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Agenda - Council - 20091027COUNCIL MEETING N0.09-28 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2009 7:00 P.mm COUNCIL CNAMBERS AURORA TOWN HALL PUBLIC RELEASE October 23, 2009 AumoizA TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA NO. 09-28 Tuesday, October 27, 2009 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST II APPROVAL OF AGENDA RECOMMENDED: THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department be approved as presented. Ill OPEN FORUM IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES Council Minutes of Tuesday, October 13, 2009 pg. 1 RECOMMENDED: THAT the Council minutes of Tuesday, October 13, 2009 be adopted as printed and circulated. V PRESENTATIONS a) Mr. Brian Kemp - Director, Conservation Lands and Mr. Bill Thompson — Conservation Lands Planner Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Re: Item 2 - Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Council Meeting Agenda Tuesday, October 27, 2009 Page 2 of 4 Vll DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Vlll ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION IX DELEGATIONS None X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION XI REGIONAL REPORT York Region Council Highlights — October 22, 2009 pg. 83 Mayor's Report RECOMMENDED: THAT the Regional Report be received for information. XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION- COUNCILLORS Xlll CLOSED SESSION THAT Council resolve, into a Closed Session, following adjournment, to consider: ➢ litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (2 items) XIV READING OF BY-LAWS RECOMMENDED: THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: 5179-09 BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by pg. 87 Council Resulting from Council Meeting 09-29 on October 27, 2009 XV ADJOURNMENT Council Meeting Agenda Tuesday, October 27, 2009 Page 3 of 4 AGENDA ITEMS 1. General Committee Meeting Minutes pg. 7 Tuesday, October 20, 2009 RECOMMENDED: THAT the minutes of the General Committee Meeting of October 20, 2009 be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be approved. 2. Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan pg. 12 RECOMMENDED: THAT Council receive the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan for information; and THAT Council provide direction on this matter. 3. Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer pg. 79 Re: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Training for Council RECOMMENDED: THAT this memorandum be received for information; and THAT Council provide direction regarding the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act mandatory training. 4. Motion Tabled by Councillor Gaertner pg, 81 Re: Reporting of Legal Fees (Notice of Motion was provided to Council at the October 13, 2009 meeting) RECOMMENDED: THAT Council provide direction on this matter. Council Meeting Agenda Tuesday, October 27, 2009 Page 4 of 4 5. Motion tabled by Councillor Buck pg. 82 Re: Invitation to Partner with Neighbourhood Network (Notice of Motion was provided to Council at the September 29, 2009 meeting) RECOMMENDED: THAT Council provide direction on this matter. COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 Council Minutes - 1 AuR-oRA TOWN OF AURORA COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NO.09-27 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, October 13, 2009 ATTENDANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins- Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger (arrived at 7:04 P.m.), MaoEachern, McRoberts and Wilson. MEMBERS ABSENT None OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Town Solicitor/Acting Town Clerk, Director of Leisure Services, Director of Planning & Development Services, Director of Infrastructure Services, Director of Corporate & Financial Services/,Treasurer, and Council/Committee Secretary Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Councillor MacEachern declared an interest in item 1(4) - Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris regarding Anne Bartley Smith Lands, by virtue of her involvement with a resident group and her participation in activities as it relates to these lands, and did not take part in, or vote on any questions in this regard or attempt in anyway to influence the voting on such questions. II APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Councillor Buck - Seconded by Councillor MacEachern - THAT the agenda as circulated by,the Corporate Services Department be approved. CARRIED 111 OPEN.FORUM No persons spoke at Open Forum. - - - - 1 - COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 Council Minutes - 2 Minutes of Council Meeting Tuesday,October13,2009 Page 2 of 6 IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES Special Council - Public Planning Minutes of Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Council Minutes of Tuesday, September 29, 2009 Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor McRoberts THAT the.Special Council - Public Planning minutes of Wednesday, September 23, 2009 and the Council minutes of Tuesday, September 29, 2009 be adopted as printed and circulated. CARRIED V PRESENTATIONS None VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Morris and Councillor Gaertner than staff for the team spirit event which was held at Town Hall in order to raise awareness for the United Way. Councillor Gaertner advised that the Aurora Sony Style store is holding a rock band Beatles competition on October 23, 2009 for youth in grades 6 — 12 in support of Hot Spot. Further information may be obtained from the Sony Style store in Aurora. Councillor Wilson advised that Central York Fire Services will be holding an Open House at Station 43 on Edward Street on Saturday, October 17, 2009. j Councillor Granger advised that the Farmers Market will be open until October . 31, 2009 and that the Market will be featuring the Thriller Dance on that day, in order to raise awareness and food for the Aurora Food Pantry. Councillor Granger indicated that information regarding the Thriller Dance can be obtained . from the Town's website. Mayor Morris advised that the Aurora Chamber of Commerce held its annual Business Achievement Awards ceremony and she congratulated all of the nominees and winners. Mayor Morris advised that Mary Georgopoulos from Jonathan's Restaurant won the. Business Person of the Year Award and congratulated Mary on this achievement. VIl DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 1(4), 1(IX -New Business -part 2) and 2 were identified for discussion. Vill ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Gallo THAT the following recommendations respecting the matters listed as Items not Requiring Separate Discussion" be adopted as submitted to Council and staff be authorized to take all necessary action required to give effect to same: -2- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 Council Minutes - 3 Minutes of Council Meeting Tuesday, October 13, 2009 Page 3 of 6 3.. Adoption of Recommendation from Closed Session General Committee Meeting — September 8, 2009 THAT the recommendation from Closed Session General Committee Meeting, held on September 8, 2009 regarding the following. matter be approved: 1. Personal Matter Appointment of Heritage Advisory Committee Member THAT Ms Erina Kelly be appointed to fill the vacancy on the Heritage Advisory Committee. CARRIED IX DELEGATIONS a) Ms Jackie Thompson, Ms Sandie Gordon, Ms Gayle Palmer Re: Ovarian Cancer Canada, Walk of Hope Ms Jackie Thompson addressed Council to provide an overview of Ovarian Cancer Canada. Ms Sandie Gordon outlined the symptoms of ovarian cancer and advised that the next Walk of Hope is In September 2010. Ms Gayle Palmer advised that mini walks are held within communities and that a total of $24,000 has been raised from these mini walks. The delegates provided pamphlets outlining detailed information regarding ovarian cancer; which also include a national contact. Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the comments of the delegates be received with appreciation. CARRIED X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 1. General Committee Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, October 6, 2009 Councillor MacEachern, having previously declared an interest in item 1(4), did not take part in or vote on any questions in this regard or. attempt in any way to influence the voting on such questions. - (4) Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris Re: Anne Bartley Smith Lands (Notice of Motion previously given at September 29, 2009 Council Meeting) Movedby Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Gaertner THAT Council receive this memorandum for information; AND FURTHER: authorize Staff to explore a potential custodial relationship agreement with the Ontario Heritage, Trust related to the Anne Bartley Smith Lands; -3- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 Council Minutes - 4 Minutes, of Council Meeting Tuesday, October 13, 2009 Page 4 of 6 AND FURTHER. THAT the Chief Administrative Officer report back to Council with the parameters of a potential custodial relationship I agreement with the Ontario Heritage Trust related to the Anne Bartley. Smith Lands, if appropriate. i On a recorded vote the resolution was CARRIED. i YEAS: 7 NAYS:1 VOTING YEA: Councillors Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris VOTING NAY: Councillor Buck Councillor MacEachem did not take part in the vote. 1. General Committee Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, October 6, 2009 (DQ NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION —COUNCILLORS Discussion took place regarding this matter. The wording of the Ocfobef 6, 2009 General Committee minutes remained as originally written, as follows: Councillor Granger inquired as to the types of items which may be captured under New.Business, to which the Acting Town Clerk responded, quoting section 3:14 of the Procedural By-law, a$ follows: New Business/General Information -Councillors 3.14 This section shall contain items which a member may introduce which was not circulated with the agenda. and which, due to its nature cannot be properly presented at a subsequent meeting of Councilor, appropriate Committee. In addition, a member may introduce a notice of motion or a motion to reconsider in accordance with, the provisions of this by- law. Members may also raise questions regarding matters that may be appropriate for staff comment in the form of immediate response or subsequent follow up. Any New Business/General Information - Councillors consideration that results in a direction to staff shall require a Notice of Motion by a Member of Council. A resolution shall than be presented at the next Council or General Committee meeting to give.such'direction effect. Moved by Councillor Granger Seconded by Councillor MacEachern THAT the balance of the minutes of the General Committee Meeting of October 6, 2009 be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee be approved. CARRIED _4_ COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 Council Minutes - 5 Minutes of Council Meeting Tuesday, October 13, 2009 Page 6of6 2. Memorandum from Mayor Phyllis Morris Re: AMCTO Membership Service Recognition Movedby Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Wilson THAT the memorandum regarding AMCTO's Membership Service Recognition for Darlene Munro be received for information. CARRIED XI REGIONAL REPORT Moved by Councillor Gaertner _ - Seconded by Councillor Gallo- THAT the Regional Report be received for information. CARRIED XII NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION— COUNCILLORS Councillor Granger raised the issue of recent vehicle vandalism and urged residents to ensure that their vehicles are locked, to be watchful and to report any incidents of vandalism. Councillor Buck inquired as to why the minutes from the September 17, 2009 meeting of the Leisure Services Advisory Committee have not been provided to Council yet, and what the status of the Master Recreation Plan. Study is. The Director of Leisure Services indicated that during the September meeting of the Leisure Services Advisory Committee, changes were made to the consultant's document regarding the Master Recreation Plan, which will be reviewed at the next Leisure Services Advisory Committee meeting on October 15, 2009, after which the document will be presented to Council. Councillor MacEachern advised that when the document is presented to Council for consideration, both versions will be provided — the unedited consultant's document and the revised Master Recreation Plan, edited by the members of the Leisure Services Advisory Committee. - Councillor Buck stated that the Auroran has published an ad, presented as a spreadsheet, outlining the Town of Aurora's external legal fees for the period of January 1, 2007 — July 31, 2009, and that the ad states that this information has been recently provided to Members of Council. Councillor Buck inquired as to whether Members of Council have received the information in the spreadsheet and if so, why she has not. The Town Solicitor advised that the information was provided as a result of a Freedom of Information request and that it was not distributed to Members of Council, which was confirmed by the Members present. Councillor Gaertner provided a Notice of Motion pertaining to external legal fees. XIII CLOSED SESSION AGENDA None COUNCIL AGENDA -October 27 2009 Council Minutes - 6 Minutes of Council Meeting Tuesday, October 13, 2009 . Page 6 of 6 XIV READING OF BY --LAWS j Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Gallo I THAT the following listed by-laws be.given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and enacted: i 5171-09 - BEING A BY-LAW to amend Zoning By-law No. 2213-78, as amended, to remove a holding - symbol (Trenti Estates Inc, 5174-09 BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council Resulting from Council Meeting 09-27 on October 13,2009 ' CARRIED XV ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Wilson THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:16 p.m. CARRIED PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR CHRISTOPHER C. COOPER ACTING TOWN CLERK COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # - I AURORA TOWN OF AURORA GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES NO. 09-23 Council Chambers Aurora Town Hall Tuesday, October 20, 2009 ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Collins-Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris MEMBERS ABSENT Councillor Buck was absent. OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Town Solicitor/Acting Town Clerk, Director of Building, Director of Planning & Development Services, Director of Public Works, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer, Parks Manager and Council/Committee Secretary Councillor Collins-Mrakas called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARYINTEREST Councillor Collins-Mrakas declared an interest in item 5, due to a relative having a contractual relationship with one of the listed companies, and did not take part in any questions in this regard or attempt in any way to influence the voting on such questions. H APPROVAL OF AGENDA General Committee recommends: THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department, with the following addition/withdrawal, be approved: Addition - Delegation b) - Mr. Walter Mestrinaro Re: Disqualification of Bid —Tender LS2009-90 Withdrawal - Item 6 - PW09-055 —Award the Supply and Delivery of Road Salt to Sifto Canada CARRIED ❑I ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES General Committee Meeting Minutes, 09-22, October 6, 2009' General Committee recommends: THAT the General Committee meeting minutes, 09-22, from the October 6, 2009 meeting be adopted. CARRIED COUNCIL AGENDA -October 27, 2009 ITEM # 1-2 General Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 20, 2009 Page 2 of 5 IV DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION Items 2, 3, 4 and.5 were identified for discussion. V ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION General Committee recommends: . THAT the following recommendations respecting thematters listed as 'Items not Requiring Separate Discussion' be adopted as submitted to the General Committee and staff be authorized to take all necessary.action required to give effect to same: 1. EDAC09.08 — Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — October 5, 2009 THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting minutes from the October 5, 2009 meeting be received and the recommendations _ contained therein be approved. 6. . PW09-055 —Award the Supply and Delivery of Road Salt to Mo Canada WITHDRAWN - CARRIED VI DELEGATIONS a) Ms Kathy van Nostrand Re: Item 2 - Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of . October 5, 2009 (1) PL09-077 —Owner's Request to Revoke Designation and Delist Property Located at 144 Wel)Ington Street East - Ms Kathy van Nostrand addressed the Committee to request a reconsideration of the recommendation made by the Heritage Advisory Committee regarding, the property she owns at 144 Wellington Street East. Ms van Nostrand contended that, due to her future plans for re -facing and: possibly demolishing the building, it cannot be designated as a heritage property. Ms van Nostrand also made. reference to the condition of the building, which has many cracks in the brick work. Therefore, Ms van Nostrand requested that the intention to designate be revoked. General Committee recommends: THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to item 2(1) on the agenda. CARRIED General Committee recommends: THAT item 2 be brought forward for discussion. CARRIED - 8 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # 1-3 General Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 20, 2009 Page 3 of 5 2. HAC09.08 — Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October5,2009 (1) PL09-077 — Owner's Request to Revoke Designation and Delist Property Located at 144 Wellington Street East Related Files (PL08-091, D14.07-08, 1311-15-08) General Committee recommends: .. THAT Council not proceed with the designation; and THAT a notice of withdrawal of intention to designate be served on the property Owner,, Ontario Heritage Trust and published in the newspaper, and THAT the subject property stays on the Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest. CARRIED General Committee recommends: THAT the balance of the Heritage AdvisoryCommittee Meeting minutes from the October 5, 2009 meeting beseceived and the recommendations contained therein be approved. CARRIED b) Mr. Walter Mestrinaro Re: Item 2 — Disqualification of Bid —Tender 1-52009-90 (Added Item) Mr. Walter-Mestrinaro addressed the Committee regarding Tender L82009-90 pertaining to a call for.bleachers. Mr. Mestrinaro outlined the sequence of events regarding this tender and advised that his bid had been disqualified.. Mr. Mestrinaro argued against the disqualification. General Committee recommends: THAT the comments of the delegate be received and referred to staff to be reviewed and taken into consideration during the Procurement By-law review. CARRIED General Committee recommends: THAT the comments raised by the delegate in reference to Tender LS2009-90 be reviewed and that staff provide a memo to Council outlining the steps taken in the awarding of the bid, in.light of the concerns raised by the delegate. CARRIED Vll PRESENTATIONS BY THE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE None -9- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # 1 - 4 General Committee Meeting Minutes - Tuesday, October 20, 2009 Page 4 of 5 - Vlll CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION 3. ADM09-013 - Retention of Services, Detailed Design and Public. Consultation Services — Nokiida Trail Extension, - North of St. John's Sideroad, West of Yonge Street General Committee recommends: THAT Ogilvie, Ogilvie 8, Company be retained to provide continuing public consultation and detailed design for the Nokiida Trailextensionnorth of St. - John's Sideroad, east of Yonge Street in the amount of $29,887.50 plus CST as a sole source as provided for in,the Purchasing By-law; and THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement to implement the above recommendations if required. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 4. LS09-045 —Tree Permit Application for 67 Elderberry Trail - - General Committee recommends: THAT Council approve the application for the removal of trees at 67 Elderberry Trail (Lot 27, Plan M-42,. Town of Aurora, Regional Municipality of York known as 67 Elderberry Trail) in accordance with By-law 4474- 03.13 being a By-law to authorize the injury or destruction of trees (Tree Permit By-law), in accordance with the conditions: laid out by the Committee of Adjustment, including the execution of the Vegetation Preservation Agreement. - CARRIED Councillor Collins-Mrakas, having declared an interest in item 5, relinquished the Chair to Mayor Morris and did not take part in or vote on any questions in this regard or attempt In any way to influence the voting on such questions. 