DÉCLARATIONS D’INTÉRÊT
No declarations of interest were filed.
Confirmation of minutes
ratification des procès-verbaux
Minutes 8 of the
Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee meeting of 27 May 2002 were confirmed, as
amended to correct minor typographical errors.
PRESENTATIONS
PRÉSENTATIONS
1. EASTERN ONTARIO NUTGROWERS ASSOCIATION
– PLANTING OF NUT TREES
EASTERN ONTARIO NUTGROWERS ASSOCIATION – PLANTATION D’ARBRES À NOIX
Hank Jones
and Roman Popadiouk, Eastern Ontario Nutgrowers Association and Cobjon
Nutculture Services, appeared before the Committee to establish a working
relationship with OFAC on tree related issues.
Mr. Jones noted the Society of Ontario Nutgrowers was formed in Southern
Ontario in 1972. The Eastern Ontario Chapter was created in 1978 and now has
over 100 members. The Association’s
work focuses on encouraging the planting of nut trees, research, demonstration,
education and promotion. Mr. Jones
noted the existence of nut groves in Eastern Ontario, including the Rideau
Valley Conservation Authority’s 2-hectare Fillmore R. Park, the South Nation
River Conservation Authority’s 30-hectare Oak Valley Nut Grove, Canada’s
Dominion Arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm and the National Capital
Commission’s Dolman Ridge Nut Grove.
Mr. Jones circulated two pamphlets held on file with the Committee
Coordinator: “Promoting the Growing of Nut Bearing Trees and Shrubs …”
and “Building a Nut Producing Industry in Eastern Ontario.”
Mr. Jones stated
work is underway to form a National Association of Nutgrowers, to be based in
Ottawa. He also provided a brief
overview of his private company, Cobjon Nutculture Services and the Nutculture
Ottawa 2002 Project, which involves the harvest of black walnuts in the urban
area this fall.
In terms of a
working relationship with the Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee, Mr. Jones
noted possible cross-promotion opportunities on specific projects and an
opportunity to encourage the City to plant more nut trees. In response to a question from Member I.
Price, Mr. Roman Popadiouk noted different kinds of trees could be used
throughout the City at different sites, especially greenspace where there is no
limitation on root development.
Member D.
Ironside volunteered to act as a liaison with the Eastern Ontario Nutgrowers
Association and to provide updates to the Committee as required.
That the Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee receive a verbal
presentation from the Eastern Ontario Nutgrowers Association.
RECEIVED
2. CANADIAN FORESTRY ASSOCIATION
ASSOCIATION
FORESTIÈRE CANADIENNE
Dave Lemkay, Canadian Forestry
Association (CFA), provided a historical overview of the Canadian Forestry
Association, which provides information, education and public awareness on the
wise use and protection of forestry resources.
The Association was created in 1900 and has organized the Forest Capital
of Canada Programme since 1979. The host city for the event is determined at
the annual meeting of the CFA. The
Ottawa Valley hosted the programme in 1984 and Cornerbrook, Newfoundland was
chosen for 2002. Mr. Lemkay suggested
Ottawa could host the 2003 edition.
Members of the Committee
questioned if there was sufficient time to organize such an event at this late
date. The 12th World
Forestry Conference is also planned for 2003 with 6,000 delegates expected in
Quebec City in September. Mr. Lemkay
suggested the scope and scale could be discussed as well as possible partners,
including the new Amalgamated City of Gatineau. Member G. Sealey viewed the event as an opportunity for a legacy
project for the City of Ottawa.
In response to a question from
member R. Ripmeester, Mr. Lemkay noted the next step is to consult with other
stakeholders to build support for an Ottawa bid. Member R. Ripmeester noted there are different degrees of
involvement and Member J. Oblak stated OFAC could not be the lead on such an
event. Co-Chair J. Dean noted the
Committee’s role could be to raise awareness with Council and the general
public. Discussion occurred on the Urban Forest Congress and the possibility of
hosting the Forest Capital of Canada Programme in 2004. Mr. Lemkay noted Alberta is expected to host
the event in 2005 to coincide with that province’s 75th Anniversary.
Moved by Member G. Sealey
The Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee expresses
interest in the campaign
to have Ottawa designated the Forest Capital of Canada, and sees it as an opportunity
for Ottawa to create synergy for a forestry legacy among stakeholders providing the campaign
is mounted in a
timely way, with support from core groups and funders.
CARRIED
That the Ottawa Forests
Advisory Committee receive a presentation from the Canadian Forestry
Association.
