Report to/Rapport au :

Planning and Environment Committee

Comité de l'urbanisme et de l'environnement

17 February 2009 / le 17 février 2009

Submitted by/Soumis par : Nancy Schepers, Deputy City Manager

Directrice municipale adjointe,

Infrastructure Services and Community Sustainability

Services d’infrastructure et Viabilité des collectivités

Contact Person/Personne ressource : Michael Murr, Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Business Planning/Initiative stratégique et planification opérationnelle, Community and Sustainability Services/Services de viabilité et des collectivités

(613) 580-2424 x 25195, michael.murr@ottawa.ca

City Wide/à l'échelle de la Ville

Ref N°: ACS2009-ICS-PLA-0045

SUBJECT:	OTTAWA RIVER INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN - PHASE II PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT GUIDE
OBJET :	PLAN DE DÉVELOPPEMENT INTÉGRÉ DE LA RIVIÈRE DES OUTAOUAIS - ÉTAPE II : GUIDE DE PLANIFICATION ET DE GESTION

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

That Planning and Environment Committee:

1. Receive the report Ottawa Integrated Development Plan, Phase II: Planning and Management Guide;

2. Mandate staff to establish, with the National Capital Commission and the City of Gatineau, an Ottawa River Coordinating Group that includes agency and community partners, and report back to Committee on the progress of this initiative in December 2009.

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement :

1. reçoive le rapport intitulé Plan de développement intégré de la rivière des Outaouais - Étape II : Guide de planification et de gestion;

2. donne au personnel le mandat de former, de concert avec le personnel de la Commission de la capitale nationale et de la Ville de Gatineau, un groupe de coordination responsable de la rivière des Outaouais, qui comprendrait des partenaires issus du milieu communautaire et des organismes concernés, et d'en faire rapport au Comité sur la progression de l'initiative en décembre 2009.

BACKGROUND

In 2003, the National Capital Commission (NCC) and the Cities of Gatineau and Ottawa partnered to prepare an Integrated Development Plan for the Ottawa River to guide the actions of area authorities regarding the Ottawa River’s long-term planning. This Plan covers both sides of the Ottawa River within the jurisdictions of the NCC, the City of Gatineau, and the City of Ottawa. It was prepared by the three agencies with the participation of other provincial and federal departments and key stakeholders. The Plan provides a vision, common planning principles, and a broad development concept to pursue a sustainable future for the river corridor. Document 1 is a summary of the Plan.

As part of the 2003 Plan, many potential planning and development projects and actions were identified. Projects ranged from simple waterfront trail connections, to more elaborate visitor activity facilities along the river, to environmental restoration projects. Actions included the development of river-specific studies, programs, activities and partnerships. A few of the projects and actions cited in the 2003 Plan already have been completed, but additional direction is required to guide implementation and inter-agency cooperation for the remaining items.

On this basis, late in 2006, the three agencies initiated a follow-up phase of study to prepare a Planning and Management Guide. The objective of the Phase II study was to set out a methodology and tools for evaluating and prioritizing potential projects and actions, together with project design guidance. The study focuses on public lands along both sides of the Ottawa River, and provides general planning guidance, not regulation.

The work was informed by a scan of the best practices from other jurisdictions involved in river corridor planning as well as the knowledge and experience of the many agency and partner organizations who were consulted during the Phase II study.

DISCUSSION

The Ottawa River Integrated Development Plan (ORIDP), Phase II Planning and Management Guide identifies various ways that the NCC, the City of Ottawa, and the City of Gatineau can each work individually towards a common vision and approach.

The key components of the Phase II plan is guidance for projects and actions along the Ottawa River Corridor shared by Ottawa and Gatineau, and a recommended framework for collaboration and coordination of agency and stakeholder activities through an Ottawa River Coordinating Group.

The ORIDP Phase II Planning and Management Guide includes several key elements to aid the planning and management of public land along the Ottawa River Corridor:

• An inventory of the many projects and actions identified in the Phase I ORIDP study grouping them based on the vision, principles and objectives of the Phase I study to enhance consistency;
• A tool to classify, organize and prioritize the many Phase I projects and actions;
• A summary of policies and regulations from all levels of government related to shoreline development and in-water works that may have implications for projects and actions;
• A scan and highlighting of best practices in planning and design for shoreline development from other jurisdictions; and
• An exploration of a conceptual planning and management framework to improve collaboration between agencies and organizations, including recommendations for an Ottawa River Coordinating Group and its preliminary goals and actions to move forward.

As a partner in the preparation of the ORIDP Phase II study, City staff will use this document as a strategic planning and management guide, along with the City’s own studies and processes to:

• Inform the planning and preparation of projects and studies that may have impacts on the Ottawa River corridor;

• Establish priorities for projects and actions based on their ability to fulfill common objectives and on their ease of implementation;
• Provide a context for the coordination of projects, studies, monitoring and actions with partners and stakeholders.