5. PL09-081 -:Planning Applications Status List General Committee recommends: THAT the Planning Applications Status List be received for information. - CARRIED Upon conclusion of the vote, Councillor Collins-Mrakas resumed the Chair. IX NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION— COUNCILLORS Mayor Morris provided a Notice of Motion pertaining to By-law 4474-03.D — Being a by-law to authorize the injury or destruction of trees (Tree Permit By-law). Mayor Morris advised that residents wishing to report about any required maintenance for street lights should contact the Public Works Department at extension 3443. The Director of Public Works advised that repairs may take up to 10 days to complete, a.timeframe which has been in place for years, but confirmed that every endeavour will be made to complete repairs sooner. -10- COUN¢IL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # 1 - 5 General Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 20, 2009 Page 5 of 5 Mayor Morris advised that she received information. regarding a community bus in Newmarket which shuttles seniors to and from shopping centres. Mayor Morris advised that she will research this possibility for Aurora. Mayor Morris clarified that a recent resolution passed by Council was to remove a clause from the Street Numbering Policy which- specifically prohibited consideration of any requests relating to address changes involving the number 4.. To clarify, an address change involving any number would be considered, if feasible. Councillor Gaertner requested research into the matter of having a by-law pertaining to bicycle riding on sidewalks. Mayor Morris inquired as to what can be done about the noise of the HVAC system on top of the Highland Green Condominium to which the Director of Building responded that, although It is the responsibility of the Ministry of the Environment, staff would endeavour to facilitate discussions with the Ministry. X CLOSED SESSION None XI ADJOURNMENT General Committee recommends: THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:01 p.m. CARRIED THE REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 09-23 IS SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL AT COUNCIL ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2009. PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR CHRISTOPHER C. -COOPER ACTING TOWN CLERK COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # .2 - 1 AvRoRA ,yowre ua, yood C'otupar% . - Desk of ' MEM®RAN®UM Councillor MacEachern Date: October 23, 2009 To: Members of Council From: Councillor Evelina MacEachern Re: Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan The Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area was donated by Reginald Sheppard to the Province in 1971 and is managed under a legal Agreement between the Ontario Heritage Trust and Lake Sirricoe Region Conservation Authority. An Agreement between LSRCA and the Town of Aurora outlines the Town's responsibility to provide and maintain an 8 ac soccer pitch area and other maintenance to the property. The previous Management Plan was dated 1979 and has now been updated. In 2007, LSRCA commenced a public consultation process seeking input from the community to update the Management Plan to ensure the Plan was consistent with the Authority's objectives and reflected current site conditions and public uses, and addressed existing management challenges. LSRCA established a steering committee and included a broad spectrum of . stakeholders to ensure extensive representation. Committee meetings commenced March 2008 and continued meeting for a little over one year. The work of this committee was an example of three separate public bodies working together to . achieve common good that resulted in a Management Plan that has been adopted by both the LSRCA Board and the OHT. The purpose for this agenda item is to request Council's endorsement for the updated Management Plan, as a partnerr in the tri-party arrangement. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee members for their commitment and the invaluable expertise provided. LSRCA, CAO - Gayle Wood OHT, Manager of Conservation Services — Scan Fraser OHT, Natural Heritage Team Leader Tony Buszynski Town of Aurora, Director of Leisure Services — AI Downey Town of Aurora, Trails Committee -- Klaus Wehrenberg Aurora Lions Club, President — Fred Bullen Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition, Executive Director— Debbe Crandall Windfall Ecology Centre, Program Director —Jennifer Atkinson -12- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # 2 - 2 AUIZ012A yowm!� go6,6 cows . Y And t'or the many hours of support provided by; LSRCA, Director of Conservation lands — Brian Kemp LSRCA, Conservation Lands Planner — Bill Thompson LSRCA, Conservation Lands Administrative Assistant — Wanda Black As a community, we are fortunate to have access to Sheppard's Bush through co-operative partnerships that ensure continued environmental, recreational, social and economical benefits. We would be remise if we didn't acknowledge the tremendous generosity of the Late Reginald Sheppard for gifting this treasure that keeps on giving, providing endless hours of pleasure and benefits to our community, wildlife and the natural environment. Therefore, it is recommended that Conneil; Endorse the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan and that, A thank you note he included in the Town Notice Board thanking the committee members and the residents that participated in the consultative process. Sincere Evelina IvlacEachern LSRCA, Board Member representative Chair, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Steering Committee. -13- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # 2 - 3 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # 2 - a `fable of Contend Tableof Contents ...... ..................................... ......................................... ........... ............ ........................ - ExecutiveSummary ............. --........ .................. ........ ........... .....,........ ......... --- .......... .......... ......... .......... iii Background............................................................................................................................................ in Community input........................................................... ............. .............................. ..................... ........ nr Managementissues ................................. -........................................ ................................... ..... I ... I........ iv Management goals and objectives...: ................................ ....... ... ................ :.......... .......................... ,.....Iv Managementplan direction...................................................................................................................... v Businessplan direction ............................ .................................. .......... ..,...................... .... ....... .......;...:.:. v AuthorityResolution ....... ........... ...................................... .......... --.......... .......:........,........... I ....... --- .... vl SectionI: Background report .......... .................................. .............. ...... --........ .......... ................................ 1 Introduction............... ................................................................ ........... ,........... .................... ....... ............ 1 Sitelocation and brief description......................................--................................................................ 3 Geologyand soils ............................................. .............. ..... —......................... --..... ........ ...................... . 3 Hydrology................. -................... .................................... --......... --....... ................ .... :....... .......... ...... 6 Climate.. . ................................................................................................................................................. 6 History..................................................................................................................................................... 6 Ecosystems......................................................--....................... ........................ .... ......... ........................ 8 Wildlife ................... ........... ....... -........ ..... ................... ........ ,.... ...... ................ .... ... .................. ................8 Developmentand infrastructure............................................................................................................ 10 UselevelsI'll ........ ........ ......... -... .................. -...... —... ........ --...... ,....... .......................... .,...................... 13 Landscapeinfuences.......................................................................:..................................................- 13 Section 1.1: Development of the revised plan.. ............ .......... ....................... ................. ........ — ..... — ... 16 Introduction.......................... .................................... --- ........ ................................................................ 16 PublicWorkshop, May 2008............................. ............. .................................... -- ........... ........ ........... 16 Important values of the conservation area held by workshop participants ....................................... 16 Issues workshop participants wish addressed................................................................................... 17 Publicworkshop, April 2009................................................................................................................ 19 Steeringcommittee.........................-.........................................,.......................................................... 20 Future evaluation and review of management plans............................................................................. 21 SectionIII: Management Plan ........................... ......... -......... ....................................... ............... ............. 23 Introduction_.......................................................................................................................................... 23 Goalsand objectives............................................................................................................................. 23 Permitteduses ...................... --.............. ........................................................................ ........... ............ 23 Boundarymanagement.............................................................................................I.......:................... 26 Infrastructuremanagement................................................................................................................... 26 Trails.......................... .... -......................... ........ ....... ....... ......................................... ......................... 26 .... Signs.,,...:........................................................................................................................1.............. 28 Sheppard family house and gatehouse ........... .............................................................. :.................... 29 Otherbuildings .................................................................................................................................. 29 Communitygarden........................................................................................................................... 30 Maintenance...................................................................................................................................... 30 Vegetation and wildlife management....................................................................................................30 Programming......................................................................................................................................... 31 Marketing..................... .................................................. ................................................... .................... 31 Revenuegeneration— .................................. .... — .......... — .................................... — ...... ................. 31 Shely)ord's Bush Conservation Flr•eu Management Plan Page i -15- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM# 2-5 Localadvisory qcanmittee ...................................................... ................... ................ ............. ........ _ 32 SectionIV: Business plan .......................................................................................................... .............. 33 Introduction............. .................................................................................. .......................................... 33 Management plan goals and objectives .............................................................. ................. ...... _ 33 HistoricRevenues ................................................................................. * ... * .............. ...... I ­ - .................. 36 Facilityrentals ...... ................................................................... * ........ ....... ....... .................. ......... 36 Houserentals .............. .............................................................................. .. .......... , ...... * .................. 36 MapleFest ....................................................................... .............. ­ ................................................ 37 Townof Aurora ........................ I."..".' ....... — ............. ....................... ...... * ............. , ......... 37 Budget projection ............................................ ........................ 38 Projectedrevenues .. .... ........................................ .............................. I ......... - ................ ............... 39 Municipalspecial capital .................................... .......................................... ................................... 39 I Townof Aurora ......................................................... ........................ ­ ........ ­­ ............. * ....... ** ........ 39 Rental income and user fees ............................... ............ .............. . .................... ­­ '** .... * ..... 39 WindfallEcology Centre ................................................................... ............ .... .................... 40 Aurora Lion's Club ...................................... ............................. . ...... * ............. **"** ... — ... I ...... 40 Volunteers and donations ........................... ............. .. ............................ 40 Expenses............ * ' ' 111-l"I'l ...... * .................. ...... .......... .............. * .............. * .................................. * , 41 Administration.......... — I ...................... I., .................... ... I ... I 41 .......................................................... Progl-arrIning ............................................................ ....... .. .......... ................ ........................... 42 Capitaldevelopment ....... ...... .......................... I .... .... ................. - ..... 11 ......... ......... I ........... .... . 42 Maintenance............... ................................................................ .................................... ......... ...... 44 Resourcemanagement ............................... ........... ................................... .............................. ..... _ 46 implementationschedule ............................................................. .................. ..... ..................... ........ 47 2009 ....... ........................................................ ......... - ................ ................ . ........ . ....................... 47 2010 ......................... ......................................................... .................................................. ............ 49 2011 ... ........ ................................................. 51 2012 ................................................................................................................................................... 52 2013 .................................................... ....................................... .......................... — .................. ...... 54 References........................................................................................................... ......... .......... ................ 56 Appendix 1. Detailed expenses to achieve management plan Objectives ............ .. ......... ... ..... ............. 57 Appendix 2. Detailed projected revenues to achieve management plan objectives ................................. 58 Shcp])ard'y Bv.sh Conservation Area 11401?6{g077L'711 Pl.(717 -16- Page ii COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # 2 - 6 Executive Summary I1 MEEM The Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan provides direction for the future management of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area. The Management Plan has been written in four sections: a. Background Report which summarizes and synthesizes information on the natural and cultural heritage of the properly and its current levels of development and public use; a Development of the Revised Plun section which describes the public consultation process and input received during plan review, as well as outlining the process and timchne for future plan review; a Management flan which identifies long- and short-term goals for the management of the property, and priorities for implementation; and a Business Plan which provides a description and schedule of implementation priorities, coupled with projections of revonues and expenses over a,five year period. Background Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area is a 26.1 ha (64.6 ae) property in Aurora, owned by the Ontario %leritage Trust and managed under a legal Agreement by the Lake Simeoe ,Region Conservation Authority, This Agreement was originally signed in 1971, and renewed again in 1996 for the period through 2021. 'File Town of Aurora, in turn, has an Agreement with LSRCA to provide and maintain an eight hectare soccer pitch within the conservation area, as well as to provide other maintenance to the Property, in addition to the soccer pitch, the property also contains the Sheppard family house, the gatehouse, two maple syrup evaporator huts; a picnic pavilion, the Pefferlaw log cabin and approximately five kilometres of trails. The Sheppard family house, which was built in the early 1920s, has been designated a heritage building by the Town of Aurora. This property was donated to the Province in 1971 by Reginald Sheppard, who wanted to ensure the property and its natural environment were preserved for future generations of Canadians. In 1979 the Conservation Authority developed the first management plan which directed the Authority to manage and conserve the natural quality of the lands, forest, water and wildlife of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, while developing for compatible recreational and educational use. Specific directions in that management plan included developing the recreational field, and establishing the picnic pavilion, a children's play area, and a washroom facility. In 2008, a review of the management plan was initiated. Plan review included broad based consultation with LSRCA staff, staff of partner agencies, and with the conservation area's users. Community Input Consultation has played an extremely important role in the review of the management plan. Consultation allows users an opportunity to reflect on their values and use of the property, changes they have seen in the conservation area and their community over the years, and their visions .for the property In tine future. Pormal public consultation throughout the process has included a user survey in the summer of 2007, and workshops at the conservation area in the spring of 2008 and 2009, Additional consultation with LSRCA staff and informal discussions with conservation area users further informed the developureat of management plan. Shej,)pard's Bush Conservation Area.Adanagement Plan Page iii -17- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # 2 - 7 Executive S'¢rrrnrzar y In 2008, the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Steering Committee was struck to 'provide review and comment on the input received from the public, and to provide guidance in the development of the management plan. The steering committee consisted of. • Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Board representative —Councillor Lvelina MacEaehern; ® Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Chief Administrative Officer —D. Gayle Wood; a Ontario Heritage Trust, Manager of Conservation Services - Sean Fraser; o Ontario Heritage Trust, Natural Heritage Team Leader -- Tony Buszynski; ® Town of Aurora, Director of Leisure Services —Al Downey; • Town of Aurora, Trails commnittee — Klaus Wehrenberg; o Aurora Lions Club, President -- Fred Bullen; • Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition, Executive Director —Debbe Crandall; - e Windfall Ecology Centre„ Program Director— Jennifer Atkinson 'the Committee was supported by the following LSRCA staff: • Director of Conservation Lands — Brian Kemp; m Conservation Lands Planner — Bill Thompson; • Conservation Lands Administrative Assistant — Wanda Black Management Issues A few issues appeared to be top of mind for many of the users of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, including: Wildlife and forest management. Marry members of the public cautioned that management of the property should put the conservation of nature first, even if it means further restricting public use of the property. Particular requests included conducting a wildlife inventory, reducing forest management in the property, a commitment to leave any trees cut to decompose on -site, an assessment of the feasibility of reducing the number . of recreational trails, and preventing the development of trails in the ravine. Public programming has long been popular' at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, with the long running Maple Fest program being particularly popular. Requests were received to resurrect the maple syrup program, identity other public programs that could be provided, and to identify ways to improve the educational value of the property. Infrastructure issues including providing public washrooms, and repairing existing infrastructure were also important issues Management goals and objectives After broad -based consultation with users of the conservation area, and other residents of