RECEIVED
DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SERVICES D’AMÉNAGEMENT
PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
POLICY
POLITIQUES D’URBANISME, D’ENVIRONNEMENT ET
D’INFRASTRUCTURE
3. INTERIM
MEASURES TO CONTROL TREE CUTTING AND TO DEVELOP
A
TREES BY-LAW
MESURES PROVISOIRES EN VUE DE CONTRÔLER LA COUPE DES ARBRES ET D’ÉLABORER
UN RÈGLEMENT MUNICIPAL SUR LES ARBRES
Susan Murphy and Deborah Irwin,
Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Policy, Development Services Department,
provided information on the report on this issue going forward to the Planning
and Development Committee meeting of 27 June 2002. This report came forward following motions from OFAC and
Councillors Stavinga and Munter following the tree devastation incident in the
Kanata Lakes area.
The report proposes the
recruitment of a consultant to implement the proposed interim solutions for
tree preservation and the drafting of a Trees Bylaw under the Municipal Act,
which would be developed in two stages: beginning with urban and villages area,
followed by the development of a recommended approach in rural areas through
consultation with rural stakeholders.
Ms. Murphy suggested the Tree By-law would cover forested areas and not
individual trees. 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. Similar by-laws in other
jurisdictions will be studied.
Interim measures are being
proposed to address the inappropriate cutting of forested areas. The following
measures are proposed:
· Retain a Forestry Consultant
· Establish an Incident Reporting Protocol
· Clearly mark Woodland Protection areas
· Apply standard conditions
· Implement and Monitor a Preliminary Tree
Preservation and Protection Plan.
A working group including staff
from a cross-section of City Departments as well as the Ministry of Natural
Resources and the Conservation Authority will be working together to draft the
Tree Bylaw. At the request of Co-chair
J. Dean, Ms. Murphy agreed to have representatives of OFAC on the working
group. Member J. Oblak volunteered to participate with Members S. Desjardins
and D. Ironside acting as backups.
Ms. Murphy also responded to
questions from members of the Committee with respect to a possible centre of
excellence for forestry, institutional lands, urban/rural delineation, public
consultation, enforcement and specific questions relating to the tree
devastation incident in Kanata Lakes.
That the Ottawa Forests
Advisory Committee receive a presentation from staff on interim measures to
control tree cutting and to develop a Trees By-law.
RECEIVED
4.
COMMUNITY
PLANTED TREES – MAINTENANCE & REPLACEMENT
PROJET
COMMUNAUTAIRE DE PLANTATION D'ARBRES - ENTRETIEN ET REMPLACEMENT
Craig Huff, Program Manager, Forest Policy and
Programming, noted Councillor C. Doucet raised this item in an email
dated 24 May 2002. The email addressed
concerns about whipper snipping by City of Ottawa summer students that damaged
planted trees in Strandherd Park. The
McRae family had planted the trees after approaching the City. However, the trees should not have been
planted along Lees Avenue. Mr. Huff
ascertained it is difficult for staff to know where the trees are planted after
giving permission to plant trees in a specific location. In an effort to resolve the issue, mulch has
been provided to place around the trunk of the trees and City crews have been
informed not to whipper snip around the trees.
Co-Chair J. Dean undertook to follow up with Councillor Doucet’s
office. In response to a question from
Member I. Price with respect to general maintenance standards and practices,
Mr. C. Huff indicated harmonization of the maintenance standards would be
undertaken by late summer.
That the
Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee receive the above-noted item for discussion.
RECEIVED
5.
OFAC
organizational structure
STRUCTURE ORGANISATIONNELLE DU ccfo
The Committee deferred
consideration of a flow chart until the fall.
Discussion focused on the use of email as a tool to support the
activities of the Committee, including achieving consensus on a particular
issue and finalizing wording for submissions.
Member G. Sealy indicated he was disappointed with the wording of the
Budget Directions submission and would like to see the document reflect the
necessity of supplementary funds for additional forestry staff. Craig Huff, Program Manager, Forester Policy and
Programming noted the budget is in its early stages and opportunities for
further input would be forthcoming.
That the Ottawa Forests
Advisory Committee discuss the Organizational Structure of the Committee. and
receive a flow chart presented by Co-Chair Dean for discussion.
DEFERRED
6.
WORKPLAN
PROJECTS UPDATE
PROJETS
PRÉVUS DANS LE PLAN DE TRAVAIL - MISE à JOUR
Sub-committees
provided updates on their activities and projects as required.
Publicity and
Communications Outreach
Co-Chair J. Dean circulated a draft pamphlet
for comment and review.
Official Plan
Member J. Oblak indicated she has reviewed the
draft Official Plan and noted concerns related to the subservience of the
Environment Master Plan (EMP) to other Master Plans and the definition of green
space and delineation within the EMP.
Co-Chair J. Dean noted some issues relating to the Official Plan would
be discussed at the Fall Forum.
Tree Inventory
Member I. Price stated the National Capital
Commission (NCC) has a rudimentary tree inventory. A program to plant trees
native to the area on NCC lands has been instituted.
That the Ottawa Forests Advisory
Committee receive an update on Workplan Projects.
