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2012/09/11COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AGENDA NINTH MEETING Tuesday, September 11, 2012 4:00 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B 1) Approval of the July 24, 2012, Committee of the Whole minutes. 2) REPORTS: STAFF CONTACT: a) Fire Station Location Study Lee Smith b) MW- 2012 -34 Proposed Recreational Trail Edgewood Estates Subdivision Geoff Holman 3) NEW BUSINESS: 4) ADJOURNMENT: IN- CAMERA SESSION a) Resolution to go into Closed Meeting. MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Tuesday, July 24, 2012 Committee Room 2, 4:05 P.M. All members of Council except Councillor loannoni were present. Councillor Pietrangelo and Wing arrived after approval of the minutes. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Morocco, seconded by Councillor Thomson that Councillor Thomson Chair the meeting. Carried Unanimously 1) MINUTES: a) MOVED on the motion of Councillor Gates, seconded by Councillor Mayes that the minutes of the June 24, 2012 Committee of the Whole meeting be approved. Motion: Carried Action: Recommendation submitted to Council July 24th, 2012. 2) REPORTS: a) R&C- 2012 -17 Gale Centre Update James Zitmanis, President of Weekend Hockey Tournaments, Glen Forbes, Canadian Hockey Enterprises, Frank Pietrangelo, Niagara Bauer Classic and Ralph Biamonte, Niagara Cataract Oldtimers all provided opinion on scheduling preferences. They all provided information on their respective tournaments, the benefits to the community and their respective needs. MOVED on the motion of Councillor Pietrangelo, seconded by Councillor Kerrio that Council approve Option A, a revolving schedule around Easter for tournament ice allocation for the months of March and April for next five years; and That Council endorse Option #1 for the 2012 -2013 Gale Tournament Schedule, as follows: April 12 -14 CHE April 19 -21 and April 26 -28 Niagara Bauer Classic May 3 -5 Weekend Hockey Motion: CARRIED Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, July 24th, 2012. -2- Councillor loannoni Chaired the meeting at 5:10 p.m. b) R&C- 2012 -18 Pete Mancuso Naming Requests MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Pietrangelo that Council approve the request to name the Gale Centre Box Office the Pete Mancuso Box Office in recognition of Pete's thirty plus years of volunteer commitment to youth hockey in the City of Niagara Falls Motion: CARRIED Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, July 24th, 2012 3) NEW BUSINESS MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Morocco that staff report back on the staff costs associated with the recent clean up related to the Marineland protests. Motion: CARRIED Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, July 24th, 2012. MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Mayor Diodati that staff petition the Province on proper maintenance of Highway 420. Motion: CARRIED Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, July 24th, 2012. MOVED on the motion of Councillor Pietrangelo, seconded by Councillor Morocco that staff report back on proper naming recognition for various local sport notables. Motion: CARRIED Action: Recommendation submitted to Council, July 24th, 2012. 4) ADJOURNMENT: MOVED on the motion of Councillor Morocco, seconded by Councillor Thomson that the meeting be adjourned at 5:20 p.m. and enter into an In Camera session. Motion: CARRIED Clerks Department Inter - Department Memorandum TO: Mayor James M. Diodati DATE: September 11, 2012 & Members of City Council FROM: Dean Iorfida City Clerk Ext. 4271 RE: Fire Station Location Study Representatives from the MMM Group will make a presentation on the Fire Station Location Study. The powerpoint is attached. RECOMMENDATION: That the report and the presentation be referred to staff for consideration during budget deliberations. Working Together to Serve Our Community City of Niagara Falls NiagdraFulls Fire Station Location Study AGENDA • Issues and Context • Documentation of Existing Coverage • Need to Expand Fire Services • Constraints and Coverage Objectives • Rail Blockage Issues • Possible Alternatives for Station Location • Preferred Alternative • Operational Considerations 06/09/2012 1 PROJECT SCOPE • The study is intended to plan for appropriate service coverage as growth and other changes occur in the municipality. • This plan will be supplemental to the City's Fire Master Plan. • The resulting plan must be a practical, cost - effective and implementable set of actions for the City. ISSUES WE HAVE ADDRESSED • Niagara Falls is a small city with big city issues.... • Projected hotel and residential development • Visitor activity: — Day visitors and overnight — Cross - border traffic • Station 4 Response: — Busiest Volunteer station • Currently meeting weekday staffing