The
Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee (OFGAC) provides advice and
guidance to Ottawa City Council, through the Planning and Environment Committee
and the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. Its mandate is to help safeguard the environment of the City,
promote a sustainable, biodiverse landscape and promote the protection and
conservation (wise use) of trees, forests, natural systems and greenspace by:
·
Providing input into
plans, strategies, policies, programs and budgets related to greenspace
preservation, biodiversity and the management of urban and rural forests
including remediation and new forest development;
·
Recommending ways in
which the City can meet its greenspace, biodiversity and forest related
objectives as outlined in the Official Plan and other planning documents; and
·
Promoting public
awareness of the role of greenspace and forests in protecting and enhancing
quality of life.
DEFINITIONS
The urban and rural
forest includes individual city trees and other vegetation as well as
woodlots and forests within the City of Ottawa.
Greenspace is land,
water and wetlands that are in their natural, undeveloped state as well as a
land in private and public ownership that has been developed only to the extent
consistent with natural systems protection, recreational uses, or agricultural
and forest production.
The Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory
Committee shall be responsible for:
OFGAC focuses its
work in four areas:
A – Policy and Planning;
B – Emerging Issues and Requested Advice;
C – Outreach; and,
D – Management
as summarized in
the following table.
2008 OFGAC Workplan
Summary
|
A:
Policy and Planning: Corporate Initiatives |
B:
Emerging Issues and Requested Advice |
C: Outreach |
D: Management |
|
A1
2008 Official Plan Review (includes location of Urban Boundary) |
B1
Development Activities ·
B1.1
Community Design Plans (under development) ·
B1.1.1
Fernbank ·
B1.2
Development Applications (OP Amendments, Zoning Changes, Subdivisions) ·
B1.3 Surplus City Land
Disposal, Road Closures ·
B1.4 Review Environmental Assessment Studies ·
B1.4.1
Strandherd
Greenbank Transitway Extension Project ·
B1.4.2 South Barrhaven |
C1
Communications ·
C1.1 Media Outreach and Publicity ·
C1.1.1 OFGAC Web site ·
C1.1.2 Multi-Media and Event Display ·
C1.2 Community Outreach and Awareness ·
C1.2.1 Walk
in the Woods Series ·
C1.2.2 Partnering in specific initiatives with
other groups |
D1
Committee Management ·
D1.1 Committee
Leadership ·
D1.2 Training for
members |
|
A2 Greenspace Master Plans ·
A2.1
Implementation of Urban GMP ·
A2.1.1 Old Ottawa
South Rideau River Trail ·
A2.1.2 Beryl
Gaffney Park ·
A2.2 Development of Rural GMP |
B2 Monitor Implementation of Community Design
Plans ·
B2.1 Riverside South ·
B2.2
South Barrhaven ·
B2.3 South Nepean ·
B2.4 East Urban Ph.1&2 ·
B2.5 Hintonburg |
C2 Networks
and AC Cross Attendance |
D2
Committee Member Recruitment |
|
A3 Forest
Strategy |
B3 Presentations to Standing
Committees |
C3
Notable Trees |
|
|
A4 Special
Planning Studies incl. Subwatershed Studies ·
A4.1 Follow-up and Monitoring
Implementation Strategies ·
A4.1.1 UNAEES ·
A4.1.2 Greenfields Development guidelines ·
A4.2 Ongoing/Up-coming Studies ·
A4.2.1 Cardinal Creek Subwatershed Study ·
A4.2.2 Cash-in-lieu of Parkland ·
A4.2.3 Wetlands ·
A4.2.4 Hydrogeological Reporting Guidelines |
B4 Inventories ·
B4.1
CITYGreen™ Forest Cover Evaluation |
C4
Exotic Pest and Invasive Management (including plants and insects) |
|
|
A5
Plans and Standards ·
A5.1 Maintenance Plans for Community Forests ·
A5.1.1 Torbolton ·
A5.1.2 Marlborough (incl. Long Swamp,
Corkery) ·
A5.1.3 Cumberland ·
A5.1.4 Carp Hills ·
A5.1.5 South March Highlands ·
A5.2 Maintenance Standards for Trees and
Community Forests |
B5
Requested Advice ·
B5.1
Pocket Parks and Reclaiming Road Allowances for Greening ·
B5.2
Transportation Master Plan |
|
|
|
A6 Bylaws ·
A6.1 Forest bylaw for Private Property ·
A6.2 Comprehensive Zoning |
·
B6.1 Wetlands ·
B6.2 Natural Drainage & Ditching |
|
|
|
A7
Capital Standards ·
A7.1 Stormwater Management Planning Guidelines ·
A7.2
Strategic Lighting Plan |
B7
Council Performance Indicators ·
B7.1 Corporate Plans ·
B7.2 Community Impact Indicators |
|
|
|
A8 EIS Guidelines Revision |
B8 Input to City Budgets |
|
|
|
A9 Air
Quality and Climate Change Strategy |
|
|
|
|
A10 Biodiversity Strategy |
|
|
|
A: Policy and planning
An updated Official Plan
that increases protection for trees and ecologically valuable land (forests,
wetlands, greenspace etc.)
