DÉCLARATIONS D’INTÉRÊT
No declarations of interest were filed.
Confirmation of
minutes
ratification des
procès-verbaux
Minutes 9 of the
Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee meeting of 24 June 2002 were confirmed, as
amended to correct minor typographical errors along with the following
changes:
·
I. Sneddon
was removed as absent; he was out of the country and unaware of his
appointment.
·
Number 3, 2nd paragraph, “However, in response to a question
from Member D. Ironside with respect to the protection of heritage trees,
she noted that point would be debatable.”
·
Number 6, Tree Inventory, “A program to plant trees
native to the area on NCC lands has been instituted.”
·
Other Business, Funding Opportunities, “…for worthy
projects under the Eco Action Program.” “…additional information is
provided on Environment Canada’s website (www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/applicants_guide_e.html).
CO-CHAIR’S
OPENING REMARKS
MOT D’OUVERTURE DE LA COPRÉSIDENTE
Co-Chair J. Dean welcomed individuals in attendance
including Sophie Sommerer of the Environmental Advisory Committee and persons
present for the second item. They
included residents of Perez Crescent, a representative of Richcraft Homes and
Linda Payant of Councillor Michel Bellemare’s office.
1. ELECTION
OF VICE CHAIR OR CO-CHAIR
ÉLECTION
D’UN(E) PRÉSIDENT(E) ET D’UN(E) VICE-PRÉSIDENT(E) OU COPRÉSIDENT(E)
Co-Chair J. Dean
opened the floor to nominations at which time Member I. Price was recommended
for the position of Co-chair.
Moved by Member
W. Ripmeester
That the
Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee appoint Iola Price to serve as Co-Chair until
31 December 2002.
CARRIED,
as amended
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SERVICES D’AMÉNAGEMENT
PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE
APPROVALS BRANCH
DIRECTION DE L’APPROBATION DES DEMANDES
D’URBANISME
ET D’INFRASTRUCTURE
2.
1298 Ogilvie Road: Tree Preservation
1298, chemin ogilvie : plan de préservation des arbres
Co-Chair J. Dean noted members of
the Community will have an opportunity to address their concerns with the
broader application at a public meeting scheduled for September. She pointed out that the Advisory
Committee’s role was to advise Standing Committee and Council on tree related
issues. Newly appointed Co-Chair I.
Price welcomed the following public delegations.
Mr. Edgar Millete
indicated he was speaking for 123 concerned families living next to the subject
woods that are worried about the clear cutting of trees to accommodate 92
units. He noted the property was
purchased from the National Capital Commission (NCC). Mr. Millete advanced the benefits of trees, which clean and
filter the air and noted 800 family units have been added over the last five
years in the surrounding area increasing traffic. The delegation stated 33 bird and small animal species have been
observed in the area and interesting vegetation can be found in the woods. In conclusion, Mr. Millete stated the
proposed development would add pollution and urged the preservation of the
trees as a legacy for future generations.
Ms. Doris Graham lives
immediately adjacent to the subject area and reiterated the environmental
arguments put forward by the previous delegation and made comments relating to
traffic impact on her Community. She
commented on the learning dimension of the woods, which are frequently used by
neighbouring families to discover nature.
Ms. Graham also noted the proposed development would result in the loss
of green space in the urban area for housing which could not be considered
affordable.
The delegations and others in
attendance intervened periodically during the course of the discussion
advancing similar points raised during the previous two presentations. The representative of Richcraft Homes did
not address the Advisory Committee, as he was in attendance as an observer.
Ms. M. Lynch, Planner, Planning
and Infrastructure Approvals provided background on the application and noted
the property is currently zoned open space and institutional. She provided a
site plan, tree preservation plan and landscape plan to assist the Advisory
Committee in making its comments for the departmental report going forward to
Planning and Development Committee in October.
Ms. Lynch reiterated that a meeting is scheduled for 5 September 2002 at
which time members of the Community will have an opportunity to ask questions
of City staff on a wide range of issues, including traffic.
Co-Chair J. Dean pointed out that
she along with Member W. Ripmeester and Co-Chair I. Price visited the site in
question. The Advisory Committee
reviewed in detail the three plans prepared by the developer (i.e. tree
preservation, site and landscape.)
Co-Chair I. Price described the site plan, including the proposed layout
of the units and features found on site.
Ms. Price observed that the Tree Preservation Plan only outlines the
preservation of shrubs and trees on neighbouring lands owned by the NCC and the
condominium corporation. She also noted
the proposed tree planting by species found in the Landscape Plan and suggested
more suitable species.