challenges (Ontario -wide issue) • Recent intake of 20 volunteers, but training timeline limits their capacity in the short-term — Some growth is projected in the Chippawa area 06/09/2012 2 06/09/2012 CONTEXT: TRANSPORTATION • The CN /CP rail corridor is a barrier to response into the north side of the City • The rail corridor crosses numerous roads at -grade • Any accident on the railway line could develop into a major emergency • Trains are very long (3 — 4 km) and can block a significant proportion of the road crossings • Grade separation has been considered in the past but is not seen as a viable solution • QEW is a barrier to response east/west — number of crossings and traffic congestion • Implementation of traffic calming measures also affects emergency response iNA CONTEXT: DEVELOPMENT • Major development under way in the south and southwest • High -rise hotels proposed downtown • Highest proportion of high -rise development to population in North America • This indicates a need for additional fire - fighting resources 3 POPULATION PROJECTIONS AND DISTRIBUTION • Provided by the City: — Divided into Area A and Area B for Illustrative purposes • Projections for three horizons: 2016, 2026, 2031 • Population increase in highlighted areas: 8,350 — 14,500 Low High Area A 1750 3600 Area B 150 600 TOTAL 1900 4200 Area A 4000 7700 Area B 2250 3800 TOTAL 6250 11500 Area A 4100 8200 Area B 4250 6300 TOTAL 8350 14500 POPULATION TO BE SERVED • This is a key determinant of the resources needed • Resident population of 82,000 (2006 Census) • Daytime visitors average 49,000 (ranging from 27,000 to 74,000) with approximately half staying overnight in hotels — Overnight hotel guests average 24,000 (ranging from 13.000 to 36000) • The combined resident + visitor population is the population requiring coverage by the Fire Service • Effective population to be served averages 131,000 (maximum 156,000 in summer) • Effective population projected to grow as high as 160,000/180,000 by 2021 Source TOURIST AND ECONOMIC IMPACT prepared by the Niagara Falls Business Development Department as of July 15'7 2011 06/09/2012 4 STAFFING BASED ON POPULATION TO BE SERVED • Existing staff of 116 responding firefighters, augmented by 104 volunteers • Analysis of staffing /population of 18 composite fire departments across Ontario shows that Niagara Falls has effective staffing of 136 career equivalent responding firefighters • This gives a ratio of 17.4 firefighters per 20,000 resident + visitor population (based on the summer peak of 156,000) • Based on the projected population for 2021, the ratio would decline to 15.11 firefighters per 20,000 population • Comparing these ratios to industry guidelines and practices across Ontario, a growing staffing deficiency is indicated • Addition of 20 firefighters in the short -term would bring Niagara Falls ratio to Ontario average of 20 per 20,000 population • Further staffing increase dependent on population growth to 2021 COVERAGE FROM THE EXISTING STATIONS • GIS based analysis • Existing coverage was reviewed based on a 4 minute travel time Issue of the rail corridor blockage has been modeled • Coverage statistics assessed: • Major gap areas outside 4 minutes travel time • Percent of urban area served • Number of schools served • Number of proposed hotels served 06/09/2012 5 EXISTING COVERAGE : FIRST RESPONSE TRAVEL TIME City of Niagara Falls City of Niagara Falls - Firs Station Location Study Fir. Station Location Study No CN Rail Blockage CN Rail Blockage NEED TO ENHANCE FIRE SERVICES • The current arrangement of fire stations provides coverage to the downtown core, but there is not enough overlap among the fire stations • There are significant service gaps in areas abutting the CN rail line • Only a small number of critical facilities such as schools can be covered within a 4 minute travel time • The current configuration cannot provide effective coverage to projected development areas .:44%,:o, 06/09/2012 6 POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES FOR STATION LOCATIONS Alternative 1 • New Station at Lundy's Lane and Kalar Road • Relocate Station 2 to Stanley Avenue and McLeod Road - _ - Alternative 2 • New Station at Thorold Stone Road at Kalar Road • Relocate Station 2 to Stanley Avenue and McLeod Road • New Station at McLeod Road and Kalar Road POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES FOR STATION LOCATIONS (2) Alternative 3 • Station 2 remains in existing location New Station 7 at Lundy's Lane at Kalar Road _ _ _. _ _ _ _ _ • Station 4 is considered for conversion to full -time (at some point when conditions warrant) Alternative 4 • Station 2 remains in existing location • New Station 7 at Lundy's Lane at Kalar Road - - - - - _ • Station 4 is moved northwest as far as possible to provide more coverage into the downtown but still cover