Commence an internal OFGAC review to identify sections
of the 2003 Official Plan for updating.
Review and provide comment to staff and Council on
proposed OP modifications.
Ensure retention of
natural areas sections, enhancement where identified.
Review for compliance with Provincial Policy Statements
requirements.
Objective
Provision of advice to PEC[1] and
city staff during the implementation of this plan
Activities
Review implementation
proposals developed by staff.
A2.1.1 Old Ottawa South
Rideau River Nature Trail
A2.1.2 Beryl Gaffney Park 2008 Updated Master Plan
Provision
of advice to ARAC1 and city staff during the development of this
plan that reflects OFGAC priorities for greenspace preservation
Activities
Provide advice to ARAC1 and city staff
during the development of this plan in accordance with time lines and
opportunities provided for public consultation; interaction with RIAC.
Prepare a report or
presentation to Council on completion of the plan.
Objective
A Forest Strategy that provides the framework for the
management and conservation of municipal forests and other important wooded
areas in Ottawa
Activities
Provide advice to
P&EC, ARAC and city staff during the development of this Strategy in
accordance with time lines and opportunities provided for public consultation.
Report or presentation to Council on
completion of the Strategy.
Objective
The
UNAEES Implementation Strategy is fully funded by Council
The
process of acquiring ecologically valuable land, as identified in the UNAEES is
commenced
Activities
Provide advice to PEC on
the implementation of the UNAEES report and propose future directions and
activities.
Support the UNA Strategy
to acquire lands identified as having moderate to high ecological value and the
acquisition of woodlots as part of UNAEES Strategy.
A4.1.2
Greenfields Development Guidelines (Ottawa Design Study)
Objective
Greenfields Development guidelines follow
principles outlined in the Ottawa Design Study and appropriate attention is
given to tree protection and preservation
Activities
Provide comments to staff, PEC and ARAC on
developments that are not in accordance with the GDG.
Objective
As
new studies arise, provision of OFGAC perspective on forest and greenspace
protection
Activities
Provide OFGAC advice to the Committee
responsible for the study.
Promote the preservation of greenspace and
trees and an environmental perspective.
A4.2.1 Cardinal Creek Subwatershed Study
A4.2.2 Cash-in-lieu of ParkandParkland
A5
Plans and Standards for Forests and Trees
A5.1 Maintenance
Plans for Trees and Community Forests
Objective
Network of stakeholders
is established and consultative meetings with interested parties are productive
Activities
Advise on the development
or updating of management plans for community forests.
Provide a forum for
public input into these management plans as they are developed
Provide ongoing policy
advice on community forests and advice to City during development or updating
of community forest master plans
Activities
Attend meetings of Torbolton Forest Advisory
Committee and provide OFGAC and ecological perspective.
Advise the Torbolton Forest Advisory Committee on its
community program to collect oak seeds for native hardwoods regeneration.
Advise on the rare plant inventory and management of
those plants and the second phase of
harvesting of the forest. The acorn
program is ongoing for approx. 5 years (2008-2012).
