MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, July 27th, 2004. be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

2.

HAMILTON COMMUNITY SAFETY BUILDING PUBLIC ART PROJECT
(Report:  Aug. 24/04, File No.:  11-7000-09-20-030/2004-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 1309168, 1034593)

The Manager, Policy Planning, Terry Crowe, said that he had nothing further to add to the report.  He then brought attention to the displayed model of the project.

A discussion then ensued among Committee members, Mr. Crowe and Ms. Catherine Kluthe, a member of the Hamilton Community Safety Building Public Art Project Panel, on the project, and in particular on:

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the noise level that could be anticipated

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the actual project dimen'sions

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whether the propeller was aerodynamic and capable of operating at low wind speeds.

It was moved and seconded

That:

( 1)

An allocation of $40,000 for the development of a public art project as part of the new Hamilton Community Safety Building, be approved.

( 2)

Staff implement the installation of the “Spotty the Dog” Whirligig Public Art Project, (as presented in the report dated August 24, 2004 from the Manager, Policy Planning).

CARRIED

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

3.

CANADIAN WHEELCHAIR CURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
(Report:  Aug. 12/04, File No.:  11-7400-01) (REDMS No. 1321682)

It was moved and seconded

That the City co-sponsor with Tourism Richmond, the welcoming luncheon of the Canadian Wheelchair Championships 2004 to a maximum of $650.

Prior to the question being called staff confirmed that the cost of the 125 anniversary pins to be provided would be included in the 125 Anniversary budget.

The question was then called and it was CARRIED.

4.

2004 WORLD JUNIOR BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS STREET BANNER SPONSORSHIP PROPOSAL – BADMINTON BC
(Report:  Aug. 13/04, File No.:  7200-20-SBAN1) (REDMS No. 1321772)

It was moved and seconded

That the sponsorship of street banners for the 2004 World Badminton Championships by Badminton BC be approved for commencement in September, 2004.

CARRIED

5.

TERRA NOVA RURAL PARK CONCEPT PLAN
(Report:  Aug. 17/04, File No.:  06-2345-01) (REDMS No. 1317857)

The Director, Parks Operations, Dave Semple and the Manager, Parks – Programs, Planning and Design, Mike Redpath , were present.

A discussion ensued among Committee members and staff on several components of the plan, and in particular on:

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the lack of success of dog management and control initiatives on the West Dyke and in Garry Point Park.  The need for bylaw and rule enforcement in conjunction with public education was identified.  Mr. Semple said that should Option 1, a complete ban of all dogs from Terra Nova Rural Park, be recommended, a comprehensive review of the issues in West Richmond could be undertaken.  Following this, as dog owner initiative increased, the opportunity for flexibility would increase and plans could be modified

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the relocation of the public parking

Ms. Lynn Parsons, 6071 Pearkes Drive, spoke about the experiences she has had with dogs being off leash, the lack of enforcement authority provided to the SPCA and bylaw officers, and, the inappropriate use of the parking area.  Ms. Parsons also spoke about her desire that the dyke remain as is and she suggested that initially, in protection of the sensitive areas, no dogs be allowed into the park or that they be restricted to the boardwalk.  Ms. Parsons requested that larger signage; signage indicating that the public must stay on designated walkway; gates at Westminster Highway; and speed bumps, be provided.   

Ms. Carol Rennie, 3731 Ullsmore Avenue, supported the least amount of development possible within the plan in order that the green area be kept as wild as possible.  Ms. Rennie agreed that public traffic should be restricted to pathways and that dogs should not disturb the habitat.

Discussion then continued on the issues that included: 

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the environmental benefit to fish and other wildlife that would result from the opening up of the heritage slough

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the importance, especially for agricultural areas, of compensation credits

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the possible development of a boardwalk, although shortened, at the north end of the park

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the ecology centres located in marshlands on the east coast that were supported by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.  Cllr. Steves suggested that staff review the centres which could be found on the internet.

It was moved and seconded

That the Terra Nova Rural Park Concept Plan, including Option 1 of Part C, (presented in the report dated August 17^th, 2004, from the Director of Operations and the Manager, Parks – Programs, Planning & Design), be approved as the long term vision for the park.

CARRIED

Cllr. Steves requested that prior to the September 13^th Council meeting the community be advised thru the newspaper of the presentation on the Concept Plan that would take place at the meeting.

6.

MANAGER’S REPORT

The Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, reported that:

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the Play Day recently held at South Arm Park had been a huge success with approximately 10,000 participants.  Positive feedback surveys reflected an appreciation for the event’s focus on play and creativity

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the Lulu Series would commence on September 9th

The Manager, Parks, Planning and Design, Mike Redpath reported that:

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the fall field applications were almost complete.  The Richmond High field was hoped to be installed prior to the rainy season

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the lighting upgrade at Minoru and the lighting installation at Hugh Boyd are complete

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the sportsfield drainage upgrades at four sites are underway

The Manager, Parks Operations, Gord Barstow reported that:

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habitat had been lost in the Hamilton area as a result of some highways improvements

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approximately 10% of the City’s trees had been lost as a result of the prolonged hot weather

The Director, Parks Operations, Dave Semple reported that wildlife problems at King George Park and other locations were being dealt with.  Mr. Semple also spoke about the recent emergence of skunks in areas where they are not usually seen.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:50 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, August 31^st, 2004.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Deborah MacLennan
Administrative Assistant