RECEIVED
7. FALL PUBLIC FORUM - UPDATE
FORUM PUBLIC D’AUTOMNE - MISE à JOUR
Member S. Barter provided a verbal update on
the planning for the Fall Public Forum.
She stated the event will focus on urban forests and will be organized
with the assistance of City planners to integrate information and to assist
with format and extra funding. The
event is planned for a Saturday in October and will allow input into the
Official Plan. Deborah Ironside joined
the organizing sub-committee. Co-Chair
R. Daigle suggested sending correspondence to individuals who applied to sit on
OFAC.
That the Ottawa Forests Advisory
Committee receive an update on the Fall Public Forum.
RECEIVED
8. CITY FORESTER’S REPORT
RAPPORT DE
L’EXPERT-FORESTIER DE LA VILLE
Craig Huff, Program Manager, Forest Policy and
Programming, provided a verbal report on the Rare Plant Study for Torbolton
Forest. He noted a meeting with the
Ministry of Natural Resources has taken place on the issue.
With regard to the Fallowfield
Tornado/Microburst, David Barkley, Program Manager, Forest Field Operations,
noted damage occurred on private and public property. 300 trees were damaged and clean up will take several weeks. Mr. Huff indicated the ward Councillor and
the Department of Transportation, Utilities and Public Works have fielded
requests for assistance.
Michèle Gauthier, Fallowfield
Community Association,
explained the damage faced by the Community and compared the devastation to the
Ice Storm.
That the Ottawa Forests Advisory
Committee receive a verbal report from the City Forester.
RECEIVED
ADDITIONAL ITEM
POINT SUPPLÉMENTAIRE
9. DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION – QUARRY FOREST
PLAN DE
LOTISSEMENT PROVISOIRE (QUARRY FOREST)
Moved by W. Ripmeester
That the Rules of Procedure be waived to consider this item.
CARRIED
Co-Chair J. Dean indicated a draft plan of
subdivision for Block J – Quarry Forest will be considered at the Planning and
Development Committee meeting of 27 June 2002.
Although a motion to Council on 13 June 2001 required that both
the OFAC and the Environmental Advisory Committee review the tree preservation
strategy and conservation/green space blocks for this application, the Committee was only circulated with the
following documents:
· Draft Plan of Subdivision 06T-99029 –
Block J (Quarry Forest) – Staff report, ACS2002-DEV-APR-0127
· Preliminary Tree Conservation Plan for
Bilberry Drive Quarry Property by Andrew Boyd, Forester/Consulting Arborist
· Quarry Forest Relative Environmental Value
Assessment – Final Report by ESG International Inc.
Deborah Irwin,
Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Policy, Development Services
Department, who presented to the Committee on the third item answered questions
on the proposal. Ms. Irwin noted the
subject property was zoned for residential development since the
nineteen-seventies and a decision on the proposal can be appealed to the
Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Craig Huff, Program Manager, Forest
Policy and Programming, provided details on the current tree preservation plan
and ascertained as much as possible has been retained considering the
circumstances.
Significant discussion occurred
on the Environmental Value Assessment and its connectivity with the NOSS
(Natural and Open Space Study of the former City of Ottawa). Ms. Irwin noted a similar study would be
extended to the entire geographic area of the new City. The terms of reference
are completed and a consultant will be hired.
As part of the new study, research will be undertaken to review similar
exercises from other municipalities.
Further discussion occurred on land acquisition and the possibility of a
land trust. Member W. Ripmeester
volunteered to sit on the steering committee for the new study with Members I.
Price and S. Findlay acting as backups.
Chair J. Dean undertook to
prepare a submission to the Planning and Development Committee endorsing the
decision by Development Services to conduct a study of the relative value of
all urban woodlands citywide with an evaluation methodology and a database that
will facilitate future decisions. The
memorandum will also touch upon the oversight with regard to consultation.
That the
Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee receive the above-noted item for discussion.
RECEIVED
OTHER BUSINESS
AUTRES
QUESTIONS
Funding Opportunities
Member W. Ripmeester provided
some information on the Green Municipality funding program and undertook along
with Member G. Sealey to look into submitting a proposal. The deadline for
application is 26 August 2002.
Member I. Price indicated
Environment Canada provides funds twice a year for worthy projects under the
Eco Action Program. She attended an
information session and noted additional information is provided on Environment
Canada’s website (www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/applicants_guide_e.html). The deadline for projects to be undertaken
next spring is October 2002.
Partnerships are looked upon favourably during application review.
Annual Review and Proposed
Merger with the Environmental Advisory Committee
Co-Chair J. Dean urged Committee
members to contact Stephani Roy, Manager, Policy and Projects, Secretariat
Services with their feedback.
Discussion occurred on reasons why the merger should not go forward,
including workloads, accomplishments and complementary yet very different areas
of expertise.
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