the Lake Simcoe watershed, the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Steering Committee developed the following goals and objectives for the conservation area: She7pard's Bush Conservation ilrear Managernent Plan -18- Page iv COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # 2 - 8 Executive 5ununary Sheppard's Bush. Conservation Area will be managed to provide a functional example of Aurora's natural and cultural heritage, including opportuntiles for education and outdoor recreation. More specifically, LS12CA aims to: • Maintain and enhance visitor use infrastructure to support a diverse and broad -based user group; • Maintain and enhance habitat values for native flora and fauna; • Provide visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience; • Iixpand public programming to engage a broader cross section of the public; • Provide an example of energy efficiency retrofits to heritage buildings; and, • Improve the financial sustainability of the conservation area Management plan direction Further to the goals and objectives described above, the Management Plan has identified the following projects and programs to address the management issues: • Windfall Ecology Centre and the Ontario Heritage Trust will identify opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of the Sheppard house, while retaining its heritage character; • The Conservation Authority will examine opportunities of partnering with the Town of Aurora and others to expand the programming provided in the conservation area; • The larger evaporator but and the Pefforlaw log cabin will continue to be upgraded to expand their use as public facilities; • The Conservation Authority and the Town of Aurora will determine the feasibility of relocating an addition heritage building, the Petch log home, to Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area; • Signs within the conservation area will be rationalized, to reduce redundancy, promote the natural aesthetic I in the forest, and improve the branding ofthe conservation re,; • The hiking trail network will be rationalized to reduce the need to remove hazardous trees, reduce direct and indirect impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitat, and promote a sense of remoteness and solitude in visitors; a The Conservation Authority and its partners will increase maintenance and monitoring of the property to reduce the amount of litter and the number of off-leasb dogs. Business plan direction The Business Plan identities priorities for implementation, and provides a schedule for the period 2009 — 2013 coupled with projections of revenues and expenses over a five year period. Init al effort will be expended on refurbishing existing infrastructure such as the Sheppard family house; evaporator but and log cabin, and the addition of lower maintenance outhouse facilities, as well as examining opportunities to relocate the Patch log cabin to the conservation area. After existing infrastructure is refurbished, effort will be directed to rationalizing the trail system. Ongoing through this period will be development and expansion of nature -based programming for the public. Preliminary projections of the cost to implement these projects and programs total approximately $250,000 as well as additional staff time (approximately 0.4 of a full time equivalent). Much of the revenue to offset these expenses will be gcnerated from rental incomes from the house,,;, revenues from, public events, and the 'annual fee' provided by the Town of Aurora. These will need to be supplemented slightly by additional funding from LSRCA's member municipalities or other partners. Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Page v -19- COUNCIL AGENDA -October 27, 2009 ITEM # 2-9 Executive Summary Authority Resolution Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan At meeting No. BOD-XX-09 of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority held on March 27, 2009 the following was adopted by the Board of I)irectors by Resolution BOD-09-XX; THAT Staff Report No. XX-09 BOD regarding the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Ilan be received; and TFIAT the Management Plan and associated Business Plan he approved (note that resolution still needs to be finalized — this is to serve as a placeliolder for now) Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Page vi -20- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 -10 3eattar� I Ra�kground r��orE ' Background Rcl)ori Introduction Since 1951, Lake Smicoe .Region Conservation Authority (LSItCA) and its predecessors have provided a leadership role in the protection and restoration of the environmental health ortho Lake S,imcoe watershed. Lake Sinrcoe Region Conservation Authority is mandated under the provincial C'onservotion Authorities Act to "establish and undertake, in the area over which it has jurisdiction, a program designed to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources other than gas, oil, coal and minerals". In order to meet this mandate the Conservation Authority works with government, non-profit, and community partners to support a number of programs including watershed -level modelling and planning; forestry and private land stewardship programs; and a system of conservation areas. Conservation areas represent a significant resource for residents in the watershed and beyond and enhance the Open space and outdoor recreation opportunities offered by local milli icipalities.'file protection of those lands as well as access for public use is seen as one of the most important contributions the Authority makes to the connnunities it serves. As tine watershed continues to urbanize the role of conservation areas and other natural. areas in the landscape will become even more critical. To date LSRCA has acquired over 1,350 hectares (3,335 acres) or conservation lands with the financial support of Regional and local municipalities, the province, memborship-based conservation organizations, and private donations (Fig. 1). These lands include significant natural areas such as valleys, forests and wetlands which provide a range of recreational opportunities to the public, from strict natural heritage protection to more intensive recreational and educational facilities. Acquired by the Ontario Heritage Trust in 1971 and managed by the Lake Sirocco Region.Conservation Authority since that time, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area has provided the residents of Aurora various recreational and educational opportunities including hiking, nature appreciation, maple syrup demonstrations, soccer, and a summer camp for youth. Over tlae years, changes. in staffing levels, infrastructure and user expectations have loci to new challenges and opportunities in managing this conservation area. The purpose or a conservation area management plan is to establish long- and short-term goals, turd to develop strategies by which they could be achieved. They should be flexible enough to address unforeseen issues which. may arise in the future and should be integrated with the overall goals and objectives of tine Conservation Authority, as well as the landscape within which the property is situated. Sheppard's Bush C'onser vaiion.Ar•ea Management Plan Wage 1 -21- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 11 i0 a � � o n4Y'FroN C YY'"MN h� ti 4 Q ` i 6 f ; i. (I i 1 Q �yaYH VI L 5 V, O .X 9 0 J e Off . 73 � Rlg p R W .Ki g O @ Z5, °t� �<s D N Y Iw I` N -22- COUNCIL AGENDA- October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 -1:? Background Report Site location and brief description The 26.1 bectare (64.6 acre) Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area is situated at 93 Industrial parkway South in the Town of Aurora (lot 79 Concession 1 Whitchurch Township, York ]legion). Mail, access to the forested interior of the property is gained from Industry Street; the soccer pitch is accessed off Industrial Parkway South (Fig. 2). The land and original buildings are owned by Ontario l-leritage Trust and managed under a legal Agreement by the Lake Simone Region Conservation Authority. This Agreement was originally signed in 1971, and renewed again in 1996 for the period through 2021. The Town of Aurora, in turn, has all Agreement with LSRCA to provide and maintain an eight bectare soccer pitch within the conservation area, us well as to provide other maintenance to the property. The remainder of the property is primarily forested in nature; and supports approximately five kilometres of trails. A short section of the Holland River also lies within the conservation area bounds. Town of Aurora open space is immediately adjacent to this property to the north and south along tine river valley and a trail network connects to this larger greenspace system. In recognition of the important local history features in the area, the Town of Aurora has recently established a Heritage Conservation District, which includes Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, the Sheppard house, and the adjacent Holland River valley. Geology and soilsl During the retreat of glaciers, meltwater on the southern margin of the Lake Simcoe ice lobe pooled into a proglacial lake. This lake, called hake Schoenberg by geologists, allowed the accumulation of lacustrine clays in the area now occupied by Aurora and Newmarket. Before the ice age, this area was a drumlin field; as the laeustrine deposits accumulated, the drumlins became partially obscured. Some of the larger drumlins however can still be seen dotting the landscape,, providing a slightly rolling topography with predominantly clay soils. Much of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area is underlain by Smithfield clay loans, becoming somewhat immature near tine Holland River valley; however, the northeast corner is underlain by Schoenberg clay loans (Fig.3). Based on Huffman and Richards (1955) and Chapman and Putnam (1966) ShepI)ard's Bush Conservation Area Management flan Page 3 -23- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 13 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 14 I u ^ gp 0 C1f�0 n ��E 8 0 g% cn cn v m 5g �e ��yy O �• � 6 O � � � o ��p 3 0 'L7. D old R 6f M nn1 f" ZO COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 15 Background Report Smithfield clay loarn is imperfectly drained, having moderate to low external drainage and slow internal drainage. Topography is generally smooth and gently sloping with surface stones present in some areas. The soil along the Holland River is an immature alluvial soil that shows little horizontal differentiation. Areas underlain by Schomberg clay loam are gently rolling areas that are typically well drairied. Areas occurring at the edge of the river valley have irregular steeply sloping topography and tire very susceptible to erosion. Hydrology A small headwater tributary of the Rolland River passes through Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area (Fig. 3). This watercourse is spring -fed on the Oak Ridges Moraine and receives additional water from surface runoff and groundwater. Water quality within the conservation area is generally good and this stream provides habitat for species typical of coldwater systems, Further downstream, the stream joins with other tributarics of the Holland River, which eventually drain into Cook's Bay on Lake Simcoe. There are no wells on this site. The water for the two houses is provided by the Town of Aurora's municipal water supply. r Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area is in the Simone and Kawartha Lakes climatic region". Over the past twenty years, precipitation in Aurora has averaged 916 turn per year, of which an average of 766 rum occurs as rainfall. Average annual temperature over this period has been 7.7 °C, with average minimums of -12.3 °C (typically in February) and average maximums_of 27.6 °C in Judy and August" . Climate change projections suggest that over the next twenty to thirty years this region may experience an increase in precipitation in the spring and fall (by as much as 5-10%), but a decrease of approximately the same amount in the summer. Avorage annual temperatures are also expected to increase in this time period, potentially by as much as 1 °Cs. Historya The natural features at this site and in this landscape have long influenced the settlement and hunralf use of the area, The fertile lacustrine soils in the area supported agriculture -dependent Huron settlements for centuries before Buropean colonization, remains of which were found on the bank of the Holland River near the present-day Conservation Area. As well, Natives maintained two long portages between Lakes Ontario and Simcoe which straddled present-day Aurora; the carrying place portage between the Humber and Holland Rivers to the west and Based on 1,8RCA stream nryaritoring data _ Brown at al,. (1981) ° Based on Environment Canada's Canadian Climate Normals database s Colombo or al. (2007) 6 Based on Miles and Co. (1878), ,Johnston (1963), and Aurora Heritage Cornminee (1985) Shehpard's Bush Cons•ervalion Are4l Management Plan Page 6 -26- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 " 16 BuchJrround Rej)orl the Rouge -Holland portage to the east. Although no native settlements existed at the time of European immigration, some semi -nomadic Mississauga were still encountered by the early settlers. European settlement of the area began with the development.of Yonge Street in 1794. Initially designed as a transportation corridor between Lakcs Ontario and Shricoe, it allowed the surveying of lots and the settlement of new immigrants to the area. Given the relatively good soil here, and relatively poor soil to the south on the Oak Ridges Moraine, early settlement was particularly heavy in present-day Aurora and'Newmarket. Almost immediately after, the development of the road, farms in present-day Aurora were settled, with the first patents allocated in 1797. One of these first settlers was Captain William Grahaun, a British off -leer serving in the colonies during the American revolution. He came to Canada and settled.on the lot which includes present-day Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area in 1.794, with title granted in 9 798. At that time Aurora was a predominantly agricultural Area and remained so until about 1850 when an urban core started to develop around the Yonge-Wellington area. When the railway came to the area in 1853 growth expanded rapidly, with Aurora becoming incorporated as a village in 1863. By 1866, Captain Graham's lot was severed and the parcel which is now the conservation area was sold to James Lloyd. Charles Sheppard, one-time mayor of Aurora, purchased the land in 1919 and it remained in the Sheppard family until 1971 when Edwin Reginald (Reg) Sheppard donated the land and family home to the Ontario Heritage Foundation (now known as the Ontario Heritage Trust). At that time, the planning and management of the property was turned over to the then South Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority at Mr. Sheppard's request. An Agreement defining the roles and responsibilities of the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority was signed in 1971, and renewed again in 1996 for the period through 2021, Since 2004, the Town of Aurora has had an Agreement with LSRCA to provide and maintain an eight hectare soccer pitch within the conservation area, as well as to provide other maintenance to the property. In 1979, a Master Plan was developed for Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area', to direct the Conservation Authority in meeting their vision of the property as a preserved mature forest with compatible recreational and educational uses. This plan proposed providing maple syrup demonstrations in the Sheppard fmnily's sugar bush, developing the open field for additional recreational opportunities, building a children's play area and washroom complex, developing an educational program for school groups, and working with the Town of Aurora to provide linkages to their adjacent open space. I c,.,,ti, r aL, sin»,.o. Conservation Authority (1979) Shehpard',s Bush Conservcrliora ALTO Aifan(gemenl Plan 1-cf,ge I -27- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 17 Background Report Much of the conservation area's tableland is composed of sugar maple forests (Pig. A). The area which supported the maple syrup demonstration was managed, at that time, as a sugar bush including selective harvesting to promote sugar maple dominance. Similar forest patches which were not part of the sugar maple demonstration have a greater diversity of forest species, including American beech, white ash, and red oak as well as a more frilly developed mid -storey, including species such as round leafed dogwood, leatherwood, and chokecherry. European buckthorn is also widely spread throughout these forests. Also present in the property are several old Scotch plus plantations which were planted approximately 70 years ago by the Sheppard family. A mid -canopy dominated by shade intolerant species such as red oak, black cherry, and silver maple has developed over the years, replacing in some locations the Scotch pine entirely. Under that canopy, more shade tolerant species including sugar maple, beech, white ash, and eastern hemlock are starting to become established. Forests along the slope of the 1-Iolland River ravine tend to be dominated by sugar maple and black cherry, with a subdominant component of ironwood and white ash. South facing portions of this slope tend to have a high proportion of eastern hemlock. 'rho Holland River flood plain supports an ecosystem typical of regenerating farm fields including white cedar, sugar maple, peach -leafed willow, trembling aspen, black walnut, and Manitoba maple, colonizing under an older canopy of apple and hawthorn trees. Eight hectares of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area is managed by the Town of Aurora as a soccer pitch. It is bordered by a berm along Industrial Parkway which has been planted with scattered sugar maple, silver maple and blue spruce. Part of this area has been converted to artificial playing turf, As is typical for urban forests, non-native species are relatively common at Sheppard's .Bush Conservation Area. European buckthorn and garlic mustard are particularly common, found throughout all the forested compartments and in relatively high density in the regenerating forest in the ravine. Additional common invasives include periwinkle and Japanese barberry, both of which arc associated with hiking traits. Wildlife' Wildlife found at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area reflect both the forested and urban nature Of the property, including the mix of hardwood upland forests, mixed ravine forests, and Mature conifer plantations. The connectivity provided by the adjacent municipal open space also promotes wildlife movement along the riverine corridor. x Based on LSRCA (2008) Based on LSRCA (2008) .S'hg)1mrd's Bitch Conservotion AreaManageneni flan -28- Page 8 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - '18. n -29- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 19 Bactrgroatncll+'eprrrt Relatively area -sensitive songbirds such as great -crested flycatchers, red -eyed vireos, pileated woodpecker and eastern wood -pewees can be found in the 'interior of the property. Around the periphery, the interspersion of forest and open habitat provides habitat for edge dwelling species such as black -capped chickadees, American robins, blue jays, northern cardinal, and American goldfinches, The ravine along the Holland River provides important breeding habitat for amphibians such as spring peepers, and migratory habitat for coyotes, deer and songbirds travelling further north for breeding habitat. The deeply incised nature and abundant forest cover also make this stretch of the Holland River one of the best fish habitats in.the Lake Shricoe watershed. Species typically found here are characteristic of healthy coldwater ecosystems, including brook trout, creek chub, mottled sctrlpin and slimy sculpin. The Sheppard family home, a m-aplo sugar shack, log cabin, picnic pavilion, and four storage buildings are found in the central portion of the properly (Fig. 5). The maple sugar shack and wood shed, as well as the nearby log cabin that was donated by the town of Aurora, and an older evaporator but found further in the sugar bush, were all used by LSRCA in their maple syrup demonstrations. They now support the summer camp program. The Sheppard family home was donated to the Ontario T.-Ieritage Trust with the property. In the early days of the conservation area, Reg Sheppard maintained a residence bore. After his passing, this building was leased to the public as a residential unit. Despite its use as a rental home, the building remains in outstanding condition and is an excellent example of the English Arts and Crafts style of architecture. Both Ontario Heritage Trust and the Town of Aurora have recognized the heritage value in this building, and it serves a central role in the Town's Heritage Conservation District. A second, smaller, house on the property (the `Gatehouse') was initially constructed as a residence for the manager of the Sheppard family estate farm. The property supports approximately five kilometres of trails, including a fitness trail with eight exercise stations. The relatively flat ground within the conservation area has allowed the development of several wide, flat trails which provide opportunities for individuals with mobility challenges to use the property70. The Nokiidaa Trail (Fig. 6), which links the communities of Aurora, Newmarket and ,East. Gwillimbiny, travels through the conservation area along the Last Holland Rivets This multi -use trail provides links to the Town Hall, the Aurora Leisure Complex, the Aurora Community Arboretum, and Lambert Willson Park within Aurora. It also provides northern links to the Town of Newmarket and cast -west links to the larger Oak Ridges Trail system. Access to the trail system is supported by a parking lot accessible from Industry St. Infrastructure associated with the soccer pitch includes an area of artificial turf, fencing, light standards, and washroom facilities. "Oak .Ridges "Frail Association (2006) Shehpard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Perge 10 -30- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 20 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 21 5 r i � _ � t_ 5 •• � i J �^��� .