreation Associations, which I have
fostered since coming to Pickering Township, is a demonstrate of
our resfect for area associations in their efforts to establish and
direct their own destiny recreation-ally. With the establishment of
area recreation associations, should come the forum through which
the citizens and the parks and recreation director meet to discuss
the most effective means of fulfilling the recreation needs of the
people of our. Township.
CONCLUSION
We are experiencing the growing pains of a new department.
Recreation is of importance to the people óf Pickering Township, and
it is natural that many citizens will express their concern about the
manner in which the Parks and Recreation Department is being operated
and I hope that~their expressions will continue to be heard. However,
the proper forum is through discussions with the Recreation Director
and/or through direct presentations to Council. If the writer of the
comments found in a local Newspaper had utilized the proper channels
of ,..... .:~ communication he would have reeeived far better results.
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RE C.OMMEND AT I ON
A duty of a Director of Parks & Recreation is to rela~e to
people, and I believe that this role will be hindered by further
discussion on assumptions 1, 2, 3, and 4. The las~ several weeks
have been relatively fruitful, from the standpoin~ of sharing
concerns with various organizations, and I feel tha~ additional
comments may reduce our effectiveness with many of these men and
women involved in recreation.
David B. Bass
Director of Farks &
Recreation.
I",.
I'
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3... .)tIt. HA~Y PEARC! - WELFARE ADMINIST~TOR aE: DAY CARE CENTRES
The Day Care Centres report, as presented by Mr. H. Pea1"Ce,
Welfare Administrator was discussed~ Mr. Pearce recommended
that the Township should Dot beoome involved in operating Day
Carè Centres at this time, but should rather support existing
Day Care programmes by assisting Welfare cases at these centres.
Mr. Pearce was directed to study this matte~ and to report back
to Council as to the effectiveness of his recommendation, and as
to the ~ole of Regional Government in the development of Day Care,
Centres.
4. PAYING OF PARKING LOT - DON BEER SPORTS ARENA
This item was placed on the Agenda at the request of Council,
Unfortunately a paving price was not available and will be
submitted at a later Committee of the Whole Meeting.
s.
MOORE'S PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT RE: APPROVAL TO COMMENCE WORK
! .
An outline of the land acquired from the Metropolitan Toron'to
and Region Conservation Authority from Mr. Wm. McLean (M.T.R.C.A.)
... presented to the Committee.
Motion 44/70
,. .
MOVED by Councillor Chatten, Seconded by Councillor J. L.McPhePeQD
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THAT the Recreation Director be given authorization to ¡'
proceed with a survey of the additional Moore~s propertý
acquisition and acquire quotes for the development of the
Athletic Field at the Moore's Road property.
CARRIED.
6. REPORT ON WEST ROUGE SCHOOL RE: GROUNDS IMPROVE¥~NTS
The Director of Parks and Recreation informed the Committee that
he had met with Mr. Dave Carnie, President of the West Rouge
Recreation Association and Mr. M. COllins, President of the
West Rouge Ratepayers Association, for the purpose of securing
their ideas on the most effecti ve means of providing the West
Rouge area with adequate park land.
The Director outlined the recommendations obtained from this
meeting:
1. That a resodding programme be undertaken at the Athletic
field of William G. Davis Public School. Also that the
soccer pitch be relocated in the southern portion of this
field, and that the Parks and Recreation Department provide
an on-going maintenance programme at this site.
2. That the Township of Pickering acquire approximately 7.645
acres of open space that 3bËts William G. Davis Public School
on the West, North and East boundaries of the school. This is
for the purpose of developing the flat, open portion as an
athletic field and the ravine portion as a passive area.
The matter of acquiring the open space abutting the Wm. G. Davis
Public School was discussed and resulted in the following motion.
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Motion 45/70
MOVED by Councillor Kruger, Seconded by Councillor Kitchen
THAT the proposal to acquire approximat~ly 7~645 acres be
accepted in principal, and that the Reeve and Clerk be
iatructed to negotiate the acquisition of the land outlined
in the Appraiser's report on the basis of (a) whèther the
land is available and (b) the cost. $50,,000.00 was established
as the money available for this purpose and such money is to
come from credits that have accrued in West Rouge and from
debentures.
CARRIED.
