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HomeMy WebLinkAboutConservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board 1994 ~ 'Norking Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace Vthe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority minutes El APRIL 15, 1994 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #1/94 The Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board met in the Canada West Room of Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Downsview. The Vice Chair, Marie Muir, called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. PRESENT Vice Chair Marie Muir Members Maria Augimeri Margaret Britnell Gerri Lynn O'Connor Donna Patterson Deborah Sword Richard Whitehead Chair of the Authority William Granger ABSENT Chair Lorna Jackson Member Paul Palleschi MINUTES Res. #C1/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: William Granger THAT the Minutes of Meeting #7/93 be approved. CARRIED The Board extended best wishes for a speedy recovery to Jim Agnew, Director, Field Operations Division, who has recently suffered a heart attack. Craig Mather updated the Board on interim procedures during Mr. Agnew's absence. E2 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #1/94. APRIL 15. 1994 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 1. GIBSON LAKE -Report on Environmental Conditions KEY ISSUE A staff report on the environmental condition of Gibson Lake is provided based on investigations carried out at the request of the Board. Res. #C2/94 Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor Seconded by: Deborah Sword THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the staff report, dated April 6, 1994, on environmental conditions at Gibson Lake, be received. AMENDMENT Moved by: Richard Whitehead Res. #C3/94 Seconded by: Donna Patterson THAT the Town of Caledon be informed of concerns related to sediment loading at Gibson Lake resulting from soil erosion of the North Caledon Equestrian Centre; THAT the Town of Caledon be requested to undertake revegetation of the site and investigate other remedial measures; THAT the Authority staff offer to be involved in the Palgrave Secondary Plan Study currently being undertaken by the Town of Caledon. THE AMENDMENT WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #8/93, staff was directed to "investigate the condition of Gibson Lake, recommending procedures and costs involved to deal with the environmental concerns and report back to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board." Staff has carried out an examination of historical data related to the condition of Gibson Lake and has carried out a survey of past development approvals in, or adjacent to, the Gibson Lake catchment area. Some estimates have also been made as to the costs of undertaking further investigations. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Gibson Lake is a shallow kettle lake, approximately three metres at its deepest point, at the north end, and 20 hectares in area. The drainage basin for the lake is relatively small and there are no storm water outfalls evident. Inflow into the lake is primarily through surface water runoff and springs. Historically, the lake drained in a northwest direction into the Mill Pond, however no evidence of outflow has been observed in the last ten years. . APRIL 14, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD # 1/94 E3 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 1. GIBSON LAKE (CONTD.) -Report on Environmental Conditions Pine plantations and hardwoods surround the lake, with some of this vegetation being introduced by the Authority since the property was purchased. The southern end of the lake is characteristic of a bog with floating mats of woody and herbaceous material present. Water temperatures in Gibson Lake are relatively warm (250C measured in July 1993). Fish such as catfish, common shiner and minnows have been observed in the lake. Such species are usually found in stagnant, vegetated ponds. Birds such as ducks and geese have also been sighted at Gibson Lake. Land use surrounding Gibson Lake has traditionally been agricultural. When the Authority acquired the Gibson Lake property, agricultural activity immediately surrounding the lake was discontinued and reforestation was undertaken. As a result, a fairly significant buffer now exists around most of the lake. Some residential development exists around the south-west portion of the lake. Background water quality information for Gibson Lake is available in three separate studies completed in 1978, 1984 and 1993. Each study examined pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature levels within the lake. Analysis of the findings reveals that levels were within the Provincial Water Quality Objectives and did not change significantly between 1978 and 1993. The levels found are not limiting to existing fish species in the lake. Gibson Lake is undergoing the process of eutrophication. This process occurs naturally as nutrients accumulate in the lake. Historical sources of nutrients would include wildlife faeces, decomposed vegetation, and agricultural field runoff. Over time, sediments from the surrounding drainage basin have also filtered into the lake. The results of nutrient and sediment loadings are a reduced depth of the lake, relatively high water temperatures, and increased plant and algae growth. It is a possibility that salt spread on residential roads at the south-west end of the lake may have found its way into Gibson Lake. This could impede the growth and reproductive rate of fish in the lake. Since no historical data related to lake salinity is available, any influence on the lake is impossible to substantiate. Resampling of Gibson Lake to obtain current data is possible at an estimated cost of $17,650. Since this would only provide information representing a single point in time and would therefore not help a great deal in evaluating trends over time, staff would not recommend that this work be undertaken. A more comprehensive study would be required in order to reach any conclusions regarding the extent to which deforestation, agricultural activity and urban development have affected water quality at Gibson Lake. This would require a consultant to collect information on the surrounding groundwater aquifers and would be considerably more costly. RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT As noted above, some residential development has taken place near Gibson Lake, particularly to the south-west. Since 1969, the Authority has commented on six plans of subdivision impinging on the Gibson Lake catchment area. The Authority has generally requested sediment and erosion control measures to be in place during construction and in several instances had additional concerns related to erosion or water quality. In one instance, comments noted that health unit approval was required for sewage disposal systems. E4 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #1/94, APRIL 15. 1994 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 1. GIBSON LAKE (CONTD.) -Report on Environmental Conditions All Authority comments related to development in the Gibson Lake area have been provided within the context of our overall program and policy interests. Authority staff have had extensive involvement in the development and review of policy documents such as the Town of Caledon's Official Plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine Guidelines and the Palgrave Policy Area Review. These documents are supported by numerous environmental reports dealing with the full spectrum of Authority interests. CONCLUSION In reviewing the current and historical environmental conditions at Gibson Lake and the development which has occurred in the surrounding area, staff concludes that the existing condition of the lake is not out of the ordinary and has not been unduly affected by residential development. As noted above, the eutrophication process is a natural one, and has likely been a factor in the condition of Gibson Lake since well before any development took place. Development which has been carried out in the Gibson Lake area has been subject to the environmental policies and guidelines of the day and, any concerns raised by the Authority have been met as part of the development process. In addition, because of the small drainage area of the lake, any effects on the lake from surface runoff have been local in nature. In order to obtain sufficient data to draw conclusions regarding the long term environmental prognosis for Gibson Lake, considerable expense would be required. Given that the current condition of the lake is acceptable by provincial standards, the expenditure involved in this work is not warranted at present. 2. WILDCARE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE KEY ISSUE The Authority has been asked by the Wildcare Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for a reduction in the 1994-1995 annual rent of the leased facility and adjacent area located within the grounds of the Kortright Centre. Res. #C4/94 Moved by: - Gerri Lynn O'Connor Seconded by: William Granger THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the Authority agree to a reduction in the 1994-1995 annual rent from $2,000 per year to $1,500 per year, this being a reduction of 25%. CARRIED APRIL 14, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD # 1/94 E5 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 2. WILDCARE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE (CONTD.) BACKGROUND On February 15, 1991 an agreement was signed between the Authority and Wildcare for the lease of 1.62 hectares of land within the Kortright area including a shared access right-of-way, "for the purpose of developing and operating thereon, a wildlife rehabilitation centre". The term of the lease was for one year, with entitlement to renew for four additional consecutive terms of one year each. The licensee is to be responsible for all operating costs, taxes, insurance, services, etc., and is to pay to the Authority "on the first day of the term, the amount of $1.00. The fee for successive years is not intended to be market value rent but $2,000 in 1992 and shall be determined by the Authority in 1993, 1994 and 1995 and not be less than $2,000 or exceed $5,000 per year". The long-term goal and objective of Wild care is to establish a permanent facility for the care of injured, small size, wild animals and birds and to release them back into the wild when fully recovered. This goal and the personal aims of the people involved are quite compatible with the objectives of the Kortright Centre for Conservation in providing opportunities for shared programming for public visitation. The short-term goal was to have an interim facility at Kortright and establish a publicity campaign for competent and secure volunteer help, for the establishment of a "friendly wildcare" support group, and for the raising of funds. Due to constant changes in personnel affecting not only the day-to-day operations but also the establishment of fund raising and publicity campaigns, Wildcare has not progressed as far in year four as they had hoped and planned. Within the terms of the present agreement, the Kortright Centre would like to continue the partnership for the year 1994-1995. Correspondence from Wildcare, dated March 17, 1994, regarding their request was forwarded with the agenda. FINANCIAL IMPACT All day-to-day operating costs are the responsibility of Wildcare. 3. ARCHAEOLOGY SERVICES -Trent University, Department of Anthropology KEY ISSUE The Authority has been asked by the Department of Anthropology, Trent University to provide a site and supervision of a summer field school program. Res. #C5/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the Authority agree in principle to the development of an Archaeological Field School in cooperation with the Department of Anthropology, Trent University; E6 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #1/94, APRIL 15. 1994 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 3. ARCHAEOLOGY SERVICES -Trent University, Department of Anthropology AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to negotiate the details of a joint venture with the Department of Anthropology, Trent University. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Authority currently operates three field schools at the Boyd Conservation Area. The York University Field School runs from May 10 to June 5, 1994. The Ontario Archaeological Society Field School runs from May 29 to June 26, 1994. The high school (grade 12 level) Field School operates throughout the month of August. All three field schools are financially self supporting. Trent University has invited the Authority to operate a field school for students enrolled in their Department of Anthropology. Trent University will provide funding for this field school and requests the use of the Seed-Barker archaeological site for the program. The proposed field school would operate during the month of July 1994 and be supervised by the staff archaeologist. Participation in the program would benefit the Authority in two ways: . the addition of another field school would broaden the financial support for the archaeological services offered on Conservation Authority lands; and . the information gathered is not available in 'typical' excavations and would add new information that could be used by the conservation education programs at the Boyd Conservation Field Centre and the Kortright Centre for Conservation. FINANCIAL IMPACT Trent University has agreed to cover the full cost of the Field School including the cost of the Authority staff archaeologist as Field Director for the four weeks of the school. The total cost of the field school has not been determined and negotiations with Trent University are required to establish support service. 4. DRAFT STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC USE OF CONSERVATION AUTHORITY LANDS This item was withdrawn from the agenda. The item was addressed under new business. APRIL 14, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD # 1/94 E7 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 5. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE -Proposal for Exclusive Corporate Use KEY ISSUE The exclusive use of Black Creek Pioneer Village by a corporation on a weekend in November, 1994. Res. #C6/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: Donna Patterson THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT approval be given to close Black Creek Pioneer Village to the public on November 26 - 27, 1994, and that staff be authorized to negotiate the exclusive daytime use of the Village on those dates by a corporation as a pilot activity, to be evaluated for future long-term impact and benefit. CARRIED BACKGROUND Black Creek has been approached by Children's Hour Productions Ltd. to be the venue for the Christmas party of a major Toronto corporation for up to 12,000 employees. Given the size of the company and the capacity at the Village, Black Creek Village has been asked to provide them with exclusive use over two days. The company would host up to 6,000 employees per day at Black Creek the weekend of November 26-27, 1994. Black Creek would provide its regular programming plus some additional activities and refreshments. All regular retail outlets would also remain open. BCPV visitor attendance for late November is normally very low, due to unpredictable weather and the fact that the majority of people don't begin to pursue Christmas activity until December. BCPV attendance picks up considerably by mid-month. Given that the proposed dates fall at one of the lowest attendance periods, the opportunities to significantly increase revenue and build audience are strong reasons for considering this initiative. The highest daily attendance at Black Creek is Pioneer Festival, which averages 5,000 to 6,000 visitors. Previous attendance figures for the last weekend in late November total 1200 - 1500 over two days. Black Creek could easily accommodate 6,000 people daily without the Village becoming overcrowded. There is sufficient time to advertise and inform the public of a closure in November. Arrangements would be made to handle any general visitors that did arrive on those dates. One disadvantage of exclusive corporate use is the fact that Black Creek would not be open to the general public, a move that may be criticized by visitors wishing to come on that weekend. A strong communication plan would reduce this concern. Many attractions are now closing certain days to meet Social Contract targets, and are using media to inform their public. E8 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #1/94, APRIL 15, 1994 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 5. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE (CONTD.) -Proposal for Exclusive Corporate Use FINANCIAL DETAILS Black Creek has the opportunity to increase attendance revenue on these two days by more than $20,000 and potentially up to $30,000. In addition, all retail sales outlets have the potential to generate an additional $10,000 to $15,000 depending on audience size. The food component has not yet been discussed in detail, but would exceed normal levels by a considerable amount. There would be higher staffing costs to accommodate the crowd size, but the revenue recovered would offset all costs. The revenue opportunity is a major factor in supporting the initiative. Another benefit is the opportunity to increase corporate events business by spin-off bookings with a high-profile events planner that has a wide and exciting range of clients. It is felt that with adequate timelines and effective public communications this initiative can be successfully delivered, with a substantial revenue increase to Black Creek in 1994. IMPACT The impact of permitting exclusive day-time use of Black Creek is primarily financial. Black Creek would be continuing its full operation for the weekend, and increasing both attendance and revenue generating potential in the last quarter of the year. It enables Black Creek to improve the overall financial position at a time of year when there is little flexibility or opportunity to recover from any revenue shortfall. This pilot would provide staff with data to analyze the potential of this type initiative in strengthening Black Creek's financial base of support. APRIL 14,1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #1/94 E9 SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD 6. OCCURRENCE REPORT SUMMARY KEY ISSUE To provide a system to adequately deal with occurrences on Authority lands. Res. #C7/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the Occurrence Report Summary, dated March 31, 1994, be received; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to continue to monitor occurrences and take appropriate action to protect the Authority, the public and our staff. CARRIED BACKGROUND Some years ago a new system of enforcement management was adopted. The manager of enforcement, safety and security was given the responsibility of coordinating security on all Authority owned holdings. In addition to this, he was given the responsibility of taking appropriate action to deal with security matters. With the disturbing trend towards increasing violent behaviour and vandalism, it was necessary to upgrade our reporting system to ensure appropriate action is taken. To date we have installed 21 electronic security systems in areas that required special security needs. One example is the Indian Line Campground, where a number of break-ins were reported, the most serious being a break, enter and theft on March 26, 1993 with $1,600 in office equipment being stolen. An alarm system was installed and within four weeks the same entry point was used to gain entry, however the alarm was activated, the person fled and nothing was stolen. In addition, the Authority's enforcement staff have police designations and deal with seizure of alcohol, firearms and criminal matters. Police are not in a position to supply security nor respond to all occurrences, therefore we must put a major effort into our enforcement program to adequately protect the Authority, the public and our staff. Special patrols will continue to be undertaken to deal with major concerns in all areas including Field Centres, Conservation Areas, Resource Management Tracts and any other area of responsibility of this Authority. This new method of compiling statistics will be available for management and staff, and will provide good detail of unauthorized activities allO\~ving staff to identify serious situations and take appropriate action where necessary. E10 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #1/94, APRIL 15, 1994 SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD TOUR OF BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE The meeting took a short recess to tour Black Creek Pioneer Village. The Vice Chair of the board then requested that William Granger, Chair of the Authority, assume the chair for the following item of business. 7. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE -Strategic Operating Plan KEY ISSUE To provide information on the Black Creek Pioneer Village Strategic Operating Plan. Res. #C8/94 Moved by: Maria Augimeri Seconded by: Donna Patterson IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the report on the Black Creek Pioneer Village Strategic Operating Plan, dated April 7, 1994, be received. AMENDMENT Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor Res. #C9/94 Seconded by: Marie Muir THAT a sub-committee, comprised of interested members of the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board and Authority staff, be formed to discuss the process of the Black Creek Pioneer Village Strategic Operating Plan and report back to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board. THE AMENDMENT WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED BACKGROUND At Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board Meeting #6/93, a status report was received highlighting the initial steps taken to review Black Creek Pioneer Village (BCPV) operations, establish operating priorities, and introduce staff to the key shifts required to achieve an improved level of operation and effectiveness.- The purpose of the Strategic Operating Plan is to reverse the trend of declining attendance and establish a strong financial base of support for BCPV. To accomplish this, the Strategic Operating Plan has three phases. APRIL 14, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD # 1/94 E11 SECTION IV -ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD 7. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE -Strategic Operating Plan Phase One, now nearly complete, has focused on internal operational improvement. In this phase all staff have been involved in a consultative process to provide input, review operational priorities, identify areas in need of strengthening, and participate in change strategies to accomplish the required improvements. Emphasis on a "ready for business" climate, improved customer service, and the shift to a team approach have been the central focus. Since late January, Black Creek Pioneer Village has restructured staff departments into three areas: management of assets, program delivery, and retail ventures. A number of staffing changes have been made and personnel issues dealt with to facilitate behavioural/a~itude changes and to streamline operations. The staff restructuring transition will be completed in April. All staff have participated in a customer service workshop tailored to BCPV's operation, and a follow-up program is being devised to keep the focus on excellent customer service continually in mind. Operational changes have been implemented in many areas, including improved internal communications, regular morning briefings for interpretive staff, better co-ordinated special program delivery, and realignment of staff resources to develop tour packages to increase travel trade. To effectively reverse declining attendance, the next two phases of the Strategic Operating Plan are the market research component and the marketing program revision/implementation stage. With the assistance of outside market research expertise, BCPV will survey non-visitor attitudes to identify public perceptions, awareness levels, and important features to a successful attraction outing. The survey process will gather data from several target audiences including general public and ethnic communities; educators will be surveyed about the education program. This stage of public consultation will survey public response to a name change. This survey stage should require four to six weeks to conduct, including analysis. The Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board involvement will be an important component to this process. Following data analysis, the third phase of the Strategic Operating Plan will be two-fold. BCPV's programs will be reviewed in light of survey results, and operational changes implemented. The marketing plan will be reviewed and redesigned, with emphasis on increasing "share of mind" among our target markets with an aggressive awareness campaign. This stage should take three to five weeks. The outcome of these activities will be a focused marketing plan to increase visitation by reallocating the marketing budget to key areas, and leveraging corporate support for promotion. E12 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #1/94, APRIL 15,1994 NEW BUSINESS 8. DRAFT STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC USE OF CONSERVATION AUTHORITY LANDS Res. #C10/94 Moved by: Marie Muir Seconded by: Deborah Sword THAT staff inform board members of the next staff meeting on the Draft Strategy for Public Use of Conservation Authority Lands so that members can be an active part of the informal structure before this item is brought before the June 3, 1994, Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board Meeting #2/94. CARRIED TERMINATION The meeting terminated at 12:55 p.m., on April 15, 1994. Marie Muir J. Craio Mather Vice Chair Secretary-Treasurer /bb ~ 'Norking Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace Vthe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority minutes E13 JUNE 3, 1994 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #2/94 The Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board met in the Humber Room, Head Office, 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview. The Vice Chair, Marie Muir, called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. PRESENT Vice Chair Marie Muir Members Maria Augimeri Margaret Britnell Gerri Lynn O'Connor Donna Patterson Deborah Sword Richard Whitehead Chair of the Authority William Granger ABSENT Chair Lorna Jackson Member Paul Palleschi MINUTES Res. #C11/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: Donna Patterson THAT the Minutes of Meeting #1/94 be approved. CARRIED E14 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #2/94, JUNE 3, 1994 CORRESPONDENCE Environmental Study Report for Bayview Avenue Letter from Leslie L. Scott, McCormick Rankin, Consulting Engineers, dated May 25, 1994, re: Bayview Avenue from Stouffville Road to Bloomington Road. Res. #C 1 2/94 Moved by: William Granger Seconded by: Margaret Britnell THAT staff review the draft Environmental Study Report for Bayview Avenue, from Stouffville Road to Bloomington Road, Region of York, and submit comments to the Region consistent with the direction given in Authority Resolution #A 108/93. CARRIED SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 1. CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES' JOINT SUBMISSION -Niagara Escarpment Plan Five Year Review KEY ISSUE Receipt and endorsement of the Conservation Authorities' Joint Submission to the Provincial Cabinet in response to the recommendations of the Minister of Environment and Energy on the Niagara Escarpment Plan Five Year Review. Res. #C13/94 Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor Seconded by: Donna Patterson THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the Conservation Authorities' Joint Submission - Niagara Escarpment Plan Five Year Review submitted to the Provincial Cabinet on April 25, 1994, be received; AND FURTHER THAT the recommendations contained in the Joint Submission be endorsed. CARRIED BACKGROUND . The Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act requires that the Niagara Escarpment Plan be reviewed every five years. In March of 1993, the Hearing Officers' report on the five year review of the Niagara Escarpment Plan was submitted to the Minister of Environment and Energy. The Minister provided recommendations on this review in March of 1994. An opportunity was provided for interested parties to make submissions to the Provincial Cabinet in response to the recommendations of the Minister of Environment and Energy. JUNE 3, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #2/94 E15 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 1. CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES' JOINT SUBMISSION (CONTD.) -Niagara Escarpment Plan Five Year Review Many of the issues dealt with during the Niagara Escarpment Plan Five Year Review related to the Niagara Parks and Open Space System. Much of this system is comprised of lands owned and operated by the seven conservation authorities which have jurisdiction within the Niagara Escarpment Plan area. These authorities have been working with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Niagara Escarpment Commission and the Ontario Heritage Foundation to develop a Niagara Escarpment parks manual as required by the Niagara Escarpment Plan. The conservation authorities on the Niagara Escarpment presented a Joint Submission to the Hearing Officers in 1 991 and have now prepared a further submission responding to the recommendations of the Minister of Environment and Energy. This submission contains a number of recommendations summarized as: (a) Land Acquisition and Land Disposal The Authorities have made recommendations to simplify and streamline land acquisition and disposal within the Niagara Escarpment Plan area. In particular, the Authorities have recommended that a Niagara Escarpment Plan Amendment not be required for the acquisition or disposal of land providing certain criteria are met. This recognizes that much of the Authorities' land was acquired prior to the establishment of the Niagara Escarpment Plan and that Authorities already have in place a legislated approval process for land disposal. (b) Park Classification Policy The Authorities have recommended that the classification for parks in the Niagara Escarpment Parks and Open Space System be ultimately determined based on the results of the required Authority Master Planning process. This will prevent a situation whereby the initial park classification assigned predetermines the outcome of the Master Plan or Management Plan. (c) Master/Management Planning Policy The Niagara Escarpment Conservation Authorities have recommended that where a Master/Management Plan is in effect and is not in conflict with the Niagara Escarpment Plan, undertakings within that plan be exempted from development control. The recommendations from the Minister of Environment and Energy currently leave open the possibility that a development control permit may be required even if the undertaking is part of an approved plan thereby necessitating a duplication of the approval process. (d) Niagara Escarpment Parks and Open Space Manual In developing the Niagara Escarpment Parks and Open Space System Manual noted above, representatives of the conservation authorities have argued that the manual should not deal with maintenance standards on lands within the system. It is felt that maintenance standards are, to some extent, dependent on budget and should be within the purview of each authority and its funding partners. The authorities therefore, have recommended that the manual should deal only with the requirements related to the preparation of the Master Plan and the approval procedures for those plans. E1S CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #2/94, JUNE 3. 1994 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 1. CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES' JOINT SUBMISSION (CONTD.) -Niagara Escarpment Plan Five Year Review (e) The Bruce Trail The conservation authorities have recommended that reference to the Bruce Trail Comprehensive Plan be re-included in the Niagara Escarpment Plan. This will ensure that the process to be followed in determining trail locations within the Parks and Open Space System is outlined within the plan. The authorities feel that this is critical so that they, as land owners, retain the ability to determine the optimum route of the trail through their lands. RATIONALE The short response time required for providing the Joint Submission to Cabinet did not allow staff to seek the approval of the Authority prior to the document going forward. Authority staff has however, participated in discussions leading to the development of the Joint Submission and feel that the recommendations contained in the submission are in the best interest of the Authority. The endorsement of the Authority for this submission is therefore sought. 