� t i i titc j ,3 t � x y1 r- q 1 a e- i .-. ..r...-.. 1 t i }�yt i� � �� Si€y ,a}l, �. �i•"�,"s (�a '�` ..-"�,kx t1 Ytk rt7xRE t lei }w z'Yiy tt� MIN, t bb �T� { V t"A % f �•i 1 1.,. .-.., i k. .b-.r.C. '1qy 1 g 1 FL log .w0 E � d �a G�0 -32- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 22 13(ic:kground Report Ontario Heritage Trust, as the owner of this property, retains oversight on any repairs, additions, or removal of buildings at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area. Use levels Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area has a small but dedicated user group", who tend to come nearly every day of the week, and many of whom have visited the property for 1.0 years or more. Many of the users are older adults, senior citizens, or young mothers who live nearby, and come to Sheppard's Bush to hike, dogwalk, jog, picnic,, or simply enjoy the peace and serenity while reading, meditating, or otherwise enjoying nature. A second, although smaller, user group represents individuals who work in the area and come to Sheppard's Bush during the day to eat their lunch, jog, or socialize with friends and coworkers. Over 90% of visitors to Sheppard's Bush live in ,Aurora. Although Aurora has always been the primary point of origin for visitors to the conservation area, Maple Fest used to bring in hundreds of other users from throughout the Greater Toronto Area, many of whom did not otherwise visit this or other conservation areas12. Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area also participates in Aurora's annual Doors Open event, provides facilities for the Town of Aurora's Halloween haunted forest, the Aurora Lions Club pancake cookout, an occasional wedding, and the Conservation Kids summer nature program. The Conservation Kids program is a day camp which provides children between the ages of 7 and 12-a chance to spend a week in a natural setting participating in activities such as hiking, orienteering, wilderness shelter building nature exploration, natural arts and crafts, and other activities. This program is run through the Town of Aurora Leisure Services department and staffed by LSRCA. The Queen's York Rangers, a Primary Reserve Regiment of the Canadian Forces based in Aurora makes use of the conservation area periodically for casual training purposes. Limited to one weekday evening per month, these training exercises are intended to provide training opportunities for reservists on relatively mtftuniliar terrain. Similarly, Sheppard's Bush played a role in the emergency response scenario that the Department of National Defence held in Aurora in December 2007. 1n all cases, notification of military use of the property is provided at ehtrances, and the use of ammunition, pyrotechnics, motorized vehicles, or the darnage or destruction of trees by military personnel is prohibited. Landscape influences No protected area can be effectively manages( without an understanding of the influences of the surrounding landscape on its features, species, ecosystems and user levels. The Bast Holland River, which has been identified as the most polluted river in the most populated subwatershed in the Lake Shncoe watershed, flows through Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area. However, at this point near its headwaters, it remains in excellent condition and provides habitat for temperature- and pollution sensitive brook trout. ']'he landscape upstream of the conservation area has been designated as a Natural Linkage Area under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation PIan1'i, providing some measure of protection for the watercourse. Between Sharma (2007) 11 South Lake Simcoc Conservation Authority (1.979), Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (2002) Ministry of Municipal Affairs and noosing (2002) Shelrpard's Bush C;onservotion Area rWcfnagenient flan P(ige 13 -33- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 23 Buck; round Report the conservation area and the Oak Ridges Moraine plan area the river is further protected by Open Space designation under the Town of Aurora Official Plan14 and LSRCA floodplain regulations (Pig. 7), Much of the river valley between Vandorf and St John's Sideroads is a mosaic of public lands including the Vandorf woodlot and Aurora Community Arboretum as well as the conservation area. This mix of habitats and extensive north — south corridor provides greater wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities than could be provided by the conservation area alone. Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area itself is located entirely within Aurora, and experiences pressures typical of urban natural areas. Since its acquisition by 011T, increased intensity of land use in the surrounding landscape appears to have led to an increase in invasive species in the forest and a decline in the diversity and abundance of breeding birdsts. The expanded population in the 'town o'fAurora has also led to an increase in user levels and user impacts over the years. The extensive use of this property has led to an increase in unofficial trails through the forest; in 1979 there were 3 km of trails in the property, as of 2008, this has expanded to over 5 km. These urban pressures will only increase over time as Aurora has been designated as one of Ontario's Places to Grow16 and is expected to experience a 50% increase in its population in the next 20 years. Much of this growth is slated for the area between Bayview and Leslie Streets, within easy access of the conservation area for individuals living and working in this area. "Town of Aurora (1996) is LSRCA (2008) 16 Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (2006) Shehpard's Bush (:oruervation Area Alfumtgement .l'lcm Page 14 -34- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 24 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 25 ..__ - MIT M. Development of the revised plaza Eight years after its acquisition, the first management plan was written for Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, This plan provided direction for the South Lake Simcoo Conservation Authority to manage the property as a recreational and educational facility, while ensuring environmental protection. Since that time, many changes in the use, public expectations, and natural features have come about; however no formal review of the conservation area management plan was undertaken until 2008. The format management plan review undertaken in 2008 and 2009 included workshops with LSRCA staff and conservation area users, The establishment of the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Steering Committee, with representatives of Ontario Heritage Trust (the landowner), LSRCA, the Town, Windfall Ecology Centre, Save the Oak Ridges Moraine, and the Aurora. Lion's Club provided additional resources to assist in the completion of this project. Consultation with conservation area users has been an important part of the management plan review. Consultation allows users an opportunity to reflect on their values and use of the property, changes they have seen in the conservation area and their community over the years, and thew visions for the property in the future, This consultation, as well as focused consultation with LSRCA technical, education and field services staff has provided much of the ditection in the current proposed management plan. Public Workshop, May 2008 On May 25, 2008 a public workshop was held at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area to engage the public in the plan review process. After advertising in local papers, in the conservation area, and by sending written invitations to neighbouring landowners and other interested stakeholders, a dozen people attended the workshop. IMPORTANT VALUES OF THE CONSERVATION AREA HELD By WOO <SHOP PARTICIPANTS AEsTim,rws P Peace and tranquility • Quiet, peaceful, safe • Opportunityforrefleetion s A great "gateway" from the busy life we all live a Fresh air a The sense of remoteness m One can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and cormnune with nature • It hasn't been commercialized ® Natural, not manicured a The natural, unpaved trails ® An area for creative and recreative action NATURE • The opportunities forspiritual renewal when interacting with nature • wildlife Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan poise 16 -36- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 26 • Being surrounded by nature • Green space in the heart of an urban area • The opportunity to observe natural plant associations and seasonal changes • The trees are lungs cleaning the air 1)evelopn eni of'Ihe revisedhlan USE • Free • Accessible • Our history of visiting, our family has visited for several generations now • A safe place to walk • Options for leisurely strolls or more vigorous walks • Nature appreciation and education • Good place for leisurely bike in the shade • What a lovely place to hike, stroll, just `be' • It's a place for school children tolearn about nature • Something for everyone, sports fields, play ground, workout spots, walking trails • The sports fields, and the number of users that draws in • The maple syrup demonstration XSSUGS WoRKSHOP PARTICIPANT'S WISH ADDRCSSM Attendees at the workshop were asked to identify issues that, if addressed, could improve users' experiences at Sheppard's Bush, and potential actions to resolve those issues. After brainstorming, attendees were given stickers numbered I to 5, and asked to identify which should be the highest priorities to be addressed in management pluming (5 being highest, others decreasing in priority; note that score is not intended to `total' to anything). Shelrl?(II-Xr Bush Conservation Area Managrerrrenl 1'1r117 Page 17 -37- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 27 forest management Development of the reviseciplan allow natural processes (e.g, succession) to occur in the forest 11 don't remove or sell timber from this forest 9 leave standing dead trees in the forest 1 don't cut trees on the slope 1 programming bring back Maple Fest or other festivals 7 bring back educational component 7 organize regular hikes 4 train us to be better environment watchers 3 trails let some trails naturalize 9'. provide cross country skiing 4 wildlife conduct wildlife inventory 12 hold fishing events 2 prevent fishing in the east holland river 1 develop policy to provide safety to wildlife 1 infrastructure provide public toilets 6 work with partners to repair infrastructure 5 retrofit existing outhouses 4 communications and partnerships improve communications with partners 4 Other issues which came up during the discussion, but were not ranked by the attendees included: • Keep planting trees • Hold tree planting days • Plant apple or other fruit trees • Don't plant trees, allow them to seed in naturally • Do not plant trees in areas of grassland habitat • Sleighing days in the winter • Some areas should remain pristine, not have trails • Enhance habitat, even at the expense of people • Dogs on a leash please • Provide cross country skiing trails •. No dogs on cross country skiing trails • Consider Sheppard's Bush and Vandorf woodlot as one property • Policy should be to restrict trails to the top of bank area • Trails should come second to ecology • Manage forested areas around trails less • Need to balance conservation and accessibility • Ensure the safety both of users and the trails • Remove the fitness equipment • The conservation area should become part of the cultural landscape of the community • Need to ensure we get input from neighbours, perhaps through a questionnaire Rely on partners when times are tough S'heppard's' Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Page 18 -38- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 28 • Get regular input from local ecologists and conservationists • Make sure neighbours don't encroach on the property • Clarify the park closure sign • Provide a cafd at southwest end of soccer fields • Don't provide infrastructure if it can't be sustained • Signage board in parking lot • Fix picnic pavilion • Alternative energy demonstration site • No additional artificial turf field Development oj'the revisedplon Overall, the general sentiment during the discussions seemed to indicate that the natural values of the conservation area should be maintained above all else, the participants even went so far as to suggest that some trails should be closed said allowed to naturalize. Much of the discussion about public involvement centred around tine cancellation of the popular Maple lest program, but also included requests that we examine other opportunities for public education or festivals. A few comments came forward that suggested we engage the public, either as volunteers or through service clubs, in fund-raising and property management. Public workshop, April 2009 A second public workshop was held on April 19, 2009 at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area to provide the public with an opportunity to review the draft plan and provide feedback to the steering committee. After sending news releases to local papers, posting notices on the 'LSRCA and "Town of Aurora websites; and in the conservation area, as well as sending written invitations to the 84 groups and individuals on the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area mailing list, 10 participants attended the workshop. After a summary presentation about the conservation area and the draft management plan, participants were invited to provide their feedback and constructive criticism on the draft plan. Responses from the group included the following: TRAILS: • Some discussion about the need to clear the trails in the winter • General acceptanec about the appropriateness of closing some o'f the trails VEGE I'ATION AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT:` • A caution that it would be virtually impossible to eradicate invasive species from the property • A question about the necessity of removing some of the non-native species, particularly European buckthorn, and their value for wildlife • A request that we "clean up" the forest by removing some dead and dying trees and downed woody debris • Do not remove cut trees from the property, pull them off the trail, then let them decompose on site ENPORC;MENTANDPLRMITTED USES • The issue with off leash dogs is not as bad as it used to be • Problematic dogs are a minority, but they do require control on all dog walkers • The proposed restrictions on dog walkers seem reasonable • We should be prepared to fine people for littering Sheppard's Bush Conservotion Area kfanauemrent Ptan Page t9 -39. COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 29 Ueveloptnew o(the revised playa • We need to assert our presence better, and "deeper" in tho park • There is a perception of abandonment in the property • Kids congregate it) some areas in the park; a concern was raise([ about their activities MARKETING: • Don't market the property too aggressively. Let people find their own way here • We need to be cautious about sign pollution • Provide better signs on Wellington directing people here • Provide more information to allow people to navigate the trail system • Cross promote our conservation areas better FETCH LOG HOME: • 'There was some discussion about the use it would be put to at Sheppard's Bush. Others felt its preservation was important enough to relocate it even if unused • There was some discussion about the costs, and who would foot the bill. Some participants indicated that the $108K budgeted was a small price to pay to preserve something irreplaceable WAS] BROOM PACILITIb'S: • Continuing to rent port -a -potties is not cost effective over the long term • Waiting to provide flush facilities would be preferable to providing outhouses • Washroom facilities should be tied into an upgraded tile bed at the Sheppard House, or to municipal sewage when they become available PROGRAMMING: - • Provide a day to re-acquarut people with Sheppard's Bush • Upgrade fitness course • Expand recreational features in the soccer field (e,g. Frisbee got]) • Be careful about drawing in too many people and causing impacts to park and.wildlife • Maple syrup is an important part of Canadian heritage, and should continue as a program VOLUNTEER DAYS:' • Tap into high school students looking for community service howl • Questions about the dates scheduled • Roughly 1/3 of participants said they would participate on volunteer days OTHER COMMENTS; Strike a local advisory committee to maintain communication with user group and address some of the outstanding issues / assist with implementation _ Steering corninittee Since March 2008, the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Phan Steering Committee has directed the development of the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area management plan, This committee has met periodically to review input received from the public and from LSRCA staff, to examine the costs and benefits associated with potential management directions, and to provide recommendations on the final management plan. This plan will then be forwarded to the LSRCA and OHT Boards of Directors for formal approval. Sheppard's Bush C'onservalion Area AMnar,gemeni Plan Page 20 -40- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 30 Develnprneni af'the revised plan The steering committee consisted of: ® Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Board Representative -- Evelina Mae&chern; • Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Chief Administrative Officer —Gayle Wood; • Ontario Heritage Trust, Manager of Conservation Services — Sean Fraser; • Ontario Heritage Trust, Natural Heritage "Team Leader —Tony Buszynski; • '['own of Aurora, Director of Leisure Services —Al Downey; • Town of Aurora, Trails Committee— Klaus Wehrenberg; b Windfall Ecology Centre, Program Coordinator —Jennifer Atkinson; • Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition, Outreach Coordinator — Susan Wahmr; • Aurora Lion's Club, President — Fred Bill len The committee was supported by the following LSRCA staff: • Director of Conservation Lands— Brian Kemp; • Conservation Lands Planner —Bill Thompson; • Conservation Lands Administrative Assistant -- Wanda Black The current management plan consists of two parts: a Management Plan which provides long- and short-term goals for the management of the conservation area, and a Business Plan which provides a description and schedule of implementation priorities, coupled with projections of revenues and expenses over a five year period. At the end of, each five year operational period, both the Management Plan and the Business Plan will be evaluated to determine their continued relevanoe to conservation area operations, If it is determined that either of these plans is outdated, they will be reviewed and updated. LSRCA may also opt to update the management plan and / or business plan outside the five-year review period if necessary. Plan evaluation will include an assessment of the property's ecological integrity, management effectiveness, financial situation, as well as a review of the relevance of stated goals and objectives. LSRCA will continue to collect monitoring data on the health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area. This will include aquatic resource monitoring sites, invasive species inventories, breeding bird and other wildlife inventories, and data required for forest management plan updates. This will be supplemented by data on changes in infrastructure and user levels to determine how management of the conservation area and development in the local landscape has hnpacted the ecological integrity of the conservation area. Management effectiveness of the conservation area will be evaluated by assessing to what extent the objectives of the conservation area have been met, the adequacy of staffing resources and infrastructure, and to what extent expected outcomes (e.g. increases in visitor use, advancement of LSRCA mandate) were achieved. This assessment will include surveys of the users of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, as well as interviews with core staff The Business Plan evaluation will include an assessment of real revenues and expenses over the five-year operational period, and a comparison to projected revenues and expenses. This evaluation will be used to refine the Business Plan for the succeeding five-year period. Tile results of these evaluations will be provided to a stecring committee made up of either the major partners contributing to the management of the conservation area, or a sub -committee of the LSRCA Board, to determine plan review needs. If the committee determines that the goals, objectives, challenges or infrastructure needs have changed substantially, one or both parts of the plan will be reviewed. Major revisions to the management plan, Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Alancrgernent Plan Page 21 -41 - COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 31 Develolnttew o0he tvvised plan including those that address complex issues, would further restrict public use of the property, or would require substantial investments in infrastructure will include broad -based public consultation and approval of the plan by the LSRCA Board. Amendments to resolve less complicated issues may be made without broad -based public consultation, but would be subject to Board approval. Updates to the Business Plan to identify, prioritize, and resource implementation needs for the successive five yen operational period will not require public consultation. ,Vig2hard's Bush (.Ol'nem,ahon Amu Mammgernew Plan Page 22 -42- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 32 Sewn III' Mann eYnen# PI . Management Plan Introduction This Management Plan provides the basis and long-term direction for the management of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area. It is based on an identification of the constraints and capabilities provided by the property (Section 1),_and extensive public and internal consultation (Section H). Goals and objectives Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area will be managed to provide a functional example of Aurora's natural and cultural heritage, including opportunities for education and outdoor recreation. More specifically, LSRCA aims to: * Maintain and enhance visitor use infrastructure to support a diverse and broad -based user group; Maintain and enhance habitat values for native flora and fauna; e Provide visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience; Expand public programming to engage a broader cross section of the public; a Provide an example of energy efficiency retrofits to heritage buildings; and, huprove the financial sustainability of the conservation area Permitted uses Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area is managed to provide the public with an enjoyable experience in a naturally and culturally significant setting. To ensure such an experience, some potential uses of the property have been prohibited by a Provincial Regulation under the Conservation Authorities Act, as authorized by the Ontario 1-loritage Trust (see Box 1). A recent user survey' indicates that most visitors to the property do have an enjoyable experience and tend to be long-term dedicated users of the conservation area. Continents received from the public indicate that the property is valued for the quietness and accessibility of the property, and the friendliness of fellow users. Experience of '.LSRCA staff over the years re -enforces the results of this survey. Users of the conservation area tend to be quite vigilant about the state of the property, and often take an active role in its maintenance, including removing garbage from trails while hiking. Comments during that user survey and the public consultation period indicated that the major factors detracting from a positive experience of the property are oft leash dogs and litter. LSRCA, in partnership with the Aurora Lion's Club, Windfall Ecology Centre and Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition, will coordinate twice annual volunteer events to remove garbage from the trails and elsewhere in the forest. LSRCA will better enforce regulations prohibiting off -leash dogs in Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, through a combination of education and enforcement. LSRCA will modify existing regulations signage to include " Sharma, 2007 Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Page 23 -43- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 33 Management Plan interpretive information regarding the impacts of household pets on wildlife, and identifying the available off - leash park available in Aurora. A similar message will be provided to residents of the Town through local media. LSRC,A staff (including enforcement staff) will increase their presence in the conservation area, and will continue to partner with municipal bylaw enforcement officers to better enforee regulations prohibiting off -leash animals. Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area d4anage»7en1. Plan Page 24 -44- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 Box 1, Prohibited uses at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area. Permitted and prohibited uses of LSRCA's Conservation Areas are duthied by Provincial Regulation under the C'onsernation Authorities Act (O. Reg 112/90)*. The following uses of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area are rohiited ITEM #2 - 34 Management Plan • defacing, removing or damaging any property; • cutting, removing, injuring or dostroying a plant, tree, shrub, flower or other growing thing; • removing or destroying any soil or rock; • littering; • bringing an animal into the Conservation Area which is at large (ix. not on a leash), makes excessive noise, or disturbs other people; • horseback riding; • being abusive, insulting or threatening or malting excessive noise or disturbing other persons. The following uses are permitted by hermit only: • hunting or trapping; • possessing or igniting fireworks; • camping; • making an oxcavation; - • possessing, shooting, discharging or using a spring gun, au go", firearm, slingshot or any archery equipment; • erecting, painting or affixing a sign or notice; • selling or offering for. sale an article or service; - • find raising; • advertising or carrying on a business or enterprise; • conducting a public performance of any kind, or bringing equipment for public entertainment into the conservation area; • conducting a public meeting or doing anything that is likely to cause persons to congregate•, • using a boat; • starling or maintaining afire; • bringing an animal other than a cat or dog into die Conservation Area; • operating an all -terrain vehicle, an off -road vehicle or a motorized snow vehicle • remaining in the conservation area after the posted times. * This table is a summary of rules only. For further detail refer to the full regulation; available online at www e-laws eov on.ca Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management .Plata -45- Page 25 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 35 Management Plan LSRCA will retain surveys of the boundaries of the conservation area on Cale, and will ensure that all boundaries are clearly marked, and fenced as necessary. LSRCA will inspect boundaries semi-annually for encroachments. As necessary, LSRCA will implement a program to resolve and remediate impacts from boundary encroachments in partnership with the conservation area's neighbours. This program may include community education, letters, site visits, and community clean up days where necmary. The.Dolland River corridor, of which Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area forms a part, is an important ecological and recreational corridor, providing connectivity from the oak ridges moraine, through Aurora, and further north. The area between Vandorf Sideroad and St John's Siderbad is a mosaic of publicly owned lauds and includes the Vandorf woodlot, the Aurora Community Arboretum, Aurora Leisure Centre, Lambert Wilson Park and Aurora's leash -free park; all of which are connected by reerwional trails, LSRCA Conservation Lands staff will work with managers of these lands to coordinate the management of the Holland River corridor to promote wildlife habitat and non -motorized recreational opportunities. LSRCA will maintain existing, and may develop additional, infrastructure at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area to support the goals and objectives described in this management plan, The addition or expansion of infrastructure will be restricted to areas of open space (i.c. non -Forest), Any infrastructure improvements would be subject to a site assessment to mitigate detrimental 'impacts on the values of the conservation area, as well as the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act, the h'isheries Act, regulations under the Conservation Authorities Act and other relevant legislation, and would be subject to approval by Ontario Heritage Trust. All new infrastructure will be designed and constructed to meet the standards of the AccessibilhY for Ontarions with Disabilities Act as they become available. 'TRAILS Trails at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area will be designed, constructed and maintained to balance the requirements of recreational infrastructure and habitat values for native flora and fauna, LSRCA will endeavour to meet this challenge by providing both `major' and `minor' recreational trails, and by closing some existing official and non -sanctioned recreational trails (Fig. 8). Major trails will be designed, constructed and maintained to a standard such that users with mobility restrictions (such as those reliant on wheel chairs or walkers) can make use of them, and to a standard such that they can support periods of high use such as the Maple Syrup or Daunted Forest programs. This will include maintaining grades less than 3%, a maximum surface pitch of 2%, a minimum width of 2.5m, cleared to a height of 2.5m, with a trail base composed of crusher fines over a layer of 2" gravel. Major trails will be inspected monthly for trail condition and barriers (e,g. washouts, hazard trees, and downed woody debris). Sheppard's Bush Conwivation Area 11anagement Plan Page 26 -46- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 36 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 37 Management Elan Minor trails will be designed, constructed and maintained such that they rneet.flre needs and interests of the majority of hikers and dog walkers while providing a more intimate interaction with the forest habitat and minimizing impacts on native species and ecosystems. They will be maintained to a minimum width of 1.5 in, cleared to a height of 2.5 m, with a base of compacted soil. Trip hazards and wet areas along trails will be managed by topdressing with wood chips as necessary. Multi -use trails will be inspected monthly for trail condition and barriers (e.g. washouts, hazard trees and downed woody debris), Some trails at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area will need to be closed to reduce unnecessary impacts to wildlife, reduce the need to remove hazard trees, and to promote a sense of solitude amongst trail users (Fig 8). Non -sanctioned trails scheduled to be closed will have brush piles erected at trail access points. Where necessary,, native vegetation will be planted and sanctioned trails will be re -defined to reduce visibility of newly closed trails. Previously sanctioned trails slated to be closed, as well as major trails slated to be converted to minor trails, may require removal of aggregate base and introduction of native plant species. Where possible, trail closures will be done with the assistance of volunteers from tine community. Trail closure will also include the erection of interpretive signage allowing trail users to know that trail closure is intentional, rather than the resuIt of a lack of maintenance. The slope along the Rolland River will be maintained as a `no use' zone to prevent erosion and disturbance to wildlife, Trails along the slope will be limited to the existing major trail connecting to the Nokiidaa trail, and a new minor trail connecting to the Nokiidaa trail to the north of the conservation area (Fig. 8). Particular effort may be necessary to control the spread of non -sanctioned trails along this slope, including introducing brush piles, planting native vegetations, and/or signage. LSRCA will continue to monitor the property to ensure additional non -sanctioned trails are not created. If new non -sanctioned trails appear, they will be closed as described above. Noadditionaltrails will be created without an assessment of public benefit, and a site assessment to mitigate detrimental impacts on the values of the conservation area. Benches will be provided aid maintained at strategic locations along the recreational trails. Benches will either permanently affixed to a concrete slab and constructed -of metal with a wooden top, or moveable and constructed entirely of wood. SIGNS Signs at the main entrances to the conservation area (i.e. from Industry St and Industrial Parkway south) will be maintained to identify the name of the conservation area, its donation by Edwin R Sheppard, and the logos of the Ontario Heritage Trust (011T), LSRCA, and the Town of Aurora. Secondary entrance signs will be provided at all other sanctioned trail entry points to the consen'ation area. These signs will identify the name of the conservation area and the management partnership between 014T, LSRCA, and the Town of Aurora, as well as providing a brief summary of rules and regulations. Signs may also be posted on the gates flanking the laneway from Industrial Parkway identifying the tenants in the Sheppard House as well as the partnership between OHT, LSRCA and the Town of Aurora. Interpretive kiosks will be erected in the Industry St and Industrial Parkway parking lots. These kiosks will include maps of tails at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, as well as other recreational areas and trail systems accessible from the conservation area, rules and regulations of the conservation area, upcoming events, and information oil the natural and cultural heritage values at the property. The kiosks will also include locations to provide trail maps or brochures and donation boxes for the public to contribute to tine management of Sheppa rd's Bush. LSRCA will modify existing regulations signage to include interpretive information regarding the impacts Shcpparrl's Hush Conservation Area Managemenl Plan Page 28 -48- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 38 VurtageineW Plan of household pets on wildlife, and identifying the off -leash park available in Aurora. The information on these signs will replace 'information on some of the existing signage scattered throughout the property; such signs will be removed after the installation of the kiosks. Additional interpretive signs may be erected on structures in the couservation area, describing their cultural heritage values, an an as -needed basis. Annual maintenance to ensure the upkeep of these signs and clearing vegetation to ensure their visibility will be undertaken as necessary. SHEPPARD hAMILY HOUSE AND GATEHOUSE LSRCA will continue to maintain the Sheppard family house as all example of significant cultural heritage in the Town of Aurora, and will continue to manage lease agreements for it and the gatehouse. The Sheppard house has been leased to Windfall Ecology Centre and Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition to increase public use of this facility and to provide these organizations with office and public meeting space. As part of the lease agreement, the tenants and LSRCA have committed to investing in capital upgrades to the building, including upgrades which will improve its energy efficiOncy and reduce its carbon footprint. Similarly, the entrance gates from Industrial Parkway South will be restored. As owner of the property, 014T will have the right to approve any such repairs or alterations prior to then' implementation. When existing leases on these two buildings cease, LSRCA will endeavour to lease to tenants whose mandate complements the goals and objectives of the conservation area, and whose tenancy would promote the public benefit of these buildings. Preference may be given to lessees who are registered charities, to allow LSRCA to access property tax exemptions available under the Or11ario Heritage Ant. OTHER BUILDINGS LSRCA will maintain and upgrade the other buildings on the premises to support public use of the conservation area. The maple syrup evaporator has been removed from the large evaporator hut, This building, and the Pefferlaw log cabin, will continue to be upgraded, to make them functional to a wider user group. priority upgrades will include improved lighting (both natural and electric), increased electrical outlets in the evaporator hut, a subfloor in the evaporator but woodshed, and the purchase of tables and chairs. If interest dictates, and resources permit, LSRCA may consider upgrades to one or both of the buildings to expand their use into tare shoulder and winter seasons, including improvements to heating and insulation. The Sheppard family evaporator but and picnic pavilion will be maintained to a.standard such that they continue to support both organized and informal public use. LSRCA, OHT and the Town of Aurora will examine the feasibility of relocating the historic Petch log cabin to Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area. This, or other heritage buildings, may be transported to this property, pending financial sustainability and an assessment of how they contribute to the management of the property. This assessment will include examining their contribution to public programming, including the summer camp program. If new buildings reduce the amount of lawn available for the sununer camp program, additional lawn will be established in an area currently underlain by aggregate (Pig. 8). At such a time as municipal sewage services become available at Sheppard's Bush, LSRCA will pursue funding to provide flush washroom facilities for public use. Sh�eyjrar° 's Bu.%da Gbrarer raiiwo .Area Nlaiaageme.rt[ Plar> Page 29 -49- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 39 Management Plan COMMUNITY CARDEN LSRCA will allocate a portion. of the lawn which currently has limited public use for the development of a community heritage garden (Fig, 8). This garden will be made available for members of the local community who wish to grow chemical -free vegetables. Preference may be given to those who wish to grow heritage varieties. MAINTENANCE The Town of Aurora will continue to provide maintenance to the soccer pitches, parking lots, trails, laneway and lawns as per the existing Agreement witli LSRCA. The parking lots and laneway will be maintained with a gravel base, to promote the rustic aesthetic of the property. Major trails as marked on Figure 8 will be maintained with a surface of crasher fines to support their relatively high use, including reducing soil compaction and improving drainage. Garbage cans will not be placed in the Industry St parking lot, to reduce the amount of residential garbage collected at Sheppard's Bush. Garbage cans will continue to be provided to users of the conservation area near the picnic pavilion. LSRCA, in partnership with the Aurora Lion's Club, Windfall Ecology Centre and Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition, will coordinate up to four volunteer work days annually to remove garbage from the forest, control invasive non-native plant species, and undertake trail maintenance. Vegetation and wildlife management Forest management at Sheppard's Smash Conservation Area will include the removal of hazard trees as necessary' 9 as well as management to promote habitat values for native flora and fauna. Minor harvesting may be permitted to support a demonstration maple syrup program, or heating the log cabin should firewood produced by hazard tree removal not supply these needs, The ravine along the Holland Rivet- valley in particular will be managed to support: wildlife habitat, including minimizing tree cutting to the extent possible. Specific direction regarding forest management is provided by a Forest Management Plan (2007 — 2016), which identifies the appropriate sil'victiltural techniques to manage the forest for recreational use and wildlife habitat, Updates to that Forest Management Plan shall be consistent with the goals and objectives for the property as identified in this Conservation Area Management Plan, LSRCA will also manage the property to control the spread of non-native invasive species, with particular effort directed to invasive plants in the initial stages of becoming established on the property. Management will include annual inspections or' the spread and dominance of non -natives, Any aggressive invasive specics19 will be controlled lasing recommendations based on the best available science. Where necessary LSRCA, in partnership with the Aurora Lion's Club, Windfall Ecology Centre and Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition, will coordinate twice annual events to control widespread aggressive invasive ],plant species. " Guidelines for the identification and removal of hazard trees is provided by the LSRCA hazard tree management strategy (LSRCA, 2009) "As defined by Urban Forest Associates Inc (2002) Shelmnard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Page 30 -50. COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 40 Arlanagernenl Plan Programming Sheppard Bush Conservation Area's proximity to population centres, and the visitor use facilities on -site, makes it an excellent location for conservation -based public programming. LSRCA will further develop this potential by upgrading the facilities and making them available for reservation to tho public LSRCA will continue to partner with the Town of Aurora to provide the "Conservation Kids" summer camp program, and will examine opportunities to expand this partnership to other programs sack as interpretive bikes and wildlife identification workshops as interest dictates and resources permit. Other Town programs, such as the Haunted Forest, may be hosted at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, The maple syrup infrastructure at Sheppard's Bush provides an excellent opportunity for maple syrup based interpretive programs, as had been conducted by Reg Sheppard before his passing. LSRCA will pursue partnership opportunities to re -instate a maple syrup program at Sheppard's Bush. Sheppard's Bush may also -be home to programming provided by Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition and the Windfall Ecology Centre. These organizations also have mandates for public education, and the facilities at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area provide a centralized location for such programming. LSRCA will discourage high volume public events in the forest during the critical wildlife breeding period in May and June. "rho facilities at the conservation area will also be made available to other organizations wishing to undertake meetings, workshops, or public programs. Reduction in facility rental fees may be provided in exchange for in - kind or ftmding support for upgrades to visitor use facilities. IV soccer pitches at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area will continue to be made available for use through the Town of Aurora. Marketing LSRCA will improve the marketing of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, through the development of trail maps, brochures, and an enhanced page on the LSRCA website outlining the natural and cultural heritage values at