Activities
Attend meetings of Marlborough Forest Advisory
Committee and provide OFGA’sOFGAC’s perspective.
Provide support for the
forest initiatives regarding trail maintenance and other projects such as the
development of nesting boxes for ducks.
A5.1.3
Cumberland
Provide OFGAC perspective to staff (and Council as
needed) on issues arising in regard to this forest.
A5.1.4
Carp Hills
Advise staff on the development of the Management
Plan.
A5.1.5
South March Highlands
Advise staff on the development of the second stage
of Management Plan.
Objective
Standards of care for
trees, forests and greenspace that are appropriate for Ottawa are implemented
Development of rationale for appropriate funding for 2008 and 2009 Budgets
Activities
Support appropriate funding levels in 2008 to ensure
standards of care are implemented and develop rationale for full program funding
in 2009.
Objective
Passage of the bylaw in 2008-09
Continue to meet with senior staff members and
Councillors to urge passage of the by-law.
Participate in the Public/Technical Advisory Committee
and attend Public Consultations.
Reiterate OFGAC’s offer to develop information for a
draft staff report for use by Standing Committees and Council.
Objective
Protection of greenspace
for conservation and passive use recognized in by-law
Standards documents,
strategies and plans reflect protection of trees, forests and greenspace
philosophy and practice
A7.1
Stormwater Management Planning Guidelines
Activities
Review strategies and reports
as they are made available by staff and comment to staff and the appropriate Standing
Committee.
Activities
Raise lighting as an issue and ensure that the implementation of the
2007 policy incorporates the concern for trees.
Monitor lighting proposals with respect to
trees during the redesign of Wellington Street as part of the Community Design
Plan for the Hintonburg Area andcontinueand continue
the work through to its implementation for 2008.
A8 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Guidelines Revision
Objective
The 1998 EIS Guidelines
are updated and improved to 2008 standards
Activities
OFGAC perspective in regard to role of trees,
forests, greenspace and wetlands in adaptation to climate change is
incorporated in the Strategy
Present an OFGAC perspective to ensure that
the role of trees, forests, greenspace and wetlands in adaptation to climate
change is incorporated in the Strategy.
Continue liaison with City staff and the
Environmental Advisory Committee to review drafts of the action plan.
Provide OFGAC’s perspective on content of
the document and strength of actions described. The Air Quality and Climate Change Strategy is still in development and
expected to be released in 2008.
Objective
OFGAC perspective in
regard to role of trees, forests, greenspace and wetlands in the preservation
and enhancement of native biodiversity is incorporated in the draft StrategyActivitiesStrategy
Activities
Participate in the drafting of the Strategy and
represent OFGAC at Biodiversity public consultations (if funds are found to
continue the work).
TOR accepted by Planning and Environment Committee
and sent to Council in 2008.
B: Emerging
Issues and Requested advice
B1.1
Community Design Plans (under development)
Community Design Plans are models of sustainability,
reflecting a perspective that respects the environment and preserves trees,
greenspace, wetlands to the maximum extent possible
B1.1.1
Fernbank
Comment on the draft
status documents and the draft CDP posted on the Fernbank website.
B1.2 Review Development Applications (OP Amendments, Zoning Changes, Subdivision proposals)
OFGAC perspective (relating to potential impact on
trees, forests, greenspace and wetlands and impact on native biodiversity) is
provided to Council, city planners
Activities
Review development proposals and provide comments to
city planners preparing reports to Director of Planning on development
proposals or Council on zoning change or Official Plan Amendment
proposals. Appear before PEC or ARAC to
provide verbal and written comments on an as-needed basis.
B1.3 Review
Proposals to Sell Surplus Land, Change Land Use
Objective
Real Property and Asset Management (RPAM) staff are
advised of OFAC’sOFGAC’s views on disposals and closures or
proposed changes to the use of city-owned land.
Lands in municipal ownership with forest, greenspace
or wetlands value are retained by the city in their natural state
Activities
Review disposal proposals and provide comment to RPAM
on a timely basis.
If data available, determine outcome of OFGAC’s
2006-07 advice.
Appear before CSED to provide verbal and written
comments on an as-needed basis.
