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10 05 2011 Council AgendaTHE TOWNSHIP OF OROMEDONTE COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA COUNCIL CHAMBERS Wednesday, October 5, 2011  9:30 a.m. Closed Session 10:00 a.m. Open Session  Page 1.CALL TO ORDER - PRIVATE PRAYER/MOMENT OF REFLECTION: 2.ADOPTION OF AGENDA: a)Motion to Adopt the Agenda. 3.DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST: 4.CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: a)Motion to go In Closed Session. b)Motion to Rise and Report. d) 5.IDENTIFICATION FROM THE PUBLIC OF AN AGENDA ITEM OF INTEREST: 6.MINUTES OF COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES: 4-21 a)Minutes of Council meeting held on September 28, 2011. 22-26 b) September 29, 2011 (refer to Item 10d). 27-35 2011. 7.RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENTS: 8.PUBLIC MEETINGS: Page 1 of 226 - October 5, 2011. Page 9.DEPUTATIONS: 36 a) Louis Road West Road Condition [To be deferred to the October 12, 2011 meeting upon Adoption of the Agenda]. 10.REPORTS OF MUNICIPAL OFFICERS: 37-44 a)Gayle Wood, CAO, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, re: ’s Programs and Services. 45 b)Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, re: Recommenda Motion No. RTSG110825 46-51 Report No. DS2011 & Die Site Plan Application 2011SPA23 [to be distributed at the meeting]. 52-188 d) Motion No. RTSG110929 11.REPORTS OF MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: a)–Orillia 1 & 3, Midhurst 3 & 4 Solar Additional Comments. 189 b)Councillor Coutanche re: Diamond Valley Subdivision Update, File 93019.  12.CONSENT AGENDA: 190-191 a) Fire Prevention Week October 915, 2011. l l 2011. 192 b) 15, 2011 Fire Services Recognition Day. Staff Recommendation: Receive, Proclaim and Post on Township Web 193-200 and highlights of September 23, 2011. 201-207 d) 26, 2011. 208-209 e)Correspondence dated August 30, 2011 from Josephine Chausse, A G Page 2 of 226 - October 5, 2011. Page 12.CONSENT AGENDA: 210-211 Correspondence dated September 20, 2011 from Gayle Jackson, City 212-213 g)Correspondence dated September 21, 2011 from Jeff Hecker, Direct ’Generation Broadband Satellite to Launch in Late 13.COMMUNICATIONS: 214-215 a)Correspondence dated September 21, 2011 from John Coleman, Chief Narrows Specific Claim. 216 b)Correspondence dated September 26, 2011 from Denise Osborne, re: Accommodation Review Committee (ARC) Meeting  October 27, 2011. 217 Correspondence dated September 29, 2011 from Mayor Virginia Hack Chair, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, re: Lake Simco ’ October 27, 2011. 14.NOTICE OF MOTIONS: 15.BY-LAWS: 218-221 a)Law No. 2011154A By 222-225 b)Law No. 2011155A By 16.QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC CLARIFYING AN AGENDA ITEM: 17.CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (UNFINISHED ITEMS): 18.CONFIRMATION BY-LAW: 226 a)Law No. 2011156Being a ByLaw to Confirm the Proceedings of the 2011. 19.ADJOURNMENT: a) Page 3 of 226 6a) THE TWNSHIPOF ORO-EDONTE OOMM REGULAR COUNCIIL MEETINNG MINUTEES CouncilChamberss Wednessday, September 28, 2011Timme: 6:04 p..m. 2010 - 22014 COUNNCIL Presentt : Mayor H.S. HHughes Dputy Mayr Ralph Hugh eeoooo Cuncillor Klly Meye ooeer Cuncillor Marty Lancater ooss Cuncillor Jhn Crawford oooo Coouncillor Dwwight Evans Regretss: Coouncillor Mel Coutanche Staff Pesent rr: Rbin Dunn, Chief Adinistrativefficer; Doug Irwin, Director of oommOOu Crporate Srvices/Clerk; Jerry Bll, Directo of Transprtation an ooeeaarroodd Evironmenal Sevice; Donna Hwitt, Diretor of Cororate & nnttrsseeccpp Srategic Initiatives; Jaette Teeter, Deputy lerk; Tamra Obee, ttnnCCaa Manager Heaalth & Safeety, Human Resourcess; Hugh Murray, Deputty Fire Chief; GGlenn Whitee, Manager of Planningg; Steven FFarquharsonn, IntermediatePlanner;AAlan Wiebe,, Planner; KKnox Henryy. Also Present : Jdi Bolton, udy Smit, Sheila Caig, Brock Wallace, Lnda Baker, uuJJhhrrii n Budge, llan Baker, Sandy Anew, Mar Jane Sarjeant, Pats AnnAAggyyyy Rbbins, Mrris Seabon, Marie Seaborn, Ane Goossn, Karen ooorrennee Galloway, Pter Galloay, Madeline Rowe, Freda Vivin, Rick Viian, eewweeaavv Roon & Sharoon Hancockk, Denis Pacccagnella,Bernard Poope, Sue & Gord Roehneer, Ted Chlebowski,GGalen Lam, Bill Stonkuus, Ruth Ann Hoowell, Mel HHowell,Annn Truyens, Susan Woods, Howard Leake, TTim Crrooks, Ednaa Caldwell, Angela Coounty, Fred Taylor. 1.CALL TO ORDER - PRIVTE PRAER/MOMNT OF RFLECTIO: AAYYEEEENN MayorHH.S. Hughess assumed the Chair aand called tthe meetingg to order foollowed by a privatepprayer/momment of refleection. 118 Pageoof Page 4 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. 2.ADOPTION OF AGENDA: a) Motion to Adopt the Agenda. Motion No. C110928-1 Moved by Meyer, Seconded by Hough Be it resolved that the agenda for the Council meeting of Wednesday, September 28, 2011 be received and adopted as amended to add: 4f) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Litigation affecting the municipality (West ½ Lot 11, Concession 8). 4g) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Solicitor-client privilege (Tri-Party MOU). 4h) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Acquisition/disposition of land (Forest Home Industrial Park). 4i) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Personal matters about an identifiable individual (Fire & Emergency Services Staffing). Carried. 3.DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST: None declared. 4.CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: a) Motion to go In Closed Session. Motion No. C110928-2 Moved by Crawford, Seconded by Lancaster Be it resolved that we do now go in Closed Session at 6:05 p.m. to discuss: acquisition/disposition of land; litigation affecting the municipality; solicitor-client privilege; personal matters about an identifiable individual. Carried. 218 Page of Page 5 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. b) Motion to Rise and Report. Motion No. C110928-3 Moved by Meyer, Seconded by Hough Be it resolved that we do now Rise at 7:03 p.m. and Report on the Closed Session Items: 4f) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Litigation affecting the municipality (West ½ Lot 11, Concession 8).4f) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Litigation affecting the municipality (West ½ Lot 11, Concession 8). 4g) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Solicitor-client privilege (Tri-Party MOU). 4h) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Acquisition/disposition of land (Forest Home Industrial Park). 4i) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Personal matters about an identifiable individual (Fire & Emergency Services Staffing). and that Closed Session Items: 4c) Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, re: Acquisition/disposition of land (Line 11 North & 15/16 Sideroad - Part 3, Plan 51R-36354). 4d) Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, re: Acquisition/Disposition (Request to Purchase, 2299 Highway 11 North). 4e) Andria Leigh, Director of Development Services, re: Acquisition/disposition of land (Affordable Housing). be brought forward to Item 17 Closed Session Items (Unfinished Items). Carried. c) Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, re: Acquisition/disposition of land (Line 11 North & 15/16 Sideroad - Part 3, Plan 51R-36354). The following staff were present: Robin Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer; Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk. Motion No. C110928-4 Moved by Evans, Seconded by Lancaster Be it resolved that the confidential correspondence dated September 19, 2011 and presented by Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, r Acquisition/disposition of land (Line 11 North & 15/16 Sideroad - Part 3, Plan 51R- 36354) be received; And That staff be authorized to negotiate within the parameters established by Council and advise Council accordingly. Carried. 318 Page of Page 6 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. d) Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, re: Acquisition/Disposition and land (Request to Purchase, 2299 Highway 11 North). The following staff were present: Robin Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer; Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk. Motion No. C110928-5 Moved by Hough, Seconded by Meyer Be it resolved 1. That Confidential Report No. CS2011-028, Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, re: Acquisition/Disposition of land (Request to Purchase, 2299 Highway 11 North) be received and adopted. 2. That the lands described as Part Lot 21, Concession 5, 2299 Highway 11 North, be declared surplus to the needs of the municipality. 3. That the land value be established as identified by Council. 4. That staff advise the interested property owners of the land values established by Council. 5. And Further That the Director of Corporate Services/Clerk’s proceed accordingly as required. Carried. e) Andria Leigh, Director of Development Services, re: Acquisition/disposition of land (Affordable Housing). The following staff were present: Robin Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer; Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk; Glenn White, Manager of Planning. Motion No. C110928-6 Moved by Evans, Seconded by Crawford Be it resolved 1. That Confidential Report No. DS2011-040, Andria Leigh, Director of Development Services, re: Acquisition/disposition of land (Affordable Housing) be received and adopted. 2. That staff be directed to proceed with the development of affordable housing policies and potential locations to be considered during the Official Plan Review process. 3. And That the applicant be advised accordingly under the Director of Development Services' signature. Carried. 418 Page of Page 7 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. f) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Litigation affecting the municipality (West ½ Lot 11, Concession 8). The following staff were present: Robin Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer; Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk; Jerry Ball, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives. Motion No. C110928-7 Moved by Meyer, Seconded by Hough Be it resolved 1. That the confidential correspondence dated September 22, 2011 and presented by Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Litigation affecting the municipality (West ½ Lot 11, Concession 8) be received. 2. And That staff proceed as outlined by the CAO. Carried. g) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Solicitor-client privilege (Tri-Party MOU). The following staff were present: Robin Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer; Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk; Jerry Ball, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives; Tamara Obee, Manager Health & Safety, Human Resources; Hugh Murray, Deputy Fire Chief; Knox Henry. Motion No. C110928-8 Moved by Crawford, Seconded by Evans Be it resolved that the verbal information presented by Robin Dunn, CAO, Deputy Mayor Hough, Councillor Meyer and Knox Henry be received. Whereas the Severn Sound Environmental Association endorsed its participation in the Tri-Party Memorandum of Understanding at its meeting of September 27, 2011. And Whereas the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority at its meeting of September 23, 2011 directed that staff seek input from Board Members, the public, Nottawasaga Valley Solicitor, Township of Oro-Medonte and Severn Sound Environmental Association staff, to develop a final version of the Memorandum of Understanding for Board Member consideration. And Whereas the Township of Oro-Medonte, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and Severn Sound Environmental Association have not executed the Tri-Party Memorandum of Understanding as of September 28, 2011. Now Therefore staff is authorized to proceed as directed by Council. Carried. 518 Page of Page 8 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. h) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Acquisition/disposition of land (Forest Home Industrial Park). The following staff were present: Robin Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer; Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk; Jerry Ball, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives; Hugh Murray, Deputy Fire Chief. Motion No. C110928-9 Moved by Hough, Seconded by Meyer Be it resolved 1. That the confidential memorandum dated September 28, 2011 and presented by Robin Dunn, CAO and Hugh Murray, Deputy Fire Chief be received. 2. And That staff proceed as outlined in the confidential memorandum dated September 28, 2011. Carried. i) Robin Dunn, CAO, re: Personal matters about an identifiable individual (Fire & Emergency Services Staffing). The following staff were present: Robin Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer; Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk; Tamara Obee, Manager Health & Safety, Human Resources. Motion No. C110928-10 Moved by Lancaster, Seconded by Evans Be it resolved that the confidential verbal information presented by Robin Dunn, CAO and Tamara Obee, Manager, Health & Safety, Human Resources re: Personal matters about an identifiable individual (Fire & Emergency Services Staffing – Director) be received, and that the CAO proceed as outlined. Carried. 618 Page of Page 9 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. The following staff were present: Robin Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer; Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk; Jerry Ball, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives; Hugh Murray, Deputy Fire Chief; Tamara Obee, Manager Health & Safety, Human Resources. Motion No. C110928-11 Moved by Meyer, Seconded by Hough Be it resolved that the confidential correspondence dated August 16, 2011 and presented by Tamara Obee, Manager, Health & Safety, Human Resources re: Personal matters about an identifiable individual (Fire & Emergency Services Staffing – District Chief Quinn) be received with regret and best wishes. Carried. 5.IDENTIFICATION FROM THE PUBLIC OF AN AGENDA ITEM OF INTEREST: 6.MINUTES OF COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES: a) Minutes of Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011. Motion No. C110928-12 Moved by Lancaster, Seconded by Crawford Be it resolved that the draft minutes of the Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, be adopted as amended to include a notation which states "Due to technical difficulties the digital recording is not available" with respect to the Public Meeting for 2009-ZBA-05. Carried. b) Minutes of Special Council meeting held on Monday, September 19, 2011. Motion No. C110928-13 Moved by Meyer, Seconded by Hough Be it resolved that the draft minutes of the Special Council meeting held on Monday, September 19, 2011, be adopted as printed and circulated. Carried. 718 Page of Page 10 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. c) Minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on Thursday, September 22, 2011. Motion No. C110928-14 Moved by Crawford, Seconded by Lancaster Be it resolved that the draft minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on Thursday, September 22, 2011 be received. Carried. 7.RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENTS: a) Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services, re: Contribution to the Simcoe County CBRNE Incident Response Team. Motion No. C110928-15 Moved by Hough, Seconded by Meyer Be it resolved that the Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services Department be recognized, under the Mayor's signature, for their contribution to the Simcoe County CBRNE Incident Response Team. Carried. b) Correspondence dated September 14, 2011 from Michael Hamilton & Family, re: Letter of Appreciation to Station 1 Firefighters (Shanty Bay). Motion No. C110928-16 Moved by Evans, Seconded by Lancaster Be it resolved that the correspondence dated September 14, 2011 from Michael Hamilton & Family, re: Letter of Appreciation to Station 1 Firefighters (Shanty Bay) be received; And That the Oro-Medonte Station 1 Firefighters (Shanty Bay) be recognized for their service under the Mayor's signature. Carried. 818 Page of Page 11 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. 8.PUBLIC MEETINGS: a) Proposed Amendment to the Zoning By-law, Application 2011-ZBA-07, Concession 13, East Part Lot 5, Draft Plan of Subdivision 43T-90082, in the Township of Oro-Medonte. Deputy Mayor Hough called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. and explained the public meeting has been called under the authority of the Planning Act, Sections 34, R.S.O. 1990 c. P.13, to obtain public comment with respect to a Proposed Amendment to the Zoning By-law, Application 2011-ZBA-07 (2063334 Ontario Inc.), Concession 13, East Part Lot 5, Draft Plan of Subdivision 43T-90082, (formerly within Township of Medonte), Township of Oro-Medonte. Notice of the Public Meeting was mailed to landowners within 120m (400 feet) of the specified site on September 8, 2011 and a sign posted on the subject property on September 6, 2011. The following correspondence was received at the meeting: None. Alan Wiebe, Planner, explained the purpose and effect of the Proposed Amendment. A PowerPoint presentation was presented. Ted Chlebowski, on behalf of the applicant, commented that he was available to answer questions with respect to the Proposed Amendment. The following public persons offered verbal comments with respect to the Proposed Amendment: None. Deputy Mayor Hough advised that written submissions will be received at the Township office until October 11, 2011 and that no additional deputations to Council will be permitted with respect to the Proposed Amendment. Due to technical difficulties, the digital recording is not available. There being no further comments or questions, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. 918 Page of Page 12 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. b) Proposed Plan of Subdivision and amendment to the Zoning By-law, Applications 2011- SUB-02 and 2011-ZBA-10, Concession 14, South Part Lot 5 (within the former Township of Medonte) located south of Warminster Sideroad, west of Highway 12 and east of Line 13 North, Township of Oro-Medonte. Deputy Mayor Hough called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. and explained the public meeting has been called under the authority of the Planning Act, Section 34 and 51, R.S.O. 1990 c.P.13, to obtain public comment with respect to Proposed Amendment to the Zoning By-law, Application 2011-ZBA-10 and proposed Plan of Subdivision 2011- SUB-02 (Bruce and Kerry Teskey), South Part of Lot 5, Concession 14, (formerly within Township of Oro), Township of Oro-Medonte. Notice of the Public Meeting was mailed to landowners within 120m (400 feet) of the specified site on September 8, 2011 and a sign posted on the subject property on September 7, 2011. The following correspondence was received at the meeting: Ministry of Transportation dated September 22, 2011; Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority dated September 27, 2011; Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board dated September 6, 2011; 2063334 Ontario Inc. dated September 27, 2011. Steve Farquharson, Intermediate Planner, explained the purpose and effect of the Proposed Amendment. A PowerPoint presentation was presented. Joshua Morgan, Morgan Planning & Development Inc., on behalf of the applicant, provided comments of the Proposed Amendment. Map location correspondence was distributed to members of Council The following public persons offered verbal comments with respect to the Proposed Amendment: Morris Seaborn. Deputy Mayor Hough advised that written submissions will be received at the Township office until October 11, 2011 and that no additional deputations to Council will be permitted with respect to the Proposed amendment. Due to technical difficulties, the digital recording is not available. There being no further comments or questions, the meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. 1018 Page of Page 13 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. 9.DEPUTATIONS: a) Angela County, Ontario Recycling, re: 18 Small Crescent - Ontario Recycling Facility [refer to Item 10c)]. Motion No. C110928-17 Moved by Meyer, Seconded by Hough Be it resolved that the information presented by Angela County and Fred Taylor on behalf of Ontario Recycling, re: 18 Small Crescent - Ontario Rec received and considered in conjunction with Item 10c) Report No. DS2011-039, Andria Leigh, Director of Development Services, re: Site Plan Status Update – 2133005 Ontario Limited/Ontario Recycling, 18 Small Crescent, Part of Lot 16, Part 6 & 7, RP- 19270, Pt Lot 16, Concession 14, Being all of PIN 58548-0082 (LT) (Former Township of Oro). Carried. b) Peter Galloway, re: Boundaries of the Proposed Solar Generating Facility "Midhurst 3", Line 5 North, Township of Oro-Medonte [refer to Item 10b)]. Documentation was distributed to Council and staff. Motion No. C110928-18 Moved by Evans, Seconded by Crawford Be it resolved that the information presented by Peter Galloway, re: Boundaries of the Proposed Solar Generating Facility "Midhurst 3", Line 5 North, Township of Oro- Medonte be received and considered in conjunction with Item 10b) Report No. DS2011- 038, Andria Leigh, Director of Development Services, re: Recurrent Energy – Orillia 1 & 3, Midhurst 3 & 4 Solar Projects Municipal Consultation Forms. Carried. 1118 Page of Page 14 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. 10.REPORTS OF MUNICIPAL OFFICERS: a) Report No. CS2011-027, Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, re: Proposed Location for the Installation of Broadband Tower. Motion No. C110928-19 Moved by Meyer, Seconded by Hough Be it resolved 1. That Report No. CS2011-27, Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, re: Proposed Location for the Installation of Broadband Tower be received and adopted. 2. That Council approve the installation of a telecommunications tower at the preferred Location with legal description of Plan M726 Blk 54, municipally addressed as 2565 Bidwell Road. 3. And that the Clerk bring forward the appropriate By-Law and Lease Agreement for Council’s consideration. Carried. b) Report No. DS2011-038, Andria Leigh, Director of Development Services, re: Recurrent Energy – Orillia 1 & 3, Midhurst 3 & 4 Solar Projects Municipal Consultation Forms. Motion No. C110928-20 Moved by Crawford, Seconded by Evans Be it resolved 1. That Report No. DS2011-038, Andria Leigh, Director of Development Services, re: Recurrent Energy – Orillia 1 & 3, Midhurst 3 & 4 Solar Projects Municipal Consultation Forms be received. 2. And That the Renewable Energy Municipal Consultation Forms be endorsed, as amended, by Council and submitted to the proponent (Recurrent Energy) and the Ministry of the Environment. Carried. 1218 Page of Page 15 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. Motion No. C110928-21 Moved by Crawford, Seconded by Evans Be it resolved 1. That the Ministry of the Environment and the proponent (Recurrent Energy) be advised of the following concerns with respect to the Midhurst 3 – 217 Line 5 North Renewable Energy Project. 2. That the representation of the Midhurst 3 project area be addressed to appropriately reflect the property boundaries of the abutting property, municipally addressed as 175 Line 5 North. 3. That the proponent re-locate the sub-station further away from the residence at 175 Line 5 North to address potential sound issues. 4. And that the owners of 175 Line 5 North be advised of the support of the Township of Oro-Medonte with respect to the above-noted concerns. Carried. c) Report No. DS2011-039, Andria Leigh, Director of Development Services, re: Site Plan Status Update – 2133005 Ontario Limited/Ontario Recycling, 18 Small Crescent, Part of Lot 16, Part 6 & 7, RP-19270, Pt Lot 16, Concession 14, Being all of PIN 58548-0082 (LT) (Former Township of Oro). Council consented to permit Angela County and Fred Taylor to spe Motion No. C110928-22 Moved by Hough, Seconded by Meyer Be it resolved 1. That Report No. DS2011-039, Andria Leigh, Director of Development Services, re: Site Plan Status Update – 2133005 Ontario Limited/Ontario Recycling, 18 Small Crescent, Part of Lot 16, Part 6 & 7, RP-19270, Pt Lot 16, Concession 14, Being all of PIN 58548-0082 (LT) (Former Township of Oro) be received. 2. And That staff report back at the October 12, 2011 Council meeting with options for Council's consideration. Carried. 1318 Page of Page 16 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. d) Report No. TES2011-11, Jerry Ball, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services, re: Speed Limit, Woodland Drive [to be distributed at the meeting]. Motion No. C110928-23 Moved by Lancaster, Seconded by Evans Be it resolved 1. That Report No. TES2011-11, Jerry Ball, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services, re: Speed Limit, Woodland Drive be recei 2. That the speed limit on Woodland Drive be decreased to 50 km/h from Memorial Avenue to John Moon Road. 3. That Mr. Tom Kovacs and the City of Orillia be notified of Council`s decision under the Director of Transportation and Environmental Services' signature. 4. And That the Clerk brings forward the appropriate by-law upon the City of Orillia's concurrence. Carried. 11.REPORTS OF MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: a) Mayor H.S. Hughes, re: Women’s Institute, Request for Township Pins. Motion No. C110928-24 Moved by Meyer, Seconded by Hough Be it resolved 1. That the information presented by Mayor H.S. Hughes, re: Women's Institute, Request for Township Pins be received. 2. That the Women's Institute's request for 135 Township pins when representing the area at the Regional Conference be approved. 3. That any unused pins be returned to the Township. 4. And That the applicant be advised of Council's decision under the Mayor's signature. Carried. b) Councillor Evans, re: Heavy Truck Usage. Motion No. C110928-25 Moved by Hough, Seconded by Meyer Be it resolved that the verbal information presented by Councillor Evans, re: Heavy Truck Usage be received; And That the Director of Transportation and Environmental Services report back to Council on this matter. Carried. 1418 Page of Page 17 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. 12.CONSENT AGENDA: a) Announcements of Interest to the Public - None. b) Correspondence received September 21, 2011 from Deanna Stewart, Crime Stoppers, re: Crime Stoppers/Ontario Provincial Police 13th Annual Gala Dinner and Silent Auction. Staff Recommendation: Receive. Motion No. C110928-26 Moved by Lancaster, Seconded by Crawford Be it resolved that the staff recommendations with respect to the items listed under "Consent Agenda Correspondence" be adopted as printed: a) Announcements of Interest to the Public - None. b) Correspondence received September 21, 2011 from Deanna Stewart, Crime Stoppers, re: Crime Stoppers/Ontario Provincial Police 13th Annual Gala Dinner and Received. Silent Auction. Carried. 13.COMMUNICATIONS: a) Correspondence received August 30, 2011 from The Anglican Church of the Parish of Coldwater - Medonte, re: Fairvalley Church Road. Motion No. C110928-27 Moved by Crawford, Seconded by Lancaster Be it resolved 1. That the correspondence received August 30, 2011 from The Anglican Church of the Parish of Coldwater - Medonte, re: Fairvalley Church Road be received. 2. That Staff liaise with the registered owners of the road to seek dedication of the road to the Township. 3. And That the applicant be advised of Council's decision under the Director of Corporate Services/Clerk's signature. Carried. 14.NOTICE OF MOTIONS: None. 1518 Page of Page 18 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. 15.BY-LAWS: a) By-Law No. 2011-151 A By-law to Amend By-law No. 2011-063, Being a By-law to Appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers/Provincial Offences Officers. b) By-Law No. 2011-153 A By-law to Authorize the Execution of An Agreement Between The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte and Denise Mary Gardner and Robert Gardner. Motion No. C110928-28 Moved by Hough, Seconded by Meyer Be it resolved that the following by-laws: a) By-Law No. 2011-151: A By-law to Amend By-law No. 2011-063, Being a By-law to Appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers/Provincial Offences Officers. b) By-Law No. 2011-153: A By-law to Authorize the Execution of An Agreement Between The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte and Denise Mary Gardner and Robert Gardner. be read a first, second and third time, passed, be engrossed by sealed by the Mayor. Carried. 16.QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC CLARIFYING AN AGENDA ITEM: Motion No. C110928-29 Moved by Crawford, Seconded by Evans Be it resolved that Rule 3.7 of Procedural By-law 2011-011 be suspended in order to allow the meeting to proceed past the normal adjournment hour of 10:00 p.m. Carried. 1618 Page of Page 19 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. 17.CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (UNFINISHED ITEMS): a) Motion to go In Closed Session. Motion No. C110928-30 Moved by Lancaster, Seconded by Evans Be it resolved that we do now go in Closed Session at 9:34 p.m. to discuss • acquisition/disposition of land. Carried. b) Motion to Rise and Report. Motion No. C110928-31 Moved by Meyer, Seconded by Hough Be it resolved that we do now Rise at 10:08 p.m. and Report on the Closed Session Items: 4c) Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, re: Acquisition/disposition of land (Line 11 North & 15/16 Sideroad - Part 3, Plan 51R-36354). 4d) Doug Irwin, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, re: Acquisition/Disposition (Request to Purchase, 2299 Highway 11 North). 4e) Andria Leigh, Director of Development Services, re: Acquisition/disposition of land (Affordable Housing). Carried. Refer to Items 4c), 4d) and 4e). 18.CONFIRMATION BY-LAW: a) By-Law No. 2011-152 Being a By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting Held on Wednesday, September 28, 2011. Motion No. C110928-32 Moved by Evans, Seconded by Crawford Be it resolved that By-Law No. 2011-152, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 be read a first, second and third time, passed, be engrossed by the Clerk, signed and se Carried. 1718 Page of Page 20 of 226 6a) Council Meeting Minutes – September 28, 2011. 19.ADJOURNMENT: a) Motion to Adjourn. Motion No. C110928-33 Moved by Meyer, Seconded by Hough Be it resolved that we do now adjourn at 10:10 p.m. Carried. ____________________________ ____________________________ Mayor, H.S. Hughes Clerk, J. Douglas Irwin 1818 Page of Page 21 of 226 6b) THE TOOWNSHIPOF ORO-MMEDONTE RCREATIN TECHNICAL EEOO SUPPOT GROU RRPP MEETINGG MINUTESS CouncilChamberss Thursdaay, Septemmber 29, 200117:10 p..m. Presentt: Rta RegelikRickadden eennMM Tim CrawforNanc Stoddart ddyy Councill: Coouncillor Keelly Meyer, Chair Coouncillor Marty Lancasster Regretss: Trracey Rynaard Staff: Sawn Binn, Director f Recreatin and Comunity Srvices hhssoooommee Marie Brissete, Committee Coordinato tr Also Present: Noone 1.ADOOPTION OFF AGENDA a) Moton to Adot the Agenda. ipp MotionNo. RTSG110929-1 Movedy Stoddar, Seconde by Crawfrd. bbttddoo It is recmmendedthat the Rcreation Technical Spport Grop agenda for Thursdy, ooeeuuuuaa Septemer 29, 201 be receied and adopted, as mended t: bb11vvaaoo Defer Iteem 5a) Correspondencce dated Juune 6, 20111 from Paull Weber, ree: Request ffor Walking Path to Linne 4 Park; aand Amendtthe presentter of Item 55g) from Rick Maddenn to Shawn Binns, Direector of Recreation and Community Services, re:: Oro Minorr Hockey Icce Time. Caried. rr 2.DISCCLOSURE OF PECUNNIARY INTEREST None deeclared. 