7. APPRAISER'S PARK ACQUISITION REPORT RE: WEST ROUGE
AND ROSEBANK AREAS
There was a discussion on the question of whether or not the
Director had the authority to call for appraisals.
Motion 46/70
MOVED by Councillor Rudik, Seconded by Councillor Kitchen
THAT the action of calling of appraisals be endorsed.
(A). WEST ROUGE
CARRIED.
After the completion of further discussions on the proposals
presented in the Director's Report the following motion was
made.
Motion 47/70
MOVED by Councillor Kruger, Seconded by Councillor Chatten
THAT the Director be authorized to proceed with the
development of W. G. Davis Public School yard in accordance
with proposal Number one of his report, and that such
development shall not exceed $9,032.00. This is conditional
upon negotiating of a suitable maintenance agreement with
the County of Ontario Board of Edœ ation.
CARRIED.
(B) . ROSEBANK AREAS
The appraised price of $19,000.00 for the acquisition of
approximately 2.55 acres tò the south of Rosebank Road school
was presented. It was suggested that the Rosebank area did
not require a major sports facility, and that 2.55 acres
would be of sufficient size.
The Committee concluded that the purchase of the land to
the south of Rosebank Road Public School be tabled until the
capital budget was approved by the O.M.B. (1971 capital budget)
This was followed by a discussion of the other areas in the
Township that needed park land and had been overlooked for
many years. The Committee directed the Recreation Director
and Planning Director to compile a report on the park land
needs of 'i.ckering Beach, Squire's Beach and the Rosebank Area
north of # 2 Highway.
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ROUGE
AREA
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On October 21st.,l970 a meeting of Mr. D. Carnie ånd Mr. M.
Collins and myself was called for the purpose of discussing the
park needs of the West Rouge Area of Pickering Township. Two
conclusions were agreed upon by those attending the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
1. That the Township of Pickering enter into an agreement with
the Ontario County School Board for the purpose of developing
the open space of the William G. Davis Public School, into an
athletic field. That this development should involve the
leveling of the open space, the placement of sufficient
topsoil and the placement of sod onto the entire area.
That a sufficient period of time be allocated for the proper
cSD~b!ishment of the sod, which will require the sealing off
of the sodded area with snow fence, and that the West Rouge
School site be left in its present state for minor sports
until such time as the William G. Davis School site is
operative.
~
That the soccer pitch be moved to a new location, with the
southern posts being situated in the area Af the southern
portion of the school property and that th~ softball diamond
remain in the same general area as its prèsent location.
2. That the Township of Pickering attempt to secure the property
as outlined in (appendix "An)and as referred to in Stewart,
Young and Mason Limited appraisal report. (proposed Parkland
- East Drive)
CONCLUSION
I have Det with the principal of William G. Davis Public
School, and with the Engineer and Director of Maintenance of
the Ontario County School Board for the purpose of acquiring
their comments regarding our use of the school land and
regarding the possible relocation of existing fences should the
Township acquire additional land in the immediate area of the
school. These men endorsed our recommendation, and the Director
of maintenance and I will be having an on-site inspection shortly.
PROPOSAL
1. That the Township of Pickering initiate a park development
program, as outlined in Recommendation #1 of this report
immediately, or in the Spring of 1971 if weather dictates this
delay, at an approximated cost of.
Fertilizing $ 400.00
Topographical Survey 400.00
Earth Excavation 2,000.00
Sodding: 16,400 sq. yds. @ 38¢ per sq. yd. 6.2~2.00
Total
$ 9,032.00
The topographical survey will permit the Township to seek
bids on the above work.
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PROPOSAL
2. That ~he Township of Pickering at~empt ~o procure 7.645 acres
of land abutting the Williams G. Davis Public School on the
West, North and East e~tremities of the ~chool property, and
that this project be considered as p2rt of our park land
acquisition programme as recommended in the Parks and Recreation
D ir.ector ~ s submission for ~he five year capi 1;£.1 forecast.
DAnD E. BASS
Director of Parks &
Recreation..
11. ADJOURNMENT
, I
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MOVED by Counoillor Chatten, Seconded by Councillor
Kii;chen
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:50 p.m.
CARRIED.
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G. ASHE - CHAIRMAN
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