Meeting Minutes

City of Guelph Natural Heritage Advisory Committee December 9, 2020 Remote via Webex Event From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Meeting Chair: Martin Litchfield and Jason Elliott (staff liaison) Natural Heritage Advisory Committee Present: Mike Puddister, Nathan McFadden, Martin Litchfield, Sam Stevenson, Erica Wilkinson, Justine Richardson, Emily Damstra, Liana D’Andrea, Tom Nichols Absent: none City: Jason Elliott, April Nix, Leah Lefler, Melissa Aldunate, Tiffany Hanna, Timea Filer Agenda Items All were welcomed and meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. Item 1, Roll call and certification of quorum Item 2, Declaration of Conflict of Interest Martin Litchfield declared a conflict of interest due to his involvement as a director with Trees for Guelph, and abstains from item 6 on the agenda. No other conflicts of interest were declared. Item 3, Approval of September 30, 2020 meeting minutes THAT the meeting minutes of the September 30, 2020 Natural Heritage Advisory Committee meeting be approved as written Moved by: Martin Litchfield Seconded by: Justine Richardson Motion carried, unanimous Item 4, Presentation: Five-year Review of the Official Plan April Nix, Environmental Planner, provided a presentation with an overview of the five-year review of the City’s Official Plan. Questions and discussions occurred throughout the presentation. THAT the following comments are provided by the Natural Heritage Advisory Committee on the Five-year Review of the Official Plan  Consider incorporating policy statements related to natural assets and green infrastructure.  What are the policy changes?

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 Does the City look at the effect of current policies?  How does the City balance new growth with protection? How is this balanced in a sustainable way?  Does the City have policy related to integrating LID measures within the right-of-way or other areas?  Consider looking at incorporating policy to set targets for impervious cover.  Will updates occur to other aspects of the natural heritage system (e.g. Significant Woodlands, Wildlife Corridors)?  Is Significant Wildlife Habitat mapped by the City?  Does the City have policy/procedures related to salt usage, which in itself is a major water quality issue?

Moved by: Mike Puddister Seconded by: Sam Stevenson Motion carried, unanimous Item 5, Presentation: Guelph Trails Master Plan Tiffany Hanna, Parks Planner, provided a presentation with an overview of the Guelph Trails Master Plan Update. THAT the following comments are provided by the Natural Heritage Advisory Committee on the Guelph Trails Master Plan  Does the City have a partnership with GORBA? Is there an agreement between the City and GORBA? GORBA trails in the vicinity of the Arkell Spring Grounds have really proliferated, and there are erosion issues and impacts to vegetation. It seems that the trails have exceeded carrying capacity of the area. Is there a plan in place? A report back would be appreciated.  Passive recreation can occur on any trail type (e.g. bird watching can happen anywhere). Why does the trail type have to relate to passive recreation?  What are the typical uses of a secondary trail? For example, would mountain biking be permitted? Are uses restricted by trail type?  Illegal development of tertiary trails is a concern. Trails that were not designed are now impacting water quality (i.e. sedimentation). How can ad hoc trails be managed appropriately / how can they be closed appropriately? A planned trail network is a major attraction in Guelph (e.g. trails along Speed River / Eramosa River).  In a management plan, how would decisions be made to close certain ad hoc trails and not others? For example, in the Hanlon Creek Conservation Area, which trails would be closed and which trails would become formalized?  Appreciation is often the first step in protecting natural heritage. Interpretive signage, neighbourhood walks, appreciation of sensitivity to raise awareness of impacts people have on the natural heritage system.  Protection of the natural heritage system should be front and center, before trail type or trail construction / design.

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 Nomenclature of ‘passive recreation’ is difficult. Is this the term we have to use? People are currently using the trail system for active transportation.

Moved by: Martin Litchfield Seconded by: Erica Wilkinson Motion carried, unanimous THAT the Natural Heritage Advisory Committee extent the meeting end time to 9:00pm Moved by: Tom Nicholls Seconded by: Justine Richardson Motion carried, unanimous Item 6, Presentation: Guelph’s Urban Forest Management Plan 2013-2032 Timea Filer, Urban Forestry Field Technologist, provided a presentation with an overview of Guelph’s Urban Forest Management Plan 2013-2032. THAT the following comments are provided by the Natural Heritage Advisory Committee on Guelph’s Urban Forest Management Plan 2013-2032  The tree inventory is amazing, covering all land uses, including public and private land.  The presentation is very impressive, as is the amount work that has been accomplished.  The Official Plan sets a canopy cover target of 40%. Where does the Vegetation Compensation Plan requirement from the Official Plan come into play?  Tree Technical Manual sets new tree compensation requirements to maintain and increase tree canopy cover.  Plantable Spaces Analysis and potential plantable areas to increase tree canopy cover and maximize ecosystem services, including a climate change response.  Provide committee with a link to the Urban Forest Study (complete). Moved by: Emily Damstra Seconded by: Mike Puddister Motion carried, unanimous Item 7, Other items and next meeting Next meeting: TBD Adjournment THAT the Natural Heritage Advisory Committee adjourn at 8:50pm Moved by: Sam Stevenson Seconded by: Liana D’Andrea Motion carried, unanimous

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