Chippawa, and considered for full -time when conditions warrant ANX 06/09/2012 7 ALTERNATIVE 1 : FIRST RESPONSE ALTERNATIVE 2 : FIRST RESPONSE 4 .:, 06/09/2012 8 ALTERNATIVE 3 : FIRST RESPONSE ALTERNATIVE 4 : FIRST RESPONSE Relocated Station 4 does not cover downtown Gap area (Chippawa development area) 06/09/2012 9 SELECTION OF PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE • AM alternatives cover similar numbers of schools and proposed hotels • Alternative 2 provides the best overall coverage, numerically. but leaves a large gap in the centre of the city. Cost is also the highest of the alternatives • Alternative 4 has the advantage of potentially providing more coverage to the higher risks downtown, while still covering most of Chippawa, However, this would require building two new stations, and the developing area on the south of Chippawa would be largely beyond 4 minutes travel time • Alternative 3 appears to provide the best balance between coverage and capital cost. It covers the development areas in Chippawa and the southwest effectively PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE CONTINUED... • Alternative 3 is preferred (new station in the vicinity of Lundy's Lane /Kalar Road) • It provides good coverage to schools and hotels within 4 minute travel • In the event of a rail corridor blockage, either FS 1 or New Station 7 can provide backup to the north side of the rail corridor (depending upon the train location), because even the longest train cannot block all intersections at the same time • Provides sufficient coverage to the areas of proposed development in the South and Southwest of the city, and improves coverage west of the QEW Proposed Station 7 06/09/2012 10 SUPPLEMENTARY RECOMMENDATIONS • Consider relocating one apparatus from Station 1 to Station 2, to further improve backup coverage to Stations 4, 5, and 6 • Monitor coverage provided by Station 4, to determine whether conversion to career -based staffing is warranted in the future IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: SHORT -TERM ACTIONS 1. Build new full -time station 7 at Lundy's Lane at Kalar Road 2. Acquire a new apparatus for station 7 3. Initiate the staffing process for the new station by hiring additional firefighters, working towards the ultimate staffing of 20 additional firefighters 4. Redeploy either Aerial 1 or Rescue 1 from FS 1 to FS 2. 06/09/2012 11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: MEDIUM TO LONG -TERM ACTIONS 1. Initiate monitoring of the volunteer staffing and response capabilities for FS 4; 2. Consider converting FS 4 to full time fire station if certain demographic or response time conditions are met. These include: — If the Chippawa population increases to 1 /7th of the City population: — If the effective population (residents + visitors) increases by more than 20,000, — 4 the 90th percentile response guidelines of NFPA 1720 are consistently not being met by Station 4, — 4 the number of calls of all types for which Station 4 is the primary or first -due station reaches 1 /7th of the total calls for the entire department. or — 4 Station 4 is not providing a minimum of eight firefighters for calls within its response area, 90% of the time (for calls which progress to the point of needing 16 firefighters as per PFSG 04 -08 -10 or 15 as per NFPA 1720) 06/09/2012 12 MW- 2012 -34 Niagarapalls September 11, 2012 REPORT TO: Councillor Carolynn loannoni, Chair and Members of the Committee of the Whole City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works SUBJECT: MW- 2012 -34 Proposed Recreation Trail Edgewood Estates Subdivision RECOMMENDATION That staff be directed to proceed with the design and construction of the proposed recreational trail along the original planned alignment within the Edgewood Estates Plan of Subdivision; and further that the staff work closely with the neighbouring property owners to address any concerns related to public safety, security, privacy and regular maintenance.; and that proposed trails precede residential development. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Edgewood Estates Plan of Subdivision was designed with an integrated trail system that links a number of active and passive recreational properties throughout the Garner Neighbourhood. This trail was intended to border the existing woodlot which contains significant natural heritage features worthy of the designation as a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW). The trail also borders the rear lot lines of 22 Tots and connects to St. Michael Avenue at two locations north of the east -west Hydro Corridor. The land for trail and the woodlot was provided by the developer of the subdivision (1473944 Ontario Ltd.) however the construction of the trail is to be completed by the City as a Capital Works project and funded from Development Charge