B1.4
Review Environmental Assessments
Objective
OFGAC’s perspective is
provided and incorporated throughout the process of provincially-mandated
Environmental Assessments to the assess potential impacts of proposed projects
(transportation or development) on trees, forests, greenspace, wetlands
Activities
Participate throughout
the EAS process, to ensure OFGAC’s perspective in regard to the
preservation of trees, forests, greenspace, wetlands and enhancement of native
biodiversity is incorporated in the development proposal.
Activities
Identify trees and natural
features that should be saved and protected during the specific routing and
construction of the transitway extension.
Monitor construction activities as they progress.
B1.4.2 South Barrhaven Transportation and
Transitway Extension
Activities
Review and provide comments on the EA to the project manager.
Identify trees and natural features that should be saved or protected.
Objective
Community Design Plan
guidelines are respected by developers and builders
Provision of an update on
implementation of each CDP via the Annual Report
Activities
Review the subdivision
plan application proposals throughout the phases of future development in
Riverside South to follow the principles outlined in the CDP.
Review and comment on plan of subdivision
application proposals with emphasis on the retention of significant trees and
forests, and the preservation of hedgerows and wetlands.
B2.2
South Barrhaven
Community Design Plan
guidelines are respected by developers and builders
Provision of an update on
implementation of each CDP via the Annual Report
Provide OFGAC’s
perspective and the preservation of natural features.
Ensure
that natural features are adequately protected and preserved during the
implementation of the South Barrhaven CDP.
Review
the subdivision plan application proposals throughout the phases of the South
Barrhaven CDP as they become available.
Periodically
visit the site and monitor that the implementation is according to the South
Barrhaven CDP, conditions of approval and Official Plan.
Ensure
that the Cambrian Woodlot maintains an adequate buffer zone to protect and
preserve its interior core from development and encroachment.
B2.3
South Nepean
Community Design Plan guidelines are respected by developers and builders
Provision
of an update on implementation of each CDP via the Annual Report
Promote the preservation
of the mature hedgerows and riparian vegetative borders of the Jock River that
meanders through the South Nepean CDP area.
Provide OFGAC perspective
to maintain and preserve the natural features of the site to the most extent
possible.
Objective
Implementation of the
East Urban Community Design Plan follows principles in the CDP
Activities
Review and comment on plan of subdivision
applications with focus on the retention of significant trees, hedgerows,
forests and wetlands.
Implementation of the
Hintonburg Community Design Plan includes provision for trees and pocket
parks; see also 5.1
Attend meetings and review
development proposals and work with community groups to ensure that trees are
planted and roadside edges are reclaimed as greenspace.
Articulation of OFGAC
perspective and recommendations on issues relating to trees, forests and
greenspace (including wetlands) and impact on native biodiversity
Review of background
material
Objective
Activities
B5
Requested Advice
Objective
Provision of timely and accurate
advice on issues/questions raised by Council, Standing Committees, Councillors,
members of the public
B5.1 Pocket Parks and Reclaiming Road
Allowances for Greening
Objective
A report to PEC on the feasibility
of reclaiming city right of ways for greenspace, namely tree usage
Activities
Follow-up to OFGAC survey
that determined citizen attitudes toward and amenities desired in pocket
parks.
In the reclaiming areas
along road allowances for greening: Continue with the work begun in 2007
identifying potential sites for “Greening” by Hintonburg area residents:
Incorporate these sites which have been photographed into either the
neighbourhood improvement plan or the community design plan currently being
undertaken by the City of Ottawa in the Hintonburg area.
B5.2 Transportation Master Plan
Objective
A
revised Transportation Master Plan that reflects the needs of the citizens of
Ottawa and maximizes the potential to save and/or create greenspace
Activities
Participate in the
Transportation Master Plan Review as part of the Official Plan Review and
provide an OFGAC perspective.
B6 Wetlands and
Natural Drainage
B6.1 Wetlands
Objective
City decisions favour the protection
of provincially and “regionally” significant wetlands
Participation in community forums to
promote wetland conservation
Greater appreciation by citizens of
Ottawa on the value of wetlands to Ottawa’s wellbeing
Participate
as member of Wetlands Resolution group.
