Annual Report 2015 BACKGROUND

Transcription

1 Annual Report 2015 Calgary River Forum Society Calgary Water Centre - Bldg M th Avenue SE T2G 4K8 PO Box 2100, Stn M, Code 64 Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2M5 BACKGROUND The River Valleys Committee was established by Calgary City Council in 1991 as a vehicle for informed citizens to provide coordinated and independent advice regarding potential impacts to Calgary s rivers, river valleys and water resources. The River Valleys Committee was able to achieve this goal through a unique structure which included advisors from various departments and City Council and by partnering with a variety of other stakeholder groups and citizens at large to develop a network of concerned and knowledgeable citizens interested in participating in advising City Council and Administration on watershed issues. While originally funded through the City s endowment of Parks Foundation Calgary, with the support of the City, in 2010 the River Valleys Committee formed a provincial society, The Calgary River Forum Society (CRFS). To maintain connection to the original River Valleys Committee name, the CRFS operates under the new name, Calgary River Valleys (CRV). CRV has a unique niche in the watershed stewardship community in Calgary where a focus on Provincial, regional and local planning issues relating to watershed use, health, and management, can be explored. Vision and Mission Calgary River Valleys is recognized as an essential public champion for the protection and stewardship of Calgary s river valleys, watershed resources and riparian areas. Calgary River Valleys vigorously supports the integrity of local rivers, creeks, reservoirs and wetlands. We engage organizations and citizens in building awareness and the strong sense of community ownership needed to steward and sustain our watershed resources for future generations. We are committed to the growth of community and civic responsibility, public education, and the highest standards in urban environmental policy, planning and implementation. CRV 2015 OVERVIEW Staff Changes In 2015, Calgary River Valleys experienced a change in staff which meant that CRV was without a full-time Coordinator for four months early in the year. Despite these challenges, the parttime Administrator, Anne Naumann, our Board members, other dedicated volunteers, and contractors hired for a limited time for certain projects were able to achieve many of our 2015 goals, as well as other goals as they arose. In June, CRV hired Patty Munkittrick as our new full-time Coordinator. Patty is a certified member of the Canadian Institute of Planners with 30 years of experience in municipal planning, predominantly in the public sector. Impact of City Planning Decisions An unexpected impact on CRV s resources and workload was a decision of City Council to offer developers the option to fund the preparation of Area Structure Plans (ASP) in a significantly Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2016 p. 1 of 13

2 condensed timeframe. Significant implementation of this model resulted in a higher than normal volume of materials for CRV to circulate, review, and prepare comments. CRV s mission includes a collaborative and consultative process which requires time to ensure stakeholders and citizens are informed and have opportunity for input. Unfortunately, due to the condensed timeframe, critical support documentation for adequate drainage studies and biophysical impact assessments were not provided in a timely manner (or at all in some cases). Given that these Area Structure Plans set the policy framework for any future development in these new communities, it is important that Calgary River Valleys provide input to these early stages of community planning. All new development will have an impact on watercourse and riparian areas and these new communities included rivers, creeks and/or wetlands. Area Structure Plans considered and approved by Council in 2015 will accommodate development over the next 15 years, with population growth in these regions of Calgary of 187,000 in 11 new communities and 50,000 jobs. Calgary River Valleys was able to provide input to City staff, the Planning Commission, and Public Hearing stages of the development of these Plans. While attention to these projects became a priority effort for CRV during 2015, CRV volunteers also participated in a variety of issues and initiatives within our mandate. Policy & Planning City of Calgary projects and initiatives: DETAILED 2015 ACTIVITIES Bowmont Natural Environment Park Management Update Ongoing Issue: Concerns relate to increased impacts on natural habitat, management of water access points, and off-leash areas. CRV Input: CRV attended and provided input to both workshops and the Public Meeting and will continue to provide input as needed to this project. Result: Identification of opportunities for park improvements in several categories: Access and Amenities, Paths and Trails, Flooding, Slopes and Erosion, Natural Habitats and Off- Leash Areas. Bend in the Bow Ongoing Issue: Proposal to create a new Regional Park in the community of Inglewood, to include the existing Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Inglewood Wildlands, Colonel Walker House, Pearce Estate Park and other adjacent lands. CRV Input: CRV was an invited stakeholder and has participated in four workshops to date as well as the November 2015 Open House. CRV s expressed interests to date relate to protection of sanctuary status as well as public access, river and habitat protection and stewardship /education opportunities. Result: CRV will continue its involvement in this project through to draft final design. Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 2 of 13