Members of the Advisory Committee
sought additional information on the following points in a series of questions
and answers with the participation of those in attendance. The points touched
on were as follows: retaining wall, use of native species, removal of trees,
ownership of the property and size of trees.
In response to a question from
Co-Chair J. Dean, Ms. M. Lynch noted the Tree Preservation Plan is prepared by
a landscape designer hired by the owner and is required for subdivisions by the
Regional Official Plan, but has been submitted in this case at the request of
staff.
Co-Chair I. Price undertook to
prepare a submission on the Advisory Committee’s behalf and outlined some of
the main points. Member A. Mathewson
found the comments in the draft impressive as they reflect the level of
expertise.
Moved by Member D. Ironside
That the Ottawa Forests
Advisory Committee task Co-Chair I. Price to finalize the Advisory Committee’s
submission to be included in the staff report going forward to Planning and
Development Committee.
CARRIED
That the Ottawa Forests
Advisory Committee receive a verbal presentation from Development Services
Department staff on the Tree Preservation Plan for 1298 Ogilvie Road.
RECEIVED
PRESENTATIONS
PRÉSENTATIONS
3.
SAWMILL CREEK WATERSHED
Bassin hydrographique de Sawmill Creek
Mr. Cliff Craig, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RCVA) noted briefly that the City of Ottawa is
undertaking an update of the Sawmill Creek Watershed Plan. Mr. David had no other information to
provide on this matter. Co-Chair J.
Dean noted this item was placed on the Agenda at the suggestion of Councillor
Doucet’s office.
That The Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee receive a verbal
presentation on the above noted item.
RECEIVED
4.
RIDEAU VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
Office de protection
de la nature de la vallée de la rivière Rideau
Mr. Cliff Craig, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) appeared to provide an overview of the
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and its activities, as well as build
relations with the Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee. Mr. David explained the Authority was established in 1966 as a
corporation with a board of directors and operates autonomously under
provincial legislation. The Board of
Directors is comprised of Councillors and municipal appointees of the
Municipalities covering the Rideau Valley Watershed. He provided information on the Authority’s funding as well as the
vast gamut of services and programs it is responsible for.
Mr. David also showcased “Green Acres”, Ottawa’s Rural Reforestation
Program. The program is described as
the transformation of empty, idle fields into thriving, green woodlands and
offers technical and financial assistance to rural landowners for the planning,
planting and maintenance of small woodlands.
Member A. Mathewson noted the RCVA owns a number of wood lots. Mr. David explained the RCVA participates in
various tax incentive programs for the 5,000-acreage of woodlots it currently
owns. Co-Chair J. Dean commended the
RCVA on pamphlets it produced following the ice storm and thanked Mr. David for
appearing before the Advisory Committee.
That The Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee receive verbal presentations
on the above noted item.
RECEIVED
5.
Marlborough Forest
Member W. Stephenson began his presentation on Marlborough Forest with
a description of the vastness of the site with the use of a map. Mr. Stephenson showed a video of aerial
footage of the site and explained its physical features, which include wetlands
and dense forested areas. Roger Stevens
Drive runs through Marlborough Forest, which spans 4 concessions in one
direction and 6 to the other. He
explained that ownership is mixed with the City of Ottawa and Ministry of
Natural Resources started buying parcels in the mid nineteen-seventies. Ground markers have been placed to identify
private from public land. Mr.
Stephenson went into great detail on the history of the site and measures taken
over the past while to ensure proper access in case of forest fires. Open areas can be found as a result of
former homesteads and farms, which used to occupy some of the area. Major snowmobile trails zigzag the site,
which is also used for a variety of recreational activities.
Mr. D. Barkley, Program Manager, Forester Field Operations related that
spruce and cedar are found at the site, which is designated as an
environmentally sensitive area mostly because of the significance of the
watershed. Mr. Stephenson noted in
response to a question from Member A. Mathewson that deer and bears could be
found in the area. Member M. Bisson
asked if harvesting and logging occurred on site and Mr. Stephenson responded
in the affirmative and noted most of the forest is second growth.
That The Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee receive verbal presentation
on the above noted item.
RECEIVED
6.
STATUS REPORTS
Status reports were
provided on the following on-going items.
Quarry
Forest
Member W. Ripmeester
indicated a report was prepared for Council as a result of a motion passed at
Planning and Development Committee.
