MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE. PROPOSED WATERFRONT TRAILS AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ON THE SOUTH BRANCH OF THE RIDEAU RIVER Kemptville, Ontario

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1 MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE PROPOSED WATERFRONT TRAILS AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ON THE SOUTH BRANCH OF THE RIDEAU RIVER Kemptville, Ontario MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, SCHEDULE B Project File Report Partners in excellence 24 Catherine St., suite 11 Ottawa (ON) Canada K2P 2G8 Tel.: (613) Fax: (613) FILE: A473 (8) Issued for ESR Review Period October 24, 216

2 MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE Kemptville, Ontario, SCHEDULE B Project File Report October 24, 216 Prepared by: Christopher Lyon, P.Eng. M.Eng. Director, Infrastructure Division PEO # Verified by: Christopher Lyon, P.Eng. M.Eng. Director, Infrastructure Division PEO # NOTICE TO THE READER: CIMA+ prepared this Document for The Municipality of North Grenville. The material included in this document reflects the opinion of CIMA+. Any use of this document, reference to it or decision based on it by someone else will be his or her own responsibility. CIMA+ will not accept any responsibility for damages resulting in decisions or actions taken by someone else based on unauthorized use of this document. 24 Catherine Street, Suite 11 Phone: Ottawa ON K2P 2G8 Fax: CANADA

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. INTRODUCTION PROPOSED WORKS ONTARIO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ACT STUDY PROCESS AND CONSULTATION SUMMARY OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION IMPACTS AND MITIGATION COMPLETION AND PROJECT FILE REPORT REFERENCES List of Figures Figure 1 - Global Key Plan of Proposed Work... 2 Figure 2 - Municipal Class EA Process... 4 Appendices Appendix 1 Detailed Design Drawings Appendix 2 Public Notices Appendix 3 Public Open House Display Boards Appendix 4 Public Comments Received Appendix 5 Species at Risk and Environmental Impact Assessment Report (source: CIMA Canada Inc.) Appendix 6 Stage 1, 2 and 3 Archeological Assessments Waterfront Trail / Pedestrian Bridge Kemptville (Lots 26, 27, 28 and 29, Concession 3, Geographic Township of Oxford on Rideau, Municipality of North Grenville

4 1. INTRODUCTION The Municipality of North Grenville initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for a new waterfront multi-use on the south branch of the Rideau River. The proposed works include various waterfront multi-use pathways and a pedestrian bridge alignment across the south branch of the Rideau River, beginning approximately 15 metres west of the Prescott Street Bridge and ending at County Road 43. The works have been proposed within the context of the North Grenville Long-Term Integrated Trails Strategy, which aims to provide connection between neighbourhoods and facilities as well as to promote physical activity and maintain community health. The project has been planned as a Schedule B Municipal Road Project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. This report outlines the environmental assessment process. It includes a description of the proposed works, a summary of the public consultation process, as well as impacts and mitigation measures. 2. PROPOSED WORKS The project includes various waterfront multi-use pathways as well as a pedestrian bridge alignment on the south branch of the Rideau River. A global view of the proposed works is provided in Figure 1. This figure shows the extent of works proposed at the on-set of the study process. It includes trails for short-term completion as well as long term conceptual links, which cannot proceed without acquisition of lands or settlement of land ownership issues. The proposed works are divided into two (2) categories: 1) Works proposed for construction in 217. This includes construction of new pathways as well as rehabilitation of existing pathways. 2) Proposed future connections. These represent conceptual links to be added to the plan of trails detailed in the North Grenville Integrated Trails Strategy. These works are proposed as part of a long-range plan (e.g. 1-2 years) to refine and expand the local trails network. Refer to Appendix 1 for the Detailed Design Drawings of the Proposed Waterfront Trail and Pedestrian Bridge. 1