3 Canmore Park Ongoing. Issue: City-led investigation into the feasibility of restoring an urban wetland at this site. CRV Input: CRV was an invited stakeholder and voiced interest in the project which could demonstrate a better understanding of the important role of wetlands in ecological, hydrologic and recreational values. Result: CRV will continue to provide input should the City decide to proceed. Ecological Inventory Framework Ongoing. Issue: Development of a new framework meant to serve as a guidance document and to replace the 2010 Biophysical Impact Assessment Framework specific to the evaluation of land at the preparation of Area Structure Plans. CRV Input: CRV was an invited stakeholder to the development of this document. We offered input into the preparation of and comments on the draft Framework which was finalized February It has been indicated that this is a living document and therefore CRV will monitor and provide input on the effectiveness of the Framework. Result: Adherence to the Framework will result in an ecological report which will inform the Area Structure Plan and identify additional work required at the Outline Plan stage. BiodiverCity Strategy and Advisory Committee Terms of Reference June 10, Issue: A ten year plan providing a framework for the City to foster more resilient, biologically diverse parks and public open spaces as well as Terms of Reference for a City appointed Advisory Committee to support of the implementation of the BiodiverCity Strategic Plan. CRV Input: CRV provided input throughout the process of developing the plan and made a written submission in support of this effort to the Community and Protective Services Standing Policy Committee. Given Calgary River Valleys participation in the development of the Strategic Plan, CRV was invited to make comments on these draft Terms of Reference. Result: CRV input and support contributed to the development of a document which advances the City s commitment to the Durban Commitment. CRV recommendations also resulted in important changes to the scope of the Advisory Committee as approved by Council. Crowchild Trail Study Ongoing. Issue: A corridor study has been undertaken to identify short, medium and long term upgrades to Crowchild Trail. CRV Input: Several Calgary River Valleys members have actively participated in the various workshops that have been held since the summer of CRV s interests are related to potential changes to the bridge crossing and impact on the Bow River together with impacts on and opportunities for parks and pathways. Result: CRV will continue input through to Administration s final recommendations to Council. Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 3 of 13

4 South Shaganappi Trail Study Ongoing. Issue: A study to revisit of the design of the south end of Shaganappi Trail subsequent to the 2009 approval of the Calgary Transportation Plan which reclassified Shaganappi Trail as Skeletal and removed the recommendation for a Bow River crossing. CRV Input: Calgary River Valleys was an invited Stakeholder to the initial November Open House where we relayed concerns for any proposed infrastructure that would put increased pressure on the river, as well as interest in opportunities to enhance ecological function, and increased pedestrian/cycle and recreational opportunities. A representative of Calgary River Valleys serves on the Community Advisory Group. Result: CRV will continue to participate and offer input to the redesign of this interchange and surrounding lands. Foothills-Calgary Inter-Municipal Development Plan (IDP) Ongoing. Issue: New Inter-Municipal Development Plan will identify a long term Calgary growth area in order to address interim growth in the Municipal District of Foothills. CRV Input: CRV was an invited stakeholder to a September meeting of Environmental Stakeholders where concerns focussed on the sensitivity of the Pine Creek watershed to development pressures, and the compatibility of City and Municipal District of Foothills policies relating to wildlife corridors, setbacks, and the use of Environmental Reserve and Municipal Reserve at subdivision. Result: CRV will continue to have input into this Plan upon circulation of a draft in the spring of Amendments to the New Community Planning Guidebook - Ongoing. Issue: The Guidebook is to provide the basic building blocks and allow for a condensed format of Area Structure Plans. In particular, these policy amendments address the definition and implementation of various categories of Open Space, the provision of regional pathways, as well as the timing and scope of drainage studies and biophysical assessments. CRV Input: CRV was invited to provide input to this process in 2014 but not circulated the proposed amendments, and instead happened upon the staff report in a routine check of the Planning Commission Agenda. While staff did offer a meeting with CRV, it was too late to prepare comments to Calgary Planning Commission or Council. Result: CRV has subsequently met with City staff and were invited to ongoing dialogue on the New Community Planning Guidebook to address questions and concerns as the Guidebook is intended to be reviewed and revised routinely. A Review of the Developer-Funded Area Structure Plan Model Ongoing. Issue: Council asked that City staff provide an evaluation of the Developer-Funded Model, in CRV Input: CRV met with City staff in December 2015 to gain a better appreciation for the process, and to express concern about the insufficient timeline for review of the background materials, draft policy and subsequently preparation of comments. CRV and other stakeholder groups are expected to consult and collaborate to offer informed comments. In Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 4 of 13

