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2001/10/153) MEETING Monday, October 15, 2001 From 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B Approval of the 2001 10 01 Community Services Committee Minutes REPORTS: MW-2001-143 - Union Marsh Municipal Drain- Boyd Drain Status Report R-2001-42 - Advance Payment for Ice Rental Staff Contact: Ed Dujlovic Adele Kon DEPUTATION: Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association - Concession Stands Carl Bray - R-2001-43 - Lundy's Lane Battlefield Landscape Plan Joe Longo - Niagara Falls Public Library Presentation for Ontario Public Library Week COMMUNICATION: OH CANADA EH?!- Dinner Theatre request a donation of $500.00 (table of 10) for Project Maple Leaf to pay tribute to the firefighters, police and paramedics who died on September 11, 2001 saving others. 5) ADJOURNMENT: MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, October 1, 2001, CITY HALL, ROOM 2 AT 4:15 P.M. PRE/ENT: ,~BJENT: /T~FF: PREFJ': Chairperson Victor Pietrangelo, Mayor Wayne Thomson, Alderman Wayne Campbell, Alderman Shirley Fisher, Alderman Gary Hendershot, Alderman Ken Feren, Alderman Janice Wing, Alderman Norm Puttick, Alderman SelMa Volpatti, Alderman Klm Craitor, Alderman Carolynn Ioannoni, Alderman Judy Orr, Alderman Art Federow Ed Lustig John MacDonald, Ed Dujlovic, Woody Wagg, Adele Kon, Tony Ravenda, Ken Burden, Barney Ruddell, Ray Kallio, Marianne Tikky (Steno) Mr. Corey Larocque - Niagara Falls Review, Bob McGregor (CHRE) 1) MINUTEF IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN HENDERSHOT, seconded by Alderman Craitor, that the minutes of the September 10, 2001 Community Services Committee Meeting be approved. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 01 2) REPORT J* a) FS-2001-04 - N.V.R.P. Termination IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Fisher, that this report be received for the information of Council. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 01 Community Services Committee 2 b) FS-2001-05 - Purchase of Pumper Truck 2001 10 Ol IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Fisher, that Council authorize the purchase of a Pumper Truck at a cost of $187,859.00 plus taxes. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 01 c) MW-2001-127 - Shriner's Creek Review Study IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN VOLPATTI, seconded by Alderman Fisher, that the City agrees to participate in a joint project with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to study the impacts of development on the Shriner's Creek and to share in the cost of this Review. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 01 d) R-2001-38 - Concession Operations in City Arenas Alderman Puttick advised Council that Niagara Falls is unusual among Municipalities for letting an outside group run the Concession Stands at City owned facilities. Mayor Thomson advised Council that he is waiting for the final report from the ADHOC Committee and has received several complaints from residents about the concession stands not operating. Mayor Thomson recommended that City staff run the concession stands in the interim. Alderman Volpatti voiced her concerns to Council regarding what the effects of taking revenue away from minor hockey would have on the children's registration fees. Alderman Volpatti is hesitant to take revenue from any nonprofit organization. John MacDonald stated for the information of Council that if the City runs the concession stands in the interim we must still purchase or lease the equipment from the Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association. Alderman Federow advised Council that the financial issues raised tonight will be addressed in the final ADHOC report. Alderman Federow could not support Alderman Fishers motion to be fair to the other organizations that use the arenas. Community Services Committee 3 2001 I 00I It was moved by Alderman Fisher, seconded by Alderman Volpatti, that the Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association operates the Stamford Memorial Arena Concession Stands for one year. Motion: Defeated with a 10-3 vote Following further discussion, it was ORDERED on the motion of MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Feren, that City staff run the concession stands in the interim and meet with Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association to discuss the particulars. Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 01 3) COMMUNICATION: a) Club ltalia Soccer Field IT WAS MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Hendershot, that the City provides staff and equipment to assist in the preparation of the Club Italia Soccer Field. Motion: Conflict: Action: Carried Alderman Volpatti Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 4) NEW BUJIN EJ'.I': a) Alderman Fisher requested staff prepare a report on Ushers Creek for the information of Council. b) Alderman Ioannoni advised Council that local businesses and residents have complained about prostitutes using the heavy foliage at the top of the hill at Coronation Park to conduct business and are leaving used contraceptives and wrappers all around the area. Alderman Ioannoni requested staff remove the shrubs and trees from the top of the hill at Coronation Park. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN IOANNONI, seconded by Alderman Wing, that staff remove shrubs and trees from the top of the hill of Coronation Park bordering the Redmond Property and the Scotsman Motel. Community Services Committee 4 2001 10 O1 Motion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 01 c) Alderman Puttick questioned staff on the status of the report dealing with Cemetery Entrance Closures. Adele Kon advised Council that the report will be coming soon to Council. Alderman Puttick requested staff provide a verbal report for the information of Council. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN PUTTICK, seconded by Alderman Ioannoni, that staff prepare a verbal report to Council on the procedure for closing the entrance ways to the Cemetery after dusk. If the entrance ways cannot be closed, staff will prepare a wrRten report and present to Council. Mo'tion: Action: Carried Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 01 e) Alderman Hendershot questioned staff as to the availability of Baseball Diamonds. The City is turning tournament teams away and the money that goes with them due to the lack of availability of Baseball Diamonds. Alderman Hendershot further questioned staff on the future availability and plans with the District School Board of Niagara. IT WAS MOVED BY ALDERMAN HENDERSHOT, seconded by Mayor Thomson, that staff investigate the availability and future plans with the District School Board of Niagara regarding Baseball Diamonds. Motion: Colfflict: Action: Carried Alderman Pietrangelo Alderman Campbell Recommendation submitted to Council 2001 10 01 5) ADJOURNMENT: MEETING WAS ADJOURNED MOVED BY MAYOR THOMSON, seconded by Alderman Campbell at 4:48 p.m. Niagara Falls Community Services Department Municipal Works 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng. Director MW-200t-143 October 15, 2001 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of the Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re-' MW-2001-143 Union Marsh Municipal Drain - Boyd Drain Status Report RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that this report be received for information. BACKGROUND: Mmficipal Works staff is working on a comprehensive strategy to coordinate the timely maintenance of the rural drains in our municipality. A program for drain maintenance was initiated in 1987 under the iDrainage Act and staff have been including various projects in the Capital Forecast on an as required basis. Recent works on Ussher's Creek by the Niagara Parks Commission through the Legends of Niagara Golf Course and the recommendations evolving from the Willoughby Land Use Study are raising concerns about the impacts on the Union Marsh Drain and Boyd Drain. While operations staff have not had to respond to extensive problems in this area, it would be prudent for the municipality to advance the study and design phases of these watercourses so that any environmental impacts and physical constraints can be identified prior to the onset of any further development. An estimate of the study costs due to fish habitat and environmental issues may be as much as $80,000. Staffis recommending that we regard this project as our next rural drain and give it due consideration in the 2002 budget deliberations. Attached for your reference is a sketch of the subject drains. WorMng Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works Fire Services Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development · Building and By-Laws 2001-10-15 -2- MW-2001-143 Council's concurrence with the above recommendations would be appreciated. Prepared by: ]~ Geoff~olman, C.E.T. Mmaager of Development Recommended by: Ed Dujlovic, P.Eng. Director of Municipal Works Respectfully Submitted by: Edward P. Lustig ~/ Chief Administrative OiTmer~ Approved by: ,,cutive Director of Community Services # Community Services Department Parks, Recreation & Culture r lhe City of ~1~, 7565 Lundy's Lane ~1~.. Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1(39 Niagara Falls web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Cana~~I~~~' Tel: (905) 356-7521 ~ I - Fax: (905)356-7404 E-mail: akon~city.niagarafalls.on.ca Adele Ken Director R-2001-42 October 15, 2001 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and iMembers of Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: RECOMMENDATION: Re: R-2001-42 Advance Payment for Ice Rental That staff continues to follow established invoicing procedures for all ice users. BACKGROUND: At the October 1st meeting, Council directed staffto investigate the feasibility ofrequir/ng Niagara Falls Minor Hockey to pay in advance for their ice rental. The issue was raised because of the cost of the pending lawsuit which may impact Minor Hockey's ability to pay the City for their ice rental. The City's current practice with alt sports groups is to invoice them monthly based on the actual hours used in the preceding month. This is a well-established practice and is accepted by all our groups. From a staff perspective, the invoicing procedure has worked well. Changes to the regular ice schedule for all our groups occurs pr/madly due to City approved tournaments and special events. If we required payment in advance, we would have to maintain a ledger to either provide a credit or request additional payment whenever the hours changed. As previously mentioned, the changes are often as a result of City approved toumaments and special events over which the groups including Minor Hockey have no control. For the 2000-01 fall/winter ice season, Minor Hockey was invoiced on a monthly basis and their invoices totalled $240,280.81 for both their regular season ice allocation and for tournaments. Staff is of the understanding the Niagara Falls Minor Hockey has substantial funds on reserve to meet their financial commitment for the 2001-02 hockey season, and therefore, they should not pose a financial risk. Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works Fire Sen/ices Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development R-2001-42 - 2 - October 15, 2001 Recommended by: Adele Kon Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture o pproved by: /~ MacDonald Executive Director of Community Services AK:das S:~Council\Coun¢i12001~R-2001-42.wpd Respectfully Submitted: Community Services Department Parks, Recreation & Culture .The City of =~,~,~' ~. 7565 Lundy's Lane ~1~ Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1G9 Niagara Falls web site:www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca  Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-7404 E-mail:akon@city.niagarafalls.on.ca Adele Ken Director R-2001-43 October 15, 2001 Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson and Members of Community Services Committee City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: R-2001-43 Lundy's Lane Battlefield Landscape Plan RECOMMENDATION: That 'the landscape plan be approved and that thedevelopments be referred to the budget process. BACKGROUND: Carl Bray will be in attendance to present his Landscape Plan. Approximately a year ago, Members of Council reviewed the Lundy's Lane Battlefield Landscape Plan prepared by Carl Bray and directed staff to obtain public input on the plan and report back to Council. Staff presented the plan to the following, listed in a chronological order. The Executive Members of the Lundy's Lane B IA The Congregation of the Lundy's Lane Presbyterian Church The Friends of Stamford Village An advertised Public Meeting held at Lundy's Lane United Church The Niagara Falls Kiwanis (Ladies Luncheon) The Lundy's Lane Historical Society ~ The Local Architectural Conservancy Association of Canada (LACAC - City Committee) The Hydro Pensioners The Stamford Kiwanis The Executive of the Parent Association for Battlefield School The Arts & Culture Commission The Board of Museums The Niagara Heritage Festival Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works Fire Services Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development Friends of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield Ontario Corporation Number 1266886 A public foundation affiliated with The Ontario Historical Society Revenue Canada Charitable Registration Number 86983 1396 RRO001 c/o 601 8 Barker Street, Niagara Falls, ON L~.G 1Y4 Phone: (905) ~$8-9776 Webslte: www, battleoflundyslane.com emall: age,niagara,:om 14 August 2000 Adele Kan. Director Parks, Recreation & Culture CIIy of Niagara Falls 7565 Lundy's Lone Niagara Foils, ON L2H 1G9 Re: Prepay, ed Landscaping Master Man Dear Adele, Our entire Executive Commltlee, plus several members possessing an In-depth knowledge of the area, have reviewed the proposed Landscaping Masler Plan being prepared under our Canada MIIlennlurn Partnership Project. We offer the following comments at Ibis time and requesl that these ac¢ornpany all future circulations of the proposed Landscaping Master Plan. On behalf of the Executive Commlltee, Friends of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield Comments on Proposed Landscaping/Viaster Plan -- August 2000 Parking and Bus Accommodation: The Executive Committee is unamlnously opposed Io the proposals involving parking and a bus turnarouri~l on the former Holman land and Buchner Place being used os Ingress q_o.d egress for the site, The Commlltee feels that It would be sacrilege Io put parking and driveways on the former Holman land, which wes preserved because it was lhe last ' undeveloped piece of battlefield. Such uses would def,e, al the purpose of having preserved that land. We note that the report prepared for Miller O Dell Planning Consultants by Archaeological Serlces Inc, {1994), enlitled 'An Historical and archaeological Assessment of Proposed Townhouse Complex ...' concludes: ... It Is recommended that every efforl be made to preserve the property in its nalural stale. This properly Is the last remaining, undeveloped part of the land on which the batlle of Lundy',s. Lane occurred, and represents a monument to one of the bloodiest and most significant baffles of the war of 1812, The Executive Committee wishes It to be known that the proposed parking and bus turnaround are totally unacceptable, and that It is adamantly opposed to such uses, even as temporary measure. Such uses would also run counter to our mission statemenl: To promote the preservatit)n of the Lundy's /.one Baffiefield lands for future