BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AGENDA
for
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012
7:00 p.m.
Hamilton Conservation Authority 838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster
UPCOMING HCA EVENTS
Any Sunday Sundays and Holidays – April to October 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Westfield Heritage Village 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, Ontario L0R 1X0 Enjoy a leisurely day in the country as you stroll through over thirty historical buildings. Visit log buildings, a one-room school, blacksmith shop, railway station, TH&B locomotive, general store and many other buildings with volunteers in period clothing. Don’t forget some old-fashioned candy from Eddie D. Cat Confectionery and one-of-a-kind gifts from the Gift Shop. Runs from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Regular event pricing applies. Adults: $8.50, Seniors/Disabled: $7.50, Children: $5.50. Children 5 and under are free. Parking is free. For more information, please call 1-800-883-0104 or visit www.westfieldheritage.ca.
April Easter Campout April 5 - 9, 2012 Valens Conservation Area– reservation recommended. 1691 Regional Road 97 (R.R.#6), Flamborough, Ontario N1R 5S7 A great time of year for being in the Great Outdoors. Call Valens at 905-525-2183 or 519-621-6029 or email [email protected] for more information.
Trout Season Opens Saturday, April 28, 2012 Christie Lake & Fifty Point Conservation Area Fish for rainbow trout at Christie Lake’s or Fifty Point’s stocked ponds. Ponds are stocked on a regular basis and bait is available. Provincial fishing licence is required for Christie Lake. Ministry limits per angler apply. Regular park admission applies. For more information, please call Christie Lake at 905-628-3060 or Fifty Point at 905- 525-2187.
Eramosa Karst Family Tree Planting Saturday, May 5, 2012 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eramosa Karst Conservation Area Upper Mount Albion Road at Highland Join us as we celebrate the anniversary of the opening of Hamilton's newest conservation area. The 3nd Annual Eramosa Karst Family Tree Planting event will take place on Saturday, May 5th (rain date May 12th) from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area, located on Upper Mount Albion Road, between Rymal Road and Highland Road. Help us to plant trees and reforestation of Hamilton's newest conservation area.
DOORS OPEN Sunday, May 6, 2012 Griffin House National Historic Site 733 Mineral Springs Rd., Ancaster, Ontario L9H 1A1 The Griffin House is recognized as an important Canadian Black History site. It is included among several sites in the Central Ontario Network for Black History and stands as a testament to the bravery and determination of black men and women who journeyed to freedom in Southern Ontario. The Griffin House is an excellent example of Ancaster's early history, preserved in a simple 1.5-storey house just west of the Hermitage Ruins. The Griffin House will be open from 10 p.m. until 4 p.m. Admission for Doors Open is free. For more information, please call 905-648-8144. AGENDA FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
APRIL 5, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER ~ McHattie
2. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. DELEGATIONS
4.1 Webster’s Falls ~ Peter Turkstra
5. MEMBER BRIEFING
5.1 Outdoor Education Program ~ Beth Stormont
6. APPLICATIONS – Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses
6.1 Applications for April 5, 2012 ~ Berestecki/Kenny
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
7.1 Minutes – March 1, 2012
8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
8.1 Admission Fees for Eramosa Karst and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area ~ Mackenzie
9. PRE-DISTRIBUTED CORRESPONDENCE
9.1 Email Correspondence from Peter Turkstra regarding Webster’s Falls
10. OTHER CORRESPONDENCE
11. REPORTS
11.1 Foundation Chairman’s Report ~ McInnis
12. OTHER STAFF REPORTS/MEMORANDUMS
12.1 Upcoming Events
13. NEW BUSINESS
14. IN-CAMERA ITEMS FOR MATTERS OF LAW, PERSONNEL AND PROPERTY
15. NEXT MEETING – Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Memorandum
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: Darren Kenny, Watershed Officer
DATE: March 23, 2012
RE: Summary Enforcement Report – Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation 161/06 Applications for April 5, 2012
HCA Regulation applications approved by staff between the dates of February 14, 2012 and March 23, 2012 are summarized in the following Summary Enforcement Report (SER-3/12).
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the Board of Directors endorses Summary Enforcement Report SER-3/12 as presented. HAMILTON REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DEVELOPMENT, INTERFERENCE WITH WETLANDS, AND ALTERATIONS TO SHORELINES AND WATERCOURSES APPLICATIONS March 21, 2012 Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Applications Report to the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority, April 5, 2012 The proposed works are subject to HCA Regulation 161/06 under Ontario Regulation 97/04, and in particular Section 2, Subsection (1). SUMMARY ENFORCEMENT REPORT SER-3/12 Application No. Date Received Date Permit Issued Applicant Name Location Application Description Recommendation/Conditions
A/C/11/18 April 4, 2011 March 9, 2012 Joseph Farah 655 Old Dundas Rd Demolition of an existing single family residence and construction of a new Application approved subject to Pt. Lot 46, Conc. 2 single family residence in the floodplain of Ancaster Creek standard conditions City of Hamilton NEC Approval Obtained (Former Town of Ancaster)
SC/F,C,A/11/64 November 16, 2011 March 7, 2012 City of Hamilton McNeilly Rd Upgrading of McNeilly Road including installation of new storm sewer Application approved subject to Pt Lts 8 and 9, Con 1 infrastructure and stormwater outlet to Stoney Creek Watercourse No. 7 standard conditions City of Hamilton in a regulated area of Stoney Creek Watercourse No. 7 DFO Approval Obtained (Former City of Stoney Creek)
A/F,C,A/11/66 November 22, 2011 March 2, 2012 Hamilton Golf and Country 232 Golf Links Rd Stream channel remediation works associated with a newly re-aligned Application approved subject to Club Pt. Lots 44,45 & 46, Conc. 3 tributary of Ancaster Creek standard conditions City of Hamilton DFO Approval Obtained (Former Town of Ancaster)
H/F,C/12/01 January 20, 2012 February 23, 2012 Losani Homes (1998) Ltd. 12 Ambrose Ave Grading, fill placement and new home construction associated with the Application approved subject to Pt. Lot 29, Conc. 5 Greenhill Glen Subdivision (25T-2011-04) in a regulated area of Lower standard conditions City of Hamilton Davis Creek
D/C/12/02 February 1, 2012 February 16, 2012 1478500 Ontario Limited 51 Cootes Drive Renovation of an existing commercial building for commercial purposes in Application approved subject to c/o Bruce Killinger Pt. Lot 17, Conc. 1 the floodplain of Lower Spencer Creek standard conditions City of Hamilton (Former Town of Dundas) HAMILTON REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DEVELOPMENT, INTERFERENCE WITH WETLANDS, AND ALTERATIONS TO SHORELINES AND WATERCOURSES APPLICATIONS March 21, 2012 Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Applications Report to the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority, April 5, 2012 The proposed works are subject to HCA Regulation 161/06 under Ontario Regulation 97/04, and in particular Section 2, Subsection (1). SUMMARY ENFORCEMENT REPORT SER-3/12 Application No. Date Received Date Permit Issued Applicant Name Location Application Description Recommendation/Conditions H/F,C,A/12/04 February 3, 2012 March 22, 2012 Maple Leaf Foods Inc. 440 Glover Rd. Installation of erosion and sediment control measures, creation of diversion Application approved subject to Pt. Lot 15, Conc. 2 swales and sediment ponds and rough grading of subject property associated standard conditions City of Hamilton with site plan application DA-11-166 in a regulated area of Hannon Creek DFO Approval Obtained (Former Town of Glanbrook)
SC/F,A/12/06 February 23, 2012 March 2, 2012 Newport Yacht Club 711 North Service Rd Completion of maintenance dredging at the mouth of the Newport Marina in Application approved subject to Stoney Creek Inc Pt. Lot 14, BFC a regulated area of the Lake Ontario shoreline standard conditions City of Hamilton DFO Approval Obtained (Former City of Stoney Creek) HAMILTON REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES
Board of Directors Meeting
March 1, 2012
Minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Woodend Auditorium, 838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster, Ontario at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Brian McHattie, in the Chair Dan Bowman James Howlett Tom Jackson Santina Moccio Maria Topalovic Brad Whitcombe
REGRETS: Brad Clark, Chad Collins, Duke O’Sullivan, Robert Pasuta
STAFF PRESENT: Joan Bell, Brittany Berlinghoff, Hazel Breton, Lindsay Davidson, Darren Kenny, Judy Love, Bruce Mackenzie, Neil McDougall, Kathy Menyes, and Scott Peck – HCA Staff and Richard MacDonald – Foundation Chair
Richard Leitner - Media
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Chair called the meeting to order and welcomed members and staff present.
2. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Chair asked members to declare any conflicts under the Board's Governance Policy. There were none.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Chair requested any additions or deletions to the agenda. The Chair indicated that we have one delegation request.
Board of Directors -2- March 1, 2012 BD12,1664 MOVED BY: James Howlett SECONDED BY: Dan Bowman
THAT the agenda be approved as amended.
CARRIED
4. DELEGATIONS
Peter Scholtens from “A Rocha Canada” provided a PowerPoint presentation. “A Rocha Canada” is an international faith-based conservation organization working to show God’s love for all creation. “A Rocha” is transforming people and places through hands-on conservation projects, environmental education programs, and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Peter Scholtens would like their organization to get involved with HCA to work on a stewardship project. James Howlett indicated that a good project to work on would be the East Harbour Trail.
Brian McHattie, James Howlett, Steve Miazga, and Peter Scholtens will meet to discuss the project.
Brian McHattie thanked Peter Scholtens for attending our meeting.
5. MEMBER BRIEFING – HCA Climate Change Strategy
Hazel Breton provided a PowerPoint presentation in regards to the Climate Change Strategy and answered Board member’s questions.
Hazel Breton indicated that a draft HCA Climate Change Strategy has been developed which was brought to the Conservation Advisory Board recommending the Board of Directors to endorse the report.
The purpose of the strategy is to strengthen HCA’s capacity to develop and plan, in collaboration with other partners, short and long term adaptation and mitigation actions designed to increase climate resilience of the watersheds.
6. APPLICATIONS - DEVELOPMENT, INTERFERENCE WITH WETLANDS, AND ALTERATIONS TO SHORELINES AND WATERCOURSES (Copies of the supporting staff report are available from the Authority's Administration Office)
Darren Kenny presented the report and answered Board member’s questions.
Board of Directors -3- March 1, 2012 BD12,1665 MOVED BY Tom Jackson SECONDED BY James Howlett
THAT the Board of Directors endorses Summary Information Report SER – 2/12.
CARRIED
7. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (February 2, 2012)
BD12,1666 MOVED BY: Brad Whitcombe SECONDED BY: Dan Bowman
THAT the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held on February 2, 2012 be adopted as circulated.
CARRIED
8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
8.1 Crook’s Hollow Dam Update
Hazel Breton provided an update and indicated that construction started on February 14, 2012.
Further modifications have been made to the design and construction process. Due to the extended approval process and the additional cost incurred, the project has been split into two phases.
Phase 1 will include building a diversion channel and coffer dam, excavating and removing some sediment for disposal off site, importing soil and regrading the site, re-building Spencer Creek, removing the Crooks’ Hollow dam, and stabilizing the site with short term measures.
Phase 2 will be carried out at a later date and will include installing the new pedestrian bridge and planting the site with native plant species.
Given the delays in obtaining approvals, specific timelines are difficult to predict given that we are nearing the spring freshet (i.e. a flooding event resulting from a spring snowmelt and/or heavy rainfall) which may delay some activities. Fisheries timing guidelines will also influence in-water construction activities.
There is a potential for a shortfall in funding to a maximum of $200,000. HCA staff will approach both the Ministry of Natural Resources and the City of Hamilton to fund the anticipated Phase 2 budget shortfall on a 50:50 cost share basis.
Board of Directors -4- March 1, 2012 BD12,1667 MOVED BY: Tom Jackson SECONDED BY: Santina Moccio
THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations:
THAT the Hamilton Conservation Authority approach both the Ministry of Natural Resources and the City of Hamilton to fund the anticipated Phase 2 budget shortfall, to a maximum of $200,000, on a 50:50 cost share basis for the Crooks’ Hollow Dam Removal and Restoration of Spencer Creek project.
CARRIED
9. PRE-DISTRIBUTED CORRESPONDENCE
There was none.
10. OTHER CORRESPONDENCE
There was none.
11. REPORTS
11.1 Conservation Advisory Board (Minutes for February 16, 2012)
Dan Bowman presented the minutes of the Conservation Advisory Board meeting held on February 16, 2012.
BD12,1668 MOVED BY: Dan Bowman SECONDED BY: Maria Topalovic
THAT the Hamilton Conservation Authority Climate Change Strategy be endorsed; and further
THAT the HCA Climate Change Strategy be distributed to HCA’s partners for follow-up action.
CARRIED
Board of Directors -5- March 1, 2012 BD12,1669 MOVED BY: Dan Bowman SECONDED BY: Maria Topalovic
THAT the Conservation Advisory Board Terms of Reference, dated January 31, 2012, as revised, be approved.
CARRIED
11.2 Foundation Chairman’s Report
Richard MacDonald reported on the following:
• Total Donations for February - $75,665 • Hot Chocolate Festival attracted over 2,000 people – successful event
12. OTHER STAFF REPORTS/MEMORANDUMS
12.1 HCA Board Appointments to Conservation Advisory Board
Kathy Menyes presented the report.
BD12,1670 MOVED BY: Tom Jackson SECONDED BY: Santina Moccio
THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations:
THAT the HCA staff report, “HCA Board Appointments to the Conservation Advisory Board” dated February 21, 2012, be approved; and
THAT the HCA Board of Directors appoint the following members to serve as the four (4) Board of Directors representatives to the newly formed Conservation Advisory Board:
1. Dan Bowman 2. Santina Moccio 3. Duke O’Sullivan 4. Maria Topalovic
AND THAT the following above-noted members serve as Chair and Vice Chair of the Conservation Advisory Board:
Board of Directors -6- March 1, 2012 Chair: Dan Bowman
Vice Chair: Maria Topalovic
CARRIED
12.2 Upcoming Events
Lindsay Davidson reviewed the events included in the agenda.
13. NEW BUSINESS
Bruce Mackenzie indicated that the Spencer Gorge/Webster’s Falls Master Plan has begun and the first public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 21 at Christ Church in Greensville. The Board members requested that information on the public meeting be forwarded to all board members via email.
14. IN-CAMERA ITEMS FOR MATTERS OF LAW, PERSONNEL AND PROPERTY
There were no in camera items.
15. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Woodend Auditorium, 838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster, Ontario.
16. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
Report
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: Steve Miazga, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
DATE: March 21, 2012
RE: Admission Fees for Eramosa Karst and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
THAT the HCA staff recommends to the Board of Directors:
THAT the establishment of fee stations for conservation areas be considered as part of the annual budget report approved by the Board; and
THAT admission fees for vehicles be applied at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area (EKCA) and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area for 2012; and further
THAT the daily admission fee for vehicles at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area be set at $5.00 and $3.00 per vehicle respectively for 2012.
BACKGROUND
At the Board of Directors meeting on February 2, 2012, some of the recommendations contained in the attached report were tabled to allow for the Chair to meet with the FOTEK Chair to discuss the implementation of admission fees at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area. The implementation of fees at Tiffany Falls Conservation Area was also tabled. The meeting between the two Chairs and the HCA CAO is scheduled for Monday, April 2, 2012. Due to the aforementioned meeting date, a verbal or written report will be presented at the April 5, 2012 Board of Directors meeting.
STAFF COMMENT
It should be noted that the 2012 HCA budget approved by the Board included a revenue source of approximately $40,000 from Eramosa Karst Conservation Area and $15,000 from Tiffany Falls Conservation Area. Staff maintain the necessity of establishing admission fees to generate
-1- revenue. This is part of the staff recommendation to address additional revenue in the 2012 budget in consideration of the fact that there was no increase in levy. Inflation is at approximately 2% amongst other considerations so it is necessary to generate revenue from other sources.
AGENCY COMMENTS
Not applicable.
LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Provision of admission fees results in an estimated $55,000 which was included as part of the HCA’s 2012 budget.
CONCLUSIONS
It is appropriate that admission fees be charged at Eramosa Karst Conservation Area and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area.
-2- Report:
TO: Conservation Areas Advisory Board
FROM: Steve Miazga, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
PREPARED BY: Bruce Mackenzie, Manager of Customer Services and Operations
DATE: November 15, 2011
RE: Conservation Area Walk In and Vehicular Admission Fees
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
THAT the Conservation Areas Advisory Board recommends to the Board of Directors:
THAT the daily walk in admission fee for the Dundas Valley Conservation Area be removed; and
THAT the establishment of fee stations for conservation areas be considered as part of the annual budget report approved by the Board; and
THAT admission fees for vehicles be applied at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area (EKCA) and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area for 2012; and further
THAT the daily admission fee for vehicles at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area be set at $5.00 and $3.00 per vehicle respectively for 2012.
BACKGROUND
This report deals with eliminating walk in admission fees and expanding the vehicular admission fee to various Conservation Areas. After the provincial cut backs to the HCA budget in 1990 and 1995, admission fees for both hikers and vehicles were introduced to the Dundas Valley Conservation Area (DVCA). Other Conservation Areas were already charging a fee for walk in and vehicle admissions.
The following table illustrates the current collection of fees at various locations. The most satisfactory and accepted fee by the Public has been the daily vehicle admission fee and the sale of HCA annual membership passes.
Conservation Area Walk In Fee Vehicle Fee Dundas Valley Conservation Area Yes Yes Fifty Point Yes Yes Christie Lake Conservation Area Yes Yes Valens Conservation Area Yes Yes Devil’s Punch Bowl No Yes Spencer Gorge Yes Yes Regional Trails No No (Chippewa, Lafarge, Dofasco 2000) Eramosa Karst Conservation Area No No Tiffany Falls No No Mt. Albion Conservation Area No No Westfield Heritage Village Yes No Confederation Park No No Beverly Swamp No No Fletcher Creek No No
Attempts to collect the daily walk in fee which includes cyclists in the DVCA have proven to be unsuccessful. The collection of the walk in fee has generally been attempted with the use of self serve fee boxes found in different locations in the Dundas Valley.
With respect to the DVCA, the following exceptions apply to the payment of fees:
• Members of the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) travelling by foot do not pay a fee along the Bruce Trail where it travels through our conservation area. They pay the daily walk in admission fee if they venture onto other trails in the DVCA. BTC members pay vehicle admission fees.
• Hikers on the Hamilton Brantford Rail Trail travelling by foot do not pay a fee along the Rail Trail where it travels through the DVCA. They are to pay the daily walk in admission if they venture onto other trail in the DVCA. They pay a vehicle admission fee if they drive to the DVCA.
Also, HCA has a number of regional trails (e.g. Dofasco, Lafarge, and Chippewa) that have no admission fee. Again it is not efficient to attempt to collect a user walk in fee along these trails. The marketing plan for the HCA Annual Membership pass and the efforts of the Foundation to be used in the DVCA would be expanded to include the other regional trails operated by the HCA.
STAFF COMMENT
Walk In Admission Fees
The attempt to collect walk in fees over the past 15 years has been inconsistently applied as can be ascertained from the information contained in the “Background Section”. There are a great number of entry points into the DVCA. It is not practical to have collection points at all entry points. Visitors to the DVCA have expressed serious concerns about the attempts of collecting the walk in fee and how it spoils their experience. Consequently the collection of fees has been frustrating for visitors and staff.
Staff have reviewed the walk in fee policy and feel that there would be better opportunities to collect revenues by improving our marketing plan of the HCA Annual Membership pass to the users of the DVCA. This plan would work in combination with efforts to be introduced by the Hamilton Conservation Foundation to encourage donations directly for trail maintenance in the Dundas Valley and our other non-revenue generating conservation areas.
No changes are proposed to walk in admissions at other areas as noted in the table.
By fore going the walk in fee members of the BTC and users of the Rail Trail would be able to walk on any trail in the DVCA free.
The removal of the walk in admission fee has a number of positive outcomes, in addition to financial considerations. The community will view the elimination of walk in fees as positive since it promotes a healthy life style (i.e. walk don’t drive to the DVCA). It can also be viewed as assisting in reducing our carbon footprint if more residents can be encouraged to walk to the DVCA and not drive. Staff time will be better allocated in creating a positive experience for patrons of the DVCA as staff can reallocate time for trail maintenance and promoting our areas instead of focusing on enforcing the collection of fees.
Vehicle Admission Fees
The HCA has historically collected vehicle admission fees at Valens, Christie Lake, Spencer Gorge, Dundas Valley, and Fifty Point Conservation Areas. The revenues obtained are a major component of the HCA operating budget. As costs continue to increase and agency funding remain flat it is essential for the HCA to raise more revenues to allow it to maintain its trails and facilities to the level of maintenance required by our users.
The Eramosa Karst Conservation Area and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area are now becoming very popular areas for the public. The increasing use of these areas results in increased maintenance (i.e. trail maintenance, garbage pick-up, tree trimming, etc.). Therefore, it is necessary to consider other sources of funding to ensure customer enjoyment of these areas. It should be noted that resources for parks maintenance has actually shrunk from 1995 in spite of a substantial increase in acreage of HCA owned lands and additional public facilities (e.g. parking areas, trails). As well generally annual budgets have not kept pace with inflation, thereby creating, in effect, a further shrinking of resources. One way to increase resources is to consider the use of solar powered pay and display machines. The cost of the machine is approximately $15,000 and the payback is less than 1 year. As an example, a solar powered pay and display machine was introduced to the Webster Falls parking lot in 2010. It has added considerably to the revenues collected at Webster Falls, reduced staff time and eliminated the nuisance vandalism and theft that was experienced with the previous manual self serve fee boxes. Revenue from this machine in the last 10 months is $45,000.
AGENCY COMMENTS
Staff have met with the Heritage Community Trust and discussed with them the possibility of introducing a vehicle admission fee to the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area. The trust is in agreement with our recommendation.
LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
A minor part of the DVCA revenue (estimated $5,000 - $10,000 annually) is derived from users paying the daily walk in fee. Staff feel that with a new campaign that the revenues in the DVCA will grow as a result of new pass sales. Staff will monitor the passes sold at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre and at Woodend to see if there are increases to the pass sales from this new marketing programme.
Staff also feel that revenues will grow in all areas from pass sales as a result of new efforts to sell passes to the users of the other regional trails that the HCA operates.
Staff estimate that $40,000 will be collected at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area in 2012 and $15,000 at the Tiffany Falls Conservation Area in 2012 if a vehicle admission fee is established. The funds for purchasing the machines has been held in reserve for new cash registers from the 2011 capital budget.
CONCLUSIONS
The removal of walk in fees in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area is desirable for the following reasons:
• it will lead to greater customer satisfaction and is a positive impact for the community
• it will allow staff to focus on the “positive” elements of interacting with the public (e.g. acting as “ambassadors” to promote other HCA areas, sales of annual passes, etc) instead of being an “enforcement agency” in ensuring people pay their fees
• it encourages people to walk to our areas to avoid paying vehicle entry fees promoting a healthy life style.
• it reduces the “carbon footprint” associated with vehicle use. Board of Directors Minutes from February 2, 2012
10.2 Conservation Areas Advisory Board Committee (December 8, 2011)
Dan Bowman presented the minutes of the Conservation Areas Advisory Board meeting held on December 8, 2011.
BD12,1652 MOVED BY: Dan Bowman SECONDED BY: Santina Moccio
THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations:
THAT the chlorination system at the Christie Lake and Valens Conservation Area swimming areas be abandoned.
CARRIED
BD12,1653 MOVED BY: Tom Jackson SECONDED BY: Chad Collins
THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations:
THAT the daily walk in admission fee for the Dundas Valley Conservation Area be removed; and
THAT the establishment of fee stations for conservation areas be considered as part of the annual budget report approved by the Board; and
THAT admission fees for vehicles be applied at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area (EKCA) and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area for 2012; and further
THAT the daily admission fee for vehicles at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area be set at $5.00 and $3.00 per vehicle respectively for 2012.
NOT CARRIED
The Chair indicated that staff have met with FOTEK and they have concerns with the paid parking fees. The Chair indicated that he would like to meet with them as well. The Chair would like to table the motion for the admission fees for vehicles at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area until the April Board of Directors meeting.
The Chair would also like to table the motion for the admission fees for vehicles at Tiffany Falls Conservation Area until the April Board of Directors meeting. The Chair indicated that we would still go ahead with the removal of the daily walk in admission fees for the Dundas Valley Conservation Area.
After discussion, members approved the following motion.
BD12,1654 MOVED BY: Dan Bowman SECONDED BY: James Howlett
THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations:
THAT the daily walk in admission fee for the Dundas Valley Conservation Area be removed.
CARRIED
BD12,1655 MOVED BY: Dan Bowman SECONDED BY: James Howlett
THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations:
THAT the establishment of fee stations for conservation areas be considered as part of the annual budget report approved by the Board be tabled until the April Board of Directors meeting; and
THAT admission fees for vehicles be applied at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area (EKCA) and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area for 2012 be tabled until the April Board of Directors meeting; and further
THAT the daily admission fee for vehicles at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area be set at $5.00 and $3.00 per vehicle respectively for 2012 be tabled until the April Board of Directors meeting.
CARRIED
Email Correspondence for Board of Directors Meeting – April 5, 2012
From: Miazga, Steve Sent: March-27-12 11:00 AM To: 'Peter Turkstra'; Pasuta, Robert; '[email protected]' Cc: Bell, Alexander; Brad Whitcombe; Clark, Brad; Collins, Chad; Dan Bowman; Duke O'Sullivan; Jackson, Tom; Jim Howlett; Maria Topalovic; McHattie, Brian; Pasuta, Robert; Santina Moccio; Horvat, Tony; Mackenzie, Bruce; McDougall, Neil; Menyes, Kathy Subject: FW: Update and communication with Barry Thompson
I’m forwarding my email response and your emails I received in the last 2 weeks to the board members. If there are other pieces of correspondence you wish distributed please forward them and I can send them as well. I will be responding to your previous email and the questions posed in it. I don’t recall committing to respond to your questions over the winter as I thought I indicated they would be part of the review (i.e. the Master Plan). The information you requested , if readily available, will be provided. The next meeting of the Board is on April 5 at 7 pm at Woodend 838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster. I have listed you as a delegation. Please advise if you wish to appear before the Board. I would note that the HCA Board directed the undertaking of the Master Plan as a direct response to residents from Fallsview making a presentation and offering some ideas to the Board . In the meantime a number of actions has been taken by the HCA. While perhaps not solving all the problems, I believe they have alleviated, to some degree, some of the issues. These include hiring of off duty police at peak times and requesting the City to increase by law enforcement. The Master Plan exercise will address other remaining issues, some of which include the amount and location of parking, picnicking, timed parking, emergency service access etc. I would note in these latter cases that there are most likely to be varying opinions so it will be ultimately up to the HCA Board to decide upon an appropriate course of action albeit with the necessary input of the public.
The consultants were selected based upon a Request for Proposal (RFP) from 3 firms. Once the Board directed the undertaking of a Master Plan exercise the project was budgeted for 2012 at $50,000.
Peter Turkstra [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: March-27-12 7:56 AM To: Pasuta, Robert; [email protected]; Peter Turkstra; Miazga, Steve Subject: Update and communication with Barry Thompson Importance: High
Hi Robert,
I realize you were in a rush, but appreciate the fact you called. Truth is that Steve said that he would follow up to my questions over the winter - he did not.
You may want to follow up with Barry. Of course, he has as much history as we do. Barry's understanding of the growth of parking and the H.C.A. decisions is very sound. That group have done their absolute best to present the issues - and like us - have not seen evidence that the H.C.A. is taking their concerns seriously.
He came away with the same impression re: the general meeting. All the consultants and that it appears that H.C.A. seems prepared to start the year of pretty much "business as usual" and then monitor. He was also wondering who chose these consultants and how much they will cost?
As with our scenario, they had been told that the HCA would develop a comprehensive plan for dealing with the issues. Then, rather than presenting them, we were invited to what seemed to be a "1st steps type of meeting". This is not reasonable.
If we get a sunny long weekend, full access to parking, a lineup down Fallsview and all the "predictable" issues, it is going to be very messy.
I'm sending my letters by registered mail to every Board member. While I am also open to discussion (always have been), I am demanding immediate action - to minimize the negative impact on me and my family. I have a right to the enjoyment and use of my property and the H.C.A. actions have infringed my rights - repeatedly.
We have had "enough" and are requesting that the H.C.A. take immediate action so that we don't have to live through 2012 with all the same issues that were identified in 2009, 2010 and 2011. This is not "Webster's Falls vs. Fallsview vs. Tews's Falls issue". If you address the core issue (massive expansion of tourists & revenue - without services and an E.M.S. plan), the impact on neighbours would be reduced immediately.
At this point, we are considering all of our options.
Peter p.s. I don't know how the Niagara Escarpment commission would allow hundreds of cars to be parked within 50 yards of he edge of the escarpment, on hot days, leaking oil on to the grass. Think about it, if any private resident put in roads and expanded parking on Escarpment land, they would be contacted immediately.