5 addition, CRV suggested that the Area Structure Plan process would benefit from a four season Biophysical Assessment and an appropriate drainage study. Result: Given that as many as nine more Area Structure Plans will be developed under this model and condensed timeframe, CRV will continue to explore with City staff the processes that will allow for more timely distribution of draft materials, early discussion with staff, and provision of informed comments. Area Structure Plans, Land Use Amendments and Outline Plan Applications Highland Village Green Land Use Amendment and Outline Plan Application Ongoing. Issue: Proposal to redevelop the Highland Park Golf course lands subject to a community engagement process since November CRV Input: CRV comments to City Planning staff early in 2015 focussed on how the development proposal would address the creek and associated springs and regular flooding.crv has been told that the creek corridor drains some 17 square kilometres of developed lands. Given the lands are a natural continuation of the Confederation Park corridor, much of the lands should be set aside as a park and the lands allowed to function as a floodway and stormwater retention and pre-treatment area. CRV has also enquired about the legal status of the creek and the impact of this determination on the development potential of the subject lands. It is also noted that there are outstanding Municipal Reserve commitments that, as per a motion of City Council, are to be taken and remain in Highland Park. Result: CRV will continue to follow and offer input through to the presentation of the final concept in winter Haskayne Area Structure Plan (Developer-Funded) ASP approved by City Council July Issue: Located immediately east of the Bearspaw Reservoir, this development offers a gateway to Haskayne Legacy Park. It will be a predominantly residential community with two neighbourhood activity centres and a community retail centre with an anticipated population of 13,000. Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 5 of 13

6 CRV Input: CRV provided written comments and made a presentation to Council at the Public Hearing. Primary concerns related to 1) lack of drainage study to provide direction for development/infrastructure potential and to address any concerns regarding the potential presence of an aquifer - all in immediate proximity to this major drinking water source, 2) inadequacy of Environmental Open Space Study Area to accommodate a wildlife corridor, and river edge Natural Area Park. Result: Council approved the Area Structure Plan in July CRV will follow the submission of Outline Plans to assess treatment of Environmental Open Space Study Area and results of the drainage study. Trinity Hills Area Structure Plan, Land Use Amendment, Outline Plan (Developer-Funded) and Development Permit for Stripping and Grading ASP and Outline Plan were approved by City Council in July 2015 with policy modifications to address environmental concerns. Issue: Located south of the Trans-Canada Highway between Canada Olympic Park and Sarcee Trail, the Plan offers a mixed-use centre comprised of residential, commercial and retail uses on 34 hectares with a dedication of 67 hectares for open space. All of these lands are characterized by significant topography, tree cover, streams and ravines, including areas of archaeological and environmental significance. CRV Input: CRV provided a written submission and presentation to Council at the Public Hearing which included but was not limited to concerns for 1) the inclusion, within the developable area, of 20 acres of Environmentally Significant lands that could have been identified as Environmental Reserve, which were traded for less developable lands as open space, and 2) the use of Municipal Reserve to accommodate backslope rather than provision of visual buffers along the highway, or lands for recreational facilities for the community. Result: The decision was made to allow the development and in response to concerns raised by CRV, other stewardship groups, community associations and the public, Council made a number of policy amendments to address how development would occur and the treatment/ impacts on the environment and open space lands. CRV was subsequently circulated for comment an application for a development permit for stripping and grading of this site. CRV expressed concern for the treatment of the crossing of a ravine, suggesting that this was not in keeping with policy modifications approved by Council. CRV hosted two meetings between the developers and other stakeholder groups to attempt to resolve concerns. The Paskapoo Slopes Preservation Society appealed the approved Development Permit which was subsequently withdrawn. Permits will now be addressed through a Development Agreement Process. Nose Creek Area Structure Plan (Developer-Funded) The ASP was approved by City Council December Issue: Located on the City s central north boundary west of Deerfoot Trail on 679 hectares, the Plan includes two communities; one mixed residential, commercial, industrial, and the other industrial and employee intensive uses. The new Plan Area will accommodate a total anticipated population of 9,000 and 21,000 anticipated jobs. Proximity to Deerfoot Trail and Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 6 of 13

7 the Airport and the trans-section of Nose Creek and a CP Rail line presents both potential and challenges. CRV Input: CRV offered written comments to both the Calgary Planning Commission and City Council at the Public Hearing. CRV recommended that 1) the Environmental Open Space Study area be broadened to include land identified in the Biophysical Inventory and the Nose Creek Watershed Water Management Plan as requiring further study, and 2) that a study be undertaken to address how lands to the east of the rail line will be accessed without requiring a creek crossing. Result: Council approved the Area Structure Plan in December CRV will follow the development process on these lands including the biophysical impact assessment, drainage study, and transportation access proposals that would accompany the land use amendment application(s) and Outline Plan(s). Providence Area Structure Plan (Developer Funded) The ASP was approved by City Council December Issue: Located in the southwest, west of the future Southwest Ring Road and south of the Tsuut ina Nation on 816 hectares characterized by many wetlands, the Plan proposed significant employment and business industrial areas and two complete communities. CRV Input: CRV submitted written comments to City staff and the Calgary Planning Commission noting several positive aspects of the Plan, for example inclusion of the principle of complete communities and use of a more efficient grid pattern modified to address environmental lands. CRV did voice concerns for the lack of a drainage study that would inform the preparation of the Area Structure Plan for an area complicated by the existence of many wetlands and groundwater drainage issues. Result: CRV comments to staff resulted in a correction to the Environmental Open Space Study Area boundary to reflect an Environmentally Significant area identified in the Biophysical Study. Glacier Ridge Area Structure Plan (Developer Funded) Council approved the Area Structure Plan in December 2015 with CRV recommended modifications. Issue: Located at the extreme northwest corner of the city, north of 144 Ave NW, stretching between 85 St NW and 14 St. NW, and is comprised of 1290 hectares and including the West Nose Creek valley. Anticipated total of 10,900 jobs and population of 58,800 accommodated in four communities. Site includes important ecological functions and unique landforms including numerous streams and wetlands, groundwater seeps, coulees, bedrock outcrops and glacier erratic as well as a variety of Species of Management Concern. CRV Input: CRV submitted written comments to the Calgary Planning Commission and made presentation to Council at the Public Hearing. Positive aspects of the Area Structure Plan included the recommended transformation of a major portion of Symons Valley Road to a regional pedestrian and cycle pathway that offers protection of ecological function. City Council amended the Plan to accommodate the CRV request that the creek valley also be identified as a wildlife corridor. CRV was generally satisfied that the proposed Environmental Open Space Study Area reflected the recommendations of the Biophysical Study and other Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 7 of 13

8 City guidelines and studies. However a drainage study would have benefitted the Area Structure Plan process. Result: CRV recommended modification to the Area Structure Plan to include specific reference to wildlife corridors was incorporated into the approved Plan by a Council amendment. CRV will follow the development process of these lands including the biophysical impact assessment, drainage study, and infrastructure design that would accompany the land use amendment application(s) and Outline Plan(s). Government of Alberta projects: South West Calgary Ring Road Workshop held June 17, Issue: Proposed construction of major ring road (build out to 16 lanes) crossing watercourses; Fish Creek, Elbow River valleys. Calgary River Valleys over many years participated as a stakeholder in the discussions during the long design phase. Concerns remained regarding the river/creek valley crossings. CRV Input: Calgary River Valleys in collaboration with the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society sponsored a public meeting and a facilitated workshop with Alberta Transportation and guests from the stewardship community, academics, as well as City and provincial staff with expertise in biology, watershed management, and riparian interfaces to discuss criteria that would improve the design of the proposed crossing of the Elbow River valley to reduce long-term impacts on the environment. CRV members also met with provincial transportation representatives on several occasions. An Executive Summary of ten recommendations and a supporting report were forwarded to the Minister of Alberta Transportation for consideration. Copies were also forwarded to the Minister of Environment and Parks, the local MLA, City Councillors and Administration, the Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and CRV Partners. Report attached. Result: While CRV has not yet received a formal response from the Government of Alberta, we were advised in discussions held during this process, that as a result of the consultations, the river crossing bridge spans will be lengthened to better accommodate the river and creek corridors. Environmental & Stewardship Projects Riparian Restoration Tour Root Wads and Willows -- May 29, Purpose: Bus tour of post-flood, riparian restoration projects along the Bow and Elbow Rivers and Fish Creek with presentations from City of Calgary Water Resources, Parks, and Transportation Infrastructure along with Cows and Fish, and Trout Unlimited. Participants: Attracted a diverse crowd of over 40 participants including City Councillors, municipal and provincial employees, urban planners, environmental biologists, fishing guides, landscape designers, engineers, environmental educators, students and interested citizens. Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 8 of 13

9 Outcome: Discussion around the applicability and pros and cons of a range of techniques used to stabilize banks, restore riparian zones and protect infrastructure including the use of root wads and woody debris combined with plantings, a variety of approaches to vegetated rip-rap, and timber crib walls. Report Attached. Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 9 of 13