the conservation area. LSRCA and its partners will also market the public educational and recreational programming on an as -needed basis. Revenue generation Reservatiou fces'for use of the picnic pavilion, evaporator but and log cabin will be required. LSRCA will set the fees at a level commensurate with similar recreation areas elsewhere in the Golden Horseshoe. Fees may be revised on an annual basis to ensure fair market value is being received. LSRCA may provide discounts for use of the facilities to community groups who assist in die upgrades to these facilities. LSRCA will develop a donations and naming policy for its conservation areas. The policy will identify facilities and programs that will be eligible for sponsorship, donations required, and ways naming can be incorporated tastefully into a natural setting. Sheppar(V,Y Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Page 31 -51- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 41 ianagement Ilan Any revenue generated at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area will be retained for use in this and other conservation areas in the Lake Simcoe watershed. Any surplus revenues fiom this property will be dedicated to other conservation areas which do not generate revenue, to a conservation area stabilization fund to support the area in years with decreased revenue, or will be used to support LSRCA's land securement program. LSRCA will establish a Local Advisory Committee, made up of engaged and enthusiastic users of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, as well as managers of other public lands in the Holland River corridor, to assist in - coordination of the implementation of this management plan. Roles for this Committee could include fundraising, volunteer coordination, coordination of cross -boundary land management, and acting as a vehicle for conflict resolution. S'hepl)arcVs Rush Conservvatlon Area M anagrement Plan Page 32 -52- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 42 Business flan Section IV Buismess plan Introduction The purpose of a conservation area management plan is to establish long- and short-term goals for the management of the property, and identity priorities for implementation. The Business plan component is a description and schedule of implementation priorities, coupled with projections of revenues and expenses over a five year period. In addition to revenues and expenses, this business plan will identify potential funding sources and will provide guidance for LSRCA management in implementing the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area management plan. Management plan goals and objectives After broad -based consultation with users of the conservation area, partners in its management, and other residents of the Lake Sitricoe watershed, the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Steering Convmittee developed the following goals and objectives for the conservation area: Sheprxird's Bush Conservation Area n+ill be managed to provide a functional example of Aurora's natural and cultural heritage, including opportunities for education and outdoor recreation. More specifically, LSRCA aims to: Maintain and enhance visitor use infrastructure to support a diverse and broad -based user group; Maintain and enhance habitat values for native flora and fauna; Provide visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience; Expand public programming to engage a broader cross section of the public; Provide an example of energy efficiency retrofits to heritage buildings; and, Improve the financial sustainability of the conservation area To these ends, priorities for investing in capital and programming for the period 2009 — 2013 have been identified ('fable 1). S'hel)pard's Bush (.onservalion Area iWanagemenl Plan Page 33 -53- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 43 b `G -54- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 44 Business flan Cable 2. _stiolated revenues and expenses.for materials and supplies to implement Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area management plan priorities 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total Revenues (cash)'' Municipal special capital $0 $0 $0 $0 $6.000 ^`` $5.000 Facility rentals $32,000 $32,000 $32,000 $32,000 $32,000 $160,000 Town of Aurora $8,250 $2,300 $4.500 $3,700 $2.450 $21,200 Events and user fees $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $15,000 Total revenues $43,250 $37,300 $39,500 $38,700 $42,460 $20.1,200 Town of Aurora $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,0001 $35,000 Windfall Ecology Centre $0 $12.000 $0 $0 $0 $12,000 Aurora Lions Club $1,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,000 Total in -kind $8,000 $19,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $48,000 Administration $15,800 $13,250 $13,750 $14,450 $.19,950 $77,200 Programming $1,250 $1,250 $1,050 $1,050 $1,050 $5,650 Capital development $25,200 $31,600 $22,500 $20,900 $19,050 $119,150 Maintenance $9,000 $10.300 $9,200 $9,300 $0,400 $47,200 Total expenses $51,260 $56,300 $46,500 $45,700 $49,460 $249,200 Balance $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 :! $o Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Hunugenlenl Plan Page 35 -55- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 45 Business Plan Historic Revenues Revenues to support the development, operation and maintenance of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area have traditionally come from four major sources (Figure 9): rental of the picnic pavilion and other outbuildings, rental of the houses, an annual contribution front the Town of Aurora, and income generated by the annual Maple Fest programme. In addition, levies from our municipal partners provide the critical base funding to employ staff and provide administration. 70000 60000 00000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0 ITom of Am tJMaple fell (House roniels !Fadity ronlals 2002 2003 2004 NO 2006 2007 Figure 9. Historic revenues at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, displayed by revenue source, from 2002 - 2007 FACILITY RENTALS The picnic pavilion at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area is available to the public, both as a'free facility, and by reservation for use by groups. As of 2008, LSRCA charges $60 for reserving the picnic pavilion; however reservations of this facility have been minimal. HOUSE RENTALS The rental of the two historic structures on the property, the Sheppard family house and smaller gatehouse, both help ensure their preservation, and provide an important source of revenue for the operation of Sheppard's Bush Sheppard's Hush Conservation Area Management Plan -56- Page 36 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 46 lPusinesr Plan Conservation Area. Revenues from the properties dropped significantly during 2006 however while the largor house was unoccupied. MAPLE FLST The annual maple syrup program at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area provided income, through the sale of product and registration fees. Despite this revenue however, staffing and other costs outstripped revenues each year, and in 2006 the program was cancelled. TOWN or AURORA As per the Agreement signed in 2004, the Town of Aurora makes an annual contribution to LSRCA to support the operation of this property. (at a base of $2000 per year with a $50 annual increase). This is in addition to the maintenance they provide to the property on at) in -kind basis, which has been estimated at a value of $7000 annually. These contributions will continue for the lifespnn of the current Agreement (2008 - 2012). Sheppard's Bush Consenwtion Area tblcnlaz,>ernent Plan Page 37 - 57 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 47 Tateiness Plan Budget projection Tlie budget projection model provides a five-year financial outlook for Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area. The model compares the conservation area's most consistent source of funds with projected one-time and recurring costs. As depicted below (Table 3), Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area's current budget projection suggests that after an initial period of re -investing in the property, revenues will become close to sufficient to offset operating expenses, but that current staffing levels will be insufficient to tricot the objectives of the management plan. Table 3. Projected surplus (shortfall) in funding and staffing to 'implement the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area management plan, for the period 2009 -- 2013 2009 - 2010 2011 2012 2013 $ FTE $ FTC $ FTE $ FTE $ FTI Revenues $44,350 0.10 $45,000 0.10 $46,'250 0.10 $45,500 0.10 $46,150 Expenses -$51,250 0.66 $56,300 0,66 $46,500 0.60 $45,700 0.54 $49,460 1 Balance ($6,900) (0,56) ($11,300) (0.56) ($1,250) (0.50) ($200) (0,44) ($3,300) (0 Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Manag'eniew Plan -58- Page 38 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 48 Business flare Projected revenues To address the projected landing shortfall identified in this business plan, 1,3ltCA will need to attract new sources of funding and in -kind support. Opportunities for such may include municipal special capital, a greater reliance on volunteer partnerships, and expanded partnerships with the Town of Aurora and Windfall Ecology Centre. Any net revenues generated at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area will be retained for use in this and other conservation areas in the Lake Simcce watershed. Any surplus revenues Ron, this property will be dedicated to other conservation areas which do not generate revenue, to a capital reserve fund to support the area in years with decreased revenue, or will be used to support LSIWA's land securement program. MUNICIPAL. SPECIAL. CAPITAL Special capital funding from LSRCA's partner municipalities will remain an important part of the funding formula for Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area. Municipal special capital will contribute to future assessment and review of the management plan. TOWN OF AURORA - LSRCA's partnership with the town of Aurora will continue to be an important one in managing Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area. Maintenance of the soccer fields, parking lots and trails has been estimated at a value of $7000 annually, and reduces LSRCA's staffing obligations in this conservation area, An expansion to this partnership,may include funding the relocation of the Petch log cabin, and assistance with new conservation area signs. Providing maintenance to the outhouse facilities in addition to the maintenance provided to the grounds currently would provide a significant contribution to off -setting the projected staffing deficit. RENTAL INCOME AND USER FEES Rental incomes from the two houses on the property are another vital source of revenue ill managing the conservation area. This rental income allows the Authority to invest in capital improvements to the houses and other structures on -site and to establish a reserve fund to offset the costs of large, non -annual maintenance expenses. When existing leases on these two buildings cease, LSRCA will endeavour to lease to tenants whose mandate complements the goals and objectives of the conservation area, and whose tenancy would promote the public benefit of these buildings,' Preference may be given to lessees who are registered charities, to allow LSRCA to access property tax exemptions available under the Ontario Heritage Act. The other outbuildings, including the large evaporator but and the Pefferlaw log cabin will be made available to the public for reservation. While upgrades are being implemented to these buildings they will be made available for rent at the same price as the picnic ,pavilion (i.e. $60). As upgrades to these facilities proceed; they will become more attractive and functional, and LSRCA anticipates increasing reservations of these facilities. After the period of initial re-invesunent has ended (anticipated in 2012), the fee structure will be revised to ensure that they remain at a level commensurate with similar- recreation areas elsewhere in the Golden Horseshoe, Similar revisions may occur upon the review of this business plan in 2014, and annually thereafter. S'hepj,rards Bush Conservation Area. Management floe J'ttge 39 -59- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 49 WINDFALL ECOLOGY CENTRE Business Plan The Windfall Ecology Centre is taking a leadership role in researching and fund raising for energy efficiency retrofits to the Sheppard family home. Funds they have raised from outside sources, as well as capital investments LSRCA will be making, will be earmarked to improve energy efficiency in the Sheppard family house. Similar contributions to upgrades to the large evaporator but and Pefferlaw, log cabin may help improve the suitability of those sites for public use. AURORA L1ON'S CLUB Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area has been home to an annual pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Aurora Lion's Club since the early 1970s, Over the years the Lion's have contributed a portion of these proceeds to LSRCA to support the operation of the conservation area, and were instrumental in building the picnic pavilion in 1978. The Lion's Chub may also be able to contribute to continued upgrades to the conservation area, including scheduled upgrades to the outbuildings, and in volunteer clean-up days. VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS Interested volunteers from the community may become available to assist LSRCA in hail stewardship, invasive species management, and semi-annual garbage cleanups. The Aurora Lions Club and Windfall Ecology Centre have committed to assisting with these events. S/mly ird's Bush Conservation Area Manag(,n7en1 Pdcrrr ]Wage 40 -60- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 50 Business flan Expenses Operational expenses at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area can be divided into' five broad categories: administration, programming, capital development, maintenance, and resource management (Figure 10). IpMaintenance o Capllal dovelopmenl ® Visilor services ®AdUni,trallon 2002 2003 2004 2005 2000 2007 Figure 10. Historic expenses at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, displayed by functional area, from 2002 — 2007. ADMINISTRATION Administration of Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area includes the general administrative duties that support and enhance the operations of the conservation area, including communication and marketing, hwnan resource management, budget formulation and tracking, and oversight of procurement and contracting activities. This functional area also includes payment of municipal property tuxes. Priorities for this functional area include improved marketing of the conservation area and a review of the management plan and business plan in 2013. The major cost in this functional group however is the municipal property taxes, which will continue to be the case for tho five year operational period (Table 4). Sheppard's B uYh Conservation Area Management flan Page 41 -61- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 51 Business flan Table 4. Projected expenses to achieve administrative needs identified in the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area management plan, for the period 2009 - 2013 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total S FTE- $ FTC S FTC $ FTE $ FTE S 3\p,0?{hlslr0l on .., �.1k �, s ,. ., Plan evaluation and review $5,000 0.25 $5.000 Facility reservaflons 0.01 0,01 0.01 0.01 0.01 s0 property taxes $10,500 $11.000 $11,600 $12,200 VV00 $57,900 Improved marketing $3,000 0.13 $250 $230 $260 Son S4,000 Donation box $3M 0.01 SSWEnforcomenl $2,000 0.10 $2,000 0.10 $2.000 0.10 $2.000 0.10 $2.000 SAO $10,e00 Total Adnim $16,800 0,25 $13.250 0-11 $13,750 0.11 $14,450 0.11 $18,960 0.36 $77,200 PROGRAMMING Until 2005 the Programming functional area included art annual maple syrup program; however the program was ultimately cancelled as it consistently operated at a loss. Currently, programming at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area is primarily provided in partnership with the 'Town, and include a conservation -focused. summer camp, the Halloween Haunted Forest, and Doors Open Aurora. Priorities for this functional area include re-establishing it demonstration maple syrup program and additional nature -based programming, and establishing a series of volunteer days (Table 5). In the past, the workload associated with this functional group was handled by LSRCA staff, however in the future, partnerships will become very important in achieving programming goals. LSRCA will continue to provide the venue for public programs, but will continue to rely on partnerships with the Town of Aurora or other outside service providers to provide some of this programming. LSRCA will also continue to examine opportunities to deliver programs directly. The Sheppard House tenants are art example of such a partnership. Windfall Ecology Centre has a series of workshops planned to share their experiences in retrofitting heritage homes and the STORM coalition provides programs for school children on moraine ecology and appreciation. Similarly, Aurora's Environmental Advisory Committee is developing a program to promote environmental leadership in York Region high school students. The facilities at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area provide a centralized location for programs such as these. Table 5. Projected expenses to achieve programming needs identified in the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area management plan, for the period 2009 - 2013 2009 2.010 2011 2012 2013 $ FTE $ FTE $ FTE $ FTENature programs $260 0.02 $250 0.02 $260002 $260 002 $290 0,02Maple t$6,650 Fast $100 0.02 $400 0.02 $200 0.02 $200 0.02 $200 0.02volmdoerdays SSW 0.04 $600 0.04 $600 0.04 S600 0.04 SSW 0.04Total programming $1,250 0.09 $1,250 0.09 $1.050 0o9 $1,050 0.09 $1,050 0.09 CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT Investments in capital development at Sheppard's Bush have increased in recent years, as existing infrastructure ages and repairs or replacement become necessary. Much of the investment has been in improvements and Shepr>crr^el's Bush Conse.-rvalioa Area ianagement Plan Page 42 -62- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 52 Business Plan upgrades to the small and large houses on the property, however in 2008 a much needed repair to the roof of the. picnic pavilion was completed. Priorities for capital development in the period 2009 -- 2013 include upgrading the outhouse, log cabin, large evaporator but, and Sheppard house, as well as potential additions to the property of a second log cabin and a community heritage garden, and revision to the signage (Table 6). All new capital development will be, designed and constructed to meet the standards of the Accessibility for Oniarians with Disabilities Act as they become available. Upgrades to broaden the functionality of the evaporator but include replacing the existing windows with units which will open to allow cross ventilation, replacing the ventilation shutters from the evaporator with windows to increase natural light, improving the lighting and electrical system, adding locking storage units, adding a subnoor to the woodshed, replacing the door between evaporator but and woodshed, and purchasing collapsible tables and chairs. Upgrades to the Pefferlaw log cabin include: replacing the existing windows with units which will open to allow cross ventilation, insulating the floor, replacing the existing fluorescent lights and replacing the ceiling. If interest dictates and resources permit, LSRCA and its partners may examine Opportunities to improve heating in tine Pefferlaw log cabin. �As part of the lease agreement for the Sheppard family house, the tenants and LSRCA have committed to investing in capital upgrades, including upgrades which will improve its energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. As an initial step in this process, Windfall Ecology Centre commissioned a study to determine the best way to address these issues, and have identified a number of projects ranging from increased insulation to the development of geothermal heating, As owner of the property, oHT will have the right to approve any such repairs or alterations prior to their implementation. In addition to the above, LSRCA will undertake a major rehabilitation to the trail system at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area (Fig. 11), Over the course of the five year operational period, LSRCA will close and rehabilitate tine non -sanctioned trails through the forest and rationalize the official trail network to provide a combination of high -use major trails and lower use minor trails, while reducing the total number of trails at the conservation area. This rehabilitation program will be phased in over a number of years to reduce impacts on conservation area users. Development to new and upgrades to existing facilities will be undertaken or supervised by Field Services staff. Funding to support capital improvements will come in part from LSRCA and in part from its partners. Upgrades to the Sheppard House particularly will be supported by funds raised by Windfall Ecology Centre. as part of their demonstration of energy efficiency retrofits to heritage buildings. Similarly, upgrades to the outbuildings may be supported by funds raised by Windfall Ecology Centre as well as by the Aurora Lions Club and other community partners. Shelvard's Bush C'onsernutivra Area Management Plan Page 43 -63- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 53 Table 6. Projected expenses to achieve capital development needs identified in the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area management plan, for the period 2009 - 2013 j 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 I tail conslrucuon, repair $500 0.10 $300 Head of Trails $6,000 mW Benches $600 Evaporator but $4,000 0,01 $9,000 Log cabin $3,500 Patch mlocatio0 0,04 Lawn $6.000 Community bo01a0e garden Capital reserve fund $14,700 $12,100 Total Capital development $26,200 0.22 $31,500 11.U3 $11POO 0.10 $5.400 0.06 0.20 $600 0.20 $6W 0.20 0.01 $2,500 0.01 man $500 0.09 $3.000 $6,900 $14,900 $19,050 0.36 $22,500 0.31 $20,900 0.25 $19,050 Business Plan $1 MAINTENANCE The maintenance functional area at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area includes all activities that prolong the lives of the conservation area's diverse assets. These activities include repair work, preventive maintenance, and general upkeep of the grounds and trails. Since 2004 much of the general Upkeep to the conservation area, including maintenance of lawns, trails, and parking lots has been provided by the Town of Aurora under an Agreement with LSRCA on an in -kind basis. LSRCA's maintenance priorities for the period 2009 - 2013 include periodic property inspections for trail condition, litter, invasive species, hazard trees, and boundary encroachments (Table 7), Where necessary LSRCA, in partnership with the Aurora Lion's Club, Windfall Ecology Centre and Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition, will coordinate volunteer work days in April and October to remove accumulated garbage from tine trails and forest. Table 7. Projected expenses to achieve maintenance needs identified in the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area management plan, for the period 2009 - 2013 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total ,», $ FTE S FTE 5 FTE $ FTE g FTF $ :Main100ence.. , Property inapeadmis EO 0.01 $0 0.01 S0 0.01 $0 0.01 $,0 001 $0 Fence repair $1.200 0.01 $1,200 Hazard Iree removal 0.02 0.02 0.02 002 0.02 W Wood pile reduction 0.03 Washroom manlonence 0.04 0.04 0,04 004 0.04 so $0 Grounds and trail maintenance $7.000 $7,000 $7,000 $7.000 $7,000 $35,000 Inlreslructuremaintenance .32,000 $2.100 $2,200 $2,300 $2,400 $11,000 Total Maintenance $9,000 0.10 $10,300 0,00 $9,200 0.07 $9,300 0.97 $%400 0.07 547,200 ,Wieppard's Bush C'onsernalion Area Munagefnery Pion Page 44 -64- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2.