Motions were passed at Council when the item finally was brought
forward. The Ontario Municipal Board
(OMB) hearing on the item commenced on 26 August 2002 and is scheduled to
continue for two weeks. The Quarry
Forest Preservation Committee (QFPC) will keep Ms. Ripmeester informed on any
new development, which she will share with the Advisory Committee. Councillor Kreling used Ms. Ripmeester’s
submission extensively when speaking to the issue. A letter of thanks was received from the QFPC.
Tree By-law
Member J. Oblak
noted the By-law would possibly be named “Woodlands Preservation By-law”. Two meetings have been organized so far with
a third shortly on the way. The first
included a cross-section of City staff and focused on the parameters and
particulars of the development of the by-law.
Susan Murphy and Deborah Irwin of the Development Services Department attended
the second meeting, which focussed on setting objectives and examining existing
by-laws. Ms. Oblak observed that Ms. Irwin favours the York model that
successfully enforced 17 contraventions to its by-law. The group is also using the template provided
by the Ministry of Natural Resources in preparing the draft, which will be
completed shortly.
Woodland Study
Co-Chair I. Price
noted the study would focus on natural areas outside the former City of Ottawa
and the consultant’s Terms of Reference are drafted. Ms. Price will contact Ms. D. Irwin of the Development Services
Department for further information on the next steps. Member S. Desjardins noted a college in Lindsay requires students
to complete mapping of forests in the context of a GIS mapping program. She volunteered to seek information from the
college.
Kanata Clear
Cutting Incident
Member J. Oblak
noted the project lead is on maternity leave.
Sophie Sommerer, Environmental Advisory Committee indicated she attended
the public meeting in Kanata, which provided general information, but the
environmental study results were not complete at the time. The next meeting is
scheduled for September. Ms. Oblak commented that the focus at this point is
remediation and stated she would provide information as it becomes available.
That the Ottawa
Forests Advisory Committee receive status reports.
RECEIVED
7.
REPORTS ON NEW BUSINESS
RAPPORTS SUR DE NOUVELLES
QUESTIONS
Sign Obstruction
by Foliage, from the Environmental Advisory Committee
Co-Chair J. Dean
explained that Lynn Bricker of the Environmental Advisory Committee brought the
following issue to the Advisory Committee’s attention. Mr. D. Barkley, Program Manager, Forester
Field Operations, indicated correspondence has been received with a response to
this item and indicated he would forward the email to interested parties. Mr. Barkley outlined the current measures to
deal with sign obstruction by foliage.
Royal Ottawa
Health Centre, 1145 Carling – Site Plan Control
Co-Chair J. Dean
clarified that the Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee had an opportunity to
provide comment on this site plan control application. She also received an application concerning
an application for a carwash on Bank Street.
Further discussion relating to the review of applications occurred under
number twelve.
Constance Creek –
Tree Preservation and the Planning Process
Member J. Oblak
provided a brief background on the Constance Creek incident, which she
discovered two weeks prior to the owner submitting an application for
subdivision. She observed bulldozing
and some clearing in the forest and adjacent wetland on 23 July 2002. The landowner is obligated to submit a
series of studies before proceeding with any activity or cutting. No studies have been submitted at the
present time. Ms. Oblak indicated she
has contacted the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and staff from the
Forestry section are now involved. She
surmised the current problem is the system, which needs to dedicate one person
to act on such incidents and offer some sort of enforcement. Application guidelines are not being
followed and landowners are in many cases proceeding with cutting and clearing
before they submit applications. The
site is immediately adjacent to the Bill Mason Centre, an outdoor education
institution. The Councillor’s office
has not been contacted as Ms. Oblak is attempting to gather all the information
before proceeding.
That the Ottawa
Forests Advisory Committee receive verbal reports on new business.
RECEIVED
8. Fall
Forum: Update
Member S. Barter provided an update on the fall forum, which is
scheduled for 26 October 2002. Ms.
Barter noted the invaluable assistance of Member D. Ironside and provided a
quick overview of the planned agenda for the event. Mike Rosen has been confirmed as a speaker along with an
afternoon panel discussion on the development process organized in
collaboration with the Development Services Department. A location will be finalized shortly and
volunteers were sought to assist with other tasks, including preparing
advertisements and seeking quotes for caterers. Sophie Sommerer, Environmental Advisory Committee, extended her
group’s offer to provide information on the event to its environmental
network. Ms. Ironside undertook to
combine various contact lists to be used to send out invitations.
That the Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee receive an update on the
Fall Forum.
