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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 18, 2012 Page 1 CORP0228—2/02 Minutes Waterfront Coordinating Committee October 18, 2012 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: Jim Dike, Chair Keith Falconer Jean Veronneau Sean Wiley Nancy Gaffney, TRCA Arnold Mostert, Coordinator, Landscape & Parks Development L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Also Present: Brian Skitch Evanne Willson Marilyn Hedge Absent: Councillor Dickerson Councillor O’Connell Jim Berry, Vice-Chair Kathleen Corcoran Maureen Robbins Patricia Short-Gallé Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1.0 Welcome & Introductions J. Dike welcomed everyone to the meeting. The guests in attendance were introduced. 2.0 Agenda/Minutes Due to lack of quorum, the minutes of the August 16, 2012 meeting were not approved. 3.0 New Business 3.1) Harbour Entrance Reconstruction A. Mostert provided an update with respect to the harbor entrance reconstruction. He noted a report is being prepared in conjunction with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) with the intent to go forward to a Special meeting of Council on November 5th. He noted the first two phases will be going to Council for approval. Item / Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items / Status (include deadline as appropriate) Page 2 CORP0228—2/02 N. Gaffney noted the contribution agreement with the Province will hopefully be prepared by tomorrow. The Federal funding has been committed, the agreement has not been received yet. She also noted TRCA has started the tender process, explaining the timeframes involved. She also noted the intent was to start construction in November, pending Council approval. A question and answer period ensued. Timeframes were questioned, with concerns regarding disruption during the summer season. N. Gaffney noted aggregate would be brought in during the Fall/Winter season for minimal disruption during summer months. It was also questioned whether any materials would be reused. Staff provided clarification. It was further noted that the City of Pickering is currently working with TRCA on a communication plan. There is a tentative date of November 22nd for a planned open house. 3.2 Milfoil Weeds J. Dike provided an update with respect to the issue of milfoil weeds in Frenchman’s Bay. He indicated correspondence received from the Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club as well as Durham Standard Condominium Corporation No. 185, in response to a request for letters from the meeting held with organizational users and stakeholders, expressing concerns over this problem. J. Dike noted a meeting had been held in order to gather input from users, which was well attended. A number of concerns were expressed with various solutions being presented. The plants are becoming more aggressive and increasingly problematic. He also noted Lake Scugog is experiencing similar problems with the milfoil weed. N. Gaffney outlined some options for controlling these weeds, noting some can be quite costly. A discussion period ensued. It was indicated that research has shown costs are usually absorbed by resident’s groups or citizens using the area. One possibility suggested was to undertake fundraising initiatives this Spring. Item / Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items / Status (include deadline as appropriate) Page 3 CORP0228—2/02 J. Dike noted there is more research to be done on this issue, as they are trying to become more informed. He will keep the Committee updated as further research is conducted. 3.3) Frenchman’s Bay Master Plan A. Mostert noted a report is being finalized to be presented at the November 12th Executive Meeting. He noted the consultant will be doing a presentation that evening, and they are hoping to gain Council endorsement for the three phases. M. Hedge questioned whether the comments from residents were included in this report and whether the changes were incorporated. She requested a copy, and A. Mostert noted he would provide this. A. Mostert noted the Q & A for Frenchman’s Bay is on the City’s website, noting some changes had been made. E. Willson questioned whether the road would be closed off. She also noted a large number of seniors use this area from Spring to Fall and parking was a huge issue. She noted her concerns that if parking is restricted, this would prevent seniors from using the beach. Construction activity was questioned. Discussion also took place with respect to access for persons with disabilities to the east side of the Bay. J. Dike noted the Committee is well aware of all concerns and noted they have been brought to the attention of TRCA. No action can be taken until a solution is brought forward. 3.4) Peak Trail Enhancements A. Mostert noted the consultant is still working on the RFP for the washroom facilities. 3.5) Frisco Road A. Mostert provided an update with respect to the road closure of Frisco Road. He noted the Town of Ajax is preparing a report to the General Government Committee seeking approval to start a public process for the closure of Frisco Road. A. Mostert to action Item / Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items / Status (include deadline as appropriate) Page 4 CORP0228—2/02 Discussion ensued with respect to how best to approach faith groups regarding religious ceremonies. It was noted that under Provincial legislation, the scattering of ashes is allowed, but the issue lies with other items which are included in these ceremonies. A. Mostert noted the City of Pickering is working together with TRCA to determine the best approach. Some suggestions offered; • More grooming of the beach • Staff member attend beach area to speak with residents to help educate on a one on one basis It was noted there is a lack of authority to enforce, so the focus should be on educating the public with respect to what is acceptable. 4.0 Other Business 4.1) S. Wiley noted the issue of parking at the Waterfront should be discussed further with a recommendation to Council to prepare a study of options. A. Mostert reviewed the traffic counts completed to date. It was noted this be placed on a future agenda for further discussion. L. Roberts to action 5.0 Adjournment/Next Meeting Next Meeting: to be determined. Meeting Adjourned: 8:00 pm Copy: City Clerk