2. SELF-SERVE FEE COLLECTION -Greenwood Conservation Area KEY ISSUE A report from staff regarding the use of self-serve fee collection at Greenwood Conservation Area on a pilot-project basis. Res. #C 14/94 Moved by: William Granger Seconded by: Donna Patterson THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the staff report on self-serve fee collection at Greenwood Conservation Area be received; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board at the end of 1994 regarding the operation of the Self-Serve Fee Station. CARRIED BACKGROUND Attendance at the Authority's Conservation Areas tends to be concentrated in a few peak periods, in particular, weekends during June, July and August. During the rest of the operating periods, attendance, particularly at some areas, is quite low. In the past, practice has been that when the fees likely to be collected at the gate on a given day will not cover the cost of paying a gate attendant, the gate is left open and no fee is charged. JUNE 3, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #2/94 E17 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 2. SELF-SERVE FEE COLLECTION (CONTD.) -Greenwood Conservation Area For a number of years the Provincial Parks system has used self-serve fee collection during shoulder seasons and slow attendance periods. At the suggestion of field staff, this type of system is being tried on an experimental basis at Greenwood Conservation Area during the balance of the 1994 operating season. Use of the Self-serve Fee Station involves area visitors completing a registration envelope, depositing their daily fee in the envelope into a locked box and retaining a Daily User Permit which is detached from the envelope. When self-serve fee collection is in effect, visitors to Greenwood Conservation Area may be asked to produce their Day User Permit from time to time. Self-serve fee collection will be used during the spring and fall shoulder seasons from Monday to Friday this year. It is anticipated that it will also be used on week days during the summer months unless a projected use dictates the need for a regular gate attendant. Records will be kept of which days the system is in effect. RATIONALE While it is recognized that not all area visitors will pay fees under the self-serve fee collection system, any fees collected will provide incremental revenues over and above those which have been gained in the past. This provides an opportunity to increase area revenues during the spring and fall shoulder seasons when low use has made the use of a gate attendant uneconomical in the past. In past years, members of the public who have used the Authority's conservation areas when no gate attendant is on duty, have not been included in area attendance figures. This has created a situation where the use made of conservation areas by watershed residents has, to some extent, been undervalued. Use of the self-serve fee collection system will provide the Authority with more accurate attendance records during low use periods. FINANCIAL DETAILS The cost involved in setting up the Self-serve Fee Station totalled $540. These costs included the printing of self-serve envelopes, construction of the locking deposit box and manufacture of the instruction sign for the main gate. As noted above, since no gate attendant is employed there are no labour costs involved in operating the Self-service Fee Station. While the revenue to be derived from the self-serve operation is unknown at this point, it is hoped that this would at least amount to several hundred dollars per week. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE At the end of Greenwood Conservation Area's operating season in the Autumn of 1994, staff will review the self-serve fee collection system, looking at both operational costs and issues, and the amount of revenue collected. Based on this review, a report will be brought back to the Board; and, if the project is deemed a success, it is hoped it will be expanded to other conservation area locations. E1S CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #2/94, JUNE 3, 1994 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 3. COLD CREEK CONSERVATION AREA -Designation For Horseback Riding KEY ISSUE In light of reduced public use at the Cold Creek Conservation Area, staff has been requested to redesignate this property to permit horseback riding. Res. #C15/94 Moved by: Donna Patterson Seconded by: Margaret Britnell THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT Authority Resolution #75192, approved at Authority Meeting #3192, April 24, 1992, Clause 2, be amended to delete Cold Creek Conservation Area from those properties where riding is generally restricted. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #3/92, held on April 24, 1992, Res. #75/92 and #76/92 were adopted: "THA T the following policy related to horseback riding on Authority property be adopted: (1 ) Horseback riding on Conservation Authority lands is by permit only as per Ontario Regulation 593/88; (2) Riding is permitted on Authority lands except for active use Conservation Areas and other sites as designated. Any equestrian use will be subject to applicable municipal bylaws and management agreements with municipalities and other agencies. Properties where riding is generally restricted include those known as Glen Haffy (main area), A/bion Hills, Cold Creek, Kortright, Boyd, Clairevl'lle, Ebeneezer, Heart Lake, Bruce's MIll, Greenwood, Petticoat Creek and Palgrave (during the ski season); (3) Permits are to be available upon request through the Conservation Areas Section subject to proof of liability insurance coverage on horse and rider of a minimum of $ 1 million. A fee may be charged for the permit, with the permit being renewable on a yearly basis. Permits are non-transferable and must be carried by riders when on Authority property; (4) Access to Authority property must be by an approved access point as signified by a permissive sign. Riders entering by any other access point are in contravention of Ontario Regulation 593/88; (5) Commercial riding operations are not permitted on Authority property except by agreement as approved by the Authority; JUNE 3, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #2/94 E19 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 3. COLD CREEK CONSERVATION AREA ICONTD.) -Designation For Horseback Riding (6) Competitions or special events require a separate permit and would involve such terms and conditions as mutually agreed upon; (7) The Authority reserves the right to restrict access to properties or parts of properties deemed to be environmentally sensitive either permanently or for certain time periods; (8) A permit may be revoked by the Authority at any time; THA T the permit fee of $10.00 be charged for 1992; THA T staff review the policy at the end of one year and report back to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board at that time. THA T the horseback rider be permitted with a clearly visible identifying symbol appearing on the horses head gear. AND FURTHER THA T staff develop a pamphlet to be distributed to riders upon permit application, stating Authority policy governing horseback riding on Authority lands. AMENDMENT #1. Res. #76 THA T a permit fee of $20.00 be charged for horseback riding on Authority lands." This policy was modified by Res. #A 113/93 at Authority Meeting #5/93, adopted as follows: "THA T the staff report, June 25, 2993, reviewing the Authority Horseback riding policy be received; THA T the current policy be maintained; AND FURTHER THA T the current fee of $20.00, as established in 1992, be deleted. " The policy noted specific properties where riding would be restricted, these being primarily active use Conservation Areas. Cold Creek Conservation Area was among those properties included in the restricted group. Staff has received a request from a neighbour adjacent to the Cold Creek property, to ride across Authority lands. Staff has discussed the requirements for use with the neighbour and they have indicated a willingness to comply with the Authority's requirements. E20 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #2/94, JUNE 3, 1994 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 3. DESIGNATION OF COLD CREEK CONSERVATION AREA ICONTD.) -For Horseback Riding RATIONALE When the Authority's Horseback Riding Policy was developed and properties were identified as being restricted for riding, Cold Creek Conservation Area was included in the category of active use conservation areas. This was done in anticipation of possible redevelopment of the site or reinstatement of some of its former activities. At present, no public activities other than Hunter Education courses are being carried out at Cold Creek Conservation Area and staff does not anticipate this situation changing in the immediate future. Therefore, the public should be permitted to horseback ride at Cold Creek Conservation Area under the same conditions that currently apply to Authority properties such as Resource Management Tracts. If public use of the Cold Creek Conservation Area changes, the Authority may re-designate the property to restrict horseback riding. 4. DRAFT STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC USE OF CONSERVATION AUTHORITY LANDS KEY ISSUE Receipt of the draft report for circulation to member municipalities and key interest and user groups, for review and comment. Res. #C16/94 Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor Seconded by: Deborah Sword THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff be directed to circulate the draft Strategy for Public Use of Conservation Authority Lands, dated May 25, 1994, to all municipalities and representative agency, user and special interest groups in the watershed. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority prepared the Strategy for the Public Use of Conservation Authority Lands in 1988. Concerns from some staff and outside agencies arose regarding the heavy reliance on private enterprise funding partners; intensive recreation activities and revenue production. A review of the Strategy was commissioned and a report prepared in 1991. The review report was received and circulated by the Authority in the summer of 1992. Comments from member and local municipalities and a number of user groups were brought to the Board in March, 1993. A recommendation from that meeting to hold a joint members and staff workshop was implemented in June, 1993. The resulting goals, guiding principles and objectives developed in the workshop were used in the redrafting of the Strategy. JUNE 3, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #2/94 E21 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 4. DRAFT STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC USE OF CONSERVATION AUTHORITY LANDS ICONTD.) By Resolution #A 173/93, staff was directed to prepare a draft Strategy and bring it before the Board prior to circulation to all municipalities and representative agencies, user and special interest groups in the watershed. A copy of the draft Strategy for Public Use of Conservation Authority Lands is attached to this communication. The draft document will be circulated for comment and a revised document will be brought forward to the Board in the fall of this year. Key elements of the strategy include the use of a screening process for all outdoor recreation and education development proposals; the use of conservation zoning categories on Authority lands to provide clear limits on where public uses will be considered; and the use of concept and master plans to focus resource analysis and public consultation. TERMINATION The meeting terminated at 10:35 a.m., June 3, 1994. Marie Muir J. Craiq Mather Vice Chair Secretary-Treasurer /bb ~ 'Norking Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace Vthe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority minutes E22 SEPTEMBER 16, 1994 CONSERV A TION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT #3/94 ADVISORY BOARD The Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board met in the Humber Room, Head Office, 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview. The Chair, Lorna Jackson, called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. PRESENT Chair Lorna Jackson Members Marie Muir Gerri Lynn O'Connor Donna Patterson Deborah Sword Vice Chair Lois Hancey ABSENT Member Maria Augimeri Margaret Britnell Paul Palleschi Richard Whitehead MINUTES Res. #C17/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: Marie Muir THAT the Minutes of Meeting #2/94 be approved. CARRIED , E23 SEPT. 16, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94 CORRESPONDENCE Ban on Launching of Personal Watercraft la) Letter from Larry Smith, Marine Safety Consultant, Executive Director - Chief Instructor, Watercraft Training Centre, dated August 31, 1994. Ib) Letter from Claude J. Joncas, Bombardier Inc.. dated September 9, 1994. Res. #C18/94 Moved by: Marie Muir Seconded by: Lois Hancey THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the correspondence, as listed above, be received; THAT staff be directed to reply to the correspondence received stating that the Authority is continuing to seek a resolution to this issue; AND FURTHER THAT the Authority will also be seeking further input on this matter. CARRIED SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 1. 1995 PROPOSED PUBLIC FACILITY FEE SCHEDULE KEY ISSUE Establishment of the 1995 Fee structure for public use of Authority facilities and programs. Res. #C19/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword . Seconded by: Donna Patterson THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the 1995 Fee Schedule, dated September 7, 1994 ICR. 1/94), for admission to and use of the Authority's facilities and programs, to be effective January, 1995, be approved. AMENDMENT Moved by: Marie Muir Res. #C20/94 Seconded by: Deborah Sword THAT staff be directed to investigate a family admission rate to Black Creek Pioneer Village for a day visit, and report back to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board. THE AMENDMENT WAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94, SEPT. 16, 1994 E24 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 1. 1995 PROPOSED PUBLIC FACILITY FEE SCHEDULE (CONTD.) BACKGROUND Section 29 (1 )(c) of the Conservation Authority's Act permits the Authority to establish fees for the use its lands, facilities and services. The revenues derived from public use facilities form a significant part of the Authority's operating budget. In 1994, user fees for the Kortright Centre for Conservation, Black Creek Pioneer Village and the Conservation Areas, were budgeted at $4,202,000. This represents approximately 46% of the operating budget for these facilities. It is anticipated that a similar ratio of user fee revenues to operating costs will be included in the 1995 Operating Budget. Given the high degree of dependence on user fees in order to operate the Authority's public use facilities, it is critical that fees be set at appropriate levels and that revenue targets be met. Recent reductions in funding levels have meant that increased revenues from user fees have become more important in allowing the Authority to maintain or improve service levels at its public use facilities. In addition, land acquisitions over the past three years and increasing urban development around Authority properties have meant additional pressure on the Authority to preserve or improve maintenance levels on lands which are not developed for recreational use. The 1995 Operating Budget which will be submitted to the Finance and Administration Advisory Board on September 30, 1994, will include some additional revenues based on anticipated increases in attendance and sales to cover these additional needs. RATIONALE The 1995 proposed Public Facility Fee Schedule (CR. 1/94) does not recommend any major fee increases for 1995. A few minor adjustments in fees for specific activities are proposed. The schedule also includes some clarification of discounts provided at the Authority's facilities. The decision to keep fees at the same level in 1995 as in 1994, reflects both the current low level of inflation in terms of consumer prices, and the consensus of front line staff that the general public currently has a low tolerance for increased rates. It should be noted that all Authority facilities increased general admission fees in 1994. To date, these fee increases have been reflected, in the conservation areas at least, in increased revenues but decreased attendance. Within the Conservation Areas Section, the only fee changes proposed relate to the Authority's campground operations. It is proposed that the fee for an unserviced camp site at Albion Hills Conservation Area, as shown in section 10.1, be raised from $13.00 per night, per site, to $15.00. This brings the fee in line with that charged for an unserviced site at Indian Line Campground, and reflects improved facilities and increased demand at Albion Hills over the past two years. It is proposed that at both the Albion Hills and Indian Line Campgrounds, that a fee for additional vehicles and additional campers be instituted. At-present, there is a limit of one vehicle per site, and 5 campers per site. Practice has been to charge an additional fee to park an extra vehicle or for campers over and above the per site limit. It is proposed that this practice be recognized with a fee of $5.00 per night for additional vehicle and $4.00 per night for each additional person. This is shown as sections 12.1 and 12.2 in the Fee Schedule. E25 SEPT. 16,1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 1. 