generations, and Increase public awareness of their historical significance. The proposed landscaping plans for the Lundy's Lane Battlefield are being paid for and compleled under the ,auspices of our Canada Millennium Porlnership Proled agreement. We do not wish Io continue any further wllh the present suggested uses for the former Holman Land, and must insist that the Landscape Archilect drop these proposals forthwith, fi.he fountain proposal, alone and in itself, raised no obiedions. It Is Intended to symbolize the central themes of peace and reconclllatlon, as the Master Plan recommends and which we heartily endorse. I A great deal of Executive Committee discussion centered on possible parking/bus accommodation alternatives. The proposal that shuttle buses (from the NPC's Rapldsvit~-w parking lot, or other locations) be used was not dlscounled as o possible solution for some of the expected traffic to the site. A possible partnership with the operators of the present peak-season Lundy's Lane-central tourist dlstrld shuffle service was suggested. It was naiad that traffic problems in area are already increasing and additional traffic is hal needed. A shutlle service may help minimize traffic impacts on the area. It was noted that the optimal site for parking would be atop the hill -- specifically, on the Scolsmon Motel site, as per the Lundy's Lane BatilefleldMaster Plan recommendations. Any options not involving parking atop Drummond Hill will require visitors to make an uphill cl mb to the site. Shuffling visitors to the site would have the added benefit of eliminating the problem of an uphill climb being required. Friends of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield The parking lot at S,/tvla Place was not given serious consideration because the Luncly's Lane BattlefteldMaster Plan consultants had discarded Ibis site as being too distant, both physically and psychologically, from the heart ofthe battlefield. Subsequent to Ihe Executive Committee meeting, a member suggested that this lot, If linked to the batllefleld site by the present Lundy's Lane shuttle se~ce, could accommodate some expecled visitor traffics. Another Executive Committee suggestion was a partnership with the NPC and Niagara National Historic Sites for a shuttle service between the historic sites under their respectlv~ umbrellas. (Indeed, the Luncly's Lane ~a#le#elcl Master Plan calls, on page 55, for partnerships with these organlzatlons.) The Lundy's Lane Battlefield Is recognized as a National Historic Site; we have received assistance from the Niagara National Historic Silos staff In the past and include them In our newsletter mall-out. With this hlstory of cooperation, a suggestion of cooperative transportation Is not unfeasible, particularly given the recent accord signed belween Niagara National Historic Sites and the NPC. The alternative of sacrificing more of Coronation Park for parking, and providing a notch In from the street for buses to unload, was examined. A member who lives on Summer Street has Indicated that we could expect objections from nearby residents to any parking proposal for Coronation Park. The Executive Committee discarded this proposal becau~e of the negative impact Jt would have on a resldentia~ area and because of the sleep grade between Coronation Park and the main body of the Battlefield properties. The suggeslion of a 'notch' In from Lundy's Lane {In front of the properties given by Ruth Redmond to the City) for bus drop-off/p ck-up was considered. There was concern that Ihe facility could not be made long enough Io accommodate more than one bus at a tin'e. The Executive Committee repeatedly returned to the municipal parking lot on Lundy's Lan.,~ adjacent to S does Dry C eaners, and eventually determined that thlslot presents the most feasible solution to the parking problem. Th s munlclpa at is relatively close to the centre of the Battlefield, and the Committee firmly believes that It Is underused. The lot is not located in a resldenllal area; the proposals to put parking lots and bus traffic behind residential backyardsrthereby ralslng residents' objections, will thus be avoided. The Committee is aware that the par~lng lot In questlo'n Js dedicated to the Main 'and Fer.¥ BIA. The Committee does not find It reasonable to expect the BIA to be adverse to poten"lol customers being routed closer 1o lhelr businesses. It would be a natural adjunct for vlsi'ors to gravltlafe to the Main & Ferry businesses otter touring the Battlefield. It was. suggeslec that, should lhe potential lOSS of parking spaces for Main & Ferry customers be an issue, removal of parking meters along Main Street could rep ace any lost free parking spaces, and would replace them in o location which would better serve the needs of the majorlt¥ of the businesses. tt ~a's suggested that a path through Battlefield Elementary schoolyard from the municipal Friends of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield 3 parking lot to the Drummond Hill Cemetery wouldprovide an excellent starting point for a tour. It was further suggest.ed that the City shouldnegotlate wJlh the District School Bocrd of Niagara to acquire a sechon of the north end of schoolyard for additional parking spaces and o bus turnaround, The consensus of the Executive Committee was that the use of this lot Was the most feasible short-term option, particularly when coupled with ~_~s..e of a portion of the schoolyard, The consensus was also thai, over the long-term, the City will need to acquire additional lands for parking. The Guidelines recommended for parking on page 57 of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield Master Plan Study include hiding parking by screening It with plantings or fences, or by locating It behind or beside buildings that front onto'Lundy's Lane [our emphasts]. Parking facilities located along the central (Lundy's Lane) axis would serve the dual purpose of keeping parking out of the residential nelghbourhoods abutting the Battlefield site and providing visible, easy access to the site, Page 54 of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield Master Plan Study considered constructing parkir g on the western end of the Holman Properly and noted, on the following page, that: local residents have already objected to this Idea because of the noise, fumes, and visual intrusion of such developmen, t in their backyards, This option is clearly not feasible due to Its Impact on the ne~ghbourhood, A similar proposal for Coronation Pork would be rejected for the some reasons, Buchner Place is a former lanewoy, only 38 feet wide, There are no sidewalls and no curbs. A designated historical property wilh a sub-standard size front yard lies on one side of the street, and a property wllh a retaining wall at the road edge on the other, There Is a history of traffic access difficulties IPark ng& Traffic Camm flee, 1999) In short, the public thoroughfare Is not wide enough to comfortably accommodate the proposed vehicular traffic. It has been suggested that It would be impossible for two buses, or even a bus c nd a car, to pass abreast, A Buchner Place resident also suggested that were the Drummcmd Hill Presbyterian Church parking lot full when a bus attempted to access the site, the bu.~ could be forced into a position of having to back out onto Drummond Road, creating a potentially ~langerous traffic situation, Buchner Place Intersects with Drummond Road on a steep slope. Buchner Place resider.ts experience difficulties accessing and exiting their street during peak traffic conditions, particularly during the winter months, when ice and snow exacerbale the problems cau,~ed by traffic volumes on Drummond. Buchner Place residents and the Drummond Hill Presbyterian Church are entitled to parking permits for Buchner Place. Vehicles parked along Buchner greatly Impede traffic movement due to the narrowness of the street, Already concerns exist about ease of emergency vehicle access to the streel. The bus turnaround proposal calls for each bus to traverse this narrow street four time.': In to drop-oft, au1 to park off-site, In again to pick up Its passengers, then out again at the ,~nd Friends of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield cause travellers to realize they are passing through a spec al place. It was noted, however. that this s the main route to the Falls from the Lundy's Lane accommodations, and concern was expressed about where the displaced traffic would go. It was suggested that since the,he,a,vlest traffic seems to occur oh Friday and SaturdaY/evenings, peak periods for peaesman crossings and vehicular uses will not coincide and thus may not warrant th.e~ elimination of traffic lanes which are already In short supply In the area, It was suggestS3 that a pedestrian traffic signal at the crest of the hill would befler facilitate pedestrian crossings than would narrowing the road. Perhaps a plan for accommodating dlsplac.d traffic would alleviate these concerns. It was noted that t.h.e proposed sk'ywalk (although not in the Lundy's Lane Battlefield Master P/ertl would permit a smooth flow of traffic between the north andsoulh sections of the Battlefield, Questions of cost and where the funding would come from arose. One of o~ r directors later reported concerns about polentlal disturbances to burials from laying the skywalk footings. Amphifheatm-ehell The Executive Committee considers the suggested amphltheatre-shell feature to be a frlti. Questions about the need for such a feature and the sources of funding for It arose, It was noted that this feature was not In the Master Plan, and Its Intended use was called Into question. The Committee agreed that only music appropriate to the site - le. military and period music -- should be permitted If such a feature were built. A member living In the Coronation Park area later questioned whether the park's recreational uses would be reduced by this proposed feature, noting that the park is ex~enslvely used by t-ball team~. The Committee a so quest oned whether this proposed feature would hamper future etlorts to introduce reenactment encampments and/or mock skirmishes In Coronation Park. Donor Recognition Board You have r';peatedly assured us that a donor recognition board will be provided on site. We have conveyed this to our donors and potential donors, and it is also a condition of our agreement with the Millennium Bureau that their contribution be thus recognized Since I! does not appear suitable to