As participants in a recommended Ottawa River Coordinating Group, City staff would work in collaboration with the NCC and the City of Gatineau partners, and with other stakeholders to:

• Clarify and support a common vision for the Ottawa River;
• Coordinate City studies and projects with those undertaken by partners and stakeholders;
• Work toward consistency in the preparation of planning policies and recommendations;
• Facilitate research and understanding through partnerships;
• Facilitate coordinated information sharing, management and monitoring;
• Use the Coordinating Group as a means to consult and draw upon the experiences of partners and stakeholders.

Actions arising from the ORIDP Phase II Planning and Management Guide:

• The National Capital Commission together with the Cities of Gatineau and Ottawa is taking leadership in the initiation of an Ottawa River Coordinating Group and preparing a foundation for stakeholder participation. The NCC will champion the inception and organization of the Coordinating Group.
• City staff is reviewing their projects to seek ways to enhance collaboration with agencies and stakeholders. Some opportunities have already been pursued.
• The consultation process for the ORIDP Phase II Planning and Management Guide has already become a resource for agency and stakeholder consultation by the City of Ottawa for the preparation for water quality and environmental quality monitoring.
• City Staff continues to support the Ottawa-Gatineau Watershed Atlas (OGWA), an interactive web-based mapping tool and educational site prepared by Pollution Probe (http://www.ogwa-hydrog.ca).
• Staff from the NCC and the Cities of Gatineau and Ottawa are exploring opportunities for an announcement at the June 2009 Canadian Heritage Rivers Conference regarding the creation of the Ottawa River Coordinating Group and the partner agencies' support for a shared vision.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

The ORIDP Phase II Planning and Management Guide helps the proponent of an action or project to identify the many planning and environmental policies and regulations that may have implications for that initiative. The Planning and Management Guide, and the coordination of efforts on strategic actions and projects (tourism, public use, education, heritage) are built on a solid environmental planning foundation.

CONSULTATION

In 2003, Phase I of the ORIDP included a broad public consultation exercise to develop a vision, principles and a list of potential projects and actions. In preparing for the Phase II study, it has become apparent that a more focused consultation with agencies and stakeholders with an interest in the Ottawa River was required to develop planning and management guidance and to develop a framework to coordinate agency and stakeholder activities. The project partners developed a contact list of agency and non-government stakeholders. A complete list of workshop and roundtable participants and invited agencies is attached as Document 2.

There were three major consultation events in the form of workshops and roundtables that assembled representatives from the three partner agencies, provincial and federal departments, and key stakeholders such as non-government organizations. Each stage of consultation informed and refined the study recommendations and the method of consultation. The consultation objectives were to affirm a desire to improve coordination of planning and management along the Ottawa River in the National Capital Region (NCR), to discuss a proposed framework to improve the coordination of planning and managing of the Ottawa River corridor in the NCR, to explore the creation and roles of an Ottawa River Coordinating Group, and to secure “buy-in” from agencies which have direct actions and/or regulatory control over land use and water management in the Ottawa River corridor. The consultation confirmed support for the concept for working together in pursuit of shared objectives for the Ottawa River, strong interest in coordinated planning and management, and broad support for proceeding with the Ottawa River Coordinating Group.

Other consultation activities included meetings with individual stakeholders such as the Ottawa Riverkeeper, and information and questionnaires posted on Ottawa.ca and on the websites of the other partner agencies.

LEGAL/RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS:

There are no direct legal or risk management implications arising from the recommendations or actions in this report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no direct financial implications arising from the recommendations in this study. This study provides a framework for coordinating the planning and management of other studies, and projects that directly affect the Ottawa River. Those studies may be initiated by any of the three partners or other stakeholders. This study also recommends the creation of an Ottawa River Coordinating Group. Support of, and participation in, a Coordinating Group and the coordination of planning and management actions would be incorporated into the various undertakings managed by City staff, as well those actions undertaken by NCC and City of Gatineau staff.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Document 1 Executive summary of the 2003 Ottawa River Integrated Development Plan Phase 1

Document 2 List of agencies and stakeholders invited to participate in the ORIDP Phase II Plan

Document 3 Ottawa River Integrated Development Plan, Phase II: Planning and Management Guide

Document 4 Ottawa River Integrated Development Plan 2003 (On file with the City Clerk)

DISPOSITION

Infrastructure Services and Community Sustainability Department to:

• Advise the National Capital Commission of this resolution by letter.
• Post to the web, or provide links to posting on the web, of The Ottawa River Integrated Development Plan Phase I and Phase II reports.
• Prepare a brief presentation on the Phase II initiative for the Tripartite Committee of the City of Ottawa and the City of Gatineau and the National Capital Commission.
• Participate in the preparation of a potential announcement regarding the Ottawa River Coordinating Group initiative for the June 2009 Canadian Heritage Rivers Conference.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE 2003 OTTAWA RIVER

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN PHASE 1 DOCUMENT 1

September 2003

The Ottawa River Integrated Development Plan is a long-term planning and management tool that the partners wanted to develop in order to better coordinate river-related actions, initiatives and projects, while ensuring protection of natural areas associated with the Ottawa River. The Plan was developed in four phases during 2001–2003, with three public consultations in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

The partnership of the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau, the NCC, the Conseil régional de développement de l'Outaouais and the Outaouais Economic Diversification Corporation in the study allowed for a better understanding of the complementary nature of interventions and economic interest on both sides of the river.

The study area comprises that section of the Ottawa River bordered by the cities of Gatineau and Ottawa. The river corridor is part of the Blue Triangle waterway network, which links the urban centres of Montreal, Kingston and Ottawa–Gatineau via the Rideau River, the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa River and the St. Lawrence River.

Our Vision of the Ottawa River

"The Ottawa River is both a natural resource and important public space, which dominates the region's landscape. The river is integral to the history of Canada's Capital Region and specifically to the Ottawa–Gatineau metropolitan area. The enhancement and development of the river must respect its natural areas and the residents who live within its watershed. The river provides an opportunity to integrate and enhance the cultural and built heritage in a sustainable manner, while fostering exchanges between its two sides. Its presence contributes to the quality of life of residents and provides visitors with a unique experience for discovering the Capital. The region's role as Canada's Capital and its vocation of green destination distinguish this section of river from sections in other urban centres within the Blue Triangle waterway."

(Ottawa River Integrated Development Plan - Final Report 2003)

The Five Pillars

• The river as a guardian of our natural areas and landscapes
• The river as a witness of our cultural and built heritage
• The river as a staple of our quality of life
• The river, fostering links among communities, places and people
• The river as a force for economic development

The Plan structure includes:

Chapter 1: The Context of the Study

Chapter 2: The National and International Background — The Blue Triangle

Chapter 3: Knowledge of the Milieu

Chapter 4: Common Vision and Guiding Principles

Chapter 5: Development Concept

Chapter 6: Intervention strategy

Appendix: Strategic Environmental Assessment

LIST OF AGENCIES AND STAKEHOLDERS INVITED TO

PARTICIPATE IN THE ORIDP PHASE II PLAN DOCUMENT 2

National Capital Commission · Landscape Architecture · Capital Planning · Design and Construction Branch · Capital Urban Lands Portfolio Management · National Programming	Federal Government · Parks Canada – Canadian Heritage Rivers Secretariat · Development and Urban Planning Property (PWGSC) · Conférence Reg. des Élus des l’Outaouais (CRE-O) · Office of Paul Dewar, M.P · Impact Assessment Biologist (DFO)* · Transport Canada – Navigable Waters Protection
Provincial – Québec · Ministère de Tourisme, Directions de la Recherche · Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine – Direction de l'Outaouais · Ministère des ressources naturelles et faune · Ministère du Développement Durable et de l'Environnement du Québec · Conseillère en environnement (milieu humain) Unité Environnement, Direction Barrages et environnement · Direction Production Beauharnois Gatineau, Hydro Québec	Provincial – Ontario · Ontario Ministry of Environment – Ottawa District · Water Resources Kemptville District (MNR) · Ministry of Tourism – Citizenship, Culture, Sport & Recreation · Rideau Valley Conservation Authority · Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority · Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Community Planning and Development · Ontario Ministry of Culture – Archaeology Review Office · Energy Ottawa –Power Generation
Municipal – Ville de Gatineau · Urbanisme et Développement durable · Tourism · Urbanisme et Développement durable · Service de l'environnement · Culture et loisirs · CLD Gatineau · Planification stratégique · Responsable Usine d'eau usée	Municipal – City of Ottawa Planning and Growth Management Branch · Community Planning and Design · Transportation and Infrastructure Planning Community Sustainability and Services Branch · Economic Development · Environmental Sustainability Water and Waste Water Services Branch · Strategic & Environmental Services Public Works Branch · Surface Operations – Forestry Recreation and Community Services Branch · Business & Client Services
Non-Government Organizations and other participants · Ottawa River Keeper · Conseil régional de l'environment et du développement durable de l'Outaouais · Société d'histoire de l'Outaouais, · Club des ornithologues · Algonquin Elder Commanda- Circle of All Nations · White Water Canada / Canoe Kayak Canada · Pollution Probe · Greenspace Alliance · Ontario Archaeological Society · Nature Conservancy of Ottawa	NGO and other participants (continued) · Paddle Canada · Westboro Beach Community Association · Ecology Ottawa · The Ottawa Field Naturalist Association, · Canadian Parks & Recreation · River Management Society – Canadian Chapter · Sierra Club · Heritage Ottawa · Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) · Heritage Canada – Planning & Development · Ducks Unlimited

* Contacts in italics were informed of workshop sessions but chose not to attend. All contacts were provided records of proceedings for the various sessions and all were invited to the final consultation event in December 2008.