115 Page of Page 22 of 226 6b) Recreation Technical Support Group Minutes – Thursday, September 3.ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: a) Minutes of Recreation Technical Support Group meeting held on August 25, 2011. Motion No. RTSG110929-2 Moved by Regelink, Seconded by Stoddart It is recommended that the minutes of the Recreation Technical Support Group meeting held on Thursday, August 25, 2011 be adopted as printed and circulated. Carried. 4.DEPUTATIONS: None. 5.COMMUNICATIONS: a) Correspondence dated June 6, 2011 from Paul Weber, re: Reques Line 4 Park. The Item was deferred. b)Councillor Lancaster re: Possible Placement of Commemorative Sign on Shanty Bay Road/Ridge Road. Motion No. RTSG110929-3 Moved by Stoddart, Seconded by Crawford It is recommended by the Recreation Technical Support Group 1. That the information presented by Councillor Lancaster re: Possible Placement of Commemorative Sign on Shanty Bay Road be received. 2. And That the Recreation Technical Support Group recommends that the Council of the Township of Oro-Medonte requests that the County of Simcoe permits the placement of a "Share the Road" sign in the area of 350 Ridge Road. Carried. 25 Page of Page 23 of 226 6b) Recreation Technical Support Group Minutes – Thursday, September c) Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services, re: All Terrain Vehicles on Municipal Roads. Motion No. RTSG110929-4 Moved by Regelink, Seconded by Madden It is recommended by the Recreation Technical Support Group that the information presented by Shawn Binns, Director of Development Services, re: All Terrain Vehicles on Municipal Roads be received. Carried. d) Tim Crawford, re: War of 1812. Motion No. RTSG110929-5 Moved by Stoddart, Seconded by Regelink It is recommended by the Recreation Technical Support Group 1. That the information presented by Tim Crawford, re: War of 1812 be received. 2. That the Recreation Technical Support Group recommends that Council supports a War of 1812 Bi-Centennial Event surrounding the Oro African Church, in principle. 3. And That Tim Crawford work with the History Association and staff to develop an event proposal for consideration. Carried. e) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan Westendorp, Planner III, County of Simcoe, re: Draft County of Simcoe Trails Strategy. Motion No. RTSG110929-6 Moved by Crawford, Seconded by Madden It is recommended by the Recreation Technical Support Group 1. That the information presented by Shawn Binns, correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan Westendorp, Planner III, County of Simcoe, re: Draft County of Simcoe Trails Strategy be received. 2. And That the Recreation Technical Support Group recommends to Council that the comments reviewed by the Recreation Technical Support Group be submitted to the County of Simcoe. Carried. 35 Page of Page 24 of 226 6b) Recreation Technical Support Group Minutes – Thursday, September f) Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services, re: POL-PR-03 - Funding of Capital Park Improvements/Developments. Motion No. RTSG110929-7 Moved by Stoddart, Seconded by Crawford It is recommended by the Recreation Technical Support Group 1. That the information presented by Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services, re: POL-PR-03 - Funding of Capital Park Improvements/Developments be received. 2. And That the POL-PR-03 - Funding of Capital Park Improvements/Developments be brought forward to a future meeting. Carried. g) Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services, re: Oro Minor Hockey Ice Time. Motion No. RTSG110929-8 Moved by Stoddart, Seconded by Regelink It is recommended by the Recreation Technical Support Group 1. That the information presented by Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services, re: Oro Minor Hockey Ice Time be received. 2. And That the Ice Allocation Policy be brought forward to a future meeting. Carried. 45 Page of Page 25 of 226 6b) Recreation Technical Support Group Minutes – Thursday, September 6. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: a) Active Transportation. The Committee agreed to add the Item Active Transportation on a future agenda, including the possibility of a test pilot in a hamlet of the Township. 7.NEXT MEETING DATE Thursday, October 27, 2011. 8.ADJOURNMENT a) Motion to Adjourn. Motion No. RTSG110929-9 Moved by Crawford, Seconded by Stoddart It is recommended that we do now adjourn at 9:38 p.m. Carried. Councillor Meyer, Chair Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator 55 Page of Page 26 of 226 6c) THE TOWNSHIPOF ORO-MMEDONTE COMMMITTEEOOF ADJUSTTMENT MEETINGG MINUTESS Council Chamberss Thursdaay, September 15, 2011110:02 p..m. Present: Larry Tupling, ChairAllan Johnson Bruce Chaappell Royy Hastings Scott Maccpherson Staff preesent: Steven Faarquharson,, Secretary TTreasurer/Inntermediatee Planner Alan Wiebbe, Planner Marie Brisssette, Depuuty Secretarry Treasureer/Committee Coordinattor 1.OPENING OF MMEETING: Larry Tupling assummed the Chaair and calleed the meetiing to orderr. 2.ADOOPTION OF THE AGENNDA: a) Motion to Adoptt the Agenda MotionNNo. CA1109915-1 Moved bby Macphersson, Secondded by Hasttings It is recoommended tthat the ageenda for the Committeee of Adjustmment meetingg of Thursdaay, Septembber 15, 20111 be receiveed and adoppted. Carried. 3.DISCCLOSUREOOF PECUNIARY INTERREST: None deeclared. 4.ADOOPTION OF MINUTES: a) Minuutes of Commmittee of Adjustment mmeeting heldd on Thursdday, August 18, 2011. MotionNNo. CA1109915-2 Moved bby Macphersson, Secondded by Johnnson It is recoommended tthat the minnutes of the Committeeof Adjustment meetingg of Thursdaay, August 18, 20111 be adoptedd as printedd and circulaated. Carried. 19 PPage of Page 27 of 226 6c) Committee of Adjustment Minutes – September 15, 2011 5.PUBLIC MEETINGS: a) 2011-A-16 (Revised) - Doug Austgarden and Michelle Cellucci 191 Lakeshore Road West, Plan 807, Lot 27 (Former Township of Oro) Relief from maximum total area of deck and boathouse. Doug Austgarden, applicant, Ron Clark, contractor, Adrian Cammaert, Planner, were present. Motion No. CA110915-3 Moved by Chappell, Seconded by Macpherson It is recommended that the Committee of Adjustment approves Variance Application 2011-A- 16 Revised, specifically, to construct a deck and boathouse having a total combined area of 103 square metres, subject to the following conditions: 1. That an Ontario Land Surveyor provide verification to the Township of compliance with the Committee’s decision by 1) pinning the footing and 2) verifying in writing prior to pouring of the foundation by way of survey/real property report that: a) That the total floor area of the boathouse and deck not exceed approximately 103 square metres. 2. That notwithstanding Section 5.7 (b), that the boathouse complies with all provisions of Section 5.6 and 5.7 of Zoning By-law 97-95 as amended. 3. That the proposed boathouse and deck be in conformity with the dimensions as set out on the application and sketches submitted and approved by the Committee. 4. That the applicant obtain any permits and/or approvals, if required, from Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. 5. And That the appropriate zoning certificate and building permit be obtained from the Township only after the Committee’s decision becomes final and binding, as provided by the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, c.P. 13. Carried. 29 Page of Page 28 of 226 6c) Committee of Adjustment Minutes – September 15, 2011 b) 2011-A-18 - Zahra Assadian 1753 Ridge Road West, East Part of Lot 28, Concession 3, RP 51R28760 Parts 5 &6 (Former Township of Oro) Relief from maximum height for boathouse. Zahra Assadian, applicant, Gary Luhowy, agent, and Phil Lamadeleine, contractor, were present. Eleanor Lyons, neighbour, noted her support for the application. Motion No. CA110915-4 Moved by Macpherson, Seconded by Chappell It is recommended that the Committee of Adjustment denies Variance Application 2011-A-18, as the Variance does not satisfy the four test of the Planning Act. Carried. c) 2011-A-24 - Sharon Lempriere 59 Lakeshore Road East, Plan 798, Lots 38 and 39 Relief from maximum lot coverage of all detached accessory buildings and structures on a lot. Kim Lempriere, agent, was present. Motion No. CA110915-5 Moved by Hastings, Seconded by Johnson It is recommended that the Committee of Adjustment approves Variance Application 2011-A- 24, specifically to permit the construction of detached accessory building on the subject property, where the area of the lot being occupied by all detached accessory buildings and structures is approximately 6.2 per cent, subject to the following conditions: 1. That, notwithstanding Section 5.1.5 of Zoning By-law 97-95, the detached accessory buildings and structures on the lot shall otherwise comply with all other applicable provisions of the Zoning By-Law for detached accessory buildings. 2. That an Ontario Land Surveyor provide verification to the Township of compliance with the Committee’s decision by verifying, in writing, percentage of the subject lot covered by all detached accessory buildings and structures does not exceed approximately 6.2 percent. 3. That the buildings and structures on the property be in conformity with the dimensions as set out on the application and sketches submitted and approved by the Committee. 4. And That the appropriate zoning certificate and building permit be obtained from the Township only after the Committee’s decision becomes final and binding, as provided for within the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, c.P. 13 Carried. 39 Page of Page 29 of 226 6c) Committee of Adjustment Minutes – September 15, 2011 d) 2011-A-25 - Annette and Anthony Katarynch 38 Highland Drive, 51M-720, Lot 6 (Former Township of Oro) Relief from minimum required interior side yard setback. Annette Katarynch, applicant, was present. Motion No. CA110915-6 Moved by Macpherson, Seconded by Johnson It is recommended that the Committee of Adjustment approves Variance Application 2011-A- 25, being for the construction of a deck onto the side of an existing dwelling, which is proposed to be approximately 1.23 metres from the interior lot line, subject the following conditions: 1. That an Ontario Land Surveyor provide verification to the Township of compliance with the Committee’s decision by pinning the footing and verifying in writing prior to pouring of the foundation by way of survey/real property report so that the deck be located no closer than approximately 1.23 metres from the interior side lot line. 2. And That the appropriate zoning certificate and building permit be obtained from the Township only after the Committee’s decision becomes final and binding, as provided for within the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, c.P. 13. Carried. 49 Page of Page 30 of 226 6c) Committee of Adjustment Minutes – September 15, 2011 e) 2011-A-26 - Marc and Anna Francis 16 Slalom Drive, Plan 1650, Lot 23 Relief from minimum required front yard. Marc Francis, applicant, was present. David Germaine, neighbour, noted his support for the application. Motion No. CA110915-7 Moved by Macpherson, Seconded by Hastings It is recommended that the Committee of Adjustment approves Variance Application 2011-A- 26, being for the construction of an attached garage having a floor area of approximately 83.6 square metres, which is proposed to be 5.0 metres from the front lot line. Subject the following conditions: 1. That the setbacks be in conformity with the dimensions as set out on the application and sketches submitted and approved by the Committee; 2. That the appropriate zoning certificate and building permit be obtained from the Township only after the Committee’s decision becomes final and binding, as provided for within the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, c.P. 13. 3. And That an Ontario Land Surveyor provide verification to the Township of compliance with the Committee’s decision by pinning the footing and verifying in writing prior to pouring of the foundation by way of survey/real property report that the proposed attached garage be located no closer than 5.0 metres from the front lot line. Carried. 59 Page of Page 31 of 226 6c) Committee of Adjustment Minutes – September 15, 2011 f) 2011-B-19 - John and Marilyn Crosby Concession 13, West Part Lot 5 Boundary adjustment/lot addition. John Crosby, applicant, and Philip Trilsbeck, real estate agent, were present. Brian O'Neil, neighbour, noted his support of the application. Motion No. CA110915-8 Moved by Johnson, Seconded by Hastings It is recommended that the Committee of Adjustment grants provisional approval to Consent Application 2011-B-19, for a boundary adjustment, subject to the following conditions: 1. That three copies of a Registered Reference Plan for the subject land indicating the severed parcel be prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor be submitted to the Secretary- Treasurer. 2. That the severed lands, with an area of approximately 3.25 acres, be merged in title with the property at 4013 Line 12 North, and that the provisions of Subsection 3 or 5 of Section 50 of The Planning Act apply to any subsequent conveyance or transaction involving the subject land. 3. That the applicant’s solicitor prepare and submit a copy of the proposed conveyance for the parcel severed, for review by the Municipality. 4. That the applicant’s solicitor provide an undertaking that the severed lands and the lands to be enhanced will merge in title. 5. And That the conditions of consent imposed by the Committee be fulfilled within one year from the date of the giving of the notice. Carried. 69 Page of Page 32 of 226 6c) Committee of Adjustment Minutes – September 15, 2011 g) 2011-B-20 - Doug and Caroline Murphy 2 Colborne Street, Plan 1, Part Lots 15 & 16 Create a new residential lot. Consent Application 2011-B-20 is to be considered in conjunction with Variance Application 2011-A-27. 2011-A-27 - Doug and Caroline Murphy 2 Colborne Street, Plan 1, Part Lots 15 & 16 Relief from proposed retained lands and proposed severed lands. Variance Application 2011-A-27 is to be considered in conjunction with Consent Application 2011-B-20. Doug Murphy, applicant, and James Murphy, son of applicant, were present. Motion No. CA110915-9 Moved by Hastings, Seconded by Johnson It is recommended that the Committee of Adjustment grants provisional approval to Consent Application 2011-B-20, for the creation of a new residential lot, subject to the following conditions: 1. That, in conjunction with Consent Application 2011-B-20, Variance Application 2011-A-27 be approved. 2. That the conditions stated in the letter from staff for the County of Simcoe, dated September 9, 2011, be completed (as contained on page 3 of 3 of this Notice of Decision). 3. That three copies of a Registered Reference Plan of the subject lands prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor be submitted to the Committee Secretary-Treasurer. 4. That the retained lands have a lot area of approximately 0.18 hectares (prior to the transfer of land to the County of Simcoe). 5. That the severed lands have a lot area of approximately 0.15 hectares. 6. That the applicant’s solicitor prepares and submits a copy of the proposed conveyance for the parcel severed, for review by the Municipality. 7. That the applicant pays $ 2,000.00 for the lot created as cash-in-lieu of a parkland contribution. 8. That all municipal taxes be paid to the Township of Oro-Medonte. 9. And That the conditions of consent imposed by the Committee be fulfilled within one year from the date of the giving of the notice. Carried. 79 Page of Page 33 of 226 6c) Committee of Adjustment Minutes – September 15, 2011 Motion No. CA110915-10 Moved by Chappell, Seconded by Macpherson It is recommended that the Committee of Adjustment approves Variance Application 2011-A- 27, specifically, to permit the creation of a new residential lot with an area of approximately 0.15 hectares, where the retained lands would have a lot area of approximately 0.18 hectares, subject to the following conditions: A. That Ontario Land Surveyor verification be provided that: i. The proposed retained lands have a lot area of approximately 0.18 hectares (prior to the transfer of land to the County of Simcoe); ii. The proposed severed lands have a lot area of approximately 0.15 hectares; iii. The existing dwelling and any attached deck(s) on the lands Street), be located no closer to the rear lot line of the retained lands (or lot) than 7.5 metres; and iv. Any architectural feature(s) attached to the existing dwelling and/or deck(s) on the lands to be retained (2 Colborne Street), not encroach into the minimum required yard of 7.5 metres a distance of any more than 1.0 metre. Carried. 89 Page of Page 34 of 226 6c) Committee of Adjustment Minutes – September 15, 2011 6.NEW BUSINESS: a) Correspondence dated August 29, 2011 from Joanne Hayes, Ontario Municipal Board, re: OMB Hearing, 2011-B-09 (Crawford). Steven Farquharson, Secretary Treasurer advised that OMB has since granted an adjournment request. Motion No. CA110915-11 Moved by Chappell, Seconded by Hastings It is recommended that the correspondence dated August 29, 2011 from Joanne Hayes, Ontario Municipal Board and verbal update provided by Steven Farquharson, Secretary Treasurer, re: OMB Hearing, 2011-B-09 (Crawford) be received. Carried. 7.NOTICE OF MOTION: None. 8.NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. 9.ADJOURNMENT: a) Motion to Adjourn. Motion No. CA110915-12 Moved by Johnson, Seconded by Macpherson It is recommended that we do now adjourn at 12:46 p.m. Carried. Larry Tupling, Chair Steven Farquharson, Secretary Treasurer 99 Page of Page 35 of 226 9a) Page 36 of 226 10a) Gayle Wood, CAO, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Auth... th D.GayleWood, ChiefAdministrativeOfficer ConservationAuthorities • Act 1946 LSRCA1of36 • ConservationAuthorities inOntario Undertheumbrellaof • ConservationOntario Page 37 of 226 10a) Gayle Wood, CAO, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Auth... • • • th • • • • • • Page 38 of 226 10a) Gayle Wood, CAO, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Auth... Phosphorus Loads to Lake Simcoe 175 150 125 100 LSPPTarget 75 50 25 0 AtmosphereSepticsSTPsPoldersTributaries • • • • • • • • • Page 39 of 226 10a) Gayle Wood, CAO, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Auth... CommunityStakeholderGroups InternationalRiverFoundation CitizenOrganizations AcademicCommunities LakeSimcoeConservationFoundationAustraliaChina MexicoRussia GuatemalaSuriname ThailandTrinidad&Tobago WatershedMunicipalitiesEnvironmentCanada Fisheries&OceansCanada MinistryoftheEnvironment MinistryofNaturalResources MinistryofMunicipalAffairs&Housing FirstNations MinistryofAgriculture,Food&RuralAffairs MinistryofEnergy&Infrastructure • • • Page 40 of 226 10a) Gayle Wood, CAO, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Auth... • • • Page 41 of 226 10a) Gayle Wood, CAO, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Auth... Science&Protection&Education&Program ResearchRestorationOutreachSupport BEFORE AFTER Page 42 of 226 10a) Gayle Wood, CAO, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Auth... Expenditures Revenue15,294,466 • • • Page 43 of 226 10a) Gayle Wood, CAO, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Auth... Page 44 of 226 10b) Page 45 of 226 10c) Report No. DS2011 Page 46 of 226 10c) Report No. DS2011 Page 47 of 226 10c) Report No. DS2011 Page 48 of 226 10c) Report No. DS2011 Page 49 of 226 10c) Report No. DS2011 Page 50 of 226 10c) Report No. DS2011 Page 51 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Page 52 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Page 53 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Chapter One: Direction of the Strategy .......................................................................................... 1 1.1 Project History .............................................................................................................. 2 1.2 Mission Statement ....................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Goals ............................................................................................................................. 2 1.4 Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 3 Chapter Two: Introduction .............................................................................................................. 4 s Never-ending Trail ............................................................................ 5 2.2Purpose of the Simcoe County Trails Strategy ............................................................. 7 2.3Rationale ...................................................................................................................... 8 2.4 How to Use This Document .......................................................................................... 9 2.5 Document Contents ..................................................................................................... 9 Chapter Three: History of Simcoe Trails ....................................................................................... 11 3. 1 A Brief History of the County .................................................................................... 12 3.2 First Nations History .................................................................................................. 13 3.3 European Settlement History .................................................................................... 15 3.4History of the Rails to Trails Movement .................................................................... 17 3. 5 History of Recreation in the County ......................................................................... 21 3. 6 Connecting the Dots ................................................................................................. 22 Chapter Four: Demographics and Trend Analysis ......................................................................... 25 4.1 Demographics in Simcoe County ............................................................................... 26 4.2 Trends that Support Trail Development .................................................................... 26 4.3 Planning Policy Context ............................................................................................. 28 Chapter Five: Public Consultation Program .................................................................................. 31 5.1 The Public Consultation Process................................................................................. 32 5.2 Analysis of Public Consultation .................................................................................. 32 Chapter Six: Trail Benefits and Succeses ...................................................................................... 36 6.1 Success Stories and Opportunities ............................................................................ 37 6.2 Health Benefits of Trails ............................................................................................ 39 6.3Educational Benefits of Trails .................................................................................... 45 6.4 Environmental Benefits of Trails ............................................................................... 50 6.5 Economic Impact of Trails ......................................................................................... 55 6.6Benefit Statement ...................................................................................................... 61 Chapter Seven: Current Situation and Inventory Analysis ............................................................ 67 7.1 Current Situation ....................................................................................................... 68 7.2 Inventory of Existing Trails ........................................................................................ 68 7.3Trail Organizations ..................................................................................................... 75 7.4Gap Analysis ............................................................................................................... 77 Chapter Eight: Issues and Opportunities ...................................................................................... 80 8.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 81 8.2Stakeholder Structure ................................................................................................ 81 8.3 Risk Management ...................................................................................................... 84 8.4 Accessibility ............................................................................................................... 85 8.5Trail Uses .................................................................................................................... 86 8.6Motorized Use ............................................................................................................ 86 8.7Signage ....................................................................................................................... 88 8.8 Marketing and Promotion Opportunity ..................................................................... 88 1 Page 54 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Chapter Nine: Recommendations ................................................................................................ 89 9.1 Proposed Trail Master Plan ........................................................................................ 90 9.2 Tourism ....................................................................................................................... 93 9.3 Proposed Roles and Responsibilities .......................................................................... 93 9.4 Signage Strategy ......................................................................................................... 97 9.5 Trail Development, Construction and Maintenance Guidelines ............................... 98 9.6 Marketing and Promotion .......................................................................................... 98 9.7 Enabling Policies and Bylaws ...................................................................................... 98 Chapter Ten: Action Plan ............................................................................................................ 101 10.1 Next Steps: Phase 1 Implementation .................................................................... 102 10. 2 Implementation Steps for Phase 1 ....................................................................... 102 10. 3 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 104 Appendices .................................................................................................................................. 105 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 106 Helpful Resources ........................................................................................................................ 109 2 Page 55 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 1 Page 56 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... With assistance from the National Trails Coalition, Huronia Trails and Greenways, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and various municipal staff, the County of Simcoe has prepared the Simcoe County Trails Strategy to assist the coordination and development of an area-wide trail network. The County of Simcoe has a tremendous network of existing trails. What is lacking is a single voice of trail advocacy and government continuity. The County is the ideal platform to work with all municipalities and user groups to coordinate future trail growth for recreation activities that local residents can enjoy as well as to develop a great economic resource. The intent of the trails strategy is to form a Trails Committee that will be coordinated by the County. The Trails Committee will provide guidance to all t and operations, such as unifying existing trails with standardized signage; identifying and assisting in development of new trails; and consistently promoting and marketing the trails within Simcoe County. This document is divided into ten chapters that identify the complex tasks and collaborative efforts required to create well planned, well used, trails. The trails strategy is aimed at stimulating visions and conversations about the many aspects of trail development with the overall intent of working toward an integrated county trail system. various stakeholders can work together for coordinated growth and development, using this document as a catalyst for change. and cultural trail amenities, to become a world class tourism deon. The trail network is also expected to encourage a healthy lifestyle for al Provide an accessible, four season regional trail system that allows multi-use opportunities. Provide consistent trail construction standards to enable promotion of the trail network to local, regional and world trail users. Provide sustainable trail use and management methods based on the best practices. 2 Page 57 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Provide outdoor environments for citizens to better understand and appreciate the wonders of the natural environment. Find common ground for user groups to offer appropriate opportunities for all trail users. Create, maintain, and develop a superior trail network. Encourage County and Municipal officials to embrace the challenges of such a resource and provide the stable environment to house the staff n move the entire County forward. Cultivate a cohesive relationship between the trails steering committee an the grassroots user committee, which will be crucial to the trai growth and stability. Establish the County of Simcoe and its local municipalities as leaders in trail advocacy and sustainable development, yet find the measures to b and responsive to ever changing demands. 