situate the Donor Recognition Board within Fralick's Tavern. should this feature not be addressed In the Landscaping Master Plan? *'A~)y's land' The Executive Committee was dellgh!ed to see the 'Arb¥°s land' lied In as part otthe battlefield site, but disappointed that the City's acquisition of this land depends on provision Friends of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield 6 of o suitable allernate location for the sign existent them, The Comml~lee is anxious Io see the purchase completed; a suggestion was made lhat a purchase offer could permit tile sign t° be left in its present location on a lease agreement basis, Special members' comments Sherman Zavitz Is one of the members whom we asked to review the proposed Landscaping Master,Plan, Sherman felt that some of the proposals -- eg. skywalk and amphltheatre -- require further exploration of their feasibility. He also commented lhat h,~ wou d be opposed to plans for parking and bus traffic on lhe former Holman land. We have asked our member Jan Joupplen to review the proposed Landscape Master PI 3n. His comments, from on orchaeologlst'g standpoint, will fbllow under separate cover. Had time permitted, we would have asked other_very Interesled and knowledgable members, such as Lundy's Lane BIA Chairman Len Code, for their comments. We particularly liked to have had time to ask historian Donald Graves, who Is another of our members, to review the proposed Landscaping Master Plan, We hereby request that a copy of the plan, with accompanying notes and sketches, be forwardedto him On our behalf for his perusal and comment, Corporate Services Department Planning & Development Department Inter-Departmental Memorandum Niagara Falls To: From: Subject: Adele Kon Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture Alex Herlovitch Deputy Director of'Planning & Development Ext. 4231 Battlefield Landscape Plan March 8, 2001 VE ECE! D U[ tqNt 12 PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE The following is an excerpt of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC) Minutes of January 31, 2001 and subsequent discussion February 28, 2001. Excerpt of Minutes - January 3 l, 2001 Adele Kon, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture was introduced. She presented the Lundy's Lane Battlefield Landscape Master Plan as prepared by Carl Bray, the lead consultant. Bubble drawings were also circulated for a closer look at some areas. Adele explained that the plan encompasses 10 acres and is divided into 4 parcels being: 1) Coronation Park; 2) Ruth Redmond Memorial Gardens; 3) Drummond Hill Cemete~; and 4) the Holman property. She described each parcel, noting some of the features of each. a) Coronation Park - fiat area with 2 major entrances: the main entrance to be treed with a gate and wrought iron fence for security purposes, including plantings, benches and an interpretive kiosk; and, the secondary entrance off Summer Street to be shaded with trees and fencing which will provide privacy for ama residents. - parking lot off Summer for 14 cars - hardshell bandshell amphitheatre to be used by classrooms, bus trips, for re- enactments, concerts, etc. - playground, current]yin use b) Ruth Redmond Memorial Gardens - includes secluded, heavily treed area known as "Shangri-la" - lands unstable and will require a major retaining wall due to erosion - will feature a monument to Ruth Redmond, a statue or rock with plaque - Beardmore house'~'~'~e ~onverted to caretaker's residence; Plan states one person to live on-site - gardens offHannan to remain - open area to include benches - student garden plots - Fraliek's Tavern area will be fenced with locking gates. Entrance off Lundy's Lane will be limestone or flagstone pathway leading to interpretive centre. woJ To0et/ r to Seroe O.r Com nit -2- - includes a depressed area offLundy's Lane which acts as berming due to noise from Lundy's Lane - large relief map to show how forces advanced in this area c) Drummond Hill Cemetery - area abutting Pedestrian Church. Several meetings have taken place with church and they wish to be involved with Master Plan, have no problems with it. - wall on Lundy's Lane to be refaced with improved look, ie. combination of art and text - memorial procinct to include planters, a pathway system all around - life-size sculptures to be included all through Plan - possible columbarium to be located beside church if there is enough room - Plan shows pedestrian bridgetskywalk over Lundy's Lane. Designer hoped Lundy's Lane could be reduced to 2 lanes, however, this is not supported by senior staff. d) Holman Property - shows planting and Wails - enlrance from Battlefield School - area could possibly be devoted to the social history of founding families Adele concluded her presentation and entertained questions. Sherman Zavitz asked about the timeline of the project. Adele responded that it is a 10-yr. plan costing approximately $2 million dollars. Funding is being phased with some funds coming from grants and a portion to be taken from the Cemetery operating budget. They will continue to look for funding as the project evolves. Sherman asked if the Niagara Parks Commission will provide funding. Adele said the NPC was very much aware of the Plan and there were hopes for joint marketing; however, funding was not a probability. Kathy Powell asked if there were plans for a heritage park. Adele said the Lundy's Lane Battlefield Park would be themed and would stress heritage. Gunter questioned whether the two churches could provide for some parking when not in use. Adele said parking was a major problem and all options were being examined for parking. Janice Wing_wanted to clarify that she no longer has a conflict of interest with the Battlefield Plan (as amended February. 28; 2001). This,,no longer applies since it is not a millennium project, except for Fralick's (as amended February 28, 2001) and the monument portion. She noted that Jun Jouppian had expressed concern over the wrought iron fencing around Fralick's becanse it was not in keeping with the period fencing for such a home. In 1860, there was a wooden, picket fence surrounding the property (according to the Markham Heritage Estates Gnidelines). (as amended February 28, 2001) Adele noted that the fencing was the same for the whole Plan. Kathy Powell suggested that there could be wrought iron around the park and picket fencing around Fralick's. Kym Cody agreed with the concept of having two fences - possibly picket in front of house and wrought iron around the outer edge. Alex Herlovitch added that although wrought iron was available at that time, it was not likely for such a humble home -3- Kathy Powell thought the focus was being lost and that Fralick's was not visible enough. She felt that the flagstone pathway would be overbearing. Adele explained that the flagstone was being suggested because it was a very hard surface that could support service vehicles, wheelchairs and strollem. Kathy reiterated that the wrought iron entrance to Fralick's draws the. eye away from the focus, being the Tavern. She asked if limestone screeli~was an option. She noted that Old Fort Erie had replaced asphalt pathways with limestone which was a great improvement. Alex suggested that the pathway be re-routed to the vacant lot to the east so it is slightly removed from Fralick's. Adele said it could easily be moved. Kathy Powell expressed concern with the depressed area near Lundy's Lane. She thought it was actually the highest point in the City and wondered why is was being depressed. Adele responded that the Cemetery was actually the high point and the depressed area was a sound barrier. Alex Herlovitch asked if it could be moved back for more quiet and not depressed. Kathy Powell asked whether the Battlefield lands would tie in the evolution with the path. Adele said there would be kiosks throughout the Plan for interpretation. Alex Herlovitch thought the positioning of the pathways did not properly reflect the way the battle happened as American troops mounted the hill diagonally from the southeast. He thought they should be more historically correct in their positioning. Adele agreed, however, because there are no proper burial records, they felt they were safer with the existing layout of pathways. Kathy Powell suggested that some things be placed off the pathways. Adele noted that they could have a self-guided walking tour on posts and that Sherman Zavitz would be doing awritten history of the site. Todd Barclay asked about future plans for parking. Adele noted that there is an on-going investigation into property acquisition for parking purposes. Alex wondered about the possibility of using the City parking lot on Ferry Street to the east for Battlefield parking. He thought a possible right-of-way could be acquired across the school yard and counected to the Battlefield lands in keeping with the theme. Adele thought it was something to be looked into, as long as the BIA was agreeable. Janiee Wing questioned whether the 3 learning circles had been incorporated into the Plan. Adele assured her that they had, refening to the outdoor classroom and student garden plots. Janice also expressed concern that the curvilinear gardening design skills of Ruth Redmond, which had w_on numerous awards, were being lost in place of rectilinear gardens. Adele promised that the gardens, although hard to identify on the Plan, would be significant and would be both attractive and functional. Gunter Sommerfeldt asked about the possibility of more entrances from the side street on the east. Adele noted the City would need to acquire more property on that side and that all the residents had been approached. Kathy Powell thanked Adele for coming out and sharing the details of the Plan with the Committee. -4- LACAC, at its subsequent meeting of February 28, 2001, provided the following additional comments: Jauice Wing commented on the landscaping plan for the Battlefield. She stated her concern that the current plans for Ruth Redmond's gardens are deviating from the original spirit. She referred to a letter of February 1999 from Ruth Redmond to City Council in which she referred to "drawn gj'ading plans....showing the paths, trees and gardens amongst the contemplative quiet places, where there are "Learning Circles" for children to be taught..." Janice noted she would like to be provided with the original grading plans which Ms. Redmond spoke of in her letter. ~ Janice also mentioned that she had been approached