.
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DATE: May 7, 1999
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REPORT: DS99-38
, WARD: City-Wide.
TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS ACQUISITION AND
MAINTENANCE STRATEGY RESPONSE PAPER
PREPARED BY: Don Rotb, Karen Moyer, Len Fay,
Sarab Rapley
NT: Development Senices
FILE:
E: Review Team: May 10, 1999
ATTACHMENTS:
Report: 12 Pages
Appendices: "A" to "E
SMT: N/A
Council: August 30, 1999
Maps 2
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That Council approve the report, and that the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Maintenance Policy as set out in Part
Three of this Report be adopted.
The acquisition and management of environmental lands was identified in the City's Strategic Plan (1996) .in order that a
policy would be developed to guide the timing, priority of land types and methods of acquisition. The Discussion Paper,
Environmental Lands Acquisition and Maintenance Strateey (DS96-90) was prepared which outlined the importance of
environmental lands and set out a number of issues related to the possible approaches to acquire and manage these lands.
The City's woodlands total 688 ha. (1702 ac.) of which 317.4 ha. (784.4 ac.) is under public ownership.
This report is intended to respond to the issues and recommend a policy to acquire, manage, monitor and maintain
environmental lands. Staff recommend that:
0
environmental lands should be held in public ownership and be purchased to the greatest extent possible to ensure
0
the protection, preservation and maintenance of these lands for future generations;
the current purchase price of environmental lands is $2,650.00 per acre as approved by Council;
0
land trades, donations, land trusts, environmental conservation easements or land use controls (i.e. Official Plan,
zoning) may be considered as alternatives to purchasing where appropriate;
0
annual funding continue to be allocated to the 'Environmentally Important Areas -Land Purchase' account in the
capital budget;
0
any surplus funds allocated to the capital budget for the purpose of purchasing environmental lands be allocated into
reserves for the following year;
0
while the current focus of the acquisition program has been the West Side environmental lands, the City should be
positioned to consider other environmental lands as they become available;
0 pre-acquisition inspections be conducted prior to finalizing each purchase and sale agreement;
0 Management Plans should be prepared for environmental lands;
0 the current practices of annual field inspections be continued for all City owned environmental lands in order to
determine the impacts of development on the health and condition of these areas;
0 a public education and community awareness program be implemented to inform residents, with special attention to
those living adjacent to environmental lands, of the importance of these areas and how to live in harmony with them;
0 the Capital Budget program provides for the purchase of 30 to 40 acres of environmental lands per year which would
require an estimated $2100. to $2900. annually in additional maintenance/management costs.
The report includes a policy framework to address the acquisition and maintenance of environmental lands.
Date
lltt6 .
Date
•
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RESPONSE AND RECOMMENDATION REPORT
ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS ACQUISITION AND MAINTENANCE STRATEGY -
"'4
INTRODUCTION
o
The acquisition
and management of
environmental lands was identified in the
City's 1996 Strategic Plan in order that a
FACTS
»--------------¼½¾¿--------------À
0
environmental lands as set out in the Official Plan,
include natural features such as woodlands,
wetlands, Environmentally Sensitive Policy Areas,
and Environmentally Significant Areas;
o
688 ha. (1702 ac.) or 10.37% of the City's total area
currently has woodland cover;
o
in 1998, the City acquired 19.6 ha. (48.4 ac.) of
environmental lands on the West Side, bringing the
total amount under public ownership to 317.4 ha.
(784.4 ac.) or 46.1% of the City's remaining
woodland cover;
0
for 1999, the City is negotiating the purchase of
21.1 ha. (52.1 ac.) of environmental lands which
would increase the total acreage under public
ownership to 335.4 ha. (828.8 ac.) or 48.7% of
remaining woodland cover;
0
the 688 ha. (1702 ac.) of woodlands are divided into
four types:
policy would be developed to guide the
timing, priority of land types, methods of
acquisition,
and
approaches
to
management and maintenance.
o
The
Discussion
Lands
Paper, Environmental
Acquisition
and
Strategy (0896/90)) was
Maintenance
received
by
Council on February 17, 1997. An informal
public meeting was held on March 17,
1997, the Minutes of which are contained
in Appendix 'A' to this report. A summary
of agency comments are included in
Appendix '8'.
Area of Woodlot Types !%1 and
o
The purpose of this report is to:
)> respond to the issues within the Discussion
Number of Stands
Plantation
(6)
Paper; )> recommend a policy to acquire, manage,
monitor
and
maintain
environmental
lands; and,
)>
present to Council for consideration and
decision.
lowland/
(16)
10.94%
Mixed (26)
66.89%"
2
CllY OF WATERLOO
PART ONE- PROVIDING PROTECTION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS
This section addresses the protection, ownership, and prioritization of privately owned environmental lands. 0
0
Staff recommend that environmental lands be publicly owned to the greatest extent possible to
ensure the protection, preservation, monitoring and maintenance of these lands for future
generations.
Rationale:
0 The City's Environment First Policy places the highest priority on the prevention of loss and
destruction of environmental lands;
0
The Laurel Creek Watershed Study, West Side Sub-Watershed studies, the West Side District Plans
and the West Side Trails Master Plan suggest that environmental lands should be in public ownership in
order to maintain the long term protection of these areas;
o
Public ownership ensures protection and maintenance of valuable environmental resources for now
and for future generations;
o
Publicly owned environmental lands provide the public with passive recreational opportunities, as
well as help to fulfill various mental and spiritual needs, and enhance the quality of life in our City;
0
Not all environmental lands can be acquired by the City as parkland dedication or hazard land through
the development process;
0
In many cases the preservation of these lands can best be achieved through the purchase by the City;
0
Municipal management and maintenance of publicly owned environmental lands can address
sustainability.