10 Annual CRV Lower Elbow River Brown Trout Redd Survey November, Purpose: Visual survey of Brown Trout redds along the 12 km reach of the Elbow River from the Glenmore Dam to its confluence with the Bow River. Participants: under the supervision of Chris Bjornson, a fish biologist with Golder & Associates, volunteers included University of Calgary students, biologists with the Department of Environment and Parks, and CRV staff and members. Provided significant media participation (television, radio and print) and public awareness. Outcome: Project produces data useful in monitoring of the health of the river and supports students in exploration of future career opportunities in aquatic biology results suggest that the river is beginning to recover from 2013 flood-induced habitat changes. Annual redd location maps have also been referenced by contractors to minimize impact of city works on the environment. Report Attached. Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 10 of 13

11 Christmas Bird Count Data Analysis Project Ongoing. Purpose: Use the Christmas Bird Count data going back to 1921 to find ways to graphically represent and interpret the data Participants: CRV working with Nature Calgary and Sustainable Calgary Outcome: An education resource to be distributed to school and general public Communications & Outreach Doors Open YYC September 26, Purpose: CRV participated in this city-wide event by manning an information booth at the Open House at the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant. Outcome: Supports the City in offering the public meaningful and educational conversations around the value of protecting and conserving the City s water resources. Liaison between City and other Stewardship Groups Ongoing. Purpose: In support of partners, CRV researched and responded to questions posed by Stanley Park to Glenmore Dam Preservation Society (S2G+) regarding policy on beavers, recent plantings and herbicide application. Outcome: CRV is exploring with Parks and Water Resources, opportunities for collaboration in stewardship and public education projects. CRV Website/Social Media Ongoing. Purpose: CRV website is routinely updated by our staff and is cross-promoted on our social media streams. CRV receives regular endorsements of our work and our organization from members of our expanding LinkedIn network. CRV also connects with other stewardship/watershed groups, and like-minded members of the public via our Facebook page and our Twitter and, in process, our first YouTube posts that will highlight the 2015 redd count event. Outcome: Website and social media offers a way to keep membership informed and attract participation in CRV events. Website and social media traffic is tracked monthly. Twitter and LinkedIn connections are up over seventy five percent and Facebook activity based on number of Likes is up forty percent over New River Booklet or Digital Resource Ongoing. Purpose: CRV is in the planning and research stages for a new informational resource on How Calgarians Use the Rivers which may be in a physical or digital format. Outcome: Will provide educational and promotional materials for Calgary s phenomenal river valley systems. Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 11 of 13

12 Members and Partners Partnership with Bow River Basin Council (BRBC) Ongoing. Routinely attend RBRC quarterly forums to network and stay informed of latest research and best practices. Serve on the BRBC Legislation & Policy Standing Committee. Watershed Stewardship Ongoing. CRV staff participated in webinars and workshops on relevant topics, including watershed stewardship regulatory tools and incentives, flood management, best practices in low Impact development, land use planning, etc. Partner Support Activities: Provide a supportive role in areas of mutual interest with partners including Friends of Fish Creek, City of Calgary, S2G+ Weaselhead Glenmore Park Preservation Society, Bow River Basin Council, Western Sky Land Trust and Paskapoo Slope Preservation Society, through participation in events, sharing of information, and fund raising efforts. Meetings Ongoing. Board of Directors meetings, Committee meetings, meetings with partners and members, stakeholders, councilors and city staff, developers, and consultants to discuss matters of importance to CRV s mandate. General & Administration Annual Audit -- As part of maintaining Society Status, Calgary River Valleys contracts an independent annual audit to review financial, minutes and other documentation. Insurance -- In 2015 CRV was able to secure Directors & Officers as well as Comprehensive General Liability insurance at a significant savings over past years. General Meetings of CRV Members Special General Meeting -- held in February at which important updates were made to the bylaws which were then approved by Service Alberta. Annual General Meeting -- the audited financial report was presented along with a report to stakeholders on 2014 activities of the Society. All previous Directors of our Board were re-elected maintaining organizational stability, and a new Director, who represents a local environmental stewardship group, was added. The event also incorporated an opportunity for networking between our members, City staff, and other watershed stewardship representatives. Chris Manderson of the City Parks department gave a presentation on the BiodiverCity strategic plan to which CRV had provided input. Policies & Procedures -- Ongoing revisions and additions to our Policies and Procedures Manual have been undertaken. Additional Funding Sources -- CRV continues to explore and make application for additional funding sources. Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 12 of 13

13 Bow River at Bowness Calgary River Valleys, April 20, 2015 p. 13 of 13