- 54 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 55 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Business Plem The Resource Management functional area refers to the management of natural heritage features in the conservation area. Activities include inventory and monitoring of native and non-native plant and animal species, forest management and the conservation and restoration of wildlife habitat where appropriate. Current environmental monitoring will be ongoing, and will be supplemented with additional terrestrial wildlife monitoring. Volunteer work clays will also be coordinated to help control the spread of aggressive invasive species and reduce the amount of garbage deposited in the forest This functional area uses various permanent and seasonal technical staff of the Authority to meet the diverse workload requirements. The additional workload will also be accomplished with LSRCA technical staff with assistance from interested volunteers where available, coordinated by the Conservation Lands Planner or Director of Conservation Lands. Where necessary LSRCA, in partnership with Clio Aurora Lion's Club, Windfall Ecology Centre and Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition, will coordinate volunteer work days in May and August to control widespread aggressive invasive plant species. ShkpPara" sy Bush Conservation Area Alfonagemew Plar1 Page 46 -66- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 277 2009 ITEM #2 - 56 Business Plan implementation schedule" Z009 Administration Property taxes • Continue to pay municipal property taxes • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible to ensure taxes pair! • Estimated cost: $10,500 • Funding Source: facility rentals (100%) Improved marketing • Develop and print a Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area trail map brochure • The Conservation Lands Planner and Corporate Communications will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $3000 • Funding source: Town of Aurora (50%), event revenues (50%) Donation box • Construct donation boxes for die Industry St parking lot • Field services will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $300 • Funding source: Town of Aurora (100%) Pro9ammia support programming at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area • Rent portable outhouses for events provided by outside service providers • Additional misc. expenses , • The Conservation Lands Administrative Assistant will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $650 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Volunteer workdays • Provide refreshments, gloves, garbage bags, etc • Garbage removal (April, Oct) • Invasive species removal (May, Aug) • The Conservation Planner will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $600 • Funding source: event revenues 0 00%) 0 Expenses related to materials and staffing have been treated as separate items. Staffing needs suuamarized on an annual basis _M _ Shepp aril's Bush Conservation Area.NCanogernent Plan Page 47 -67- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 57 Business Plan Capital development Trail upgrades • 'Install interpretive kiosks in parking lots on Industry St and Industrial Pkwy • Closure of two problematic minor trails and numerous orphaned trails and creation of two preferable minor trails (Fig 11) • Field services will be responsible for achieving this objective, with assistance from Conservation Lands Planner and Corporate Communications • Estimated cost: $6500 • Funding source: Town of Aurora (100%) Outbuilding upgrades • Add folding tables and chairs and storage cabinets to evaporator but • Field services will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost $4000 • Funding source: facility rentals (75%), Aurora Lions Club (25%) Petelr log cabin • Assess feasibility of relocating Petch log cabin to the conservation area • Director of Conservation Lands will responsible for achieving this _objective • Funding source: Town of Aurora and development proponent Capital reserve fund • Transfer to a reserve fund for long-term capital maintenance expenses • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $14,700 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) Maintenanee Grounds and trail maintenance • Annual workload to maintain trails, lawns and parking lots • Town of Aurora provides this service on an in -kind basis • Estimated value: $7000 Capital maintenance • Annual workload to maintain capital assets • Field Services will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $2000 • Funding source: facilityrentals (100%) Staffing requirements • Field services: 0.3 FTE (2008 complement 0.0 FTE) • Conservation lands planner: 0.2 FTE (2008 complement 0.3 hfE) • Director of Conservation Lands: 0.1 FTE (2008 complement 0.0 FTE) • Enforcement officer: 0.1 FTE (2008 complement 0.0 FTE) Slaefalmard's Burh. Conservation Area Management Plan Page 48 -68- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - ss _. aolo Administratiort Property taxes • Continue to pay municipal property taxes • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible to ensure taxes paid • Estimated cost: $11,000 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) Marketing • Reprint Sheppard's Bosh Conservation Area trail map as necessary • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible i'or achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $250 • Funding source: Town of Aurora (100%) Programming Business Plan Support programming at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area • Rent portable outhouses for events provided by outside service providers • Additional raise. expenses • The Conservation Lands Administrative Assistant will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $650 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Volunteer work days • Provide refreshments, gloves, garbage bags, etc • Garbage removal (April, Oct) • Invasive species removal (May, Aug) • The Conservation Planner will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $600 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Capital develownett Trail upgrades • Closure of three problematic minor trails (Fig 1 1) • Install 2 benches near evaporator but • Field services will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $900 • Funding source: Town of Aurora (100%) Shq)1 n•d's Rush (.,'onservatronArect 114an09elneill Pkrn Page 49 -69- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 59 Business Plan Outbuilding upgrades • Replace windows in log cabin and evaporator but • Add skylight to evaporator but • Insulate floor in log cabin and install wood stove • Field services will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $12,500 • Funding source: Windfall ecology centre (96%), event revenues (4%) Petch log cabin • Establish lawn in gravel area in front of Petch cabin • Field services will responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $6000 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) Capital reserve fund • Transfer to a reserve fund for long-term capital maintenance expenses • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $12,100 • Funding source: facility rentals (80%), event revenues (10%), Town of Aurora (10%) Maintenance Fence repair • Repair holes in fence along north side of property • Field services will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $1200 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) Grounds and trail maintenance • Annual workload to maintain trails, lawns and parking lots • Town ofAiuora provides this service on an in -kind basis • Estimated value: $7000 Capital maintenance • Annual workload to maintain capital assets • Field Services will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $2100 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) Staffing regtiremwits • Field services: 0.3 FTE • Conservation lands planner: 0.1 FTL • Director of Conservation Lands: 0.1 FTL • Enforcement officer: 0.1FTE Shepparri's Bush Conservation Area A9anagemem Plan Page 50 -70- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 60 '.2011 Administration Property taxes • Continue to pay municipal property taxes • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible to ensure taxes paid • Estimated cost: $11,500 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) Marketing • Reprint Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area trail map as necessary • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $250 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Programtning Snpport programming at Sheppard's Bash Conservation Area • Misc. expenses to support programming • The Conservation Planner will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $450 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Volunteer work days • Provide refreshments, gloves, garbage bags, etc • Garbage removal (April, Oct) • lavasive species removal (May, Aug) • The Conservation Planner will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $600 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Capital develolment Trail upgrades • Closure of two major and one minor trails (Fig 11) • Install two benches overlooking HollandRiverravine • Field services will be responsible'for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $9600 • Funding somco: facility rentals (50%), Town of Aurora (50%) Outbuilding upgrades • Improve lighting and wiring in evaporator but and log cabin Business Piun Shel)l)arct's Bush Criruervalion 111-ea Managernew Plan Pugge 51 -71- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 61 • Put subtloor in evaporator but woodshed • Field services will be responsible for achieving.this objective • Estimated cost: $3000 • Funding source: facility rentals (1.00%) Business Plan Comrmmity heritage garden • Partner with the community to establish a heritage garden • Install shed, faucet, work up ground • Field services and the Conservation lands planter will be responsible for achieving this objective • ,Estimated cost: $3000 • funding source: facility rentals (50%), event revenues (50%) Capital reserve fund • Transfer to a reserve fund for long-term capital maintenance expenses • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $6,900 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) Maintenance Grounds and trail maintenance • Annual workload to maintain trails, lawns and parking lots • Town of Aurora provides this service on an in -kind basis • Estimated value: $7000 Capital maintenance • Annual workload to maintain capital assets • Field Services will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $2200 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) Staffing requirements • Field services: 0.2 FTE • Conservation lands planner: 0.1 FTE • Enforcement officer: 0.1 FTE 2012 Administration Property taxes • Continue to pay municipal property taxes • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible to ensure taxes paid • Estimated cost: $12,200 Shyl,m d's Bush Conservation Area Manageunent P1mi Page 52 -72- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 62 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) marketing • Reprint Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area trail map as necessary • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $250 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Programmin>Y Business Plan Support programming at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area • MISC. expenses to support programming • The Conservation Lands Administrative Assistant will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $450 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Volunteer work days • Provide refreshments, gloves, garbage bags, etc • Garbage removal (April, Oct) • Invasive species removal (May, Aug) • The Conservation Planner will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $600 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Capital development Trail upgrades • Closure of two major trails (Fig 11) • lostall two benches along recreational trails • Field services will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $6,000 • Funding source: Town of Aurora (60%), event revenues (30%), facility rentals (10%) Capital reserve fund • Transfer to a reserve fund for long-term capital maintenance expenses • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $14,900 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) Maintenance Grounds and trail maintenance • Annual workload to maintain trails, lawns and parking lots • Town of Aurora provides this service on an in -kind basis • Estimated value: $7000 Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Page 53 73 - COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 63 Capital maintenance • Annual workload to maintain capital assets • Field Services will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $2300 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) Staffitra requirements • Field services: 0.1 FTE • Conservation lands planner: 0.1 FTF, • Enforcement officer: 0.1 FTr•, 2013 Administration Property taxes • Continue to pay municipal property taxes • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible to ensure taxes paid • Estimated cost: $12,700 • Funding source: facility rentals (100%) Marketing • Reprint Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area trail map as necessary • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $250 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Business Plan Plan evaluation and review • Initiate 5 year review of management plan and business plan • Conservation Lands Planner will be responsible for achieving this objective, with assistance from Director of Conservation Lauds, and Field Services • Estimated cost; $5000 • Funding source: municipal special capital (100%) prouralnrrtin Support prograrmuipg at Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area • Misc. expenses to support programming • The Conservation Lands Administrative Assistant will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $450 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Volunteer work days ' • Provide refreshments, gloves, garbage bags, etc Sh.epparri's .Bush Conservation Area Management Plan Page 54 -74- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - sa • Garbage removal (April, Oct) • lavasive species removal (May, Aug) • The Conservation Planner will be responsible far achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $600 • Funding source: event revenues (100%) Capital development Capital reserve fund • Transfer to a reserve fund for long-term capital maintenance expenses • Director of Conservation Lands will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $19,050 • Funding source: facility rentals (80%), Town of Aurora (13%), event revenues (7%) Maintenance Grounds and trail maintenance • Annual workload to maintain trails, lawns and parking lots • Town of Aurora provides this service on an in -kind basis • Estimated value: $7000 Capital maintenance • Annual workload to maintain capital assets • Field Services will be responsible for achieving this objective • Estimated cost: $2400 • Funding source: facility rentals (1A0%) Staffing requirements • Field services: 0.1 FTE • Conservation lands planner: 03 FTE • Director of Conservation Lands: 0.1 HE • Enforcement officer: 0.1 FTE Business Plan SheP7rard's Bush C'oiaservalion area Management Punt Page 55 -75- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 . ITEM #2 - 65 References Aurora Heritage Committee. 1985, Lk -place in time: Aurora's first r:entuty of settlement. Aurora heritage Committee, Aurora ON. Brown, D.M., G.A. McKay and L.7. Chapman. 1981..The climate of southern Ontario. Environment Canada, Atmospheric Enviromnent Service, Climatological Studies number 5. Ottawa, ON. Chapman, 1,.J. and Putnam, D.F. 1966. The ph siy olopy of southern Ontario(2nd cd . University of Toronto Press. Toronto, ON. Colombo, S..1., D.W. McKenney, K.M. Lawrence and P.A. Gray. 2007. Climate change projections for Ontario: practical information for policymakers and planners. Ontario Ministry ofNatural Resources, Applied Research and Development Branch. Climate Change Research Report CCRR-05. Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Environment Canada. 2007. Canadian Climate Norar als 1971-2000, Available online fit http://www.climate.weadicroffiQe.ee.gc.ca/clitnate_normalsh-estilts_e.litml Hoffman; D.W and Richards. N.R, 1955. Soil survey of York County. Ontario Soil Survey Report No, 19. Canada Department of Agriculture kind the Ontario Agricultural College. Johnston, J. 1963, Aurora: its earl�be�inning . Aurora Banner Publishing Company. Aurora ON. Lake Shncoe Region Conservation Authority, 2002, Client service survey report. Unpublished report Lake Simcoo Region Conservation Authority. 2008, Shoppard's Bush Conservation Area natural heritage inventory. Unpublished report:. Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. 2009. Hazard tree management strategy (draft) Milos & Co. 1878. LIlustrated Historical Atlas of the County_of York and the Township of )kres4 Gwrllimbur +Land own pf Bradford in the Count of4' Simcoe. Ont. Toronto, ON. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and housing. 2002. Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal. 2006. Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, Ordor-in-Council no. 1221/2006, Oak Ridges'rrail Association. 2006. The Oak Ridaes_Trail_Guidebook. Oak Ridges Trail Association. Aurora, ON. Sharma, C.A.2007. Forest user/use survey. Unpublished report prepared for Lake Simone Region Conservation Authority. South Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority. 1979. Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Master Plan. Town of Aurora. 1996. Town of Aurora Official Plan (October 1996 office consolidation). Urban Forest Associates Inc. 2002. Invasive Exotic Species Ranking for Southern Ontario Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area Htknagcment Plan Page 56 -76- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 2009 2010 - 2011 2012 2013 $ FTE S P7E $ F-TE $ FIE $ _ r1da1"5(SVAllblt __- $5,000 Plan ovalualion and revlm 001 901 001 0.01 Facility m orvalrons Fmpotlytaxes $10,500 $11,W0 $11,600 $12,200 SI2,7W Improvedme*.(.g $3,000 0.43 $250 $260 $2.50 $250 Dawtion box Eaforcoment $300 52,000 0.01 0,10 $2.000 0.10 $2,000 0,10 S2pm 0.10 $2.000 Total Admin $16,000 0,26 $13,260 I'm $13,760 0.11 $14,450 0.11 $101960 Natmfib1i6Yature pmQlaali9 N $2W 002 $250 002 $260 002. ;. $250 OW $2W Mapb Posl $600 0.02 $600 004 $200 0,04 $20D 0.02 $2W volunteer day. $250 0.09 $250 0.09 $OW 0.04 $ff00 0.00 $050 Teel iofel 7r0gramminfl 51,250 0.09 $1,260 0.09 $1,050 0.08 $1,060 OA9 $1,050 'Caps 0 - const etion, m Trallconswouon mpair $500 010 3300 OOE $0,W0 0.10 $5M1m 00S Head of l'ralle $6.000 0.07 Benches $6m 0.2D $600 0.20 $600 0.20 Evaporator tied $4,001) 0,01 $9,000 0.01 $2.500 0.01 Log Isom $3,500 0.01 $5W Patch relocation ON Lawn $6,WD O.W Community hedtago garden Capital reserve land t114,701) $12,100 $3.0m $019)o WON $19.050 Total CVIJ.l development $26,200 0.22 $31.500 0.36 $22,500 0,31 $20.000 0.26. $10,060 mante Prgmtty Inspections $0 0)i $0 0,01 v_ SO 0.01 $0 0.01 $0 FRltcempa$ $1,20 0,01, Hazard tree mmovol 0,02 0.02 0.02 0.02 Nmod pits roduetron 0,03 0,04 0.04 0,04 0.04 1Wasnroam maintenance ©rconds and last mainlonw. $Uoo $7,W0 $7,000 $7.000 $7,000 Infe4trucWro maintenance $2,wit $2,100 $2,200 $2.300 0.07 $2,400 $9,400 Total Maintenance - $9,000 0.10 $10,300 0.06 $9,200 0107 $0,300 Natural hedlage nwntorintp 002 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 $0 Total Resource Managsmont $0 0.02 $0 0.02 $0 002 $0 Total. $f?260., - 006 $56"mo O.W'. V6.500 0.60 _. $46,100 ' 0,64 $49450` Sheppard's Busla,Cnnscrl2atiavi Area ManagenentPCar$ -77- ITEM #2 - ss Appendix 1 Page 57 COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM #2 - 67 Appendix 11 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total, Qurord Lions CJOb Evaporator hut $1,000J $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,000 Total Aurora Lions Club $1,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,000 Nunical spec al=capital Plan evaluation and review $5,000 $5,000 Total Special Capital $0 $0 $0 $0 $5,000 $6,000 Property taxes $10,600 $11,000 $11,500 $12,200 $12,700 $57,900 Enforcement $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $10,000 Capital reserve fund $14,500 $9,700 $6,900 $14,900 $14,900 $60,900 Infrastructure maintenance $2,000 $2,100 $2,200 $2,300 $2,400 $11,000 Benches $600 $600 $1,200 Evaporator hut $3,000 $2,500 $5,500 Log cabin $500 $500 Lawn $6,000 $6,000 Fence repair $1,200 $1,200 Trail construction, repair $4,500 $4,500 Community heritage garden $1,300 $1,300 Total rent $32,000 $32,000 $32,000 $32,000 $32,000 $160,000 Tow,n,of Aurora Head of Trails $6,000 $6,000 Improved marketing $1,250 $250 $1,500 Donation box $300 $300 Trail construction, repair $500 $300 $4,500 $3,700 $9,000 Benches $600 $600 Maintenance (in -kind) $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $35,000 Capital reserve fund $200 $1,150 $2,450 $3,800 Total Town of Aurora $15,250 $9,300 $11,500 $10,700 $9,450 $56,200 Evaporator Log cabin Total WEC Nature programs Maple Fest Volunteer days Improved marketing Log cabin Community heritage garden Trail construction, repair Capital reserve fund Total event revenues Total`' $9,000 $9,000 $3,000 $3,000 $0 $12,000 $0 $0 $0 $12,000 $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $1,250 $400 $400 $200 $200 $200 $1,400 $600 $600 $600 $600 $600 $3,000 $1,750 $250 $250 $250 $2,500 $500 $500 $1,700 $1.700 $1,700 $1,700 $1,250 $1,700 $2,950 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $15,000 $51,250 $56,300 $46,500 $46,700 $49,4.60.1 $249 200 Sheppar d's Bush Conservation Area Management Plan page 58 -78- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # 3 -1 AUTk®RA . MEMORANDUM, TOWN OF AURORA Administration Date: October 27, 2009 To: Mayor and Members of Council From: Neil Garbe, Chief Administrative Officer Re: . Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Training for Council RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT this memorandum be received for information. THAT Council provide direction regarding the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act mandatory training. COMMENTS. The new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires the Town to provide mandatory AODA training to all town staff, volunteers, Mayor and Councillors and agents of the municipality in order to meet the January 1, 2010 compliance date. The Town's AODA training has been developed in collaboration with the Northern Six municipalities and is a combination of AODA specific information and sensitivity to customers with disabilities. The Town's Accessibility Advisor, Ivy Henriksen, is facilitating the training for Town staff. Council are invited to attend one of the three hour training sessions for staff which are being held throughout the months of October and November. The dates for these training sessions are as follows, namely: Morning Sessions 9:00a.m. to 12:00p m. Wednesday, October28, 2009 Tuesday, November 3, 2009 Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Thursday, November 5, 2009 Tuesday, November 10, 2009 -79- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 Auw3RA. yowre ur.gond co�xucy Morning Sessions {continued Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Thursday, November 19, 2009 Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Wednesday, November 25, 2009 Afternoon Sessions: 1:00pm - 4:00pm Thursday, November 12, 2009 Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Thursday, November 26, 2009 ITEM # 3 2. In the alternative, a one hour condensed version of the AODA training is being offered for Council. The training could occur at a Special Council meeting. Suggested dates could be November 10 or November 24. Neil Garbe, Chief Administrative Officer Ext. 4744 =80- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM # 4 -1 Motion tabled by Councillor Gaertner for consideration by Council (Notice of Motion was provided to Council at the October 13, 2009 meeting) Whereas; The Town of Aurora is committed to open and transparent government Whereas; In a recent anonymous advertisement administrative legal fees reported did not differentiate between advocacy fees and administrative contracted fees, thus portraying administrative legal contracted fees in the same category Therefore be it resolved that Council direct staff to: 1. Provide clarity by publishing the amount by year for 2000 to 2008 and sub -period Jan. 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009 in graph and/or pie-chartform for the advocacy fees incurred; 2. Provide costs incurred for the amounts for contracted solicitors retained during January 1, 2007 to July 1, 2009 to fill the temporary vacancy of Town Solicitor appropriately shown in a separate footnote; 3. Provide an additional footnote outlining the projected legal fees expected to be incurred up to and including December 31, 2009; 4. And further that; this information be published in the Notice Board and on the Town's website with an introduction at the earliest possible date. -81- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 ITEM .# 5-1 Motion tabled by Councillor Buck for consideration by Council (Notice of Motion was provided to Council at the September 29, 2009 meeting) Whereas: An invitation to partner with Neighbourhood Network is outstanding. And whereas: a quick scan of partners who have joined the organisation since its in indicates most. service organisations in the Town of Aurora have apparently agreed to be partners. And whereas; Networking obviously means providing connections between people who need services and volunteers prepared to provide for the needs in the community. And whereas; The Municipality is clearly an essential link between volunteers and services needed Now therefore be it hereby resolved, the Town of Aurora is pleased to accept the invitation from Neighbourhood Network to partner in this worthwhile endeavor. -82- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 York Regional Council Highlights - 1 AURORA. MEMORANDUM I Office of the Mayor Date: October 27, 2009 To: Members of Council cc: Neil Garbe, Chief Administrative Officer From: Mayor Phyllis Morris Re: York Regional Council Highlights - October 22, 2009 Mayor's Report The December meeting of York Regional Council will be held on Wednesday, December York Regional Council will hold its meeting in December one day earlier than originally scheduled as the Region welcomes the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Torch as it is carried through York Region. The December meeting of Regional Council will be held on Wednesday, December 161h, at 9:30 a.m. at the York Region Administrative Centre Council Chambers, located at 17250 Yonge Street in the Town of Newmarket. York Region to implement additional $1 million Ontario Works services for vulnerable people York Regional Council approved a plan to implement the new Ontario Works Enhanced Employment Services for Vulnerable Persons initiative. This initiative will enable York Region to provide enhanced services to support the needs of vulnerable social assistance recipients who have limited experience in the labour force and who have multiple barriers to employment. The program is funded by the Government of Ontario, which will provide $532,000 annually for two years. York Regional Council supports source water protection York Regional Council endorsed staff comments pertaining to implementation of the Clean Water Act, 2006. Staff will advocate for more funding needed to implement source water protection measures. Quarterly meetings will be held with local municipalities to share information as source protection plans are developed over the coming years. Economic and Development Review Mid -Year 2009 highlights Region's strengths The Regional Municipality of York today released its Economic and Development Review Mid - Year 2009, which provides information on regional development activity as well as economic and demographic trends. -83- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 York Regional Council Highlights .2 AuR_oRA ynw'reuo ynod co+ufxliry The review is a semi-annual report and analysis of several key economic and demographic indicators for York Region. Highlights include: • York Region's unemployment rate of 8.8 percent was lower than the Provincial and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) rates of 9.4 and 9.8 percent respectively and slightly higher than the Canadian rate of 8.4 per cent • York Region's estimated value of construction totalled $1.02 billion by mid -year 2009, the fourth highest in Canada • York Region's building permits issued during the first half of 2009 totalled 2,379, the fifth highest across Canada Despite a very slow start in the first quarter, 2009 remains among the top recorded years in residential resales (7,876 worth $3.37 billion) due to an increase in second quarter sales. To obtain copies of the Economic and Development Review Mid -Year 2009, please call York Region's Planning and Development Services Department at 905 895-1231, ext. 1550 or toll - free at 1 877 464-9675, or email strategicplanning0-york.ca An online version is available at www.york.ca under publications. York Region plans 2010 tourism marketing and development In partnership with the tourism industry, York Region will deliver a range of marketing and promotional initiatives throughout 2010 with the goal of attracting more visitors to the Region and encouraging tourism Industry stakeholders to work together to develop new products, tour packages and visitor services. Initiatives will include a.directmail campaign to residents, promotions at Toronto's Union Station and Viva Bus Terminals, a travel showcase at the York Region Administrative Centre, a media tour and a one -week York Region Tourism Week promotion to celebrate all that York Region has to offer visitors. In addition to the 2010 Tourism Marketing Program, York Regional Council approved two new initiatives, including the York Region Tourism Industry Partnership Development Program and the Long Term Tourism Destination Development Strategy 2009-2D19. This strategy will be released to the tourism industry at the Annual Tourism Industry Conference on November I& at the Tuscany Event Centre, 222 Edward Street in the Town of Aurora. York Region to expand waste electrical and electronics recycling York Region will expand the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Program offered by the Ontario Electronic Stewardship, a not -for -profit organization formed by retail, information technology and consumer electronic companies to manage electrical and electronic equipment waste under Ontario's Waste Diversion Act. Implemented in April, the first phase outlined the approved types of electronic waste that could be recycled at York Region depots, including desktop computers, portable computers, computer peripherals, monitors, televisions and printing device's. -84- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 27, 2009 York Regional Council Highlights - 3 Auk ,yow'r2Gc yood Casupwty Commencing April 1, 2010, the second phase will expand the types of materials that can be recycled at York Region depots to include modems, copiers, scanners, typewriters, telephones and accessories, cellular phones, PDAs and pagers, audio and video players, cameras, equalizers, amplifiers, radios, receivers, speakers, tuners, turntables, video players/projectors, video recorders and personal hand held computers. All materials are currently accepted for drop-off at all York Region depots, including the McCleary Court community Environmental Centre in Vaughan. Lists of retailers accepting electronic waste returns can be found at www.dowhatyoucan ca York Region began electronics recycling for residents in 2001 and to date, more than 2,500 tonnes of a -waste material has been diverted from landfill. Memorandum of Understanding approved for capital funding of hospitals York Regional Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide capital funding for York Region's hospitals — the future Vaughan Campus of Care in the City of Vaughan, York Central Hospital in the Town of Richmond Hill, Southlake Regional Health Centre in the Town of Newmarket and Markham Stouffville Hospital in the Town of Markham. The funding will help the Region's hospitals meet the needs of a growing population. The MOU includes the following measures: • York Region will provide $12 million annually to its hospitals for eligible capital construction costs from 2010 to 2031 • Funding is subject to each hospital making improvements in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) offload times, which is the time it takes for hospitals to assume care of patients transported by ambulance and allow the ambulance to return to service • The hospitals agree to support York Region's request that the Ontario Government restore Development Charges (one-time fees charged to the development industry) for hospital capital funding • York Region reserves the right to adjust its funding with one year's notice in response to changes such as funding becoming available to the hospitals from other sources and amendments to the Development Charges Act restoring hospital capital funding York Region to implement additional $1 million Ontario Works services for vulnerable people York Regional Council approved a plan to implement the new Ontario Works Enhanced Employment Services for Vulnerable Persons initiative. This initiative will enable York Region to Provide enhanced services to support the needs of vulnerable social assistance recipients who have limited experience in the labour force and who have multiple barriers to employment. The program is funded by the Government of Ontario, which will provide $532,000 annually for two years. -85- COUNCIL AGENDA - October 279 2009 York Regional Council Highlights - 4 AUIZQRA yof�-. 1r, good eorsfpw5V York Region provides inpyt to Ontario's long-term affordable housing strategy York Regional Council endorsed a detailed staff response to the Province of Ontario's consultation on its long-term affordable housing strategy that will guide social housing policy over the next 10 years. As the Service Manager for housing and homelessness programs, the Community and Health Services Department identified key priorities for the provincial strategy to support regional government in improving housing for low and moderate income households in York Region. The final strategy is slated for release in the spring of 2010. York Regional Council supports amendments to the proposed Lake Simcoe Protection Plan York Regional Council endorsed a report outlining the implications of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan and a proposal to apply for a grant to aid In the development of a York Region corporate phosphorus management strategy. The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan focuses on stringent controls for water pollution control plants, stormwater management, septic systems and construction activities, yet excludes opportunities for phosphorus reduction at a lower cost. York Region is advocating that phosphorous reduction must be pursued through a variety of means. Costs to reduce phosphorous at the Water Pollution Control Plants are disproportionate to the environmental benefits. York Region will advocate for funds to be directed toward more tangible ways of improving the health of Lake Simcoe. Next meeting of York Regional Council York Regional Council will meet on Thursday, November 191" at 9:30 a.m. at the York Region Administrative Centre Council Chambers, located at 17250 Yonge Street in the Town of Newmarket. Council Highlights compiled by: Tim Paleczny, Corporate Communications Specialist, York Region Phone: 905 830-4444, Ext. 1238, 416 297-9696 or Toll free 1 877 464-9675 Email., tim oalecznygc york.ce Res ectfully submitted for Councils information. Phyllis M. Morris Mayor 86 - COU A October 27, 2009 By-laws - 1 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AURORA By-law Number 51 M-09 BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting from Special Council Meeting 09-26 on October 27, 2009 THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AURORA HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: - 1. THAT the actions by Council at Its Special Council meeting held on October 27, 2009 in respect of each motion, resolution and other action passed and taken by the Council at the said meeting is, except where prior approval of. the Ontario Municipal Board is required, hereby adopted ratified and confirmed. 2. THAT the Mayor and the proper officers of the Town are hereby authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the said action or to obtain - - approvals where required and to execute all documents as may be necessary in. that behalf and the Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to affix the corporate seal to all such documents. READ A FIRSTAND SECOND TIME THIS 27' DAY OF OCTOBER, 2009. READ A THIRD TIME AND FINALLYPASSED .THIS 27m DAY OF OCTOBER, 2009. PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR CHRISTOPHER C. COOPER ACTING TOWN CLERK -87- ADDITIONAL ITEMS TABLED FOR COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, October 27, 2009 ➢ New Delegation a) — Ms Rosemary Park Re: Item 5 — Invitation to Partner with Neighbourhood Network ➢ New Item 6 - Memorandum from the Director of Corporate and Financial Services Re: Response to General Committee Request: Mr. Mestrinaro's Procurement Process Concern from GC October 20, 2009 ADDED ITEM Delegation (a) October 27, 2009 Attention: Mr. Christopher Cooper, Acting Town Clerk Dear Mr. Cooper, I would like to address Council this evening, pertaining to Item 5 on the agenda, "Motion tabled by Councillor Buck — Re: Invitation to Partner with Neighbourhood Network" and the duplication of services with Information Aurora. Please advise whether my request has been approved for tonight. �c nary Park ation Aurora Auk Yowmi! good compoxy MEMORANDUM ADDED ITEM ITEM #6 Director of Corporate and Financial Services Department Date: October 27, 2009 To: Mayor Morris, Members of Council Cc: Town Clerk Neil Garbe, CAO From: Dan Elliott, Director of Corporate and Financial Services - Treasurer Re: Response to General Committee Request: Mr. Mestrinaro's Procurement Process Concern from GC October 20, 2009 The Bid Call Bid LS2009-90 closed September 29, 2009 and called for the fabrication and delivery of bleachers for the Leisure Services Department. The call offered the opportunity to provide unit pricing for fewer_than 10 units, as well as unit pricing for 10 or more units. The Specific Requirements at Issue The Supplier must be certified to CSA standard W47.1 Certification of Companies for fusion welding of steel in Division 2 by the Canadian Welders Bureau (CWB). The Supplier must include in their bid package proof of certification by way of "letter of validation" from the CWB. Mr. Mestrinaro's Response The Town received three bids on time, and one bid was received late. The late bid Was rejected immediately and returned to the bidder unopened. Mr. Mestrinaro's bid was opened with the others. No anomalies were initially noted. The three bids were scanned to electronic format, and sent to the client department electronically for review. It was at this stage that the client department identified the imbedded requirement to provide the certification, and asked whether Mr. Mestrinaro's firm, Simcoe Fluid Power, had provided same. In addition to that issue, the client department requested purchasing to clarify with the bidder their familiarity with the building code requirements for the construction of these bleachers. Staff Action Taken Staff double checked the retained envelope for the certificate and found nothing remaining in the envelope. Staff called Mr. Mestrinaro, and asked the client department questions, as well as asking about the certificate. Staff were advised at that time, AURORA together by way of an email, that he had not yet determined the subcontractor he would use to complete the job. He later provided an email, with a certificate from a subcontractor he has used in the past, but in the email, confirmed again that he had not yet selected his subcontractor for the subject contract. Prior to finalizing a decision with respect to the compliance of the Simcoe Fluid Power bid, staff reviewed the documentation and actions to date with the Town's Legal Department. A written opinion was received that the bid did not comply with the call requirements. It should be reinforced that Simcoe Fluid Power, as the supplier, does not hold the required certifications of the bid call. Mr. Mestrinaro now insists that the mandatory certification of a subcontractor was included with his bid package. The Outcome of the Bid Call The bidder failed to provide the mandatory welding certification with the bid response, as specifically required in the call documents. The bid was disqualified on this basis, and the contract awarded to the successful bidder. Staff do not believe that Simcoe Fluid Power is certified itself, but was intending to utilize a subcontractor. Based on the pricing included in the Simcoe Fluid Power bid, his pricing was lowest on the unit prices for more than 10 units, but not the lowest price on less than 10 units. The client department did not have sufficient approved budget funding to purchase 10 or more units, and accordingly, this vendor would not have been awarded the contract to provide less than 10 units. Lesson's Learned The Town's procurement by-law is presently under review. Staff will take this experience and the comments received, and examine if there are opportunities to improve the Town's processes or clarify the text of the by-law. Respectfully submitted as requested by General Committee, Dan Elliott Director of Corporate & Financial Services