RECEIVED
9. SUB-COMMITTEES
REPORTS
RAPPORTS DES SOUS-COMITÉS
Eastern Ontario Model Forest and Other Networks
Member A. Mathewson
passed around the program for the 5th Canadian Urban Forests
Conference and asked members to forward their suggestions on what seminars they
feel should be covered. Mr. Mathewson
confirmed he would report back to the Advisory Committee on information
gathered at the Conference.
That the Ottawa Forests
Advisory Committee receive an update from sub-committees.
RECEIVED
10.
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS: 2003 WORKPLAN AND 2001-2002 ANNUAL REPORT
ORIENTATIONS
STRATÉGIQUES du plan de travail de 2003 et du rapport annuel de 2001-2002
A sub-committee comprised of Members S. Findlay,
D. Ironside, M. Bisson and Co-Chairs J. Dean and I. Price was formed to prepare
a preliminary workplan. Member R.
Daigle undertook to prepare the draft Annual Report using as a base the
submission that went forward to the Corporate Services and Economic Development
Committee in response to the proposed amalgamation with the Environmental
Advisory Committee.
That the Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee
receive the above noted item for discussion.
RECEIVED
11.
Meeting Locations
Lieux possibles pour la tenue de réunions
Co-Chair J. Dean suggested the Advisory Committee meet at City
Hall. The Committee Coordinator
undertook to reserve a room for the monthly meetings.
That the Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee monthly meetings usually
take place at City Hall.
CARRIED,
as amended
12.
Criteria FOR Review Of Applications
Critères d’examen
des demandes
Chair J. Dean introduced this item and noted the opportunity to comment
on certain applications. The first step
would be to establish criteria to determine which applications are circulated
to the Advisory Committee by the Development Services Department. The second step would be to set out how such
applications are dealt with by the Advisory Committee in order to provide
comment when deemed necessary. Ms. Dean
outlined the current practices of the Environmental Advisory Committee, which
screens applications through two members who then pass the applications to
interested members for comment.
Mr. D. Barkley, Forester Field Operation, reported that his unit is
circulated on a regular basis and a staff person in the Surface Operations
group coordinates the effort. Mr.
Barkley noted some plans get missed.
Co-Chair J. Dean noted a circulation checklist currently exists within
the Development Services Department and the Advisory Committee could arrange to
be included. Member S. Desjardins
wondered if it would be possible to tap into D. Barkley’s opportunity for
comment.
Co-Chair I. Price commented that the City should in principle direct
certain applications to the Advisory Committee for comment. Co-Chair J. Dean noted high standards would
be created on what should be circulated to the group. Member S. Findlay voiced his concern on the possibility of being
swamped by applications. Ms. Price
declared this was an opportunity rather than a problem - an opportunity to
provide comment and set standards for development with the Advisory Committee’s
expertise in forest related issues.
Member J. Oblak agreed and stated it would be an opportunity for the
City to get a different perspective and to provide a balance on tree related
issues facing development in this City.
Mr. Findlay suggested this issue deserved more examination and proposed
deferral.
That the Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee discuss criteria for the Ofac's review of applications.
DEFERRED
13.
COUNCILLOR
MCNEELY'S PROPOSAL FOR AN ENVIRONMENT CHAMPION FOR THE CITY OF OTTAWA
PROPOSITION
DU CONSEILLER MCNEELY POUR UN CHAMPION DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT DE LA VILLE D’OTTAWA
Co-Chair J. Dean referenced the recent media
coverage on this proposal. The item was
tabled for information.
That the Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee
receive the above noted item for discussion.
RECEIVED
14.
CITY FORESTER’S REPORT
RAPPORT DE L’EXPERT-FORESTIER DE LA VILLE
Mr. D. Barkley,
Program Manager, Forester Field Operations, provided a brief overview of
current issues. With respect to the
Fallowfield tornado/microburst, Mr. Barkley noted Council directed that
assistance be given for damage on private property. It is the first time that funds are expended for tree care on
private property to help with damage not covered by insurance policies. A report will be coming forward to Standing
Committee and Council providing statistics and an outline of the funds
expended.
In response to a
question from Co-Chair I. Price, Mr. Barkley explained that wood from such
clean ups are given away. In past
years, unsuccessful attempts were made to contract the disposal to a private
company. He stated the wood is never
sent to a dumpsite.
That the
Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee receive a verbal report from the City
Forester.
RECEIVED
ADJOURNMENT
LEVÉE DE LA SÉANCE
The Committee adjourned the meeting at 10:10 p.m.
Original
signed by Original
signed by
Robbie
Tremblay Joanna Dean
Committee Coordinator Co-Chair