1995 PROPOSED PUBLIC FACILITY FEE SCHEDULE (CONTD.) Black Creek Pioneer Village is not proposing to raise any of its fees in 1995. This decision is in recognition of the continued decline in attendance at Black Creek. The only change proposed is under section 25.0. This allows for rewording of the section related to filming and commercial photography to permit staff to negotiate fee levels depending on circumstances. This will permit greater flexibility and will bring this item in line with that for the conservation areas and the Kortright Centre for Conservation. Under section 28.1, it is proposed that the cost of family membership at the Kortright Centre be reduced to $45. This will make the price identical to that charged at the conservation areas and at the Village for equivalent items. Since the passes, citizenships and memberships sold at all three types of facilities are accepted on a reciprocal basis, it is reasonable that they be priced the same. The final two proposed changes relate to discounts. Under discount D4, current practices related to admissions for handicapped individuals have been clarified and recognized in the Fee Schedule. D5 provides for managers and the division director to provide for other types of discounts or for free admission at their discretion, subject to certain provisions. The schedule shows the comparison of the proposed fees for 1995 and fees charged by surrounding conservation authorities and other Toronto area attractions. 2. 1995 PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATES -Field Operations Division Planning and Development Projects KEY ISSUE Identification and review of the specific Planning and Development Projects included in the Field Operations Division 1995 Preliminary Budget Estimates. Res. #C21/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: Donna Patterson THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the Field Operations Division Planning and Development budget items contained in the 199~ Preliminary Budget Estimates be considered for implementation subject to the availability of funding in the final 1995 Authority budget. CARRIED CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94, SEPT. 16,1994 E26 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 2. 1995 PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATES (CONTD.) -Field Operations Division Planning and Development Projects BACKGROUND The 1995 Budget Estimates include, under Capital Expenditures, $758,000 for planning items and development projects to upgrade facilities. The projects identified were selected from an extensive list recommended by site operations staff. Criteria used to select projects include: strategic planning requirements; completion of ongoing projects; legal obligations/public safety; infrastructure maintenance; opportunities for future revenue generation and operating savings; improved customer service; and, opportunities to partner with other groups. The list put forward are those items which are top priority to maintain or enhance Authority facilities to a level that meets visitor expectations. It is recognized that in the final budget, some projects may have to be deferred due to funding limitations. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The various projects as presented below, have been ranked in order of priority - highest to lowest. The following projects are proposed: (1 ) Vault Toilets - Heart Lake, Greenwood, Glen Haffy Conservation Areas Project Cost - $32,000 This project is for the installation of an additional eight vault toilets at Heart Lake, Greenwood, and Glen Haffy Conservation Areas. These will replace existing earth pit toilets adjacent to group picnic facilities. Earth pit toilets are felt to be unacceptable from both a visitor satisfaction and an environmental point of view. Visitor surveys have indicated that users of Conservation Areas are concerned about odours and hygiene associated with earth pit toilets. The expectation of visitors, particularly in near-urban conservation areas, is that more modern facilities will be provided. Vault toilets provide a more sanitary solution, using a self contained concrete vault which is pumped as needed. If the existing earth pit toilets are not replaced, unsatisfied visitors will look elsewhere for picnic facilities. Since the Authority is highly dependent on revenues from gate fees and permits to fund its operation, failure to provide new toilet facilities will, in the long term, mean either reduced maintenance and service levels, or increased levels of public funding at the conservation areas. (2) Washrooms - Boyd Conservation Area Project Cost - $25,000 A large portion of the Boyd Conservation Area is not currently served by adequate washrooms. This location, which is physically separated from the rest of the Area, is heavily used by group picnics. This project involves the installation of a prefabricated double washroom using a conventional septic bed. E27 SEPT. 16, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 2. 1995 PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATES ICONTD.) -Field Operations Division Planning and Development Projects Installation of this facility will enhance the experience for visitors who must currently rely on earth pit toilets. This will provide an inexpensive but attractive and sanitary washroom facility. It is expected that the location will be more consistently utilized for large group picnics, thereby increasing area revenues. (3) Boyd/Kortright Concept Plan Project Cost - $75,000 The development of a concept plan for the Kortright Centre was deferred in 1994. The addition of the Boyd Conservation Area as part of the planning process will facilitate a more comprehensive assessment of the public use potential of this important natural landscape. Funds will be used for a facilitator; for technical resource assessments and the development of facility management options, and for public consultation on future developments and operations programming. The future success of the Boyd/Kortright area may require additional facilities and programs that meet the communities needs while protecting the significant natural resources of the river valley. Subsequent increases in attendance and revenues will reduce the Authority's municipal levy requirements. (4) Road Paving - Albion Hills Project Cost - $175,000 Albion Hills Conservation Area contains approximately three kilometres of internal paved roads which are approximately 35 years old. The roads at Albion Hills accommodate in the order of 24,000 vehicles per year. The roads have been patched over the years but both the asphalt and the sub-base have deteriorated to the point that they are at the end of their useful life. The proposed project will bring the interior roads at Albion Hills up to an acceptable standard in terms of visitor satisfaction. At present an uneven surface and numerous heaved areas and potholes make the road unsafe. It is important that visitor expectations with regard to the quality of basic amenities be met in order to retain attendance and revenue levels over the long term. IS) Security System - Black Creek Pioneer Village Project Cost - $30,000 In 1994, Black Creek Pioneer Village began improvements to the burglar and fire alarm system throughout the buildings in the Village. This project will complete the remaining security improvements to village buildings. The addition of the security systems to the full set of buildings in the Village is an important safety measure. In addition, the system will permit quicker response to fire and break-in incidents thereby reducing the cost of repair, replacement and/or restoration over the long term. CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94, SEPT. 16, 1994 E28 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 2. 1995 PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATES ICONTD.) -Field Operations Division Planning and Development Projects (6) Creative Playgrounds Project Cost - $50,000 Visitor Surveys indicate that a high proportion of Conservation Area visitors would like to see the installation of playground equipment in Conservation Areas. This would provide an additional activity and attraction for young families with children which make up a significant segment of Area visitors. Three playgrounds have been installed at Albion Hills Conservation Area and have met with a great deal of success. Bruce's Mill, Petticoat Creek, Heart Lake and Greenwood Conservation Areas are the four additional sites slated for playground equipment. All playground equipment will be standardized in accordance with the required safety standards. (7) Trail Development - Claireville Conservation Area Project Cost - $200,000 Metropolitan Toronto has completed a paved 3 metre wide trail to the southern limit of the Claireville Conservation Area. The connection of that trail to the northern limit of Metropolitan Toronto (Steeles Avenue and Highway #50) is possible on the eastern side of the Claireville dam and reservoir. Funds will be used for technical investigations and negotiations with government agencies and for trail construction. The 2.1 kilometres of trail will be constructed to accommodate both walkers and cyclists. The trail is an important link for communities in Metropolitan Toronto, Peel and York Regions. Metropolitan Toronto staff have placed a high priority on completing this trail link in cooperation with the Conservation Authority. (8) Trail Planning Project Cost - $30,000 The Inter-Regional Trail Project, Phase I was adopted in 1992. Implementation awaits the completion of appropriate funding partnerships with municipalities, other agencies and groups. The funding will be used to continue detailed site plan preparation with outside agencies and trail groups; the preparation of trail maps for individual Conservation Areas; and for minor trail signage and support cost on conservation lands. The continued planning of trail routes is a valued service shared with local municipalities and interest groups. The demand for mapping of trail routes on Conservation Authority lands is growing rapidly from municipalities and community groups. E29 SEPT. 16, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 2. 1995 PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATES (CONTD.) -Field Operations Division Planning and Development Projects (9) Maple Syrup Trail - Bruce's Mill Project Cost - $28,000 Although not part of the inter-regional trail program, the maple syrup trail at Bruce's Mill is a heavily travelled local trail and is integral to the annual Maple Syrup Demonstration. Continued high traffic on the trail has caused the deterioration of the foot path. Improvements to the path include resurfacing, along with new interpretive signage to enhance the visitors' experience touring the maple syrup operation. Without the recommended improvement, the trail will continue to deteriorate. Visitor satisfaction will diminish and the impact of the trail user on natural resources will increase. (10) Concept Plan - Albion Hills Conservation Area Project Cost $25,000. The Albion Hills Conservation Area is a well established area of camping, swimming, picnicking and conservation education. The plan would address the growing demand for trails and full service camping, along with the changing needs in the type and level of facilities required for swimming, picnicking and conservation education. The new Strategy for Public Use of Conservation Lands (draft) requires that all Conservation Areas have a concept plan in place. Future development pressures for additional outdoor recreation facilities must be balanced by a thorough assessment of the landscape's ability to cope with such use. The concept plan will clearly identify the various zones of protection and use that will ensure a healthy natural landscape well into the 21 st century. (11 ) Picnic Tables Project Cost $43,000 Picnic tables are an essential element in the successful provision of outdoor recreation activities in Conservation Areas. Group and individual picnicking are the single largest activity in most Areas. The repeated deferral of table purchases over the past few years has left a serious shortage of tables in some areas. Continued deterioration of tables will reduce the ability to generate adequate revenues from group and other picnics. (12) Drive Shed - Glen Haffy Project Cost - $20,000 Tractors and other equipment at the Glen Haffy Forest and Wildlife Area are currently stored on the second floor of the workshop which is a converted barn. Concern has been expressed as to the ability of the floor to support the load currently being placed on it, and the existing storage is crowded. These factors contribute to a potentially unsafe situation. Additional equipment at Glen CONSERV A TION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94, SEPT. 16, 1994 E30 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 2. 1995 PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATES (CONTD.) -Field Operations Division Planning and Development Projects Haffy is stored outside in the workshop yard. This equipment is exposed to the elements leading to premature wear and deterioration. In order to rectify the above-noted problems it is proposed that a three-bay, open drive shed be constructed in the works yard. This would allow for safe and secure storage of all Area equipment allowing for both the protection of staff and of the Authority's investment in equipment. Failure to provide a drive shed will lead to potential damage to equipment and a possible unsafe situation with regard to loading of the barn floor. Both of these concerns will lead to increased operational costs in the long run. (13) Drive Shed - Bruce's Mill Project Cost - $25,000 The current workshop area is unsecured and open to public view and access. Equipment is stored outdoors with a subsequent increase in deterioration due to exposure to the elements. A two-bay, enclosed drive shed will increase the security of the equipment and protect the Authority's investment in equipment. 3. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE -Deaccession of Artifacts KEY ISSUE Deaccession of 104 artifacts that do not meet Black Creek Pioneer Village Collection Policy criteria. Res. #C22/94 Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor Seconded by: Deborah Sword THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff be authorized to deaccession 43 items that have been on long-term loan to other cultural institutions for the past eight to twenty- five years; - THAT staff be authorized to deaccession 4 items to more appropriate institutions; AND FURTHER THAT staff be authorized to deaccession by auction 57 works of art (both original and commercial), with proceeds directed to the care of the Black Creek Pioneer Village artifact collection. CARRIED E31 SEPT. 16, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 3. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE ICONTD.) -Deaccession of Artifacts BACKGROUND Resolution # 25, Historic Sites Advisory Board, Meeting #3/80, September 19, 1980, approved the Black Creek Pioneer Village Statement of Purpose and Collection Policy I which specifies the scope and extent of collections; selection criteria for artifacts; and the methods by which artifacts will be acquired, lent, and borrowed; and provides the authority to dispose of artifacts in accordance with ethical museum practice. The Collection Policy enables Black Creek Pioneer Village to collect selectively and to deaccession where deemed necessary. The policies and procedures for this deaccessioning are those followed by professional museum associations and peer institutions and direct that proceeds from the sale of deaccessioned objects should be used in collections management. Black Creek Pioneer Village collections have been acquired since 1954 as the Village has evolved. Lack of sufficient storage space has been a major problem for more than two decades. The addition of the storage facility in the Visitors' Centre in 1985 provided some badly needed "clean" storage for the most fragile artifacts, but did not relieve the severe need for storage for the majority of collections, which are still housed in unheated barns and wet basements. Since 1990, staff has severely limited active collecting. Staff efforts have been redirected to assessment of the condition and scope of the current collection. Through this effort we are gradually identifying artifacts that clearly do not fit within the established criteria of the Collection Policy. In these cases, deaccessioning according to accepted ethical museum practice is considered the most effective use of limited resources, while at the same time ensuring the reputation of the museum and the MTRCA are not harmed. RATIONALE Artifacts on Lona-Term Loan to Other Institutions: Black Creek Pioneer Village has had 43 items out on continuous loan to four other cultural institutions for eight to twenty-five years: a sign advertising the 1930s Aurora-area agricultural foundry, Fleury-Bissell, on loan to the Aurora and District Historical Society since 1976 118 years); 39 cases of metal type, on loan to Dalhousie University, English Department, since 1972 122 years); a picture of Old Fort Mississauga, on loan to the Niagara Historical Society and Museum, since 1969 125 years); and two early 20th century kitchen artifacts, on loan to the Peel Museum and Art Gallery, since 1986 18 years). For this entire period, Black Creek has never had need to recall any of these items for its own use. Requests have been received from each of these four institutions to transfer ownership from Black Creek to the body currently displaying and using these artifacts. Doing so would: transfer permanent ownership of these artifacts to more relevant institutions; remove from Black Creek's own collection artifacts that are not within its time period nor collections mandate; keep these items in the public domain; and free Black Creek staff from expending resources to inspect and inventory these artifacts continually, renew loan agreements (currently every three years). and manage the relevant records. CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94, SEPT. 16, 1994 E32 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 3. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE (CONTD.) -Deaccession of Artifacts Artifacts in Storaae Reauested to be Deaccessioned to More Aoorooriate Institutions: Black Creek Pioneer Village has received four requests (one, solicited; three, unsolicited) for the transfer of ownership of four artifacts, currently in storage at Black Creek, to more appropriate public institutions. In three of these cases, the artifacts concerned postdate the restoration period (1793 - 1867) of the Village: a request for a 1920s to 1930s print of Sharon Temple by the Hungarian/Canadian artist, Nicholas Hornyansky, acquired by the Village in 1979, to be transferred to Sharon Temple; a request for a 1905 diploma awarded to the Berlin Wooden Ware Co. of Berlin, ON (now Kitchener, ON) by the Canadian National Exhibition, acquired by the Village in 1978, to be transferred to the Kitchener Public Library, Gladys Schmidt Room; and a request for an 1890s counter from an unidentified CPR railway station, acquired in 1983, to be transferred to the South Simcoe Railway. The fourth is a request for an 1 850s meeting-house chair made for Sharon Temple, to be transferred to Sharon Temple. With the exception of a 3-month exhibition in 1989 in which the requested print was displayed, all four items have been in storage since they were acquired. Black Creek staff recommend that ownership of these artifacts be transferred to the above- mentioned institutions. In addition to the benefits enumerated above, doing so would also free up urgently needed storage space at the Village. Orioinal and Commercial Fine and Decorative Art: Having reviewed original and commercial fine and decorative art works in the storage collection of Black Creek, it has been determined that 57 pieces clearly post-date the restoration period (1 793 - 1867) of the Village. Most of these pieces date in the late 19th century, with the remainder dating up to the 1930s. Documentation and verification has been provided by two outside sources, a Canadian art expert currently with the Lynnwood Arts Centre and the Director of the Fine Art Department of D & J Ritchie Auction House. A third opinion is currently being sought from Dennis Reid, Curator of Canadian Historical Art at the Art Gallery of Ontario. All but eight of these items were acquired prior to 1980. None of the donated artifacts had conditions attached which would in any way prohibit Black Creek Pioneer Village from deaccessioning them. Staff recommend that these 57 pieces be deaccessioned by auction through a recognized fine arts auction firm. When no other cultural or public institutions are identified for transfer of artifacts, museums generally deaccession through auction, with all proceeds going back into the collections area. This procedure ensures there is no appearance of conflict of interest or risk of selling off the collection for inappropriate purposes. Staff recommend all proceeds from deaccessioning these eighteen items be applied towards collections care and restoration. General auction house commission rates are 20% on the first $1,000 of each lot, 15% on the balance between $1,001 and $3,000 of each lot, and 10% on the balance over $3,000 of each lot. SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION E33 SEPT. 16,1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94 4. REVIEW OF THE WEED CONTROL ACT -Update KEY ISSUE An update from staff regarding review of the Weed Control Act as it relates to naturalization and property maintenance practices on Authority lands has been requested by the Authority, and is now being provided to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board. Res. #C23/94 Moved by: Donna Patterson Seconded by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the staff report regarding review of the Weed Control Act be received; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to keep the Board informed of any further progress with this matter. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board meeting #3/93, staff presented a report outlining concerns regarding the Weed Control Act and its implementation. The Act conflicts with Authority efforts to naturalize certain properties, and with recent changes in maintenance practices on Authority lands. The Board referred the report back to staff for consideration and further report, and this Motion to Refer was subsequently carried by the full Authority. A copy of the original report from staff is attached. During the past year the issue of conflicts between naturalization and the Weed Control Act has been pursued by the Ontario Parks Association through its Pesticides Advisory Group. In addition, the Authority's Manager of Conservation Areas presented a session regarding this matter at the Ontario Parks Association "Explorations '94" conference held in July. The Ontario Parks Association in partnership with the Arboretum, University of Guelph, has now undertaken to organize a one day workshop to be held in November, entitled "The Weed Control Act - Time for a Change". This workshop will include representatives from a variety of interest groups and levels of government, including the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Rural Affairs which is responsible for administering the Weed Control Act. The Manager of Conservation Areas will be representing OPA at the workshop. The objective of the November 3rd workshop will be to review the Weed Control Act and attempt to eliminate barriers to ecological restoration. It is hoped that recommendations will be developed for revision of the weed species listed under the Act and for changes to the way the Act is administered and implemented. It is hoped that these recommendations, if acted upon, will substantially resolve some of the concerns which were raised in the initial staff report. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Staff will keep the Board informed as to developments related to this issue. This will include a summary of the results of the November workshop and any other actions which are undertaken either by interest groups or by OMAFRA. NEW BUSINESS -- ---- CONSERV A TION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #3/94, SEPT. 16, 1994 E34 5. RETIREMENT Jim Agnew announced the retirement of Miss Ann Hayhoe, Manager, Education Section, in November, 1994. Res. #C24/94 Moved by: Marie Muir Seconded by: Donna Patterson THAT the Board thank Miss Hayhoe for 28 years of dedicated service and wish her a happy and enjoyable retirement. CARRIED TERMINATION The meeting terminated at 11 :05 a.m., September 16, 1994. Lorna Jackson J. Craia Mather Chair Secretary- Treasurer Ibb ~ 'Norking Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace Vthe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority minutes E35 NOVEMBER 18, 1994 CONSERV A liON AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT #4/94 ADVISORY BOARD The Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board and the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board met jointly in the Visitors Centre at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Friday, November 18, 1994. The Chair, Lois Griffin, called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. PRESENT FOR COMBINED MEETING Chair Lois Griffin Members Lorna Bissell lIa Bossons Victoria Carley Lois Hancey Lorna Jackson Joan King Paul Palleschi Donna Patterson Paul Raina Deborah Sword Joyce Trimmer Kip Van Kempen Richard Whitehead ABSENT FOR COMBINED MEETING Members Maria Augimeri Margaret Britnell Joanna Kidd Marie Muir Gerri Lynn O'Connor Maja Prentice Bev Salmon Frank Scarpitti DELEGATIONS RE: BAYVIEW AVENUE, STOUFFVILLE ROAD TO BLOOMINGTON ROAD Leslie Scott of McCormick Rankin, Consulting Engineers for the Region of York, gave a presentation on the proposed link of Bayview Avenue between Stouffville Road and Besthesda Road. Ms. Scott gave an overview of the Region of York's long range plan for the area, and the difficulties in balancing all the components that come into play in this area. -~ ~ E36 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94, NOVEMBER 18, 1994 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 1. BA YVIEW A VENUE, STOUFFVILLE ROAD TO BLOOMINGTON ROAD Alyson Deans gave a staff presentation on this item. KEY ISSUE Review of the Environmental Study Report from the Region of York for the proposal to link Bayview Avenue between Stouffville Road and Bethesda Road and to upgrade existing Bayview Avenue north from Bethesda Road to Bloomington Road. Res. #C25/94 Moved by: Lois Hancey Res. #W72/94 Seconded by: Kip Van Kempen THE BOARDS RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the staff report concerning the review of the Environmental Study Report for Bayview Avenue, Stouffville Road to Bloomington Road, prepared for the Region of York be received; AND WHEREAS the proposed project was carried out under the Class Environmental Assessment for Municipal Roads and whereas this project: . has significant negative environmental impacts, . will have significant impacts on the conservation education program at the lake St. George Conservation Field Centre, . will have negative impacts on the Oak Ridges Moraine, an area of Authority and provincial interest, . will have significant negative impacts on an archaeological resource, . should, therefore, consider "alternatives to" the project; THAT, therefore, it is the opinion of The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority that this project should be subject to the requirements of an individual environmental assessment; AND FURTHER THAT the Minister of Environment and Energy be requested to "bump-up" the proposed Bayview Avenue, Stouffville Road to Bloomington Road, project to an individual Environmental Assessment. AMENDMENT Res. #C26/94 Moved by: Kip Van Kempen Res. #W73/94 Seconded by: Victoria Carley THAT the Authority confirm its request to the Region of York to consider abandoning the project to upgrade Bayview Avenue from Stouffville Road to Bloomington Road. - THE AMENDMENT WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED THE MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED BACKGROUND For a complete staff report, see pages 021 2 - 0221 of the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board Minutes, Meeting #6/94, held November 18, 1994. NOVEMBER 18, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94 E37 The Boards adjourned at 11 :00 a.m. for a short recess. The Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board then reconvened in the board room to address the remaining agenda items. PRESENT Vice Chair of Authority Lois Hancey Members Paul Palleschi Donna Patterson Deborah Sword Richard Whitehead ABSENT Chair Lorna Jackson Members Maria Augimeri Margaret Britnell Marie Muir Gerri Lynn O'Connor In absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board, the acting Secretary-Treasurer, Jim Agnew, called for nominations of a Chair Pro Tempore. Lois Hancey was nominated by Donna Patterson. Res. #C27/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: Paul Palleschi THAT nominations be closed. CARRIED Lois Hancey was declared Chair Pro Tempore. Lois Hancey called the meeting to order. MINUTES Res. #C28/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: Paul Palleschi THAT the Minutes of Meeting #3/94 be approved. CARRIED E38 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94, NOVEMBER 18, 1994 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 2. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT -Meeting #1/94, held September 16, 1994 KEY ISSUE Receipt of the report from the Black Creek Pioneer Village Sub-Committee which met on September 16, 1994. Res. #C29/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: Paul Palleschi THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the report of the Black Creek Pioneer Village Sub-Committee Meeting #1/94 (page E41), be received; THAT the restoration of the Roblins Mill proceed, using funds that are available in the Nesbitt Sawmill Boiler Fund; THAT the Sub-Committee's endorsement of the staff request to the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto to allocate funds from the Black Creek Pioneer Village Endowment Fund for the position of a Development Officer to undertake fund raising activities in support of Black Creek Pioneer Village be approved; THAT the Sub-Committee's recommendation that the name of Black Creek Pioneer Village along with its logo, be changed to read "Black Creek Heritage Village", not be acted UDon until staff provide a detailed report to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board on the full implications including the associated costs of undertaking such a name change; THAT the revised Black Creek Pioneer Village Mission Statement (page E40) be adopted; AND FURTHER THAT the Sub-Committee's endorsement of the Key Shifts (page E40), in the focus of the operation structure of Black Creek Pioneer Village be approved. AMENDMENT Moved by: Deborah Sword Res. #C30/94 Seconded by: Paul Palleschi THAT the draft Mission Statement be adopted as presented on page E40, which includes "Pioneer" in the Village name. THE AMENDMENT WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED BACKGROUND The Black Creek Pioneer Village Sub-Committee was established by the Authority at Meeting #3/94. The first meeting of the Sub-Committee was'held following the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board Meeting on Friday, September 16, 1994. NOVEMBER 18, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94 E39 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 2. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTD.) -Meeting #1/94, September 16, 1994 Staff presented a detailed report to the Sub-Committee on the various operations and staff structure changes that have been implemented as a result of the strategic review of operations initiated in late 1993. Considerable integration of the four operating staff units has been achieved and the staff structure has been realigned to combine the Heritage Education and Interpretation units under one supervisor and merge the Collections and Building care units. These staffing changes accommodated the elimination of two supervisory complement positions. Considerable emphasis in 1994 has been placed on upgrading customer service skills to adopt a "ready for business" approach to operations across all departments. Shifts have been made in program to feature weekly theme activities, rather than emphasizing just the special events. The focus of all changes at the Village has been to stem the multi-year decline in attendance and revenues. Results to mid-November indicate that this has been achieved. In reviewing the Village operation, staff noted that the upgrade of buildings is a key aspect of making the Village a more attractive place to visit. While the operations budget can support a small amount of this major maintenance, it is clear that other sources of funding must be found if significant improvement to buildings is to be achieved in a timely fashion. The most critical building that requires attention is the Roblins Mill, as it is one of the most significant buildings within the Village. In July, staff approached the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto requesting consideration to use the funds available in the Nesbitt Sawmill Boiler Fund for the restoration of Roblins Mill. It has become clear that restoration of the boiler will not be able to proceed until major redevelopment of the entire north section of the Village is undertaken, and it is obvious that this will be some time in the future. As well, staff requested the Foundation to consider funding a Development Officer position through use of the Black Creek Pioneer Village Endowment Fund principal. This position would be devoted to fund raising projects in support of Village operations including sponsorships and other forms of building restoration campaigns. The Sub-Committee agreed: "THAT the restoration of the Roblins Mill should proceed using funds that are available in the Nesbitt Sawmill Boiler Fund; THAT the Sub-Committee also endorse the staff request to the Conservation Foundation to consider allocation of funds for the position of a Development Officer, to focus on marketing/promotion of the Village in terms of sponsorships, various fund raisers and building campaigns." During the strategic operating review staff examined a number of issues including the Village Mission Statement and name. There was a strong feeling among staff that the word "Pioneer" did not accurately reflect the 1 860' s interpretation period, as by this time the pioneer era in this part of Ontario had long passed. An alternate word "Heritage" was suggested as an appropriate replacement. The Sub-Committee recommended: E40 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94, NOVEMBER 18, 1994 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 2. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT ICONTD.) -Meeting #1/94, September 16, 1994 "THAT the Sub-Committee recommend to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board, the name of the Village along with the logo, be changed to read "Black Creek Heritage Village" Staff, in the initial preparation of a 1995 Awareness Campaign for the Village, considered the name change issue. Research with other institutions that have gone through this process, quickly noted that a name change requires a major promotional effort and cost to complete and publicize. Given the limited resources, it would seem to be premature to undertake a name change for the Village at this time. Staff is therefore recommending that this action be delayed until a further more detailed consideration of this issue can be completed. During the strategic operating review staff developed a new Mission Statement and Key Shifts that would be required in the focus of the operating structure of Black Creek Pioneer Village. These were both presented to the Board at its meeting #1/94, held April 15, 1994. The Sub-Committee considered the Mission Statement to be too passive in form and recommended: "THAT staff rewrite the Mission Statement to reflect an active, rather than passive, meaning; AND FURTHER THAT the Sub-Committee recommend to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board, at its meeting on November 18, 1994, the Sub-Committee's endorsement of the Key Shifts in the focus of the operation structure of the Village." Staff has rewritten the Mission Statement and the following reflects a more active meaning: DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT Black Creek Pioneer Village represents a rural Ontario village of the 1860's that illustrates, through demonstration and interpretation, the relationship and importance of our natural and cultural heritage to today's citizens, thereby promoting environmental stewardship as an individual responsibility. KEY SHIFTS (1) From a departmental focus to a team focus for Black Creek Village to improve customer service and achieve a "ready for business approach" across all parts of the operation. - (2) Develop stronger communications and operating relationship with the other MTRCA staff. (3) Shift our products and services to focus on support of MTRCA objectives, ensuring a balance between cultural and natural heritage. NOVEMBER 18,1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94 E41 REPORT ON THE BLACK CREEK VILLAGE SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING #1/94 September 16, 1994 The Black Creek Pioneer Village Sub-Committee met in the Humber Room at the Authority Head Office on Friday, September 16, 1994. The Chair called the meeting to order at 11 :20 a.m. PRESENT Chair Marie Muir Members Deborah Sword Lois Hancey Donna Patterson Gerri Lynn O'Connor Authority Staff Jim Agnew Craig Mather Ann Hayhoe Marty Brent Kaye MacDonald Lorraine O'Bryne Rino Roncadin Shirley Allen IT WAS AGREED THAT the restoration of the Roblins Mill should proceed using funds that are available in the Nesbitt Sawmill Boiler Fund; THAT the Sub-Committee also endorse the staff request to the Conservation Foundation to consider allocation of funds for the position of a Development Officer to focus on marketinglpromotion of the Village in terms of sponsorships, various fund raisers and building campaigns; THAT the Sub-Committee recommend to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board, the name of the Village along with the logo, be changed to read "Black Creek Heritage Village" ; THAT staff rewrite the Mission Statement to reflect an active, rather than passive, meaning; THAT the Sub-Committee recommend to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board, at its meeting on November 18, 1994, the Sub-Committee's endorsement of the Key Shifts in the focus of the operation structure of the Village. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 1 :20 p.m. Ids E42 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94, NOVEMBER 18, 1994 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 3. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE -1995 Awareness Campaign KEY ISSUE Funding of an 1995 Awareness Campaign for Black Creek Pioneer Village (BCPV) in order to increase attendance and revenues. Res. #C31/94 Moved by: Paul Palleschi Seconded by: Donna Patterson THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff be directed to proceed with developing a 1995 Awareness Campaign for Black Creek Pioneer Village; AND FURTHER THAT the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto be requested to support the Black Creek Pioneer Village awareness campaign by providing up to $50,000 through the Black Creek Pioneer Village Endowment Fund. CARRIED BACKGROUND The multi-year decline in attendance and revenues, culminating in 1993 attendance of 190,000, flagged the need to evaluate the purpose, operations, financial structure, strengths and weaknesses of BCPV to initiate a financial turnaround. The objective of the strategic operating review is to improve attendance and increase revenue while maintaining the integrity and quality of our cultural heritage trust. The key to increasing attendance is making Black Creek Pioneer Village "top of mind" with Torontonians. Black Creek Pioneer Village has an excellent product, combining entertainment, education and great dollar value. It is especially attractive to the family market, particularly those families with children under 15. This market presents substantial growth potential, if tapped more effectively. A general awareness campaign has been identified as the most effective means of building attendance. Preliminary investigation has indicated that a sound campaign could be implemented for approximately $100,000. Staff have analyzed the 1989-1994 BCPV marketing and communications plans, and consulted with several other attractions about their marketing strategies and results. A plan for 1995 has been formed which will introduce a general awareness campaign, promote timed activities through media relations, and maintain essential print material that is normally produced through the Village marketing budget. The Authority does not have the in-house human resources to execute this general awareness campaign. It is recommended that services be contracted to develop and produce the campaign "creative" in consultation with staff. NOVEMBER 18, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94 E43 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 3. BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE (CONTD.) -1995 Awareness Campaign WORK TO BE DONE The process to implement a general awareness campaign would include the following steps: development of project Terms of Reference, in accordance with MTRCA purchasing policy selection process, including establishment of a selection committee and selection through competitive process campaign development, including concept planning, media buy, market research testing, implementation, and evaluation Timing is critical. This project must begin immediately in order to launch the campaign before the May 1, 1 995 opening and to have an immediate impact on visitor attendance thro~gh the peak summer months in 1995. FINANCIAL IMPUCA TIONS The 1995 Village advertising budget has been scrutinized, and approximately $50,000 has been redirected from event advertising to the general awareness campaign. The only other apparent source for the remaining $50,000 is the BCPV Endowment Fund. The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto established in 1971 at the Authority's request, a fund, the income from which was to be used to assist in the maintenance and operation of the Black Creek Pioneer Village. The Black Creek Pioneer Village Endowment Fund current balance amounts to $280,000. There appear to be no restrictions imposed by resolution of the Foundation as to the disposition of these funds. The short term priority is to strengthen the financial position of BCPV, and effect a turnaround in attendance and revenue generation to support long-term development. Action with the use of the Endowment Fund at this critical stage is a better investment than allowing the Fund to grow at current rates while the Village sinks into decline. In support of this direction in September, 1994, the Foundation approved the use of up to $140,000 over a two year period to engage a development officer for the purpose of attracting donors to the Foundation with an emphasis on the current needs of BCPV. E44 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94, NOVEMBER 18,1994 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 4. FEE SCHEDULE -Black Creek Pioneer Village Daily Family Admission Rate KEY ISSUE Report on creating a daily family admission rate to Black Creek Pioneer Village. Res. #C32/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: Donna Patterson THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT a daily family admission rate not be introduced for Black Creek Pioneer Village. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #8/94, September 23, 1994, in considering the 1995 Fee Schedule, staff were directed to investigate the creation of a daily family admission rate and report back to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board. Up to 1985, Black Creek Pioneer Village did offer a family rate for a day visit. "Family" was defined as two adults and their children under 16 years of age. At BCPV in 1985, a family of four received a discount of 25%. This rate was eliminated for two reasons, customer service difficulty and increased revenue needs. Despite efforts to offer a discounted rate for the nuclear family, visitors wanted to interpret it to include aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents and non-related friends. Front line staff encountered controversy over the BCPV definition of family, despite clearly posting the definition at the admission counter. Confusion from offering too many admission rate options created delays at the entrance and visitor irritation. This same experience occurred at Metro Zoo, and their solution also was to eliminate the family rate. Also significant in the mid-1980's was the pressure on BCPV to increase revenues to offset operating costs of the new Visitors Centre. Given the need to increase revenues and the limited threshold of fee increases, the Authority approved elimination of the family rate in 1986. Through this action BCPV generated increased revenue from the family market which is the largest visitor segment, simplified the admission process, and resolved the frequent customer service issue arising from misinterpretation of what constituted a "family". Since 1986, the individual admission fees have been simple to administer and advertise. Visitor surveys have indicated very high ratings for "Value for Money", and have not indicated any visitor concern to introduce a family rate. The following major attractions do not offer a "family rate": - Casa Loma - Upper Canada Village - Fort York NOVEMBER 18,1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94 E45 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 4. FEE SCHEDULE (CONTD.) - CN Tower - Hockey Hall of Fame - Metro Toronto Zoo None of the above attractions are considering introducing family rates because of the potential revenue loss they would incur. Major attractions that offer a family rate include: - Art Gallery of Ontario - Royal Ontario Museum - Ontario Science Centre - McMichael Canadian Art Collection - Cullen Miniature Village AGO, ROM, OSC, and McMichael are all provincial agencies, none of which are required to generate the same proportion of revenues as BCPV to offset expenditures. Cullen Miniature Village is a private venture. Staff at the AGO, ROM, and McMichael have indicated their family rate does not increase attendance. None of these attractions actively promotes the family rate because their experience has shown it is not a primary factor in the decision to visit a cultural attraction. Ontario Science Centre and McMichael are now looking at elimination of the family rate. The Ontario Science Centre staff have indicated they are losing considerable revenue by offering a discounted family rate. Given their new revenue-driven climate, their staff will be proposing to eliminate the family rate after major construction in 1995 is completed. Because service disruption at OSC will be considerable throughout construction, the family discount is one mechanism to soften visitor dissatisfaction. Staff at McMichael plan to review the family rate because of changing demographics of the traditional family. RATIONALE While speaking with other attractions regarding the family rate, the following observations were made: Advantages offering a small discount to a specific group was received as a goodwill gesture. Disadvantages Family rate is not an effective marketing tactic. It does not have promotional draw. Couponing and cross promotions are more lucrative and impact tactics to increase attendance, because there is an exchange of real value. A coupon is a free or discounted admission. A family rate does not have the impact of "act now during limited offer". E46 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94, NOVEMBER 18, 1994 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 4. FEE SCHEDULE (CONTD.) the changing demographics and broadened definitions of "family" create a complex pricing challenge in a revenue-driven climate. To broaden the definition to be more inclusive will severely reduce revenue