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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.