Staff Reports on Natural Waterfront Park !!

Last November, Richard Pope of Willow Beach Field Naturalists presented to the council and four advisory committees, the Ganassa Regional Conservation Authority (GRCA), and proposed the declaration of a natural park that includes West Harbor. West Beach, West Hedland, Ecology Garden. His idea was sent to staff for a report and will be presented to Dean Hustwick on the council's next committee hearing on March 9. Meanwhile, GRCA reported, "Do not support this proposal in its current form." The short version of the dean's report is that the idea is embedded in most master plans, so building a new park is not advisable - but it is not easy.

The four committees were largely supported (see table below), although GRCA was reluctant to enter the township, despite having to approve a park in the area. GRCA Comments:

The spokesman pointed out that the marina will prevent the development of the area in the future as part of the  Waterfront Park. However, the spokesperson suggested that dredging, disability access dock or boat lift could be arranged in this area. Details on what could be considered a practical proposal in this support area are unclear. Furthermore, if the purpose of this park is to become a "natural waterfront park," the proposal to allow some development against other developments is for the purpose of preventing the marina expansion rather than creating a natural park.

They summarize with:

GRCA officials do not have enough information to recommend a permit for the proposed park. Lack of jurisdiction for GRCA employees, lack of clarity on what marina remodeling and what uses can be done inside the park. Although the GRCA supports the idea of ​​turning the area into parks to preserve the natural heritage value of the park, staff recommend further discussions to clarify the above concerns. On this basis, GRCA staff do not recommend that the proposal be accepted in its current form.

The Dean's long-term report basically states that the park's master plan and waterfront user needs assessment and a detailed design (waterfront plan) has already been assigned to the park, but according to the Community Service Division and Planning and Development Officers. To designate areas of the Central Waterfront park as a natural park, subject to municipal planning documents, West Beach, Boardwalk Places and Ecology Garden are already designated as "Nature" Park or Recreation Area in parks and governed by it.

Dean is also concerned that there has not been enough public consultation on this specific proposal; he adds:

More comments from municipal staff Legally assigning the Marina area and West Harbor. As a "natural heritage waterfront park", the policies or regulations established do not conform to specific park classifications listed in the Parks Master Plan.

Staff is recommended before the council considers significant changes to the park master plan and waterfront Park plan based on this single proposal that the town will develop and implement another extensive public intervention process.