3
CITY OF WATERLOO
Staff Response:
o
Staff recommend that:
environmental lands be purchased to the greatest extent possible to ensure the protection,
preservation and maintenance of these lands for future generations;
º in some situations other options such as land trades, donations, land trusts, environmental
conservation easements or land use controls (i.e. Official Plan, zoning) may be considered as an
alternative to purchasing where appropriate;
the purchasing of Environmental Lands continue to be negotiated by the Development Services Group
as lands become available, except when it is determined that the integrity and/or the quality of the
Environmental Land is threatened which deems that a proactive approach to municipal purchase of the
land is necessary;
while the current focus of the acquisition program has been the West Side environmental lands, the City
should be positioned to consider other environmental lands on a City wide basis as they become
available;
funding continue to be allocated to the 'Environmentally Important Areas - Land Purchase' account in
. the capital budget;
any surplus funds allocated to the capital budget for the purpose of purchasing environmental lands be
allocated into reserves for the following year;
pre-acquisition inspections be conducted by the Forestry/Horticulture/Environment Group prior to
finalizing each purchase and sale agreement for woodlands or other environmental lands to include:
an on-site inspection and general assessment of the lands be undertaken by the
Forestry/Horticulture/Environment Group to determine maintenance requirements and any costs that
may be required for hazards, encroachment, vandalism, garbage removal or other clean up conditions
specific to the Environmental Land.
¹
¹
·
¹
º
º
º
¹
Rationale:
o
Since the inception of the Environment First policy in 1989, Council has maintained the "Environmentally
Important Areas - Land Purchase" line item in the Capital Budget;
o
The 1999-2008 Capital Budget provides an amount of $78, 000.00 to be split funded from the Capital
Reserve Fund ($67,000.) and the Development Charges Fund ($11,000) in 1999. However the new
Development Charges Act (Bill 98) has deemed that Development Charge funds can not be utilized for
the acquisition of woodlots and lands that are environmentally sensitive. After 1 999, the Capital Budget
utilizes the Capital Reserve Fund as the sole source of funding.
0
Staff have been prioritizing and phasing the purchase of environmental lands based upon the annual
budget allocation;
0
Council has established the current purchase price of $2,650.00/ac. which has been utilized in the
purchase of West Side woodlands;
o
A pre-acquisition inspection will identify any outstanding issues that may have an impact on the natural
area function, management, and/or maintenance costs;
o
Pre-acquisition inspections will aid staff in determining the costs involved in maintaining and managing
environmental lands and any costs involved in potential dean up prior to finalizing the purchase
agreement and may be negotiated as part of the agreement;
D
Council has supported a program of purchasing environmental lands as the preferred method of
protecting these lands;
D
Staff have successfully negotiated in partnership with West Side landowners for municipal acquisition of
their environmental lands;
D
24.8 ha. (61 ac.) were purchased in 1997; and 19.6 ha. (48.4 ac.) in 1998;
D
those woodlands to be considered for acquisition are described in Appendix 'E' and illustrated on Map 1. 4
CITY OF WATERLOO
Staff Response:
o
Staff recommend that those woodlands with existing development approvals (i.e. registered plan, draft
plan of subdivision and/or zoning approvals) not be pursued for purchase;
o
Staff recommend that tree saving measures be implemented through the Site Plan Review process as
appropriate for those woodlands with existing development approvals at the time development
applications are submitted;
o
That staff negotiate tree saving opportunities with the owner to protect all or part of woodlands on a co­
operative basis through such measures as conservation easements, land trades or other appropriate
means;
0
That the City accept any donations of woodlands for which development approvals have been granted.
Rationale:
0
Staff have identified 8 woodlands (see Map 2 ) where draft plan of subdivision and/or zoning approvals
are in place;
o
These woodlands were approved for development prior to the City's Environment First Policy and the
initiation of the Laurel Creek Watershed Study;
0
These woodlands may proceed to development subject to Site Plan approvals in some cases, or the
issuance of a Building Permit;
o
The majority of these woodlands are small remnant parcels, generally 2 ha. (4.9 ac.) or less in size,
having limited species diversity;
o
Such lands are valued at current market rates for residential development lands which is $80,000 to
$95,000 per acre, making these woodlands more costly to purchase;
o
Acquisition funds could more appropriately be used elsewhere in the City o.e. undeveloped areas) to
obtain larger areas of higher quality, more diverse woodlands which are part of larger ecosystems.
5
CllY OF WATERLOO
Staff Response:
0
J>-
Staff recommend that:
environmental lands should be evaluated based upon the following criteria:
Table 1
•
Size
•
Ecological Functions
•
Social lmportance
•
Availability
•
Development Pressures
•
Funds
•
J>-
Natural Heritage
Features
•
Uniqueness
•
Linkage Opportunity
the methodology used to evaluate environmental lands (Appendix 'C') be accepted as a suitable
prioritization method.
Rationale:
o
due to limited resources, not all environmental lands may be acquired in the short term, consequently,
lands must be prioritized so that the most significant and valuable lands are obtained first;
0
the evaluation criteria (Appendix 'C') should be utilized to assist in the review and preparation of
purchase priorities of environmental lands;
0
it is anticipated that the purchases will be phased over time, and the annual allocation of funds in the
Capital Budget reflects this approach.
Criteria for Prioritized Environmental Lands
Appendix 'C' sets out the criteria for prioritizing environmental lands based on:
A: environmental lands classified as high priority for land purchase;
B: environmental lands classified as medium priority for land purchase;
C: environmental lands classified as low/ long-term priority for land purchase.
6
CITY OF WATERLOO
PART TWO
·
MANAGING, MAINTAINING AND MONITORING ACQUIRED
ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS
This section addresses management, maintenance, and monitoring of publicly owned environmental lands,
public education and awareness.
Staff Response:
Woodland management is an integral part of environmental protection and preservation. A combination of
experience and technical expertise is required when establishing management plans and undertaking
maintenance on forested lands. The overall concept of wise use and education combine to protect,
maintain and restore our environmental lands. By establishing policies and guidelines for best practices we
can minimize the negative impacts of human use on environmental lands.
D
Staff recommend that both Generic and a set of Site Specific Management Plans should be
prepared as follows:
i
Generic Plans to contain general policies that establish consistent woodland management
approaches for regularly occurring issues (e.g. adjacent residential encroachment and other
natural area misuses).
-
ii Site Specific Management Plans to contain an analysis of each woodland so that the
management and maintenance level specific to the individual woodland can be determined. A
strategy addressing any specific conditions that may be identified for that particular woodland
would be prepared. (See Appendix 'D' for plan layout).
-
Rationale:·
0 The Laurel Creek Watershed Study recommends management plans be created for the components of
the greenspace system which includes environmental lands.
