Page 1 of 29 Staff Report #CD-07-21 Meeting: Committee of the Whole - 19 Apr 2021 Staff Contact: Jon Popple, Community Standards Manager Subject: Waterfront and Parking Strategy Final Report Suggested Motion THAT Committee of the Whole receive report CD-07-21, and implement the recommendations of the Waterfront and Parking Strategy; AND THAT Committee of the Whole review and consider the draft bylaw to permit and regulate Kiteboarding from municipal property and forward to Council for adoption; AND Further that Committee of the Whole consider the City of Orillia Parking and Boat Launch Program and determine if the Township of Ramara will opt in for the program in 2021. Background & Discussion Review: In 2020, with the COVID-19 Pandemic the Township of Ramara experienced a significant increase in use of its waterfront properties, parks, greenspaces and access points to Lakes Simcoe, Couchiching, St. John and Dalrymple. This increased use was directly attributed to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the provincial restrictions and emergency order regulations prohibiting many social gatherings, organized activities and sports. The Township experienced a significant increase in use of the noted areas and in some cases overcrowding and non-compliance with social distancing requirements occurred. As a result, to ensure public safety and compliance with provincial and local health unit COVID-19 regulations the Township made the difficult decision in the summer of 2020, to close all primary waterfront parks, water access points and prohibited kiteboarding/kitesurfing from municipal lands. These areas and closures were enforced by the Township's Bylaw Enforcement Department with assistance from a contracted security provider. Following the summer of 2020, staff undertook a review of the Township's water access points, waterfront amenities and facilities in order to provide Council with an overview and the framework for a new Waterfront and Parking Strategy for the summer of 2021, and beyond. As a result, Council has selected four primary locations for the focus of this strategy, with some additional secondary locations needing to be included within the strategy. The following four (4) locations have been selected as the primary locations along the Ramara Waterfront: Page 2 of 29 Waterfront and Parking Strategy Final Report 1- Heritage Farms (Suntrac Drive) Boat Launch - Lake Simcoe 2- Lagoon City Beach and Park - Lake Simcoe 3- Lovely Day Park and Boat Launch - Lake Simcoe with access to Lake Couchiching 4- Poplar Lane Boat Launch (Green and Black River) The following locations have been identified as secondary locations within the Waterfront and Parking Strategy. 1. Bluebird Street (Municipal Parking Lot) 2. Florida Avenue (Municipal Waterfront Park) 3. The Steps (Municipal Waterfront Park) 4. Simcoe Road (Municipal Road Allowance at Lake Simcoe) Waterfront and Parking Strategy Intent: The intent of the new waterfront and parking strategy is to make improvements to the identified areas to ensure a shared, safe and enjoyable use of the Township's public places. These improvements are also designed to be compliant with COVID-19 protocols which will be required for the foreseeable future. These changes are intended to allow residents, seasonal residents and non-resident (visitors) the opportunity to enjoy our public spaces, but giving the Township the ability to manage, regulate and restrict access as required based on local, provincial and federal health requirements. These recommended improvements and changes will also facilitate contactless use and a safe environment for all users. The intent of the plan is not to make significant physical changes in size, location or add large infrastructure to these waterfront areas, but to enhance a safe environment for those individuals who have traditionally used these areas. The Waterfront Strategy was last presented to Committee of the Whole on March 1, 2021, and as a result further public meetings and consultations were deemed necessary to gain input, feedback and comments on the proposed plan. On March 3, 2021, a public meeting was held on Zoom where numerous residents, stakeholders and members of the public participated in an open discussion regarding the locations, use, proposed regulations and parking. This public consultation process provided valuable information and input that has been incorporated into the revised plan. Waterfront Strategy and Parking Plan by location: In consultation with municipal departments, public and stakeholders, the following is the recommended physical changes, strategy and parking plan for to the primary waterfront areas: 1- Heritage Farms (Suntrac Drive) Boat Launch - Lake Simcoe • The boat launch be maintained as currently configured • That