Participation in community forums on wetlands and
articulate OFGAC perspective on the value of wetlands to the entire community.
Monitor land development proposals and city land
sales and provide comment that leads to wetland conservation/protection.
Post information on wetlands and their value on the
OFGAC Web site.
B6.2 Natural Drainage and Ditching
Objective
Natural drainage channels are
preserved to the maximum extent possible
Ditching activities strike a balance
between protection of wetlands and protection of farmlands
Activities
Review proposals for
ditching and diversion/conversion of streams and provide comment to staff and
Council.
B7 Council
Performance Indicators
B7.1 Corporate Plans
Objective
Revisions to Corporate Plans include OFGAC perspective
on trees, forests, greenspace (including wetlands) and native biodiversity
Activities
Attend consultations and review and
provide comments on draft of revised Corporate Plans.
B7.2 Community Impact Indicators
Objective
OFGAC perspective on
trees, forests and greenspace incorporated into the Community Impact Indicators
analysis in 2007
Activities
Review and comment on
staff reports as they are made available and attend consultations as they are
called.
B8 Input to City Budgets
B8.1 Development and Expression of OFGAC
Priorities for Budget 2009
Objective
OFGAC
perspective on priorities to be considered and accepted by City Council
Activities
Staff presentation in the
Fall on budget issues and 4-year planning process.
Review and analysis of
budget documents or budget directions (usually in the Fall).
Plan OFGAC priorities and strategy.
Develop draft
presentation outlining OFGAC’s budget priorities for OFGAC circulation and approval.
Preparation for formal
presentation of OFGAC’s budget priorities at Committee of the Whole.
Attendance
at Councillors' Open House sessions, as required, to present OFGAC priorities.
Hold
discussions with individual Councillors, as necessary, to promote OFGAC
priorities.
C: OUTREACH
C1
Communications
Increased public
awareness and appreciation of the value of trees, forests, and greenspace
(including wetlands)
Increased support for
city tree, forest and greenspace (including wetlands) and biodiversity
initiatives
Activities
Respond to media requests for interviews / comments
following OFGAC media relations guidelines.
Identify opportunities to profile OFGAC and / or
OFGAC areas of interest through local / national print, television and radio
outlets.
Create
profile for OFGAC’s areas of interest by leveraging local / national
environment-related events (Ottawa’s annual tree planting, Clean Air Day, etc)
and writing articles on forests and greenspace issues for distribution to local
/ national media outlets, as appropriate.
Public visits to OFGAC
Web site increase awareness of the value of trees, forests, and greenspace and
support for city tree, forest and greenspace/wetlands and biodiversity
initiatives
Activities
Maintain and regularly
update OFGAC’s Web site < www.ottawaforests.ca
>.
Timely posting of OFGAC
agendas, minutes and presentations on the website.
Posting of City Forestry
Service information (or redirection to city website as appropriate).
Provide regular up-dates
for the website content in terms of planned activities (Walk in the Woods
Series) and summaries of events throughout the year.
Respond to or re-direct
public enquiries received via the Web site.
The creation of custom, interactive media (print,
electronic, etc.) for delivering current, high quality information on Ottawa
area forests and greenspace issues
Continually update and create a new material for the
OFGAC table display boards.
THE 2007 ANNUAL
REPORT SAYS THIS POWERPOINT HAS BEEN PRODUCED
An engaged Ottawa-area community, informed of the
environmental, economic and social values of the forests and greenspaces of
Ottawa
Conduct four “Walk in the Woods” events.
Some events are in partnership with other
like-minded groups that share OFGAC’s perspective towards the preservation of
natural features.
C1.2.2 Partnering in specific initiatives with other groups
Activities
Liaise
with other groups, partnering in specific initiatives, cohostco-host or co-fund events.
