Public Information Session Delphi Waterfront Management Plan

Transcription

1 June 28 th, 2017 Public Information Session Delphi Waterfront Management Plan Presented by: Caitlin Port, RPP and Landon Black, BLA, ISA Skelton Brumwell & Associates Inc.

2 Agenda Purpose of the Public Information Session 1. Introduce the Project to the Public 2. Present Initial Findings 3. Determine Management Goals 4. Gather Information and Public Input 5. Provide Information on Next Steps for the Development of the Park Management Plan

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4 History Background The Delphi Waterfront is comprised of three parcels of waterfront, separated by privately owned parcels of land As part of development of the Peaks Bay East, Peaks Bay West, and Neighbourhoods of Delphi subdivision, waterfront land was conveyed to the Town.

5 Development Background There is currently a H Hold on Town owned properties, which prohibits development on these lands until Park Management Plan can be completed and implemented The Town owned waterfront lands are part of the Provincially Significant Delphi Point (Lower Whitby Formation) Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI)

6 Delphi Point ANSI Lower Whitby Formation Consists of bituminous shale Contains a variety of significant invertebrate fossils estimated to be 455 million years old Designated as significant by the OMNRF

7 Project Objectives 1. Prepare a management plan, which will: Protect the ANSI and wetland areas Support the appropriate level of use and activities in Delphi Waterfront and public lands Coordinate closely with the Community Services Department and other Town Staff. 2. Consult with and engage all Stakeholders during the development of the Management Plan, including the: Blue Mountain Resorts Grey-Sauble Conservation Authority Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) Niagara Escarpment Commission Niagara Parks and Open Space Systems Committee (NEPOSS) First Nations The Public

8 Project Objectives 3. Review options for land ownership, protection, sustainable land use practices, and future development on adjacent lands 4. Determine requirements and options to reflect compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) All of the above will compliment the Goals and Objectives for the Town of The Blue Mountains ANSI Waterfront Designation in the Town's Official Plan.

9 Management Issues 1. Public access and use of public waterfront areas 2. Ownership of the waterfront area 3. Control of invasive species 4. Protection of ANSI features (i.e. fossils & shale)

10 Ecological Assessment Preliminary Findings Two species of Trilobites (Arthropods) Vast numbers of Pseudogygites & Triarthrus species Other Common Fossils Three species of Nautiloids (Squids) and Gastropods (Mollusc) Four species of Graptolites Five species of Pelecypods (Bivalves) Seventeen species of Brachiopods (Lamp Shells)

11 Ecological Assessment Preliminary Findings Species at Risk No previous observations or records to date Limited habitat in shale or pavement beach Invasive Species No significant populations to date Garden plants along waterfront may be an issue

12 Access to the Waterfront Preliminary Findings No existing official trails in the ANSI Delphi Point Park Public parking, managed trails to waterfront, picnic areas, access to Georgian trail

13 Human Disturbance Preliminary Findings By-law No for the protection of fossils No person shall remove or destroy any fossiliferous rock specimens Disturbance and encroachment adjacent to existing residences in the ANSI 6/29/2017

14 Next Steps 1. Resident engagement & Consultation Mail list Public Survey Future Public Information Session and Council Sessions 2. Site Visits & Design Consideration Continue with an ecological assessment of the area Further assessment of access and use options for the ANSI Explore the application of AODA requirements 3. Consultation with Agencies 4. Draft Management Plan

15 Questions & Discussion