3 Page 58 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 4 Page 59 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... This introduction was written by Greig Stewart, author, trail supporter, and former Regional Consultant for the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, Ministry Citizenship and Immigration. Trails and greenways enthusiasts often muse that a trail has rea ending, but rather is a continuous link connecting people to places, spaces and destinations. Trails have become so popular in recent years and, to some, they represent recreation facilities of the future. Fitness and Lifestyle Canada continuou ten current most popular recreation activities, four are directly related to using trails (walking, bicycling, jogging\running and cross-country skiing.) As well, trails and acility infrastructure because: They are inexpensive and easy to build and maintain. ly participation where minimal equipment is required. No bookings or schedules are required to use them. They are multi-seasonal, multi-activity facilities accessible to people of various ages and abilities. They can be outdoor learning centres (education, nature and science) while acting as natural wildlife corridors. the communities they are located in. They increase the property values of those living adjacent to them. They provide safe, walkable transportation routes connecting and linkin communities and neighbourhoods and, in some cases, They become heritage corridors providing linkages with the past. Trails and greenways have always been part of the historical fabSimcoe County Nine Mile Portage, for instance, was built as a supply route to Fort Penetanguishene (Discovery Harbour) nearly Historian Andrew Hunter consistently refers to gecoach But in the end it was a series of un-related events that contributed to Simcoe County event had to do with the railroad, or rather the abandoning of them. Strange that an entity that 5 Page 60 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... historically tied many Simcoe County communities together with to tie them together with trails. In 1940 Simcoe County was home to more that 500 km of railway liy 1990, the number had shrunk to 400 km. By 2010, it is estimated that less than 200 km of track remains. Of the 16 municipalities that currently make up the County, more than half currently have, or soon will have, an abandoned rail line runninhem. Many of these abandoned lines run through the 31,000 acres of county natural amenity. Many former railway station sites (Wyevale, Phelpston, etc.) have become outdoor recreation facilities. The second event was the arrival of the Trans Canada Trail. Simcoe County is the gateway that brings the Trans Canada Trail from eastern Canada to Currently, several hundred kilometres of existing trails sprinkled across Simcoe County with such names as the Georgian Trail, the North Simcoe Rail Trail, The Lightfoot Trail, the Uhthoff Trail and others will feed into the Trans Can moves north and west. The third event had to do with a vision. In 1978, the rural municipality of Tiny Township (population 10,000) did the unheard of when they purchased 22.5 km of abandoned rail line from CN for the princely sum of $10,000 to create what later skiers, snowmobilers and horseback riders and is called the Tiny Trail. The fourth event emanated from the Province of Ontario. In 1990 awarded the Town of Collingwood a grant of $110,000 to create the Georgian Trail on an abandoned rail line running between Collingwood and Meaford. This was the first time a grant had ever been awarded by the province to create a t provincial funding would follow over the years to many other mun organizations. trails infrastructure continues to develop, issues surrounding the development of trails and greenways continue to change. Ten years ago some of the issues surrounding trail development included: Selling the local municipal council on the benefits of trails, Dealing with the unwritten policies of the railway companies when they abandoned an existing rail line, Dealing with adjacent landowners, and Construction, surfacing, uses, signage, maintenance, management and operation, and funding. While these issues still remain, a number of new issues have surfaced presenting new challenges to trail builders. They include: Connecting existing trails, 6 Page 61 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Looped trails, User conflicts, New relationships between municipal planning, engineering and municipal parks and recreation departments, and Establishing municipal trails advisory committees. Trails and they play just as an At last count there are over 13 named trails running through Simcoe County managed by 12 different trails organizations and municipalities. This myriad of trail activity has been the deter County to undertake this Simcoe County Trails Strategy. The plan is intended to be a lities and volunteer trail organizations to continue to initiate, expand, loop and connect their trails within Simcoe and beyond. After all, a trail really does have no beginning or ending. The intent of the Simcoe County Trails Strategy is to use documented research and best practices, current momentum, and limitless opportunities to encourage all trails partners to collaborate on forming a County-wide trail network, second to none. The strategy will provide complete, effective, and sustainable ways to link community trails with each other and to significant heritage, natural or recreati amenities. The purpose of the strategy is really twofold. It will strive to 1. Develop local, community-based or municipal trail amenities for residents and, 2. Create a vibrant County trails network for the tourist population. With County planning leadership and support from municipal staff, each region of the County will be able to focus on its unique natural features while connecting wi larger trails system. New ways of working with land developers be established that emphasize using trails to meet the goals of healthy lifestyle planning, active transportation, regional tourism and other initiatives. A common sense of purpose is essential for a high quality trail network must have well defined standards for signage, trail type natural and historic details, maintenance practices, bridges and b satisfaction, from a tourist point of view, is a key goal so tra 7 Page 62 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... match user expectations. As well, a unified approach to website materials, user maps, and trail conditions will send positive and consi throughout the tourism industry. A project of this magnitude does not happen without the particip individuals, groups and partners. The Huronia Trails and Greenways Association is a strong and long-time driving force in the Simcoe County Trails movement. After 2008 New Official Plan and Transportation Master Plan were adopt determined that the County of Simcoe should become a key partner in the trails strategy and take a leadership role in coordinating the project. municipalities, as well as the cities of Barrie and Orillia, ares. Throughout the process, involvement and contributions were also Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit Simcoe County Recreation Association Canadian Armed Forces Base Borden Ramara First Nations Municipal Trail Committees Independent Trail Groups and Associations Federal Government Provincial Government Municipal Staff and Officials, and General Public Several years ago, the Simcoe County Planning Department and the Greenways Association determined that a collective research project, to investigate the manner in which trails within Simcoe County could advance, w trails strategy is a result of those early efforts. There are several reasons why a trails strategy for Simcoe Count The County of Simcoe 2008 Transportation Master Plan and New Official P adopted in 2008 determined that the County needs to play an acti coordinating and supporting trail systems in the interests of bu transportation routes and healthier residents. Planning initiatives, such as walkable communities and active tr plans are gaining momentum in municipal planning. The Simcoe Muskoka Health sector is promoting active, healthy li The restructuring of local tourism agencie Organization) provides an ideal opportunity to promote an attrac trail/tour package. 8 Page 63 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... There are significant opportunities to be realized and many ongos can occur as a result of well-established, well-marketed and well-supported trails in Simcoe County. Municipalities will need to work together to encourage the development of the necessary infrastructure and business services required by t The Simcoe County Trails Strategy document is a collection of material intended to used for both inspiration and practical help in building trail s allow readers to easily access topics of interest. For example, demographics, trends and trail benefits chapters provide useful information for presentations and building support for trails, while chapters on recommendations and implem specific direction to those who will be working together to implement the Trails Strategy. For those interested in marketing and promoting trails, Chapter 6 indicates the significant economic impact that a well-promoted trail system can have. The document supplies necessary background information, research and best practices, additional contacts and resources, and a planned approach for building an exceptional trail network. The focus is on encouraging County Municipalities to unite around the concept of a County-wide coordinated trail effort. The Table of Contents is a good starting point to locate specific types of information. The strategy is laid out in chapters as such: Chapter One: Direction of the Strategy Chapter Two: Introduction These two chapters describe the purpose of the strategy, the rathe partners involved. The introduction, which sets the context for prepared by Greig Stewart, Ministry of Tourism and author. Chapter Three: History of Simcoe Trails This chapter outlines settlement patterns in the County, historye rails to trails movement and growth of recreation in the County. Chapter Four: Demographics and Trend Analysis Here, recent demographics and population projections and trends noted. Chapter Five: Public Consultation Key messages from the public during the consultation process are presented here. Chapter Six: Benefits and Successes This chapter highlights research and resources for advocating an for understanding the breadth and scope of benefits that trail norks offer. 9 Page 64 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Chapter Seven: Current Situation and Inventory Analysis Existing trails are listed and briefly described and gaps or mis trail network are identified. Chapter Eight: Issues and Opportunities Concerns, themes, challenges and opportunities raised in public consultation as well as those researched from other trail systems are presented here. Chapter Nine: Recommendations This chapter recommends what the Simcoe County-wide trail system should look like, how it should be coordinated and governed, who the partners are, how it should developed, maintained, marketed and promoted. Chapter 10: Implementation and Next Steps Finally, next steps for acting on the strategy are proposed. 10 Page 65 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 11 Page 66 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Simcoe County has a long and progressive history of development It is not the intent of this chapter to give a complete history of the set development of Simcoe County, but to demonstrate the rich, diverse cul network of connections left to us by our ancestors. The access to good farmland and transportation routes on the Great Lakes led it to its enviable Canada. Early trade routes and portage trails and later roads and rail lines s many of our travel routes and offer exciting trail opportunities Simcoe County Museum provides a good resource for more in-depth study of the historical aspects of the County. The Huron-Wendat of Wendake originally came from the Georgian Bay region, specifically south-eastern Ontario (Penetangueshene and Midland). Their vast territory stretched as far south as present-day Oklahoma and east into Quebec. Until 1634, it is estimated that the Huron population totalled approximately 30,000 people. But by 1650, epidemics and wars involving Hurons and Iroquois, F 1 and British reduced the population to a few hundred. th In the 17 century, French Jesuits and Recollets set up missionary camps. Trading agricultural settlers, including the first group of Scots and Bl same time, H 2 County for masts and spars. This lead to more cleared land, more agriculture, more mills and eventually, in 1853, the first Canadian rail line that went fromo Collingwood via Bradford and Barrie. Some settlers followed the first Canad 3 farmed. Simcoe District was proclaimed on January 11, 1843 with 19 townships and included 4 the islands in Lakes Huron and Simcoe. 12 Page 67 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... unters and gatherers roamed the shores of Georgian Bay as early as 9000 BC. There is evidence in Killarney that semi-nomadic Plano people set up camp around that time. Woodland Indians moved into the area around 225 BC. Thousands of years later, the Huron-Wendat Nation settled on the 5 southern shores of Georgian Bay, actively farming and trading. First contact with Europeans is recorded in 1610 when Étienne Brûlé came to live as an interpreter with the Algonquin people of the Ottawa River, who l over the winter. Five years later, Samuel de Champlain landed in Huronia. In 1626 Jesuit Jean de Brebeuf arrived and supervised the building of th Sainte- eur were a crucial partner in the export of beaver established and the cour de bois pelts to Europe. Between 1634 and 1640, in what may have been the greatest human region, half of the aboriginal population of southern Ontario an Great Lakes perished from terrifying new diseases that the newcomers inadvertently brought across the Atlantic Ocean with them. The Iroquois in New York suffered on a similar scale, and a critical motivation for escalating their wa to capture and adopt outsiders to replace their losses, in part to maintain enough of a population to preserve their social viability. During the 1640s confederacy, under the influence of the British, defeated, destroyed, dispersed, or 6 absorbed their aboriginal enemies in southern Ontario A few survivors fled to Christian Island in Georgian Bay. Others were integrated into the Iroquois Confederation. he survivors of this tragic episode divided into two groups: the Great-Lake Wyandots and the Huron-Wendat, who were the ancestors 7 of the Huron-Wendat of Wendake. During the late seventeenth and the eighteenth century, the homeland of 8 became occupied by the Algonquin-speaking peoples. Today, Simcoe County is home to two First Nation communities: The Chippewas of Rama First Natio First Nation. 13 Page 68 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... This map gives a general location of early trails and villages and how they may have connected early trail network. 14 Page 69 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... In 1793, Penetanguishene, an Ojibwe village was developed by John Graves Simcoe, Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada as a naval base. The purpose of this was to establish a model British colony and a government post that would enable supplies to be sent to other posts in the Great Lakes. Following this, in 1811, Samuel Wilmot began the process of surveying land in attempt to link Kempenfelt Bay with Penetanguishene for a military road. (See Penetangusihene Road on Land Purchases, Early Roads & Treaties Map.) Roads made it easier for newcomers to access land grants and so it encouraged settlement and by d been surveyed 9 for settlement. John Graves Simcoe to the Red River in Manitoba, made the long trek by rivers and l the Nottawasaga on Georgian Bay. Then they travelled from there overland and formed the first permanent European settlement in Simcoe County in West 10 Gwillimbury Black settlers were another group to take advantage of this new roadway. As an indirect result of Lord Simcoe's efforts to abolish slavery in Upper Canada, a Negro militia unit was raised during the War of 1812. The men were fre loyal to Britain. Following the war, these soldiers were provide Between 1829 and 1931 approximately 60 black settlers and their families took advantag planning and incentive. However, the land was of poor quality an 11 settlers had moved on to Collingwood, Barrie or Toronto. Simcoe County was attractive to early settlers for a number of r incentive was free land grants given to soldiers; for others it life and an escape from poverty in their homeland resulting from the Napoleonic Wars. usual settlement route was up Yonge Street to Holland Landing and then by lake boat 12 15 Page 70 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... This map indicates some of the early settlements and how they we rest of the County. 16 Page 71 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The 1880 circa Railway map below is an example of the early sign of Simcoe had on the movement of goods and passengers; it was a the rest of Canada and the United States. But railways gave way to faster air travel, cheaper trucking costs and a much improved road network. Now, a municipalities by using our abandoned rails and forgotten trails. Simcoe County Transportation Routes 1880 17 Page 72 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Our predecessors moved people and cargo in Simcoe County along an increasingly complex network of ancient waterways and pathways; portage route trade routes; military and settlement roads; and then rail lines. Bygone roads, t and rail lines were abandoned for newer, improved transportation the early sixties in the United States, and shortly thereafter i movement to revisit those historic routes and reclaim them as trail ways for p enjoyment, green transportation, and recreation. This American example sheds light on what historic applications common: ation hailed the changes in national surface transportation policy as important stepping stones towar communities and heritage corridors whose historic resources and isitor amenities can help attract travelers and revenue to cities and t National Trust intends to work with communities to tap into the transportation enhancement activities to support historic preser sustainable transportation. This includes encouraging pedestrian and bicycle access for Main Streets and Federal and state heritage c The desire to be on the move and to see new things is an importa of the human experience; so is the desire to preserve places that signify home. The transportation enhancements category of funding has cr great opportunity for Americans to preserve culturally significa routes for future generations to enjoy, and to enliven and prote 13 communities we all call Already there are numerous examples of this trend in Simcoe County where we have capitalized on the rich culture and history in significant settlement sites connected by ancient pathways of days gone by, such as Nine-Mile Portage, Georgian Trail, Uthoff Trail, and Tiny Trail, to name a few. A much larger example of the trend is the Trans Canada Trail, which is crossing Canada like the railway did, opening up new opportunities to trail users, just as the railway once did for rail users. oast to coast to coast the Trans Canada Trail is one of provincial and territorial capitals, canoe the routes of early e and provincial parks, commute to and from work, cycle historic rail trails and picnic in 14 18 Page 73 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... In the United States, the rails to trails movement started in th-. At that time, efforts were strictly at the local level and few Americans truly big the trails movement 40 years later, rail-trails have begun to make a significant mark, with 15,000 miles of rail-trails and over 100 15 millio In America, the conversion process had a relatively fast turnaro rail to recreational trail due to a basic, national difference. were originally purchased under Federal government authority and were tied into the overall bid to join Canada from coast to coast. In contrast, th tended to be driven by big industry and private companies. The North American transportation climate changed dramatically o were established and interstate/interprovincial highways became co place. The original dominance of rail travel was challenged an- examined. As history clearly demonstrates, the private sector r financial problems than the government, so America was well on its way to selli unprofitable rail lines. The Rails to Trails Conservancy was es continues to be a great stimulus for trail development, not only but in North America. In Canada we abandoned our rail lines about 15-20 years after the Americans. However, we are quickly catching up to the American rails to tra chronological summary of railway growth and abandonment in Canada follows: 1890-1929 rapid expansion of rail network fuelled by land grants and subsi 1930-1967 few changes to the rail network, but the passenger jet became th preferred mode of long distance travel 1987 National Transportation Act Revision The National Transportation Agency must abandon unprofitable rail lines, despite any public interest in 1993 National Transportation Act Review Commission railways were allowed to disband without regulatory approval; about 20% were abandoned and sold and another 16 20% were sold to short line operators. 19 Page 74 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Railways of South Central Ontario (circa 1995) This map identifies rail lines so it is possible to see the potential for trail development. These historic linkages are a rare and valuable resource for a trail network in Simcoe County and beyond. Green = Current trails Red = Abandoned Blue = Active lines Page 75 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... As rail lines were abandoned for other modes of travel and shipprail corridors began to be viewed in different lights. One of the greatest challenges for u the ability to create routes to service customers. The rail cor abandoned, have become an efficient method of land banking for ue utility corridors have good access both above the ground, via the rail bed, and on both sides of the rail line. The majority of rail lines are 66 feet wide and prov cooperative use that benefit both municipality and commercial enterprise: natural gas fibre optics telecom water In the future, more options may be considered, such as wastewate Recreation in the County developed through a series of events, which culminated in the formation of SCRA (Simcoe County Recreation Association). As this brief history illustrates, recreation has had an early and prominent place in the County and SCRA professionals will undoubtedly play an active role in future trail initiatives. In 1925, the Province of Ontario passed the Community Halls Act. This act provided retroactive funding to communities for the construction of a community hall.ame a magnet for rural Ontarians to gather and enjoy socials, access cgencies, do arts and crafts, and participate in educational opportunities development programmes. In 1937, the University of Toronto established a series of Rural Province. This was a method of piping arts and recreation to rural communities. Later, in 1945, Simcoe County formed the first volunteer recreation adviso- law in Ontario. The committee was established to advise the Coun of Recreation Services. Ms. Louise Colley was hired as the first Recreation Director Post World War II, thousands of servicemen return home and the G of recreation facilities throughout Canada. During this time, the recre Director. As municipalities grew in the County, so did the trenecreation 21 Page 76 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Directors. The County has been well served by this group of rec continues today under the Simcoe County Recreation Association ( SCRA is considered a key partner in ensuring the success of a county-wide trail system. The collaboration of many municipal professionals, staff, stakeholde properly align the most effective plans for trail connection wit entire County. Trail planning and development promises to play a large role in the future recreation in Simcoe County. Recreation Professionals Utility Planners Operators Politicians Health Professionals Engineers The Simcoe County Trails Strategy requires the collaboration of above stakeholders to enable the most effective plans to be drafted and implemented. The rich history of Simcoe County has paved the way for the deve County Trails Strategy. Often we need to understand the past to comprehend what we have today and to celebrate future potential. From its early beginnings, Simcoe County offered a natural setting and a favourable environment to its first inhabitants. The availability of water courses and lakes and prolific forests and habitats enabled peop First Nations to thrive. They created villages, trails and trade routes. European settlers followed these initial routes, building settle transportation corridors with roads and eventually rail lines for the efficient movement of people, goods and services. Early settlement patterns show that Simcoe County was a vital link in a much larger rail system for cargo and passengers traveling west across Canada and the United States. 22 Page 77 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... As time passed, airplanes and vehicles became more popular forms of travel and many rail lines were gradually retired. The hardships of the early settlers were giving way to the notio of recreation and taking time to rest and rejuvenate. Community halls and recreation programs started to spring up in the County. Today, trends in the recreation, health and environment sectors are f lifestyles with a decreased dependency on the automobile. There biking and hiking trails. Municipalities, recreation and health professionals are starting to collaborate to provide trail systems, not only for residents, bu It seems connecting our past to our future, by reclaiming old trails and corridors that were once the lifeblood of early settlements. In Simcoe County, our historic network of abandoned trails, hist, roads, natural resources and retiring rail lines provide a trulya trails network. By linking historic routes and creating new ones, the Simcoe County Trails Strategy not only preserves our culture and heritage, but brings communit more active, sustainable future. 1 Vincent Levesque, The History of the Huron- http://www.wendake.com/history.html. 2 The Canadian Encyclopedia in http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA. 3 Mary Garbutt, Simcoe County Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society http://www.simcoebogs.com/About/ab_simcoe.htm. 4 Canada Gazette, No.68, January 14, 1843, p.382. 5 Graham Ketcheson http://www.whitesquall.com/pdf/bayhistory.pdf. 6 Toronto Culture Exploring Toronto's past Natives and Newcomers, 1600- http ://www.toronto.ca/culture/history/history-natives-newcomers.htm 1793 . 7 Vincent Levesque, The History of the Huron- http://www.wendake.com/history.html. 8 Mary Garbutt, Simcoe County Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society http://www.simcoebogs.com/About/ab_simcoe.htm. 9 http://www.simcoe.ca/cultureinformation/archives/onlineexhibits/joh htm. 10 Mary Garbutt, Simcoe County Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society http://www.simcoebogs.com/About/ab_simcoe.htm. 23 Page 78 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 11 Archives, http://www.simcoe.ca/cultureinformation/archives/onlineexhibits/OroBlackSettlement/ x.htm. 12 Mary Garbutt, Simcoe County Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society http://www.simcoebogs.com/About/ab_simcoe.htm. 13 Kenneth Wyke, Federal Highways and Richard Moe, President, Natio 14 The Trans Canada Trail, http://www.tctrail.ca/thetrail.php. 15 Peter Harnik, Co-founder, Rails-to--Trail http://www.railstotrails.org/ourWork/trailBasics/railTrailHistory.html. 16 Rails to Greenways The Proceedings of a Conference. Ed. John Marsh. Aug. 13-15, 1993. Canadian Rails to Greenways Network and Trent University, July 1994. 24 Page 79 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 25 Page 80 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Simcoe County faces unprecedented growth and is one of the faste the GTA. The Simcoe Area Growth Plan doubled, growing from approximately 240,000 in 1981 to almost 44 been particularly strong in the more recent Census periods, incl grown significa the following chart shows, population projections for 2031 estim 1 reach 667,000. Along with projected population growth, comes a growing concern residents about the effects of urban development on the environment and quality of l0 years, the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006) and the adopted new County of Simcoe Official plan propose to: Curb urban sprawl while protecting green spaces, natural assets and farmland Revitalize towns and create vibrant nodes and complete living co Provide a greater range of transportation options Improve quality of life Boost job creation The Simcoe County Trails Strateg. Chapter 6 of this document outlines the many benefits that trail such as protecting green space or automobile, and that connect key facilities, stores and services within a commun more active, vibrant lifestyles. An economic benefit of trails is job creation and the health benefits section links trail use to improved quality of life. There are a number of noteworthy trends occurring in Simcoe CounCanada-wide that support the use of trails and a trails strategy. The Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit and the Heart and Stroke Foundationument the growing trend toward inactivity and poor eating habits, leading disease and other health problems. These agencies are strong pr lifestyles, active transportation and trail use. Erika Haney and Nadine Robitaille, Public Health Nurses with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit put i significant the health crisis is in Canada and Simcoe County: Physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyles, overweight and obesitted with escalating chronic disease rates provincially and locally. Appro Canadian adults are risking their health and quality of life bec 3 lifestyles. It is estimated that chronic diseases related to inactivity in asts the Canadian 4 health care system $5.1 billion dollars. 26 Page 81 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The Heart and Stroke Foundation reports that rates of high blood pre skyrocketed by 77%, diabetes 45% and obesity 18% affecting both 5 last 2 decades The Foundation recommends making environments more heart healthy by creating opportunities that allow people to be less inactive. The local picture is no different. The Canadian Community Health Survey in 2007 for Simcoe Muskoka found that: ults over the age of 18 are overweight and 21% are obese, slightly more than the Ontario and national rate. Well over a 1/3 of youth are overweight or obese (34.8%) which i Ontario (28%) and National (29%) level. Almost half (44%) of adults aged 18 years and older were considered to be inactive in their leisure time compared to just over half (53%) of adults wh moderately active. More than 2/3 (79%) of youth between 12 and 19 years of age had active leisure time physical activity 38% of adults and youth reported spending between 15 and 24 hour 6 The environmental movement has raised awareness about reducing our carbon footprint, building sustainable communities and active transportation. Specifically in Ontario and Simcoe County, the Simcoe Area Growth Plan enerally, over past decades in Ontario, there has been a growing expectation by the public that the natural environment should be given a higher priority in decision-making for long-range land use planning and in the Simcoe County Area, the public and organized interest groups are concerned about the effects of growth on the water and agricultural resources, heritage resources, the costs of growth, traffic and demands on health 7 These trends toward increasing public concern for quality of lifvironment, resulted in some key recommendations being made in the (November 2008)that support trail development. It states that healthy communit be a planning priority, specifically it suggests, among other th developing active transportation systems, protecting greenspace and making walkabl There is a growing market in ecotourism, adventure-based tourism and tour packages that cater to the adventure learner and active tourist. 8 A one-fifth of the global tourism industry and the past few decades the commercial -rich, time-poor, reasonably fit people now treat adventure activities as purchasable short-term holiday packages, rather than as lifetime personal investments 27 Page 82 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... in skills and equipment. This has led to expansion at both the -skill and high-skill 9 According to the AdventureTravel Trade Association (ATTA), adventure travel is the fastest growing segment of the leisure travel industry. Adventure is defined by the traveler so might be a whitewater rafting trip or a walking or c In a study conducted by ATTA, The George Washington University School of Bu Counsulting, they found that of those countries surveyed, 26% of respondents indicated that they participated in adventure travel activities, least two of the following three aspects: physical activity, int 10 cultural learning or exchange. Simcoe County has tremendous recreational opportunities for seas attraction of part-time residency in the County has always been a factor and contin influence service levels, parks and recreation, and long-term planning. With current census tracking procedures, it is difficult to estimate with much certa make up the seasonal population. However, in 2006, there were a 11 estimated seasonal homes. Due to a strong economy and aging population, more and more retirees will choose to buy second homes in the area. The seasonal population uses trails and represents a growing interest for the County Trails Strategy. These trends are all discussed in greater detail in Chapter 6: Trail Benefits and Successes. Given the demographics and trends in Simcoe County, the Provincethe County responded by conducting studies that resulted in planning policies, many o strong case for trail development in Simcoe County as a means of planning for ac This timeline shows the key trail-related planning initiatives that led to the County Trails Strategy. March 2005 Provincial Policy Statement - Promotes pedestrian and non-motorized activity facilities - Requires provision for publicly-accessible parks and recreation areas including trails. June 2006 Growth Plan for the Golden Horseshoe - Requires planning for a balance of transportation choices. - Encourages development of complete communities with a range of h quality public open space and easy access to local stores and se where people can live, learn, work and play. January 2007 Changes to the Planning Act - Promotion of development that is designed to be sustainable, to to be oriented to pedestrians. - Lands required for pedestrian pathways, bicycle pathways and pub-of-way may be dedicated to municipalities through development approvals. June 2008 County of Simcoe Transportation Master Plan 28 Page 83 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... - Identifies an increased role for the County in the development and coordination of active transportation opportunities. November 2008 Adopted New County of Simcoe Official Plan - Encourages pedestrian-friendly design. - Requires preparation of Active Transportation Plan for all prima - Promotes establishment of County-wide trail system. April 2009 County collaborates with National Trails Council and Huronia Trails Association to investigate the potential for a County-wide trails strategy April 2010 The County of Simcoe decides to develop a Trails Strategy - Implements a County-wide consultation process - Hosts a trails conference with Dunbar and Associates and trail speakers/professionals - Drafts the trails network strategy. May 2011 Dunbar & Associates presents the draft Simcoe County Trails Strategy to County Corporate Services Committee June 2011 - Hosts three open houses in Innisfil, Coldwater and Stayner for public comment - The Trails Strategy has three phases for trail development - The Strategy recommends a Trails Committee structure with operat July 2011 Draft Trails Strategy circulated to area municipalities & agencies for comment 1 http://www.simcoe.ca/ws_cos/groups/public/@pubcos/documents/web_content/wscos_002 206.pdf. 2 Places to Grow, June 2009, https://www.placestogrow.ca/images/pdfs/Simcoe_ENG.pdf. 3 Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, 2001 Physical Activity Monitor, 2001. 4 J. Appl. Physiol. 29:90115, 2004. 5 2010 Annu 6 http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/080618/dq080618a-eng.htm. 7 http://www.simcoe.ca/ws_cos/groups/public/@pubcos/documents/web_content/wscos_002 206.pdf. 29 Page 84 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 8 http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/dsib-tour.nsf/vwapj/tourism_e.pdf/$FILE/tourism_e.pdf. 9 Adventure Touris2007, http://tourismintelligence.ca/2007/09/21/adventure-tourism-trends/. 10 The George Washington University School of Business, The Adventure Travel Trade Association, and Xola Consulting, Adventure Tourism Market Report August 2010, http://www.adventuretravel.biz/wp- content/uploads/2010/09/adventure_travel_market082610.pdf. 11 http://www.simcoe.ca/ws_cos/groups/public/@pubcos/documents/web_ . 206.pdf 30 Page 85 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 31 Page 86 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The public consultation process was multi-faceted and provided opportunities for input and participation from the general public, grassroots trail users, o municipalities, planners, provincial agencies and senior levels nment. The intent of the consultation was to solicit feedback, ideas and comments to Trails Strategy forward and produce a world-class trail network. The County website hosted an on-line Simcoe County Trails Strategy Survey and there was a Blog site which generated hundreds of responses from trail suppo In April 2010 at Horseshoe Valley Resort, Peter Dunbar, Dunbar a seven presentations regarding the trails plan for trail supporte The County hosted four public open house consultations in the win held at Bradford , Wasaga Beach, Midhurst and Penetanguishene. Associates, and Nathan Westendorp, Senior Planner, Simcoe County Planning Department, described the process to date in a 40-minute visual presentation. Attendees then had the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. A form was pr wished to leave written comments. All input received through the open houses and other means was reviewed and carefully considered by the County and Dunbar and Associates. The draft Trails Strategy was written and then presented again to the public for comment in June 2011. The final trails strategy provides recommendations for proceeding with a county-wide trail system and the investments needed. Accompanying the Simcoe County Trails Stratis a design, construction and maintenance manual to assist municipalities and and managing the County trail system. The public open houses were well attended, with the vast majority in support for the plans to date. Questions were raised pertaining specific trails or links and how they would join into the overall network. The following report summarizes the main messages and some key issues and opportuniti 32 Page 87 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... REPORT ON PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE SURVEYS Reason for Use of Trails, Trail Activities, and Trails Used It appears that throughout the County the general consensus among trail purpose in using the trails is recreational or health and exerci for using the trails, nature enthusiasm, is considerably behind leaders as well as considerably beyond the other reasons for trail use (See figure 1). Likewise, trail trails is generally related to physical exertion rather than motorized enjoyment. The survey exposed that 77% of trail users either walk, bike, run, rollerblade, or cross country ski where as only 11% revealed that they use motorized vehicles on the trails and another 11% indicated they did other activities such as horseback riding, snowshoeing and etc.. According to the Public Open House statistics, the motorized-vehicle users are the minority among trail users. Another interesting statistic indicates that most Simcoe County use trails in other Townships or areas. Users from southern Simcoe County indicated that they used trails from most of the southern Simcoe regions and users from n used trails from a vast area of northern townships. The regions the greatest diversity in that their residents listed usage of trail The type of trails users have unanimously identified as using mo- municipal trails and the frequency of trail usage answers why. On average, 94% of trail users use the trails for equal to or less than five hours and, most commonly, separate times per week. Using the trails for such a short perios can easily access trails for a short period of time. However, th they use the Bruce, Ganaraska, or other trails only or in additi-municipal trails. Preference of Trail Surface Penetanguishene trail users response to preference of trail surfa Penetanguishene indicated that asphalt is the preferred trail surface. Of the other options, 20% of those surveyed chose crushed stone, another 20% preference is packed earth. Conversely, trail users in Wasaga Beach indicated that they most prefer either packed earth or crushed stone and half of Bradford users likewise indicated they prefer packed earth. In Midhurst, 34% of users indicate they prefer packed earth trails and 28% indicate that the trail surface Following the diverse response of each surveyed area, County wide there was no conclusive 33 Page 88 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... preference on trail surface. Figure 2 indicates the overall resp concrete pavement is not preferred by any users and although pact vote, the preference is not substantially above crushed stone. Ranked Trail Features and Facilities The ranking of facilities and features on the trails by the surv maintenance, safety and clarity of municipal trail maps were all among the most important features and facilities of the trails. In Wasaga Beach 65% of the respondents indicated that clarity of municipal trail maps was essential. concerns were overwhelmingly safety and maintenance of the trails because the majority of users ranked those features as essential. Penetanguishene and Bradford users were more varied in their responses but their agreement of ranking in one area sticks out. The greatest consensus in both Penetanguishene and Bradford is that safety on the trails is essential. Amenities were consistently ranked as beneficial trail features Figure 3 indicates the County wide ranking of facilities and fea Trail Wish List The features that trail users would most like to see on the trails changes however; the trends that stand out among the entire County have whole, Simcoe County trail users are most interested in seeing mkers and trash receptacles on the trails and features that stick out as being conclusively racks. Many users commented on their surveys that benches are es that they have a break throughout their walk. One feature which is decisively not desir 34 Page 89 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... users is telephones, however; a few trail users did indicate tha different points in the trails may be beneficial. In Penetanguishene, users most want to see trash receptacles, historic markers and interpr signage. Bradford, Midhurst, and Wasaga Beach all indicated that their greatest interest is trail markers. Midhurst also specified that they would appreciate trash receptacles and washrooms to be included in trail systems. Future Trail Connections The most commonly mentioned trail connections which the public identified as needing to be finished were the gaps between Coldwater and Waubaushene and between Barrie and Stayner. Other suggestions included creating a trail which branches off the North Simcoe Rail Trail (between Wyevale and Elmvale) and arches northwest to the edge of Wasaga Beach and then turns southwest and runs into Stay Wasaga Beach to Collingwood; and making a link from the Barrie shoreline trail t Unanimous Public Opinions The public also provided insight into different situations and e trails. Bradford users commented on the need to have proper crossings at Cookstown and Thornton where the trail crosses major highways and asked the County to c users utilizing the same areas. Midhurst users also commented on the same area as well as the need for effective signage, connectivity, - motorized winter trails with signage for users who snowshoe, cro-country ski and etc.. Penetanguishene respondents indicated that having kilometre or road markings on trails would be beneficial for users, that they would enjoy involvement througho motorized vehicle use on trails, especially within urbanized are horseback riding and snowmobiling should be involved in trail use. An emphasis in Wasaga Beach connectivity and looping of trails so that users can make small and Collingwood were commonly mentioned along with education con usage between motor-vehicles and non-motorized users. County wide there seems to be a lot of concern about the noise and use of motorized vehicles on trails in small vehicle users, such as snowmobilers, have reported they feel as though the new trails strategy will highly reduce or eliminate their involvement in trail use. 35 Page 90 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 36 Page 91 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The trail movement has had tremendous growth within the past five years. There are numerous success stories right here in Simcoe County. Many new arious sectors such as Planning, Tourism, Health, and the Environment, are simultaneously coming together to create an even more supportive trail environment, full of new opportunities for growth and development. This list identifies many successful initiatives already underwa the County, as well as opportunities for further trail development. 1.Simcoe County is waiting for Provincial approval on the New Official Plan, an excellent support document for new Healthy Lifestyle planning in Simcoe Co 2.Active transportation has hit a new stride and municipalities th County are adopting and/or planning to orchestrate Active Transportation planning initiatives. Trail benefits will be enhanced from this new approach to transportation planning in all communities. 3.All communities have residents who are reflecting strongly on th and community members are seeking ways that they, and governments can comply. 4.Health Units have retooled their community involvement and now, work, have reached out to the community. This promotion and education of healthy living continually supports more trails, in more places, for increased use by the community. Trails promise opportunities that are inexpensive, a and at any schedule. 5.Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the province inten eliminate physical barriers for people with disabilities, making all by 2025. Well planned trails that are built in a sustainable manner often produce accessible trails. Accessibility needs to be considered in the broadest se example, the 8-80 City program challenges trail designers to accommodate users 8-80. If an 8 or 80 year old cannot safely use the trail in an en is not accessible. Catherine Sholtz, Accessibility Coordinator for Bre Barriers in Collingwood must always include provisions for accessibility and provide each indunique experience without unique barriers or challenges. The design of the trail should take into consideration individuals who are unable to hear, using cru using a wheelchair or powered scooter for mobility, seniors, chi 1 or not able to r These standards will give rise to many opportunities for innovation and inclusiveness. 6. The guidelines are looking for ways to reduce our reliance on cars and enable residents to walk for most services. This is an exciting trail influence planning departments. 7.Walking/Biking tours are becoming a major influence on regional New tours are being announced and new markets thriving with the active, above 37 Page 92 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... average income and education clients. 2 Cycle tourism and other soft adventure activities ar On average, soft adventure travellers (e.g. cycling, hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, orienteering, etc.) spend $822 per trip, excluding air fare, representing an 89 Billion 3 The ideal cycle tour is a three day/150km scenario. dollar industry world wide Restaurants, hotels, motels and Bed & Breakfasts provide accommo adventure companies to complete the full experience. There are lots of success stories around the world built on this model (e.g. New Zealand Walking Tours by NZ Travellers, Absolute Walking Tours, Backroads Walking & Hiking Tours, Walking Adventures International.) Simcoe County has a rare combination of exceptional resources to attract this market: natural environments, escarpmees, mountains, marshes, diverse multi-cultural citizens, recognized hospitality, opportunities for an excellent trail network, and all within a 1 GTA. 8.Share the Road signs are going up along popular biking routes inh as in the Georgian Triangle, and elsewhere municipalities are providing a 1.5 metre strip along existing road routes to promote more non-vehicular traffic. It is expected that Wasaga Beach may be the model for other municipalities to followMunicipal staff and volunteers are currently developing a plan to establish a process to provid transport in and around these municipalities. 9. (Regional Tourism Organization tourism assets in a cohesive, marketable manner. This provides opportunity for strategizing across many municipalities to assem packages. 10.The impressive list of change agents above at work in and around Simcoe County has positively contributed to the following trail successes in our n Wasaga Beach Active Transportation Plan Clearview Rail Trail project Oro-Medonte/Horseshoe Resort Master Development Plan Penetanguishene Historic Trail Project Township of Georgian Bay/Muskoka neighbour Port Severn Trails works Township of Tay Trail and new surface treatment Perkensfield Bike/Pedestrian Pathway Construction Project North Simcoe Trail, Black Creek Bridge renovations Essa and Innisfil, Cookstown Trans Canada Work Ramara Active Transportation Plan 38 Page 93 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Canadian health organizations, such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation and public health agencies have sounded the alarm: we are an overweight, inactive nation. Our American neighbours share the same health crisis. A long term U.S. study confirmed that obesity surpasses smoking as the top health threat. Between 1993 and 2008, smoking in American adults declined by 18.5 per cent, while the proportion of obese 4 cent. Although it is a U.S. study, Canadians cannot ignore its implicaour medical community warns that we mirror the American findings. A study presented in October at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Edmonton said obesity, high cholesterol are affecting Canadian teens at alarmingly high rater 5 time. Most people are aware that our sedentary lifestyles are translat disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other serious health that making healthy eating and activity choices can prevent or alleviate symptoms. However, one of the barriers to change seems to stem from the lack of mot choices. Trails are now seen as a tremendous opportunity to counteract ou are accessible, affordable, and an easy exercise choice for many people to make. show that when trails are convenient and readily accessible, peo choose to use them. The health argument for trail development is strengthened twofold when combined with the environmental and active transportation planning movement. Other sectors, working in partnership with health, are strongly influencing trail developm environment. So much so that the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada released a position statement demonstrating how the current built environme activity, heart disease and stroke and conversely, how changes t 6 use and transportation system can have a positive affect on our health. The U.S. Smart Growth Agenda, Healthy People 2010 and The Ministry of Health Promotion Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy are all working under simila need for partnerships from various sectors for trails and other healthy initiatives in the interest of our well being. The Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit and the Heart and Stroke Foundationclearly document the growing health crisis caused by inactivity and poor eating habits, leading to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other health problems in Health Trends, Chapter 4. 39 Page 94 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... According to the physical activity guidelines, adults need at le activity on most days of the week and children and youth need 90 minutes of moderate physical activity (e.g. brisk walking and bike riding) to vigoro 7 and soccer) every day for optimal growth and development. Alarmingly, the 2009 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth revealed physical activity guidelines of 90 minutes of physical activity - 2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey determined that the prevalence of suboptimal fitness levels amongst Canadian adults has increased markedly since 1981 8 health problems. 9 In the U.S., health care costs associated with physical inactivi 2000. The same report also projected that if just 10% of adults began 5.6 billion dollars in heart disease could be saved. Sadly, onl ages of 5 and 15 walk to school in the U.S. This is down from more than 50 percent in the 10 Similarly, across Canada, only about 12% of trips to the grocery store, wor are made on foot or by bicycle. Compare that to the Netherlands, where 46% 11 and 41% respectively, of their population make similar trips by foot or bicycle.Our reliance on the automobile creates additional health issues for us. Harmf Ontario Medical Association estimates that in 2005, Simcoe Muskoka exper premature deaths, 550 hospital admissions and 2,052 emergency vits as a result of air 12 pollution. If we choose to drive short distances, rather than walking, biki, we are contributing not only to our sedentary lifestyle, but to Trails are not just for recreation and leisure purposes. If we to include transportation, we create more opportunities for people to get the exercise they need by incorporating trail use into daily routines. For exampl along a trail to do our errands, shop, go to school and work or In Canada, over half of the automobile trips are under five kilo ideal 13 distances to cover by walking, cycling, in-line skating or other active transportation modes Now trails are being viewed as not only a place to bike or hike connectors in accomplishing daily tasks. Erika Haney and Nadine Robitaille of the Simcoe Muskoka District compelling case for trail use and development. Trails being affordable and accessible, offer a place for people to be physically active on a regular basis. Trails can help p overall improved health and well being and perhaps be a popular rising incidence of chronic disease and health care costs that ebut across the nation. They offer the following statistics in support of t 40 Page 95 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Ontario residents place leisure (55%) as a priority over work. 14 of Ontarians choose walking for exercise. 15 People who have more trails nearby, walk more. Trails encourage people to be active in various ways such as wal running, snow showing and cross country skiing to name a few. Tr available to any age group 365 days a year for free. With walki most chosen physical activity among Canadians of all ages, trails can have a 16 According to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institu almost ¼ of Canadians walk 6 or more hours a week to work, schoo - errands a third (33%) of Ontarians say that a network of trails and paths would - encourage them to be more physically active Canadian youth age 15 19, 66% identify that walking is their top leisure - time activity and 17 Active commuting is undertaken by about ¼ of Canadian children. - Trails can provide physical activity for the widest range of peo persons with disabilities, children and youth, the elderly and o 18 known to be less physically active. In Simcoe County, people are ready to use trails as a means to achieve better health. Over half of adults (56% 18+) reported using any walking, biking or 19 nature trails in Simcoe Muskoka in the past 12 months. Therefore, encouraging the use of trails as an activity for improved health could support increased use and demand for trails throughout the county. Robitaille and Haney also compiled a persuasive list of health benefits attributed to importantly, can impact the growing epidemic of chronic diseases (i.e. cardiovascular disease, some cancers, respiratory disease, Type 2 diabetes, men he Impact of the Built Environment on the Health found many published studies report that regular physical activity has tremendous long term benefits to health which include: Lower mortality rates for both older and younger adults; Lower risk for heart disease and stroke; Prevention or delay of high blood pressure and among people with hypertension, lowering of blood pressure; Decrease risk for colon cancer; Lowered risk for type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent); Weight loss and redistribution of body fat; Increase in muscle mass; Improvement of mood and relief of the symptoms of depression and Enhancement of psychological wellbeing and perceived health-related quality of life; and 20 Improved physical functioning among people with poor health. More recently, it has been determined through numerous studies that regular to moderat intensity physical activity reduces scores for depressive sympto associated with 21 lower anxiety. In addition to these benefits, A Prospective Study of Physical Activity and Cognitive Decline in Elderly Women: Women Who Walk shows that more physical activity, 41 Page 96 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... such as walking several city or blocks or along trails leads to 22 age. This work may have implications for battling dementia which is iue to our aging population. These health statistics and research studies support the idea that, trails and trail use can be part of the health crisis solution. Directly related to the improved health and well being of indivie social benefits associated with trail use. Meaningful leisure activity contribu-esteem and positive self-image. Walking on trails is considered a form of play for childrprovide opportunities to reduce stress, rejuvenate and connect with the landscape and other trail users. A well planned trail system or network is much more than a solut issues. A simple diagram (below) in Trails and Greenways: Advancing the Smart Growth 23 Agenda illustrates how integral trails can be in combating health, clea and environmental issues. A well integrated trail system that partners will become self-reinforcing and self sustaining. Self-Reinforcing Green Infrastructure Development and Use Increased Benefits Increased Induced Green Demand (Use) Many health officials in both Canada and the United States belie moderate trail use can improve our health. In both countries, c promoting partnerships to enable trail development and use are und will be working with many of our national partners, including th USDA Forest Service, trails organizations, and business sponsorsp some significant trails programs and draft some possible Memoranda of Understandi Agreements with national health leaders, such as the National As Activity, to foster American Trails' partnerships to help facilitate the "Healthy People 2010" 42 Page 97 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 24 initiatives. Similarly in Ontario, the Ministry of Health Promotion in the Ac strategy outlines the framework for more collaboration among par -for-profit organizations, businesses and all levels of government share the 25 Given the dire health consequences of our sedentary lifestyle, cr heavy reliance on the automobile, trails seem to make good sense. But people will use trails and that trail use will actually improve steadily growing. Here are some examples of proven health benefits related to trail use: Studies in the U.S. and Canada show that people who live in mode areas and in more walkable neighbourhoods make more trips on foo 26 less time driving and are more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels. A 2000 study in Denmark found that leisure-time physical activity improves longevity of life across genders and age groups. Even moderate activity yielded b 27 further positive effects derived from bicycling as transportation. In southeastern Missouri, 55% of trail users (who responded to t exercising more now than before they had access to a trail. A k study was that walking trails may be beneficial in promoting phyity among segments of the population at highest risk for inactivity, in pa 28 persons in lower socioeconomic groups. In Japan, researchers (T. Takano, K. Nakamura and N. Watanabe) f green spaces integrated with urban environments increased the longevity of older 29 citizens in cities. In Indiana, 70% of trail users said they were exercising more as 30 trail. Use of 31 This study provides evidence that improvement in physical activity behaviour does result by adding a community trail, particularly among previously inactives. Approximately 25% of trail users began regularly exercising 3-4 times per week as a result of the trail development. Of the people surveyed, 31% used the trail as their only activity venue, suggesting that trails are a powerful vehicle to promote vity among inactive individuals. However, the study also points to the importance of designing tr Not just any trail will do. If we truly want to motivate people their health, the study says that trails must exhibit some key qualities in order to promote use. Ranked in order of priority, the following attributes are (the habitually active trail user ranked these priorities somewh 1.Convenience and Residential proximity 2.Flat, paved terrain 43 Page 98 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 3.Safety 4.Scenery/Environment 5.Atmosphere Another positive result emerges from Moses Lake in Washington. intervention was implemented to help the city battle obesity. A Washington are considered overweight or obese. Along with education ca strategies, the city revised its master plan to replace a railro 32 hiking and change zoning to make the city more user-friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. Evaluation continues, but 34% of respondents indicated that they the planning efforts, and 63% of respondents indicated that they as been ready for change, has made progress over a short period, and has demonstrated that man Washington State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan can be effective in local 33 communities From a healthy living perspective, the need for trails in communities and regions has never been more real. A well-planned trail system can address a number of our most pressing h issues. 44 Page 99 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Park systems in Canada and United States have long known the benefits of combining education with trail use. For decades, they have offered interp historic and natural routes using naturalists and guides, signs,-guiding pamphlets and more recently, MP3 players. The goal is to educate trail users about flora, fauna, significant natural and geological features and our natural heritage. In do trail user will gain a better appreciation of nature and culture protection and preservation for future generations. and satisfying outdoor experiences for many users. These experie connection with the natural environment and provide opportunities for an appreciation of Ontario's natural heritage. With a trails system that traverses regions, trails play an important role in supporting environment 34 public commitme This section will review some of the well-established and familiar forms of education along trailways, as well as introduce some new directions. Perhaps the most familiar and traditional education benefits associated with trail use are the interpretation of significant natural and historic features. Si railway beds, aboriginal pathways, portage routes, canals and wa cross conservation lands and environmentally protected areas, there is a ri subject matter. For example: , writes that Terry Bergerson of the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department can learn more about nature, culture or history along trails. Of par importance, trails provide firsthand experiences that educate ci 35 The Go For Green Trail Monitor 2 cites the National Park Service, 1990: provided by cultural and historic sites. One of the fastest grow tourism includes cultural and historic community festivals, evens, and competitions. Greenways and trails can provide a link between hi 36 37 understand, appreciate, and enjoy key park/site heritage themes Hike Ont: nhanced, active education along trails is achieved through the u comprehensive trail guides and signage to encourage awareness of 38 cultural, and historical attributes of t 45 Page 100 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Many trail users want to learn more about their environment. An Economic Impact Analysis of the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario found that trail users listed interpretive signage indicating 39 areas of natural and historic interest as important trail amenities. Also, a trail experience that combines elements of physical fitness with education can in outing or appeal to a larger market segment. MacGregor Point Pr knowledge and o Parks Get Active program at MacGregor Point to meet the needs of our techno- MP3 audio guides will be available to interpret the natural and 40 Old Shore Road Trail, including stories, Trails have a history of being used as outdoor classrooms. Scho advantage of local trails for activities and outings related to programs. Adult groups and clubs also use trails for learning environments, such as art classes, learning to snowshoe or cross country ski, bird watchin specific flora or fauna (e.g. mushrooms, reptiles). Special even Portage Festival (which celebrates an historic trade route and ancient aboriginal trail running between Barrie and Fort Willow in Springwater Township, Ontario) bring history to life through hikes and reenactments. -year strategic plan identifies providing opportunities for kids as one of three key initiatives. San Di initiatives with the development of their County Trail system wh outdoor classrooms: improve opportunities for children by: Encouraging and facilitating opportunities for exercise Creating positive life- long experiences 41 Trails that are interwoven through communities and the natural e invaluable, economical learning tools for local schools. If chdren and adults have easy access to trails in their community, it opens the door for more less reliance on budgets for transportation and program fees. T ricted budgets in schools across the nation have heavily affected transportation and have reduced educators'- from-the-classroom learning experiences. As a result, trails are becoming valuable as real-life outdoor laboratories for learning about the natural environment. Trails can provide a perfect classroom for the teaching biologist, bota 42 46 Page 101 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The San Diego strategic plan echoes the importance of easy accesIn addition to the health benefits, trail corridors can become outd can observe and learn about their natural and cultural environme 43 will connect to local parks, open space areas, schools, libraries, and other public lands. There is a great thirst for outdoor experiences that combine a b activity with learning or education. The strength of this markes even evident in the neighbourhood drug store. Shoppers Drug Mart pro-packaged packages available include: Scenic Caves Eco Adventure, Call of Rustic Wilderness Experience in Algonquin Park, Crush on Niagara Winery of Canada, Ontario Off Road Adventures, or the Segway Sampler pa below: -depth tour of the historic scenery of the Distillery and its past, while using space age technology. Spend the first portion of your experience learning how to ride a Segway and then strike out with one of our guides to explore the history and architecture of the site as the timeline from past to present is revealed. The Toronto Distillery District is a national Historic Site and represents the largest and best-preserved collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture in North America. Formerly known as The Gooderham and Worts Distillery, this facility has played an important role in the growth and wealth of both the city and nation, at one time contributing more to the Federal coffers than any other enterprise in the country. Whether your interests lie in heritage architecture, 19th century industrial processes or ghost stories, the district offers areas of interes for everyone in the family. Discover the history of this nationally significant site on a Segway transporter. Ride the 44 Elsewhere, there are numerous examples of the appeal of adventure education: Backroads, a travel company that specializes in biking, multispo promotes Europe 2010 and offers a full catalogue of adventures t 45 learning and activity. OurGreenbelt.ca produced a colour brochure highlighting Greenbelt Walks across xperience its cultural diversity and taste the freshness of its locally- The Canadian Automobile Association in its Spring 2010 magazine, 46 V Many regional tourist associations are pulling together packages showcase their trails, natural environments, activities and loca 47 Page 102 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Geocaching is a recent phenomenon that involves treasure hunting physica are 1,018,190 active caches and an estimated 3-4 million geocachers worldwide. In 47 the last 30 days, there have been 3,153,557 new logs submitted.The EarthCache, for ex geoscience feature or aspect of our Earth. EarthCaches include a notes and the details about where to find the location (latitude Visitors to EarthCaches can see how our planet has been shaped by geological processes, how we manage the resources and how scientists gather According to a recent study of the Trans Canada Trail, trail devook at ways of offering trail related products and services, guiding and out 48 experiences and themed outings to appeal to this large market of y of research and increasing concern that we are completely losi connection with our environment and the self-sustaining qualities of life that it offers. Bob Re-Thinking the Benefits of Trails and Greenways e need to convey the message that greenways and trails can promo expanding the idea that wild places and conservation projects near schools learning opportunities. We need to convey the message that greecan improve the way we treat our fellow human beings and ourselves. 49 Richard Louv in Last Child in the Woods ot that long ll you about the Amazon rain forest but not about the last time he or she explored the woods in soli 50 le delusion that somehow we are different, no longer subject to the same rules th forms. We have lost all sense of belonging in nature and have b short-term benefits of science and technology that have bludgeoned nature into apparent 51 connect A well-forged connection with nature in the early years , translates into a sense of place, inner harmony and well being in our later years. Rach trees and plants and water. In some way, which is hard to expree able to be more whole in the presence of nature, are able to go deeper into 52 48 Page 103 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... When children explore nature or engage in outdoor free play, as ight along trailways and in greenspaces, they are fostering a remarkable nu-sustaining qualities, such as: 1.getting to know themselves on their own terms testing their strength, speed, balance, bravery, curiosity. (Can I cross the stream without getting my feet wet? How many marshmallows can I roast at once?) 2.developing their creativity imagining and role playing, problem solving, building and scheming (such as, talking to a beetle, acting like a bear, or i carry a water bottle.) 3.becoming independent and self reliant -- setting their own rules and limits, or getting familiar with an unstructured situation (such as running ahead oparents on a hike or entertaining themselves, programmed activities, or electronic me 4.recharging and unwinding taking some down time or alone time to daydream and relieve stress (such as staring at the campfire, casting a fishi staring at the clouds.) 5. making sense of their world and forming ideas (such as, floating on an air mattress, w along, or talking to themselves.) 6.finding their special place experiencing nature, their place in it, and getting a good feeling about it. It could be a thicket, a rock pile, or a favourite hiding spot that evokes strong feelings, scents, textures, and sounds that will a 7.having fun being happy doing nothing! Although adults may view aimless fun 53 nothing, it really is something In his book, Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv identifies some promising trends that enable us to re-establish our connections with nature. He refers to green archieen and neighbourhoods. From the Loop, other trails radiate out and connect to county, state, 54 and federal recreation areas. Another example is in the city of Davis which now requires all new developments to be connected to a greenway/bikeway so childr and parks without crossing major roads. Louv sees such initiatives that enable children to easily and independently interface daily with nature, as critical for the healthy development As the County considers a strategy for trail development, the cot of linking people with nature and the places they have to go, as Louv described, is an inspiring model to adopt. Trails and greenways have tremendous educational potential as ou adventure learning experiences or natural and historic interpretative sites. Perhaps their greatest future role will be in fulfilling our basic need for co basis. 49 Page 104 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... section, environmental benefits are examined. However, it would be counter intuitive to look at onl without touching on social (including culture) and economic aspe intrinsically linked. Significant opportunity exists for municipal representatives and volunteers alike to take a leadership role on addressing environ issues through the creation, promotion and use of an interconnec Including trails as part of behaviour in a positive way. As a result, we lessen our impact provide a venue to reduce our dependency on the gasoline powered increased use of trails and alternative modes of transportation, we limit tr and accidents. Greater trail use and alternative transportation costs in terms of resources for the maintenance and constructionwhile creating a safer, friendlier community. A significant amount of public interest and planning is evident for active transportation policies at the municipal level, walka-80 and icanwalk), share-the-road initiatives, and reducing carbon footprints. Support for s initiatives comes not only from the general public, but environm organizations and the health sector alike, and for good reason: h Canadian makes an average of 2000 car trips of less than 3 55 These statistics point out the cost of this behaviour to our environment and p Active transportation is any form of self-propelled (i.e. non motorized) transportation that relies on the use of human energy, such as walking, biking, jogging, or in-line skating. It may utilize on and off road facilities, such as sidewalks and trails be combined with use of public (water or land) transit. The Benefits of Active Transportation When municipalities adopt active transportation policies, they find: Reduced travel times Reduced traffic congestion, Fewer parking space requirements Improved air, water, and soil quality Reduced greenhouse gas emissions Reduced carbon loading 50 Page 105 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... ority, communities are healthier places to live. In fact, surveys show that 82% of Canadians support sp 56 Collingwood In Collingwood a sense of urgency broke out amongst political leaders who directed service staff to report on the fastest process of reestablishing a Munic would reverse what was felt to be a car-centric practice of moving people throughout the Municipality. The new hierarchy placed pedestrians at the top of the ord the committee to identify how these four transportation systems continual basis. 1.Pedestrian 2.Cyclist 3.Public Transit 4.Motor Vehicle Some of the goals and objectives of this new policy were, for example, to: Reduce carbon loading in Collingwood by 10% Reduce the number of 1 km trips using the motor vehicle by 50% b Waterloo The Region of Waterloo went through a beneficial review of is waand created the Pedestrian Charter (see below). This charter is an example of a great tool to inspire community participation and involvement. They found that: community health, vitality and safety. It increases use of public transit; decreases care dependence; reduces conflict between vehicles and pedestrians; leads to cleaner air and more green public space; a supports green tourism. Such an environment creates opportuniti the informal social interaction that is one of the main attribut 57 51 Page 106 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The Region of Waterloo Pedestrian Charter To create an urban environment in all parts of our Region that e walking, the Region of Waterloo, with the local municipalities will: Uphold the right of pedestrians of all ages and abilities to saf comfortable walking conditions; Provide a walking environment within the public right-of-way and in public parks that encourage people to walk for travel, exercise, and recreation; Support and encourage the planning, design and development of a public and private spaces (both exterior and interior) that meet pedestrians; Provide and maintain infrastructure that gives pedestrians sage while walking along and crossing streets; Ensure that residents access to basic community amenities and se on car ownership or public transit use; Set policies that reduce conflict between pedestrians and other - of-way Create walkable communities by giving high planning priority to -scale and mixed land use; Encourage research and education on the social, economic, environmental and health benefits of walking as a form of travel, exercise and recreation Promote laws and regulations that respect pedestrians particular Advocate for improving the provincial and federal regulatory and affect the Regions ability to improve the pedestrian environment Work with individual citizens, community groups and agencies, bu 57 of government to achieve these goals. Information in this section is intended to gently encourage a shift in thinking, a sli different way of operating, and a greater understanding of Activ effective trails network can play a key role in a sustainable co structured using the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development on the various areas of the Framework in relation to Trails and It is most important to first examine the transportation system and consider h is currently unsustainable. Once we understand how we are opera fashion it is somewhat easier to then correct the problems by beking actions that lead us in the opposite direction than that which w The vision for a sustainable transportation system must be clear provide a summary of the highest aspiration and purpose of the desi in a sustainable community. One sentence is all that is necessa something that the people of a community can connect with and un easily. Often, it is beneficial to follow up the vision statement with a broader s details, or characteristics of the desired vision. 52 Page 107 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The vision also addresses the areas of the transportation systemfied as unsustainable. Being strategic requires having a clear under vision provides the incentive and inspiration needed to move for same time acts as a functional benchmark providing direction forl development. A variety of strategies are identified throughout the Simcoe Cous Strategy. Most people want to engage in actions that make them feel as though te and working towards achieving the goal or vision. The trick is and actions are in alignment with the vision of a sustainable tr sustainable actions in themselves, and provide a good return on tment while remaining somewhat flexible. Often, we take on initiatives that seem like but in the long term may very well work against our vision for a system. A great example of this is from the ear heralded as the solution to the environmental issue of feces and horses. Making sure trails provide users with an opportunity to connect . It is very difficult to provide quantifiable results with regards to the em nature. This quote, taken from the book Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv captures some of the benefits for exposing children to natural environments, however; one could argue that the identical response occurs for adults as well. of the senses. Given a chance, a child will bring the confusion into the woods, wash it in the creek, turn it over to see what lives side of that confusion. Nature can frighten a child, too, and t purpose. In nature, a child finds freedom, fantasy, and privacy 58 from t Engaging in a regular review process ensures that all aspects of incorporated in the transportation system. One way to do this i on a regular basis. When municipalities do decide to change their transportation pri well as slight changes are needed. Get started by prioritizing 1.Pedestrian 2.Cyclist 3.Public Transit 4.Motor Vehicle 53 Page 108 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Then move toward creating the following active transportation, s 1.Create safe routes within the developments and make connections for bicycles and walker movement. 2.Create the proper links for bus shelters, bike racks, etc. Make your new environment biker and walker friendly. 3. directional assistance and driver education for a better sharing 4.Create the grid to promote access for all citizens and pay special attention i details to those in wheelchairs. Your system needs continual re accessible. 5.Create a plan for safe interaction between vehicles and human po modes. Attempt to segregate some routes. 6.Create a format to decide on where the priority trails should go are needed. 7.Create covered, secure bike lock-ups through the downtown and destination travel locations. Helpful Resources For a broader understanding of the ways municipalities or the County can change transportation priorities, the resources below may be useful. A.A municipal perspective on opportunities for physical activity: -2004. The 2004 Survey of Canadian Municipalities was undertaken to examine aspects related to local policy and the creation of supportive social an to promote physical activity among residents. Go to http://www.cflri.ca/eng/statistics/surveys/capacity2004.php B.How land use and transportation systems impact public health, Ce Control and Prevention. http://www.dcd.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/pdf/aces- workingpaper1.pdf C.Survey your community and examine how walkable it is. Several d downloaded to begin this review. Visit www.icanwalk.ca D.Contact the City of Waterloo for a better understanding of their process. www.region.waterloo.on.ca 54 Page 109 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Research and literature documenting the economic benefit and impact of trails has grown substantially in the past ten years. It is no longer debated if the combined economic impact from the construction and operation of the Welland Canal Parkway and trails system will grow from 40 millio 59 an estimated 200 million in year 15. A 2004 PriceWaterhouseCoopers study of the Trans Canada Trail in, concludes that over 42,000 Ontarians can attribute their jobs to Canada Trail and approximately 2.4 billion dollars will be gener 60 value added income in the Province. A trail user survey of the Georgian Trail in Collingwood, Ontario estimated that 61 trail users direct expenditures amounted to 5.2 million dollars In Newfoundland, a 2002 study of the T Railway reported that the benefit of the trail was about 17.4 million in new income genera 62 new jobs Data collected by the OFSC (Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clu that Ontario snowmobilers spent over $580 million in 1996-97 to support and 63 participate in their trail use. Ten years ago, the trails movement in the United States and Canawas conducting numerous studies to prove that trails make significant contribut time, many trails were new and had not been operational long eno to be fully measured or understood. That is not the case now. The compilation of reports, statistics and documents, such as the ones cited above, is ever-growing and clearly demonstrates the economic benefit of trails. Research has focused on regional trail studies, long distance, linked or looped trails and those with the capacity to attract tourists and improve local economie conducted, new influences were coming to bear on the perception environmental and health sectors. Today, trails and trail systems are no longer perceived as amenities for just tourists and recreationists, but they are com health and well being. Now the case is being built that trails even greater economic benefit, driven by both tourists and local citizens. Testimony to the economic s trails, both regional and municipal, is turning up in mainstream The spring 2010 issue of CAA Magazine features two stories about trails and assion Take Your Love Of Cycling, Golf or Food on a 64 trail use. 55 Page 110 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... for hotels, such as Starwood Element, to rent bikes for guests to tour their cities. In Montreal, the public bike system company is called B can use a public bike with the swipe of a credit card. When you riding, you simply return the bike to any of the stations situated throughout the city. The focus on these two stories is interesting, considerin 65 Canadian Automobile Magazine. In the Fall of 2009, On the Bay magazine dedicated the issue to several feature 66 human- The Canadian federal government also recognized the new trail ec million dollars in 2009 to fund 500 trail projects. "As part of Canada is proud to provide the first payment of $12.5 million to the National Trails Coalition to get construction underway," said Minister of State Lunn. "By Trails Coalition we are boosting local economies, creating jobs, 67 and providing Canadians with better quality trails." The need for trails is gaining momentum and there is a shift in longer an amenity for tourists and avid recreationists, but a neessity for our well being. Environmental and societal issues such as global warming, childh carbon footprint, aging population, sustainability, and inactive commitment to trails and active or human-powered transportation. For example: Economist David Foot in his book Boom, Bust and Echo explains how the aging demographics of our population will intensify the movement to ma 68 countryside more accessible. The Ministry of Health Promotion Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy outlines the need to work collaboratively to make trails accessible to al the interests of better health, strong people, strong economy an 69 communities. Programs such as walkON (www.iCANwalk.ca) and 08-80 Cities (www.walkandbikeforlife.org) are promoting walkable, wheelable and bikeable communities where human-powered transportation is an integral part of urban and rural communities. Residents are putting more pressure on municipalities to incorpo municipal development plans, following the examples set in Europ Holland, France and Germany. People want municipal trail networks to walk to work and school. They want to drive less, reduce their carbon footprint lifestyle. The perception of trails has changed from something leisure, to a daily necessity. In fac spending government money on more dedicated bicycle lanes and pa 70 Qualities that make a regional trail economically beneficial are desirable qualities of an urban or municipal trail system as the following char 56 Page 111 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Regional Trail System Municipal Trail System Economic potential for attracting Economic potential for cost savings, tourists and generating tourism attracting residents, business & tax revenue dollars Long distance Access to places you go to regularly (stores, school, work, home, rec Connection or link to other trails, centres) parks or greenways Safety along walkway routes (snow Looped or circular cleared, lighting, sidewalks, signs) Proximity to large urban centres or Variety (restaurants, residential, population base attracted to trail schools, business) activities Links between places (connecting High profile for attracting visitors, trails, paths) even from out-of-province or out- of-country Visual appeal (landscaping, benches, trees, buildings) Special places, unique landscapes, significant natural or scenic features and points of interest (Source: walkON Key Elements of a Area themes and events, culture walkable community from I Can Walk to and heritage features, educational-oriented experiences the Store. Can you? brochure) at natural, cultural or historic sites. Community centres and hubs to service trail users Partnerships and willingness of communities within a region to collectively work together to build, promote and maintain the trail system Canadian municipalities are beginning to realize and document th increasing trail use while decreasing reliance on the automobile The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute reports municipal savin improvements in active transportation are made, communities win with lower infrastructure costs, increased retail sales, higher property values, increased 71 The Federation of Canadian Municipalities for Sustainable Community Development also relates that active transportation increases economic 72 viability because cyclists and walkers are likely to spend locally. The PriceWaterhouseCoopers Economic Impact Analysis of the Trans Canada Trail In Ontario proportion of users, generating the most user days, and while spending less per person per day, are generating the lions share of the economic a 73 57 Page 112 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Walking, riding, wheeling, trail-based communities are becoming a capital investment with a multiplier effect. The inherent health, wellbeing, vitality, su of the local community and economy is now incredibly important t communities are more attractive, so more people what to live in,work in and visit them. If community trails are linked to a regional trail system, the regi destination and attracts new business, residents and industry. document how the powerful combination of local and regional trail networks is translating into new businesses opening up; companies and industries choosin-based communities; new residents moving in; tax revenues increasing an stays. Specific examples are: In a national survey, 6 out of 10 prospective homebuyers chose smart 74 communities (walkable neighborhoods) with less time spent drivin. Nearly half of businesses surveyed believe their property values 75 golf courses, parks and access to shopping or business centre, a 2002 National Association of Realtors/National Association of Ho Survey. Only highway access was ranked as more important amenity by the 76 Buyers are willing to pay 11.5% more per acre for real estate cl 77 open space. There are various ways of measuring the economic benefits of trails and individual trail studies employ different techniques or look at different factors impact analysis looks at how every dollar spent on a trail circu direct, indirect and induced expenditure. This category includes direct purchases of durable and non-durable goods from merchants and retailers such as ice cream cones, maps, hotels, restaurants, cy For he number of trips taken on La Route Verte by non local day-trippers in 1996 was over 135,000. Each cyclist spent $22.50 $25.00 dollars per trip resulting in total spending of 78 $3 million to 3.4 million. Locals spent $7.00-$8.00/trip, resulting in 17-20 million. This type of benefit applies to the goods and services purchased directly to the trail users, such as the dairy that makes the ic makes the maps or cycling equipment and the restaurant and hotel suppliers. 58 Page 113 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The increased income from businesses and households as a result is referred to as induced economic benefit. For example, a new business opens, resulting in more wages or income to spend in the comm study of visitor impact in Blaine County Idaho, indicated the im 79 the creation of 5.980 jobs and 120 million in income. Carl Knoch, Manager of Trail Development, Northeast Regional Office Rails-to-Trails Conservancy surveyed the economic impact of three trails between that trail development is an investment in future economic viabi documented 792,444 estimated annual user visits, durable goods expenditures in the am 80 of $5,406,700 and consumable goods in the amount of $8,832,700. The model used in the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario Economic Impact Analysis also examined taxes associated with expen 81 With the increasing interest in active transportation, health and environmental issues, the economic benefit of trails is now being highlighted in new ways. money, they can also save money. Studies are attempting to demo active living can reduce health care costs, environmental costs and infrastructure costs or mitigate costs associated with air pollution, water control and management. The Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy 82 burden of physical inactivity in Logic follows that if more people can access and use trails, their level of fitness wi some of these health care costs will be avoided. The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute found that costs associated with obesity were 4.3 billion dollars in 2001 and that the cost associated with physical inactivity represented 2.7% of tot 83 costs in Canada. In Simcoe Muskoka approximately 46 per cent of adults are 84 inactive. The same Bulletin states that physically active employees are absent less and are more productive, saving employers money. A Transport Canada issue paper finds that a shift to greater lev transportation will lead to lower roadway costs, reduced congest decreased 85 road maintenance costs, less costly infrastructure and increased Trails and trail system may also be a form of land banking. One of the greatest challenges facing utility companies (e.g. gas, water, fibre optics, telecomding service routes for customers. Rail lines and trail corridors present opportunities majority of rail lines are 66 feet wide and provide several utilat considerable savings because the land is already cleared and accessible. 59 Page 114 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... More research into new ways of measuring the economic benefit of follow and be added to the existing documentation. A quote froma Transport Canada Issue Paper best summarizes how significant the active transportation and trails movement is in generating revenue and saving costs: communities can help retain employees and residents, maintain th economy, ensure equal access to services, jobs and educational opportunities, address the needs of the aging population and improve the health 86 Given the body of knowledge that now exists about the significan and in light of the new economic benefits being measured by the active transportation, health and environmental sectors, it is apparent that a regional trail system that dovetails or links with municipal and urban trail systems will yield the g and substantially multiply the positive impacts . 60 Page 115 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The Simcoe County Trails Strategy promises two major benefits. 1.The network of trails will increase opportunities for the reside improve their daily fitness, their overall health benefits and quality of life. With the approval of the New Official Plan and Transportation Plan, the C to take a leadership role in active transportation and healthy l will benefit the entire County. 2.The second key benefit is the collaboration of the sixteen individual Municipalities, two cities, the First Nations reserve and Armed Forces Base Bord class trail network. The extraordinary natural and physical assets of the local environment, combined with its rich history and culture, provide an exceptional opportunity to have significant economic impact throughout the e Such a comprehensive trails network has the potential to grow beyond Si and gain recognition as a North American travel destination for tourists from all over the world. realized. In the short term, phase 1 of the project (which focu trail loop) can be completed in two or three years. Trail user satisf promote the other two phases and dictate how each trail section is developed, maintained, and promoted. 1 Catherine A. ShotlzCreating an Accessible Trail System in Simcoe County Breaking Down Barriers, http://www.breakingdownbarriers.org 2 Rachel Dodds and Mark Singh, Transportation Options, November 18, 2010, www.sustainabletourism.net. 3 The George Washington University School of Business, The Adventure Travel Trade Association, and Xola Consulting Market Report August 2010, http://www.adventuretravel.biz/wp- content/uploads/2010/09/adventure_travel_market082610.pdf. 4 Allison Cross, Canwest News Servic e, January 6, 2010, http://www.canada.com/health/Obesity+surpasses+smoking+health+threat+study/2411688/s tory.html). 5 Cross, Allison Canwest , News Service, January 6, 2010 eat+study/2411688 http://www.canada.com/health/Obesity+surpasses+smoking+health+th /story.html . 61 Page 116 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 6 www.heartandstroke.ca. 7 Public Health Agency of Canada, sical Activity Guide 1987, http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/080618/dq080618a-eng.htm. 8 Stats Canada, Fitness of Canadian Children and Youth: Results from the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey. 9 www.cdc.gov/needphp/. 10 Hugh Morris, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Trails and Greenways: Advancing the Smart Growth Agenda, Sept. 2002, //www.railstotrails.org/resources/documents/resource_docs/TGSmartgrowt http:h.pdf 11 www.heartandstroke.ca. 12 Illness Costs of Air Pollution: Regional Data for 2005 13 www.simcoemuskokahealth.org. 14 15 Supporting an Active 16 Trail Monitor #2. 17 Canadian Journal of Public Health, 98 (4): 259-264, July- August, 2007, http://www.participaction.com/ecms.ashx/Research_file_eng_apr.pd. 18 http://atfiles.org/files/pdf/OntarioTrailStrategy.pdf. 19 2008. 20 Si 21 Physical Activi 62 Page 117 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 22 Kristine Yaffe, MD; Deborah Barnes, MPH; Michael Nevitt, PhD; Li-Yung Lui, MA, MS; A Prospective Study of Physical Activity and Cognitive Decline i Elderly Women: Women Who Walk From Archives of Internal Medicine, July 23, 2001 http://www.americantrails.org/resources/benefits/VAcognitive.htm . 23 Hugh Morris, Trails and Greenways: Advancing the Smart Growth Agenda, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Sept. 2002, //www.railstotrails.org/resources/documents/resource_docs/TGSmar http:pdf 24 Jan Hancock, American Trails Tas http://www.americantrails.org/resources/benefits/HealthTwoArtic. . 25 Ministry of Health Promotion, Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy, 2005, www.active2010.ca. 26 www.heartandstroke.ca. 27 Arch Intern Med, Vol. 160, pg. 1621-1628, 2000 in Rails to Trails Conservancy, Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse, http://atfiles.org/files/pdf/healthTGC.pdf. 28 R. Brownson, R. Housemann, D. Brown, J. Jackson-Thompson, A. King, B. Malone, J. Sallis, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 18, Issue 3, Pages 235-241. 29 Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse, http://atfiles.org/files/pdf/healthTGC.pdf. 30 Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse, http://atfiles.org/files/pdf/healthTGC.pdf. 31 Trail Among New a Preventing Chronic Disease Public Health Research, Practice and Policy, Volume 1: No. 4, October 2004, www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2004/oct/04_0058.htm/. 32 www.cdc.gov/needphp/. 33 Donna B Johnson, PhD, RD and Lynne T Smith, PhD, M Recommendations of the Washington State Nutrition and Physical A Prev Chronic Dis. 2006 April; 3(2): A59. Published online 2006 March 15. http://ukpmc.ac.uk/articlerender.cgi?artid=778987. 34 Ontario Trails Strategy http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca. 35 Terry Bergerson, Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PLANS/docs/trails/trail_benefits_nonm. 63 Page 118 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 36 The Social, Health And Heritage Benefits of Trails Trail Monitor 2 (http://atfiles.org/files/pdf/BenGo4green.pdf. 37 Best Practices for Parks Canada Trails - A Spectrum of Appropriate Trail Activities, Services, and Facilitiesian Heritage - Recreation Association of Nova Scotia. 1992. Converting Abandoned Rail Corridors to Trails in Nova Scotia - A Position Paper. 38 Hike Ontario, www.hikeontario.com. 39 Economic Impact Analysis of the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario August 2004. 40 MacGregor Point 2008 Info. 41 - http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/reusable_components/images/parks/doc/-TrlPrgmObj.pdf. 42 Terry Bergerson, Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PLANS/docs/trails/trail_benefits_nonm. 43 - http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/reusable_components/images/parks/doc/02-TrlPrgmObj.pdf. 44 www.lifeexperiences.ca. 45 Backroads, Europe 2010, www.backroads.com. 46 CAA Magazine , http://www.caamagazine.ca/travel_articledetail.aspx?ContentId=21 47 Geocaching: The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site, http://www.geocaching.com/. 48 PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Economic Impact Analysis Trans Canada Trail in Ontario August 2004. 49 Bob Searns, Re-Thinking the Benefits of Trails and Greenways GreenWay Team, http://www.americantrails.org/resources/benefits/RethinkingSearn. 50 Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods, Algonquin Books, 2006. 51 David Suzuki in Thom Henley, Rediscovery Ancient Pathways New Directions, Lone Pine, 1996. 52 Behavior and the Natural Environment, Irwin Altman and Joachim Wohlwill (ed.), New York: Plenum Pres3. 53 A Gift of Camping Family Camping Magazine. Vol.7. Issue 3, Dundas:Andrew John Publishing, 2005. 64 Page 119 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 54 Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods, Algonquin Books, 2006, p. 251. 55 Environics International, 1988-1 Omnibus Tabular Report on Environment Monitor. 56 Nation-wide rese http://erg.environics.net/media_room/default.asp?aID=361 57 http://www.theregion.ca/web/Region.nsf/97dfc347666efede85256e590071a3d4/22e25b63a1 b3871a8525760f00571b80!OpenDocument 58 Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods, Algonquin Books, 2006. 59 The Economic Benefits of Trails Go for Green Trail Monitor 1, 1996. 60 Economic Impact Analysis Trans Canada Trail in Ontario 2004. 61 The Economic Impact of the Georgian Trail on the Town of Colling Region 62 Economic Impact Analysis Trans Canada Trail in Ontarioust 2004. 63 The Economic Benefits of Trails Go for Green Trail Monitor 1, 1996. 64 CAA Magazine , http://www.caamagazine.ca/travel_articledetail.aspx?ContentId=2140 65 Veronica Vandenende, CAA Magazine, Spring 2010. 66 Onthe Bay MagazineTrail Blazers: Toward a Human-Powered Lifestyle http://www.onthebaymagazine.com/Our-Magazine/past-issues.htm. 67 http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=1676 68 David Foot, Boom, Bust and Echo, Macfarlane Walter & Ross, 1996. 69 Ontario Trails Strategy http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca. 70 Nation-wide rese http://erg.environics.net/media_room/default.asp?aID=361. 65 Page 120 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 71 K. The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, 2009. 72 Federation of Canadian Municipalities for Sustainable Community http://www.sustainablecommunities.fcm.ca/files/Capacity_Building nitiesinMotion-PUB-e.pdf. 73 PriceWaterhouseEconomic Impact Analysis Trans Canada Trail in Ontario 2004. 75 Little Miami Scenic Trail Economic Study Ohio Greenways Initiative, 1999. 74 2004 National Community Preference Survey National Association of Realtors and Smart Growth America, October 2004. http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/documents/NAR-SGASurvey.pdf. 76 Teton Valley Trails and Pathways, 2002 National Association of R www.realtor.org and www.nahb.org. 77 Methow Valley of Washington Cities, www.realtor.org and www.nahb.org, 2005. 78 Velo Quebec, The Active Living and Environment Program, Trail Monitor 1, Go for Green, 1998. 79 Dean Runyon Associates. Economic Analysis of Blaine County, May 2001. 80 , Northeast Regional Office Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. 81 Economic Impact Analysis Trans Canada Trail in Ontario 2004. 82 The Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy 2005. 83 The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, 2009. 84 Canadian Community Health Survey 85 The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, 2009, http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/utsp/smallnruralcomms.h. 86 Transport Canada, Sustainable Transportation in Small and Rural Communities http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/utsp/smallnruralcomms.h. 66 Page 121 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 67 Page 122 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The first part of this chapter identifies existing trails and trail groups within the study area, which are the backbone of the potential trail system. In the la in the existing trail network are noted. If trails were establiese gaps, the County- wide trail network would be greatly enhanced and trail users wou continuous or uninterrupted trail experience. By completing the will have more options for traveling long distances, looping back or connecting with other trail systems. Refer to the Huronia Trails and Greenways map on the next page, or at www.simcoecountytrails.net which provides a good overview of some of the key trails in Simcoe County. The Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest footpath, provides the only continuo access to the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reser It is one of only fifteen such reserves in all of Canada. The section that runs through Simc as the Craigleith to Lavender piece which features high bluffs, valleys. It runs close to Nottawasaga Bay and links up with oth Detailed information is available in the Bruce Trail guidebook as well as website (brucetrail.org) The Ganaraska Trail begins at a boulder opposite the town hall i north shore of Lake Ontario. The trail passes through a variety of scenery from Lake On north through the Ganaraska Forest on the sand hills of the Oak lakes and drumlin fields of the Kawarthas to the rugged wilderne The unique Wilderness section of the Trail is on the Pre-Cambrian shield and connects the southern and northern parts of the Trail. The Trail then continu hills of Simcoe where it meets the Bruce Trail at McKinney's Hiln. A cairn marks the end of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail. The Trail continues from terminus at Wasaga Beach. A second branch of the Trail runs from to Highway 32 near Port McNicol on Georgian Bay. Trail sections that are within Simcoe County are described below. The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Index Map on page 70 : 68 Page 123 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The Orillia section starts in Sadowa and ends after 70 kilometre south of Horseshoe Valley Road, about 10 km east of Highway 400. The trail ski Lake Couchiching and runs along the Lightfoot Trail system throu runs south on the Mariposa Trail to Woodland Avenue. It then runodland Avenue to Memorial Avenue then south to cross Highway 11 at Fore through Scout Valley on the west side of Highway 11. It then run to Ruby on Line 12 of Oro-Medonte then north for a short distance on Line 12 then east through fields and woods. The trail is mostly flat. There is som Scout Valley Parking lot on Old Barrie Road and Line 12 but the picturesque and suitable for novices. The Barrie section starts at the Sugarbush Estate and then runs Horseshoe Valley Road on the 5th line. Here it enters the Copela again onto Horseshoe Valley Road. Turning right it continues through Craighurst turning south at old 2nd south . Entering extensive bush the trail runs Road and then due south to Midhurst village. From here the trail 26, skirts the southern edge of Springwater Prov. Park and on to Snow Valley Road. The trail then climbs above Snow Valley going west to the Fort Willow Depo southern edge of Minesing Swamp to Hwy. 90 (50 kms) . The terrai steep hills but is suitable for novices. Please note than Minesing Swamp, in some areas, can be very wet. The Wasaga Beach section begins just south of Archer Road on Riv winds through the fragile ancient parabolic sand dunes of Wasagavincial Park to Wasaga Beach, providing great views of the Nottawasaga River dee there, the trail goes through the valley of the McIntyre Creek a roads to Smithdale, east of Glen Huron, where it connects with the Mad River section. The section is about 51 kilometres long and suitable for novices. The Midland Trail splits off from the main trail in the Copeland east of Craighurst. It swings through Copeland Forest and then heads north toward Midland ending after 35 kilometres at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre near Midlan maintains the trail north of the Vasey Road. The Oro-Medonte section of the Midland Trail starts from the main trail in the middle of the Copeland Forest, north of Barrie. It branches off and heads nort Highway 400 and continues north to the Vasey Road. 69 Page 124 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... which will be over 22,000 km when completed. Currently it covers 16,500 km, 110 of which run The following trails are part of this system. Innisfil Trail Thornton to Cookstown Trans CanadaTrail City of Barrie Trail North Simcoe Rail Trail Elmvale Heritage Park Link Trail Tiny Trail Penetanguishene Trails System Midland Rotary Waterfront Trail Tay Shore Trail Uhthoff Trail Orillia Trans Canada Trail 70 Page 125 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... At present about 250 km of trail, including side trails, have been completed. The trail starts with a link to the Caledon Trailway near Palgrave in the west to Rice Lake in the east. Efforts are underway to extend the trail Oak Ridges Moraine Trail passes through or near the Town of Caledon, Twp. of King, Town of Aurora, Twp. of Whitchurch-Stouffville, Twp. of Uxbridge, Twp. of Scugog, Municipality of Clarington, Twp. of Hope, and Twp. of Hamilton. Recently it was announced that the Oak Ridges Morraine Trail will join the Bruce Trail at Palgrave. The Georgian Trail (34 km) Meaford Harbour in the west. From Craigleth to Meaford, the trai with numerous access points along the way including: Northwinds Beach Park (Day-pass required), Council and Peasmarsh Beach, the village of Thornbury Harbour, Bayview Park and Meaford Harbour. There is also parking at Harbongwood from where the trail heads west to Craigleith. Much of the trail passes along the south shore of beautiful Geor opportunity to stop, rest and swim during the summer months. Th first of its kind in Simcoe County and proved to be a high profile case study in trail development and operation. For more information, visit www.georgiantrail.ca The following chart identifies other municipal trails in Simcoe rovides a good summary of surface covering and distance. 71 Page 126 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Municipality Trail Name Concrete Asphalt Stone Boardwalk Single Dust * is non Track & Gravel municipal Collingwood Municipal Trail 5.6 km 4.3 km 24.3 km 1km 9.2 km Georgian Trail 32.7 km Clearview Municipal Trail Tay Township Municipal Trail 22 km Tiny Township Municipal Trail 22.5 km 1.7km mixed, no hard surfacing Tiny Marsh * Midland Waterfront 8 km Oro-Medonte 28 km Barrie Museum 2.8km Huronia 3 km Lookout Essa Trans Canada 15.6 km Tiffin 3.5 km Penetang- 5.5 km uishene Severn Matchedash Bay Orillia Millenium 5 km 4.5 km 2.0 km Trail Scout Valley 6 km 1.9 km Uhthoff Trail 22 km 72 Page 127 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Municipality Trail Name Concrete Asphalt Stone Boardwalk Single Dust * is non Track & Gravel municipal Bradford/West Welsh Tract 3.5 km 2.5 km Gwillimbury Scanlon Creek New Tecumseth 4.0 km Tecumseth Pines Spring Creek 2.0 km 12.0km Earl Rowe* Wasaga Beach Schooner 6.2 km Town Waterfront 5.5 km 6.0 km Blueberry 6.2 km Plains Innisfil Innisfil Beach 2 km Park The County has numerous forest tracts that provide excellent tra of motorized and non-motorized use. For example, the Brentwood Trail Loop enables hi to hook up with the Ganaraska Trail. There are staging areas (places to gather, park or rest) th at Baxter, Hendrie, Williams, Stachan on Bass Lake Sideroad and Str concession of Oro-Medonte. Trails are designated in Lawdon, Brentwood, Hendrie, Barker, McNeice and Welsh tracts. Simcoe County is home to a number of Provincial Parks, including: Springwater Wasaga Beach Bass Lake Awenda Earl Rowe Mara McRae Point 73 Page 128 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Provincial Parks offer a variety of trails with their acreage as other systems. Earl Rowe, for example, is quite close to access Trans Canada Trail and the Ganaraska trail travels through Wasaga Beach and Springwater Provincial Parks. The provincial park system often provides water access and ca facilities which add another dimension to the trail users experi The Copeland Forest Resource Management Area is 1750 ha and offers hiking, cross country skiing, and group camping. The forest is diverse, with both hardwoods and towerin is east of Highway 93 near Craighurst. Trails in the forest con Georgian Bay Islands National Park visitor centre is located in Midland. The National Park itself is comprised of 63 islands and is accessible by boat only from Honey Harbour. The park has twelve hiking trails, ranging from 0.3 to 8.2 kilometres in Two Conservation Authorities are within Simcoe County: Nottawas Simcoe. Conservation areas offer trails and water features whic trails network. They provide staging areas (for parking, gathering or resting areas), connections to other trail systems and in some cases, camping. Most of the NVCA's 11,000 acres are considered wilderness or natural lands. They include: Fort Willow New Lowell Petun Edenvale Elba Wetlands Glen Cairn Minesing Wetlands Nottawasaga Bluffs Ospry Wetlands Tiffin Tottenham Utopia For more information, visit www.nvca.on.ca South Lake Simcoe has two areas within County boundaries: Scanlon Creek which also provides access to the Lake Simcoe Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail Luck Property Hydro corridors can be connectors to trail systems. Tiffin Conservation Area curren incorporates a hydro corridor in its trail network. 74 Page 129 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Trail organizations work toward promoting the development of trails, preserving the environment and encouraging trail use and recreation in Ontario and the County. Often they provide necessary expertise in trail planning and ongoing operatole in marketing and promoting trails through their brochures, websi guides. The Ontario Trails Council (OTC) is a charity that promotes the management and use of recreational trails in Ontario. OTC goals are: Continue to increase the number, length, variety and accessibili the province Provide government and other public bodies with an informed, cre support of trail interest groups Promote the safe and responsible use of trails Act as a provincial resource centre for trail information Encourage the establishment of the Trillium Trail Network For more information on the Ontario Trails Council, please visit www.ontariotrails.on.ca. Huronia Trails and Greenways (HTG) is a registered not-for-profit charitable corporation, dedicated to promote and enable the development and use of a sus and greenways in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. They are a key partner in the Simcoe County Trails Strategy. Visit their website at http://www.simcoecountytrails.net/ The Bruce Trail Conservancy is a charitable organization committed to establishing a conservation corridor containing a public footpath along the Nia protect its natural ecosystems and to promote environmentally re this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Gaining access to the Niagara Escarpment was the critical first step in building the B Trail. From 1960 to today, Escarpment landowners have been key to the e Bruce Trail. Understanding that building relationships was essential, then Tr Gosling, visited major towns along the proposed trail route to s were established by 1963. Each Club was responsible for organization, landowner approvals, construction and maintenance. The Blue Mountains Bruce Trail Cl after the section between Lavender and Craigleith. http://www.bmbtc.org/ The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation our natural resources. Their objectives are: 75 Page 130 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... to establish and maintain a hiking trail for public use from Port near Collingwood. to develop and maintain side trails and loop trails with the obje places of scenic interest or to connect with other trails. There are nine member clubs that are responsible for the maintenance of the trail. Clubs in Simcoe County are: Barrie Club is responsible for 48 kilometres of trail that runs south-west from the Horseshoe Valley area Mad River Club has a 50 kilometre section of trail that runs more or less west Angus and Glencairn Midland Club maintains the final 16 kilometres of trail that ends at the Wye marsh Wildlife Centre Orillia Club is responsible for 69 kilometres of trail east and west of Orillia Oro-Medonte Club maintains 18.5 kilometres of trail north of the Horseshoe Valley area Wasaga Beach Club maintains 49 kilometres of trail that ends at the north of Allenwood Beach in Wasaga Beach. For more information contact http://www.ganaraska-hiking-trail.ca/ The Trans Canada Trail does not own or operate any of its trail maintenance are the responsibility of local trail groups and/or federal governments. They will, however, create and distribute signs. Local trail groups use their knowledge of the area to ensure that signs are placed wher For more information, visit www.tctrail.ca The ORTA includes ten chapters, each of which has responsibility Chapters include Caledon, King, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Whitchurc-Stouffville, Uxbridge, Scugog, Clarington, Hope-Hamilton and Northumberland. Each of the Chapters has a member on the Board of Directors. They have a trail guidebook with wat www.orta.on.ca for more information . 76 Page 131 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... In Phase 1 of the Simcoe County Trails Strategy, it is recommended that a connected, looping trail network be built from Meaford to Collingwood to Wasaga Bea to Penetanguishene to Midland and Coldwater to Orillia to Barrie following map indicates the existing gaps in achieving this loop. 77 Page 132 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Phase 2: Map 78 Page 133 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Phase 3: Map 79 Page 134 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 80 Page 135 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The Simcoe County Trails Strategy poses a number of significant issues and opportunities trail system. Through public consultation, research and known b issues can be worked through and the opportunities realized. This chapter examines some of the key considerations for the County trail network. A key issue related to implementing the Trails Strategy will be constructing a working relationship amongst the key partners, especially the municipalities and County. The system of trails, greenways, forests, and low volume roads will crisscr communities, conservation areas, municipal parks and tourism destinations. Inherent in this is a variety of management structures and styles as municipal, county, regional, provin and national trails may be integrated. Several models are presented here. Extensive interviews were co officials, including all levels of government, regional leaders, and experienced trail operators for their advice on the best governance models. The first option is a Two-tiered Trails Committee. In this option, the County plays an unbiased county-region role f the County would include: mapping, funding, County-region perspective, lobby/interface with other orders of government, and policy maker. Staffing would include a trails cwithin the County Planning, Development, and Tourism department. Functions of staffing would include trail maintenance and project staffing for capital, mark The Stakeholder Structure would be a two-tiered committee. The first tier would consist of an Executive Committee (approximately 7 to 10 members to be action-oriented) that meets monthly. This committee would include the trails coordinator, County senior planner, County councillor, Manager of Tourism, Simcoe County Recreation Association (SCRA) representative, User group representative, representative from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Transporation and Engineering Department representative, Forestry Department representative, and the Economic Development Manager. The second tier would include the County Trails Council that meets twice yearly. It includes representatives of all types of trail user groups and makes reco Committee based on a full understanding of the needs of trail us The perceived benefit is an action-oriented staff group that coordinates much of the work with advice and support of a regional trails council that unders 81 Page 136 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The second option is a Simcoe County Active Transportation (AT) Advisory Committee. The County would play a coordinating/trails resource role for trails and Active Transportation. County functions would include: mapping, marketing, partnership opport and coordination, partial funding (Trails Connecting Communities education and support, and capital purchasing (signs, pavilions, etc). There are also opportunities to leverage County and group purchasing power for lower product costto ensure product consistency. Staffing in this option includes a Trails Coordinator as chair of the Simcoe County Active Transportation Advisory Committee. The Trails Coordinator would be employed by Tourism Simcoe County, ultimately reporting to the Director of Planning, Development The Trails Coordinator and Committee would work together to identify priority projects, discuss issues and initiatives, and provide input into budget de needs. The committee would consist of a representative from the Health Unit, local municipal staff, County staff (planning, forestry, roads), OPP, Ministry of Natural Resources, Barrie staff, Orillia staff, Base Borden staf regularly (monthly or bi-monthly). The Committee would provide regular updates on progre and projects to the County Corporate Services Committee via Trails Coordinator or Director of Planning, Development and Tourism. User groups (HTG, OFTR, O be invited to the Committee meetings for input as needed through Option 3 would have an Advisory Committee similar to the County Forests Advisory Committee. The County plays a coordinating role for tr in this option. The functions include: funding, mapping, promotion of health benefittaffing would include a trails office and staff as an arm of the plannin facilitate connections with Economic Development and Tourism fun Simcoe County Planning Department. The Stakeholder Structure would consist of committee should be an advisory committee and not a formally adopted commi similar to the advisory committee for recreation in the County F benefits include: stream lined governance and capitalizin funding and staffing. Option 4 would be a formal committee of County Council or sub committee of Corporate Services Committee. For this option, the County plays an overall leadership with functions including: mobilizing volunteers to work on trails work, fundraising, promot County on spending its budget. The staffing would consist of a full time Trails Coordinator position. The Stakeholder Structure would consist of: a Council adopted committee that reports in through Corporate Services Committee of Council; repr the County (politicians would decide on the 6 regions); total of from each of the 6 regions who represent the volunteer sector and have a working knowledge of trails; and would liaison with Tourism Simcoe County. This committee needs a clear Terms of Reference to specify their role. The perceived benefit would the County rather than a focus on the individual municipality. 82 Page 137 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Option 5 is a regional Trails Advisory Council. The County woul functions including funding and staff resources. The staffing w County staff (i.e. Trails Coordinator). The staffing supports regional Trails Council and provides regular reports to representatives and their networks and provides regular reports to political level. The Stakeholder Structure would be a very broad group with a deliberate link to the Ontario Trails Council. A high profile, non-government champion would act as chair. The group composition is an equal mix of government and non goveresentatives and recommends one group with a staff secretariat. The role of resentatives is to communicate to their constituents. The role of the chair is to do th The group works on a consensus model what can they all agree to move forward on. The committee would bring potential opposition to the table. The adee would be comprised of: Chair non government, high profile, credible; County Municipal Planner; Landowner Rep (i.e. Ontario Federation of Agriculture regional rep) Tourism/Economic Development Association Rep; Ministry of Natural Resources; Minif Health Promotion; Ministry of Transportation bridges, Active Transportation; County Forestry; County Roads; environmental groups through the Conservation Ontario regional r Recreation (SCRA); Aboriginal; OPP Enforcement; motorized users; non motorized users; and a member at large. There would be no political representation. ed benefits would include a broad representation and a consensus model that leads to a greater b-in from all interests both staff and non staff. Also there would be a deliberate link to Ontario Trails Council allows for learning and exchange or education. Option 6 is an arms-length trails coalition. The County would play a coordinating r trails. The functions of the County include funding and promotion of tourism through trails. The staffing would consist of the full time General Manager and, the GM usually has two assistants and one or two trails maintenance workers. The Stakeholder Structure would be the EOTA. It is an incorporated not-for-profit organization arms length from the government. It has a board of directors ma including Ontario Federation of Agriculture, municipalities, and regional organization that is included on the Board of Directors the board of directors is included in the incorporation legal dohich are updated manually. The GM makes quarterly reports to the County of SimcoCorporate Services Committee through the Director of Planning, Development and Tourism. The GM will make presentations to any municipality if requested. The perceived bfit is access to funding sources that are not available to municipalities for a total of 83 Page 138 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Risk is inherent in any trail operation. Fortunately, there are practices to which to refer. The County, municipalities and trail operators need to prepar proper operational mandates and practices to manage the risk of environments they may exist. Trails need to be designed properly and maintained regularly. Each Municipality should prepare their own review process and then review Municipal Insurer. The focus of preparations should always be on creating a process of due diligence and proactive care to trail conditions and reacting to unsafe conditions once discovered or reported. The following is meant to be a briefing on trail risk assessment based on work completed by Mr. Doug Wyseman, Principal of Municipal Risk Services Ltd. Tra training is the first in protecting each Municipality from negative financial impacts. This step will certainly build the proper foundation by avoiding risk and risk. The following are the components that need to be part of a risk management plan: A.Environment Assessments: as outlined in the Simcoe County Trail Development and Maintenance Manual, some trails may be required to complete this step. B.Zoning and By-law Review: make sure the recreational purpose of the trail meets with all the current Municipal Zoning By-laws. The property may be deemed recreational or perhaps a utility easement, or unopened municipal road allotment covered by Municipal insurance. C.Trail Designer Experience: Trail builders must be trained and have knowledge of basic trail safety design guidelines. This step is critical as all future r know what training/experience/education were used to establish the route. D.Trail Signage: As the liability is generally assessed, it is designed responsibly to examine and declare if there are areas which the user may need to be aware o then take more care than regular. Negligence is the failure to use the degree of care that an ordinary person of reasonable prudence would use under t circumstances. Negligence may be constituted by either acts of omission, commission or both. This fact drives the focus on proper original design a maintenance of trails. The trails may be divided into separate types, each requiring different levels of sign information: i.Undeveloped single track Users, distance, GPS data ii.Prepared trail Users, challenging side slopes or elevation iii.Hiking and biking Users, challenging side slopes or elevation, distances, location data, general information about the trail iv.ATV, Snowmobile, Off Road, Motorcycle Other users, speed, directions, general information, locator sig GPS data 84 Page 139 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... v.Urban Trails Users, locator, distances, GPS data, general information, challe elevations, trailheads for parking, interactive bus routes, geneal information E.Trail Designers: The skill of trail design is relatively unique and rare however common sense and many published documents can provide the proper theory designing trails with public safety as the focus. Professional rs, trained trail builders and some experienced trail builders know the issues at These considerations include the following: Public health and safety Erosion control Good visual opportunities Gentle elevation changes Care to enhance trail experience working with natural environment Circulate planned route to all Municipal, County, Provincial or authorities necessary Prepare proper signage to provide information as needed per trai of the trail Update maps continually to serve the users enjoyment and safety create signs that show permitted users and prohibited users Create locators and direction sign system and install immediatel created. ly Remain in touch with trail information and be constant in efforts to upgrade improve, and re-elevate trail use F. Maintenance: Create trail inspection form for professional to use. The form include: date, inspection, flow of report to Municipality, timefme of reporting format, signature of inspector, additional comments, recommendat reports, yearly reports. Opportunities for recreation, leisure and active participation s citizens with or without a disability in their communities. Outdoor trails provide a wide variety of voluntary transportation and recreational experiences planning of a new trail or trail network, as well as the alterat existing trail or trail network, must always include provisions for acces each individual a unique experience without unique barriers/chal trail should take into consideration individuals who are unable rutches, unable to see, using a wheelchair or powered scooter for mobility, seni or not able to read the local language. Many recreation trails attract a variety of user groups. Some t user groups; others attract a variety of users in addition to those for designed. People with disabilities may be particularly affected not have the ability to quickly detect or react to hazards or sun the environment. To improve the trail experience for all users, inc 85 Page 140 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... designers and planners should be aware of potential trail confli the probability that conflicts will occur by employing innovative trail solutions. Providing signage with objective information about the actual, o-trail conditions can help ensure that each user will be aware of existing trail conditions hazardous situation. The design and construction should take into consideration the surface, grade, cross slope, clear tread width, protruding objects, vertical clearance, parki buildings and facilities as well as directional and interpretive signage. Detailed information on how to design and build accessible trails can be found in the Sim and Construction Manual. Another reference is: Canadian Standar- B651-04 Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access Part 2. Trails are used for a variety of purposes, which may sometimes conflict with each other. nd some are seasonal. For a county-wide trail network, a good variety of trail types and year round opportunities will attract the greatest number of users, both re Potential users include walkers, hikers, joggers, runners, road equestrians, inline skaters, cross-country skiers, baby carriages, wheelchair users, snowmobiler riders, off-road motorcycles riders, etc. The width of trail and the type of surface, along with other traoften determine the type of trail use and trail users. Trails need tond standards to accommodate the intended users, For example, equest trails and more width is required on trails if bicycles, that are traveling fast, are on the same trail as hikers. Some key questions to ask are: Is the trail clearly suited for some users at the exclusion of others? If specific uses are prohibited, can the rules be enforced? Can access for the physically challenged be provided? Not all trails can be, or should be, made 100% accessible to 100% of the population, but these questions need to be asked to ensure that trail design best serv The Simcoe County Trail Development and Maintenance Manual conta trail use and trail users. Trails that allow motorized vehicles require policies and guidelines specific to th groups. Snowmobiles and ATVs are accommodated on some trails wi have clubs through which the County can work with to ensure safe experiences for all permitted users. 86 Page 141 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Throughout the County, there are sections of trails that follow and cycling trail users will encounter motorized vehicles and wi often traveling along the shoulder. Signs have gone up in certain areas of the County where Share-the-Road guidelines are: 1.Respect motorists right-of-way; your actions generate the message of safe or unsafe use. 2.Traffic signals need to be observed and no excuse for riding thr leaders do not enter intersection in any unsafe manner. If grou leader wait for the group to re-unite. 3.Position change: always look back to assess the lane change, sig 4.Group Communication: alert riders to potential dangers: dogs, ro accidents, etc. 5.Two Abreast Vs Single File: two abreast unless you are impeding traffic; never three. Try to limit pack numbers and use smaller groups than larger Ride with enough edge to the right to allow for rider maneuverin road surface problems. 6.For crashes or mechanical failure, move off the road surface 7.Leaving or starting ride: lead rider needs to start off with sl riders onto surface 8.Leave enough room between riders 9.Always keep your cool. There is a lot of motorist education sti all times! As trail networks develop in the County, more attention will have to be focu communicating and promoting such forms of safe travel. 87 Page 142 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Currently, each separate trail has its own signage. For example signage system, the Georgian Trail its own, municipalities have another system and so on. This becomes an issue for connecting trails and promoting them a-wide system. Trail users need to understand the signage system and not become of different signs. The Simcoe County Trails Strategy intends to develop a universal would be common across the county. Section 9.5 recommends a signage s Simcoe County Trails Network. General information about trail signage, including signs for physically challenged trail users, is in the Simcoe County Trail Manual. Marketing and Promotion is both an issue and an opportunity. Reting and Promotion function is discussed in 8.2 Stakeholder Structure. A well-connected Simcoe County Trails network would be in an an enviable position to attract tourists from all over the world. With local tourism agencies bRegional Tourism Organizations (RTO), it is timely to create tour packages that feature Simcoe trails, history and culture, communities, and natural environmen Other trail systems that have enjoyed tourism success, find that-day or 150km loop trail is ideal. Hotels, motels and Bed & Breakfasts provide accommodatio companies to complete the full experience. There are lots of success stories around the world built on this model (e.g. New Zealand Walking Tours by NZ lers, Absolute Walking Tours, Backroads Walking Tours). Another opportunity that exists is coordinating a bike/train sch residents to trails in Simcoe County. Train travelers could arrive in Barrie, then head off in various directions on cycling trails, for the day or extended trips. This i areas of Ontario as part of The Bike Train Initiative, which puts bike racks on selected passenger rail trains, making cycling holidays easy and accessibin initiative is a project of Transportation Options which is a non-profit organization. Bike Trains currently travel to Windsor, London, North Bay, Toronto, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Montr Lake Muskoka. (See http://www.biketrain.ca/index.php for more information). 88 Page 143 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 89 Page 144 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... It is proposed that the County of Simcoe take the lead role in crts with its partners to create a county- natural and cultural trail amenities, to become: A) a world class tourism destination, and B) a multi-use, all season, accessible system for residents who wish to improve their health, quality of life and active transportation options. A three-phase process is recommended to develop the Simcoe County Trails Network. It is based on an assessment of all existing trails and potential links and begins by making logical connections to create trail loops and extensions to other trails of Simcoe County. The proposed trail plans are shown on the foll Phase 1 would focus on making a full loop trail that would be long enough to attract trail users for a 2-3 day excursion and make connections among many existing trails. 90 Page 145 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Phase 2 would have the advantage of building on the momentum of the firs Phase 1. Now logical extensions off of the first loop can be made to the north east and south, providing more residents with local trails and extending the opp explore more of the County. At this stage, it is expected that -related business will grow and the regional tourist organization will be fully promoting th 91 Page 146 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Phase 3 aims at two priorities: 1. Creation of loop options of between 40 minutes to 2.5 hours to accommodate greater use by residents and to entice tourists to explore more local environments while -3 day tours. 2. Connecting Simcoe County trails with those in neighbouring c other counties will be moving toward greater trail use too, so tonger and larger the trail networks, the greater the economic returns. 92 Page 147 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... It is recommended that the first phase of the trails strategy in approximately 150 km or that would offer a 2-3 day trail tour experience, marketed and promoted by the regional tourism organization, tourism businesse well as relevant partners (e.g. County website, Huronia Trails a Effective and lucrative trail tour packages have several things in common which are critical for success. 1.Regional Cooperation a must! 2.Government Support: Municipal, County, Provincial, Federal a.Financial b.Staff Resources 3.Quality Experience, and quality product a.Common Trail Standards b.Good Signage, proper surfaces, collectively marketed 4.Energetic Volunteers and Grassroots support 5.Significant Natural, Cultural & Historic Themes, Educational Resources 6.Tourism Hosting Capabilities (hotels, motels, bed & breakfast) 7.150 km of looping trails Minimum of 2 3 days of trail experience 8. Solid leadership and coordination is needed from the County of S members and trail partners must make strong connections among professionals and volunteers to promote a unified effort. A model for stakeholder structure is recommended, as well as suggested roles for key partners. It is recommended that trail stakeholder structure consist of an Advisory Trail Committee (with a sub Executive Committee) and a User Group Advisory Council. This is Option 1 as described in Section 8.2. Advisory Trail Committee (ATC) would have representation from: the County Forest, Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit, County Roads, Conservation Authorities, Simcoe County Association of Recreationists, Simcoe County Tourism, Landscape Architecture or Economic Development, 93 Page 148 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... O.P.P., the County Senior Planner, Chair of User Group Advisory Council, and Trail Coordinator. The Committee would meet 6 times per year. In February, the Com objectives, capital plans and operational plans to the User Grou September, they review the past year, prepare for upcoming budgend set priorities with the Council. User Group Advisory Council would have representation from: Ganaraska Trail, Bruce Trail, OFSC, ORV, Road Bike Groups, Municipal Trail Committee Chairpersons, Nature Groups, Special Event Operators, and Independent Trail Promotions. The Council debates issues relevant to trails and users groups a(or Assistant Council Chair) will attend the Advisory Trail Committee meetings in February an September as outlined above. The Council advises the ATC based on a full understanding of trail user needs. Executive Committee would consist of: Director of Planning, Economic Development and Tourism, Senior County Planner, Simcoe County Tourism, and Trail Coordinator. This Committee is a sub group of the ATC and is convened for day-to-day coordination and a sounding board for issues that need quick resolution. The Trails Strategy recommends that the County of Simcoe take the lead role in terms of initiative and coordinating the effort. To this end, the County needs to: 1.Develop funding criteria and process 2.Create a Manager of Trails Planning position that would be responsible for implementing the Trails Strategy. This position would work with planning, tourism, recreation and the many other partners to maximize existing opportunities. 3.Organize and promote a yearly trails conference to help the trai 94 Page 149 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 4.Become a resource centre for Municipal assistance on active tran development in their municipalities 5.Apply for Provincial and Federal grants, secure and administer funds and coordinate the trails network 6.Produce a maintenance assistance package for maintaining trail r County 7.Coordinate purchasing of materials to take advantage of group pur for Municipal trails projects to reduce overall costs 8.Create standards for trail signage and promotion of network via 9.Take leadership in progressive planning initiatives and Official Plan-development. 10. Develop policy and best practices to guide trail development and use (i.e. model by- laws and policies) Each municipality will process different types of trail development opportunities. Individual trail segments will be greatly strengthened with a coordinated croughout the County for the common good of all municipalities. Municipal support is key to keeping the overall quality and experience of the trail network. It is hoped that each Municipal partner will support the project by providing information and support to their trails committees, recreation professionals, roads departments and planners to assi efforts. Below are some ways Municipalities could contribute to 1.The Municipality should review other Active Transportation by-laws and adopt one specific for their community. Active transportation plans are established throughout the County and the County will support Municipal plans in this endeavour, according to the guidance of the Official Plan. 2.The Planning department, or Planning Firm hired to organize Municipal plans, n review the County Official Plan. After review, propose changes Official Plan to reflect the Active Lifestyle direction the Coun existing Official Plan before the Province. 3.Public land inventories are key to understanding the options for trail a.Identify all unopened road allowances b.Locate all municipal properties c.Locate all utility easements d.Old roadways, lanes e.Provincial Hydro Corridors f.Gas pipeline corridors g.Future sidewalk capital asset plans h.Safe routes to schools i. j.Bus routes, if available This inventory, of all corridors with trail potential, is essential to enable a municipal plan to create the most effective and efficient trail network. 4.Planning Department: review existing by-laws and official plan philosophy to make sure the proper language is contained in the new official plan t 95 Page 150 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... networks and full opportunities with developments to create connectivity for all current and new residents. 5.Recreation Departments: a.Embody the spirit and energies needed to be a resource for groups who promote the development of trails. There is a need to create or community trails committees. Request separate budget lines for trail capital and operational expenses. Create trail advisory committees to g information and celebrate each trail unit built. b.Promote and celebrate activities on local radio and television. Use internet data bank to distribute trail monthly updates. c.Become the trails information resource department. Attend semin internet sites; filter information for Council and general publi d.Adjust current maintenance equipment to also handle trail surfac maintenance e.Seek out community professionals with similar mandates Health unit officials Teaching profession Naturalist clubs Public works senior staff Volunteer leaders The Simcoe-Muskoka Health Unit is a strong ally of the trails network as a leader in active, healthy lifestyle change. They have an extensive body of resear documenting the benefits of trails, developing the built environ and the promotion of trail facilities. They are also a key partner in seeking grants for opportunities, such as trails, that will better the quality of l Trails are safe, active transportation routes to schools for students, pare also offer areas to study flora and fauna, outdoor recreation pursuits or the physical sciences. Involving the school boards in trail planning will ensure that p Huronia Trails and Greenways, the snowmobile associations, off rles and other municipal trails groups are an extremely valuable resource that and support to the trail initiative. They bring a strong public this group elect a representative to work with the County Trail Committee to bring issues, comments and concerns to the planning team. A spring trails con that will bring these groups together to help set priorities for recommended that this group meet again to review progress and budget priorities. 96 Page 151 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... It is recommended that the staff be responsible for the developm trail marketing programs. This central agency can create initia s should have a member on the Trails Committee and develop a consi promotion. As trails are becoming a residential and tourism amenity, developers and planning firms have the potential to make significant contributions to the trail network. The Trails Strategy has been developed with long-term options for expansion in mind and potential links are identified. By involving developers in the planning process, optimal trail connections can be made. The Trail Coordinator will be a resource to the developer maximize these planning opportunities. The private sector also includes private businesses that services (e.g. accommodations, restaurants, outfitters, etc.). See Simcoe Tourism. It is recommended that the OPP have representation on the Trails Network Committee. Their input and guidance is imperative. As many trail connections wilor near roadways, their experience with safety issues is critical. They can also share expertise from a customer service viewpoint as well as giving input for consisten enforcement. It is strongly recommended that the Simcoe County trail network have a standard for trail signage and way finding. This signage system must be easy to understand and clear to trai users, especially if they are traveling long distances and cross standardized sign system also makes the whole network easier to market and recognized as a complete package or product. Potentially, a col-coded system could be utilized: Green Trails: Walking and biking Gold Trails: AtV, Motocross, Snowmobiles Blue Trails: Water related routes 97 Page 152 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... The Simcoe County Construction and Maintenance Manual is available to provide specific details and standards for trail construction. It is recommended that Tourism Simcoe County take a lead role in marketing and promotion. (See Tourism Simcoe County above). They would have representati Committee as well as the Executive Committee as outlined in Section 9.3 Stakeholder Structure. A key marketing initiative will be the development of tour packa Implementation Steps for Phase 1.) Development of a core planning mandate, among municipalities, is for this regional trail system which crosses many municipal boundaries. The focus is on how a unified collective of 16 municipalities, military base and the first nat regional trail network that requires a standardized approach to h things as regulations, current acts, policies, statements, philosophies and so on. The rational for changing bylaws and policies is to provide the Municipality the additional regulatory documents that will enable them to identify usages and provisions of Municipal standards in their respective new Official Plans. This new policies and bylaws will dovetail into both County and Provincial guidelines and create a set of new abilities that produce opportunities to upgrade each settlement area towards better, and more sustainable active transportation communities. To serve the entire County and its key destinations, a core plan major objective is planning for the safest, most direct, most appropriate route available to access regional destinations by trails. The identification of t planning priorities will enable the County and other jurisdictio items, all of which involve administrative collaboration amongst municipalities, are: 1.Identify existing routes and assess the suitability for accommod regional network 98 Page 153 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 2.Identify the missing links, sub standard routes, conflict areas schedule of an off road remediation in a prioritized schedule base on 1-3 years, 4-7 years and 7-10 years. 3.Design the County network and promote the changes necessary to p throughout all the agencies who are responsible for planning, de maintenance and operations of said network. 4.Have County planning assist Municipalities in changing their policies and bylaws to reflect the overall philosophy and practice of creating a more h environment throughout the County of Simcoe. Rethinking all strategies to collectively encourage: more connected greenspace signed and adequate bike lanes for both rural and urban travel paved shoulders on bike routes signage -the- (i.e. address all modes of transportation when building or updating street plans -- walkers, bikers, busses and lastly vehicular traffic.) Numerous plans, acts and documents exist that need to be revieweted into a unified approach. Some of these are: Provincial Acts that may have impact: Places to Grow Act Greenbelt Act Planning Act Highway Traffic Act Municipal Act Green Energy Act Lake Simcoe Protection Act Provincial plans that may have an impact Provincial Policy Statement Greenbelt Plan Niagara Escarpment Plan Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe Oak Ridge Moraine Conservation Plan County plans that have impact Official Plan Strategic Plan Transportation Master Plan Trails Strategy Economic Development Strategy 99 Page 154 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Municipal plans and guidelines that have impact 1.Sustainability Plan following the four pillars of Municipal prosperity Municipal financial abilities Natural resources Environmental conditions Social aspects and cultural aspects 2. Strategic Plan Vision, mission, goals and objectives Implementation steps and key actions Roles and responsibilities, partners 3.Urban Design Standards/Guidelines What are the communities values, objectives, themes and benchmarks 4.Active Transportation Plan Sidewalk current/future needs Bike routes, trails, greenspace Mass transits current/future Road networks current/future It is imperative that both the municipal Recreation Plans and Transportation Plans detail what the future infrastructure and facilities and their design is going to look like and that they: 1.Must not be in conflict with each other, and 2.Must be consistent with the Official Plan which has been approvey Council for the purpose of directing physical growth related to future developme resources. Once all the above possible plans are generated and adopted, the present all these goals and objectives succinctly under the all-empowering Municipal Official Plan. This plan, by provincial regulation, needs to be reviewed five years. Therefore the changes proposed in previous descript together and enable Municipal Government to enact on what they, the County and Province have given authorities to do. Municipalities, if they desire, c and adapt more progressive, sustainable community growths. 100 Page 155 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 101 Page 156 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... According to the recommendations in Chapter 9, the first step in the process is t Phase 1 or the making of the first large loop in the trail syste It is projected that the first phase can be implemented between one andthree years. The trail system, or product, needs to be established using thre 1.It must be safe 2.There needs to be appropriate, consistent and common signage 3.There needs to be minimal trail surface standards. These basic guidelines help focus trail work on what is essentia endeavour less daunting and providing touchstones for reference The following action steps are not intended to be sequential in order, and many should be undertaken simultaneously. 1. Trail Advisory Committee Establish a trail advisory committee under the direction of the Development and Tourism Department to implement the trails network phasing program. This should be the first action step, as the impetus for implementing the other steps in Phase 1 will largely come from this Committee. They will review Phase 1 plans and create a priority list of actions. 2. Connect Municipalities to the Trail Loop Phase 1 would see a connected looping trail network from Meaford Beach, through Tiny Township to Penetanguishene to Midland to Co and back to Elmvale and Tiny Township. Criteria (specifically travel time, travel distance and connecti build the loop are based on market research of successful tour o days/150 km is the preferred time/distance for cycle tourists. 3. Signage Create a user-friendly environment with a series of standard trail heads, loca posts along all Phase 1 corridors. These units are placed by tTrails Strategy with Municipal approvals. The common signage created for this first phase will set the stage for the next phases and any subsequent trail corridors. 4. Bike/Train Schedule Seek federal, provincial, county and municipal support to coordi bring the GTA market to trails in Simcoe County. The Phase 1 loop enables train travelers to 102 Page 157 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... access trails in Barrie and head off in various directions. See 8.8 Marketing and Promotion Opportunity. 5. Marketing Plan Work with Tourism Simcoe County to create a marketing plan for tails Strategy. 6. Tour Packages Work with local area businesses to develop tour packages that will attract tourist trail users to the Simcoe County trail network. These packages will be accu presentations of our communities. Simcoe County Tourism should take the lead in pulling together the resources that will support trail users, such as: mapping accommodation packages (hotel, motel, bed and breakfasts) tour support companies cultural, historic and natural sites and relationship to trail network educational literature and pamphlets to add to the trail experie inventories of the many significant natural resources within the These packages and resources will grow as the trail network expa 7. Trail Coordinator Create the financial capacity to hire a County staff member able to focus on the project and daily processes necessary to keep implementation of the trail ne 8. Funding Develop policies to assist all Simcoe County municipalities in cooperative ventures with senior levels of government, and in seeking funding sources and possibl 9. Workshops and Conferences Facilitate workshops that assist municipal governments in advanc enacting active transportation programs. As well, host a Fall conference to bring trail interests together to assist in the coordination of the overall 10. Financial Assistance Develop a financial assistance program that will help municipal connections to the county trail network. Assistance may come in Materials Purchasing power Financial assistance Best practices information Trail maintenance 11. Gap Analysis Develop a comprehensive list of existing gaps in the trail netwok and options to resolve them. Section 7.4, Gap Analysis identifies the missing trail links forThis list needs to be reviewed with full cooperation of the Trail Advisory Committee and County associations to prioritize the gaps and work collaboratively to resolve. 12. Plans for Phase 2 and 3 Prepare detailed plans for Phases 2 and 3 with Trails Advisory Committee and User Group Advisory Council. 103 Page 158 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Large-scale, or County-wide trail networks, have unique characteristics, unlike single trail systems in municipalities. The size and scope of regional trail multidisciplinary strategy and an integrated approach to development and management. The decision to move forward with the Phase 1 Implementation of the Trails Strategy necessitates the immediate formation of the Advisory Trail Committee to bring the diverse and vested trail interests together to begin developing protocols for working as a committee, setting priorities, and implementing the Strategy. The Simcoe County Trails Strategy is a catalyst for change. The communities of Simcoe County already offer abundant, diverse and high quality trail ex the County and its partners can combine their resources to creat-class trail system. 104 Page 159 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 105 Page 160 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Recreation Canada, 49 (4), pp. 19-22 Craig, C.L., Cameron, C. (2004). Increasing Physical Activity: Assessing trends from 1998 2003. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Inst prepared for Dr. R. McCarville, University of Waterloo, Recreation Department. Gleason, Paul. 1991. Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. November 28, 1991 Simcoe County Recreational Trail Development M Committee meeting. Guide to Community Preventive Services. (2003). Effective population-level strategies to promote physical activity. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/recommendaitons.htm National Park Service. 1991. Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers, Trails, and Greenway Corridors: A Resource Book. San Francisco, California: United States Department of the Interior Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. Ontario Trails Counci Professional Development Workshop Proceedings Occasional Paper 17. George Priddle editor. University of Waterloo, Ontario: Heritage Resources Centre. pp. 29-43 -of-Way Professional Development Workshop Proceedings Occasional Paper 17. George Priddle editor. University of Waterloo, Ontario: Heritage Resources Centre. Transforming Abandoned Rail Corridors into Multi- Trails to Greenway Making the Vision A source Centre, November 22, 1991. 106 Page 161 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Trans Canada Trail Provincial (514) 485-3959 (800) 465-3636 Local Ontario Trails Council www.tctrail.ca Environment Network (613) 389-7678 705-446-0551 Canada Walks 1-877-ON-TRAIL (1-877-668- 1-866-377-0551 www.canadawalks.ca 7245) www.environmentnetwork.org www.ontariotrails.on.ca American Simcoe Muskoka District Health Office of Greenways and Trails, Ontario Trails Strategy Unit Florida Department of www.mhp.gov.on.ca/en/active- (705) 721-7520 Environmental Protection living/recreation/A2010_TrailStrategy www.simcoemuckokahealth.org (850) 488-3701 .pdf www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt Huronia Trails and Greenways Hike Ontario American Trails (705) 458-4037 905-277-4453 Rails to Trails Conservancy www.simcoecountytrails.org (202) 331-9696 1-800-894-7249 www.railstotrails.org Bruce Trail Association www.hikeontario.com Walkable Communities (905) 529-6821 (614) 940-9780 1-800-665-HIKE www.walkable.org brucetrail.org Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club Trails.com www.trails.com Georgian Cycle & Ski Trail www.ofsc.on.ca Association www.georgiantrail.ca Ontario Rail Trails webhome.idirect.com/~brown Ganaraska Hiking Club www.ganaraska-hiking-trail.ca National 8-80 Cities (416) 591-7404 Central Ontario ATVs 8-80s.org www.coatv.ca 107 Page 162 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... 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Page 187 of 226 10d) Correspondence dated August 23, 2011 from Nathan West... Page 188 of 226 11b) Mel Coutanche speaking notes re Item 11b. Oct 5, 2011 Council meeting are as follows: This was a request to help several families, including the Orams, by exploring ways to enhance progress on the building of homes they are awaiting in Diamond Valley Estates. This is in keeping with our Mandate of service excellence. The Developer had not done a few jobs (relating to potable water supply) in the subdivision and because of this, the Builder had not been allowed to pour foundations. There are approximately six families, who have been delayed at least 4 months. Mel Page 189 of 226 12a) l l Fire Prevention Week runs from October 9 -15, 2011. This theme is Protect Your Family From Fire. The focus is on protecting you and the ones you love by recognising and spotting fire hazards. Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services will be hosting an Open House at all six fire stations on Saturday October 15, 2011 from 9:00am to 12:00pm to let our co Protect Your Family From Fire know, . As always, the focus of Fire Prevention Week is to prevent home fires. This year, the campaign is urging people to protect their homes and families wi-saving technology and planning. The best way to protect your family from fire is to be ahead of the game. When it comes to fire, your best defence is a good of So come out and visit your local fire station and participate in the Fire Prevention Week activities, enter a draw to win a home fire safety kit, meet your community Firefighters, take a look at the emergency vehicles, firefighting and rescue ehrough the fire station and pick up fire safety information and tips on safe. Refreshments will also be available. {··zš“ {w“·ä .ä {··zš“ Iމ;­·š“;  [z“; {··zš“ Iš©­;­wš; ŒŒ;ä  [z“; bš©·w {··zš“ wÒm,ä {··zš“  ‘©’z“­·;©  {··zš“  ašš“­·š“;  [z“;  bš©·w For more information contact Oro-Medonte Fire and Emergency Services at: 705-835-5568. Page 190 of 226 12a) l l Page 191 of 226 12b) Page 192 of 226 12c) Page 193 of 226 12c) Page 194 of 226 12c) Page 195 of 226 12c) Page 196 of 226 12c) Page 197 of 226 12c) · · · · · · · · · · · · Page 198 of 226 12c) Page 199 of 226 12c) Page 200 of 226 12d) Chair: Walter Benotto Town of Shelburne Vice Chair: Joan Sutherland Town of New Tecumseth Past Chair: Fred Nix Town of Mono Gail Ardiel Town of the Blue Mountains Nina Bifolchi Town of Wasaga Beach Mary Brett Township of Adjala-Tosorontio Daniel Davidson Town of Innisfil Mike Edwards Town of Collingwood Earl Hawkins Township of Mulmur Brian Jackson City of Barrie Rob Keffer Township of Bradford West Gwillimbury Kevin Lloyd Town of Collingwood Bob Marrs Town of New Tecumseth Paul McQueen Municipality of Grey Highlands Brent Preston Township of Clearview Perry Ritchie Township of Springwater Alicia Savage Township of Clearview Michael Smith Township of Essa Percy Way Township of Amaranth Rick Webster Township of Springwater Darren White Township of Melancthon Keith White Township of Essa Ralph Hough Township of Oro-Medonte George Watson Town of Wasaga Beach Wayne Wilson, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer Susan Richards, Manager of Administration and HR Chris Hibberd, Director of Planning Glenn Switzer, Director of Engineering and Technical Services Byron Wesson, Director of Land Operations and Stewardship Services Fred Dobbs, Manager of Stewardship Services Laurie Barron, Executive Assistant Page 201 of 226 12d) BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES No: 10/11 26 August, 2011 P Chair Benotto called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. The following staff members were recognized for their years of service with the NVCA: Sarah Campbell, Aquatic Biologist Ryan Post, Hydrogeologist, Source Protection Coordinator Shannon Stephens, Healthy Waters Program Coordinator Debbie Swindells, Accounts Receivable/Payroll Clerk Susan Richards, Manager of Administration and Human Resources MOVED BY: Darren White SECONDED BY: Percy Way the agenda for the Board of Directors Meeting No. 10/11 dated 26 August, 2011 be adopted. MOVED BY: Rob Keffer SECONDED BY: Daniel Davidson the Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting 09/11 dated 19 August, 2011 be approved. Page 202 of 226 12d) BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES No: 10/11 26 August, 2011 P MOVED BY: Mike Edwards SECONDED BY: Rob Keffer the Georgian Triangle Anglers Association annual five year lease of the Petun Conservation Area be renewed from January 1, December 31, 2016; and, the Board of Directors authorize the Chair and CAO/Secretary-T to sign the said agreement. MOVED BY: Mike Edwards SECONDED BY: Brent Preston the Level 2 Fish Habitat Referrals Agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for a additional three years be approved the Board of Directors Authorize the Chair and CAO/Secretary- Treasurer to sign the said agreement. MOVED BY: Perry Ritchie SECONDED BY: Earl Hawkins the NVCA and the Town of Caledon Partnership Agreement dated June, 2011 be approved; and the CAO/Secretary-Treasurer and the Chair be authorized to sign said agreement. Page 203 of 226 12d) BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES No: 10/11 26 August, 2011 P MOVED BY: Perry Ritchie SECONDED BY: Earl Hawkins The Communications reports for the month of July, 2011 be received. MOVED BY: Perry Ritchie SECONDED BY: Earl Hawkins The Chair be authorized to approve the Accounts Receivable as at 31 July, 2011 in the amount of $1,245,532.92 including Planning items of $310.775.50 MOVED BY: Rob Keffer SECONDED BY: Brent Preston The Chair be authorized to approve disbursements as at July 31, 2011 in the sum of $348,424.58 including wages (net of withh $124,165.98 MOVED BY: Brent Preston SECONDED BY: Rob Keffer The Combined Statement of Operations Program Summary as at 31 July, 2011 be approved. The Board of Directors recessed at 9:30 a.m. The Board of Directors reconvened at 9:40 a.m. In the matter of The Conservation Authorities Act,R.S.O. 1990, C27 and in the matter of an application by Taurus Cookstown Partners Limited for permission of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Pursuant to Regulation Section 28, Subsection 12 of the said Act. Page 204 of 226 12d) BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES No: 10/11 26 August, 2011 P MOVED BY: Nina Bifolchi SECONDED BY: Kevin Lloyd THAT: This meeting of the Board of Directors No. 10-11 go In- Camera at 11:30 a.m. to address matters pertaining to: security of the property of the Authority; and the following staff members be in attendance: Wayne Wilson, B. Administrative Officer/Secretary-Treasurer, Byron Wesson, Direct Operations and Stewardship Services, Ken Hill, NVCA Solicitor an Executive Assistant/ Recorder. MOVED BY:Kevin LloydSECONDED BY:Nina Bifolchi this meeting of the Board of Directors No. 10-11 come out of In-CameraÑ at and report. MOVED BY: Mike Edwards SECONDED BY: Kevin Lloyd staff be authorized to pursue the acquisition of 99 acres in Springwater Township being Concession 2 Old Second Part Lot 41 & Concession 2 Old Second West Part Lot 42 through donation by Ron and the Eco Gift appraisal costs of $4000 and NVCA legal costs of $ covered through the NVCA Land Acquisition Reserve. MOVED BY: Rob Keffer SECONDED BY: Daniel Davidson staff be authorized to pursue the acquisition of 10 acres being Concession 6 West Part Lot 5, Essa Township through donation by Derjanecz; and NVCA legal costs of $2000 and ½ of the Eco Gift appraisal cost $2000 be covered through the NVCA Land Acquisition Reserve. Page 205 of 226 12d) BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES No: 10/11 26 August, 2011 P MOVED BY: Daniel Davidson SECONDED BY: Rob Keffer : the Chair and CAO/Secretary-Treasurer be authorized to sign the necessary property agreements and title transfer to receive NVCA (from the Nature Conservancy of Canada consistent with the multi party Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Agreement) for the following 12 ac PT W1/2 LT 13 Con 14 Springwater Township (former Vespra) MOVED BY: Perry Ritchie SECONDED BY: Earl Hawkins The Permits/Approvals issued by staff for the period, July 14, 2011 to August 15, 2011 be approved. Ramsar letter to Byron Wesson, NVCA Director of Land Operations Stewardship Services dated June 28/11 re: recognizing Minesing th Wetlands Natural Area as a Ramsar Site in the 40 Anniversary Ramsar Site publication. Wasaga Beach letter to W. Wilson, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer dated July 4, 2011 re: Town appointments to the NVCA Board. NVCA letter to Mayor Ellen Anderson & Council town of the Blue Mountains dated July 12/11 re: congratulating the Town on recei the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative award for Mos Progress on Water Conservation. NVCA copied on letter from Hon. Michael Chong, MP Wellington Ha Hills to Hon. Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment dated July re: concerns regarding the Highland Companies proposal to devel an aggregate quarry in the Township of Melancthon. NVCA letter sent to our 18 member municipalities dated July 25/11 re: NVCA Water Response Team. NVCA letter to J. Lowndes, Highland Companies dated July 26/11 Highlands Quarry Application Fee. Page 206 of 226 12d) BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES No: 10/11 26 August, 2011 P MMM Group Limited dated July 26/11 to NVCA re: request to appear before the NVCA Board of Directors on August 26/11 regarding Cookstown Outlet Mall Expansion. Response to Mayor Baguley, Town of Innisfil: letter received o 22/11 to NVCA (included in the hearing package) from Mayor Bagul in support of the Cookstown Outlet Mall proposed expansion. Letter to Taurus Cookstown Partners Ltd. dated August 4/11 from NVCA Resource Planner T. Salkeld re: Permit application for the expansion of the Cookstown Outlet Mall reviewed and refused. Letter from Ms. Wm. Traux to NVCA dated July 31/11 re: concern over low water conditions in our watershed. With response from Glenn Switzer, NVCA Director of Engineering. MOVED BY: Mary Brett SECONDED BY: Darren White Correspondence not specifically dealt with be placed on file. Board of Directors Orientation Session Î (Time: 9:00 a.m. - Location: John L. Jose Learning Centre, Tiffin Conservation Area, Utopia) MOVED BY: Mary Brett SECONDED BY: Darren White This meeting adjourn at 11:55 a.m. to meet again at the call of the Chair. rd Page 207 of 226 12e) Correspondence dated August 30, 2011 from Josephine C... Page 208 of 226 12e) Correspondence dated August 30, 2011 from Josephine C... Page 209 of 226 12f) Correspondence dated September 20, 2011 from Gayle Ja... Page 210 of 226 12f) Correspondence dated September 20, 2011 from Gayle Ja... Page 211 of 226 12g) Correspondence dated September 21, 2011 from Jeff Hec... Markham, ON, September 21, 2011  th -30- About Xplornet Communications Inc. Headquartered in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Xplornet Communicatio Canada's leading rural broadband provider, with customers and dealers in every province and terr Xplornet aims to bridge the urban/rural digital divide by ensuri Page 212 of 226 12g) Correspondence dated September 21, 2011 from Jeff Hec... they live, has access to broadband, thereby enabling them to comely in the global economy and gain access to essential government and educational services. Media Enquiries: please contact: Jeff Hecker, Director, Marketing Communications and Public Relat (905) 944-7969 Page 213 of 226 13a) Correspondence dated September 21, 2011 from John Col... Page 214 of 226 13a) Correspondence dated September 21, 2011 from John Col... Page 215 of 226 13b) Correspondence dated September 26, 2011 from Denise O... From: Sent: Monday, September 26, 2011 1:31 PM To: Brooke-Bisschop, Darcy Subject: Moonstone Elementary School Good afternoon Darcy, As you are probably aware, the ARC for MES is beginning on Thursday September 28th. We were notified recently that the ARC meeting on October 27th is an open meeting where individuals/groups are able to do a deligation to the committee. We were thinking that perhaps Mayor Hughes would be willing to attend this meeting, as well as present a deligation outlining the value of the school to the community, and the township as a whole. We feel that Mayor Hughes would have a much bigger impact on the committee as opposed to a community member. Could you please mention this to Mayor Hughes and see if he has any thoughts? We need to have as big of an impact as possible at this meeting! Please feel free to contact me directly at 705 to discuss. Thanks.Denise Osborne 1 Page 216 of 226 13c) Correspondence dated September 29, 2011 from Mayor Vi... September29,2011 MayorandMembersofCouncil TownshipofOroMedonte Box100(off#11online7#148) Oro,ONL0L2X0 DearMayorandMembersofCouncil, Re:AninvitationtotheLakeSimcoeRegionConservation!Ò·wš©z·äx­ AnnualConservationAwardsCeremony,Thursday,October27,2011 WearepleasedtoinviteyoutoattendourAnnualConservationAwardsCeremonyonwÒ©­7ärh-·š,;© r E©š’t ¦u’ut ¦u’u atMadsen'sGreenhouseinNewmarket.Appetizerbuffetandrefreshmentswillbe served.ThisyearwesaluteandcelebratetheŒ‰;x­{‘·;©­w;7I;©š;­|withmembersofthecommunity, electedofficials,andenvironmentalleadersfromaroundtheLakeSimcoewatershed.Thereareaward winnersfromyourmunicipalitythatwillbehonouredatourawardsceremony.Theyinclude: WaterConservationAwardDelCoinHoldings TheLakeSimcoeRegionConservation!Ò·wš©z·äx­missionistoprovideleadershipintherestorationand protectionoftheenvironmentalhealthandqualityofLakeSimcoeanditswatershedwithourcommunity, municipalandothergovernmentpartners.Bycelebratingenvironmentalsuccessstoriesfromacrossthe watershed,wehopetoinspireotherstoconserveandprotectLakeSimcoe.Welookforwardtohavingyou joinus. th PleaseRSVPtoMelissaLaytonbyOctober14.MelissacanbereachedbyemailatM.Layton@lsrca.on.caor byphoneat(905)8951281,ext.258. Yourstruly, MayorVirginiaHackson Chair Page 217 of 226 15a) A By THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE BY-LAW NO. 2011-154 A By-law to authorize the execution of a Tax Arrears Extension Agreement WHEREAS The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte has registered on the 15th day of July, 2011 a tax arrears certificate against the land described in Schedule “A” attached hereto and forming part of this By-Law. AND WHEREAS Section 378 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O., 2001, C.25 as amended provides that a municipality may by By-law authorize an agreement with the owner of such land to extend the period of time, which the cancellation price payable on the land is to be paid. NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Township of Oro-Medonte hereby enacts as follows: THAT 1. an agreement be entered into by the Corporation with the owners of the land described in Schedule “A” to extend the time period in which the cancellation price th payable on this land is to be paid beyond July 15, 2011. THAT 2. the agreement be substantially the same form and contain the same terms and conditions as set out in Schedule “B” attached hereto and forming part of this by-law. THAT 3. the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into the agreement on behalf of the Corporation. 4. This by-law shall take effect on the final passing thereof. BY-LAW READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME, AND PASSED THIS 5TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2011. THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE Mayor, H.S. Hughes Deputy Clerk, Janette Teeter Page 218 of 226 15a) A By Schedule “A” to By-law No. 2011-154 for The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte Description of the land: Roll # 43 46 010 005 29000 PLAN 1310 LOT 29 Page 219 of 226 15a) A By Schedule “B” to By-law No. 2011-154 for The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte th THIS AGREEMENT made in triplicate the 5 day of October, 2011. BETWEEN THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE Hereinafter called the “Corporation” and Hereinafter called the “Owner” WHEREAS the owner is the owner of the land in the Township of Oro-Medonte described in Schedule “A” attached hereto and forming part of this agreement. AND WHEREAS the said land is in arrears of taxes on the 16th day of September, 2011 in the amount of $10,662.88 and a tax arrears certificate was registered in the Registry Office on the 15th day of July, 2011 in respect of the said land. AND WHEREAS pursuant to Section 378 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, C.25 as amended a municipality may by By-law, authorize an extension agreement be entered into by the Corporation with the landowner to extend the period of time in which the cancellation price in respect to the said land is to be paid NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH that in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and obligations hereinafter contained, it is hereby agreed as follows: 1. The Owner agrees to pay to the Corporation the sum of $1,000.00 (one thousand) dollars monthly, commencing on the 30th day of October, 2011 to and including the 30th day of November, 2012. 2. In addition to paying the amounts provided for in Clause 1, the Owner agrees to pay all taxes levied on the land as they become due during the tenor of this Agreement. 3. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, C.25, as amended, shall continue to apply to the collection and enforcement of all tax arrears and all taxes except that the Treasurer and the collector of taxes of the Corporation, without waiving the statutory rights and powers of the municipality or of the Treasurer, shall not enforce collections of such tax payments, except as set out in Clauses 1 and 2, during the time the Agreement is in force so long as the Owner is not in default hereunder. 4. In the event the Owner defaults in any payments required by this Agreement, this Agreement upon notice being given to the Owner by the Corporation, shall be terminated and the Owner shall be placed in the position he or she was before this Agreement was entered into. In the event of a default, this Agreement shall cease to be considered a subsisting agreement on the day that the notice of termination is sent to the Owner. 5. Immediately upon the Owner making all the payments required under paragraphs 1 and 2, this Agreement shall be terminated and, the Treasurer shall forthwith register a tax arrears cancellation certificate in respect of the said la 6. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2, the Owner and any other person may at any time pay the balance of the cancellation price and upon receipt of the aforesaid payment by the Corporation, this Agreement shall terminate and the Treasurer shall forthwith register a tax arrears cancellation certificate. Page 220 of 226 15a) A By Page 2 Schedule “B” By-Law No. 2011-154 7. This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon and ensure to the benefit of the Parties and to their respective heirs, successors and assigns. 8. If any paragraph or part of paragraphs in this Agreement be illegal or unenforceable, it or they shall be considered separate and severable from the Agreement and the remaining provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force and effect and shall be binding upon the Parties hereto as though the said paragraph or paragraphs or part or parts of paragraphs had never been included. 9. Any notice required to be given to the Owners hereunder shall be sufficiently given if sent by registered post to the Owners at the following address: 6 Alberta Ave RR 2 Orillia, ON L3V 6H2 In WITNESS WHEREOF the Owners has hereunto set his hand and seal and the Corporation has caused its Corporate Seal to be hereunto affixed, attested by its proper Officers. SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED IN THE PRESENCES OF ________________________________ _________________________________ Witness Mayor, H.S. Hughes ________________________________ _________________________________ Witness Clerk, J. Douglas Irwin _________________________________________________________________ Witness Page 221 of 226 15b) A By THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE BY-LAW NO. 2011-155 A By-law to authorize the execution of a Tax Arrears Extension Agreement WHEREAS The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte has registered on the 15th day of July, 2011 a tax arrears certificate against the land described in Schedule “A” attached hereto and forming part of this By-Law. AND WHEREAS Section 378 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O., 2001, C.25 as amended provides that a municipality may by By-law authorize an agreement with the owner of such land to extend the period of time, which the cancellation price payable on the land is to be paid. NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Township of Oro-Medonte hereby enacts as follows: THAT 1. an agreement be entered into by the Corporation with the owners of the land described in Schedule “A” to extend the time period in which the cancellation price th payable on this land is to be paid beyond July 15, 2011. THAT 2. the agreement be substantially the same form and contain the same terms and conditions as set out in Schedule “B” attached hereto and forming part of this by-law. THAT 3. the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into the agreement on behalf of the Corporation. 4. This by-law shall take effect on the final passing thereof. BY-LAW READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME, AND PASSED THIS 5TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2011. THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE Mayor, H.S. Hughes Deputy Clerk, Janette Teeter Page 222 of 226 15b) A By Schedule “A” to By-law No. 2011-155 for The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte Description of the land: Roll # 43 46 010 009 67900 PLAN 935 LOT 35 Page 223 of 226 15b) A By Schedule “B” to By-law No. 2011-155 for The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte th THIS AGREEMENT made in triplicate the 5 day of October, 2011. BETWEEN THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE Hereinafter called the “Corporation” and Hereinafter called the “Owner” WHEREAS the owner is the owner of the land in the Township of Oro-Medonte described in Schedule “A” attached hereto and forming part of this agreement. AND WHEREAS the said land is in arrears of taxes on the 16th day of September, 2011 in the amount of $11,081.35 and a tax arrears certificate was registered in the Registry Office on the 15th day of July, 2011 in respect of the said land. AND WHEREAS pursuant to Section 378 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, C.25 as amended a municipality may by By-law, authorize an extension agreement be entered into by the Corporation with the landowner to extend the period of time in which the cancellation price in respect to the said land is to be paid NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH that in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and obligations hereinafter contained, it is hereby agreed as follows: 1. The Owner agrees to pay to the Corporation the sum of $350.00 (three hundred fifty) dollars monthly, commencing on the 30th day of November, 2011 to and including the 30th day of November, 2020. 2. In addition to paying the amounts provided for in Clause 1, the Owner agrees to pay all taxes levied on the land as they become due during the tenor of this Agreement. 3. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, C.25, as amended, shall continue to apply to the collection and enforcement of all tax arrears and all taxes except that the Treasurer and the collector of taxes of the Corporation, without waiving the statutory rights and powers of the municipality or of the Treasurer, shall not enforce collections of such tax payments, except as set out in Clauses 1 and 2, during the time the Agreement is in force so long as the Owner is not in default hereunder. 4. In the event the Owner defaults in any payments required by this Agreement, this Agreement upon notice being given to the Owner by the Corporation, shall be terminated and the Owner shall be placed in the position he or she was before this Agreement was entered into. In the event of a default, this Agreement shall cease to be considered a subsisting agreement on the day that the notice of termination is sent to the Owner. 5. Immediately upon the Owner making all the payments required under paragraphs 1 and 2, this Agreement shall be terminated and, the Treasurer shall forthwith register a tax arrears cancellation certificate in respect of the said la 6. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2, the Owner and any other person may at any time pay the balance of the cancellation price and upon receipt of the aforesaid payment by the Corporation, this Agreement shall terminate and the Treasurer shall forthwith register a tax arrears cancellation certificate. Page 224 of 226 15b) A By Page 2 Schedule “B” By-Law No. 2011-155 7. This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon and ensure to the benefit of the Parties and to their respective heirs, successors and assigns. 8. If any paragraph or part of paragraphs in this Agreement be illegal or unenforceable, it or they shall be considered separate and severable from the Agreement and the remaining provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force and effect and shall be binding upon the Parties hereto as though the said paragraph or paragraphs or part or parts of paragraphs had never been included. 9. Any notice required to be given to the Owners hereunder shall be sufficiently given if sent by registered post to the Owners at the following address: 9 Mitchell Road RR 1 Oro Station, ON L0L 2E0 In WITNESS WHEREOF the Owners has hereunto set his hand and seal and the Corporation has caused its Corporate Seal to be hereunto affixed, attested by its proper Officers. SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED IN THE PRESENCES OF ________________________________ _________________________________ Witness Mayor, H.S. Hughes ________________________________ _________________________________ Witness Clerk, J. Douglas Irwin _________________________________________________________________ Witness Page 225 of 226 18a) Being a ByLaw to Confirm the Proceedings of the Coun... THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE BY-LAW NO. 2011-156 Being a By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting Wednesday, October 5, 2011 WHEREAS Section 5 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, C. 25, as amended provides that the powers of the Municipal Council shall be exercised by By-Law, unless the municipality is specifically authorized to do otherwise; AND WHEREAS The Council of The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte deems it expedient that the proceedings at this Council Meeting be confirmed and adopted by By-Law; NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Oro- Medonte hereby enacts as follows: 1. That the actions of the Council at its Council Meeting held on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, and in respect to each Motion, Resolution and o passed and taken by the Council at its said Meeting is, except where prior approval of the Ontario Municipal Board is required, hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed. 2. That the Mayor and the proper Officials of the Township are hereby authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the said action or to obtain approvals where required and to execute all documents as may be necessary on behalf of the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Oro- Medonte. 3. That the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute and affix the corporate seal to all necessary documents. 4. And That this by-law shall come into force and take effect on the final passing thereof. TH BY-LAW READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME, AND PASSED THIS 5 DAY OF OCTOBER, 2011. THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE __________________________ Mayor, H.S. Hughes __________________________ Deputy Clerk, Janette Teeter Page 226 of 226