by Wilma Morrison who was quite surprised Chat the Battlefield lands were not currently designated under the Heritage Act. A second call was received from Ron Dale of Fort George. He noted that although the lands were designated Federally, they should be designated at the Provincial levd. Both Wilma Mordson and Ron Dale advised that they would be sending letters to LACAC to encourage the designation of these lands. The Committee expressed an overall concern with the Battlefield Plan. They felt that the amaosphere of a battlefield was not realistically reflected, nor was the Plan respectful of the site where death and destruction had occurred. The ~mmed gardens, park benches, light standards ~md such seemed somewhat touristy and overdeveloped. There was a consensus that LACAC would like to see a more sympathetic plan for this site and would like more input in this regard. AH:tc FILE: S:~I1STOR~3LACAC~31~IERAL~2001W~nngm.wlgl niagara falls public library forty eight forty eight victoria avenue niagara ~alls ontario L2E 4C5 Tel.: 905/356-8080 Fax: 905/356-7004 September 27, 2001 Mr. Woody Wagg City Clerk City of Niagara Falls Re: PUBLIC LIBRARY WEEK PROCLAMATION Dear Woody: Ontario Public Libraxy Week will be celebrated throughout our province from October 15 to 21. The Niagara Falls Public Library Board requests that City Council proclaim this week as Ontario Public Library Week in Niagara Falls. This year's theme is "Ontario Public Libraries - It's not just by the book anymore ". I have enclosed a sample wording of the proclamation for the consideration of Council and some bookmarks for distribution. The Board has arranged to make a presentation on Oct. 15th to the City's Community Services Committee in Committee Room #2. We will go on the Internet to briefly demonstrate some features of the Library's new website Www.nfpl.library.on. ca. Sincerely, Joe Longo Chief Librarian e. C. Dix Oh Canada Eh?! Dinner Show A Musical Celebration of Canada FAX TRANSMISSION DATE: ~J(~ It/.; ~Oc),/ TIME: FROM: PAGE:._J__ OF "~ Please send any reply to (905) 374-1617 We realize that Monday evenings are your City Coundl meetings, however your presence would really be appreciated on October 22, 2001 as we pay tribute to the firefighters, police end paramedics who died on Sept. 11, 2001 saving others. Fire Chief Ruddell has been very helpful and supportive and will be present to say the Fireman's Prayer. Supt. Harley of the Niagara Regoinal Police has expressed his interest as well as The Niagara Regional Police Male Chorus and Pipe Band. This will be an evening for those of us who have wanted to do something to help. We chose Project Maple Leaf from the National Fire & Life Safety Foundation and hope to make a generous contribution (approx. $12,500 CDN) to this fund. If you are not able to attend would the City of Niagara Falls consider buying a table of 107 Thank you for your time and consideration for this event. Kind Regards, Eric Hitct~:~ck C-,enamel Manager Canadlane Productlona Inc. 8585 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls, Canada 1_2H 1H5 Tel (905) 374-1995 Fax (905) 374-1617 Web Site: www.ohcanadaeh.com E-mail: info@ohcanadaeh.com Oh Canada Eh?! Dinner Show A Musical Celebration of Canada PRESS RELEASE October 1, 2001 Benefit Dinner and Show for Project Maple Leaf 0000000 The cast and crew of the award winning Oh Canada Eh?l Dinner Show will join forces with local firefighters, police and emergency medical services personnel to raise money for Project Maple Leaf. Project Maple Leaf was established by the National Fire & Life Safety FOundation and the Fire Mamhal's Public Fire Safety Council. The purpose was to show support and to assist the families of the brave individuals who made the supreme sacrifice while t~ying to save the lives of others after the attack at the World Trade Center. The people who were killed at the World Trade Center didn't have a choice, However. the people who tried to save them did. On October 22, 2001 at 6:30 P.M. a 2 hour musical tribute will feature cast members, past end present, from the Oh Canada Eh?! Dinner Show. A delicious family style dinner will also be served. Tickets are $50 with all proceeds going to Project Maple Leaf. They can be purchased by calling 905-374-1995. Any other donations will be greatly appreciated. 'It is important that we not forget how many people's lives were permanently affected by the bombing of the World Trade Centre in New York on September 11th, 200f. As time passes it is easy for most of us to get on with our lives and get back to our normal routines, however, many children lost their mothers or fathers or both: many wives lost their husbands. Their lives will NEVER be the Queries about this event? Please Call Edc Hitchcock or Kevin Jacobl at (905) 374-0288 Canadlana Pt'oductlona Inc. 8585 Lundy*s Lane, Niagara Falls, Canada L2H 1H5 Tel (905) 374-1995 Fax (905) 374-1617 Web Site: www,ohcanadaeh.com E-mail: ir~fo~ohcanadaeh.com Fax Transmission To: Fire Chief Dste: October 2nd, 200~ F~om~ Eric Hitcheock/Kevin Sacobi Psgt: 1 of 2 Oh Canada Eh?! Dinner Show& Friends Present: A Helping Hand A Benetit Show to raise money for Project Mnple Leaf (helping the families of the New York Emergency People who lost their lives)