revenues collected from within the subdivision. Most of the lots have now had homes constructed on them and many residents have come to enjoy the privacy and serenity of the woodlot which borders their backyards. Funding for the trail construction was approved by City Council in the 2011 Capital Budget however the project was postponed in order to consider feedback from the public. Input from the residents received at a Public Open House prompted the receipt of a petition from a number of homeowners in opposition to the location of the trail. The residents also cited concerns with respect to operational and security concerns. The correspondence does recognize that the homeowners were aware of the proposed trail prior to purchasing their lots. September 11, 2012 - 2 - MW- 2012 -34 To assist in the resolution of his matter Municipal Works staff sought the advise of the Park -in- the -City Committee who provided a recommendation to construct the trail in the location it was originally designed and intended. Staff have also investigated an alternate route through the woodlot but have instead been advised by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to utilize the originally planned location within the buffer area of the woodlot. The purpose of this report is to confirm City Council's position on the location of the trail so that staff can proceed with the construction of this project this Fall. BACKGROUND The Edgewood Estates Plan of Subdivision is located within the Garner Neighbourhood and designed in accordance with the Secondary Plan established forthe purpose of orderly development consistent with the policies of the City's Official Plan. The subdivision includes 245 single lots and 2 multiple family blocks on approximately 36 hectares. The Subdivision Agreement includes provisions forthe dedication of the woodlot to the City including a buffer area (setback) ranging from 6.9 m to 13.0 m between the tree line and the rear property line of the adjacent lots (see Attachment #1). The width of this buffer area and the assessment of the development constraints were identified in an Environmental Impact Study prepared for the developer as a condition of approval for the subdivision. The trail provides a provides a passive, recreational opportunity those wishing to travel north and south along this section of St. Michael Avenue. The trail will connect the Hydro Corridor and future Deerfield Park which is slated for development later this year (see Attachment #2 and #3). The 2.4 m wide, asphalt pathway provides ample room for passive use consistent with the City's active transportation initiatives. City Council approved an expenditure of $70,000 in the 2011 Capital Budget. Construction of most of the homes is now complete. The developer is required to construct a chain link fence (1.8 m high) along the rear lot lines. The fence installation as there may be some final grading required in this area. Many of the residents have enjoyed the privacy and aesthetics of having the natural woodlot close to the rear lot line of their property. Staff were made aware that many of the residents have questioned the need for this trail in this location given opportunity provided by municipal sidewalks along the front of their lots. To assist in resolving this concern, staff hosted a Public Open House on December 1, 2011 to share information regarding the recreation trail plans, ask questions and seek input (see Attachment #4). Staff subsequently received a petition and letter (Attachments #5 and #6 respectively) expressing opposition to the construction of the trail). September 11, 2012 - 3 - MW- 2012 -34 Staff sought additional advise from the Park -in- the -City Committee (PITC) and at its meeting held on May 16, 2012 who passed a resolution supporting the construction of the trail as originally intended (see Attachment #7). It should be noted that his motion was made on -line due to the absence of a quorum. The matter was raised at the next PITC meeting held on June 20, 2012 where a proper motion was carried endorsing and re- affirming the PITC Committee previous position on the Edgewood Trail. Municipal Works staff further investigated a compromise alternative that would look at re- routing the trail through the woodlot in a manner that would satisfy the concerns of both the residents and the PITC Committee. This option was referred to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) who regulate development within the PSW's. In their response dated July 13, 2012 they advise that Ontario Regulation 155/06 "does not permit development and interference within Provincially Significant Wetlands" (see Attachment #8). ANALYSIS /RATIONALE The PITC Committee raises some valid concerns about the timing of construction of public facilities intended to serve not just the adjacent residents but the larger