parking be restricted at the boat launch to facilitate the launching and removal of boats or any other motorized or non-motorized watercraft (15 min loading/unloading zone) Page 3 of 29 Waterfront and Parking Strategy Final Report • That the creation of paid (Honk Mobile) or permit parking spaces not be implemented at this location and parking restricted. • Boat Launch area signage with rules, regulations, safety guidelines and parking restrictions be posted • Permanent entrance barriers with COVID-19 signage to facilitate quick closures of the boat launch be installed • That a safety assessment be conducted to determine if the current boat launch is safe for use due to location, water depth and weather conditions on Lake Simcoe 2- Lagoon City Beach and Park - Lake Simcoe • Increased off-street municipal parking lot area (across the street from the park on current green space) • Implementation of paid (Honk Mobile) and permit parking spaces in the municipal lots • Posted and clear parking restrictions to allow use of the Canada Post mailboxes • On street Parking restrictions on Lake Avenue and Poplar Crescent • On Street Permit Parking Zone on Lake Avenue and Poplar Crescent • Parking Lot signage with rules, regulations and parking restrictions • Permanent entrance barriers with COVID-19 signage to facilitate quick closures of parking lots • Implementation of a Kiteboarding Bylaw to permit and regulate Kiteboarding • Installation of portable washrooms and waste receptacles for the summer season 3- Lovely Day Park and Boat Launch - Lake Simcoe with access to Lake Couchiching • Implementation of paid (Honk Mobile) and permit parking spaces in the municipal lot • Parking Lot signage with rules, regulations and parking restrictions • Permanent entrance barriers with COVID-19 signage to facilitate quick closures of parking lots • Opening and maintenance of current municipal boat launch on the Winchester Street municipal road allowance (Lovely Day Park) • Budget consideration and construction/Installation of new municipal boat launch in 2022 on the Winchester Street road allowance • Budget consideration and construction of new larger municipal parking lot in conjunction with future park and infrastructure upgrades • Installation of portable washrooms and waste receptacles for the summer season 4- Poplar Lane Boat Launch (Green and Black River) • The boat launch be maintained as currently configured • The boat launch and associated lands are not be used for the parking of vehicles • That parking be restricted at the boat launch to facilitate the launching and removal of boats or any other motorized or non-motorized watercraft (15 min loading/unloading zone) • That the creation of paid (Honk Mobile) or permit parking spaces not be implemented at this location and parking restricted. • That on street parking restrictions be implemented on Poplar Lane, Riverleigh Drive and Park Lane Crescent to permit the safe passage of vehicles, pedestrians and boat launch users • Parking Lot signage with rules, regulations and parking restrictions • Information/Safety signage with information about the river(s), speed limits, water current information and local day use parks/parking, etc, be posted. Page 4 of 29 Waterfront and Parking Strategy Final Report • Permanent entrance barriers with COVID-19 signage to facilitate quick closures of the boat launch. • Installation of portable washrooms and waste receptacles for the summer season In consultation with municipal departments, public and stakeholders, the following is the recommended physical changes, strategy and parking plan for to the secondary waterfront areas: 1. Bluebird Street (Municipal Parking Lot) • Implementation of paid (Honk Mobile) and permit parking spaces in the municipal lot • That on street parking restrictions be implemented on Bluebird Street to permit the safe passage of vehicles, pedestrians and parking lot/boat launch users • Parking Lot signage with rules, regulations and parking restrictions • Permanent entrance barriers with COVID-19 signage to facilitate quick closures of parking lots • Installation of portable washrooms and waste receptacles for the summer season 2. Florida Avenue (Municipal Waterfront Park) • Implementation of paid (Honk Mobile) and permit parking spaces in the municipal lot • Implementation of specialized parking pass for residents with deeded access rights to be used when parking is permitted and during closures related to COVID-19 • That on street parking restrictions be implemented on Concession Road B, Florida Avenue and Spyglass Point Road to permit the safe passage of vehicles, pedestrians Park and parking lot users • New natural stone barricades to define parking lot and greenspace • Stone Barricades placed to provide access for the launching