5 Figure 1 - Global Key Plan of Proposed Work 2

6 3. ONTARIO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ACT 3.1 Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process The proponent for this study is the Municipality of North Grenville. This study has been conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) which was prepared by the Municipal Engineers Association and was approved by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. The Municipal Class EA is an approved environmental assessment planning process, which describes the steps which a proponent must follow in order to meet the requirements of the Ontario EA Act. Providing they meet the requirements of the Municipal Class EA, a proponent does not have to apply for formal approval under the EA Act but may, under certain circumstances, act under project Class approval by the MOE. The Municipal Class EA process is shown on Figure 2 and includes: Phase 1 - Identify the problem or opportunity; Phase 2 - Identify alternative solutions ; Phase 3 - Examine alternative methods of implementing the preferred solution; Phase 4 - Prepare and file an Environmental Study Report; and Phase 5 - Proceed to detail design, construction and operation. This project is subject to Municipal Class EA, Schedule B requirements, as this is a project that: - Has the potential for some adverse environmental effects; - Is approved subject to a screening process, which includes contacting directly affected public and relevant review agencies; - Generally includes improvements and minor expansions to existing facilities. In regards to the project approach early in the study process, the project scope was restricted to only address those lands currently in the ownership of the Municipality and riverside lands under the jurisdiction of the crown. 3

7 Figure 2 - Municipal Class EA Process PHASE 1 PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY PHASE 2 PHASE 3 PHASE 4 PHASE 5 ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR PREFERRED SOLUTION ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT IMPLEMENTATION 1 IDENTIFY PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY 1 IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY APPROVED MAY PROCEED 1 IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR PREFERRED SOLUTION 1 COMPLETE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT (ESR) 1 COMPLETE CONTRACT DRAWINGS AND TENDER DOCUMENTS 2 DISCRETIONARY PUBLIC CONSULTATION TO REVIEW PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY SELECT SCHEDULE (APPENDIX I) SCHEDULE A 2 DETAIL INVENTORY OF NATURAL, SOCIAL, AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 2 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT (ESR) PLACED ON PUBLIC RECORD 2 PROCEED TO CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION DETERMINE APPLICABILITY OF MASTER PLAN APROACH (SEE SECTION A.2.7) 2 INVENTORY NATURAL, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 3 IDENTIFY IMPACT OF ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND MITIGATING MEASURES IF NO ORDER* MAY PROCEED ORDER* GRANTED PROCEED WITH INDIVIDUAL EA OR ABANDON PROJECT 3 IDENITY IMPACT OF ALTERANTIVE DESIGNS ON ENVIRONMENT, AND MITIGATING MEASURES 4 EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS: IDENTIFY RECOMMENDED DESIGN NOTICE OF COMPLETION TO REVIEW AGENCIES AND PUBLIC COPY NOTICE OF COMPLETION TO MOE-EA BRANCH 3 MONITOR FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROVISIONS AND COMMITMENTS 4 EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS : IDENTIFY RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS 5 CONSULT REVIEW AGENCIES AND PUBLIC RE PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY AND ALTERNATIVE SOLUTAIONS OPPORTUNITY FOR ORDER* REQUEST TO MINISTER WITHIN 3 DAYS OF NOTIFICATION NOTICE OF COMPLETION TO REVIEW AGENCIES AND PUBLIC 5 CONSULT REVIEW AGENCIES & PREVIOUSLY INTERESTED AND DIRECTLY AFFECECT PUBLIC 6 SELECT PREFERRED DESIGN 3 OPPORTUNITY TO REQUEST MINISTER WITHIN 3 DAYS OF NOTIFICATION TO REQUEST AN ORDER OPTIONAL FORMAL MEDIATION (SEE SECTION A.2.8.2) 6 SELCTED PREFERRED SOLUTION REVIEW AND CONFIRM CHOICE OF SCHEDULE SCHEDULE B SCHEDULE C INDIVIDUAL EA REVIEW ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE & CHOISE OF SCHEDULE 7 PRELIMINARY FINALIZATION OF PREFERRED DESIGN DISCRETIONARY PUBLIC CONSULTATION TO REVEW PREFEERED DESIGN ORDER GRANTED, PROCEED AS PER MINISTER S DIRECTION OR ABANDON PROJECT MATTER REFFERED TO MEDIATION ORDER DENIED WITH OR WITHOUT MINISTER S CONDITIONS 4

