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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 - (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. 2 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. - 3 - 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. - 4 - 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' - 2 - 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 .' ~ 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. - 3 - 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 EdÅ“ 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. --..........._"'""'......~ ........"..., &I&,Jy...,....v...&."J.,LJ~,... .I:.I\.VU.I'\..t\1..1 ~ ROUGE AREA - 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. - 2 - 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 5 MOVED by Counoillor Chatten, Seconded by Councillor Kii;chen THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:50 p.m. CARRIED. ':. '. ~' ~~"¡~...... .... ,\.', ~,..._-_..,.. -.............\ <....::~C·I.f· , " ~r.....,.., _êr '. ~ G. ASHE - CHAIRMAN __O:UI