from the existing visitor base. offering a family rate discriminates against other small groups that are not able to qualify for the discount (e.g. 1 parent with 1 child or student) Other coupons and discount promotions do not apply to family rate. FINANCIAL IMPUCA TIONS Introduction of a daily family admission rate to BCPV would result in an estimated revenue loss of $16,500 in 1995. This estimate is based on 11,000 families receiving a discount saving of $1.50 per family unit. Revenue loss will be greater in every case where a family has more than two children over the age of five. At the 1995 individual admission rate, admission for two adults and two children aged five to fourteen years would total $21.50. Family rate would be priced to give a break on the second child's admission, and must also be a denomination that is easy to handled at the admission gate. A rate that would meet both of these criteria would be $20.00 The average attendance of family rate users expressed as a percentage of total visitation from 1982 to 1985 was 26%. In 1995, 26% of 180,000 visitors expected is approximately 47,000 visitors. This would be approximately 11,000 family units (two adults and their children under 15). At $1.50 discount for 11,000 family units, the revenue loss is $16,500. To recover this loss, BCPV would have to increase attendance by an additional 825 families (825 X $20 = $16,500). The 1995 admission revenue of $535,000 in the Preliminary Estimates reflects a 10% decrease from 1994 budget estimates. BCPV's efforts are directed at reversing attendance and revenue decline in 1995, and to date the 1994 attendance figures are now showing this is occurring. The introduction of a family admission would reduce admission revenue by a further 3% in 1995, without adding sufficient marketable benefits to recover the loss. To offset a 3% revenue decrease, BCPV would have to reduce expenditures. Given the constrained '95 budget plan, BCPV would have to close one building for the season to achieve the savings required to offset this projected revenue loss. Given the negative financial impact and the lack of specific advantages to increasing attendance through a family rate, staff recommend that a family rate not be reintroduced at Black Creek Pioneer Village. NOVEMBER 18, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94 E47 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 5. OAK RIDGES TRAIL ASSOCIATION -Trail Development and Maintenance Agreement KEY ISSUE Completion of an agreement with the Oak Ridges Trail Association for volunteer trail construction and maintenance services. Res. #C33/94 Moved by: Donna Patterson Seconded by: Deborah Sword THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff be directed to complete an agreement with the Oak Ridges Trail Association for the construction and maintenance of an inter- regional trail on Authority owned lands in the Oak Ridges Moraine. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has identified trail development and management as an important element in its Greenspace Strategy for the Greater Toronto Region (1989). The Oak Ridges Moraine in particular has been identified as a top priority for trail development in the Program for the Establishment of the Greater Toronto Region Trail System - Phase I (1992). While many municipalities have expressed interest in the concept of an inter-regional trail system, a lack of support funding has prevented the implementation of the full trail project through traditional funding sources. In the Oak Ridges Moraine the lack of public land in the Moraine will require considerable community and municipal support if a trail is to be constructed. The support of local and regional trail groups is therefore an important element in trail development and management. The Oak Ridges Trail Association has been established for the promotion of hiking through the Oak Ridges Moraine. Local chapters include the King, Aurora, and Uxbridge clubs. Negotiations with the Uxbridge club are currently underway for trail management in the Glen Major area using the existing agreement with the Bruce Trail Association as a model. RATIONALE The MTRCA has a long standing agreement with the Bruce Trail Association for the construction and maintenance of a portion of the Bruce Trail that passes through conservation lands between Glen Haffy and Palgrave in the upper Humber River watershed. The Association's use of volunteers has greatly assisted the development and promotion of trail use in the community and assisted the Authority in being the local "eyes and ears" for property supervision. A similar agreement with the Oak Ridges Trail Association would provide the same benefits for Authority property in the Oak Ridges Moraine. E48 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94, NOVEMBER 18, 1994 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 6. MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING -Albion Hills Conservation Area KEY ISSUE Staff report on the results of the 1 993 trial designation of the Albion Hills Conservation Area as a location where mountain bike use is permitted. Res. #C34/94 Moved by: Donna Patterson Seconded by: Deborah Sword THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the staff report regarding the designation of Albion Hills Conservation Area for mountain bike use on a one year trial basis be received; THAT the designation of Albion Hills Conservation Area for mountain bike use be continued; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to report back to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board with recommendations regarding the designation of additional Authority properties for mountain bike use. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #5/93, Resolution #A 110/93 was approved as follows: "THA T specific marked trails at A/bion Hi//s Conservation Area be designated as being locations where the use of mountain bikes is permitted, subject to staff determining that such designation does not adversely affect the Authority's insurance premiums; THA T locations to be designated be determined in consultation with the Mountain Bike Committee of the Ontario Cycling Association; THA T such designation be on a trial basis for a period of one year; AND FURTHER THA T mountain bike special events continue to be a/lowed at other locations on a permit basis. " Mountain bike trails were laid out at Albion Hills Conservation Area in the fall of 1993 with the assistance of the Mountain Bike Committee of the Ontario Cycling Association. These trails were made available to mountain bikers during the spring and summer of 1994. Cyclists were provided with a handout map of the trails which also outlined a number of restrictions and rules related to mountain bike use at the area. These were developed in consultation with the cycling community and with the assistance of some other conservation authorities which have offered mountain biking for a period of time. NOVEMBER 18, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94 E49 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 6. MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING (CONTD.) -Albion Hills Conservation Area LEVEL OF USE The Albion Hills staff monitored levels of trail use throughout the cycling season. Staff estimates that the average number of riders using the area on a weekly basis was 55 in the spring, 105 riders during the summer, and 70 riders during the fall. It is estimated that between May and mid- November a total of 2,420 mountain bikers used the trails at Albion Hills. In addition to these regular users, an Ontario Cycling Association sanctioned race was held at Albion Hills in October, attracting 50 participants. It should also be noted that Albion Hills Conservation Area was used as the site for one of the President's Choice Triathlon series events, attracting over 800 participants. While the triathletes cycled using the internal area road system, many participants were also mountain bikers providing an opportunity to promote this use at Albion Hills. During the summer period, the Albion Hills staff reported no concerns regarding misuse of the trails by mountain bikers or conflicts between different types of users. They did report however, that users commented favourably on the varied terrain, attractive scenery and well marked trails at the area. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT When the mountain bike trails were laid out in the autumn of 1993, photographs were taken of locations which were considered likely to be vulnerable to erosion and other impacts. These areas were again photographed in'the autumn of 1994. There was no appreciable impact in terms of erosion or damage to vegetation evident as a result of a season of mountain bike use. During the season, staff monitored the condition of the trails and occasionally closed sections or restricted riding in wet or unsuitable conditions. ANALYSIS The opening of Albion Hills Conservation Area to a mountain bike use in 1994 was considered successful in terms of attracting additional paying visitors to the area, effectively promoting the area to an identifiable user group, and in terms of revenues produced through gate fees and secondary sales such as camping, refreshments and building rentals. At the same time, it would appear that the current level of use has minimal environmental impacts and has not created problems in terms of the user conflict, accidents or unauthorized use. Based on this favourable result, staff recommends that mountain bike use be continued at Albion Hills Conservation Area. WORK TO BE DONE Over the next few months, staff will examine the possibility of mountain bike use at additional Authority sites on a property by property basis. Based on this examination, staff will bring a report to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board recommending additional sites for mountain bike use in 1995. E50 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94, NOVEMBER 18, 1994 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 7. SELF SERVE FEE COLLECTION -Greenwood Conservation Area KEY ISSUE A report on the use of the self serve fee collection pilot project at Greenwood Conservation Area. Res. #C35/94 Moved by: Donna Patterson Seconded by: Deborah Sword THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the staff report reviewing the 1994 self serve fee collection at Greenwood Conservation Area be received; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to implement similar programs where appropriate in 1995. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #5/94, Resolution #A 123/94 received a report from staff regarding the establishment of a self serve fee collection program at Greenwood Conservation Area. Staff was directed to impler:nent this program on a pilot project basis and to report back to the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board at the end of 1 994 regarding the operation of the self serve fee station. The program involved collection of gate fees based on an honour system during slow attendance periods. In the past, practice has been that during slow times of the year, the Area gate is left open and no fee is charged. At times however, a gate attendant has been on duty, but the fees collected have not equalled the cost of paying the attendant. During the spring and fall periods this year, visitors to Greenwood Conservation Area were asked to complete a registration envelope and deposit their daily fee in the envelope into a locked box. Visitors retained a daily user permit which was detached from the envelope. Greenwood staff periodically checked with visitors to ensure that they had their user permit. ANALYSIS The Greenwood Conservation Area staff reports that in general, the use of the self serve fee station was well received by the public. Over the period of operation, May 15 to September 4, 1994, only one visitor expressed concern about the program. Over the course of the pilot project period, $2,198 in user fees were collected. During the same period in 1993, gate staff collected $1,908.50. As shown in the following Schedule of Revenue Comparison (page E39) however, if the costs of paying a gate attendant in 1993 is subtracted from the revenue received, the net revenue collected in 1993 was a loss of $1,677.50. The following graph entitled Net Revenue Comparison (page E39) shows the week-by-week difference over the entire season. NOVEMBER 18, 1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94 E51 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 7. SELF SERVE FEE COLLECTION (CONTD.) -Greenwood Conservation Area In summary, it appears that from the point of view of public relations and in terms of net revenue, the pilot project involving self serve fee collection at Greenwood Conservation Area was a success. Staff feels there are opportunities to implement similar programs at other Authority conservation areas. WORK TO BE DONE Staff plan to examine visitation and revenue patterns at other conservation areas over the coming winter in order to determine locations where a self serve fee program is likely to be successful. This analysis will be based largely on the experience at Greenwood Conservation Area this past season. Staff will then undertake the necessary physical and administrative changes needed in order to implement self serve fee collection programs in appropriate locations in 1995. , -- -~'-----'----~ - m U1 Greenwood Conservation Area - Analysis 01 Sell Serve Revenue N n 0 Z en Schedule of Revenue Comparison - Self Serve Fee Station - 1993-1994 m :lJ Week 20 21 22 23 24 2S 26 27 28 29 30 31 < )> 1-- 1993 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 458.50 141.00 121.00 142.00 266.00 106.50 235.00 ~ 0 Staff 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 326.00 326.00 326.00 326.00 326.00 326.00 326.00 Z nat93 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 132.50 -ISS.oo - 205 .00 -184.00 -60.00 - 219.50 - 91.00 )> 1994 35.50 37.65 94.50 75.72 103.59 384.70 53.70 83.40 102.50 89.70 25 1.30 63.20 Z 0 Week 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 :lJ 1993 m 193.50 93.00 77 .50 74.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 S Staff 326.00 326.00 326.00 326.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 nat93 -251.50 m -132.50 -233.00 - 248.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 1994 129.50 90.25 108.00 60.15 55.00 22.75 5 !.SO SS .50 48.25 47.80 123.84 ~ Groll ReY'llDae Collected - 1993 L908.50 Net Reveaae Collected - 1993 -1677.50 z GrOll ReY'llDae CoUected - 1994 2198.00 Net Revenae Collected - 1994 2L98.oo 0 *Revenue fiaures include weekday revenue only and do not include revenue collected on slatuatorv holidays 3: )> z )> Net Revenue Comparison 1993 - 1994 Ci) m 3: 1993 Revenue Includes Cost of Attendant m z 500 ~ Graph 2 )> 0 400 < en t Net93 - ($1 ,677.50) 0 :lJ en 300 Net94 - $2,198,00 -< ~ i to <tl 0 200 j:': )> 0 ~ :lJ 0 0 c 100 ~ ~ .- "- ..... to C ~ 0 . ::J z 0 0 E -100 < m <( 3: to , -200 m :lJ ..... (X) -300 ..... 20 28 36 to 24- 32 40 to ~ _ Net Revenue 1 993 ~-4t2j Net Revenue 1 994 NOVEMBER 18,1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94 E53 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 8. WATER BASED ACTIVITIES POLICY AND PROCEDURES AMENDMENT -Boating at Albion Hills Conservation Area KEY ISSUE Provision of access for public boating at Albion Hills Conservation Area has been suggested as a means to increase visitation and revenues at the Area. This requires amendment to the Authority's Policy and Procedures for Water Based Activities. Res. #C36/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by: Richard Whitehead THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Policy and Procedures for Water Based Activities as approved at Authority Meeting #2/94, be revised to read: Public Boating in Conservation Areas 1. Desianated Area Boating will be permitted at designated Conservation Areas. Privately owned non-motorized watercraft are permitted at Heart Lake Conservation Area and Albion Hills Conservation Area. A special permit is required for the use of watercraft on other Authority owned bodies of water. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Authority has for many years provided access for public boating at Heart Lake Conservation Area. The Authority's Policy and Procedures for Water Based Activities specifies which locations will be designated for public boating and provides a number of rules which apply to the public when boating on Authority property. Staff have received a number of requests from the public for boating opportunities on the small lake located at Albion Hills Conservation Area. From an operational perspective, there is no reason why provision of boating opportunities would create a problem for the Authority. In the past, day camps and field centre groups have used the lake for canoeing under a special permit. Public boating at Heart Lake Conservation Area is controlled by area staff who have access to a small boat and motor. Visitors are made aware of boating rules through the provision of appropriate signs. It is proposed that similar provisions would be put in place at Albion Hills Conservation Area. RATIONALE In order to meet 1994 net expenditure targets, conservation area staff are endeavouring to undertake measures to increase area visitation and revenues. Staff at Albion Hills Conservation Area have noticed a clear demand for boating as evidenced by visitor requests, and feel that the provision of this type of recreational opportunity would increase visitation and revenues without increasing area operating costs. Staff plans to actively promote boating at Albion Hills Conservation Area to the public thereby providing an ideal opportunity to increase awareness of the area. E54 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94, NOVEMBER 18, 1994 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 9. HORSEBACK RIDING -Cold Creek Conservation Area KEY ISSUE Staff was requested to review the policy to permit horseback riding at the Cold Creek Conservation Area following a six month period. Res. #C37/94 Moved by: Donna Patterson Seconded by: Deborah Sword THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the staff report reviewing the policy to permit horseback riding at the Cold Creek Conservation Area be received; AND FURTHER THAT the policy permitting horseback riding at Cold Creek Conservation Area be continued. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #5/94, Resolution #A 124/94 deleted Cold Creek Conservation Area from those Authority properties where riding is generally restricted. An amendment to the resolution however, directed that there be a six month review of the policy to permit horseback riding at the Cold Creek Conservation Area. The staff responsible for managing Cold Creek Conservation Area indicates that there are currently two individuals using Cold Creek Conservation Area for riding. These were the riders who had originally requested that the Cold Creek property be made available for this activity. Their property is immediately adjacent to Cold Creek Conservation Area. From the observations of staff, the use of the Cold Creek property is infrequent and the impact of this activity on the property is negligible. No additional requests for riding permits related to Cold Creek have been received, and none are currently anticipated. RATIONALE The individuals who are currently using Cold Creek Conservation Area for horseback riding have met all of the Authority's conditions and restrictions. Since there is no negative impact related to this activity, and since staff have no operational concerns related to riding in the area, there is no reason why this activity should not continue in the future. Staff will ,continue to monitor the effects of riding on the Cold Creek property in the same way as for all other Authority properties where horseback riding is permitted. If concerns arise in the future these will be dealt with as dictated by the circumstances. NOVEMBER 18,1994, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #4/94 E55 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 10. CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD MEETING #5/94 -Revised Date KEY ISSUE Rescheduling the date for Meeting #5/94 of the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board. Res. #C38/94 Moved by: Donna Patterson Seconded by: Deborah Sword THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT Meeting #5/94 of the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board be rescheduled to be held on January 20, 1995. CARRIED BACKGROUND Meeting #5/94 of the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board is scheduled to be held on Friday, January 6, 1995. With the Christmas/New Year Holiday period immediately preceding this date, it would be necessary to have the agenda prepared for distribution by December 21, 1994. Given that Meeting #4/94 of the Board is being held November 18, 1994, it is unlikely that sufficient items will be available by mid-December to hold the meeting as scheduled on January 6, 1995. The major item that would be coming before Meeting #5/94 is consideration of the revised Strategy for the Public Use of Authority Lands. Moving Meeting #5/94 of the Board to January 20, 1995, would allow a joint meeting to be held with the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board for the consideration of this item. The Strategy can then be considered by the Authority at its regular January meeting. The revised date will also permit additional items to be prepared for consideration by the Land Management Board. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 12:05 p.m. Lois Hancev Jim Aonew Chair Acting Secretary-Treasurer /bb ~ 'Norking Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace Vthe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority minutes E56 JANUARY 20, 1995 CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT #5/94 ADVISORY BOARD The Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board and the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board met jointly in the Canada West Room at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Friday, January 20, 1995. The Chair, Lois Griffin, called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. PRESENT FOR COMBINED MEETING Chair Lois Griffin Members Maria Augimeri Margaret Britnell lIa Bossons Victoria Carley Lois Hancey Joanna Kidd Marie Muir Donna Patterson Maja Prentice Paul Raina Bev Salmon Frank Scarpitti Deborah Sword Kip Van Kempen Richard Whitehead ABSENT FOR COMBINED MEETING Members Lorna Bissell Lorna Jackson Joan King Gerri Lynn O'Connor Paul Palleschi Joyce Trimmer DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Joanna Kidd, as a consultant for the Waterfront Regeneration Trust on the Rouge Park, declared a conflict with respect to item 3, Rouge Park Management, and did not participate in discussion or vote on this matter. , DIRECTOR. FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS Craig Mather introduced Ken Owen, newly appointed Director of Facilities and Operations. Lois Griffin welcomed Mr. Owen on behalf of the Boards and wished him every success in his new position. E57 JANUARY 20,1995, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #5/94 SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 1. BANNING OF PERSONAL WATERCRAFT -Update KEY ISSUE Staff have been working with municipalities, other public agencies and various stakeholders to resolve concerns related to the Authority's ban on the launching of personal watercraft from its lands. Res. #C39/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Res. #W82/94 Seconded by: Frank Scarpitti THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the staff report, dated January 10, 1995, regarding efforts to resolve concerns stemming from the Authority's ban on the launching of personal watercraft from its lands be received for information; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to continue to consult with. and facilitate communication between, individuals and groups concerned with this issue. CARRIED For a complete staff report, see pages D265 - D266 of the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board Minutes, Meeting #7/94, held January 20,1995. 2. THE STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC USE OF CONSERVATION AUTHORITY LANDS KEY ISSUE Approval of the Strategy and circulation of the final document to municipal and provincial agencies and interest groups. Res. #C40/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Res. #W83/94 Seconded by: Lois Hancey THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the Strategy for Public Use of Conservation Authority Lands be adopted; AND FURTHER THAT the document be circulated to all municipalities and government agencies. user and special interest groups in the watershed. CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #5/94, JANUARY 20,1995 E58 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 2. THE STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC USE OF CONSERVATION AUTHORITY LANDS (CONTD.) AMENDMENT Res. #C41/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Res. #W84/94 Seconded by: Lois Hancey THAT staff amend the Strategy for Public Use of Conservation Authority Lands to incorporate the changes recommended by the Boards; AND FURTHER THAT the document then be forward to the Authority on January 27, 1995 for approval. THE AMENDMENT WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED For a complete staff report, see pages D266 - D267 of the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board Minutes, Meeting #7/94, held January 20, 1995. 3. PROPOSED MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF ROUGE PARK -Status of Discussions KEY ISSUE Craig Mather updated the Boards on the status of the proposed management of the Rouge Park. Res. #C42/94 Moved by: Kip Van Kempen Res. #W85/94 Seconded by: Lois Hancey THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT a report on the status of discussions regarding the structure of the Rouge Park be forwarded to the Authority. CARRIED E59 JANUARY 20,1995, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #5/94 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 4. FRENCHMAN'S BAY - WEST ROUGE CANOE CLUB -Town of Pickering KEY ISSUE To extend the agreement with the West Rouge Canoe Club on a temporary basis from November 1, 1 994 to October 31, 1 995 for the existing location on the west spit of Frenchman's Bay. Res. #C43/94 Moved by: Kip Van Kempen Res. #W86/94 Seconded by: lIa Bossons THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT subject to compliance with Authority requirements for facility improvement and maintenance, the request to extend the temporary licence agreement with the West Rouge Canoe Club for a paddling facility on Frenchman's Bay for the period from November 1, 1994 to October 31, 1995, be approved; THAT the Council of the Town of Pickering be requested to concur with the extension to the temporary lease agreement; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate Authority officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action is required in connection with the establishment of the West Rouge Canoe Club paddling facility, including the development and execution of appropriate documents. CARRIED For a complete staff report, see pages D268 - 0270 of the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board Minutes, Meeting #7/94, held January 20, 1995. The Boards adjourned at 11 :30 a.m. for a short recess. CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD The Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board reconvened in the board room to address the remaining agenda item. PRESENT Vice Chair Marie Muir Members Margaret Britnell Donna Patterson Deborah Sword Richard Whitehead CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #5/94, JANUARY 20,1995 E60 ABSENT Chair Lorna Jackson Members Maria Augimeri Gerri Lynn O'Connor Paul Palleschi MINUTES Res. #C44/94 Moved by: Richard Whitehead Seconded by: Deborah Sword THAT the Minutes of Meeting #4194 be approved. CARRIED SECTION I -ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 5. HEART LAKE CONSERVATION AREA -Proposed Evening Concerts KEY ISSUE To present a series of three evening concerts at Heart Lake Conservation Area during the summer of 1995 to increase weekday visitation, revenues and promote The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority through attracting a new client group. Res. #C45/94 Moved by: Deborah Sword Seconded by; Donna Patterson THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff be directed to pursue the proposal to present a series of evening musical concerts at Heart Lake Conservation Area during the summer of 1995; AND FURTHER THAT a detailed report be presented to the April 21, 1995 meeting of the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board. CARRIED E61 JANUARY 20,1995, CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #5/94 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 5. HEART LAKE CONSERVATION AREA -Proposed Evening Concerts BACKGROUND Weekend visitation at Heart Lake is presently running close to capacity. Opportunities to increase revenue must target weekdays. Weekday programs will provide opportunities to increase visitation and revenue without impacting peak periods and attract a new client group. Since 1986 Heart Lake staff has successfully introduced a number of special event and community outreach programs. RATIONALE The success of past special and annual events has encouraged staff to examine other opportunities to increase attendance and revenue. Visitor surveys generally identify the individuals and groups frequenting our Conservation Areas, however it is difficult to determine the client groups who are not visiting. Special events geared to target groups enhance our opportunities to reach a greater segment of the potentially visiting public. An evening musical concert program will hopefully attract some first time visitors to the Area. Members of the local community, as well as visitors from other municipalities, have regularly supported special events at the Heart Lake Conservation Area. Staff has made preliminary contact with a number of organizations and they have shown a positive interest in participating. These groups include the Brampton Symphony Orchestra, the Brampton Jazz Band, the Brampton Concert Band, the Caledon Symphony Orchestra, and Mundy's Bay Folk Society in Midland. Staff has investigated similar programs at Ontario Place, Molson's Park, Paramount Canada's Wonderland and High Park through site visits and discussions with organizers for these facilities. In addition, staff has met with managers of facilities of a similar size to Heart Lake Conservation Area, specifically Gage Park in Brampton, Earl Bales in Metro Toronto and Wye Marsh in Midland. This investigation has encouraged Authority staff and helped to determine requirements for on-site facilities, operations and promotion for Heart Lake's proposed evening concert program. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONEIPROPOSAL Staff will be responsible for organizing the entertainment, promotions, site preparation and staffing. Community Contact Staff will involve the local community through discussions at parent/teacher associations to ensure their awareness of programs at Heart Lake and engender their support. City of Brampton officials will be contacted regarding any by-law requirements. Authority members and Ward Councillors will also be contacted for their input to the proposal. Marketino and Promotion A comprehensive promotion, marketing and advertising campaign is required well in advance of the events and is key to the success of the program. CONSERVATION AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD #5/94, JANUARY 20,1995 E62 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION 5. HEART LAKE CONSERVATION AREA -Proposed Evening Concerts FUTURE BENEFITSIOPPORTUNITIES The evening concert program will provide the opportunity to promote other Authority programs and facilities, as well as distributing material relating to the Authority's mission. It would provide a positive interaction with local community groups and an opportunity for local musical groups to perform. The success of the evening concerts may provide the background for future concerts at Heart Lake Conservation Area, and other Areas, and provide the ground work for larger concerts. FINANCIAL DETAILS Staff project a modest capital expenditure of $7,000 for site facilities. Some of the capital items are transferable to other Areas for special events as well as at Heart Lake Conservation Area's other special events. A conservative estimate of 1 ,000 people per concert would generate approximately $15,000 for revenue through admissions and food services. This would cover the estimated operating expenses of $8,500 for three concerts in addition to the capital expenditures. Report prepared by: Martha Wilson (905) 846-2494 For more information contact: AI Leach (ext. 251) TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 12:05 p.m. Marie Muir Craio Mather Vice Chair Secretary-Treasurer /bb