8 An Environmental Study Report (ESR) is required for Schedule B projects. It documents the environmental assessment process carried out prior to proceeding with the construction of the project. Under the terms of MEA policies, the ESR must be filed for a minimum 3-day period of public review. 3.2 Purpose of the Environmental Study Report This Environmental Study Report (ESR) documents the process followed during the EA to determine the recommended undertaking and associated mitigation measures associated with the design and construction of a pathway within the Study Area. For further information on the Municipal Class EA process, readers are referred to the Municipal Class EA parent document. The Municipality of North Grenville Project Manager is available to discuss this information and can be contacted at the following coordinates: Mark Guy Director, Parks, Recreation and Culture Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road #44, PO Box 13 Kemptville,ON KG 1J mguy@northgrenville.on.ca Tel.: ext STUDY PROCESS AND CONSULTATION The study conduct included a details review of existing conditions; the development of standard cross-sectional elements (pathway widths, design elements, etc.) and the identification of a preferred pathway alignment within the municipal owned lands and public lands. 4.1 Agency Consultations Technical agencies, including the United Counties of Leeds-Grenville (County Road 43); the local Conservation Authority (Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, whose mandates may be impacted by study alternatives, were contacted early in the study to ascertain whether or not they wanted to participate in the study and to verify the appropriate contact person and preliminary issues and concerns. Those groups that elected to participate in the project were later involved during Agency review processes. Agencies members were requested to provide technical input and to comment on the study s findings throughout the course of the project and were provided study materials. 5

9 It should be noted that the involvement of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport was triggered through the Schedule B Screening Checklist ; which required their involvement on projects occurring with 1 km of designated historical sites (e.g.: The Kemptville Carnegie Library). 4.2 Public Consultation Public Consultation was conducted through publication of advertisements of EA study commencement. Through advertisements in local papers and the North Grenville web site, interested stakeholders were invited to participate in a study Open House on March 4, SUMMARY OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION As a Schedule B project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, there are two (2) mandatory points of public contact: the Notice of Commencement and the Notice of Completion. A Notice of Commencement was published on February 25, 215 in the local newspaper (The North Grenville Times) and on the municipal website ( inviting public comment on the EA and announcing a Public Open House to be held in March. A Public Open House was held on March 4, 215 from 4:3 pm to 7:3 pm at the North Grenville Municipal Centre to provide an overview of the project and an opportunity to discuss the proposal with residents. Subsequently, Public Open House materials were made available on the municipal website, as well as at the following locations: North Grenville Municipal Centre North Grenville Public Library 285 Leeds County Road 44 Kemptville Norenberg Branch Kemptville, ON KG 1J 1 Water Street Mon Fri: 8:3 am 5:3 pm Kemptville, ON KG 1J Mon Tues, Thurs: 1: am 9: pm Wed: 1: pm 9: pm Fri Sat: 1: am 5: pm Sun: Closed To encourage public input from local stakeholders, an EA public notice letter and Comment Sheet was mailed directly to local property owners on March 13, 215. In addition, a copy of the Environmental Assessment materials was sent to the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport on March 16, 215. Copies of the Public Open House materials were also sent electronically to members of the public and review agencies upon request. A Notice of Completion was published on November, 216 (note: Notice of Completion will follow 3 day review period) in the local newspaper (The North Grenville Times) and on the municipal website ( Comments received during the EA process were collected and incorporated in the evaluation of impacts and mitigation measures for the proposed works. 6

