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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 20, 2013 • Cliq o¢2 _. Minutes Waterfront Coordinating Committee June 20 2013 PICKERING 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: J. Berry K. Corcoran J.Dike K. Falconer P. Short-Galle S. Wiley • D. Shields, City Clerk A.Mostert, Coordinator, Landscape & Parks Development N.Gaffney, TRCA L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: Councillor Dickerson — CityNeridian business Councillor O'Connell M. Robbins J. Veronneau Also Present: Larry DeBono Gord MacPherson, Senior Manager, Restoration and Environmental Monitoring Projects, TRCA • Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status Ref# (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) 1.0 Welcome & Introductions D. Shields welcomed members and guests in attendance to the meeting. 2.0 Agenda & Minutes Moved by K. Falconer Seconded by J. Berry That the agenda as presented be approved. Carried Moved by J. Dike Seconded by K. Falconer That the Minutes of the April 18, 2013 meeting of the Waterfront Coordinating Committee be approved. Carried 3.0 New Business Page 1 CORP0228-2/02 Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status Ref# (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) 3.1) Harbour Entrance Reconstruction A. Mostert provided an update with respect to the harbor entrance reconstruction. He noted a number of members had attended a walking tour today. Through the aid of a power point presentation, he outlined the dredging work that has done. He noted that the dredging contractor loaded the material on scows via an excavator on a barge. The dredged material is clean sand that has been placed on the west beach. TRCA is renting the same scows for moving the rock from the west to the east side and has retained the services of their tug boat to move the scows. This has sped up the process and made it safer for workers and boaters alike. N. Gaffney noted they are hauling 12 to 13 loads per day. Mr. Mostert noted that the west breakwater core is out the full length required and the east breakwater about halfway. The 9 q Y h channel is also east half oft e fully navigable. c y able.g Larry DeBono stated he is quite pleased with the progress to date and is very appreciative of the efforts involved. He did indicate that the orange caution light at the west spit could pose a problem for boaters entering from the east and making a sharp turn. He suggested possibly using a red light as an alternative. J. Dike also noted there have been no problems going in and out of the Bay. It was also noted that this could extend the boating season. N. Gaffney noted over 100 residents had received newsletters and no calls had been received over the past two months. K. Falconer questioned whether the project was on schedule and on budget. 3.2) Frenchman's Bay Yacht Club Dredging &Wetland Creation J. Dike provided an update on the dredging being done at Frenchman's Bay Yacht Club. He indicated this project went well and was on budget. He also noted the dragon boats are practicing there now as well. Gord MacPhearson, TRCA provided an outline of the wetland Page 2 CORP0228-2/02 Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status Ref# (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) creation through the aid of a power point presentation. He noted they had been approached by the Frenchman's Bay • Yacht Club to assist with their dredging. He stated this was a good opportunity to make use of the dredging materials for wetland restoration. He explained the techniques involved with the use of hydraulic equipment. He showed the wetlands area, explaining water levels and how they have changed as a result of erosion, and the methods used to improve the wetlands. 3.3) Duffins Marsh -TRCA Gord MacPhearson, TRCA provided an overview of the Duffins Marsh work done by the TRCA through the aid of a power point presentation. Mr. MacPherson noted that the Duffins Creek restoration project is one of the most successful restoration projects on the northern shores of Lake Ontario. He explained they are also working with the Pickering Power Station and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), explaining the remedial measures in use to mitigate the impacts of fish and algae which get caught around the shore of the power station, causing lost time at OPG. He stated their success in this with approximately an 89% reduction in fish impingement. Mr. MacPherson provided a brief history of Duffins Marsh, dating back to the 1930's, explaining the decades of changes with respect to vegetation and water levels. He noted the importance of restoring wetlands to create new habitats, stating they are seeing improvements in the fish community along the waterfront. • Discussion ensued with respect to the various species of invasive fish as well as the methods to restdre vegetation and wildlife into the wetlands. A question and answer period ensued. J. Dike questioned whether a new plan would be put in place when funding is available for the north end of Frenchman's Bay, and what kind of study or analysis would need to be done. P. Short-Galle noted that with the Federal Government announcing funding for fisheries, this could be a strategic time to pursue this project. It was questioned whether this would