0
As the City acquires more woodlands, it may be necessary to adjust and expand our general
management approaches to be applied to all City wide woodlands under municipal ownership. These
approaches should be included in the annual municipal budget process.
o
There is a need to develop long-term and short-term plans for environmental lands.
o
The general policies should reflect the community's aspirations and desires to protect, maintain and
restore our natural areas, in turn, these guide the development of the specific management plans.
o
Each woodland has its own unique characteristics and attributes which makes it necessary to prepare
site specific management plans.
o
Management strategies must be based on data collected from monitoring inventories to create
adaptive management plans that can be revised as the woodlands evolve over time.
0
The importance of public consultation in successful implementation of management strategies is
recognized.
·
7
CITY OF WATERLOO
Staff Response:
0
Staff recommend that the maintenance approach address the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
o
Encroachment Control and Prevention
Annual Inspections
Monitoring
Hazard Tree Removal
Debris Removal
Vandalism Control
•
•
•
•
•
Erosion Control
Trails Maintenance
Public Awareness and Education
Control of Invasive Species
Brace and Cable (where required)
Staff recommend that costs for management and maintenance should be included in the annual
municipal budget process based on the current cost of $72.42/acre.
Rationale:
0
Many natural systems are self sustaining, however on-going management is necessary in urban
environments.
0
These maintenance activities are a reflection of current practices, and are a result of technological
advances, increased knowledge of ecological processes and increased human activity in
Waterloo's environmental lands.
0
The importance of communication and education is recognized regarding maintenance activities
occurring in environmental lands, and consider it a necessary step in the implementation of a successful
maintenance program.
0
Since each woodland has different needs and conditions, the type of maintenance work will vary from
woodland to woodland and will be based on the objectives of its specific management plan.
0
The maintenance approach must be open and flexible to biological information and innovative solutions
to environmental concerns.
0
Continued use of knowledgeable, trained staff from the Forestry, Horticulture and Environment Group
to undertake maintenance activities will be a key factor in implementing a high quality maintenance
program.
0
In 1995, the Forestry/Horticulture/Environment Group determined an average cost of $68.25/acre is
required to maintain those woodlands under municipal ownership;
0
As more woodlands are acquired by the City, additional funding will be required to manage and maintain
these lands;
0
Funds required to implement management plans as recommended in this report, are based on an
estimated maintenance/management cost of $72.42/acre in 1 999;
0
The Capital Budget program provides for the purchase of 30 to 40 acres of environmental lands per year
which would require an estimated $2100. To $2900. annually in additional maintenance/management
costs.
8
CITY OF WATERLOO
Staff Response:
0
Staff recommend that the current practice of annual field inspections be continued for all City owned
environmental lands to be the responsibility of the Forestry/Horticulture/Environment Group, and that the
results be the subject of annual reporting to Council;
o
Staff recommend that the information derived from the Laurel Creek Watershed Monitoring Program (i.e.
the Terrestrial Monitoring component only) be used as a guide to help determine the direction of long­
term management strategies for environmental lands.
Rationale:
o
The Laurel Creek Watershed Study recommends on-going inventory and reassessment of the condition
of biological and physical resources, and maintenance, management and rehabilitation requirements.
o
Monitoring and experience will provide new insights and knowledge about a number of factors (i.e.
recreational overuse, severe climatic events and other unforeseen influences) required for the
modification of objectives, priorities and practices in the generic plan as well as the specific
management plans accordingly;
o
The annual inspections are important in determining the impacts of land use change and development
on the health and condition of environmental lands;
o
The on-going collection of data provides a means to record environmental changes and trends that
occur over time;
o
Monitoring will provide current information of environmental health which would then permit an adaptive
approach to woodland management;
o
Information collected from the monitoring program may provide potential economic return opportunities
in terms of information sharing and the sale of education and resource materials.
9
CITY OF WATERLOO
Staff Response:
0 Staff recommend that a public education and community awareness program such as neighbourhood
guides and newsletters, be implemented to inform residents, with special attention to those living
adjacent to environmental lands, of the importance of these areas and in the roles and responsibilities
they can play in protecting and living in harmony with the natural environment;
0 the City's neighbourhood guides, such as
'Our Woodlands: Keeping them Vibrant!', 'Living With
and 'Ribbons of Life: Riparian
set out information to increase residents awareness of the City's environmental programs for
sensitive lands and their use (i.e. trails),and the reasons for the programs;
Nature in West Side Waterloo: A Good Neighbours Guide'
Habitats',
0 these neighbourhood guides should be available to residents in these areas to promote stewardship of
our natural landscape. The 'Living with Nature' Guide is being distributed td all West Side residents
through purchase and sale agreements.
0 Staff recommend to continue informing residents of up-coming maintenance activities and their
benefits prior to the activity occurring in environmental lands in their neighbourhood.
Rationale:
the West Side District Plans and draft plans of
subdivision supported the preparation of a community
awareness program to advise citizens, businesses and
interest groups of the importance and responsibilities in
protecting and managing environmental lands, and in
achieving the Laurel Creek Watershed Study goals;
0
0 a public education and awareness program:
helps to create an environmentally aware public;
encourages volunteerism and stewardship;
helps to prevent degradation to environmental lands by encouraging participation in plantings, removal of invasive/ non-native plant species, clean-up activities, and environmental monitoring; promotes common sense use of these areas;
helps create awareness of management goals and maintenance activities •
•
•
•
•
0
Currently, the City's woodland management program includes distributing
correspondence describing up-coming maintenance activities to local
residents interested in and/or living adjacent to environmental lands.
This method of communication has received positive feed back from
citizens inquiring about maintenance activities.
10 CITY OF WATERLOO
PART THREE
ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS ACQUISITION AND MAINTENANCE POLICY
This section sets out a proposed framework for the environmental lands acquisition and maintenance policy.
i8;\liR;I\i<i\lfAL.=>?@QUisif'IAN #!1\ff\fllllit!ti7fl!8B 9..,I:V
...
1.0 Goals
1 . 1 To acquire, protect and manage environmental lands to preserve and enhance ecological processes,
visual amenities and the quality of life for the health and benefit of existing and future residents of the
City of Waterloo;
1 .2 To promote programs that maintain environmental lands in their natural condition, to manage land for
environmental purposes, and to encourage naturalization in cooperation with appropriate public
agencies;
1 .3 To promote stewardship and public awareness of the importance of environmental lands, and the roles
and responsibilities of citizens in using and protecting the natural environment.
2.0 Policies
2.1.0
Land Acquisition
2.1 .1 Environmental lands should be municipally purchased to the greatest extent based on the current
Negotiations to purchase
purchase price of $2,650.00 per acre as approved by Council.
environmental lands should be the responsibility of the Development Services Group;
2.1 .2 Consideration of any change in the purchase rate will be subject to a justification analysis and must be
approved by Council;
2.1 .3 Alternatives to acquire environmental lands may be considered including land donations, dedications,
land trades, land trusts, land use controls (Official Plan, zoning), or a combination of these;
2.1.4 Conservation easements may be applied to environmental lands by agreement with the landowner as
these lands remain in private ownership and are utilized to place restrictions on the types of activities
that can occur on the lands;
2.1.5 Environmental lands should continue to be acquired as they become available, except when it is
determined that the integrity and/or the quality of the Environmental Land is threatened which deems a
proactive approach on the part of the City to initiate the land purchase negotiations;
2.1 .6 Municipal funding should be allocated to the Capital Budget on an annual basis for the purpose of
purchasing environmental lands;
2.1. 7 Surplus funds allocated to the Capital Budget for the purpose of purchasing, managing, maintaining or
monitoring environmental lands should be allocated into reserves for the following year;
2.1 .8 Pre-acquisition inspections should be negotiated with the landowner and conducted by municipal staff
prior to purchasing environmental lands as a condition of the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The pre­
acquisition inspections will be conducted by staff from the Forestry/Horticulture/Environment Group.
2.1 .8.1 The pre-acquisition inspections should be conducted as follows:
a) an on-site inspection and basic assessment of lands be required prior to finalizing each
purchase and sale agreement to determine maintenance requirements and any costs
11 CITY OF WATERLOO
that may be required for hazards, encroachment, vandalism, garbage removal and other
conditions;
2.1 .8.2 The pre-acquisition inspection should identify the following:
a) amount of debris accumulation from various human activities and natural events;
b) tree mortality (specifically hazards at fringes of environmental features that will affect
adjacent properties);
c) costs of removal (debris, hazardous trees and invasive, non-native species);
d) encroachments into natural areas;
e) any other issues discovered during the inspection.
2.1.9 Any outstanding issues discovered during the inspection that may have an impact on the natural area
function, management, and/or maintenance costs should be negotiated with the landowner prior to
the City acquiring the lands;
2.1.10 Arrangements to address the estimated costs for any clean-up, should be negotiated as part of the
purchase and sale agreement;
2. 1 . 1 1 Staff should have regard to the prioritized list of environmental lands when purchasing such lands;
2.1 . 1 2 While the current focus of the acquisition program of environmental lands has been the West Side
lands specifically within Forested Hills ESPA No. 1 9 and Schaefer's Woods ESPA No. 1 7, the City
should be positioned to consider other environmental lands for acquisition on a City wide basis as
they become available;
2.1 . 1 3 those woodlands with existing development approvals (i.e. registered plan, draft plan of subdivision
and/or zoning approvals) should not be pursued for purchase;
2.1.14 tree saving measures should be implemented through the Site Plan Review process as appropriate
for those woodlands with existing development approvals at the time development applications are
submitted;
2. 1 .1 5 tree saving opportunities should be negotiated with the owner to protect all or part of woodlands with
existing development approvals on a co-operative basis through such measures as conservation
easements, land trades or other appropriate means;
2.1.16 the City may accept any donations of woodlands for which development approvals have been
granted.
2.2.0 Management:
2.2.1 The overall management of acquired environmental lands should be the responsibility of the
Forestry/Horticulture/Environment Group, and should be based upon protection, rehabilitation and/or
re-establishment of naturally sustainable landscapes and ecosystems;
2.2.2 A public education and community awareness program should be implemented to promote a sense
of citizen stewardship through education and interpretation of environmental lands;
2.2.3. the City's neighbourhood guides should be made available to residents to inform them of the
importance of environmental lands, to increase their awareness of the City's environmental
management programs and activities, and to emphasize the roles and responsibilities of citizens in
using and protecting these areas;
12 CITY OF WATERLOO
2.2.4 Flexible management strategies should be used in long-term care of environmental lands to allow for
the modification of objectives, priorities and practices, as these changes will be based on information
obtained through monitoring and inspection programs.
2.3.0 Maintenance
2.3.1 The overall maintenance program for environmental lands should be the responsibility of the
Forestry/Horticulture/Environment Group, and should be based upon the management strategies
that have been established for the protection, rehabilitation and/or re-establishment of natural areas
and their ecosystems;
2.3.2 All significant on-site sources of contamination or degradation of the environmental lands should be
removed where it has been negotiated as a condition ofthe purchase and sale agreement;
2.3.3 The overall maintenance program for environmental lands should be based upon rehabilitation
and/or re-establishment of naturally sustainable landscapes and ecosystems, the removal of
invasive, non-native species and the use of native species in re-plantings;
2.3.4 The ecological and biological value of these natural areas including the landscape features
contributing to the visual continuity and aesthetic quality of the environmental lands should be
protected, maintained and enhanced where appropriate;
2.3.5 The City will communicate with residents through newsletters, correspondence, etc., to
inform them of up-coming municipal maintenance activities and their benefits prior to the
activity occurring in environmental lands.
2.4.0 Monitoring
2.4.1 The current practice of annual field inspections be continued for all City owned environmental lands to
be the responsibility of the Forestry/Horticulture/Environment Group, and that the results be the
subject of annual reporting to Council;
2.4.2 The priority for annual field inspections should be public safety and environmental protection;
2.4.3 The information derived from the Laurel Creek Watershed Monitoring Program (i.e. the Terrestrial
Monitoring component only) be used as a guide to help determine the direction of long-term
management strategies for environmental lands;
2.4.4 Information from monitoring and annual field inspections should be used to identify significant changes
in the landscape, as these changes will be reflected in the modification of objectives, priorities and
practices in the specific management plans.
13 CiTY OF WATERLOO
RECOMMENDATIONS
1 . That Council approve the report, and that the Environmental Lands Acquisition And Maintenance Policy
as set out in Part Three of this Report be adopted.
Submitted By:
t. Fevv;
/
Len Fay
Mgr. Forestry/Horticulture
Don Roth, M. Sc., M.C.I.P
Senior Planner
Karen Moyer
Forestry Coordinator 14 CITY OF WATERLOO
APPENDIX 'A'
MINUTES OF AN INFORMAL PUBLIC MEETING
Waterloo, Ontario
March 17, 1997
A regular meeting of the Physical Development Committee was held on the above-mentioned date at 7:00p.m. in the Council
Chambers, City Hall, Waterloo City Centre.
The following members were present:
Mayor Turnbull
Councillor Alexander
Councillor Anderson
Councillor Hoddle
Councillor McKinnon
Councillor Taylor
Also Present:
Councillor Connolly
Councillor McKenty
Councillor Jones
Councillor Roeder
Councillor Siemens
Councillor Anderson in the Chair.
I.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
No disclosures of pecuniary interest were declared by any member of Council at this point in the meeting.
2.
INFORMAL PUBLIC HEARINGS
a)
DS96-90- Re:
ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS ACQUISITION AND MAINTENANCE STRATEGY
DISCUSSION PAPER
Don Roth, Senior Planner, Development Services, introduced the other staff members who conlributed to the Discussion Paper:
Len Fay, Manager of Forestry; Karen Moyer, Forestry Coordinator; and Ron Warne, student planning volunteer. Mr. Roth
provided an overview of the Discussion Paper, noting that the purpose of the strategy is to acqUire, manage, monitor and maintain
environmental lands and advised that some of the issues to be addressed include ownership, acquisition priorities, options for
protection, management approach and maintenance requirements.
Len Fay expanded on issues related to woodland management, maintenance and monitoring, pre-acquisition inspections and
emphasized the need to develop a public education and awareness program to maintain and enhance the quality of life in our
community.
Mr. Roth advised that a !mal policy document would come back for Council's consideration in the future.
As no one else was present to speak to the application the Chair concluded the hearing. The Chair indicated that no decisions
would be made at this time and that further reporting would be presented to Council at a future date.
15
CITY OF WATERLOO
APPENDIX '8'
SUMMARY OF AGENCY COMMENTS:
1. City of Kitchener
•
•
The City of Kitchener would like to commend the City of Waterloo for our initiative on the development of a
land acquisition strategy.
We would pose the question of whether the strategy goes far enough since it focuses only on the acquisition of
woodlands. Other areas, such as natural or agricultural, may be critical in the broader picture of creating
linkages or satisfying other natural system functions.
16
CITY OF WATERLOO
APPENDIX 'C'
Methodology Used To Prioritize Private Environmental Lands
Using the comments provided in the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Maintenance Strategy Discussion
staff prepared a prioritized list of environmental lands. The methodology used to prepare the list was
as follows:
I. A method for equally rating the various evaluation criteria was devised ( see Table 1, pg. 5);
II. An in-depth analysis of each Environmental Land (based on available information) was conducted
(Appendix E);
Ill. The environmental lands were evaluated based upon the results in steps I and II and categorized as
follows:
A- High priority for municipal purchase
8- Medium priority for municipal purchase
C- Low/ Long -range priority for municipal purchase
lands;
2- medium- average habitat diversity, some groundwater significance, designated Constraint
Level2 lands;
3- high- groundwater reclhar!le
Note: The higher the rating the more valuable the environmental lands are in terms of acquisition prioritization.
17 CITY OF WATERLOO
APPENDIX 'D'
DEFINITIONS
Environmental lands include such natural features as woodlands, wetlands, Environmentally Sensitive
Policy Areas, and Environmentally Significant Areas;
Environmentally Sensitive Policy Areas as defined in the Regional Official Policies Plan are remnant
areas of the landscape which have not been converted to urban or agricultural uses. These areas generally
include the more region-wide significant woodlots, bogs and swamps, marshes and lakes, some flood plain
areas or river and stream bottom lands that are regionally unique and forested areas that are ecologically
significant or form a corridor linking process for the movement of wildlife over considerable distance
generally free from people.
Environmentally Significant Areas as defined in the local Official Policies Plan such as woodlots,
wetlands, and stream valley corridors, are included as natural or ecological features of local significance
-that warrant environmental preservation or protection for the long term benefit of and use by the residents of
the City of Waterloo.
Woodlands: include municipal agreement forests, Woodland Improvement Act forests, plantations and
any other forested area conforming to the woodlot definition contained in the Regional Tree Cutting By-law,
as amended.
Hardwood: means mature and immature deciduous trees that are native to the area, (i.e. Maple, Beech) Lowland/Wetland: means low laying and/or swampy areas containing wetland species,
(i.e. Silver Maple Swamp, Cedar Swamp)
Pl antation : means coniferous trees planted in uniform rows either mechanically or manually, (i.e. Red Pine, White Pine) Mixed: means a combination of any or all of the above in a woodland
Constraint Areas are Environmental Constraint Areas as identified and defined in the Laurel Creek
Watershed Study (1 993) and eomprise Constraint Level One, Constraint Level Two and Constraint Level
Three Areas as follows:
Constraint Level One areas perform important ecological processes and protect biological
diversity and life-supporting systems that would be lost or degraded if such
areas were permanently disturbed in anyway. Constraint Level One Areas
are "preservation areas" intended to preserve, enhance and protect
important environmental features from land use impacts that would
detrimentally alter their size and physical form, impair their ecological
functions or degrade their quality.
18 CITY OF WATERLOO
Constraint Level Two
areas provide important ecological functions to the Watershed and allow for
the creation of new ecological features such as vegetative buffers, wetlands
and linkages between vegetated areas and watercourses. Constraint Level
Two Areas are "conservation areas" intended to allow a certain level of
development to alter the size and physical form of an environmental feature
provided that ecological functions including hydrologic and hydrogeological
functions are protected and maintained.
Constraint Level Three areas are defined as "management areas" which integrate land use
development with the Watershed environment. Although Constraint Level
Three Areas do not have specialized ecological functions as exhibited in
Constraint Level One Areas and Constraint Level Two areas, they are
subject to all the Watershed policies in this Plan using best management
practices.
19 CITY OF WATERLOO
APPENDIX 'E'
ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS INFORMATION SHEETS
Ref #: 1.29
Name: Schaefer's Woods
Owner: Sugarbush Holdings, Dirksen, Others
Size of Environmental Land: 82.53ha. (203.86 ac.)
Social Importance:
+ Known as an outstanding field site for research by local universities;
+ High linkage opportunities throughout the West Side of Waterloo, to Wilmot, Woolwich,
and Beechwood;
+ Currently not located near existing development.
Natural Heritage Features:
+ ESPA;
+ Rare Species: Red-Shoulder Hawk, Barred Owl;
+ Uncommon Species: Winter Wren, Northern Water Thrush, Red-Headed Woodpecker,
Hairy Woodpecker.
Uniqueness :
+ Mix of Upland Hardwoods and Lowland Forest;
+ Diverse number of species;
+ High number of significant species (10);
Ecological Functions:
+ Constraint Level 1- Lands;
+ Forms part of the headwaters for Laurel Creek;
+ Contains Regionally and Provincially significant number of boreal swamp species south
of their normal ranges;
+ Diversity of fern and allied species;
+ The area performs important hydrologic functions in regard to storage, recharge and
discharge;
+ The wooded environment reduces erosion and cools Laurel Creek;
+ Wet Organic Soil Base Nature.
Availability:
+ no offers of sale have been made to the City by the landowners at this time.
Development Pressures:
+ Currently not part of any City District Plan;
+ Official Plan designation is Open Space;
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A';
+ Development not permitted on Constraint Level 1 lands.
Linkage Opportunity:
+ Yes; Linkage opportunity for West Side Trail System and connections to Wilmot and
Woolwich Townships.
20 CITY OF WATERLOO
2.
Ref#: 1.31
Name: Beaver Creek Woods
Owner: Brohman/Dziak/Lang
Size ofEnvironmental Land: 8.3 ha (20.51 ac.)
Social Importance:
+ No recreational use (wet soils heavy shrub layer)
+ Located within undeveloped area
Natural Heritage Features:
+ Rare to infrequent Rough-leafed Goldenrod;
+ Infrequent species of Dwarf Horsetail, Green-Heated Coneflower.
+ Environmental Constraint Areas
Uniqueness :
+
+
+
+
Mixed floodplain woods: Cedar, Poplar and Larch;
Medium species richness (58 Vascular Plants);
Medium habitat diversity (8 subunits);
Medium number of significant species (3).
Ecological Functions:
+ Constraint Level 1 lands;
+ Stream temperature moderation/discharge area;
+ Erosion control;
+ Run-off retention;
+ Water quality improvement.
Availability:
+
no offers of sale have been made to the City by the landowners at this time.
Development Pressures:
+ Currently not part of any City District Plan;
+ Official Plan designation is Open Space;
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A';
Linkage Opportunity:
+ Yes; linkage to Laurel Creek Forest (#1 .33). Also linkage to Woolwich Township.
21
CITY OF WATERLOO
3.
Ref#: 1.32 Name: South East Comer of Erbsville and Conservation Dr. Owner: Nafziger/Simpson Size ofEnvironmental Land: 6.2 ha. (15.32 ac.) Social Importance:
+ None to possibly low (casual) wet soils and heavy shrub layer:
+ Adjacent to Development
Natural Heritage Features:
+ Primary support area;
+ Infrequent species: Dwarf Horsetail, Rough-leafed Golden Rod, Spring Cress.
+ Environmental Constraint Areas
Uniqueness :
+
+
+
+
Mixed floodplain woods;
Medium diversity;
Medium number of significant species;
Medium species richness.
Ecological Functions:
+ Constraint Level 1 lands;
+ Flood damage centre;
+ Gradient positive;
+ Significant gravel stream bed;
+ Cold groundwater seepage.
Availability:
+
no offers of sale have been made to the City by the landowners at this time.
Development Pressures:
+ Currently not part of any City District Plan;
+ Official Plan Designation is Open Space;
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A'.
Linkage Opportunity:
+ Medium. Primary Supporting Area indirect link to Schaefer's Woods (#1.01). Direct link
to Laurel Creek Forest (#1.33).
22 CITY OF WATERLOO
4.
Ref#:1.33
Name: Laurel Creek Forest
Owner: ReideVLang in Trust/GRCAffrillium Estates Ltd.
Size of Environmental Land: 39.7 ha (98 ac.)
Social Importance:
+- Recreational activities presently include a nature interpretation centre, hiking trails, cross­
country skiing, dog walking, and birding; some areas are wheelchair accessible. These
are focused in the south-central part of the woodland.
+- Located Adjacent to Municipally approved subdivision.
+- Candidate for ESPA status.
Natural Heritage Features:
+- Designated Environmentally Significant area in the Official Plan; +- Rare species: Goldie's Fern; +- Infrequent species: Dwarf Scouring Rush, Poke Milkweed, Ditch Stonecrop, Silvery Spleenwort, Leatherleaf.
Uniqueness :
+++-
Mixed woods associated with floodplain and upland fringes of Laurel Creek; Diverse amount of species; Nine significant species. Ecological Functions: +- Constraint Level 1 lands; +- Cold groundwater seepage area near Laurel Creek; +- Upland Areas are potential recharge areas; +- Positive gradient and gravel streambed. Availability:
+- no offers of sale have been made to the City by the landowners at this time.
Development Pressures:
+- Currently not part of any City District Plan; +- Official Plan designation is Open Space +- Zoned Agriculture 'A'; Linkage Opportunity: +- Yes. Linkage to 1.32 and 1.31. Core area with primary supporting and primary link. 23
CITY OF WATERLOO
5.
Ref#: 1.34 Name: Scheifele Woods Owner: Gottwald Size ofEnvironmental Land: 4.3 ha. (10.67 ac.) Social Importance:
+ Although presently in private ownership, this woodland has an upland forest sub-unit.
Natural Heritage Features:
+ Environmental Constraint Areas.
Uniqueness :
+
+
+
+
Upland hardwoods (Climax);
No significant species;
Medium diversity (3 subunits);
Medium species richness (40 Vascular Plants).
Ecological Functions:
+ Local recharge/discharge;
+ Seasonal tributary in Laurel Creek Watershed.
Ava ilabil i ty :
+
no offers of sale have been made to the City by the landowners at this time.
Development Pressures:
+ Constraint Level 1 lands;
+ Official Plan designation is Open Space;
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A'.
Linkage Opportunity:
+ Primary link area
24
CITY OF WATERLOO
6.
Ref#: 1.36 Name: Clair Woods (South West Comer Erbsville Rd. and Keats Way) Owner: 694084 Ontario Ltd./Erbsville Road Developments. Size ofEnvironmental Land: 6.1 ha. (15.2 ac.) Social Importance:
+ Recreational use appears restricted to trails· ( Part of Proposed the West Side Trail
System);
+ Located near developed areas.
Natural Heritage Features:
+ Environmental Constraint Areas
+ Infrequent species: Mountain Holly, Spicebush, Poke Milkweed.
Uniqueness :
.
+
+
+
+
Sugar Maple Woods;
Medium diversity (Five Component subunits);
Medium species significance (3);
High species richness (60 Native Vascular Plants).
Ecological Functions:
+ Constraint Level 1 lands;
+ No surface water linkage to Laurel Creek System;
+ Swamp feature at north end.
Availability:
+
landowners currently negotiating the sale of the woodlot to the City.
Development Pre ssures :
+ Official Plan designation is 'Open Space';
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A';
+ Currently the subject of a draft plan of subdivision application.
Linkage Opportunity:
+ Yes. Links with the Hydro Corridor and the West Side Trail System.
25 CITY OF WATERLOO
7.
Ref#: 1.39 Name: Forested Hills Owner: Clair Hills, Greyerbiehl, Activa, et al Size of Environmental Land: 113.3 ha. (279.82 ac.) Social Importance:
+ Trail Plans for this area were proposed in the West Side Trail Master Plan Study
+ Future proposed development on adjacent lands.
Natural Heritage Features:
+ ESPA#19
+ steep hilly ridges
+ large area of continuous forest
Uniqueness :
+ Mixed upland hardwoods, with cedar wetland pockets.
Ecological Functions:
+ buffer for section of Laurel Creek reducing sediment load
+ home to a variety of rare species i.e. Red-Shoulder Hawk, Prairie Warbler
+ natural water storage/recharge functions are preformed within the area
Availability:
+ Portions of these lands have been purchased by the City; ongoing negotiations to acquire
additional lands held by developers.
Development Pressures:
+ Official Plan designation is 'Open Space';
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A'.
Linkage Opportunity:
+ Yes. Linkage westerly to Wilmot Township, the remaining West Side Lands and Planning
Districts to the east ( Beechwood West, Laurelwood)
26 CITY OF WATERLOO
.,
0
8.
Ref#: 3.30
Name: Eastbridge Woodlot
Owner: Stamm lnv. Nelson Kraus Holdings/ Foxpoint Estates ltd./ City of Waterloo
Size ofEnvironmental Land: 18.6 ha. (45.93 ac.)
Social Importance:
+ Recreational Use: casual use, informal paths;
+ Potential for recreational use limited to upland sections due to wetland in the core area;
+ Secondary mulched trails;
+ Presently undeveloped area
Natural Heritage Features:
+Designated 'Open Space' and an Environmentally Significant Area in the Official Plan,
Environmental Constraint Areas. +Regionally Infrequent species; Sedge +Uncommon species: Pileated Woodpecker Uniqueness :
+Mixed upland hardwood/lowland hardwoods (Intermediate to Climax);
+ High level of Species Richness (62 Native Vascular Plants); +Low number of Significant Species (1); +High Level of Habitat Diversity (7 Component subunits). Ecological Functions:
+habitat;
+seasonal surface water in lowland areas.
Availability:
+ parts of the core taken as dedication as well as the easterly portion currently owned by
the City;
Development Pressures:
+ Official Plan designation is 'Open Space'; +Zoned Agriculture 'A' and Green One 'G1'; +Municipally approved subdivisions to the west; future Industrial lands to the north; City's Sport's Park to the east.
Linkage Opportunity:
+Continuous with woods extending west from southwest comer. Isolated, remnant
woodlot surrounded by pending development. Otherwise, surrounding development
should maintain/enhance/create any opportunities for linkages.
27 CITY OF WATERLOO
9.
Ref#: 3.31 Name: Northfield and Woolwich (South of Country Squire Rd.) Owner: Martin/Parkwood Developments Ltd. Size ofEnvironmental Land: 7. 7 ha. (19.03 ac.) Social Importance:
+- Current use is low and casual with informal paths in the upland portion;
+- Currently in undeveloped area.
Natural Heritage Features:
+- Environmental Constraint Areas +- Infrequent species: White-Bear Sedge Uniqueness :
+- Mixed upland, lowland hardwood; +- Low species richness (28 vascular plants); +- Low number of significant species (1); + Low habitat diversity (3).
Ecological Functions:
+ some seasonal surface water in lowland pockets.
Availability:
+-
no offers of sale have been made to the City by the landowners at this time.
Development Pressures:
+- Official Plan designation is 'Rural';
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A';
Linkage Opportunity:
+ Potential link with Woolwich Township; isolated remnant woodlot surrounded by
agriculture.
28 CITY OF WATERLOO
10.
Ref#: 3.32 Name: West Bank of Grand River (east of Woolwich St) Owner: Thompson/Genstar Developments Size ofEnvironmental Land: 3.5 ha. (8.65 ac.) Social Importance:
+ Limited recreational use due to steep slopes;
+ Marked trail running through a portion of the woodlot;
+ Located in undeveloped area.
Natural Heritage Features:
+ Hazard Lands in the Official Plan, Environmental Constraint Areas.
+ Rare: Bar-Cucumber;
+ Infrequent species: Hackberry.
Uniqueness :
+ Upland hardwoods (Climax) floodplain (Intermediate);
+ Medium amount of species richness (36 Vascular plants);
+ Medium amount of significant species (2);
+ Medium amount of diversity (3).
Ecological Functions:
+ On steep banks of Grand River;
+ Partly on floodplain;
+ Erosion is evident.
Availability:
no offers of sale have been made to the City by the landowners at this time;
+ portions may become dedicated to the City as hazard lands through the development
approvals process at some time in the future.
+
Development Pressures:
+ Official Plan designation is 'Open Space';
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A';
Linkage Opportunity:
+ Linkage with 3.33 and the Grand River floodplain.
29 CITY OF WATERLOO
11.