10 Refer to Appendix 2 for Public Notices. Refer to Appendix 3 for Public Open House Display Boards. Refer to Appendix 4 for Public Comments Received. 6. IMPACTS AND MITIGATION Cultural and Socio-Economic Environment From a community perspective, the proposed multi-use waterfront trails and pedestrian bridge offer several benefits to local residents, recreational groups and business owners. The following list summarizes the positive impacts of the proposed waterfront pathway, which arose from the public comments received during the EA process: 1. A natural, visually appealing setting for outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. 2. Facilitation of outdoor exploration and appreciation of local fauna, flora and waterways. 3. Interpretative areas providing opportunities for rest and socializing, as well as potential for future public boat launches and docks. 4. Potential future connections to key destinations such as downtown North Grenville, Ferguson Forestry Centre, and the south side of Kemptville Creek (South Branch of the Rideau River). To address public concerns regarding the cultural impacts, safety and use of the Proposed Waterfront Trail and Pedestrian Bridge, the following mitigation measures are offered: 1. Addressing findings and recommendation rising from the project site Archeological Assessments as address by Past Recovery Archaeological Services Inc. in a report entitled STAGE 1, 2 AND 3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS, WATERFRONT TRAIL/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE, KEMPTVILLE, LOTS 26, 27, 28 AND 29, CONCESSION 3, GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD ON RIDEAU, MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE a. Given the association with the Kemptville Creek Pathway Site (BgFv-8), the linear corridor for the proposed pathway within the un-opened Curry Street road allowance between c. 4 metres east of the James Street road allowance and 7

11 c. 1 metres west of the property boundary between Lot 28 and Lot 27 (see Map 45), Stage 4 archaeological mitigation of this section of the pathway corridor is required. This mitigation should involve mechanical excavation of the pathway extending to the subsoil under archaeological supervision. Any archaeological features or significant cultural stratigraphy encountered during the mechanical excavation should be hand excavated according to MTCS standards for Stage 4 excavation as detailed in Section of the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (MTCS 2111). b. In order to ensure the protected areas of site BgFv-8 are not impacted for the duration of the planned construction-related activities, temporary physical barriers (i.e. snow fencing) should be installed along the southern edge of the pathway corridor between c. 4 metres east of the James Street road allowance and c. 1 metres west of the property boundary between Lot 28 and Lot 27 (see Map 45) and a licensed consultant archaeologist should be retained to ensure that the temporary barriers are correctly located. The Stage 4 excavation area should be backfilled immediately following the archaeological excavation to ensure the site area is stabilized. In addition, a post-construction site visit should be conducted by a licensed consultant archaeologist to ensure that the site was not impacted during construction-related activities. c. Any alteration to the pathway alignment or other associated construction impacts that would result in below surface disturbance (e.g. staging areas, lay down areas, etc.) beyond the areas investigated as part of the present Stage 1, 2 and 3 assessments will require additional archaeological assessment. d. The portions of town lots beyond the limits of the linear corridor assessed by the Stage 2 and 3 archaeological assessments of the pedestrian pathway retain their archaeological potential as identified in the Stage 1 component of this report (see Map 25). They will minimally require a Stage 2 assessment before any future below grade disturbance. The recommended Stage 2 assessment strategy would be to perform a shovel test pit survey at 5-metre intervals as per Section of the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (MTCS 211). e. Any portion of the proposed future pathway extensions identified as having archaeological potential that were not subject to Stage 2 archaeological assessment as documented in this report (i.e. Riverside Park, Rotary Park and the private properties east of Rotary Park) will require a Stage 2 assessment before the construction of these pathway extensions (see Map 46). The recommended Stage 2 assessment strategy would be to perform a shovel test pit survey at 5- metre intervals as per Section of the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (MTCS 211). 8

12 f. Any future archaeological assessments should be undertaken by a licensed consultant archaeologist, in compliance with the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (MTCS 211). Refer to Appendix 6 for a copy of the. STAGE 1, 2 AND 3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS WATERFRONT TRAIL/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE KEMPTVILLE: (LOTS 26, 27, 28 AND 29, CONCESSION 3 GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD ON RIDEAU MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE), dated June 13, 216 (Revised); by Past Recovery Archaeological Services Inc. The reader is also referred to Section 7. below to ensure compliance with the Ontario Heritage Act as it may relate to this project. Public Safety on the Proposed Waterfront Trails and Pedestrian Bridge To maintain the safety of pedestrians and cyclists after dark, it is recommended that road crossings be lit to improve visibility for path users and drivers. To ensure safety of pedestrians and cyclists, motorized vehicle restrictions should be clearly marked on the pathways and enforced. In general, motorized vehicles should be prohibited from using the waterfront trails, except in winter during which time speed limit restrictions will apply. Public Awareness and Use of the Proposed Waterfront Trail and Pedestrian Bridge To increase public awareness and usage of the new waterfront trail, signage may be placed at the trail entrances. A mixture of backed and backless benches could be provided at the different interpretive sites to provide comfortable resting areas. To facilitate access to the Proposed Waterfront Trail, local sidewalk systems may require future improvements. Implementation of garbage receptacles on the waterfront trail should be accompanied by an appropriate maintenance program. Natural Environment From an ecological perspective, the proposed works are not expected to have significant negative impacts on the natural environment. Based on the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, prepared by CIMA Canada Inc. and dated September 16, 214, the following species at risk (or potential habitat) have been identified within the proposed work areas: 9

