Community Services Committee Meeting -January 19, 2010 Waterfront Regeneration Trust's Waterfront lnvestment Program ................................................................................................... Whereas The Waterfront Regeneration Trust has initiated the Waterfront lnvestment Program, which will bring key improvements to the 730Km Waterfront Trail across 15 communities, through 25 proposed projects; and, Whereas the City of Oshawa is a partner in the Waterfront Regeneration Trust; and, Whereas the Waterfront Regeneration Trust is seeking infrastructure stimulus funding from the provincial government for improvements to the Waterfront Trail network; and, Whereas the Honorable David Crombie, Founding Chair of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust has invited the City of Oshawa to demonstrate it's support for the Waterfront lnvestment Program; and, Whereas the City of Oshawa has undertaken significant Waterfront Trail improvements including the Lakefront West trail extension that is currently underway; Therefore, be it resolved that Oshawa City Council demonstrate its support for the Waterfront lnvestment Program and endorse the attached letter to the Honourable Dalton McGuinty, MPP, Premiere of Ontario. w- 7 Oshawa Y- [DATE] The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, MPP Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto ON M7A 1Al Dear Premier; I am writing you today to express our support for the Waterfront Regeneration Trust's Waterfront Investment Program (WIP). We are proud to be partners in this program, which will bring key improvements to our community and the 730 km provincially significant Waterfront Trail. Over the years, the Waterfront Trail and the partnership of 41 communities that champion it, has made an important contribution to waterfront renewal, environmental sustainability and to the well-being of our communities. The Province's leadership and financial participation has been critical to maintaining the steady progress that has resulted in this wonderful provincial recreation, fitness and tourism resource. In October 2009, the Trust and its partners assembled an exciting program that would bring a total investment of $13 million to our provincial waterfront. The WIP involves 15 communities and 25 projects. Together the projects would have accomplished the following goals: = Move the Trail closer to the water's edge in 12 areas; Build 22 km of new trail; Establish community and major regional trail links; Create 2 new major waterfront parks; improves 16 others; Restore 4 habitats; Improve universal accessibility; Construct 2 bridges and improve 2 others; Interpret cultural or natural habitat in 11 areas; and Address two critical safety issues (Bayly Road in Whitby and Fairfield Park in Loyalist). The Province and Government of Canada were each asked to contribute $1.8M or 29% of the project total; this contribution is absolutely essential to enable the participation of waterfront community partners. We believe, this is no time to stop or under-fund a proven and innovative partnership model that has returned the Lake Ontario waterfront to the people as they have gained increased awareness of the ecology that is so close to hand while increasing their physical fitness levels. The Trust has requested a meeting with your office to discuss potential partnership opportunities. We agree with the Trust that the Waterfront Trail needs continued participation from the Province; and urge you to consider favourably the request of the Trust. Yours sincerely, [NAME AND SIGNATURE] cc: The Honorourable Gerry Phillips, MPP, Chair of Cabinet, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure The Honourable Monique Smith, MPP Nipissing, Minister of Tourism The Honourable Margarett Best, MPP Scarborough Guildwood, Minister of Health Promotion The Honourable John Gerretsen, MPP Kingston and The Islands, Minister of the Environment The Honourable Jim Bradley, MPP St. Catharines, Minister of Transportation The Honorable David Crombie, P.C., O.C., Founding Chair Waterfront Regeneration Trust .