All members
Objective
Increased cooperation and
information exchange between and among OFGAC and other tree- and
greenspace-oriented community groups and other Advisory Committees
Activities
Maintain ongoing relations with
other tree-, forestry- and greenspace-related groups
Environmental Advisory
Committee
Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee
Rural
Issues Advisory Committee
Marlborough
Forest Advisory Committee
Torbolton
Forest Advisory Committee
Canadian
Institute of Forestry, Ottawa Valley Section
Canadian
Urban Forestry Network
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Friends
of the Jock River
Friends
of Petrie Island
Greenspace
Alliance of Canada's Capital
Marlborough
Forest Advisory Committee
Ottawa
Field-Naturalists Club
Tree
Canada Foundation
Ontario
Woodlot Association, Lower Ottawa Valley Chapter of the O.W.A.
Ontario
Heritage Tree Alliance
Ottawa
Stewardship Council
City of Ottawa continuity task force for the CDP and Neighbourhood Improvement
Plan for Hintonburg
Various
Community Associations such as WMCA, SCA
Development
of a notable tree recognition program for Ottawa
Activities
Use the Heritage Trees
Toolkit, specifically developed for use by cities by the Ontario Heritage Tree
Alliance (OHTA) for pilot projects and an eventual program for the City of
Ottawa; continue links with the OHTA, through the Ontario Urban Forest
Council (OUFC).
Meet with City staff, the NCC and other partners on notable/heritage tree
programs for promotion and protection. (NOTE: Carol
Christensen (Env. Sustain. Div.) has recently referred to a 2008 upcoming white
paper that will include protection of heritage trees.)
Assist the Glebe Community Association in its ReTree the Glebe Program, which
will get fully underway in Spring 2008, and which will include an inventory of
notable and other trees, as well as inventory or notable tree initiatives by
other community associations.
Post the
Notable Tree Presentation from OFGAC’s October 2004 Fall Forum on the OFGAC webstiewebsite.
Create an area on OFGAC’s website to host the photographs of people’s
submissions of notable trees.
Advice to PEC, ARAC and
staff on exotic forest pests and diseases that could threaten Ottawa’s trees
and forests during development of the city’s forest services protocol
Increased public
awareness of exotic invasive forest pests and their potentially adverse impact
on Ottawa’s trees and forests and timber industry
Inform OFGAC (via
periodic distribution of material, and updates at OFGAC meetings) about exotic
forest pests and their potential effects on Ottawa trees and forests, with
particular emphasis on the most current invasive threats (ongoing).
Prepare material for the
OFGAC Web site and printed material: general information on exotic forest
pests, as well as, on specific current exotic pests threatening urban trees and
forests in Canada – Exotic pests as threats to urban trees and forests; Asian
Long-Horned Beetle (ALHB); Emerald Ash Borer (EAB
Liaise with City of
Ottawa staff on exotic pest management protocols, contingency planning, and
educational/outreach programs.
Network with other
citizen and professional groups on exotic forest pests.
D: MANAGEMENT
D1
Committee Management
D1.1
Committee Leadership
Objective
OFGAC deadlines are met
and comments provided to Councillors and staff on a timely basis
Timely production of
agendas, delegation of tasks to OFGAC members, OFGAC position papers are
reviewed and approved prior to onward transmission
OFGAC recognised as a
positive force and contributor to the City of Ottawa
Develop agendas, review
draft minutes prior to distribution to members.
Review OFGAC position
statements and other material prior to distribution to Council, staff and the
public.
Attend Chairs and Vice Chairs meetings and present
OFGAC perspective on issues relating to the Advisory Committees.
Objective
Knowledgeable, effective
and up-to-date OFGAC members
Seek opportunities to
provide information sessions for OFGAC members on topics related to the
development review process, the Official Plan, the Provincial Policy Statement,
the updated Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines, the provincial Class
Environmental Assessment process, current bylaws, policies and strategies of
importance and relevance to OFGAC matters.
D2.
Committee Member Recruitment
Objective
Recruitment and
appointment of candidates in 2010 with excellent qualifications and a
commitment to the trees, forests and greenspace of Ottawa
Activities
Review and update selection criteria.
Critical review of submitted applications.
Review and update of interview questions and
circulate to Councillors for approval.
Interview and select candidates (with Councillors).
[1] PEC = Planning and Environment; ARAC = Agriculture and Rural Affairs; CSED = Corporate Services and Economic Development