13 Butternut Trees Least Bittern Blanding s Turtle Consultations and potential approvals and/or permits may be required from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), the Department of Fisheries (DFO), and/or Transport Canada (TC) under the Navigable Waters Protection Act. Refer to Appendix 5 for a copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report by CIMA+. 1

14 7. COMPLETION AND PROJECT FILE REPORT In accordance with Municipal Class Environmental Assessment requirements, this ESR report will be made available to the public for 3 calendar days following publication of the Notice of Completion. If concerns arise regarding the project that cannot be resolved in discussion with the Municipality, the public has an opportunity to request that an Individual Environmental Assessment be completed under Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act (known as a Part II Order request ). The public can submit a Part II Order request to the Minister of the Environment within 3 calendar days following publication of the Notice of Completion. If the Minister does not receive a Part II Order request within the 3-day public review period, the Municipality of North Grenville will move forward with construction of the proposed works (excluding Proposed Future Connections) in the Spring of 217. If you have any questions regarding this report, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Prepared by:, PARTNERS IN EXCELLENCE Christopher Lyon, P.Eng., M.Eng. Director of Infrastructure Services 11

15 8. REFERENCES Municipal Engineers Association. (October 2, as amended in 27). Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. Mississauga, ON: Author. 12

16 Appendix 1 Detailed Design Drawings

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18 Proposed Future Connection with Highway 43 Widening Future boardwalk section Developement of Exisitng Municipal Pathway Proposed Alternative Pathway Alignment + Proposed Pathway Alignment Proposed Pathway Alignment Developement of Exisitng Municipal Pathway Curry Park Proposed Future Bridge Location Riverside Park m 4 8 Original sheets size 11x17 Client: No. 24, Catherine st., suite 11 Ottawa (Ontario) K2P 2G8 Telephone : (613) Fax : (613) Description Date Drawn By: S.LANDSLEY By dd/mm/yy Prepared By: C.LYON 1 For 9% Review C.L. 28/8/14 2 For Public Consultation E.A. C.L. 28/1/15 Verified By: C.LYON Date: 28 August 214 Scale: 1:5 Title: 2m Municipality of North Grenville Proposed Trail and Bridge Route on the South Branch of the Rideau River Global key Plan Project Number: A473 Drawing Number: Plan 1 of 12

19 PROPOSED FUTURE PATHWAY ALIGNMENT PROPOSED FUTURE BRIDGE LOCATION (±4m Span) ALTERNATIVE PROPOSED FUTURE PATHWAY ALIGNMENT PROPOSED FUTURE PATHWAY ALIGNMENT 1:1 m 1 2 4m Original sheets size 11x17 24, Catherine st., suite 11 Ottawa (Ontario) K2P 2G8 Telephone : (613) Fax : (613) Client: No. Description By Date dd/mm/yy 1 For 9% Review C.L. 28/8/14 2 For Public Consultation E.A. C.L. 28/1/15 Drawn By: Prepared By: Verified By: Date: Scale: S.LANDSLEY C.LYON C.LYON Title: Municipality of North Grenville Proposed Trail and Bridge Route on the South Branch of the Rideau River Proposed Plan 28 August 214 Project Number: Drawing Number: 1:1 A473 Plan 2 of 12

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