be connected to the Stormwater Management Plan or the Wetlands. G. McPherson Page 3 CORP0228-2/02 • Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status Ref# (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) noted the need to solicit support and comments from the public. He indicated that wetland restoration may be the better way to go. Moved by J. Dike Seconded by P. Short-Galle That the Council of the Corporation of the City of Pickering support the Waterfront Coordinating Committee's request for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to take another look at restoring the wetlands in the north end of Frenchman's Bay. Carried Discussion ensued with respect to the next steps. D. Shields noted she would discuss strategy with A. Mostert with respect to putting together a plan to proceed. 3.5) Eurasian Water-Milfoil Weed J. Dike provided an update with respect to the milfoil weeds in Frenchman's Bay. He noted that while the water was very cloudy, the use of an underwater camera with lights enabled them to view the bottom of the bay, where very little aquatic life • including Eurasian Water Milfoil was noted on the bottom. He also noted there were some dead weeds on the surface, with a few new plants being noted. He stated that due to the weather conditions this year, with a combination of cooler temperatures, rain increasing the water levels and the sun not penetrating down to the bottom, the weeds are not as problematic this year. He stated they will look again in another three weeks and if nothing has changed, they will not be taking any further action this year, but will continue to monitor the situation. He stated that a certain density is required in order for the weevils to be effective. He also indicated that all concerned parties had been informed of their findings. 3.6) Linton Farmhouse A. Mostert provided an update on the addition and renovations on the Linton Farmhouse. He provided the members with drawings and stated that York Region has hired the consulting firm of Barry Bryan Associates in Whitby. He noted the exterior would be restored at this time with new windows, doors and Page 4 CORP0228-2/02 Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status Ref# (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) roof. The addition would have materials that would complement the existing heritage aspect of the home and would also have accessible washrooms. He noted the interior would not be renovated at this time. He also stated they are currently waiting for York Region's legal department to prepare an agreement regarding use of the building. K. Falconer questioned the lease agreement and whether York Region would be funding the interior restoration work. He requested that this be duly noted in the agreement. 3.7) Doors Open Program A. Mostert noted a sub committee had been formed to participate in the Doors Open Program to be held on October 5th, 2013. He noted they had determined Progress Frenchman's Bay East Park as the location with use of the building on the premises in the event of inclement weather. He noted the following three components and associated volunteers to coordinate; •• Historical component— Becky George from the Pickering Library • Natural component—TRCA • Recreation component—J. Venneau and J. Dike J. Dike also noted there would be canoes, sailboats, the rescue association as well as history available. It was questioned whether the restaurants in the area could be contacted to help market the event. It was also questioned if any additional volunteers would be needed. Members are welcome to participate. K. Falconer questioned whether there would be a conflict with the dates, as the Environmental Stewardship Pickering Forum was also tentatively scheduled for the same day. 5.0 Other Business 5.1) K. Falconer announced that the Nautical Village would be hosting a strawberry festival on Sunday, June 22nd from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. with local restaurants participating. •Discussion ensued with respect to the Nautical Village, and Page 5 CORP0228-2/02 Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status Ref# (summary of discussion) ' (include deadline as appropriate) whether residents were aware of its location. J. Dike questioned how this could be promoted to other areas in Pickering. N. Gaffney suggested this could possibly be incorporated into TRCA's newsletter having a broader circulation along the shorelines. P. Short-Galle noted the parking concerns already existing in the village and how an increase in residents attending the area would affect this and how it would be addressed. 5.2) Discussion took place with respect to placing items on the agenda. It was suggested that the work plan be placed on each agenda for updating and tracking on an ongoing basis. 5.3) J. Dike questioned when a report would be coming forward on the pilot program regarding facilitators at meetings. Members also questioned workplan items and placing them on future agendas.. D. Shields noted that comments from the participating Advisory Committees would be received and reviewed prior to a recommendation report. She also noted that members could request agenda items for inclusion at any time. 7.0 Adjournment/Next Meeting Next Meeting: September 19, 2013 Meeting Adjourned: 9:00 pm Copy: City Clerk Page 6 CORP0228-2/02