Ref #: 3.33 Name: North Bank of Grand River (South of Country Squire Rd.) Owner: N. Kraus Holdings/ W. Brummund in Trust! HIS prop. Ltd./ H. Martin/ Canada United Prop. lnv. GRCA/ Dudek! P. Yordy/ S. Martin/ Hilliard
Size of Environmental land: 76.5 ha. (188.85 ac.)
Social Importance:
+ High/moderate potential for walking trails in some areas;
+ located in undeveloped area.
Natural Heritage Features:
+ Significant connections to the Grand River Corridor;
+ Designated Environmentally Significant Area, Hazard lands, and One Zone Floodplain in
the Official Plan, Environmental Constraint Areas;
+ Infrequent Species: Balsam Fir, Canada Waterleaf, Panicled Aster;
+ Rare Species: Rough-leafed Goldenrod, Swamp Beggartics;
+ Other species: Hackberry, Meadow Horsetail, Small-flowered leafcut, Sedge.
Uniqueness :
+ Upland & lowland Hardwood with some mixed moist-to-wet woods - scattered; mature
conifer plantations;
+ High level significant species (9);
+ High habitat diversity (19 subunits);
+ High species richness (1 1 4 vascular Species).
Ecological Functions:
+ buffer for the Grand River, buffer for other creeks, streams, wetland functions;
+ Grand River flood plain;
+ Contains (semi-permanent) tributaries draining directly to the Grand River;
+ Groundwater seepage evident along some tributaries;
+ Potential for groundwater recharge.
Availability:
+ Portions of this woodlot are currently being negotiated for purchase by the City.
Development Pressures:
+ Official Plan designation: 'Rural', and 'Open Space';
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A';
linkage Opportunity:
+ largest woodland on the eastern urban fringe of the City;
+ Significant connections to Grand River floodplain ecosystem and corridor.
30 CITY OF WATERLOO
12.
Ref#: 3.36
Name: Melitzer Creek
Owner: City ofWaterloo, Piller's/Kraushaar/Hasenpflug
Size ofenvironmental lands: 25.6 ha. (63.19 ac.)
Social Importance:
+ Currently in natural state;
+ Potential for recreational use limited due to wetland core area;
+ Existing residential subdivision to the west.
Natural Heritage Features:
+ Designated Environmentally Significant Area and One Zone Floodplain in the Official
Plan; Environmental Constraint Areas.
Uniqueness :
+
+
+
Lowland/wetland mixed and Upland hardwoods;
Locally significant species (3);
Class 3 Wetland;
Ecological Functions:
+ Coldwater fishery (Melitzer Creek);
+ Local deer wintering area.
Availability:
+
+
no offers of sale have been made to the City by the landowners to the east at this time;
westerly portion dedicated to the City as hazard lands through the development
approvals process.
Development Pressures:
+ Official Plan designation is 'Open Space';
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A' and Green One 'G1';
+ Residential development existing to the west; vacant lands pending future development
to the east.
Linkage Opportunity:
+ Possible linkage along Melitzer Creek through City of Kitchener lands to the Grand River.
31 CITY OF WATERLOO
1 3.
Ref#: 3.37 Name: Kaufman Flats - Grand River Owner(s): City of Kitchener/Kertin Size ofEnvironmental Land: 8.5 ha. (20.9 ac.) Social Importance:
+ Kaufman Flats - access to Grand River; trails
Natural Heritage Features:
+- Significant connection to the Grand River Corridor;
+- Designated 'Open Space', Hazard Lands and One Zone Floodplain in the Official Plan;
Environmental Constraint Areas;
+ steep slopes.
Uniqueness :
+- Upland hardwoods; +- fox den (1 997); Ecological Functions:
+ buffer for the Grand River;
+ natural slope stabilization.
Availability:
+
no offers of sale have been made to the City by the landowners at this time;
Development Pressures:
+ Official Plan designation is 'Open Space';
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A';
Linkage Opportunity:
+ Linkage with the Grand River floodplain, and City of Kitchener to the east.
32
CITY OF WATERLOO
14.
Ref#: 7.10 Name: Farewell Creek Owner: Lincoln Village Ltd. Size ofEnvironmental Land: 0. 7 ha. (1 .89 ac.) Social Importance:
+ informal trails along Farewell Creek;
+ Located in undeveloped area
Natural Heritage Features:
+ Located within Farewell Creek Special Policy Area
+ steep slopes.
Uniqueness :
+ Mixed floodplain woods; Manitoba Maple, Ash, White Cedar, Black Cherry
+ Dense understorey and high density of cover.
Ecological Functions:
+ Constraint Level 2 area
+ wildlife habitat
Availability:
+
anticipate the woodlands to be acquired by the City in 1999 as part of the development
approvals for the draft plan of subdivision.
Development Pressures:
+ Official Plan designation 'Open Space';
+ Zoned Agriculture 'A';
+ Subject of a draft plan of subdivision currently in progress.
.
Linkage Opportunity:
+ Linkage with 7.01 along Farewell Creek.
33 CITY OF WATERLOO
Waterloo, Ontario
August 30, 1999
A regular meeting of the Council of the Corporation of the City of Waterloo was
held on the above-mentioned date at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City
Hall, Waterloo City Centre.
The following were present:
Mayor McKinnon
Councillor Alexander
Councillor Anderson
Councillor Connolly
Councillor Jones
Councillor Needham
Councillor Roeder
Councillor Sean Strickland
Councillor Woolstencroft
b)
Re: ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS
ACQUISTION AND MAINTENANCE
STRATEGY RESPONSE PAPER
Don Roth, Senior Planner introduced the staff members who had assisted in
preparing Report DS99-38 including Karen Moyer, Len Fay and Sarah
Rapley. Mr. Roth provided Council with an overview of the issues leading
to the recommendation for a policy to acquire, manage, monitor and
maintain environmental lands.
Moved by Councillor Woolstencroft, seconded by Councillor Strickland:
"That Council approve the report, and that the Environmental Lands Acquisition
and Maintenance Policy as set out in Part Three of this Report be adopted."
Carried Unanimously ::,
'
'
.
,,
..
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,_
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Environmental Lands Acquistion Map 1
•
0
I
2
Kilometers
Environmental Lands with
Approved Development Zoning
Map 2
0
1
2
Kilometers