community. Some developers recognize that amenities such as parks and trails are attractive selling features and prefer to construct them during the installation of the underground servicing (eg. Warren Woods Subdivision). The City's current local service policy under its Development Charges Bylaw requires the developer to provide the land only for parks and trails at the time of the registration of the Subdivision Agreement. The development of the amenity becomes a Capital Works project funded, in most cases, from the Development Charge revenues. The challenge occurs when there are shortfalls in the availability of Development Charge revenues or if the construction of the amenity is premature due to problems with connectivity or access. These issues have been identified in the Development Charges Peer Review completed by Hemson Consulting Ltd. earlier this year. Staff will be reviewing the local service policy to address this particular issue of funding and timing as part of the Background Study for the new Development Charge Bylaw next year. In this particular case, City Council must choose to proceed with the trail construction or direct pedestrians onto the municipal sidewalks in front of the subject lots. Staff recommends that the trail be constructed in the proposed alignment as this decision would be consistent with Council's Strategic Priorities; more specifically, "Continue to ensure that environmental, health and social benefits direct transportation, planning and design decisions related to walking, cycling and public transit. "and, September 11, 2012 - 4 - MW- 2012 -34 "Promote awareness and opportunities for active living by providing accessible recreation facilities and green space for Niagara Falls residents." The concerns raised by the residents should not be disregarded and it is the intention of staff to work closely with the residents to ensure public safety, privacy, security and maintenance issues are properly dealt with as part of this project. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Funding in the amount of $70.000 approved in the 2011 Capital Budget are still available for the completion of this project. The cost of the fencing is the responsibility of the developer and sufficient security is in place to guarantee its completion under the terms of the Subdivision Agreement. CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The recommendation is consistent with Council's Strategic Priorities for convenient, accessible and sustainable transportation and a healthy and safe community. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. PLAN - Proposed Recreation Trail - Edgewood Estates Subdivision 2. Westlane Community - Trails and Open Space Map 3. Westlane Community - Edgewood Trail Map 4. Notice of Public Open House - December 1, 2011 5. Petition from residents - undated 6. Letter from Sonia and Collyn Steckley 7. Resolution from May 11, 2012 PITC Committee 8. Letter from NPCA - July 13, 2012 Recommended by: Respectfully submitted: Geoff Holman L Geoff Holnhan, Director of Municipal Works Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer g4, 93 91..1.90 89 88 3 82 81 02 0====ii i" (6517 192 6666 1:2353 /� EXISTING WOODED AREA AND PROVINCIALLY SIGNIFICANT WETLAND 6527 6537 6547 6557 6567 6577 LAVGC -0R 6500 6757 6728 6718 670E 1C-t• CHAINUNK FENCE BY DEVELOPER) 6610 PROPOSED RECREATION TRAIL 6 ILGM [R -55 HYDRO cogr NiagaraFp1 s PROPOSED RECREATION TRAIL EDGEWOOD ESTATES SUBDIVISION Not To Scale, MW- 2012 -34 Attachment #1 Westlane Community Niagarapalls Trails and Open Space MW- 2012 -34 Attachment 02 4 1 _g, Doff FLD MASS 9 V�11' 1 0 { 1 (fog SbtKST � MACBAIN COMMUNITY LUCID WARREN V/0005 SUBDIVISION CRTC IAMOS - Edgewood Trail Secondary Plan Boundary Proposed Trails -- Urban Area Boundary Proposed Tmds or hin Wetlands /Parks nicipal Boundary — Currently Active Trails - Schools OProposed Warren Creek Relocation Parks NPCA Flood Hazard Regulated Floodplain Other Munidpalibes Provinaalty Significant Wetlands 2006 Property Parcels NPCA Regulated Wetlands Coincident with Floodplains Roads EDWarren Woods Development Area Rivers A Canal Westlane Community iagarapal(s Edgewood Trail MW- 2012 -34 Attachment #3 — R - ... -.. ._.._._ WIELD - wxrs*Ae. av —50 a+ EDGEWOOD ESTATES SUBDIVISION DEERFIELD GLAYCIC s - - DARNER ESTATES °s Edgewood rail U Secondary Plan Boundary Proposed Trails — - Ur0an Area Boundary Proposed Trails Paton Wetands /Parks -- Municipal Boundary — Currently Active Trails Schools OProposed Warren Greek Reloca0on NPCA Flood Hazard Regulated Floodplaan Provinclally 9gni0.W Wetlands 2006 NPCA 0,002red Wetlands coincident wit Floodp1.ns L__: Warren' Woods 00,000pmenf Area Rivers S Canal Parks Other Municipalities Property Parcels NiagaraFFalls MW- 2012 -34 Attachment #4 City of Niagara Falls Geoff Holman, Municipal Works Director Park Design & Landscape Services Notice of Public Open House for a Proposed Recreation Trail in Edgewood Estates Subdivision Dear Resident, The City of Niagara Falls is pleased to advise you of the planned installation of a recreation trail in Edgewood Estates Subdivision. The recreation trail was part of the Edgewood Estates Plan of Subdivision and is intended to be part of the overall Garner Neighbourhood Trail system which will eventually connect to Mcleod Road. The proposed trail will be approximately 2.4m (8') in width. Construction of the trail is expected to be completed in late fall 2011 or spring 2012 weather dependent. An Information Open House has been scheduled for the public to review the proposed recreation trail plans, ask questions, and provide comments. Please see map on the back of this Notice showing the proposed trail location. Date: Thursday, December 1st, 2011 Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Location: MacBain Community Centre, 7150 Montrose Road, 2 "d floor Meeting Room. If you have any questions regarding this park improvement project, please contact Jeff Claydon, Landscape Architect at (905) 356 -7521 extension 3334 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m, or email jclaydon @niagarafalls.ca. Thank you. MW- 2012 -34 - Attachment #5 n signing this petition I have acknowledged and oppose the build of the proposed Recreation Trail in the Edgewook Estates Subdivision located on St. Michael Avenue In Niagara Falls, Address Name AV :nature ,r� 5 allitWallill nd 1-14?a gremompanimmessmatans aismoniffrifformimmiamirmma fa a Este„at -4 CU t i ° rq Fs.ojJ i Pt • NIM IL /j! _ ffIpr NOMME111111111 u .`` ` iti _ Gk- f rh / MIIIIIIIII 1- irk � �� f `� C.{i() E�tt 61 �4.C`11�,�,� l,tot - `7C. It. .le P. . _446 (0(Q-7 St • /tit t clAzt.e ( SGtson 4 1.44 t 554 b drwwy(T a -3,-rt c :- b S tGl' � 7U0 1l i A. • a V' - i �SLiY� 4'.r�rG'ir cst e.c k (C? c_ce_c:cr • neL- - SP1ri5 ,,J1401v! 3 06464'c3,G� eerree• .�1� 4cl:1, ,W 1,440 c ,,,. LevKst.vr) 2tN Cl/ytc, / _ 1 MW- 2012 -34 Attachment #6 Dear Jeff Claydon, Thank you for hosting the public Open House forum for the proposed Recreational Trail in Edgewood Estates Subdivision. My family feels much more assured knowing we have a voice with regards to this proposal. We realize the proposed trail has already been approved by the city and intends to add accessible "greenspace" to a community; and that we were well aware of the path proposal prior to purchasing our home three years ago, however things change. Over the course of three years we have enjoyed a tranquil view of the protected wetlands and forest that envelope our yard to the west. We paid a significant premium to enjoy the abundant wildlife and natural beauty that we awaken to every day. We have enjoyed not having curtains and allowing our windows to frame the spectacular forest views. Aesthetically all this would change with an introduction to a pathway that would no doubt depreciate our home values in terms of privacy and views. The trail extension is so small and insignificant as it spans less than a block in length and does not directly link to any other path. Crossing of St. Michael Avenue would be required to access the path when it makes more sense to continue walking along the provided sidewalks on the south and /or north side of St. Michael Avenue. The protected wetlands are far too swampy to ever facilitate a trail system. Implementing one would only contribute greatly to the diminishing wildlife sightings and potentially increase destruction of vegetation and plant materials, thus leaving the trail extension as a trail sans destination. Aesthetically the signage, garbage receptacles and the paved pathway will interject and take away from the natural landscape for neighbouring homes in the community. There is great concern over ongoing maintenance with regards to litter and the results left by irresponsible dog owners. Erosion and security concerns also come to mind with unofficial access that would arise from the use of the unlit pathway. We would like to propose that the pathway extension, Proposed Recreational Trail in Edgewood Estates Subdivision be rejected; and that the grounds from the forest line to our backyard be maintained with the same accordance as the hydro corridor — periodically to keep the brush line in control. We, as a community have a petition to oppose the trail in which the majority of our community has signed. We will be in attendance at the City Hall meeting with regards to the Garner Trail proposed extension with hopes that our voices and concerns are heard and addressed. We are well aware that the monies allotted to this trail are in access of $80,000 that can be allocated elsewhere, where they would be desirable. Thank you for forwarding our concerns and views to City Hall; the Municipality Works Department. Sincerely; Sonia & Collyn Steckley Nicole, Tyler, Victoria, Rebecca Steckley Residents of 6547 St. Michael Avenue, Lot #120 csteckley@cogeco.net MW- 2012 -34 - Attachment #7 Jeff Claydon - Edgewood Trail Motion Page 1 of 1 From: Jeff Guarasci To: Jeff Claydon Date: 5/22/2012 12:04 PM Subject: Edgewood Trail Motion CC: Kathy Moldenhauer Hi Jeff I wanted to inform you that their was motion passed by the Park in the City Committee regarding the Edgewood Trail. Details regarding the motion are below. IT WAS MOVED BY Paisley Janvary-Pool, second by Frank Fohr. Where as the Garner Neighbourhood Secondary Plan was passed by Council of the day on October 20, 1997 and the land was dedicated by the developer to the City for parkland, Blocks 249, 251, 252 along the westerly line of Edgewood Estates Subdivision and accepted by Council on February 25, 2008. Where as the subdivision residents were aware of the park green space and proposed 2m walkway in Blocks 252, 251 along the westerly line of Edgewood Estates along St. Michael Avenue. Where as the Edgewood Trail was in the 2011 Capital Budget and accepted by Council. Where as this is a dedicated park space for all residents of Niagara Falls. The Park in the City Committee supports staff in their efforts to connect trails and urge Council to support the construction of the Edgewood Trail and in future, we support amenities such as trail and walkways to be constructed prior to housing development. If you have any further questions, please advise. Thank you, Jeff Jeff Guarasci Community Development Coordinator City of Niagara Falls P: 905- 356 -7521 ex.3341 F: 905- 356 -7404 E: iquarascic niagarafalls.ca file: / /C:ADocuments and Settings \jc329\Local Settings\ Temp\XPgrpwise\4FBB8ODODomai... 6/1/2012 MW- 2012 -34 Attachment #8 NIAGARA PENINSULA CONSERVATION %Nei AUTHORITY July 13, 2012 250 Thu old P(>-id V �l Telephone 905788 135 [ .i. Francesca Berardi, Planner 2 Planning, Building and Development Services City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street, P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Ms. Berardi; ) ;/ , Municipal Works Scanned 2006 -339 File:._ - - -- - - - - -- cc. G- 250 -12: S -20 -4 RE: Edgewoods Estates Trail — Warren Creek Wetland Complex Provincially Significant Wetland Staff of the City of Niagara Falls has requested information from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) regarding the relocation of a proposed trail through the Warren Creek Wetland Complex. This wetland is located east of Garner Road, south of Kudlac Street and west of St. Michaels Avenue. It was originally part of the property that is now subdivided and known as Edgewood Estates Subdivision. This wetland is designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland. The NPCA controls development within Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW) under the Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Ontario Regulation 155/06. Under this regulation any development within wetlands or their associated buffer setback would require approval from the NPCA through a Works Permit. The NPCA understands that as part of the Plan of Subdivision, a separate block was created to contain the wetland and was dedicated to the City. It is also understood that another separate block was created between the wetland block and the homes fronting on St. Michaels Avenue and was intended to be used as a public trail. This block (Block 252 on the Plan) falls within the 30 metre buffer placed around the wetland for its protection from negative impacts. The current City staff inquiry relates to relocating the proposed trail west of Block 252 into the wetland. It is understood that the impetus of the inquiry is in response to comments from the adjacent St. Michaels Avenue homeowners that the trail not be located in the buffer (behind those dwellings) and rather that it be rerouted through the wetland. The "Policies, Procedures and Guidelines for the Administration of Ontario Regulation 155/06 and Land Use Planning Policy Document" does not permit development and interference within Provincially Significant Wetlands. A trail of this nature would be considered development. In that context, as the parkland (block 252) was originally set aside for the development of a public trail, the NPCA would strongly encourage the City to utilize the land available within the wetland buffer. NPCA guidelines encourage and require buffers around natural features to protect the feature from potential negative impacts of adjacent development. NIAGARA PENINSULA CONSERVATION 110.0 Al1I HOPI I Y 25C) 1.1 oro!d ( );i I trust the above information is satisfactory for your needs. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact the undersigned. Regards, ibt Ryan Mallory, MCIP, RPP Coordinator, Development Reviews Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority